Newcastle disease virus suppress glycolysis pathway and induce breast cancer cells death

The NDV-MLS as an Immunotherapeutic Strategy for Breast Cancer: Proof of Concept in Female Companion Dogs with Spontaneous Mammary Cancer

The absence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes negatively impacts the response to chemotherapy and prognosis in all subtypes of breast cancer. Therapies that stimulate a proinflammatory environment may help improve the response to standard treatments and also to immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) shows oncolytic activity, as well as immune modulating potential, in the treatment of breast cancer in vitro and in vivo; however, its potential to enhance tumor-infiltrating immune cells in breast cancer has yet to be evaluated. Since spontaneous canine mammary tumors represent a translational model of human breast cancer, we conducted this proof-of-concept study, which could provide a rationale for further investigating NDV-MLS as immunotherapy for mammary cancer. Six female companion dogs with spontaneous mammary cancer received a single intravenous and intratumoral injection of oncolytic NDV-MLS. Immune cell infiltrates were evaluated by histology and immunohistochemistry in the stromal, intratumoral, and peritumoral compartments on day 6 after viral administration. Increasing numbers of immune cells were documented post-viral treatment, mainly in the peritumoral compartment, where plasma cells and CD3+ and CD3-/CD79- lymphocytes predominated. Viral administration was well tolerated, with no significant adverse events. These findings support additional research on the use of NDV-MLS immunotherapy for mammary cancer.

Autophagy inhibition suppresses Newcastle disease virus-induced cell death by inhibiting viral replication in human breast cancer cells

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an oncolytic virus which selectively replicates in cancer cells without harming normal cells. Autophagy is a cellular mechanism that breaks down unused cytoplasmic constituents into nutrients. In previous studies, autophagy enhanced NDV-induced oncolysis in lung cancer and glioma cells. However, the effect of autophagy inhibition on NDV-induced oncolysis in breast cancer cells remains unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of autophagy inhibition on NDV-induced oncolysis in human breast cancer cells, MCF7. To inhibit autophagy, we knocked down the expression of the autophagy protein beclin-1 (BECN1) by short interfering RNA (siRNA). The cells were infected with the recombinant NDV strain AF2240 expressing green fluorescent protein. We found that NDV induced autophagy and knockdown of BECN1 significantly reduced the NDV-induced autophagy in MCF7 cells. Importantly, BECN1 knockdown significantly suppressed cell death by inhibiting viral replication, as observed at 24 h post infection. Overall, our data suggest that autophagy inhibition may not be a suitable strategy to enhance NDV oncolytic efficacy against breast cancer.

The effects of the LaSota strain of oncolytic Newcastle disease virus vaccine on cervical intraepithelial neoplasia Patients-Clinical cohort study

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women, and its treatment has many side effects. Therefore, in this research, the effects of the LaSota strain of oncolytic Newcastle disease virus vaccine on cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) patients were investigated.

METHODS

15 patients who met the inclusion criteria and diagnosed as CIN II and CIN III were included in the study. The vaccine was injected inside the cervix (neoplasia site) at increasing doses during 21 days, and they were evaluated for adverse events. NDV antibody titer was measured in 90 days and the levels of ki-67 and p16 proteins were studied by immunohistochemistry. Also, the levels of some important inflammatory cytokines in the serum of CIN patients were measured and finally the patients were evaluated according to the final outcomes and the reduction of tumor lesions.

RESULTS

Only in the first dose of vaccine some patients showed flu-like symptoms. The accumulation of NDV antibodies started on the 7th day of the study and increased until the 90th day. Administration of LaSota vaccine had no significant effect on the expressions of Ki-67 and p16 proteins. Nevertheless, a decrease in the serum levels of Il-1β was observed in patients after the administration of the vaccine, but the serum levels of both Il-2 and INF-γ upregulated significantly. Also, vaccine administration had no significant effect in reducing CIN grades and lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, we concluded that LaSota strain of NDV vaccine has no therapeutic effectiveness in CIN patients.

Combined oncolytic virotherapy gold nanoparticles as synergistic immunotherapy agent in breast cancer control

Combining viruses and nanoparticles may be a way to successfully treat cancer and minimize adverse effects. The current work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a specific combination of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) to enhance the antitumor effect of breast cancer in both in vitro and in vivo models. Two human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and AMJ-13) and a normal epithelial cell line (HBL-100) were used and treated with NDV and/or GNPs. The MTT assay was used to study the anticancer potentials of NDV and GNP. The colony formation assay and apoptosis markers were used to confirm the killing mechanisms of NDV and GNP against breast cancer cell lines. p53 and caspase-9 expression tested by the qRT-PCR technique. Our results showed that combination therapy had a significant killing effect against breast cancer cells. The findings demonstrated that NDV and GNPs induced apoptosis in cancer cells by activating caspase-9, the p53 protein, and other proteins related to apoptosis, which holds promise as a combination therapy for breast cancer.

Investigating the Effects of Biogenic Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Produced Using Papaver somniferum Extract on Oxidative Stress, Cytotoxicity, and the Induction of Apoptosis in the THP-1 Cell Line

This study investigated the effect of novel zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) biosynthesized employing Papaver somniferum leaf on oxidative stress, necrosis, and apoptosis in the leukemia cancer THP-1 cell. The obtained ZnO was examined using SEM, AFM, and TEM microscopy, which revealed an irregular spherical morphology with a size ranging from 20 to 30 nm, and the UV-vis absorbance revealed a strong absorption peak in the range of 360-370, nm confirming the production of ZnO NPs. THP-1 cells were subjected to an MTT, an EdU proliferation, a lactate dehydrogenase release tests, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction experiment, a DAPI staining detection assay, and a flow cytometric analysis for Annexin V to measure the effects of ZnO NPs on cancer cell growth inhibition, apoptosis, and necrosis. Our results show that ZnO NPs inhibit THP-1 line in a concentration-dependent pattern. It was observed that ZnO NPs triggered necrosis (cell death) and apoptosis in the cell line. ZnO NPs massively improved the formation of intracellular ROS, which is crucial in deactivating the development of leukemic cells. In conclusion, ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using Papaver somniferum extract have the ability to inhibit proliferation leukemic cancer cells, making them potential anticancer agents.

Papaverine Enhances the Oncolytic Effects of Newcastle Disease Virus on Breast Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo

Breast cancer is a lethal disease in females worldwide and needs effective treatment. Targeting cancer cells with selective and safe treatment seems like the best choice, as most chemotherapeutic drugs act unselectively. Papaverine showed promising antitumor activity with a high safety profile and increased blood flow through vasodilation. At the same time, it was widely noticed that virotherapy using the Newcastle disease virus proved to be safe and selective against a broad range of cancer cells. Furthermore, combination therapy is favorable, as it attacks cancer cells with multiple mechanisms and enhances virus entrance into the tumor mass, overcoming cancer cells' resistance to therapy. Therefore, we aimed at assessing the novel combination of the AMHA1 strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and nonnarcotic opium alkaloid (papaverine) against breast cancer models in vitro and in vivo. Methods. In vitro experiments used two human breast cancer cell lines and one normal cell line and were treated with NDV, papaverine, and a combination. The study included a cell viability MTT assay, morphological analysis, and apoptosis detection. Animal experiments used the AN3 mouse mammary adenocarcinoma tumor model. Evaluation of the antitumor activity included growth inhibition measurement; the immunohistochemistry assay measured caspase protein expression. Finally, a semiquantitative microarray assay was used to screen changes in apoptotic proteins. In vitro, results showed that the combination therapy induces synergistic cytotoxicity and apoptosis against cancer cells with a negligible cytotoxic effect on normal cells. In vivo, combination treatment induced a significant antitumor effect with an obvious regression in tumor size and a remarkable and significant expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 compared to monotherapies. Microarray analysis shows higher apoptosis protein levels in the combination therapy group. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the role of papaverine in enhancing the antitumor activity of NDV, suggesting a promising strategy for breast cancer therapy through nonchemotherapeutic drugs.

Assessing the cytotoxicity of phenolic and terpene fractions extracted from Iraqi Prunus arabica on AMJ13 and SK-GT-4 human cancer cell lines

Background: Breast and esophageal cancer are the most aggressive and prominent causes of death worldwide. In addition, these cancers showed resistance to current chemotherapy regimens with limited success rates and fatal outcomes. Recently many studies reported the significant cytotoxic effects of phenolic and terpene fractions extracted from various Prunus species against different cancer cell lines. As a result, it has a good chance to be tested as a complement or replacement for standard chemotherapies. Methods: The study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of phenolic and terpene fractions extracted from Iraqi Prunus arabica on breast (AMJ13) and esophageal (SK-GT-4) cancer cell lines by using the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide). Analysis using the Chou-Talalay method was performed to assess the synergistic effect between the extracted fractions and chemotherapeutic agent (docetaxel). Moreover, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was conducted for the quantitative determination of different bioactive molecules of both phenolic and terpene fractions in the extract. Results: According to the findings, the treatment modalities significantly decreased cancer cell viability of AMJ13 and SK-GT-4 and had insignificant cytotoxicity on the normal cells (normal human fibroblast cell line) (all less than 50% cytotoxicity). Analysis with Chou-Talalay showed a strong synergism with docetaxel on both cancer cell lines (higher cytotoxicity even in low concentrations) and failed to induce cytotoxicity on the normal cells. Important flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids were detected by HPLC, in particularly, ferulic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, β-sitosterol, and campesterol. Conclusions: In conclusion, the extracted fractions selectively inhibited the proliferation of both cancer cell lines and showed minimal cytotoxicity on normal cells. These fractions could be naturally derived drugs for treating breast and esophageal cancers.

Current advances in microbial-based cancer therapies

Microbes have an immense metabolic capability and can adapt to a wide variety of environments; as a result, they share complicated relationships with cancer. The goal of microbial-based cancer therapy is to treat patients with cancers that are not easily treatable, by using tumor-specific infectious microorganisms. Nevertheless, a number of difficulties have been encountered as a result of the harmful effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and alternative cancer therapies, such as the toxicity to non-cancerous cells, the inability of medicines to penetrate deep tumor tissue, and the ongoing problem of rising drug resistance in tumor cells. Due to these difficulties, there is now a larger need for designing alternative strategies that are more effective and selective when targeting tumor cells. The fight against cancer has advanced significantly owing to cancer immunotherapy. The researchers have greatly benefited from their understanding of tumor-invading immune cells as well as the immune responses that are specifically targeted against cancer. Application of bacterial and viral cancer therapeutics offers promising potential to be employed as cancer treatments among immunotherapies. As a novel therapeutic strategy, microbial targeting of tumors has been created to address the persisting hurdles of cancer treatment. This review outlines the mechanisms by which both bacteria and viruses target and inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. Their ongoing clinical trials and possible modifications that can be made in the future have also been addressed in the following sections. These microbial-based cancer medicines have the ability to suppress cancer that builds up and multiplies in the tumor microenvironment and triggers antitumor immune responses, in contrast to other cancer medications.

Assessing the cytotoxicity of phenolic and terpene fractions extracted from Iraqi Prunus arabica on AMJ13 and SK-GT-4 human cancer cell lines

Background: Breast and esophageal cancer are the most aggressive and prominent causes of death worldwide. In addition, these cancers showed resistance to current chemotherapy regimens with limited success rates and fatal outcomes. Recently many studies reported the significant cytotoxic effects of phenolic and terpene fractions extracted from various Prunus species against different cancer cell lines. As a result, it has a good chance to be tested as a complement or replacement for standard chemotherapies. Methods: The study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of phenolic and terpene fractions extracted from Iraqi Prunus arabica on breast (AMJ13) and esophageal (SK-GT-4) cancer cell lines by using the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide). Analysis using the Chou-Talalay method was performed to assess the synergistic effect between the extracted fractions and chemotherapeutic agent (docetaxel). Moreover, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was conducted for the quantitative determination of different bioactive molecules of both phenolic and terpene fractions in the extract. Results: According to the findings, the treatment modalities significantly decreased cancer cell viability of AMJ13 and SK-GT-4 and had insignificant cytotoxicity on the normal cells (normal human fibroblast cell line) (all less than 50% cytotoxicity). Analysis with Chou-Talalay showed a strong synergism with docetaxel on both cancer cell lines (higher cytotoxicity even in low concentrations) and failed to induce cytotoxicity on the normal cells. Important flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids were detected by HPLC, in particularly, ferulic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, β-sitosterol, and campesterol. Conclusions: In conclusion, the extracted fractions selectively inhibited the proliferation of both cancer cell lines and showed minimal cytotoxicity on normal cells. These fractions could be naturally derived drugs for treating breast and esophageal cancers.

Inhibition of autophagy in macrophage promotes IL-1β-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma progression via inflammasome accumulation and self-recruitment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a complex and changeable tumor microenvironment. Despite emerging evidence focusing on autophagy process within immune cells, the function and regulatory mechanism of macrophage autophagy in tumor progression remains unclear. Our results of multiplex-immunohistochemistry and RNA-sequencing identified the reduced levels of autophagy in tumor macrophages in the HCC microenvironment, associated with a poor prognosis and increased microvascular metastasis in HCC patients. Specifically, HCC suppressed the macrophage autophagy initiation through the up-regulation of mTOR and ULK1 phosphorylation at Ser757. Knockdown of autophagy-related proteins to further inhibit autophagy significantly boosted the metastatic potential of HCC. Mechanistically, the accumulation of NLRP3 inflammasome mediated by autophagy inhibition promoted the cleavage, maturation, and release of IL-1β, which facilitated the HCC progression, eventually accelerating HCC metastasis via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Autophagy inhibition provoked macrophage self-recruitment through the CCL20-CCR6 signaling was also a crucial account of HCC progression. Recruited macrophages mediated the cascade amplification of IL-1β and CCL20 to form a novel pro-metastatic positive feedback loop through promoting HCC metastasis and increased macrophage recruitment, respectively. Notably, targeting IL-1β/IL-1 receptor signaling impaired lung metastasis induced by macrophage autophagy inhibition in a mice HCC lung metastasis model. In summary, this study highlighted that inhibition of tumor macrophage autophagy facilitated HCC progression by increasing IL-1β secretion via NLRP3 inflammasome accumulation and by macrophage self-recruitment through the CCL20 signaling pathway. Interruption of this metastasis-promoting loop by IL-1β blockade may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC patients.

Structure of the Newcastle Disease Virus L protein in complex with tetrameric phosphoprotein

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) belongs to Paramyxoviridae, which contains lethal human and animal pathogens. NDV RNA genome is replicated and transcribed by a multifunctional 250 kDa RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L protein). To date, high-resolution structure of NDV L protein complexed with P protein remains to be elucidated, limiting our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Paramyxoviridae replication/transcription. Here, we used cryo-EM and enzymatic assays to investigate the structure-function relationship of L-P complex. We found that C-terminal of CD-MTase-CTD module of the atomic-resolution L-P complex conformationally rearranges, and the priming/intrusion loops are likely in RNA elongation conformations different from previous structures. The P protein adopts a unique tetrameric organization and interacts with L protein. Our findings indicate that NDV L-P complex represents elongation state distinct from previous structures. Our work greatly advances the understanding of Paramyxoviridae RNA synthesis, revealing how initiation/elongation alternates, providing clues for identifying therapeutic targets against Paramyxoviridae.

Novel xanthone antibacterials: Semi-synthesis, biological evaluation, and the action mechanisms

α-Mangostin (α-MG) has demonstrated to display potent activities against Gram-positive bacterial. However, the contribution of phenolic hydroxyl groups of α-MG to the antibacterial activity remains obscure, severely hampering selection of structure modification to develop more potential α-MG-based anti-bacterial derivatives. Herein, twenty-one α-MG derivatives are designed, synthesized and evaluated for the antibacterial activities. The structure activity relationships (SARs) reveal that the contribution of the phenolic groups ranks as C3 > C6 > C1, and the phenolic hydroxyl group at C3 is essential to the antibacterial activity. Of note, compared to the parent compound α-MG, 10a with one acetyl at C1 exhibits the higher safety profiles due to its higher selectivity and no hemolysis, and the more potent antibacterial efficacy in an animal skin abscess model. Our evidences further present that, in comparison with α-MG, 10a has a stronger ability in depolarizing membrane potentials and leads to more leakage of bacterial proteins, consistent with the results observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Transcriptomics analysis demonstrates those observations possibly relate to disturbed synthesis of proteins participating in the biological process of membrane permeability and integrity. Collectively, our findings provide a valuable insight for developing α-MG-based antibacterial agents with little hemolysis and new action mechanism via structural modifications at C1.

A Novel Nanoemulsion Formula for an Improved Delivery of a Thalidomide Analogue to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer; Synthesis, Formulation, Characterization and Molecular Studies

Background

Thalidomide (THD) and its analogues were recently reported as a promising treatment for different types of solid tumors due to their antiangiogenic effect.

Methods

In this work, we synthesized a novel THD analogue (TA), and its chemistry was confirmed with different techniques such as IR, mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis as well as ¹H and ¹³C NMR. To increase solubility and anticancer efficacy, a new oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsion (NE) was used in the formulation of the analogue. The novel formula's surface charge, size, stability, FTIR, FE-TEM, in vitro drug release and physical characteristics were investigated. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were conducted to predict the possible binding modes and molecular interactions behind the inhibitory activities of the THD and TA.

Results

TA showed a significant cytotoxic activity with IC₅₀ ranging from 0.326 to 43.26 µmol/mL when evaluated against cancerous cells such as MCF-7, HepG2, Caco-2, LNCaP and RKO cell lines. The loaded analogue showed more potential cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7-ADR cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 0.0293 and 0.0208 nmol/mL, respectively. Moreover, flow cytometry of cell cycle analysis and apoptosis were performed showing a suppression in the expression levels of TGF-β, MCL-1, VEGF, TNF-α, STAT3 and IL-6 in the MDA-MB-231 cell line.

Conclusion

The novel NE formula dramatically reduced the anticancer dosage of TA from micromolar efficiency to nanomolar efficiency. This indicates that the synthesized analogue exhibited high potency in the NE formulation and proved its efficacy against triple-negative breast cancer cell line.

In vitro anti-melanoma activity of imiquimod in ultradeformable nanovesicles

BACKGROUND

The wide spectrum of antitumoral mechanisms of imiquimod (IMQ), made it a good candidate for topical therapy of melanoma. However, physicochemical properties make IMQ formulation a difficult task. Solubility and skin penetration of IMQ are increased when loaded into ultradeformable nanovesicles.

OBJECTIVE

Survey the in vitro anti-melanoma activity of IMQ loaded into two types of ultradeformable nanovesicles: archaeosomes (UDA-IMQ) (containing sn-2,3 ether-linked phytanyl saturated archaeolipids extracted from Halorubrum tebenquichense) and liposomes lacking archaeolipids (UDL-IMQ).

METHODS

We prepared and structurally characterized UDA-IMQ and UDL-IMQ. Cytotoxicity was determined on human melanoma cells (SK-Mel-28) and keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) by MTT assay and LDH release. The cellular uptake was determined by flow cytometry. Apoptosis/necrosis induction was determined by fluorescence microscopy after double staining with YO-PRO-1® and propidium iodide.

RESULTS

Neither IMQ nor IMQ-nanovesicles reduced the viability of HaCaT cells; but UDL-IMQ (371 nm, -24 mV ζ potential, 31 µg IMQ/mg lipids) and UDA-IMQ (216 nm, -32 mV ζ potential, 61 µg IMQ/mg lipids) showed time and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity on SK-Mel-28 that resulted between 4 and 33 folds higher than free IMQ, respectively. While both UDA-IMQ and UDL-IMQ retained 60% of IMQ against dilution, UDA-IMQ uptaken by SK-Mel-28 cells was nine-fold higher than UDL-IMQ. UDL-IMQ induced early apoptosis, but UDA-IMQ induced both apoptosis and necrosis on SK-Mel-28 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

UDA-IMQ was innocuous to keratinocytes but was highly uptaken and induced apoptosis and necrosis on melanoma cells, being a candidate for future investigations as adjuvant topical anti-melanoma therapy.

Counteracting Immunosuppression in the Tumor Microenvironment by Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus and Cellular Immunotherapy

An apparent paradox exists between the evidence for spontaneous systemic T cell- mediated anti-tumor immune responses in cancer patients, observed particularly in their bone marrow, and local tumor growth in the periphery. This phenomenon, known as "concomitant immunity" suggests that the local tumor and its tumor microenvironment (TME) prevent systemic antitumor immunity to become effective. Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an agent with inherent anti-neoplastic and immune stimulatory properties, is capable of breaking therapy resistance and immunosuppression. This review updates latest information about immunosuppression by the TME and discusses mechanisms of how oncolytic viruses, in particular NDV, and cellular immunotherapy can counteract the immunosuppressive effect of the TME. With regard to cellular immunotherapy, the review presents pre-clinical studies of post-operative active-specific immunotherapy and of adoptive T cell-mediated therapy in immunocompetent mice. Memory T cell (MTC) transfer in tumor challenged T cell-deficient nu/nu mice demonstrates longevity and functionality of these cells. Graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) studies in mice demonstrate complete remission of late-stage disease including metastases and cachexia. T cell based immunotherapy studies with human cells in human tumor xenotransplanted NOD/SCID mice demonstrate superiority of bone marrow-derived as compared to blood-derived MTCs. Results from clinical studies presented include vaccination studies using two different types of NDV-modified cancer vaccine and a pilot adoptive T-cell mediated therapy study using re-activated bone marrow-derived cancer-reactive MTCs. As an example for what can be expected from clinical immunotherapy against tumors with an immunosuppressive TME, results from vaccination studies are presented from the aggressive brain tumor glioblastoma multiforme. The last decades of basic research in virology, oncology and immunology can be considered as a success story. Based on discoveries of these research areas, translational research and clinical studies have changed the way of treatment of cancer by introducing and including immunotherapy.

Triggering of the immune response to MCF7 cell line using conjugated antibody with bacterial antigens: In-vitro and in-vivo study

The current study intended to trigger the immune response to cancer cells by using antibodies conjugated with bacterial antigens. The protein membrane of the MCF7 cell line was extracted and specific antibodies against cell membrane antigens was produced in rabbits. The specific antibodies were purified using chromatography methods and linked to E. coli antigens or doxorubicin using Diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) linker. After confirmation of the conjugation process using SDS-PAGE and ATR-FTIR methods, the MCF7 and HUVEC cells were treated with various concentrations of the prepared conjugated antibodies along with human serum. The toxicity of each treatment against MCF7 and HUVEC cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. Also, polylactic acid scaffolds that contain 10×10⁴ MCF7 cells were surgically placed in the peritoneal cavity of the rats. After treatment of each group, induction of the inflammatory responses was evaluated on stained histological sections of the scaffolds. The lowest cytotoxic doses of the antigen conjugated-antibody, doxorubicin-conjugated-antibody was 4 and 1 μg/mL, respectively. Doxorubicin conjugated antibodies displayed greater toxicity on both MCF7 and HUVEC cells. The in vivo finding revealed that the inflammatory cells were significantly higher in treating animals with antigen conjugated-antibody. The current synthetic agent stimulated the serum toxicity and induced an inflammatory response to MCF7 cell lines. Targeting of the bacterial antigens on tumor sites by immune system elements, could limit the growth of the tumor cells.

Novel combination of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and gold nanocomposite for photothermal therapy in human breast cancer model

Despite current medical advancements, the resistance of malignant tumours to conventional medical therapies highlights the need for innovative therapeutic techniques. Numerous studies have focused on the promising application of nanomaterials in recent years. Nanoparticles (NPs) are used to treat cancer. Plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) is a cancer-ablation technique in which photon energy is rapidly converted into heat by some radiative and non-radiative events. Gold NPs (Au-NPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are plasmonic NPs with excellent thermal conductivity and their near-infrared (NIR) absorbance has several interesting qualities. Additionally, CNTs could penetrate cells. In this study, Au-NPs were used to fabricate multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs), which could boost its efficacy in cancer treatment in accordance with PPTT. Transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy and FTIR were used to examine the MWCNTs made from walnut shell. Au-NPs were explored using green chemistry and MWCNT-COOAu, MWCNT-COO and MWCNT-Au were examined by Raman, EDX and FESEM techniques. The effect of MWCNT-COOAu, MWCNT-COO and MWCNT-Au at various concentrations (3.12, 6.25, 12.5 and 25 µg/mL) and irradiation time intervals (30, 60, 90 and 120 sec) by using NIR laser under λ = 1064 nm and P = 3 W on the breast cancer cell line (MCF7) was investigated. The highest temperatures for MWCNT-COO, MWCNT-COOAu and MWCNT-Au were determined to be 44.1 °C, 46 °C and 46.9 °C, respectively, which produced 61.66 %, 72 % and 85.3 % cytotoxicity, respectively, in MCF7 cell line at a concentration of 25 µg/mL and an irradiation period of 120 sec. The treatment of MCF7 cell line by photothermal therapy was found to be in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.

Biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles mediated Annona muricata as cytotoxic and apoptosis inducer factor in breast cancer cell lines

This study investigated for the first time a simple bio-synthesis approach for the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Annona muricata L (A. muricata) plant extract to test their anti-cancer effects. The presence of CuONPs was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Transmission electron microscope (TEM). The antiproliferative properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated against (AMJ-13), (MCF-7) breast cancer cell lines, and the human breast epithelial cell line (HBL-100) as healthy cells. This study indicates that CuONPs reduced cell proliferation for AMJ-13 and MCF-7. HBL-100 cells were not significantly inhibited for several concentration levels or test periods. The outcomes suggest that the prepared copper oxide nanoparticles acted against the growth of specific cell lines observed in breast cancer. It was observed that cancer cells had minor colony creation after 24 h sustained CuONPs exposure using (IC₅₀) concentration for AMJ-13 was (17.04 µg mL⁻¹). While for MCF-7 cells was (18.92 µg mL⁻¹). It indicates the uptake of CuONPs by cancer cells, triggering apoptosis. Moreover, treatment with CuONPs enhanced Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) production, probably caused by cell membrane damage, creating leaks comprising cellular substances like lactate dehydrogenase. Hence, research results suggested that the synthesized CuONPs precipitated anti-proliferative effects by triggering cell death through apoptosis.

3-Dimensional coculture of breast cancer cell lines with adipose tissue–Derived stem cells reveals the efficiency of oncolytic Newcastle disease virus infection via labeling technology

Oncolytic virotherapy is one of the emerging biological therapeutics that needs a more efficient in vitro tumor model to overcome the two-dimensional (2D) monolayer tumor cell culture model’s inability to maintain tissue-specific structure. This is to offer significant prognostic preclinical assessment findings. One of the best models that can mimic the in vivo model in vitro are the three-dimensional (3D) tumor–normal cell coculture systems, which can be employed in preclinical oncolytic virus therapeutics. Thus, we developed our 3D coculture system in vitro using two types of breast cancer cell lines showing different receptor statuses cocultured with adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cells. The cells were cultured in a floater tissue culture plate to allow spheroids formation, and then the spheroids were collected and transferred to a scaffold spheroids dish. These 3D culture systems were used to evaluate oncolytic Newcastle disease virus AMHA1 strain infectivity and antitumor activity using a tracking system of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) labeled with fluorescent PKH67 linker to follow the virus entry into target cells. This provides evidence that the NDV AMHA1 strain is an efficient oncolytic agent. The fluorescently detected virus particles showed high intensity in both coculture spheres. Strategies for chemically introducing fluorescent dyes into NDV particles extract quantitative information from the infected cancer models. In conclusion, the results indicate that the NDV AMHA1 strain efficiently replicates and induces an antitumor effect in cancer–normal 3D coculture systems, indicating efficient clinical outcomes.

Glucose Deprivation Induced by Acarbose and Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus Promote Metabolic Oxidative Stress and Cell Death in a Breast Cancer Model

Cancer cells are distinguished by enhanced glucose uptake and an aerobic glycolysis pathway in which its products support metabolic demands for cancer cell growth and proliferation. Inhibition of aerobic glycolysis is a smart therapeutic approach to target the progression of the cancer cell. We employed acarbose (ACA), a particular alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, to induce glucose deprivation combined with oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) to enhance antitumor activity. In this work, we used a mouse model of breast cancer with mammary adenocarcinoma tumor cells (AN3) that were treated with ACA, NDV, and a combination of both. The study included antitumor efficacy, relative body weight, glucose level, hexokinase (HK-1) level by ELISA, glycolysis product (pyruvate), total ATP, oxidative stress (ROS and reduced glutathione), and apoptosis by immunohistochemistry. The results showed significant antitumor efficacy against breast cancer after treatment with combination therapy. Antitumor efficacy was accompanied by a reduction in body weight and glucose level, HK-1 downregulation, inhibition of glycolysis products (pyruvate), total ATP, induction of oxidative stress (increase ROS and decrease reduced glutathione), and apoptotic cell death. The findings propose a novel anti–breast cancer combination involving the suppression of glycolysis, glucose deprivation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, which can be translated clinically.

Development of Molecular Mechanisms and Their Application on Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus in Cancer Therapy

Cancer is caused by the destruction or mutation of cellular genetic materials induced by environmental or genetic factors. It is defined by uncontrolled cell proliferation and abnormality of the apoptotic pathways. The majority of human malignancies are characterized by distant metastasis and dissemination. Currently, the most common means of cancer treatment include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, which usually damage healthy cells and cause toxicity in patients. Targeted therapy is an effective tumor treatment method with few side effects. At present, some targeted therapeutic drugs have achieved encouraging results in clinical studies, but finding an effective solution to improve the targeting and delivery efficiency of these drugs remains a challenge. In recent years, oncolytic viruses (OVs) have been used to direct the tumor-targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a solid oncolytic agent capable of directly killing tumor cells and increasing tumor antigen exposure. Simultaneously, NDV can trigger the proliferation of tumor-specific immune cells and thus improve the therapeutic efficacy of NDV in cancer. Based on NDV’s inherent oncolytic activity and the stimulation of antitumor immune responses, the combination of NDV and other tumor therapy approaches can improve the antitumor efficacy while reducing drug toxicity, indicating a broad application potential. We discussed the biological properties of NDV, the antitumor molecular mechanisms of oncolytic NDV, and its application in the field of tumor therapy in this review. Furthermore, we presented new insights into the challenges that NDV will confront and suggestions for increasing NDV’s therapeutic efficacy in cancer.

Pimozide inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells by alleviating the Warburg effect through the P53 signaling pathway

The Warburg effect is a promising target for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, referring to the ability of cancer cells to generate energy through high levels of glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen, allowing them to grow and proliferate rapidly. The antipsychotic Pimozide has strong anti-breast cancer effects both in vivo and in vitro, whether Pimozide has an inhibitory effect on aerobic glycolysis has not been elucidated. In this study, Pimozide inhibited the Warburg effect of breast cancer cells by hindering glucose uptake, ATP level and lactate production; reducing the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR); suppressing the expression of PKM2, a rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis. Intriguingly, Pimozide was significantly involved in reprogramming glucose metabolism in breast cancer cells through a p53-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies demonstrated Pimozide increased the expression of p53 through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/MDM2 signaling pathway, which in turn downregulated the expression of PKM2. In sum, our results suggest that Pimozide mediates the p53 signaling pathway through PI3K/AKT/MDM2 to inhibit the Warburg effect and breast cancer growth, and it may be a potential aerobic glycolysis inhibitor for the treatment of breast cancer.

Effect of Enterobacter cloacae toxin on immune cells isolated from Leukemia patients

Toxin extract affects Neutrophils and macrophages, which are phagocytic cells. A total of (180) samples, (50) urine and (130) peripheral blood have been obtained from leukemia patients referred to Medical city/ Baghdad Teaching Hospital/ Hematology center; all patients enrolled in this study were diagnosed by the physician according to clinical presentation and laboratory findings as leukemic patients. Investigate the role of Enterobacter cloacae toxins on phagocytic activity/THP-1cells and epithelial line/HBL-100 cells. THP-1 and HBL-100 cells have been kept in RPMI-1640 that have been supplemented by (10%) of the fetal bovine serum (100µg/mL) of the streptomycin and 100units/mL of the penicillin. The cells have been passaged with the use of the Trypsin-EDTA that has been re-seeded at a confluence of 80% twice every week, and then it has been incubated afterward at a temperature of (37C°). The results of toxin extract from Enterobacter cloacae revealed that (22) fraction/toxins were taken from (11) bacterial samples; these toxins were separated by gel electrophoresis for protein. (18) samples were positive results for gel electrophoresis of protein according to molecular weight: (13.3 KD for α-hemolysin), (70.5 KD for thiol), (75 KD for enterotoxin). This study demonstrates the cytotoxic activity of E. cloacae toxin by using tissue culture through their effect on suppressing the growth of "THP-1 cells" and HBL-100 cells". Keywords. Tissue culture; Toxin; THP-1 cells; HBL-100 cells; Enterobacter cloacae; Leukemia patients.

Molecular Mechanisms of Anti-Neoplastic and Immune Stimulatory Properties of Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus

Oncolytic viruses represent interesting anti-cancer agents with high tumor selectivity and immune stimulatory potential. The present review provides an update of the molecular mechanisms of the anti-neoplastic and immune stimulatory properties of the avian paramyxovirus, Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV). The anti-neoplastic activities of NDV include (i) the endocytic targeting of the GTPase Rac1 in Ras-transformed human tumorigenic cells; (ii) the switch from cellular protein to viral protein synthesis and the induction of autophagy mediated by viral nucleoprotein NP; (iii) the virus replication mediated by viral RNA polymerase (large protein (L), associated with phosphoprotein (P)); (iv) the facilitation of NDV spread in tumors via the membrane budding of the virus progeny with the help of matrix protein (M) and fusion protein (F); and (v) the oncolysis via apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, or ferroptosis associated with immunogenic cell death. A special property of this oncolytic virus consists of its potential for breaking therapy resistance in human cancer cells. Eight examples of this important property are presented and explained. In healthy human cells, NDV infection activates the RIG-MAVs immune signaling pathway and establishes an anti-viral state based on a strong and uninhibited interferon α,ß response. The review also describes the molecular determinants and mechanisms of the NDV-mediated immune stimulatory effects, in which the viral hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein plays a prominent role. The six viral proteins provide oncolytic NDV with a special profile in the treatment of cancer.

Identifying Glycolysis-related LncRNAs for predicting prognosis in breast cancer patients

PURPOSE: Functions associated with glycolysis could serve as targets or biomarkers for therapy cancer. Our purpose was to establish a prognostic model that could evaluate the importance of Glycolysis-related lncRNAs in breast cancer. METHODS: Gene expressions were evaluated for breast cancer through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and we calculated Pearson correlations to discover potential related lncRNAs. Differentially expressed genes were identified via criteria of FDR < 0.05 and |FC|> 2. Total samples were separated into training and validating sets randomly. Univariate Cox regression identified 14 prognostic lncRNAs in training set. A prognostic model was constructed to evaluate the accuracy in predicting prognosis. The univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were performed to verify whether lncRNA signature could be an independent prognostic factor The signature was validated in validating set. Immune infiltration levels were assessed. RESULTS: Eighty-nine differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified from 420 Glycolysis-related lncRNAs. 14 lncRNAs were correlated with prognosis in training set and were selected to establish the prognostic model. Low risk group had better prognosis in both training (p= 9.025 e -10) and validating (p= 4.272 e -3) sets. The univariate and multivariate Cox analysis revealed that risk score of glycolysis-related lncRNAs (P< 0.001) was an independent prognostic factor in both training and validating sets. The neutrophils (p= 4.214 e -13, r=-0.223), CD4+ T cells (p= 1.833 e -20, r=-0.283), CD8+ T cells (p= 7.641 e -12, r=-0.211), B cells (p= 2.502 e -10, r=-0.195) and dendritic cells (p= 5.14 e -18, r=-0.265) were negatively correlated with risk score of prognostic model. The Macrophage (p= 0.016, r= 0.0755) was positively correlated with the risk score. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that glycolysis-related lncRNAs had a significant role to facilitate the individualized survival prediction in breast cancer patients, which would be a potential therapeutic target.

2-Deoxyglucose Glycolysis Inhibitor Augment Oncolytic Virotherapy to Induce Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Breast Cancer (Part Ⅲ)

One of the "hallmarks of cancer" is altered energy metabolism, which is increased glycolysis in cancer cells, the primary source of energy that uses this metabolic pathway to generate ATP. Oncolytic virotherapy with aerobic glycolysis inhibitor smart therapeutic approach to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. The current study aimed to use the 2-Deoxyglucose (2DG), a specific glycolysis inhibitor, to enhance the Newcastle disease virus (NDV). In this study, a mouse model of breast cancer allograft with mammary adenocarcinoma tumor cells (AN3) was used and treated with 2DG, NDV, and a combination of both. Anti-tumor efficacy and glycolysis analysis (hexokinase -1 (HK-1), pyruvate, and ATP) were determined. The induction of oxidative stress was investigated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total glutathione assay examination. Apoptosis induction was investigated using immunohistochemistry (cleaved Caspase-3) and histopathology. The result showed that combination therapy enhances anti-tumor efficacy (decrease in relative tumor volume and increase in tumor growth inhibition) of NDV against breast cancer. This effect was accompanied by a reduction in HK-1 concentration, pyruvate, and ATP (glycolysis products). Moreover, NDV+2DG therapy induces oxidative stress (decreases total glutathione and increases ROS). Immunohistochemistry and histopathological examination showed the apoptotic area in tumor tissues in treated groups. In conclusion, the present study found that the combination therapy could be considered as an effective cancer therapy through induction of glycolysis inhibition, oxidative stress, and apoptosis selectively in cancer cells.

Investigation of Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Produced by Biosynthesis Using Lactobacillus gasseri

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is a new approach in nanotechnology which was optimistically implemented in medicine, food control, and pharmacology. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and cytotoxicity effects of AgNPs produced by Lactobacillus gasseri filtrate. Also, changing color from yellow to brown confirmed the production of AgNPs. AgNPs were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, FE-SEM, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The antioxidant activity of AgNPs was tested using the DPPH assay. The scavenging test for DPPH showed 19.3%, 32.6%, 47.6%, 72%, 85.3% at concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25, 52, 100) µg/ml, respectively, which proved that the scavenging percentage increased with increasing concentration. The effect of AgNPs on the chromosomal pattern was also studied. The results of the experiment of AgNPs against SK-GT-4 cancer cells showed the toxic activity of the used particles against the strains of these human esophageal cancer cells and failed to affect normal cells.

Oncolytic Viruses: Newest Frontier for Cancer Immunotherapy

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite many signs of progress, currently available cancer treatments often do not provide desired outcomes for too many cancers. Therefore, newer and more effective therapeutic approaches are needed. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have emerged as a novel cancer treatment modality, which selectively targets and kills cancer cells while sparing normal ones. In the past several decades, many different OV candidates have been developed and tested in both laboratory settings as well as in cancer patient clinical trials. Many approaches have been taken to overcome the limitations of OVs, including engineering OVs to selectively activate anti-tumor immune responses. However, newer approaches like the combination of OVs with current immunotherapies to convert "immune-cold" tumors to "immune-hot" will almost certainly improve the potency of OVs. Here, we discuss strategies that are explored to further improve oncolytic virotherapy.

Mycosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Candida albicans Yeast and its Biological Applications

This study conducted a mycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Candida albicans supernatant. The mycosynthesized AgNPs were identified by color visualization, ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectroscopy device, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and zeta potential analysis. The UV-Vis spectroscopy examination has shown the highest absorbance (λmax) at the wavelength of 429 nanometers, which was the indicator of the creation of AgNPs. Furthermore, XRD showed the crystalline structure of AgNPs, and EDX revealed the weight percentage of silver atoms in the sample (82.4%). According to the FESEM, the morphology of AgNPs was spherical, and its size was 40.19 nanometers. Zeta potential analysis indicated that AgNPs were middling stable in the solution, and the zeta potential of AgNPs mycosynthesized by C. albicans was-23.02 mV. The cytotoxic effect of AgNPs against a human colon cancer cell line using MTT assay has shown the presence of toxic action against the cells, and no cytotoxic effect appears on the normal cells. The antioxidant activity of AgNPs using DPPH assay demonstrated 17.0%, 29.3%, 48.3%, 67.6%, and 83.6% at concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/ml, respectively. The impact of AgNPs on the chromosomal pattern has also been studied. The importance of this study lies in the possibility of the synthesis of AgNPs using this yeast since most nanoparticle preparation methods utilize molds.

Biosynthesis and characterization of platinum nanoparticles using Iraqi Zahidi dates and evaluation of their biological applications

Platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) were synthesized by utilizing the Zahidi dates extract by green synthesis technique. Platinum salts were successfully reduced to their corresponding Pt NPs in the presence of aqueous dates extract which considers a rich source of phytochemicals that led to the reduction of Pt+4 to Pt° atoms by providing electrons for these ions. Many techniques characterized the nanoparticles. TEM analysis showed that the Pt NPs were exhibited in diameters ranging from (30-45) nm. FE-SEM images display nanoparticles in spherical shapes. AFM screening shows that Platinum nanoparticles had small size distribution. XRD diffraction examination showed that the formation of Platinum nanoparticles exhibits a face centred cubic crystalline structure by spectrum comparative to the standard confirmed spectrum of Platinum particles produced in the experiments were in the shape of nanocrystals. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum showed various peaks ranging from (400-4000) cm-1 used to identify the functional groups responsible for reducing and capping of Pt NPs. Cancer cells including the ovarian cancer SKO-3 cell line and Oesophageal cancer SK-GT-4 cell line were exposed to a series of prepared Platinum nanoparticle concentrations (0.00125, 0.0025, 0.005, 0.01) M, and the inhibition rate of growth in cells was measured for 72 h. The cytotoxicity screening showed that there was a highly toxic effect on the cancer cells. Gram-negative bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Gram-positive bacterial strain Streptococcus pyogenes were exposed to a series of concentrations from prepared Platinum nanoparticles (0.00125, 0.0025, 0.005, 0.01) M. The results exhibited significant inhibitory activity and the rate of bacterial growth inhibition increased with increasing concentration.