Cross-talk between oxidative stress signaling and microRNA regulatory systems in carcinogenesis: Focused on gastrointestinal cancers

A review study on the effect of zinc on oxidative stress-related neurological disorders

Zinc plays a main role in maintaining homeostasis and neuronal function. Disorders in zinc homeostasis are connected to several neurological disorders due to inflammation and oxidative stress. This review explores the effect of zinc on neurological disorders through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. The Nrf2 pathway modulates oxidative stress and regulates antioxidant defenses, which is critical in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. We provide an overview of in vivo and in vitro studies illustrating zinc's neuroprotective effects in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury, and stroke. The dual role of zinc, where both excess and deficiency can be detrimental, is highlighted, emphasizing the need for optimal zinc levels. Limitations of current research and future perspectives are also discussed.

Mitochondrial miRNAs and fibromyalgia: new biomarker candidates

INTRODUCTION / OBJECTIVE

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), affecting 3-10% of the population, presents a challenge due to its complex symptomatology. Mitochondrial miRNAs (mitomiRs) are highlighted for their significant role in metabolic disorders. This study aimed to assess demographic data in Primer FMS patients and explore potential targets through mitomiR profiling.

METHODS

In our study, we examined 17 FMS patients and 18 controls, chosen based on specific criteria. Mitochondria were isolated from PBMCs in patient/control blood samples using the MACS method. Mitochondrial purity was verified through RT-qPCR and Western Blot. Following this, we extracted microRNAs and analyzed the levels of 3 mitochondrial miRNAs linked to oxidative stress (mitomiR-145-5p, mitomiR-23a-3p, mitomiR-223-3p) using RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

It was found that pain (P < 0.0001), fatigue (P = 0.0005), sleep quality (P < 0.0001), and depression (P < 0.0001) scores were significantly different in the FMS patient group compared to the control group. But the average BMI values have no difference compared to the control group (p = 0.7473). For the first time, a significant increase in mitomiR-145-5p was observed in the PBMCs of FMS patients compared to the control group (p = 0.0010). There was no significant difference observed in the gene expression levels of mitomiR-223-3p (p = 0.1623) and mitomiR-23a-3p (p = 0.4897).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that mitomiR-145-5p plays a significant role in the progression of FMS pathology. Our study offers new insights, suggesting that mitochondrial miRNAs may have roles in FMS patients, which has not been previously investigated in the literature, thus providing a fresh perspective on the condition.

Strategic administration of antioxidant multiminerals and vitamins to transitional buffaloes augments antioxidant and udder defense mechanisms in early lactation

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of repeated administrations of antioxidant multiminerals and vitamins in transition buffaloes on udder defense mechanism, antioxidant activity and occurrence of intramammary infection (IMI) in early lactation period. Forty clinically healthy pregnant buffaloes were enrolled 45 days before expected date of calving and randomly allocated into five different supplementation groups (n = 8): only basal ration (control), vitamin E and selenium (VES), multiminerals (MM), ascorbic acid (AA) and chromium (Cr) picolinate in basal diet. The udder defense mechanism was monitored by measuring phagocytic activity (PA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) productions in milk leukocytes, antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma and occurrence of IMI was assessed by milk cytology, bacterial count in milk and visible clinical signs of udder until day 28 post-calving. The results showed that the VES and MM supplementations exhibited significantly higher PA, MPO and NO productions of milk leukocytes till first week of lactation whereas, elevated mean TAC in plasma was maintained from day -7 to 1 of calving in MM supplementation group as compared to control group. Statistically, no significant difference in occurrences of subclinical or clinical IMI was noted across the groups until four weeks of lactation. Taken together, it is concluded that repeated administrations of VES and MM to transition buffaloes could be an effective strategy to maintain good udder health by augmenting milk leukocyte functions and antioxidant status and preventing incidence of IMI in early lactation.

Relationship between long non-coding RNAs and Hippo signaling pathway in gastrointestinal cancers; molecular mechanisms and clinical significance

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant biological role in the regulation of various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and migration. In various malignancies, lncRNAs interplay with some main cancer-associated signaling pathways, including the Hippo signaling pathway to regulate the various cellular processes. It has been revealed that the cross-talking between lncRNAs and Hippo signaling pathway involves in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers development and progression. Considering the clinical significance of these lncRNAs, they have also been introduced as potential biomarkers in diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic strategies in GI cancers. Herein, we review the mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated regulation of Hippo signaling pathway and focus on the corresponding molecular mechanisms and clinical significance of these non-coding RNAs in GI cancers.

Hypoadiponectinemia-induced upregulation of microRNA449b downregulating Nrf-1 aggravates cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetic mice

Diabetes enhances myocardial ischemic/reperfusion (MI/R) injury via an incompletely understood mechanism. Adiponectin (APN) is a cardioprotective adipokine suppressed by diabetes. However, how hypoadiponectinemia exacerbates cardiac injury remains incompletely understood. Dysregulation of miRNAs plays a significant role in disease development. However, whether hypoadiponectinemia alters cardiac miRNA profile, contributing to diabetic heart injury, remains unclear. Methods and Results: Wild-type (WT) and APN knockout (APN-KO) mice were subjected to MI/R. A cardiac microRNA profile was determined. Among 23 miRNAs increased in APN-KO mice following MI/R, miR-449b was most significantly upregulated (3.98-fold over WT mice). Administrating miR-449b mimic increased apoptosis, enlarged infarct size, and impaired cardiac function in WT mice. In contrast, anti-miR-449b decreased apoptosis, reduced infarct size, and improved cardiac function in APN-KO mice. Bioinformatic analysis predicted 73 miR-449b targeting genes, and GO analysis revealed oxidative stress as the top pathway regulated by these genes. Venn analysis followed by luciferase assay identified Nrf-1 and Ucp3 as the two most important miR-449b targets. In vivo administration of anti-miR-449b in APN-KO mice attenuated MI/R-stimulated superoxide overproduction. In vitro experiments demonstrated that high glucose/high lipid and simulated ischemia/reperfusion upregulated miR-449b and inhibited Nrf-1 and Ucp3 expression. These pathological effects were attenuated by anti-miR-449b or Nrf-1 overexpression. In a final attempt to validate our finding in a clinically relevant model, high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mice were subjected to MI/R and treated with anti-miR-449b or APN. Diabetes significantly increased miR-449b expression and downregulated Nrf-1 and Ucp3 expression. Administration of anti-miR-449b or APN preserved cardiac Nrf-1 expression, reduced cardiac oxidative stress, decreased apoptosis and infarct size, and improved cardiac function. Conclusion: We demonstrated for the first time that hypoadiponectinemia upregulates miR-449b and suppresses Nrf-1/Ucp3 expression, promoting oxidative stress and exacerbating MI/R injury in this population. Dysregulated APN/miR-449b/oxidative stress pathway is a potential therapeutic target against diabetic MI/R injury.

Colorectal cancer and therapy response: a focus on the main mechanisms involved

Introduction

The latest GLOBOCAN 2021 reports that colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Most CRC cases are sporadic and associated with several risk factors, including lifestyle habits, gut dysbiosis, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Aim

To summarize the biology of CRC and discuss current therapeutic interventions designed to counteract CRC development and to overcome chemoresistance.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted using PubMed and focusing the attention on the keywords such as "Current treatment of CRC" or "chemoresistance and CRC" or "oxidative stress and CRC" or "novel drug delivery approaches in cancer" or "immunotherapy in CRC" or "gut microbiota in CRC" or "systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials" or "CSCs and CRC". The citations included in the search ranged from September 1988 to December 2022. An additional search was carried out using the clinical trial database.

Results

Rounds of adjuvant therapies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are commonly planned to reduce cancer recurrence after surgery (stage II and stage III CRC patients) and to improve overall survival (stage IV). 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy in combination with other cytotoxic drugs, is the mainstay to treat CRC. However, the onset of the inherent or acquired resistance and the presence of chemoresistant cancer stem cells drastically reduce the efficacy. On the other hand, the genetic-molecular heterogeneity of CRC often precludes also the efficacy of new therapeutic approaches such as immunotherapies. Therefore, the CRC complexity made of natural or acquired multidrug resistance has made it necessary the search for new druggable targets and new delivery systems.

Conclusion

Further knowledge of the underlying CRC mechanisms and a comprehensive overview of current therapeutic opportunities can provide the basis for identifying pharmacological and biological barriers that render therapies ineffective and for identifying new potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for advanced and aggressive CRC.

Oxidative Stress and Epigenetics: miRNA Involvement in Rare Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) such as Sjögren’s syndrome, Kawasaki disease, and systemic sclerosis are characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and autoantibodies, which cause joint tissue damage, vascular injury, fibrosis, and debilitation. Epigenetics participate in immune cell proliferation and differentiation, which regulates the development and function of the immune system, and ultimately interacts with other tissues. Indeed, overlapping of certain clinical features between ADs indicate that numerous immunologic-related mechanisms may directly participate in the onset and progression of these diseases. Despite the increasing number of studies that have attempted to elucidate the relationship between miRNAs and oxidative stress, autoimmune disorders and oxidative stress, and inflammation and miRNAs, an overall picture of the complex regulation of these three actors in the pathogenesis of ADs has yet to be formed. This review aims to shed light from a critical perspective on the key AD-related mechanisms by explaining the intricate regulatory ROS/miRNA/inflammation axis and the phenotypic features of these rare autoimmune diseases. The inflamma-miRs miR-155 and miR-146, and the redox-sensitive miR miR-223 have relevant roles in the inflammatory response and antioxidant system regulation of these diseases. ADs are characterized by clinical heterogeneity, which impedes early diagnosis and effective personalized treatment. Redox-sensitive miRNAs and inflamma-miRs can help improve personalized medicine in these complex and heterogeneous diseases.

NFIXing Cancer: The Role of NFIX in Oxidative Stress Response and Cell Fate

NFIX, a member of the nuclear factor I (NFI) family of transcription factors, is known to be involved in muscle and central nervous system embryonic development. However, its expression in adults is limited. Similar to other developmental transcription factors, NFIX has been found to be altered in tumors, often promoting pro-tumorigenic functions, such as leading to proliferation, differentiation, and migration. However, some studies suggest that NFIX can also have a tumor suppressor role, indicating a complex and cancer-type dependent role of NFIX. This complexity may be linked to the multiple processes at play in regulating NFIX, which include transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational processes. Moreover, other features of NFIX, including its ability to interact with different NFI members to form homodimers or heterodimers, therefore allowing the transcription of different target genes, and its ability to sense oxidative stress, can also modulate its function. In this review, we examine different aspects of NFIX regulation, first in development and then in cancer, highlighting the important role of NFIX in oxidative stress and cell fate regulation in tumors. Moreover, we propose different mechanisms through which oxidative stress regulates NFIX transcription and function, underlining NFIX as a key factor for tumorigenesis.

The Autocrine Role of Placental Extracellular Vesicles from Missed Miscarriage in Causing Senescence: Possible Pathogenesis of Missed Miscarriage

Placental dysfunction, including senescent changes, is associated with the pathogenesis of missed miscarriage, although the underlying mechanism is unclear. Increasing evidence indicates that placenta-specific miRNAs are packaged in extracellular vesicles (EVs) from placental syncytiotrophoblasts and are released into the maternal circulation. Aberrant cargos including miRNAs in placental EVs have been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of complicated pregnancies. In this study, we compared the miRNA profiles in EVs derived from missed miscarriage and healthy placentae and investigated possible biological pathways which may be involved in senescence, one cause of missed miscarriage. The total concentration of RNA in placental EVs was not different between the two groups. However, there were 54 and 94 differentially expressed miRNAs in placental large and small EVs from missed miscarriage compared to EVs from healthy controls. The aberrantly expressed miRNAs seen in placental EVs were also observed in missed miscarriage placentae. Gene enrichment analysis showed that some of those differentially expressed miRNAs are involved in cellular senescence, endocytosis, cell cycle and endocrine resistance. Furthermore, transfection of trophoblasts by a single senescence-associated miRNA that was differentially expressed in placental EVs derived from missed miscarriage did not cause trophoblast dysfunction. In contrast, EVs derived from missed miscarriage placenta induced senescent changes in the healthy placenta. Our data suggested that a complex of placental EVs, rather than a few differentially expressed miRNAs in placental EVs derived from missed miscarriage placentae could contribute in an autocrine manner to placental senescence, one of the causes of missed miscarriage.

Diet-Derived Circulating Antioxidants and Risk of Digestive System Tumors: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Previous observational case-control studies have shown significant controversy over the impact of dietary intake-related circulating antioxidants on the risk of digestive system tumors. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomized (MR) analysis to determine whether there was a significant causal relationship between increased levels of circulating antioxidants and digestive system tumors. Our circulating antioxidants (vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin A, and vitamin E) were derived from absolute circulating antioxidants and circulating antioxidant metabolites, and their corresponding instrumental variables were screened from published studies. The digestive system tumors we studied included colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, liver, and esophageal cancer, and the corresponding summary GAWS (genome-wide association study) data were obtained from the UK Biobank database. We first evaluated the causal relationship between each tumor and circulating antioxidants and then used meta-analysis to summarize the results of MR analysis of different tumors. No significant associations were noted for genetically predicted circulating antioxidants and higher risk of digestive system tumors in our study. The pooled ORs (odds ratio) are 0.72 (95% CI: 0.46-1.11; β-carotene), 0.93 (95% CI: 0.81-1.08; lycopene), 2.12 (95% CI: 0.31-14.66; retinol), and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.96-1.02; ascorbate) for absolute circulating antioxidants; for circulating antioxidant metabolites, the pooled ORs for digestive system tumors risk per unit increase of antioxidants were 1.29 (95% CI: 0.39-4.28; α-tocopherol), 1.72 (95% CI: 0.85-3.49; γ-tocopherol), 1.05 (95% CI: 0.96-1.14; retinol), and 1.21 (95% CI: 0.97-1.51; ascorbate), respectively. Our study suggested that increased levels of dietary-derived circulating antioxidants did not reduce the risk of digestive system tumors.

Oxidative-Stress-Sensitive microRNAs in UV-Promoted Development of Melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive and life-threatening form of skin cancer. Key molecular events underlying the melanocytic transformation into malignant melanoma mainly involve gene mutations in which exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation plays a prominent role. However, several aspects of UV-induced melanomagenesis remain to be explored. Interestingly, redox-mediated signaling and perturbed microRNA (miRNA) profiles appear to be interconnected contributing factors able to act synergistically in melanoma initiation and progression. Since UV radiation can promote both redox imbalance and miRNA dysregulation, a harmful crosstalk between these two key cellular networks, with UV as central hub among them, is likely to occur in skin tissue. Therefore, decoding the complex circuits that orchestrate the interaction of UV exposure, oxidative stress, and dysregulated miRNA profiling can provide a deep understanding of the molecular basis of the melanomagenesis process. Furthermore, these mechanistic insights into the reciprocal regulation between these systems could have relevant implications for future therapeutic approaches aimed at counteracting UV-induced redox and miRNome imbalances for the prevention and treatment of malignant melanoma. In this review, we illustrate current information on the intricate connection between UV-induced dysregulation of redox-sensitive miRNAs and well-known signaling pathways involved in the malignant transformation of normal melanocytes to malignant melanoma.

An ethnopharmacological review on the therapeutical properties of flavonoids and their mechanisms of actions: A comprehensive review based on up to date knowledge

Flavonoids -a class of low molecular weight secondary metabolites- are ubiquitous and cornucopia throughout the plant kingdom. Structurally, the main structure consists of C6-C3-C6 rings with different substitution patterns so that many sub-classes are obtained, for example: flavonols, flavonolignans, flavonoid glycosides, flavans, anthocyanidins, aurones, anthocyanidins, flavones, neoflavonoids, chalcones, isoflavones, flavones and flavanones. Flavonoids are evaluated to have drug like nature since they possess different therapeutic activities, and can act as cardioprotective, antiviral, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and also work against Alzheimer's disease and others. However, information on the relationship between their structure and biological activity is scarce. Therefore, the present review tries to summarize all the therapeutic activities of flavonoids, their mechanisms of action and the structure activity relationship.

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Latest updated ethnopharmacological review of the therapeutic effects of flavonoids.

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Flavonoids are attracting attention because of their therapeutic properties.

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Flavonoids are valuable candidates for drug development against many dangerous diseases.

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This overview summarizes the most important therapeutic effect and mechanism of action of flavonoids.

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General knowledge about the structure activity relationship of flavonoids is summarized.

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Substitution of chemical groups in the structure of flavonoids can significantly change their biological and chemical properties.

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The chemical properties of the basic flavonoid structure should be considered in a drug-based structural program.

Honey polyphenolic fraction inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 expression via upregulation of microRNA-26a-5p expression in pancreatic islets

Objectives

Honey total polyphenolic fraction (HTPF) is reported to have anti-disease potential, however the role of HTPF in the regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has never been investigated. This study was undertaken to investigate the potential of HTPF against inflammation via regulation of miRNAs in pancreatic islets of Langerhans.

Methods

Pancreatic islets were isolated from C57BL/6 mice and HTPF was purified from honey. Bioinformatics algorithms were used to determine miRNA target genes. Expression of miRNA and mRNA was determined using their specific taqman assays. Pairing between miRNA and 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of mRNA was confirmed using luciferase reporter clone containing the 3′UTR of mRNA sequences and results were verified by transfection of mouse pancreatic β-cell line Min6 with miRNA inhibitors.

Results

The data showed that mmu-miR-26a-5p is a direct regulator of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and HTPF inhibits COX-2 expression or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production via up-regulating mmu-miR-26a-5p expression. Transfection of islets with anti-miR-26a-5p significantly enhanced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production ( p < .01), while HTPF treatment significantly inhibited anti-miR-26a-5p transfection-induced COX-2 expression or PGE2 production ( p < .05). These findings were further verified in pancreatic β-cells Min6. Moreover, the data also determined that HTPF also inhibits glucose-induced nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB activity.

Conclusion

HTPF suppresses glucose-induced PGE2 production and activation of NF-κB via negative regulation of COX-2 and mmu-miR26a-5p. These novel pharmacological actions of HTPF on glucose-stimulated pancreatic islets provide new suggestions that HTPF or HTPF-derived compounds inhibit glucose induced inflammation in pancreas by up-regulating the expression of microRNAs.

Effect of Combined Endurance Training and MitoQ on Cardiac Function and Serum Level of Antioxidants, NO, miR-126, and miR-27a in Hypertensive Individuals

Objectives

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Despite advances in treatment and control of HTN, the prevalence of HTN is still increasing. MitoQ is a supplement that acts on mitochondria and attenuates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which plays an important role in cardiovascular health. miRNAs play an important role in the pathophysiology of HTN. We evaluated the effects of MitoQ supplementation and endurance training (ET), alone and in combination, on functional indices of the heart and serum levels of miR-126, miR-27a, antioxidants, and NO, in patients with HTN.

Methods

In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 52 male participants (age 40-55 years) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 13) of placebo, MitoQ (20 mg/day, oral), ET (cycle ergometer, moderate intensity, 40-60% VO₂ peak, heart rate 120-140 b/min, 45 min a day, three days/week for six weeks), and MitoQ+ET. Cardiac function indices were assessed by echocardiography before and after interventions.

Results

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) significantly decreased in all intervention groups (P < 0.001) while DBP (P < 0.01) and LV hypertrophy (P < 0.05) were significantly decreased only in the MitoQ+ET group. Serum levels of SOD, GPx, and NO and the level of miR-126 significantly increased in all treatment groups, while miR-27a reduced in the ET (P < 0.05) and MitoQ+ET (P < 0.01) groups.

Conclusions

Compared to MitoQ and ET alone, their combination has more prominent improving effects on cardiac health and amelioration of BP in the patients with HTN. These effects are through miR-126 and miR-27a modulation and ameliorating mitochondrial ROS production.

The effect of chromium intake on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Trivalent chromium is a trace element thought to have a beneficial effect on oxidative stress (OS) parameters and inflammation. This review aimed to investigate the dose-response of chromium and summarize the effects of chromium supplementation on OS parameters in the literature.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for RCTs published from inception to January 2021 evaluating the effect of chromium supplementation on OS parameters, namely MDA, TBARS, SOD, TAS, CAT, GPx, and GSH. A random-effects model was used to pool data and calculated standard mean difference and 95 % confidence intervals. Quantified heterogeneity among studies was assessed through Cochrane's I² values.

RESULTS

Nine studies enrolling 550 participants met the inclusion criteria. The obtained results indicate that chromium supplementation significantly increases TAC (SMD: 0.46; 95 % CI: 0.08, 0.84; I² = 00.0 % n = 2) and significantly decreases MDA levels (SMD: -0.46; 95 % CI: -0.86, -0.07; I² = 52.4 % n = 5). Supplementation did not significantly change CAT, GPx, GSH, SOD, TAS, and TBARS.

CONCLUSION

Chromium supplementation may improve OS parameters, however, due to high heterogeneity observed in the included studies, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Large RCTs on various patient groups evaluating the impact of chromium supplementation are needed to allow an adequate generalization of the benefits of chromium on human health.

Tumor-derived exosomes encapsulating miR-34a promote apoptosis and inhibit migration and tumor progression of colorectal cancer cells under in vitro condition

BACKGROUND

MicroRNA (miR)-34a, as a master tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer (CRC), could regulate multiple genes participating in tumor proliferation, invasion, immune evasion, and inflammation-induced progression. Exosomes, as novel nano-carriers, were found to be capable of shuttling crucial mediators to various cells. Since the conventional CRC therapeutics currently are a matter of debate, implication of microRNAs in malignancy remedies have been addressed illustrating promising outlooks.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to investigate the delivery of miR-34a to CRC cell line CT-26 by encapsulating into tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs), in order to evaluate the anti-proliferative and progressive effects of the novel nano-carrier complex under in vitro condition.

METHODS

Exosomes were purified from the starved CT-26 cells and then enriched by miR-34a using the calcium chloride (Cacl2) modified solution. Following the detection of miR-34a expression in the enriched TEXs, the viability of CT-26 cells treated by multiplicity concentrations of either TEXs or TEX-miR-34a was examined. Moreover, the apoptosis rate of the cells was evaluated, and the migration of CT-26 cells subjected to both TEX-miR-34a and TEX was also measured. Thereafter, the expressions of miR-34a target genes, as IL-6R, STAT3, PD-L1, and VEGF-A, which play roles in tumor progression, were determined in the treated CT-26 cells.

RESULTS

The viability of CT-26 cells was harnessed following the treatment with TEX-miR-34a and the apoptosis levels of the cells were also observed to be enhanced dose-dependently. TEX-miR-34a was able to diminish the migration rate of the TEX-miR-34a treated cells and the expressions of IL-6R, STAT3, PD-L1, and VEGF-A were significantly restricted. Moreover, TEXs alone increased the apoptosis rate of tumor cells and repressed the proliferation and migration of these cells which were boosted by enrichment of TEXs with miR-34a.

CONCLUSION

Exosomes isolated from the starved CT-26 cells were found to have a potential to deliver miR-34a into tumor cells properly with high functionality maintenance for miR-34a in case of regulating genes related to tumor progression and TEXs which showed no positive effect favoring cancer cells, presumably act as a favorable adjuvant in the CRC therapy.

The microRNA-381(miR-381)/Spindlin1(SPIN1) axis contributes to cell proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Our study aimed to investigate the clinical significance and biological functions of Spindlin1 (SPIN1) in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis and progression, as well as the mechanism underlying its upregulation. The expression of SPIN1 was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting assays. Bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to determine whether microRNA-381 (miR-381) could target SPIN1. A series of cell functional experiments were performed to investigate whether the miR-381-mediated regulation of SPIN1 is involved in the progression and aggressiveness of CRC cells via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Our results showed that SPIN1 is frequently overexpressed in CRC tissues and cell lines, and its upregulation is positively correlated with disease progression and lymph node metastasis. Moreover, SPIN1 depletion suppresses cell growth, migration, and invasion through inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which recapitulates the effects of miR-381 upregulation. Moreover, SPIN1 is a target gene of miR-381, and miR-381 is downregulated in CRC. Furthermore, the reintroduction of SPIN1 partially abolished the miR-381-mediated inhibitory effects in CRC cells. In summary, our data revealed that the miR-381/SPIN1 axis greatly contributes to CRC tumorigenesis by orchestrating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby representing actionable therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer patients.

Nanocurcumin Modulates miR-223-3p and NF-κB Levels in the Pancreas of Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to Attenuate Autophagy Flare, Insulin Resistance and Improve ß Cell Mass

Purpose

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent female endocrine disorder. 50–70% of PCOS patients suffer from glucose intolerance, insulin and β cell impairments. Updated studies reveal the crucial regulatory role of inflammation modulators in various diseases, by manipulating autophagy and oxidative stress. However, the data available about autophagy in PCOS pancreas, especially in relation to inflammation key players are little. This study investigated pancreatic autophagy status in PCOS rat model, with miR-223-3p and NF-κB levels as pivotal regulators of oxidative stress-autophagy axis, insulin, and β cell integrity. We then analyzed nanocurcumin effects as a putative anti-inflammatory nutraceutical on the disrupted parameters.

Methods

Nanocurcumin was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier-transform IR (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Adult virgin Wistar rats were selected, and PCOS was induced using letrozole (1mg/kg). Nanocurcumin was ingested following letrozole. Sex hormones and insulin resistance were determined. miR-223-3p expression was determined using real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting determined β cells, NF-κB, and autophagy markers p62 and LC3II.

Results

PCOS group showed significant disruptions in sex hormones and a double fold increase in glucose and insulin levels, exhibiting insulin resistance. Immunostaining confirmed around 46% deterioration of ß cell mass. Real-time PCR showed significant downregulation of miR-223-3p. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting revealed a drastic upsurge of NF-κB, and autophagy markers p62 and LC3II, confirming bioinformatics target analysis. Interestingly, compared to PCOS group, nanocurcumin (200mg/kg) significantly upregulated miR-223-3p expression by 30%. It subsided NF-κB and autophagy eruption to restore ß cell mass and attenuate insulin resistance.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to highlight the vital contribution of miR-223-3p and NF-κB levels in aggravating PCOS pancreatic autophagy and consequent impairments. It spots nanocurcumin potential as an inflammation and autophagy modulator, for possible better management of PCOS complications.

Potential of crocodile blood as a medication and dietary supplement: A systemic review

Crocodile blood has long been used as a traditional medicine in many Asian countries to treat diseases such as asthma, allergies, and many others. Yet, only recently has the safety and effectiveness of using crocodile blood as a medicine been examined using modern scientific methods; with both conserved and novel active components identified from crocodile blood. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations found that crocodile blood can have a wide range of beneficial effects, including antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumour effects, anti-anaemia, and enhancement of wound healing. A systematic research of literature published in English-language journals up to April 2020 was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Based on the biological and chemical knowledge of crocodile immunity and crocodile blood, this article aims to: provide a critical review on the proposed properties of crocodile blood, identify the knowledge gap and offer some insights for future investigations regarding the use of crocodile blood as a medication or dietary supplement.

Prognostic and Clinicopathological Value of Human Leukocyte Antigen G in Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) expression in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remains controversial. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to summarize available evidence from case-control or cohort studies that evaluated this association.

METHODS

The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies written in English published up to April 1, 2021, and with no initial date. Furthermore, the Google Scholar and Google databases were also searched manually for gray literature. The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020213411). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for end points using fixed- and random-effects statistical models to account for heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot, Begg's and Egger's tests, and the "trim and fill" method.

RESULTS

A total of 30 eligible articles with 5737 unique patients, including 12 studies on colorectal cancer (CRC), 6 on gastric cancer (GC), 5 on esophageal cancer (ESCC), 5 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and 2 on pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC), were retrieved. Both univariate (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.48 ~ 2.72) and multivariate (HR = 2.69, 95% CI: 2.03 ~ 3.55) analyses revealed that HLA-G expression was significantly correlated with poor overall survival (OS), regardless of the cancer type or antibody used. Subgroup analysis stratified by antibody showed that the 4H84 (I2 = 45.8%, P = 0.101) antibodies could be trustworthy and reliable for detecting HLA-G expression in GI cancers. In addition, HLA-G expression was found to be correlated with adverse clinicopathological parameters such as clinical stage, nodal status, metastasis, and histological grade but not tumor status.

CONCLUSION

Elevated HLA-G expression indicates a poor prognosis for GI cancer patients, and screening for this marker could allow for the early diagnosis and treatment of GI cancers to improve survival rates.