Caffeic acid inhibits the tumorigenicity of triple-negative breast cancer cells through the FOXO1/FIS pathway

Mechanism of Rabdosia rubescens extract against gastric cancer microenvironment by SIRT1/NF-κB/p53 pathway and promoting tumor-associated macrophage polarization

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The traditional action of Rabdosia rubescens (Hemsl.) H. Hara is heat-clearing and detoxifying, relieve sore throat, dissipate binds and disperse swelling. DLC, as an extract prepared from Rabdosiae Rubescentis Herba, could regulate the polarization of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). For TAMs play an important role in the tumor microenvironment. It is worthy to further explore the mechanism of DLC on the polarized function of macrophages.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate the activity and molecular mechanisms of DLC on dissipating binds and dispersing swelling by modulating the gastric cancer microenvironment and macrophage polarization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted comprehensive qualitative and quantitative chromatographic analyses to characterize the main components of DLC. To evaluate its anti-tumor effects, immunofluorescence, MTT assay, plate cloning, transcriptomics analysis, western blotting, and siRNA knockdown experiments were performed to assess DLC's action on gastric cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, we utilized Trypan blue staining, a THP-1 and MGC-803 co-culture model, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and a mouse xenograft model with five distinct dosage groups to systematically investigate DLC's effects on macrophage polarization.

RESULTS

Key compounds in DLC were identified. The vivo tests demonstrated the tumor inhibition rate of the 5 g/kg DLC group reached 66.99 %, surpassing that of the 5-fluorouracil group (59.94 %). Mechanistically, DLC upregulated SIRT1 expression and suppressed NF-κB pathway, thereby preventing p65 from translocating into nuclear and modulating downstream p53/MDM2/USP7 signaling. Moreover, DLC enhanced M1 macrophage factors such as TNF-α, IL-6 while inhibiting M2 marker TGF-β, effectively repolarizing M2 TAMs toward an M1 phenotype. This effect was associated with suppressed protein expression of HIF-1α, p-p65, and p-PI3K.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insights into DLC's mechanisms in regulating tumor microenvironment remodeling and promoting macrophage polarization toward an anti-tumor phenotype. These results provide a solid basis for DLC's potential clinical treament in gastric cancer, highlighting its promise as a natural therapeutic agent.

A review of the role of CSCs and CSC-EXOs in increasing drug resistance in breast cancer and future applications

Breast cancer (BCa) remains a major global health challenge due to its complex etiology, varied clinical manifestations, and therapy resistance, which contributes to nearly 90 % of cancer-related deaths. A key factor in treatment failure is the presence of BCa stem cells (BCSCs), which drive drug resistance and tumor recurrence. Understanding BCSC formation, regulation, and role in therapeutic resistance is crucial for developing targeted therapies. Additionally, exosomes (EXOs) secreted by BCSCs play a critical role in cancer progression and drug resistance. These vesicles facilitate communication between cancer and stromal cells by transferring RNA and proteins, influencing treatment response. For instance, EXOs from stromal cells can enhance BCa cell survival under chemotherapy and radiation. This study explores BCSC mechanisms, their contribution to drug resistance, and emerging therapeutic strategies. We also examine how BCa-derived and BCSC-derived EXOs promote drug tolerance and tumor growth. Finally, we discuss future treatment approaches, current research limitations, and potential solutions to advance BCa therapy. Novel interventions may overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes by targeting BCSCs and EXO-mediated pathways. However, further research is needed to translate these findings into practical clinical applications.

Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Metformin-Phenolic Acid Conjugates

The leading cause of death worldwide is cancer. Several studies suggest phenolic acids and metformin as potential cancer treatment options because of their biological and therapeutic properties. So, we synthesized some novel metformin-phenolic acid conjugates. We used an acid-base neutralization method to extract the metformin-free base. N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-4-dimethylaminopyridine coupling of phenolic/aromatic acids (benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, para-hydroxybenzoic acid, para coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, and vanillic acid) with metformin was performed to produce metformin phenolic acid conjugates (M1-M10). We evaluated the structures using proton nuclear magnetic resonance, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared, and mass spectroscopy. All newly synthesized metformin phenolic acid conjugates were evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity. Metformin phenolic acid conjugates were synthesized and showed a range of inhibitory effects. The metformin-caffeic acid conjugate [(E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-N-(N,N-dimethylcarbamimidoyl)carbamimidoyl)acrylamide] (M3) (IC50: 5.47 ± 2.72 and 4.42 ± 2.15 µg/mL) showed the best anticancer activity against MDA-MB-468 and A549 cancer cell lines.

Parishin B blocking TRIB3-AKT1 interaction inhibits breast cancer lung metastasis

Background

TRIB3 has been reported to mediate breast cancer (BC) proliferation and metastasis by interacting with AKT1, and blocking the interaction between TRIB3 and AKT1 can inhibit the progression of BC. Besides, inhibiting TRIB3 to turn "cold tumor" hot has also been proved to be an effective therapeutic strategy for BC. Thus, this study aim to find drugs that can bind to TRIB3 to inhibit BC progression, and further elucidate its mechanism.

Methods

The possible inhibitors of TRIB3 were screened by high-throughput molecular docking, CETSA, and CO-IP assay. Then, the effect of TRIB3 inhibitor anti BC was assessed by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, plate colony formation assay, and transwell assay; and the RNA-seq was empolyed to study the potential mechanism of Parishin B (PB) anti-BC. Finally, the effect of TRIB3 inhibitor on BC lung metastasis in vivo was evaluated.

Results

PB was screened as a possible inhibitor of TRIB3, and CETSA and CO-IP assay indicated that PB could target TRIB3 and block TRIB3-AKT1 interaction. In addition, PB exhibited good anti-BC activity without drug toxicity in normal breast cells by experiments in vitro, and RNA-seq analysis suggested PB could inhibit the proliferation and invasion of BC cells related with cell cycle. It was also proved that PB could inhibit BC lung metastasis in vivo.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated PB can bind to TRIB3 to inhibit BC proliferation and lung metastasis by blocking TRIB3-AKT1 interaction and regulating cell cycle, providing a therapeutic agent for the treatment of BC.