4-Thiazolidinone-based derivatives do not affect differentiation of mouse embryo fibroblasts (3T3-L1 cell line) into adipocytes

Longitudinal expression profiles of key markers during stages of adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells using the PPARG agonist rosiglitazone

The rising prevalence of obesity is a global health concern, beginning already early in life. Because of its capability to differentiate into adipocytes in vitro, the murine preadipocyte 3T3-L1 cell line is most commonly used to investigate the development of adipocytes. Previously, the classical differentiation protocol was optimized by adding the PPARG agonist rosiglitazone. However, longitudinal data on the expression dynamics of genes involved in adipocyte lipid metabolism in 3T3-L1 cells following rosiglitazone treatment are still lacking. Thus, our objective was to investigate the expression of lipid metabolism genes during both early and late stages of adipogenesis by inducing 3T3-L1 cell differentiation with rosiglitazone, thereby generating a comprehensive longitudinal dataset. Our data show changes in mRNA and/or protein expression of Pparg1, Pparg2, Cebpa, Acaca, Fasn, Cd36, Cidea, and Fabp4 during differentiation. Their expression increased starting on day 0 with Pparg1, Cebpa, Cd36 and Fabp4 reaching maximum expression on day 4 and Pparg2, Acaca, Fasn and Cidea on day 7 of differentiation. Due to the dynamics of their expression characteristics, we suggest them as a set of markers for early (Pparg1, Cebpa), late (Pparg2, Acaca), and global (Fasn, Cd36, Fabp4) stages of adipogenic differentiation. In conclusion, this longitudinal data on adipogenesis markers using a differentiation protocol including rosiglitazone aids choosing genes involved in and/or time points of adipogenic differentiation for future studies using rosiglitazone.

Juglone-Bearing Thiopyrano[2,3-d]thiazoles Induce Apoptosis in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells

Colorectal cancer is a major global health challenge, with current treatments limited by toxicity and resistance. Thiazole derivatives, known for their bioactivity, are emerging as promising alternatives. Juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) is a naturally occurring compound with known anticancer properties, and its incorporation into thiopyrano[2,3-d]thiazole scaffolds may enhance their therapeutic potential. This study examined the cytotoxicity of thiopyrano[2,3-d]thiazoles and their effects on apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Les-6547 and Les-6557 increased the population of ROS-positive HT-29 cancer cells approximately 10-fold compared with control cells (36.3% and 38.5% vs. 3.8%, respectively), potentially contributing to various downstream effects. Elevated ROS levels were associated with cell cycle arrest, inhibition of DNA biosynthesis, and reduced cell proliferation. A significant shift in the cell cycle distribution was observed, with an increase in S-phase (from 17.3% in the control to 34.7% to 51.3% for Les-6547 and Les-6557, respectively) and G2/M phase (from 24.3% to 39.9% and 28.8%). Additionally, Les-6547 and Les-6557 inhibited DNA biosynthesis in HT-29 cells, with IC50 values of 2.21 µM and 2.91 µM, respectively. Additionally, ROS generation may initiate the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Les-6547 and Les-6557 activated both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, demonstrated by notable increases in the activity of caspase 3/7, 8, 9, and 10. This study provides a robust basis for investigating the detailed molecular mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of Les-6547 and Les-6557.

Metabolomics and network pharmacology-guided analysis of TNF-α expression by Argemone mexicana (Linn) targeting NF-kB the signalling pathway in cancer cell lines

Introduction

Cancer has emerged as one of the leading causes of fatality all over the world. Phytoconstituents are being studied for their synergistic effects, which include disease prevention by altering molecular pathways and immunomodulation without side effects. The present experiment aims to explore the cancer preventive activities of Argemone mexicana Linn leaves extract in skin cancer cell lines (A431) and colon cancer cell lines (COLO 320DM)). In addition, TNF-α expression patterns and NF-kB signaling pathways have been examined.

Methods

LC/MS study of Argemone mexicana Linn extracts in various solvents revealed anti-cancerous phytoconstituents. Network pharmacology analysis used Binding DB, STRING, DAVID, and KEGG for data mining to evaluate predicted compounds using functional annotation analysis. Cytoscape 3.2.1 created "neighbourhood approach" and networks. The MNTD of these extracts was tested on L929 fibroblasts. Skin cancer (A431) and colon cancer (COLO 320DM) cell lines were tested for IC50 inhibition. Evaluation of TNF-α and NF-kB expression in cell culture supernatants and homogenates reveals anti-cancerous effects.

Results

LC-MS analysis of extracts predicted the presence of anticancer alkaloids Berberine, Atropine, Argemexicin, and Argemonin. In Network pharmacology analysis, enrichment was linked to the PI3-AKT pathway for both cancer types. MNTD was calculated at 1000μg/ml in L929. The ethanolic extract at 1000μg/ml significantly inhibited skin cancer cell proliferation by 67% and colon cancer cells by 75%. Ethanolic extract significantly reduced TNF-α expression in both cell lines (p<0.001), with the highest inhibition at 1000μg/ml. In TNF-α stimulated cell lines, 1000μg/ml ethanolic extract significantly reduced the regulation of the NF-kB pathway, which plays a role in cancer progression (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Argemone mexicana Linn. known as 'swarnkshiri' in Ayurveda has been reported to be used by the traditional healers for the treatment of psoriasis and its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties, according to the Indian Medicinal Plant dictionary. In the experiment, the abatement in the expression of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and inhibition of NF-kB transcription factor activation could be linked with the downregulation of cancer cell proliferation. The study revealed the anticancer activity of Argemone mexicana Linn in the cancer cell lines and paved a pathway for molecular approaches that could be explored more in In vivo studies.

New stilbenes from Cajanus cajan inhibit adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through down-regulation of PPARγ

Two new stilbenes, denominated Cajanotone B (CAB) and Cajanotone C (CAC), were isolated from the leaves of Cajanus cajan. In this study, the structures of CAB and CAC were unambiguously elucidated by a combination of various spectral methods. Both compounds significantly inhibited the adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by reducing the lipid accumulation, triglyceride content and FFA secretion. CAB and CAC also substantially inhibit the mRNA expression of HSL, ATGL, C/EBPα and PPARγ as deciphered based by RT-PCR assay. Down-regulation of PPAR is believed to be the primary mechanism underlying which CAB and CAC inhibited adipogenic differentiation because the lipid-promoting activity of PPAR agonists can be counteracted by these compounds. The molecular interaction between CAB/CAC and PPARγ was revealed with the help of molecular docking. Taken together, CAB and CAC could serve as new lead compounds with the potential to speed up the development of novel lipid-lowering and weight-control therapies.

Trastuzumab Potentiates Antitumor Activity of Thiopyrano[2,3-d]Thiazole Derivative in AGS Gastric Cancer Cells

Gastric cancer remains a significant therapeutic challenge, highlighting the need for new strategies to improve treatment efficacy. This study investigates the potential of combined therapy with the novel Thiopyrano[2,3-d]Thiazole derivative LES-6400 and the anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab in AGS gastric cancer cells. The antitumor effects of the combined therapy were evaluated using various techniques, including the MTT assay for cell viability, [3H]-thymidine incorporation for DNA synthesis, and flow cytometry to assess apoptosis (Annexin V-FITC/PI staining), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and inflammatory cytokine levels. ELISA was employed to measure the levels of IL-6, p53, and cytochrome C. The combination of LES-6400 (1 µM) and trastuzumab (10 µg/mL) demonstrated superior antitumor activity compared to monotherapy with either agent in AGS gastric cancer cells. The combination therapy enhanced apoptosis, presumably by inducing oxidative stress in the cells and disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, a significant increase in p53 protein levels and modulation of interleukin levels, including a marked reduction in IL-6 levels, were observed, suggesting an impact on apoptotic and inflammatory responses. These findings indicate that the combined use of LES-6400 and trastuzumab is a promising therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer, warranting further investigation into the mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications of this combined approach.

Insulin Sensitivity of Adipocytes is Improved by Pomegranate Mesocarp Through Reduced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory phenomena and increase in oxidative stress in cell physiopathology progression render therapeutic strategies based on nutritional antioxidants necessary. It was thus aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the pomegranate mesocarp extract (PME) on differentiation of preadipocytes to adipocytes in the presence/absence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a model mimicking insulin resistance.

METHOD

The effect of PME on lipid accumulation, protein expression of antioxidant, inflammatory and adipogenic biomarkers, reactive oxygen species production, activity of antioxidant enzymes and secretion of IL-6 has been evaluated during the differentiation of preadipocytes to adipocytes, in the presence or absence of H2O2.

RESULTS

H2O2 reduced the expression of the regulator of insulin sensitivity PPARγ and suppressed adipocyte differentiation. PME counteracted the effect of H2O2. The latter induced a higher level of fat accumulation by promoting the expressions of the adipogenic markers PPARγ, C/EBPα, FABP4 and CD36 as compared to the control and the H2O2-treated differentiating cells. During the progression of adipogenesis, highest increase (p < 0.05) in IL-6 secretion, by 3.16 and 3.85 folds, was observed on day 2 of differentiation in control and H2O2-treated cells, respectively, compared to day 0. PME significantly decreased (p < 0.01) the secretion of the cytokine in addition to suppressing the expression of NFκB. PME also prevented the reduction of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities that occurred during adipogenesis, by at most 33%, 119% and 42%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that PME efficiently improves insulin sensitivity and can significantly counteract oxidative stress and inflammation.

Role of 4-Thiazolidinone-Pyrazoline/Indoline Hybrids Les-4369 and Les-3467 in BJ and A549 Cell Lines

Cancer is one of the most important problems of modern societies. Recently, studies have reported the anticancer properties of rosiglitazone related to its ability to bind peroxisome proliferator receptor γ (PPARγ), which has various effects on cancer and can inhibit cell proliferation. In this study, we investigated the effect of new 4-thiazolidinone (4-TZD) hybrids Les-4369 and Les-3467 and their effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, metabolic activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, caspase-3 activity, and gene and protein expression in human foreskin fibroblast (BJ) cells and lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells. The ROS production and caspase-3 activity were mainly increased in the micromolar concentrations of the studied compounds in both cell lines. Les-3467 and Les-4369 increased the mRNA expression of PPARG, P53 (tumor protein P53), and ATM (ATM serine/threonine kinase) in the BJ cells, while the mRNA expression of these genes (except PPARG) was mainly decreased in the A549 cells treated with both of the tested compounds. Our results indicate a decrease in the protein expression of AhR, PPARγ, and PARP-1 in the BJ cells exposed to 1 µM Les-3467 and Les-4369. In the A549 cells, the protein expression of AhR, PPARγ, and PARP-1 increased in the treatment with 1 µM Les-3467 and Les-4369. We have also shown the PPARγ modulatory properties of Les-3467 and Les-4369. However, both compounds prove weak anticancer properties evidenced by their action at high concentrations and non-selective effects against BJ and A549 cells.

Impact of Molecular Symmetry/Asymmetry on Insulin-Sensitizing Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

Although the advantages and disadvantages of asymmetrical thiazolidinediones as insulin-sensitizers have been well-studied, the relevance of symmetry and asymmetry for thiazolidinediones and biguanides has scarcely been explored. Regarding symmetrical molecules, only one thiazolidinedione and no biguanides have been evaluated and proposed as an antihyperglycemic agent for treating type 2 diabetes. Since molecular structure defines physicochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties, it is important to gain greater insights into poorly investigated patterns. For example, compounds with intrinsic antioxidant properties commonly have low toxicity. Additionally, the molecular symmetry and asymmetry of ligands are each associated with affinity for certain types of receptors. An advantageous response obtained in one therapeutic application may imply a poor or even adverse effect in another. Within the context of general patterns, each compound must be assessed individually. The current review aimed to summarize the available evidence for the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing symmetrical and asymmetrical thiazolidinediones and biguanides as insulin sensitizers in patients with type 2 diabetes. Other applications of these same compounds are also examined as well as the various uses of additional symmetrical molecules. More research is needed to exploit the potential of symmetrical molecules as insulin sensitizers.