The inhibition of colorectal cancer growth by the natural product macrocarpal I

Chemical Profiles and Biological Effects of Polyphenols in Eucalyptus Genus: A Comprehensive Review on Their Applications in Human Health and the Food Industry

The genus Eucalyptus is an important member of the family Myrtaceae. Eucalyptus plants contain unique and diverse phytochemicals, contributing to their remarkable ecological and economic values. Although the chemical components of several Eucalyptus food products (e.g., essential oil, honey, and wax) have been studied, research efforts are directed to other less characterized Eucalyptus phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols. Notably, some Eucalyptus polyphenols, such as formyl phloroglucinol meroterpenoids, have unique chemical structures with promising health-promoting effects. Thus, chemical characterization and biological evaluation of Eucalyptus polyphenols are critical to promoting their applications. Herein, this review provides a comprehensive summary of the phytochemical studies of Eucalyptus polyphenols and their biological activities, including antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Eucalyptus polyphenols' structure-activity relationship is analyzed in the context of the development of their biological applications. In addition, the utilization of polyphenols from Eucalyptus plants in food preservation and production is summarized.

Macrocarpal I induces immunogenic cell death and synergizes with immune checkpoint inhibition by targeting tubulin and PARP1 in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents an obstacle to immunotherapy, primarily because most cases are microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors, which are often described as "cold tumors" with limited immunogenicity. Recent studies have indicated that several therapeutic approaches, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapies, can elicit immunogenic cell death (ICD) and stimulate immune responses. However, challenges such as target affinity and in vivo pharmacokinetics limit the efficacy and immune response of current targeted therapies. In this study, we demonstrate that Macrocarpal I is a potent inducer of ICD by activating the PERK/eIF2A/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway. Furthermore, Macrocarpal I induces apoptosis and ferroptosis, both of which act as triggers for ICD. Mechanistically, Macrocarpal I directly targets TUBB2B and PARP1, disrupting microtubule polymerization and DNA repair processes. Importantly, treatment with Macrocarpal I enhances the anti-tumor immune response and augments responsiveness to anti-PD-1 therapy in an MC38 syngeneic mouse model of CRC.

Chemoprotective Potential of Cyanidin-3-Glucoside Against 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine-Induced Colorectal Cancer: Modulation of NF-κB and Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase Pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant global health challenge, with approximately 1.8 million new cases diagnosed annually and a mortality toll exceeding 881,000 lives each year. This study aimed to evaluate the chemoprotective efficacy of Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) in a rat model of CRC induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Rats were stratified into groups and administered C3G at doses of 10 and 15 mg/kg following DMH exposure to initiate CRC. Key parameters, including organ weights, tumor burdens, and biochemical markers, were meticulously assessed. Administration of C3G significantly restored body weight while reducing the weights of colon and spleen tissues. Moreover, C3G treatment substantially suppressed tumor incidence and weight in DMH-induced CRC rats. Biochemical analysis revealed that C3G markedly reduced levels of CFA, CA19.9, LDH, and nitric oxide (NO). It also modulated lipid profiles, antioxidant activities, and the expression of both Phase I and II enzymes. Inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-17, were significantly downregulated. Notably, C3G inhibited inflammatory markers such as COX-2, PGE2, iNOS, and NF-κB while promoting Caspase-3, -6, and -9 activity. Furthermore, it regulated the Bax/Bcl-2 apoptotic axis, reducing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Cyanidin-3-glucoside demonstrated potent chemopreventive effects against colorectal cancer in this experimental model. Its mechanism of action is likely mediated through modulation of NF-κB and the Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in CRC management.

Small-molecule drugs of colorectal cancer: Current status and future directions

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the world's fourth most deadly cancer. CRC, as a genetic susceptible disease, faces significant challenges in optimizing prognosis through optimal drug treatment modalities. In recent decades, the development of innovative small-molecule drugs is expected to provide targeted interventions that accurately address the different molecular characteristics of CRC. Although the clinical application of single-target drugs is limited by the heterogeneity and high metastasis of CRC, novel small-molecule drug treatment strategies such as dual/multiple-target drugs, drug repurposing, and combination therapies can help overcome these challenges and provide new insights for improving CRC treatment. In this review, we focus on the current status of a range of small molecule drugs that are being considered for CRC therapy, including single-target drugs, dual/multiple-target drugs, drug repurposing and combination strategies, which will pave the way for targeting CRC vulnerabilities with small-molecule drugs in future personalized treatment.

Detecting and monitoring tumors in orthotopic colorectal liver metastatic animal models with high-resolution ultrasound

The ability to noninvasively detect and monitor the growth of orthotopic liver transplantation tumors is critical for replicating advanced colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLMs) in animal models. We assessed the use of high-resolution ultrasound (HRU) to monitor CRLMs transplanted using various cell concentrations. Sixty BALB/c female mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, and murine colonic CT26 cells were injected into the left liver lobe at concentrations of 1 × 10² (group 1), 1 × 10³ (group 2), or 1 × 10⁴ (group 3). Tumor presentation, location, number, size, shape, and echogenicity were assessed daily with 24-MHz center frequency HRU starting 6 days after injection. Animals were sacrificed when the largest tumor was ≥ 1 cm in diameter. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve (AUC) of CRLMs diagnosed with HRU were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. In group 1, 94% of mice formed < 5 tumors, and 41% formed a single tumor. Tumors were first detected with HRU on day 12 in group 1, day 10 in group 2, and day 7 in group 3; tumor volume doubling times were 14-15 days, 11-12 days, and 7-8 days, respectively. With a long diameter threshold of 2.4 mm, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of HRU were 94.1% and 88.7%, respectively, and the AUC was 0.962. These findings suggest that HRU can be used to accurately detect and monitor the growth of CRLMs in an orthotopic transplantation mouse model, especially when a lower concentration of cells is used.

Area-Level Determinants in Colorectal Cancer Spatial Clustering Studies: A Systematic Review

The increasing pattern of colorectal cancer (CRC) in specific geographic region, compounded by interaction of multifactorial determinants, showed the tendency to cluster. The review aimed to identify and synthesize available evidence on clustering patterns of CRC incidence, specifically related to the associated determinants. Articles were systematically searched from four databases, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCOHost. The approach for identification of the final articles follows PRISMA guidelines. Selected full-text articles were published between 2016 and 2021 of English language and spatial studies focusing on CRC cluster identification. Articles of systematic reviews, conference proceedings, book chapters, and reports were excluded. Of the final 12 articles, data on the spatial statistics used and associated factors were extracted. Identified factors linked with CRC cluster were further classified into ecology (health care accessibility, urbanicity, dirty streets, tree coverage), biology (age, sex, ethnicity, overweight and obesity, daily consumption of milk and fruit), and social determinants (median income level, smoking status, health cost, employment status, housing violations, and domestic violence). Future spatial studies that incorporate physical environment related to CRC cluster and the potential interaction between the ecology, biology and social determinants are warranted to provide more insights to the complex mechanism of CRC cluster pattern.