Diltiazem potentiates the cytotoxicity of gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil in PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells through inhibition of P-glycoprotein

Contribution and expression of renal drug transporters in renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common substantive tumor. According to incomplete statistics, RCC incidence accounts for approximately 90% of renal malignant tumors, and is the second most prevalent major malignant tumor in the genitourinary system, following bladder cancer. Only 10%-15% of chemotherapy regimens for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are effective, and mRCC has a high mortality. Drug transporters are proteins located on the cell membrane that are responsible for the absorption, distribution, and excretion of drugs. Lots of drug transporters are expressed in the kidneys. Changes in carrier function weaken balance, cause disease, or modify the effectiveness of drug treatment. The changes in expression of these transporters during cancer pathology results in multi-drug resistance to cancer chemotherapy. In the treatment of RCC, the study of drug transporters helps to optimize treatment regimens, improve therapeutic effects, and reduce drug side effects. In this review, we summarize advances in the role of renal drug transporters in the genesis, progression, and treatment of RCC.

Pharmacokinetic Boosting of Calcineurin Inhibitors in Transplantation: Pros, Cons, and Perspectives

ABSTRACT

The concept of pharmacokinetic (PK) boosting of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) emerged after the FDA approval of cyclosporine-A. Several studies followed, and the proof of concept was well established by the late 1990s. This also continued for the next blockbuster immunosuppressant, tacrolimus. The driver for such research was an endeavor to save costs, as both drugs were expensive due to patent protection. Two CYP inhibitors, ketoconazole and diltiazem, have been extensively studied in this context and continue to be prescribed off-label along with the CNI. It has been observed that using ketoconazole reduces the dose requirement of tacrolimus by about 50% and 30% with diltiazem, which is in conformity with their pharmacological actions. Off-label co-prescription of these drugs with CNI is often encountered in low and middle-income countries. The foremost reason cited is economic. This article collates the evidence from the clinical studies that evaluate the PK-boosting effects of CNI and also reviews the gaps in the current evidence base. The current knowledge prevents the transplant community from making meaningful inferences about the risks and benefits of such strategies. Although the PK-boosting strategy can lead to serious adverse events, emerging evidence suggests that it may be advantageous for individuals with high CNI dose requirements. Hence, PK boosting may be an unmet need in the therapeutics of CNI. Nevertheless, there are several unanswered questions surrounding such use, and therefore, this merits testing in well-designed clinical studies. Moreover, drugs with better safer profiles and a history of successful PK boosting may be considered for evaluation with CNI.

Correlation Between Antihypertensive Drugs and Survival Among Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

There is a growing prevalence of pancreatic cancer, accompanied by accelerated disease progression and diminished survival rates. Radical resection with clear margins remains the sole viable option for achieving a long-term cure in patients. In cases of advanced, unresectable, and metastatic disease, chemotherapy based on leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, gemcitabine, or nab-paclitaxel represents the cornerstone of the treatment. Considering the limited treatment options available following initial therapy, the strategy of repurposing commonly prescribed drugs such as antihypertensives into anti-cancer therapies in palliative treatment represents a promising avenue for enhancing survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The repurposing of existing drugs is typically a more cost-effective and expedient strategy than the development of new ones. The potential for antihypertensive drugs to be employed as adjunctive therapies could facilitate a more comprehensive treatment approach by targeting multiple pathways involved in cancer progression and acquired resistance to treatment. Antihypertensive medications, particularly those belonging to the pharmacological classes of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers, are commonly prescribed and have well-established safety profiles, particularly among patients with pancreatic cancer who are affected by multiple comorbidities. Therefore, we emphasize the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the use of antihypertensive agents in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, emphasizing their beneficial chemosensitizing effects.

lncRNAs: New players of cancer drug resistance via targeting ABC transporters

Cancer drug resistance poses a significant obstacle to successful chemotherapy, primarily driven by the activity of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which actively efflux chemotherapeutic agents from cancer cells, reducing their intracellular concentrations and therapeutic efficacy. Recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating this resistance, positioning them as crucial modulators of ABC transporter function. lncRNAs, once considered transcriptional noise, are now recognized for their complex regulatory capabilities at various cellular levels, including chromatin modification, transcription, and post-transcriptional processing. This review synthesizes current research demonstrating how lncRNAs influence cancer drug resistance by modulating the expression and activity of ABC transporters. lncRNAs can act as molecular sponges, sequestering microRNAs that would otherwise downregulate ABC transporter genes. Additionally, they can alter the epigenetic landscape of these genes, affecting their transcriptional activity. Mechanistic insights reveal that lncRNAs contribute to the activity of ABC transporters, thereby altering the efflux of chemotherapeutic drugs and promoting drug resistance. Understanding these interactions provides a new perspective on the molecular basis of chemoresistance, emphasizing the regulatory network of lncRNAs and ABC transporters. This knowledge not only deepens our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying drug resistance but also suggests novel therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, the intricate interplay between lncRNAs and ABC transporters is crucial for developing innovative solutions to combat cancer drug resistance, underscoring the importance of continued research in this field.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-driven cancer drug resistance: biological profile, non-coding RNAs, drugs and nanomodulators

Drug resistance has compromised the efficacy of chemotherapy. The dysregulation of drug transporters including P-glycoprotein (P-gp) can mediate drug resistance through drug efflux. In this review, we highlight the role of P-gp in cancer drug resistance and the related molecular pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), along with non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Extracellular vesicles secreted by the cells can transport ncRNAs and other proteins to change P-gp activity in cancer drug resistance. P-gp requires ATP to function, and the induction of mitochondrial dysfunction or inhibition of glutamine metabolism can impair P-gp function, thus increasing chemosensitivity. Phytochemicals, small molecules and nanoparticles have been introduced as P-gp inhibitors to increase drug sensitivity in human cancers.

Synergistic effects of calcium channel blockers and renin-angiotensin inhibitors with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy on the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

Pancreatic cancer remains a significant public health challenge, with poor long-term outcomes due to the lack of effective treatment options. Repurposing commonly used clinical drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, CCBs, and metformin, may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and offer a promising therapeutic strategy for improving patient outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of concomitant treatment with ACE-Is, ARBs, CCBs, and metformin alongside gemcitabine chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer was conducted. Treatment responses were evaluated, with overall survival (OS) estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Additionally, the Cox proportional hazards model was employed to assess the impact of these specific agents on patient survival.

RESULTS

4628 patients with various stages of pancreatic cancer were identified in the database between 2007 and 2016. The estimated overall survival (OS) in the analyzed group was 6.9 months (95% CI 6.4-7). The use of any of the analyzed drugs was associated with a significant improvement in mOS of 7.5 months (95% CI 6.8-7.8) vs. 6.7 months (95% CI 6.4-7.0) for patients who did not have additional treatment (p < 0.0001). ARBs, ACE-Is, CCBs, and metformin varied in their effectiveness in prolonging mOS among patients. The longest mOS of 8.9 months (95% CI 7.7-11.6) was observed in patients receiving additional therapy with ARBs, while the shortest mOS of 7.7 months (95% CI 6.5-8.9) was achieved by patients receiving metformin. In the adjusted Cox analysis, metformin was associated with a significantly weaker effect on mOS (p = 0.029). A particularly interesting trend in prolonging 5-year survival was demonstrated by ARBs and CCBs with 14.1% (95% CI 9-22%) and 14.8% (95% CI 11.1-19.6%), respectively, compared to patients not taking these drugs, who achieved a 5-year OS of 3.8% (95% CI 3.2-4.4%).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate a significant positive impact of ARBs, ACE inhibitors, and CCBs on survival in patients with pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine. The addition of these inexpensive and relatively safe drugs in patients with additional comorbidities may represent a potential therapeutic option in this indication. However, prospective clinical trials to evaluate the optimal patient population and further studies to determine the potential impact of these agents on chemotherapy are necessary.

Bioelectric pharmacology of cancer: A systematic review of ion channel drugs affecting the cancer phenotype

Cancer is a pernicious and pressing medical problem; moreover, it is a failure of multicellular morphogenesis that sheds much light on evolutionary developmental biology. Numerous classes of pharmacological agents have been considered as cancer therapeutics and evaluated as potential carcinogenic agents; however, these are spread throughout the primary literature. Here, we briefly review recent work on ion channel drugs as promising anti-cancer treatments and present a systematic review of the known cancer-relevant effects of 109 drugs targeting ion channels. The roles of ion channels in cancer are consistent with the importance of bioelectrical parameters in cell regulation and with the functions of bioelectric signaling in morphogenetic signals that act as cancer suppressors. We find that compounds that are well-known for having targets in the nervous system, such as voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, proton pumps, and gap junctions are especially relevant to cancer. Our review suggests further opportunities for the repurposing of numerous promising candidates in the field of cancer electroceuticals.

Molecular functions of microRNAs in colorectal cancer: recent roles in proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and chemoresistance

MiRNAs (microRNAs) constitute a group of diminutive molecules of non-coding RNA intricately involved in regulating gene expression. This regulation is primarily accomplished through the binding of miRNAs to complementary sequences situated in the 3'-UTR of the messenger RNA (mRNA) target; as a result, they are degraded or repressed. The multifaceted biogenesis of miRNAs is characterized by a meticulously orchestrated sequence of events encompassing transcription, processing, transportation, and decay. Colorectal cancer stands as a pervasive and formidable ailment, afflicting millions across the globe. Colorectal cancer is not well diagnosed early, and metastasis rates are high, which results in low survival rates in advanced stages. The genesis and progression of colorectal cancer are subject to the influence of genetic and epigenetic factors, among which miRNAs play a pivotal role. When it comes to colorectal cancer, miRNAs have a dual character, depending on the genes they target, functioning as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes and the prevailing cellular milieu. Their impact extends to modulating critical facets of colorectal cancer pathogenesis, including proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, chemoresistance, and radiotherapy response. The discernible potential of miRNAs which are used as biomarkers to diagnose colorectal cancer, prognosis, and treatment response has come to the forefront. Notably, miRNAs are easily found and detected readily in a variety of biological fluids, including saliva, blood, urine, and feces. This prominence is attributed to the inherent advantages of miRNAs over conventional biomarkers, including heightened stability, specificity, sensitivity, and accessibility. Various investigations have pinpointed miRNA signatures or panels capable of differentiating colorectal cancer patients from their healthy counterparts, predicting colorectal cancer stage and survival, and monitoring colorectal cancer recurrence and therapy response. Although there has been research on miRNAs in various diseases, there has been less research on miRNAs in cancer. Moreover, updated results of preclinical and clinical studies on miRNA biomarkers and drugs are required. Nevertheless, the integration of miRNAs as biomarkers for colorectal cancer is not devoid of challenges and limitations. These encompass the heterogeneity prevalent among colorectal cancer subtypes and stages, the variability in miRNA expression across different tissues and individuals, the absence of standardized methodologies for miRNA detection and quantification, and the imperative for validation through extensive clinical trials. Consequently, further research is imperative to conclusively establish the clinical utility and reliability of miRNAs as colorectal cancer biomarkers. MiR-21 demonstrates carcinogenic characteristics by targeting several tumor suppressor genes, which encourages cell division, invasion, and metastasis. On the other hand, by controlling the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the tumor suppressor miRNA miR-34a prevents CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, in colorectal cancer, the miR-200 family increases chemotherapy sensitivity while suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). As an oncogene, the miR-17-92 cluster targets elements of the TGF-β signaling pathway to encourage the growth of CRC cells. Finally, miR-143/145, which is downregulated in CRC, influences apoptosis and the progression of the cell cycle. These miRNAs affect pathways like Wnt, TGF-β, PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and EMT, making them potential clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review summarizes recent research related to miRNAs, their role in tumor progression and metastasis, and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer. In addition, we combined miRNAs' roles in tumorigenesis and development with the therapy of CRC patients, leading to novel perspectives on colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Novel 2-[thio]acetamide linked quinazoline/1,2,4-triazole/chalcone hybrids: Design, synthesis, and anticancer activity as EGFR inhibitors and apoptotic inducers

Novel triazoloquinazolines carrying the 2-[thio]acetamide entity (4 and 5a-d) and triazoloquinazoline/chalcone hybrids incorporating the 2-[thio]acetamide linker (8a-b and 9a-f) were developed as anticancer candidates. NCI screening of the synthesized compounds at 10 μM concentration displayed growth inhibition not only up to 99.74% as observed for 9a but also a lethal effect could be achieved as stated for compounds 9c (RPMI-8226 and HCT-116) and 8b, 9a, and 9e on the HCT-116 cell line. The antiproliferative activity was determined for the chalcone series on three cell lines: RPMI-8226, HCT-116, and MCF-7. Compounds 8b, 9a, 9b, and 9f were the most active ones. To understand the mechanistic study, the inhibitory effect on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase was evaluated. The results stated that the activity of compound 8b (IC50 = 0.07 μM) was near that of the reference drug erlotinib (IC50 = 0.052 μM) whereas compound 9b (IC50 = 0.045 μM) was found to be more potent than erlotinib. Both compounds 8b and 9b were selected for cell cycle analysis and apoptotic assays. Moreover, molecular docking results of the selected chalcone hybrids showed high binding scores and good binding affinities especially for 8b and 9b, which were consistent with the biological activity (EGFR).

Calcium channel blockers are associated with improved survival in pancreatic cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and resection

BACKGROUND

Repurposing existing drugs for use in oncology is more efficient, cost-effective and safe than novel drug discovery. Calcium signalling is increasingly recognised to have a key role in chemoresistance. This study assessed the impact of calcium channel blockers (CCB) in pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Retrospective population study of patients undergoing resection (curative intent) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (SEER-Medicare, 2007-2017). Cox models were built to assess the impact on overall survival. As laboratory studies suggest a chemosensitising effect, the impact of CCB was assessed separately in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

RESULTS

6,223 patients were included, of whom 660 were prescribed CCB. In total, 591 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy; in this cohort CCB prescription was associated with improved overall survival when adjusting for multiple prognostic factors (aHR = 0.715, 0.514-0.996, P = 0.047). This effect was not observed in patients not receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (aHR = 1.082, 0.982-1.191, P = 0.112).

CONCLUSION

CCB prescription was associated with improved overall survival in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to pancreatic cancer resection. The association was specific to the group of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mirroring the chemosensitising effect in laboratory studies. This defines patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy as a target population for prospective clinical trials of CCB in pancreatic cancer.

EGR1 mediates MDR1 transcriptional activity regulating gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Gemcitabine is a cornerstone drug for the treatment of all stages of pancreatic cancer and can prolong the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer, but resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer patients hinders its efficacy. The overexpression of Early growth response 1(EGR1) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma as a mechanism of gemcitabine chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer has not been explored. The major mechanisms of gemcitabine chemoresistance are related to drug uptake, metabolism, and action. One of the common causes of tumor multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapy in cancer cells is that transporter proteins increase intracellular drug efflux and decrease drug concentrations by inducing anti-apoptotic mechanisms. It has been reported that gemcitabine binds to MDR1 with high affinity. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential mechanisms by which EGR1 associates with MDR1 to regulate gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells.

METHODS

The following in vitro and in vivo techniques were used in this research to explore the potential mechanisms by which EGR1 binds to MDR1 to regulate gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Cell culture; in vitro and in vivo study of EGR1 function by loss of function analysis. Binding of EGR1 to the MDR1 promoter was detected using the ChIP assay. qRT-PCR, Western blot assays to detect protein and mRNA expression; use of Annexin V apoptosis detection assay to test apoptosis; CCK8, Edu assay to test cell proliferation viability. The animal model of pancreatic cancer subcutaneous allograft was constructed and the tumours were stained with hematoxylin eosin and Ki-67 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry.

FINDINGS

We revealed that EGR1 expression was increased in different pancreatic cancer cell lines compared to normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. Moreover, gemcitabine treatment induced upregulation of EGR1 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. EGR1 is significantly enriched in the MDR1 promoter sequence.Upon knockdown of EGR1, cell proliferation was impaired in CFPAC-1 and PANC-1 cell lines, apoptosis was enhanced and MDR1 expression was decreased, thereby partially reversing gemcitabine chemoresistance. In animal experiments, knockdown of EGR1 enhanced the inhibitory effect of gemcitabine on tumor growth compared with the sh-NC group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that EGR1 may be involved in the regulation of MDR1 to enhance gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. EGR1 could be a novel therapeutic target to overcome gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer.

The crucial role of fascin-1 in the pathogenesis, metastasis, and chemotherapeutic resistance of breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer in women to be diagnosed, and it is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women globally. It is the disease that causes the most life years adjusted for disability lost among women, making it a serious worldwide health issue. Understanding and interpreting carcinogenesis and metastatic pathways is critical for curing malignancy. Fascin-1 was recognized as an actin-bundling protein with parallel, rigid bundles as a result of the cross-linking of F-actin microfilaments. Increasing levels of fascin-1 have been associated with bad prognostic profiles, aggressiveness of clinical courses, and poor survival outcomes in a variety of human malignancies. Cancer cells that overexpress fascin-1 have higher capabilities for proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis. Fascin-1 is being considered as a potential target for therapy as well as a potential biomarker for diagnostics in a variety of cancer types. This review aims to provide an overview of the FSCN1 gene and its protein structure, elucidate its physiological and pathological roles, and throw light on its involvement in the initiation, development, and chemotherapeutic resistance of BC.

Matrix stiffness triggers chemoresistance through elevated autophagy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a signature of extremely high matrix stiffness caused by a special desmoplastic reaction, which dynamically stiffens along with the pathological process. The poor prognosis and low five-year survival rate of PDAC are partly owing to chemoresistance triggered by substrate stiffness. Understanding the potential mechanisms of matrix stiffness causing PDAC chemoresistance is of great significance. In this study, methacrylated gelatin hydrogel was used as platform for PANC-1 and MIA-PaCa2 cell culture. The results indicated that compared to soft substrate, stiff substrate distinctively reduced the gemcitabine sensitivity of pancreatic cancer. Intriguingly, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, western blot and qRT-PCR assay showcased that the number of autophagosomes and the expression of LC3 were elevated. The observations indicate that matrix stiffness may regulate the autophagy level, which plays a vital role during chemoresistance. In brief, soft substrate exhibited low autophagy level, while the counterpart displayed elevated autophagy level. In order to elucidate the underlying interaction between matrix stiffness-mediated cell autophagy and chemoresistance, rescue experiments with rapamycin and chloroquine were conducted. We found that inhibiting cell autophagy dramatically increased the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine in the stiff group, while promoting autophagy-driven chemoresistance in the soft group, demonstrating that matrix stiffness modulated chemoresistance via autophagy. Furthermore, RNA-seq results showed that miR-1972 may regulate autophagy level in response to matrix stiffness. Overall, our research shed light on the synergistic therapy of PDAC combined with gemcitabine and chloroquine, which is conducive to promoting a therapeutic effect.

Investigating the regulatory role of miRNAs as silent conductors in the management of pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has the greatest mortality rate of all the main malignancies. Its advanced stage and poor prognosis place it at the bottom of all cancer sites. Hence, emerging biomarkers can enable precision medicine where PC therapy is tailored to each patient. This highlights the need for new, highly sensitive and specific biomarkers for early PC diagnosis. Prognostic indicators are also required to stratify PC patients. To avoid ineffective treatment, adverse events, and expenses, biomarkers are also required for patient monitoring and identifying responders to treatment. There is substantial evidence that microRNAs (miRs, miRNAs) play a critical role in regulating mRNA and, as a consequence, protein expression in normal and malignant tissues. Deregulated miRNA profiling in PC can help with diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis. Furthermore, knowledge of the primary effector genes and downstream pathways in PC can help pinpoint potential miRNAs for use in treatment. Different miRNA expression profiles may serve as diagnostic, prognostic markers, and therapeutic targets across the spectrum of malignant pancreatic illness. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been linked to the malignant pathophysiology of PC through affecting many cellular functions such as increasing invasive and proliferative prospect, supporting angiogenesis, cell cycle aberrance, apoptosis elusion, metastasis promotion, and low sensitivity to particular treatments. Accordingly, in the current review, we summarize the recent advances in the roles of oncogenic and tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs in PC and discuss their potential as worthy diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PC, as well as their significance in PC pathogenesis and anticancer drug resistance.

Possible role of miRNAs in pheochromocytoma pathology - Signaling pathways interaction

Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is a type of neuroendocrine tumor that originates from adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal chromaffin cells and results in the production of catecholamine. Paroxysmal hypertension and cardiovascular crises were among the clinical signs experienced by people with PCC. Five-year survival of advanced-stage PCC is just around 40% despite the identification of various molecular-level fundamentals implicated in these pathogenic pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are a type of short, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) that attach to the 3'-UTR of a target mRNA, causing translational inhibition or mRNA degradation. Evidence is mounting that miRNA dysregulation plays a role in the development, progression, and treatment of cancers like PCC. Hence, this study employs a comprehensive and expedited survey to elucidate the potential role of miRNAs in the development of PCC, surpassing their association with survival rates and treatment options in this particular malignancy.

miRNAs orchestration of salivary gland cancer- Particular emphasis on diagnosis, progression, and drug resistance

Cancer of the salivary glands is one of the five major types of head and neck cancer. Due to radioresistance and a strong propensity for metastasis, the survival rate for nonresectable malignant tumors is dismal. Hence, more research is needed on salivary cancer's pathophysiology, particularly at the molecular level. The microRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of noncoding RNA that controls as many as 30% of all genes that code for proteins at the posttranscriptional level. Signature miRNA expression profiles have been established in several cancer types, suggesting a role for miRNAs in the incidence and progression of human malignancies. Salivary cancer tissues were shown to have significantly aberrant levels of miRNAs compared to normal salivary gland tissues, supporting the hypothesis that miRNAs play a crucial role in the carcinogenesis of salivary gland cancer (SGC). Besides, several SGC research articles reported potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the miRNA-based treatment of this malignancy. In this review, we will explore the regulatory impact of miRNAs on the processes underlying the molecular pathology of SGC and provide an up-to-date summary of the literature on miRNAs that impacted this malignancy. We will eventually share information about their possible use as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers in SGC.

miRNAs orchestration of cardiovascular diseases - Particular emphasis on diagnosis, and progression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs; miRs) are small non-coding ribonucleic acids sequences vital in regulating gene expression. They are significant in many biological and pathological processes and are even detectable in various body fluids such as serum, plasma, and urine. Research has demonstrated that the irregularity of miRNA in multiplying cardiac cells is linked to developmental deformities in the heart's structure. It has also shown that miRNAs are crucial in diagnosing and progressing several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The review covers the function of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of CVD. Additionally, the review provides an overview of the potential role of miRNAs as disease-specific diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for human CVD, as well as their biological implications in CVD.

An emphasis on the interaction of signaling pathways highlights the role of miRNAs in the etiology and treatment resistance of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is 4th in incidence and mortality rates globally. Several genetic and epigenetic factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs), affect its initiation and progression. miRNAs are short chains of nucleic acids that can regulate several cellular processes by controlling their gene expression. So, dysregulation of miRNAs expressions is associated with GC initiation, progression, invasion capacity, apoptosis evasions, angiogenesis, promotion and EMT enhancement. Of important pathways in GC and controlled by miRNAs are Wnt/β-catenin signaling, HMGA2/mTOR/P-gp, PI3K/AKT/c-Myc, VEGFR and TGFb signaling. Hence, this review was conducted to review an updated view of the role of miRNAs in GC pathogenesis and their modulatory effects on responses to different GC treatment modalities.

The interplay of signaling pathways and miRNAs in the pathogenesis and targeted therapy of esophageal cancer

Globally, esophageal cancer (EC) is the 6th leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the second deadliest gastrointestinal cancer. Multiple genetic and epigenetic factors, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), influence its onset and progression. miRNAs are short nucleic acid molecules that can regulate multiple cellular processes by regulating gene expression. Therefore, EC initiation, progression, apoptosis evasions, invasion capacity, promotion, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) enhancement are associated with miRNA expression dysregulation. Wnt/-catenin signaling, Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/P-gp, phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/c-Myc, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling are crucial pathways in EC that are controlled by miRNAs. This review was conducted to provide an up-to-date assessment of the role of microRNAs in EC pathogenesis and their modulatory effects on responses to various EC treatment modalities.

miRNAs role in glioblastoma pathogenesis and targeted therapy: Signaling pathways interplay

High mortality and morbidity rates and variable clinical behavior are hallmarks of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor. Patients with GBM often have a dismal outlook, even after undergoing surgery, postoperative radiation, and chemotherapy, which has fueled the search for specific targets to provide new insights into the development of contemporary therapies. The ability of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) to posttranscriptionally regulate the expression of various genes and silence many target genes involved in cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion, angiogenesis, stem cell behavior and chemo- and radiotherapy resistance makes them promising candidates as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets or factors to advance GBM therapeutics. Hence, this review is like a crash course in GBM and how miRNAs related to GBM. Here, we will outline the miRNAs whose role in the development of GBM has been established by recent in vitro or in vivo research. Moreover, we will provide a summary of the state of knowledge regarding oncomiRs and tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs in relation to GBM with an emphasis on their potential applications as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

The role of miRNAs in laryngeal cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance - A focus on signaling pathways interplay

Laryngeal cancer (LC)is the malignancy of the larynx (voice box). The majority of LC are squamous cell carcinomas. Many risk factors were reported to be associated with LC as tobacco use, obesity, alcohol intake, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and asbestos exposure. Besides, epigenetics as non-coding nucleic acids also have a great role in LC. miRNAs are short nucleic acid molecules that can modulate multiple cellular processes by regulating the expression of their genes. Therefore, LC progression, apoptosis evasions, initiation, EMT, and angiogenesis are associated with dysregulated miRNA expressions. miRNAs also could have some vital signaling pathways such as mTOR/P-gp, Wnt/-catenin signaling, JAK/STAT, KRAS, and EGF. Besides, miRNAs also have a role in the modulation of LC response to different therapeutic modalities. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive and updated overview highlighting the microRNAs biogenesis, general biological functions, regulatory mechanisms, and signaling dysfunction in LC carcinogenesis, in addition to their clinical potential for LC diagnosis, prognosis, and chemotherapeutics response implications.

The interplay of signaling pathways with miRNAs in cholangiocarcinoma pathogenicity and targeted therapy

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), the second most frequent liver cancer after hepatocellular carcinoma, has been rising worldwide in recent epidemiological research. This neoplasia's pathogenesis is poorly understood. Yet, recent advances have illuminated the molecular processes of cholangiocyte malignancy and growth. Late diagnosis, ineffective therapy, and resistance to standard treatments contribute to this malignancy's poor prognosis. So, to develop efficient preventative and therapy methods, the molecular pathways that cause this cancer must be better understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs) that influence gene expression. Biliary carcinogenesis involves abnormally expressed miRNAs that act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors (TSs). The miRNAs regulate multiple gene networks and are involved in cancer hallmarks like reprogramming of cellular metabolism, sustained proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, replicative immortality, induction/access to the vasculature, activation of invasion and metastasis, and avoidance of immune destruction. In addition, numerous ongoing clinical trials are demonstrating the efficacy of therapeutic strategies based on miRNAs as powerful anticancer agents. Here, we will update the research on CCA-related miRNAs and explain their regulation involved in the molecular pathophysiology of this malignancy. Eventually, we will disclose their potential as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic tools in CCA.

miRNAs as potential game-changers in head and neck cancer: Future clinical and medicinal uses

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are a group of heterogeneous tumors formed most frequently from epithelial cells of the larynx, lips, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and mouth. Numerous epigenetic components, including miRNAs, have been demonstrated to have an impact on HNCs characteristics like progression, angiogenesis, initiation, and resistance to therapeutic interventions. The miRNAs may control the production of numerous genes linked to HNCs pathogenesis. The roles that miRNAs play in angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis are responsible for this impact. The miRNAs also have an impact on crucial HNCs-related mechanistic networks like the WNT/β-catenin signaling, PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathway, TGFβ, and KRAS mutations. miRNAs may affect how the HNCs respond to treatments like radiation and chemotherapy in addition to pathophysiology. This review aims to demonstrate the relationship between miRNAs and HNCs with a particular emphasis on how miRNAs impact HNCs signaling networks.

A spotlight on the interplay of signaling pathways and the role of miRNAs in osteosarcoma pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common bone cancers that constantly affects children, teenagers, and young adults. Numerous epigenetic elements, such as miRNAs, have been shown to influence OS features like progression, initiation, angiogenesis, and treatment resistance. The expression of numerous genes implicated in OS pathogenesis might be regulated by miRNAs. This effect is ascribed to miRNAs' roles in the invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Important OS-related mechanistic networks like the WNT/b-catenin signaling, PTEN/AKT/mTOR axis, and KRAS mutations are also affected by miRNAs. In addition to pathophysiology, miRNAs may influence how the OS reacts to therapies like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. With a focus on how miRNAs affect OS signaling pathways, this review seeks to show how miRNAs and OS are related.

miRNAs as potential game-changers in melanoma: A comprehensive review

Melanoma is the sixth most frequent malignancy. It represents 1.7% of all cancer cases worldwide. Many risk factors are associated with melanoma including ultraviolet radiation skin phenotype, Pigmented Nevi, Pesticides, and genetic and epigenetic factors. Of the main epigenetic factors affecting melanoma are microribonucleic acids (miRNAs). They are short nucleic acid chains that have the potential to prevent the expression of a number of target genes. They could target a number of genes related to melanoma initiation, stemness, angiogenesis, apoptosis, proliferation, and potential resistance to treatment. Additionally, they can control several melanoma signaling pathways, including P53, WNT/-catenin, JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, TGF- β, and EGFR. MiRNAs also play a role in the resistance of melanoma to essential treatment regimens. The stability and abundance of miRNAs might be important factors enhancing the use of miRNAs as markers of prognosis, diagnosis, stemness, survival, and metastasis in melanoma patients.

The role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance of endometrial cancer: a spotlight on the convergence of signaling pathways

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the 2nd common cancer in females after breast cancer. Besides, it's the most common among gynecological cancers. Several epigenetic factors such as miRNAs have been reported to affect EC aspects including initiation, progression, angiogenesis, and resistance to therapy. miRNAs could regulate the expression of various genes involved in EC pathogenesis. This effect is attributed to miRNAs' effects in proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. miRNAs also influence crucial EC-related mechanistic pathways such as JAK/STAT axis, EGFR, TGF-β signaling, and P53. Beside pathogenesis, miRNAs also have the potential to affect EC response to treatments including radio and chemotherapy. Thus, this review aims to illustrate the link between miRNAs and EC; focusing on the effects of miRNAs on EC signaling pathways.

miRNAs as cornerstones in chronic lymphocytic leukemia pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance- An emphasis on the interaction of signaling pathways

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) accounts for the vast majority of cases of leukemia. Patients of advanced age are more likely to develop the condition, which has a highly varied clinical course. Consideration of illness features and preceding treatment sequence, as well as patient preferences and comorbidities, is necessary for selecting the appropriate treatment for the appropriate patient. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity to detect CLL early, monitor CLL patients, select the treatment responders, and reduce ineffective treatment, unwanted side effects, and unnecessary expenses. In both homeostasis and illness, microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) play a vital role as master regulators of gene expression and, by extension, protein expression. MiRNAs typically reduce the stability of mRNAs, including those encoding genes involved in tumorigenesis processes as cell cycle regulation, inflammation, stress response, angiogenesis, differentiation, apoptosis, and invasion. Due to their unique properties, miRNAs are rapidly being exploited as accurate biomarkers for illness detection, and medicines based on miRNA targets are finding widespread application in clinical practice. Accordingly, the current review serves as a quick primer on CLL and the biogenesis of miRNAs. In addition to providing a brief overview of the miRNAs whose function in the progression of CLL has been established by recent in vitro or in vivo research through articulating the influence of these miRNAs on a wide variety of cellular functions, including increased proliferative potential; support for angiogenesis; cell cycle aberration; evasion of apoptosis; promotion of metastasis; and reduced sensitivity to specific treatments.

The role of miRNAs in liver diseases: Potential therapeutic and clinical applications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non-coding RNAs that function post-transcriptionally to regulate gene expression by binding to particular mRNA targets and causing destruction of the mRNA or translational inhibition of the mRNA. The miRNAs control the range of liver activities, from the healthy to the unhealthy. Considering that miRNA dysregulation is linked to liver damage, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis, miRNAs are a promising therapeutic strategy for the evaluation and treatment of liver illnesses. Recent findings on the regulation and function of miRNAs in liver diseases are discussed, with an emphasis on miRNAs that are highly expressed or enriched in hepatocytes. Alcohol-related liver illness, acute liver toxicity, viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and exosomes in chronic liver disease all emphasize the roles and target genes of these miRNAs. We briefly discuss the function of miRNAs in the etiology of liver diseases, namely in the transfer of information between hepatocytes and other cell types via extracellular vesicles. Here we offer some background on the use of miRNAs as biomarkers for the early prognosis, diagnosis, and assessment of liver diseases. The identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver disorders will be made possible by future research into miRNAs in the liver, which will also help us better understand the pathogeneses of liver diseases.

Significance of miRNAs on the thyroid cancer progression and resistance to treatment with special attention to the role of cross-talk between signaling pathways

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most prevalent endocrine malignant tumor. It has many types, the Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC)(most common and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). Several risk factors have been associated with TC radiation exposure, autoimmunity, and genetics. Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are the most important genetic determinants of TC. They are small chains of nucleic acids that are able to inhibit the expression of several target genes. They could target several genes involved in TC proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, development, and even resistance to therapy. Besides, they could influence the stemness of TC. Moreover, they could regulate several signaling pathways such as WNT/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, JAK/STAT, TGF- β, EGFR, and P53. Besides signaling pathways, miRNAs are also involved in the resistance of TC to major treatments such as surgery, thyroid hormone-inhibiting therapy, radioactive iodine, and adjuvant radiation. The stability and sensitivity of several miRNAs might be exploited as an approach for the usage of miRNAs as diagnostic and/or prognostic tools in TC.

The role of miRNAs in insulin resistance and diabetic macrovascular complications - A review

Diabetes is the most prevalent metabolic disturbance disease and has been regarded globally as one of the principal causes of mortality. Diabetes is accompanied by several macrovascular complications, including stroke, coronary artery disease (CAD), and cardiomyopathy as a consequence of atherosclerosis. The onset of type 2 diabetes is closely related to insulin resistance (IR). miRNAs have been linked to various metabolic processes, including glucose homeostasis, regulation of lipid metabolism, gluconeogenesis, adipogenesis, glucose transporter type 4 expression, insulin sensitivity, and signaling. Consequently, miRNA dysregulation mediates IR in some target organs, comprising liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. Moreover, miRNAs are crucial in developing diabetes and its associated macrovascular complications through their roles in several signaling pathways implicated in inflammation, apoptosis, cellular survival and migration, the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, autophagy, oxidative stress, cardiac remodeling, and fibrosis. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to clarify the role of miRNAs in hepatic, muscle, and adipose tissue IR and explain their roles in the pathogenesis of macrovascular diabetic complications, including stroke, CAD, and cardiomyopathy. Also, explain their roles in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Besides, this review discusses the latest updates on the alteration of miRNA expression in diabetic macrovascular complications.

Structural Dynamics-Driven Discovery of Anticancer and Antimetastatic Effects of Diltiazem and Glibenclamide Targeting Urokinase Receptor

Diltiazem and glibenclamide are commonly used hypotensive and antidiabetic drugs. This study reports the discovery of the potential antitumor and antimetastatic effects of these two drugs using a structural dynamics-driven virtual screening targeting urokinase receptor (uPAR). Owing to uPAR's high flexibility, currently resolved crystal structures of uPAR, all in ligand-bound states, provide limited representations of its physiological conformation. To improve the accuracy of screening, we performed a long-timescale molecular dynamics simulation and obtained the representative conformations of apo-uPAR as the targets for our screening. Experimentally, we demonstrated that diltiazem and glibenclamide bound uPAR with K_D values in the micromolar range. In addition, both compounds effectively suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in a uPAR-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. This work not only provides two potent uPAR inhibitors but also reports a proof-of-concept study on the potential off-label antitumor and antimetastatic uses of diltiazem and glibenclamide.

miRNAs role in cervical cancer pathogenesis and targeted therapy: Signaling pathways interplay

Cervical cancer (CC) is the primary cause of cancer deaths in underdeveloped countries. The persistence of infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant contributor to the development of CC. However, few women with morphologic HPV infection develop invasive illnesses, suggesting other mechanisms contribute to cervical carcinogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small chain nucleic acids that can regulate wide networks of cellular events. They can inhibit or degrade their target protein-encoding genes. They had the power to regulate CC's invasion, pathophysiology, angiogenesis, apoptosis, proliferation, and cell cycle phases. Further research is required, even though novel methods have been developed for employing miRNAs in the diagnosis, and treatment of CC. We'll go through some of the new findings about miRNAs and their function in CC below. The function of miRNAs in the development of CC and its treatment is one of these. Clinical uses of miRNAs in the analysis, prediction, and management of CC are also covered.

In Vitro Drug Repurposing: Focus on Vasodilators

Drug repurposing aims to identify new therapeutic uses for drugs that have already been approved for other conditions. This approach can save time and resources compared to traditional drug development, as the safety and efficacy of the repurposed drug have already been established. In the context of cancer, drug repurposing can lead to the discovery of new treatments that can target specific cancer cell lines and improve patient outcomes. Vasodilators are a class of drugs that have been shown to have the potential to influence various types of cancer. These medications work by relaxing the smooth muscle of blood vessels, increasing blood flow to tumors, and improving the delivery of chemotherapy drugs. Additionally, vasodilators have been found to have antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on cancer cells, making them a promising target for drug repurposing. Research on vasodilators for cancer treatment has already shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. However, additionally research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of vasodilators in cancer and determine the optimal dosing and combination therapy for patients. In this review, we aim to explore the molecular mechanisms of action of vasodilators in cancer cell lines and the current state of research on their repurposing as a treatment option. With the goal of minimizing the effort and resources required for traditional drug development, we hope to shed light on the potential of vasodilators as a viable therapeutic strategy for cancer patients.

miRNAs role in bladder cancer pathogenesis and targeted therapy: Signaling pathways interplay - A review

Bladder cancer (BC) is the 11th most popular cancer in females and 4th in males. A lot of efforts have been exerted to improve BC patients' care. Besides, new approaches have been developed to enhance the efficiency of BC diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutics, and monitoring. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small chain nucleic acids that can regulate wide networks of cellular events. They can inhibit or degrade their target protein-encoding genes. The miRNAs are either downregulated or upregulated in BC due to epigenetic alterations or biogenesis machinery abnormalities. In BC, dysregulation of miRNAs is associated with cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis, treatment resistance, and other activities. A variety of miRNAs have been related to tumor kind, stage, or patient survival. Besides, although new approaches for using miRNAs in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of BC have been developed, it still needs further investigations. In the next words, we illustrate the recent advances in the role of miRNAs in BC aspects. They include the role of miRNAs in BC pathogenesis and therapy. Besides, the clinical applications of miRNAs in BC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment are also discussed.

miRNAs as cornerstones in diabetic microvascular complications

Diabetes mellitus is usually accompanied by nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy as microvascular complications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can affect the kidney, retina, and peripheral neurons through their implication in pathways involved in angiogenesis, inflammation, apoptosis, as well as fibrosis within these tissues and hence, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of microvascular complications. In this review, the updated knowledge of the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of diabetic microvascular complications was summarized. PubMed Central was searched extensively to retrieve data from a wide range of reputable biomedical reports/articles published after the year 2000 to systematically collect and present a review of the key molecular pathways mediating the hyperglycemia-induced adverse effects on vascular tissues, particularly in persons with T2DM. In the present review, miR-126, miR-29b, and miR-125a are implicated in diabetes-induced microvascular complications, while miR-146a is found to be connected to all these complications. Also, vascular endothelial growth factors are noted to be the most impacted targets by miRNAs in all diabetic microvascular problems.

New benzoxazole derivatives as potential VEGFR-2 inhibitors and apoptosis inducers: design, synthesis, anti-proliferative evaluation, flowcytometric analysis, and in silico studies

A new series of benzoxazole derivatives were designed and synthesised to have the main essential pharmacophoric features of VEGFR-2 inhibitors. Cytotoxic activities were evaluated for all derivatives against two human cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and HepG2. Also, the effect of the most cytotoxic derivatives on VEGFR-2 protein concentration was assessed by ELISA. Compounds 14o, 14l, and 14b showed the highest activities with VEGFR-2 protein concentrations of 586.3, 636.2, and 705.7 pg/ml, respectively. Additionally, the anti-angiogenic property of compound 14b against human umbilical vascular endothelial cell (HUVEC) was performed using a wound healing migration assay. Compound 14b reduced proliferation and migratory potential of HUVEC cells. Furthermore, compound 14b was subjected to further biological investigations including cell cycle and apoptosis analyses. Compound 14b arrested the HepG2 cell growth at the Pre-G1 phase and induced apoptosis by 16.52%, compared to 0.67% in the control (HepG2) cells. The effect of apoptosis was buttressed by a 4.8-fold increase in caspase-3 level compared to the control cells. Besides, different in silico docking studies were also performed to get better insights into the possible binding mode of the target compounds with VEGFR-2 active sites.

1,3,4-Oxadiazole-naphthalene hybrids as potential VEGFR-2 inhibitors: design, synthesis, antiproliferative activity, apoptotic effect, and in silico studies

In the current work, some 1,3,4-oxadiazole-naphthalene hybrids were designed and synthesised as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. The synthesised compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against two human cancer cell lines namely, HepG-2 and MCF-7. Compounds that exhibited promising cytotoxicity (5, 8, 15, 16, 17, and 18) were further evaluated for their VEGFR-2 inhibitory activities. Compound 5 showed good antiproliferative activity against both cell lines and inhibitory effect on VEGFR-2. Besides, it induced apoptosis by 22.86% compared to 0.51% in the control (HepG2) cells. This apoptotic effect was supported by a 5.61-fold increase in the level of caspase-3 compared to the control cells. Moreover, it arrested the HepG2 cell growth mostly at the Pre-G1 phase. Several in silico studies were performed including docking, ADMET, and toxicity studies to predict binding mode against VEGFR-2 and to anticipate pharmacokinetic, drug-likeness, and toxicity of the synthesised compounds.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Pancreatic Anticancer Activity of Novel 5-Fluorouracil-Coumarin Conjugates

Molecular hybridization consists of the combination of two or more non-identical pharmacophores in a single molecule. It has emerged as a promising strategy that allows the design of molecular frameworks with enhanced activity and affinity compared to their parent drugs. In this work, two novel hybrids that combine the well-known anticancer chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil with antioxidant coumarin derivatives have been synthesized and characterized by means of a copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The conjugates showed good antioxidant properties and a high tendency to aggregate and form stable nanoparticles in aqueous media, with regular shape and uniform size. These materials have proven to be preferential cytotoxic agents in vitro against human pancreatic cancer cells PANC-1, with an activity superior to free 5-fluorouracil. These results open up the possibility of exploiting the synergistic combination between 5-fluorouracil and coumarin derivatives and warrant further investigation of these hybrids as promising pancreatic anticancer agents.

miRNAs as cornerstones in colorectal cancer pathogenesis and resistance to therapy: A spotlight on signaling pathways interplay - A review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the world's third most prevalent cancer and the main cause of cancer-related mortality. A lot of work has been put into improving CRC patients' clinical care, including the development of more effective methods and wide biomarkers variety for prognostic, and diagnostic purposes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate a variety of cellular processes and play a significant role in the CRC progression and spread via controlling their target gene expression by translation inhibition or mRNA degradation. Consequently, dysregulation and disruption in their function, miRNAs are linked to CRC malignant pathogenesis by controlling several cellular processes involved in the CRC. These cellular processes include increased proliferative and invasive capacity, cell cycle aberration, evasion of apoptosis, enhanced EMT, promotion of angiogenesis and metastasis, and decreased sensitivity to major treatments. The miRNAs control cellular processes in CRC via regulation of pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling, PTEN/AKT/mTOR axis, KRAS, TGFb signaling, VEGFR, EGFR, and P53. Hence, the goal of this review was to review miRNA biogenesis and present an updated summary of oncogenic and tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs and their potential implication in CRC pathogenesis and responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We also summarise the biological importance and clinical applications of miRNAs in the CRC.

The relationships between antihypertensive medications and the overall survival of patients with pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Antihypertensive medications may have some impacts on cancer. The influence of antihypertensive medications, including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and diuretics, on patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) remains controversial. This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate whether antihypertensive medications had a negative effect on the prognosis of patients with PC.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases were searched up to 30 November 2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of each study. This meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021279169) and was carried out by using RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

Twelve studies with 120,549 patients were included in this study. ACEIs/ARBs [HR = 0.89, 95% CI (0.70-1.14)], CCB (HR = 0.69, 95% CI (0.47-0.99)], beta-blockers [HR = 0.95, 95% CI (0.84-1.07)] and diuretics [HR = 1.08, 95% CI (0.91-1.29)] use had no effects on overall survival among patients with PC (all P ≥ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Antihypertensive medication will not have a negative effect on overall survival in patients with PC. PC patients with hypertension should continue to use antihypertensive medications to reduce the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular events.

Hsa-miR-3178/RhoB/PI3K/Akt, a novel signaling pathway regulates ABC transporters to reverse gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Although gemcitabine has been considered as the first-line drug for advanced pancreatic cancer (PC), development of resistance to gemcitabine severely limits the effectiveness of this chemotherapy, and the underlying mechanism of gemcitabine resistance remains unclear. Various factors, such as ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, microRNAs and their downstream signaling pathways are included in chemoresistance to gemcitabine. This study investigated the potential mechanisms of microRNAs and ABC transporters related signaling pathways for PC resistance to gemcitabine both in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were applied to detect the expression of ABC transporters. Molecular docking analysis was performed to explore whether gemcitabine interacted with ABC transporters. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function analyses were performed to investigate the functions of hsa-miR-3178 in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis, Western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to confirm the downstream regulatory mechanisms of hsa-miR-3178.

RESULTS

We found that P-gp, BCRP and MRP1 were highly expressed in gemcitabine-resistant PC tissues and cells. Molecular docking analysis revealed that gemcitabine can bind to the ABC transporters. Hsa-miR-3178 was upregulated in gemcitabine resistance PANC-1 cells as compared to its parental PANC-1 cells. Moreover, we found that hsa-miR-3178 promoted gemcitabine resistance in PC cells. These results were also verified by animal experiments. RhoB was down-regulated in gemcitabine-resistant PC cells and it was a downstream target of hsa-miR-3178. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that lower RhoB expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival in PC patients. Rescue assays demonstrated that RhoB could reverse hsa-miR-3178-mediated gemcitabine resistance. Interestingly, hsa-miR-3178 promoted gemcitabine resistance in PC by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway-mediated upregulation of ABC transporters.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that hsa-miR-3178 promotes gemcitabine resistance via RhoB/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-mediated upregulation of ABC transporters. These findings suggest that hsa-miR-3178 could be a novel therapeutic target for overcoming gemcitabine resistance in PC.

Cytotoxic Nitrobenzoyl Sesquiterpenoids from an Antarctica Sponge-Derived Aspergillus insulicola

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive neoplastic diseases of the pancreas with fatal proliferation and metastasis and no medicine available for treatment. From an Antarctica sponge-derived fungus, Aspergillus insulicola HDN151418, four new nitrobenzoyl sesquiterpenoids, namely, insulicolides D-G (1-4), were isolated. Compounds 3 and 4 exhibited selective inhibition against human PDAC cell lines. Further studies indicated that compound 4 could significantly suppress cell proliferation to induce apoptosis and blocked migration and invasion of PDAC cells. Compound 4 could also avoid resistance and improved the therapeutic effect of the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine. A preliminary mechanism study showed that compound 4 can significantly inhibit the expression of EGFR and XIAP in PDAC cells. Altogether, 4 is a potential lead compound for anti-PDAC drug research.

miRNAs inspirations in hepatocellular carcinoma: Detrimental and favorable aspects of key performers

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC initiation, progression, and therapy failure are all influenced by various variables, including microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are short non-coding RNA sequences that modulate target mRNA expression by deteriorating or repressing translation. miRNAs play an imperative role in HCC pathogenesis by triggering the induction of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their proliferation, while also delaying apoptosis, sustaining the cell cycle, and inspiring angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Additionally, miRNAs modulate crucial HCC-related molecular pathways such as the p53 pathway, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, VEGFR2, and PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. Consequently, the goal of this review was to give an up-to-date overview of oncogenic and tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs, as well as their potential significance in HCC pathogenesis and treatment responses, highlighting their underpinning molecular pathways in HCC initiation and progression. Similarly, the biological importance and clinical application of miRNAs in HCC are summarized.

A review of the biological role of miRNAs in prostate cancer suppression and progression

Prostate cancer (PC) is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although the current treatment strategies are progressing rapidly, PC is still representing a substantial medical problem for affected patients. Several factors are involved in PC initiation, progression, and treatments failure including microRNAs (miRNAs). The miRNAs are endogenous short non-coding RNA sequence negatively regulating target mRNA expression via degradation or translation repression. miRNAs play a pivotal role in PC pathogenesis through its ability to initiate the induction of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and proliferation, as well as sustained cell cycle, evading apoptosis, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Furthermore, miRNAs regulate major molecular pathways affecting PC such as the androgen receptor (AR) pathway, p53 pathway, PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, miRNAs alter PC therapeutic response towards the androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT). Thus, the understanding and profiling of the altered miRNAs expression in PC could be utilized as a non-invasive biomarker for the early diagnosis as well as for patient sub-grouping with different prognoses for individualized treatment. Accordingly, in the current review, we summarized in updated form the roles of various oncogenic and tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs in PC, revealing their underlying molecular mechanisms in PC initiation and progression.