Oxygen therapy accelerates apoptosis induced by selenium compounds via regulating Nrf2/MAPK signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

The role and mechanism of selenium in the prevention and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the most prevalent form of liver cancer. Despite notable advancements in therapeutic strategies, HCC continues to pose significant public health challenges due to its rising incidence and high mortality rates worldwide. Selenium is an essential trace element that playing a critical role in human health. Recent studies have highlighted its potential preventive and therapeutic benefits in the context of HCC. However, some in vitro and in vivo investigations have yielded inconsistent results, and the mechanisms by which selenium influences HCC are still not completely clear. This review begins by providing an extensive evaluation of the effects and mechanisms of selenium on the primary risk factors associated with HCC, including viral infections, metabolic abnormalities, and lifestyle factors. Subsequently, we outline the roles and mechanisms by which selenium influences the proliferation, metastasis, and immune microenvironment of HCC. Finally, we emphasize the imperative for further investigation into the optimal dosage and forms of selenium, as well as its effects on the HCC microenvironment, to inform the development of effective clinical strategies. This review thus provides a foundational framework for the potential clinical application of selenium in the treatment of HCC.

Versatile Nanomaterials That Interfere with Ferroptosis in the Tumor Microenvironment

Ferroptosis is a type of iron-dependent programmed cell death characterized by a depletion of glutathione. Although generally less harmful to normal cells, in tumor cells, the high demand for iron ions provides conditions conducive to ferroptosis. In this review, we provide an overview of recent progress in research on the regulation of ferroptosis in tumor cells, summarizing and assessing the current state, trends, and applications of nanomaterials in the regulation of ferroptosis in tumor cells. Given the advantages of nanomaterials in terms of targeting, safety, improved drug efficacy, and reduced side effects, these materials are considered to have potential therapeutic value in modulating ferroptosis in tumor cells via different mechanisms. In this respect, we describe methods for modifying the regulation of iron ions and interfering with glutathione activity and lipid peroxidation. The development of nanomaterials that can be applied to induce or inhibit ferroptosis is anticipated to provide new therapeutic options for the treatment of a diverse range of diseases.

Dual role of Nrf2 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: promoting development, immune evasion, and therapeutic challenges

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of liver cancer and ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. The liver performs a wide range of tasks and is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing harmful substances and foreign compounds. Oxidative stress has a crucial role in growth and improvement of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nuclear factor erythroid 2 (1)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an element that regulates transcription located in the cytoplasm. It controls the balance of redox reactions by stimulating the expression of many genes that depend on antioxidant response elements. Nrf2 has contrasting functions in the normal, healthy liver and HCC. In the normal liver, Nrf2 provides advantageous benefits, while in HCC it promotes harmful effects that support the growth and survival of HCC. Continuous activation of Nrf2 has been detected in HCC and promotes its advancement and aggressiveness. In addition, Activation of Nrf2 may lead to immune evasion, weakening the immune cells' ability to attack tumors and thereby promoting tumor development. Furthermore, chemoresistance in HCC, which is considered a form of stress response to chemotherapy medications, significantly impedes the effectiveness of HCC treatment. Stress management is typically accomplished by activating specific signal pathways and chemical variables. One important element in the creation of chemoresistance in HCC is nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 is a transcription factor that regulates the activation and production of a group of genes that encode proteins responsible for protecting cells from damage. This occurs through the Nrf2/ARE pathway, which is a crucial mechanism for combating oxidative stress within cells.

Viola yedoensis Makino alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal oxidative stress and inflammatory response by regulating the gut microbiota and NF-κB-NLRP3/ Nrf2-MAPK signaling pathway in broiler

Viola yedoensis Makino (Vy) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine widely used to treat inflammatory diseases. However, the regulatory effects of dietary Vy supplementation on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal damage in broilers and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, broilers were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mg/kg LPS on days 17, 19 and 21 to induce intestinal damage. Vy supplementation at 0.5, 1.5 and 4.5 % in the diet was administered separately for 21 days to investigate the potential protective effects of Vy supplementation against LPS-induced intestinal impairment in broilers. Vy supplementation improved intestinal morphology and restored growth performance. Vy supplementation attenuated intestinal inflammation by regulating the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) / NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway and inhibited its downstream pro-inflammatory factor levels. In addition, Vy supplementation relieved intestinal oxidative impairment by regulating the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) / mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and downstream antioxidant enzyme activity. Vy supplementation reduced LPS-induced mitochondrial damage and apoptosis. Furthermore, Vy supplementation alleviated LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and oxidative damage in chickens by increasing the abundance of protective bacteria (Lactobacillus and Romboutsia) and reducing the number of pathogenic bacteria (unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae, unclassified_f_Oscillospiraceae and norank_f_norank_o_Clostridia_vadinBB60_group). Overall, Vy supplementation effectively ameliorated LPS-induced intestinal damage by regulating the NF-κB-NLRP3/Nrf2-MAPK signaling pathway and maintaining intestinal microbiota balance. Vy supplementation can be used as a dietary supplement to protect broilers against intestinal inflammation and oxidative damage.

In vitro anti-breast cancer study of hybrid cinnamic acid derivatives bearing 2-thiohydantoin moiety

Aim: To synthesize new hybrid cinnamic acids (10a, 10b and 11) and ester derivatives (7, 8 and 9) and investigate their anti-breast cancer activities.Materials & methods: Compounds 7-11 were evaluated (in vitro) for their cytotoxic activities against the MCF-7 cell line. A flow cytometry examination was performed. Protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), topoisomerase II and caspase-9 were measured by qRT-PCR. Molecular docking studies were conducted.Results: Several components were discovered to be active, mainly component 11, which induced arrest in the cell cycle at phase S, greatly decreased the expression of Nrf2 and topoisomerase II; and upregulated the expression of caspase-9.Conclusion: The newly thiohydantoin-cinnamic acid hybrids can contribute to creating promising candidates for cancer drugs.

Carbon-coated selenium nanoparticles for photothermal therapy in choriocarcinoma cells

Choriocarcinoma can be cured by chemotherapy, but this causes resistance and severe side effects that bring about physical and psychological consequences for patients. Therefore, there is still an urgent need to find other alternative minimally invasive therapies to halt the progression of choriocarcinoma. Novel carbon-coated selenium nanoparticles (C-Se) were successfully synthesized for choriocarcinoma photothermal therapy. C-Se combined with near-infrared laser irradiation can inhibit the proliferation of human choriocarcinoma (JEG-3) cells and induce cell apoptosis. C-Se killed cells and produced ROS under near-infrared laser irradiation. Finally, the therapeutic mechanism of C-Se + laser was explored showing that C-Se + laser influenced numerous biological processes. Taken together, C-Se exhibited significant potential for choriocarcinoma photothermal therapy.

Removal and recycling of aqueous selenite anions using cobalt-based metal-organic-framework coated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes composite membrane

The utilization of selenium as a novel functional material is rapidly expanding, and the retrieval of selenium from waste containing selenium is gaining recognition in the industry. This study prepared a novel composite membrane coated with the cobalt-based metal-organic framework coated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Co-MOF@MWCNTs). The MWCNTs served as the skeleton to support the active components of Co-MOF, which enabled efficient removal and resource utilization of liquid selenite (SeO32-). The morphology, structure, and composition of the prepared membrane were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), etc.. Applying a permeate flux of 67.08 L m-2 h-1, the SeO32- removal efficiency of the composite membrane reached up to 92.2%. The composite membrane containing CoSeO4 can be used as an electrocatalytic oxygen evolution catalyst. Density functional theory calculations and electrochemical analysis showed that the conversion from O* to OOH* was a rate-determining step. Under 1.0 M KOH conditions, the lowest overpotential for Co-MOF@MWCNTs-40 at 10 mA cm-2 was 360 mV. In this study, the process of selenium resource utilization and the mechanism of SeO32- removal by Co-MOF@MWCNTs are revealed. It demonstrates that membrane-based sequestration of SeO32- can provide a viable approach for SeO32- removal and utilization in wastewater.

A state-of-the-art review on the NRF2 in Hepatitis virus-associated liver cancer

According to a paper released and submitted to WHO by IARC scientists, there would be 905,700 new cases of liver cancer diagnosed globally in 2020, with 830,200 deaths expected as a direct result. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) all play critical roles in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), despite the rising prevalence of HCC due to non-infectious causes. Liver cirrhosis and HCC are devastating consequences of HBV and HCV infections, which are widespread worldwide. Associated with a high mortality rate, these infections cause about 1.3 million deaths annually and are the primary cause of HCC globally. In addition to causing insertional mutations due to viral gene integration, epigenetic alterations and inducing chronic immunological dysfunction are all methods by which these viruses turn hepatocytes into cancerous ones. While expanding our knowledge of the illness, identifying these pathways also give possibilities for novel diagnostic and treatment methods. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation is gaining popularity as a treatment option for oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and metabolic abnormalities. Numerous studies have shown that elevated Nrf2 expression is linked to HCC, providing more evidence that Nrf2 is a critical factor in HCC. This aberrant Nrf2 signaling drives cell proliferation, initiates angiogenesis and invasion, and imparts drug resistance. As a result, this master regulator may be a promising treatment target for HCC. In addition, the activation of Nrf2 is a common viral effect that contributes to the pathogenesis, development, and chronicity of virus infection. However, certain viruses suppress Nrf2 activity, which is helpful to the virus in maintaining cellular homeostasis. In this paper, we discussed the influence of Nrf2 deregulation on the viral life cycle and the pathogenesis associated with HBV and HCV. We summed up the mechanisms for the modulation of Nrf2 that are deregulated by these viruses. Moreover, we describe the molecular mechanism by which Nrf2 is modulated in liver cancer, liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), and liver cancer caused by HBV and HCV. Video Abstract.

Carbon dioxide and MAPK signalling: towards therapy for inflammation

Inflammation, although necessary to fight infections, becomes a threat when it exceeds the capability of the immune system to control it. In addition, inflammation is a cause and/or symptom of many different disorders, including metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Comorbidities and advanced age are typical predictors of more severe cases of seasonal viral infection, with COVID-19 a clear example. The primary importance of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the course of COVID-19 is evident in the mechanisms by which cells are infected with SARS-CoV-2; the cytokine storm that profoundly worsens a patient's condition; the pathogenesis of diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, that contribute to a worsened prognosis; and post-COVID-19 complications, such as brain fog and thrombosis. An increasing number of reports have revealed that MAPKs are regulated by carbon dioxide (CO2); hence, we reviewed the literature to identify associations between CO2 and MAPKs and possible therapeutic benefits resulting from the elevation of CO2 levels. CO2 regulates key processes leading to and resulting from inflammation, and the therapeutic effects of CO2 (or bicarbonate, HCO3-) have been documented in all of the abovementioned comorbidities and complications of COVID-19 in which MAPKs play roles. The overlapping MAPK and CO2 signalling pathways in the contexts of allergy, apoptosis and cell survival, pulmonary oedema (alveolar fluid resorption), and mechanical ventilation-induced responses in lungs and related to mitochondria are also discussed. Video Abstract.

A scientometrics and visualization analysis of oxidative stress modulator Nrf2 in cancer profiles its characteristics and reveals its association with immune response

BACKGROUND

Nrf2, an essential and fascinating transcription factor, enjoys a dual property in the occurrence and development of inflammation and cancer. For over two decades, numerous studies regarding Nrf2 in cancer have been reported, whereas there is still a lack of a scientometrics and visualization analysis of Nrf2 in cancer. Hence, a scientometric study regarding the oxidative stress modulator Nrf2 was implemented.

METHODS

After the quality screening, we defined 7168 relevant studies from 2000 to 2021. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, R software, and GraphPad Prism were used for the following scientometric study and visualization analysis, including field profiles, research hotspots, and future predictions.

RESULTS

The total number of publications and citations are 1058 and 54,690, respectively. After polynomial fitting curve analysis, two prediction functions of the annual publication number (y = 3.3909x2 - 13585x + 1 E+07) and citation number (185.45x2 - 743669x + 7 E+08) were generated. After scientometric analysis, we found that Biochemistry Molecular Biology correlates with Nrf2 in cancer highly, and Free Radical Biology and Medicine is a good choice for submitting Nrf2-related manuscripts. The current research hotspots of Nrf2 in cancer mainly focus on cancer therapy and its cellular and molecular mechanisms. "antioxidant response element (87.5)", "gene expression (43.98)", "antioxidant responsive element (21.14)", "chemoprevention (20.05)", "carcinogenesis (19.2)", "cancer chemoprevention (18.45)", "free radical (17.15)", "response element (14.17)", and "chemopreventive agent (14.04)" are important for cancer therapy study. In addition, "glutathione-S-transferase (47)", "keap1 (15.39)", and "heme oxygenase 1 gene (24.35)" are important for inflammation and cell fate study. More interestingly, by performing an "InfoMap" algorithm, the thematic map showed that the "immune response" is essential to oxidative stress modulator Nrf2 but not well developed, indicating it deserves further exploration.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed field profiles, research hotspots, and future directions of oxidative stress modulator Nrf2 in inflammation and cancer research, and our findings will offer a vigorous roadmap for further studies in this field.