Exploring the therapeutic potential of quercetin in cancer treatment: Targeting long non-coding RNAs

MiRNAs: main players of cancer drug resistance target ABC transporters

Chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of cancer treatment; however, its efficacy is frequently compromised by the development of chemoresistance. Multidrug resistance (MDR), characterized by the refractoriness of cancer cells to a wide array of chemotherapeutic agents, presents a significant barrier to achieving successful and sustained cancer remission. One critical factor contributing to this chemoresistance is the overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Furthermore, additional mechanisms, such as the malfunctioning of apoptosis, alterations in DNA repair systems, and resistance mechanisms inherent to cancer stem cells, exacerbate the issue. Intriguingly, microRNAs (miRNAs) have demonstrated potential in modulating chemoresistance by specifically targeting ABC transporters, thereby offering promising new avenues for overcoming drug resistance. This narrative review aims to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of drug resistance, with a particular focus on the roles of ABC transporters and the regulatory influence of miRNAs on these transporters.

Quercetin Inhibits Gastric Cancer Progression via FAM198B/MAPK Pathway Modulation

Background

The family with the sequence similarity 198 member B (FAM198B) has been found to contribute to the progression of gastric cancer (GC). However, the role and molecular mechanism of FAM198B in GC remains poorly understood. This work found a link between FAM198B and quercetin, and the regulatory effect of FAM198B on the MAPK pathway of GC.

Methods

FAM198B expression was identified through multiple public data sets and verified in clinical tissue samples. The associations between FAM198B and the prognosis of patients with GC were analyzed via the Kaplan‒Meier plotter and Cox regression analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis, coexpressed genes, and RNA sequencing were used to explore the related functions and signaling pathways of FAM198B in GC. In vitro assays assessed the effects of FAM198B knockdown on GC cells. FAM198B was found as a quercetin target by the HERB database and in vitro assays.

Results

FAM198B was highly expressed in tissues from GC patients (p<0.001) and was positively associated with poor prognosis (p<0.001) and immune cell infiltration in GC patients. FAM198B knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GC cells (all p<0.05). In addition, FAM198B knockdown decreased the phosphorylation of p-Erk1/2 and p-p38 in GC cells (all p<0.01). Quercetin inhibited FAM198B expression and the phosphorylation of p-Erk1/2 and p-p38 in GC cells (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

Quercetin inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of GC cells by inhibiting the FAM198B/MAPK signaling pathway. These discoveries lay the groundwork for developing the treatment of GC by quercetin and targeting FAM198B. In the future, more preclinical and clinical studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of quercetin and target FAM198B in GC.

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems for phytochemicals in cancer therapy: molecular mechanisms, clinical evidence, and emerging trends

OBJECTIVE

This review examines recent advancements in nanoparticle-based delivery systems for phytochemicals, focusing on their role in overcoming multidrug resistance, improving therapeutic efficacy, and facilitating clinical translation.

SIGNIFICANCE

This review highlights recent advances in nanoparticle-enabled phytochemical delivery to enhance bioavailability, improve therapeutic outcomes, and enable targeted applications. By comparing various nanoparticle systems, formulation methods, and efficacy data, it identifies gaps in current research and guides the development of more effective, next-generation phytochemical-loaded nanocarriers.

METHODS

A systematic review of literature published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Articles focusing on nanoparticle-based phytochemical delivery in cancer therapy were included.

KEY FINDINGS

Compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and epigallocatechin gallate demonstrate enhanced anti-cancer efficacy when encapsulated in nanoparticles, leading to improved bioavailability, increased tumor cell targeting, and reduced toxicity. Clinical trials indicate tumor regression and fewer adverse effects. Emerging approaches-such as nanogels, hybrid nanoparticles, and combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors-further refine treatment efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems significantly improve the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals, making them promising candidates for safer, more effective cancer treatments. However, challenges related to regulatory guidelines, scalability, and long-term safety must be addressed to fully realize their clinical potential.

Natural compounds as regulators of miRNAs: exploring a new avenue for treating colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related death globally, impacting both genders equally. The increasing global mortality rates from CRC are strongly linked to contemporary dietary habits, characterized by excessive meat consumption, alcohol intake, and insufficient physical activity. Thus, there is an unprecedented need to develop less hazardous and new therapies for CRC. CRC affects a substantial global population. The main treatments for CRC include chemotherapy and surgical intervention. Nonetheless, the advancement of innovative, safer, and more effective pharmaceuticals for CRC therapy is of paramount importance due to the widespread adverse effects and the dynamic nature of drug resistance. A growing amount of research suggests that natural chemicals may effectively battle CRC and, in certain cases, serve as alternatives to chemotherapeutics. Evidence suggests that miRNAs control important cancer features, including the maintenance of proliferative signals. These features also involve evasion of growth inhibition, resistance to cell death, and immortalization of replication. Additionally, miRNAs play a role in angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Numerous compounds, including those exhibiting cytotoxic and apoptogenic properties against different malignancies, such as CRC, are sourced from diverse marine and medicinal plants. These chemicals stimulate several signaling pathways originating from different phytochemical families. This article evaluates the existing understanding of the anti-CRC capabilities of several phytochemical substances. Furthermore, their impact on several signaling pathways associated with cancer is examined. This article also highlights the potential of medicinal plants as a source of promising anti-CRC chemicals through modulating miRNA expression and the role of nanoparticle-based miRNA therapeutics in enhancing CRC treatment by improving tumor targeting and minimizing off-target effects.

Unveiling Recurrence Patterns: Analyzing Predictive Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Recurrence after Surgery

Objectives

Breast cancer (BC) stands as the second-leading cause of female-specific cancer-related fatalities globally, necessitating comprehensive research to address its critical aspects. This study aimed to explore the time intervals between surgery and disease recurrence in BC patients and their survival utilizing various parametric and semi-parametric models.

Methods

After the examination of data collected from 2010 to 2021 at a BC Center in Tehran, Iran, 171 cases met the criteria for analysis out of 2246 datasets. Model fitting, was assessed through the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and indicated the logistic distribution as the most fit one among concurrent and independent variable models.

Results

The Cox proportional hazard regression model consistently demonstrated superior fitting, characterized by the lowest AIC values. The average age at diagnosis was 50.39 years, with a standard deviation of 11.13. Typical survival time was estimated 53.44 months, falling within a confidence interval of 51.41-55.48 months at a 95% confidence level. The 1-year survival rate was determined at 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89-0.94). Notably, patient age while cancer diagnosis, progesterone receptor (PR), tumor grade, and tumor stage were found to be statistically significant (P < .05) risk factors for prediction of BC recurrence after surgery in Iran by Cox model.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the importance of further exploration and consideration of the identified risk factors in BC research and treatment strategies.