The Anti-fibrosis drug Pirfenidone modifies the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and prevents the progression of renal cell carcinoma by inhibiting tumor autocrine TGF-β

Pirfenidone promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of triple‑negative breast cancer cells by suppressing Hedgehog/GLI1 signaling

Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor in women and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most challenging type of breast cancer with poor prognosis. We aimed to elucidate the effects of pirfenidone, a FDA-approved oral anti-fibrotic drug which has recently shown antitumor potential, in the progression of TNBC and the underlying mechanisms. After TNBC cells were treated with pirfenidone, cell viability was evaluated using CCK-8 assay. The EDU staining was applied for reflecting the ability of cell proliferation. Additionally, cell cycle distribution and apoptotic rate of TNBC cells exposed to pirfenidone were determined by flow cytometry. The levels of proteins associated with cell cycle, apoptosis and Hedgehog/gliomaassociated oncogene homolog (GLI)1 signaling was examined through western blot. Then, GLI1 was upregulated to analyze the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of TNBC cells in the presence of pirfenidone to reveal the regulatory mechanism. Pirfenidone dose-dependently decreased the viability and proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and HCC-1937 cells. Besides, the distribution of TNBC cells in G0/G1 phase was significantly elevated by pirfenidone, accompanied by downregulated levels of CyclinD1, CDK4 and CDK6. Simultaneously, pirfenidone caused remarkably increased apoptotic MDA-MB-231 and HCC-1937 cells, coupled with downregulated BCL2 expression as well as upregulated Bax, cleaved caspase3 and cleaved PARP expression. Expression of proteins related to Hedgehog/gliomaassociated oncogene homolog (GLI)1 signaling was tested through western blot. Particularly, GLI1 and PTCH1 levels were dose-dependently inhibited after pirfenidone exposure. Interestingly, GLI1 overexpression attenuated the influences of pirfenidone on the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of TNBC cells. Collectively, pirfenidone arrests the cell cycle and promotes apoptosis of TNBC cells by suppressing Hedgehog/GLI1 signaling.

Preclinical studies on the antitumor and non-toxic effect of combining pirfenidone with vinorelbine and carboplatin in non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) shows limited therapeutic response to vinorelbine and carboplatin. Combining these drugs with an antifibrotic drug may enhance their antitumor effect. Pirfenidone is an antifibrotic drug whose antitumor activity has been described in different types of cancer. This work aimed to perform preclinical studies on the combination of pirfenidone with vinorelbine, or with vinorelbine plus carboplatin, in NSCLC. Our data revealed that pirfenidone sensitized three NSCLC cell lines to vinorelbine by reducing cell growth, viability and proliferation, inducing alterations in the cell cycle profile, and increasing cell death (%). Importantly, pirfenidone increased the sensitivity of the three NSCLC cell lines to the combined treatment of vinorelbine plus carboplatin. This combined drug treatment (triplet) did not induce cytotoxicity against non-tumorigenic cells. Notably, the triplet drug combination significantly reduced the growth and proliferation of A-549 xenografts in nude mice, as also reduced vimentin and collagen expression. Most interestingly, the triplet treatment exhibited a safer toxicological profile than the doublet (vinorelbine plus carboplatin) currently applied in the clinical practice. Altogether, these preclinical data support the possibility of repurposing pirfenidone in combination with vinorelbine or with vinorelbine plus carboplatin for NSCLC perioperative treatment, improving therapeutic efficacy while reducing toxicity.

Pulmonary fibrosis complicated by lung cancer: bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2024 - research status, trends and future directions

Objective

Although research on the association between pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer is of great significance, to date, no bibliometric analysis has been conducted on the comorbidity of these two diseases. This study aims to explore the current status and cutting - edge trends in this field through bibliometric analysis, and to establish new directions for future research.

Methods

Using the Web of Science Core Collection database, statistical calculations, graphic, and data visualization tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Biblimatrix - biblioshiny were adopted.

Results

A total of 2,234 original Articles and Reviews on pulmonary fibrosis complicated by lung cancer published between 2004 and 2024 were identified. A slow growth trend in publications related to pulmonary fibrosis complicated by lung cancer was observed. The United States, Japan, and China were the countries with the greatest contributions. Professor Michael Kreuter from Marienhaus Clinic, Mainz, Germany, and the University of Michigan published the most articles. Through cluster analysis of co - cited literature, five main clusters were identified. Keyword analysis predicted that "nintedanib", "pirfenidone", "immunotherapy", etc. might become hot topics in the field of the comorbidity of pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis shows that the literature related to the comorbidity of pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer is on a continuous upward trend. The research hotspots and trends identified in this study provide a reference for in - depth research in this field, aiming to promote the development of research on the comorbidity of pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.

Roles of anoikis in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer, is a highly aggressive malignancy with limited viable therapeutic options. For early HCC, resection surgery is currently the most effective treatment. However, in advanced stages, resection alone does not sufficiently address the disease, so finding a method with a better prognosis is necessary. Anoikis, known as matrix detachment-induced apoptosis or detachment-induced cell death, is crucial for tissue development and homeostasis. Cancer cells develop means to evade anoikis, e.g. anoikis resistance, thereby allowing for cells to survive under anchorage-independent conditions. HCC cells often acquire resistance to anoikis, allowing them to survive after detaching from the extracellular matrix and contributing to tumor spread. This review discusses the mechanisms of anoikis in HCC, exploring the potential of drug-induced anoikis and targeting anoikis resistance as promising therapeutic strategies for treating HCC, analyzing the value of anoikis in the immune of HCC, and propose potential pathways in oncotherapy, which can provide background knowledge for subsequent related research.

Harnessing the tumor microenvironment: targeted cancer therapies through modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is integral to cancer progression, impacting metastasis and treatment response. It consists of diverse cell types, extracellular matrix components, and signaling molecules that interact to promote tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Elucidating the intricate interactions between cancer cells and the TME is crucial in understanding cancer progression and therapeutic challenges. A critical process induced by TME signaling is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), wherein epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal traits, which enhance their motility and invasiveness and promote metastasis and cancer progression. By targeting various components of the TME, novel investigational strategies aim to disrupt the TME's contribution to the EMT, thereby improving treatment efficacy, addressing therapeutic resistance, and offering a nuanced approach to cancer therapy. This review scrutinizes the key players in the TME and the TME's contribution to the EMT, emphasizing avenues to therapeutically disrupt the interactions between the various TME components. Moreover, the article discusses the TME's implications for resistance mechanisms and highlights the current therapeutic strategies toward TME modulation along with potential caveats.

Impact of immunosuppressants on tumor pulmonary metastasis: new insight into transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Pulmonary metastasis is a life-threatening complication for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing liver transplantation (LT). In addition to the common mechanisms underlying tumor metastasis, another inevitable factor is that the application of immunosuppressive agents, including calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and rapamycin inhibitors (mTORis), after transplantation could influence tumor recurrence and metastasis. In recent years, several studies have reported that mTORis, unlike CNIs, have the capacity to modulate the tumorigenic landscape post-liver transplantation by targeting metastasis-initiating cells and reshaping the pulmonary microenvironment. Therefore, we focused on the effects of immunosuppressive agents on the lung metastatic microenvironment and how mTORis impact tumor growth in distant organs. This revelation has provided profound insights into transplant oncology, leading to a renewed understanding of the use of immunosuppressants after LT for HCC.

Highlighting function of Wnt signalling in urological cancers: Molecular interactions, therapeutic strategies, and (nano)strategies

Cancer is a complex, multistep process characterized by abnormal cell growth and metastasis as well as the capacity of the tumor cells in therapy resistance development. The urological system is particularly susceptible to a group of malignancies known as urological cancers, where an accumulation of genetic alterations drives carcinogenesis. In various human cancers, Wnt singalling is dysregulated; following nuclear transfer of β-catenin, it promotes tumor progression and affects genes expression. Elevated levels of Wnt have been documented in urological cancers, where its overexpression enhances growth and metastasis. Additionally, increased Wnt singalling contributes to chemoresistance in urological cancers, leading to reduced sensitivity to chemotherapy agents like cisplatin, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel. Wnt upregulation can change radiotherapy response of urological cancers. The regulation of Wnt involves various molecular pathways, including Akt, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, all of which play roles in carcinogenesis. Targeting and silencing Wnt or its associated pathways can mitigate tumorigenesis in urological cancers. Anti-cancer compounds such as curcumin and thymoquinone have shown efficacy in suppressing tumorigenesis through the downregulation of Wnt singalling. Notably, nanoparticles have proven effective in treating urological cancers, with several studies in prostate cancer (PCa) using nanoparticles to downregulate Wnt and suppress tumor growth. Future research should focus on developing small molecules that inhibit Wnt singalling to further suppress tumorigenesis and advance the treatment of urological cancers. Moreover, Wnt can be used as reliable biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of urological cancers.

Decoding tumor-fibrosis interplay: mechanisms, impact on progression, and innovative therapeutic strategies

Malignant tumors are a category of diseases that possess invasive and metastatic capabilities, with global incidence and mortality rates remaining high. In recent years, the pivotal role of fibrosis in tumor progression, drug resistance, and immune evasion has increasingly been acknowledged. Fibrosis enhances the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells by modifying the composition and structure of the extracellular matrix, thereby offering protection for immune evasion by tumor cells. The activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays a significant role in this process, as they further exacerbate the malignant traits of tumors by secreting a variety of cytokines and growth factors. Anti-fibrotic tumor treatment strategies, including the use of anti-fibrotic drugs and inhibition of fibrosis-related signaling pathways such as Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β), have demonstrated potential in delaying tumor progression and improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. In the future, by developing novel drugs that target the fibrotic microenvironment, new therapeutic options may be available for patients with various refractory tumors.

The correlation between cancer stem cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition: molecular mechanisms and significance in cancer theragnosis

The connections between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance, making it a focal point in cancer theragnosis. This review provides a panorama of associations and regulation pathways between CSCs and EMT, highlighting their significance in cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlined EMT are thoroughly explored, including the involvement of key transcription factors and signaling pathways. In addition, the roles of CSCs and EMT in tumor biology and therapy resistance, is further examined in this review. The clinical implications of CSCs-EMT interplay are explored, including identifying mesenchymal-state CSC subpopulations using advanced research methods and developing targeted therapies such as inhibitors and combination treatments. Overall, understanding the reciprocal relationship between EMT and CSCs holds excellent potential for informing the development of personalized therapies and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Implications of c-Myc in the pathogenesis and treatment efficacy of urological cancers

Urological cancers, including prostate, bladder, and renal cancers, are significant causes of death and negatively impact the quality of life for patients. The development and progression of these cancers are linked to the dysregulation of molecular pathways. c-Myc, recognized as an oncogene, exhibits abnormal levels in various types of tumors, and current evidence supports the therapeutic targeting of c-Myc in cancer treatment. This review aims to elucidate the role of c-Myc in driving the progression of urological cancers. c-Myc functions to enhance tumorigenesis and has been documented to increase growth and metastasis in prostate, bladder, and renal cancers. Furthermore, the dysregulation of c-Myc can result in a diminished response to therapy in these cancers. Non-coding RNAs, β-catenin, and XIAP are among the regulators of c-Myc in urological cancers. Targeting and suppressing c-Myc therapeutically for the treatment of these cancers has been explored. Additionally, the expression level of c-Myc may serve as a prognostic factor in clinical settings.

Suspended particulate matter promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in alveolar epithelial cells via TGF-β1-mediated ROS/IL-8/SMAD3 axis

Epidemiological evidence presents that dust storms are related to respiratory diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis (PF). However, the precise underlying mechanisms of SPM-elicited adverse effects still need to be investigated. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process is a characteristic of PF. We discussed whether suspended particulate matter (SPM) is involved in EMT induction via transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). In this study, a detailed elemental analysis (55 elements), particle size, and morphology were determined. To investigate the toxicity of SPM, an MTT test was performed to detect cell viability. Next, A549 cells were exposed to selected concentrations of SPM (20 and 40 µg/mL) for single and repeated exposures. The DCFH-DA assay showed that exposure to SPM could produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ELISA assay demonstrated increased levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and TGF-β1 in the supernatant. Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins associated with EMT and the SMAD3-dependent pathway. Results of western blot demonstrated that E-cadherin was reduced, whereas p-SMAD3, vimentin, and α-smooth muscle actin were elevated. Our findings indicated that SPM triggered EMT by induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway activation.

Metabolism and structure of PDA as the target for new therapies: possibilities and limitations for nanotechnology

INTRODUCTION

Certainly, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma poses one of the greatest challenges in current oncology. The dense extracellular matrix and low vessel density in PDA tumor impede the effective delivery of drugs, primarily due to the short pharmacokinetics of most drugs and potential electrostatic interactions with stroma components.

AREA COVERED

Owing to the distinctive metabolism of PDA and challenges in accessing nutrients, there is a growing interest in cell metabolism inhibitors as a potential means to inhibit cancer development. However, even if suitable combinations of inhibitors are identified, the question about their administration remains, as the same hindrances that impede effective treatment with conventional drugs will also hinder the delivery of inhibitors. Methods including nanotechnology to increase drugs in PDA penetrations are reviewed and discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult tumors to treat due to the small number of blood vessels, high content of extracellular matrix, and specialized resistance mechanisms of tumor cells. One possible method of treating this tumor is the use of metabolic inhibitors in combinations that show synergy. Despite promising results in in vitro tests, their effect is uncertain due to the tumor's structure. In the case of pancreatic cancer, priming of the tumor tissue is required through the sequential administration of drugs that generate blood vessels, increase blood flow, and enhance vascular permeability and extracellular matrix. The use of drug carriers with a size of 10-30 nm may be crucial in the therapy of this cancer.

Pirfenidone ameliorates alcohol-induced promotion of breast cancer in mice

Purpose

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer and promotes cancer progression. Alcohol exposure could affect both processes of the mammary carcinogenesis, namely, the cell transformation and onset of tumorigenesis as well as cancer aggressiveness including metastasis and drug resistance/recurrence. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol tumor promotion remain unclear. There are four members of the mammalian p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, namely, p38α, p38β, p38γ and p38δ. We have previously demonstrated alcohol exposure selectively activated p38γ MAPK in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Pirfenidone (PFD), an antifibrotic compound approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is also a pharmacological inhibitor of p38γ MAPK. This study aimed to determine whether PFD is useful to inhibit alcohol-induced promotion of breast cancer.

Methods

Female adolescent (5 weeks) MMTV-Wnt1 mice were exposed to alcohol with a liquid diet containing 6.7% ethanol. Some mice received intraperitoneal (IP) injection of PFD (100 mg/kg) every other day. After that, the effects of alcohol and PFD on mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis were examined.

Results

Alcohol promoted the progression of mammary tumors in adolescent MMTV-Wnt1 mice. Treatment of PFD blocked tumor growth and alcohol-promoted metastasis. It also significantly inhibited alcohol-induced tumorsphere formation and cancer stem cell (CSC) population.

Conclusion

PFD inhibited mammary tumor growth and alcohol-promoted metastasis. Since PFD is an FDA-approved drug, the current findings may be helpful to re-purpose its application in treating aggressive breast cancer and alcohol-promoted mammary tumor progression.

[Efficacy of combined treatment with pirfenidone and PD-L1 inhibitor in mice bearing ectopic bladder cancer xenograft]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of pirfenidone combined with PD-L1 inhibitor for treatment of bladder cancer in a mouse model and its effect on tumor immune microenvironment modulation.

METHODS

Forty C57BL/6 mouse models bearing ectopic human bladder cancer xenografts were randomized into control group, PD-L1 inhibitor group, pirfenidone group and combined treatment group (n=10). After successful modeling, PD-L1 inhibitor treatment was administered via intraperitoneal injection at 12.5 mg/kg every 3 days, and oral pirfenidone (500 mg/kg) was given on a daily basis. The survival rate of the mice and tumor growth rate were compared among the 4 groups. The expressions of CD3, CD8, CD45, E-cadherin and N-cadherin in the tumor tissues were detected with immunohistochemistry after the 21-day treatment, and bone marrow-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were observed with immunofluorescence staining; serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-L) were analyzed using an automated biochemical analyzer.

RESULTS

Treatment with PD-L1 inhibitor and pirfenidone alone both significantly decreased tumor growth rate and tumor volume at 21 days (P < 0.05), but the combined treatment produced an obviously stronger inhibitory effect (P < 0.05). PD-L1 inhibitor and pirfenidone alone significantly increased E- cadherin expression and decreased N-cadherin expression in the tumor tissue (P < 0.05). The two treatments both significantly increased the percentage of CD3+, CD8 and CD45+ T cells and decreased the percentage of Ly-6G+CD11b+MDSCs in the tumor tissue, and these changes were more obvious in the combined treatment group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in serum ALT, AST, BUN, CRE or LDH-L levels among the 4 groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Combined treatment with pirfenidone and PD-L1 inhibitor significantly inhibits the progression of bladder cancer in mice possibly by regulating tumor immune microenvironment and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition of the tumor cells.

Pirfenidone inhibits TGF-β1-induced metabolic reprogramming during epithelial-mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancer

Metastasis is an important contributor to increased mortality rates in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The TGF-β signalling pathway plays a crucial role in facilitating tumour metastasis through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Glycolysis, a key metabolic process, is strongly correlated with NSCLC metastasis. Pirfenidone (PFD) has been shown to safely and effectively inhibit TGF-β1 in patients with lung diseases. Furthermore, TGF-β1 and glycolysis demonstrate an interdependent relationship within the tumour microenvironment. Our previous study demonstrated that PFD effectively inhibited glycolysis in NSCLC cells, prompting further investigation into its potential antitumour effects in this context. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the potential antitumour effect of PFD in NSCLC and explore the relationship among TGF-β1, glycolysis and EMT through further experimentation. The antitumour effects of PFD were evaluated using five different NSCLC cell lines and a xenograft tumour model. Notably, PFD demonstrated a significant antitumour effect specifically in highly glycolytic H1299 cells. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we compared the efficacy of PFD after pretreatment with either TGF-β1 or a TGF-β receptor inhibitor (LY2109761). The energy metabolomics analysis of tumour tissue demonstrated that PFD, a chemosensitizing agent, reduced lactate and ATP production, thereby inhibiting glycolysis and exerting synergistic antineoplastic effects. Additionally, PFD combined with cisplatin targeted TGF-β1 to inhibit glycolysis during EMT and enhanced the chemosensitization of A549 and H1299 cells. The magnitude of the anticancer effect exhibited by PFD was intricately linked to its metabolic properties.

Cancer-educated neutrophils promote lung cancer progression via PARP-1-ALOX5-mediated MMP-9 expression

OBJECTIVE

Neutrophils are one of the most predominant infiltrating leukocytes in lung cancer tissues and are associated with lung cancer progression. How neutrophils promote lung cancer progression, however, has not been established.

METHODS

Kaplan-Meier plotter online analysis and tissue immunohistochemistry were used to determine the relationship between neutrophils and overall survival in lung cancer patients. The effect of neutrophils on lung cancer was determined using the Transwell migration assay, a proliferation assay, and a murine tumor model. Gene knockdown was used to determine poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP)-1 function in lung cancer-educated neutrophils. Western blot analysis and gelatin zymography were used to demonstrate the correlation between PARP-1 and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9). Immunoprecipitation coupled to mass spectrometry (IP/MS) was used to identify the proteins interacting with PARP-1. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to confirm that PARP-1 interacts with arachidonate 5-lipooxygenase (ALOX5). Neutrophil PARP-1 blockage by AG14361 rescued neutrophil-promoted lung cancer progression.

RESULTS

An increased number of infiltrating neutrophils was negatively associated with overall survival in lung cancer patients (P < 0.001). Neutrophil activation promoted lung cancer cell invasion, migration, and proliferation in vitro, and murine lung cancer growth in vivo. Mechanistically, PARP-1 was shown to be involved in lung cancer cell-induced neutrophil activation to increase MMP-9 expression through interacting and stabilizing ALOX5 by post-translational protein modification (PARylation). Blocking PARP-1 by gene knockdown or AG14361 significantly decreased ALOX5 expression and MMP-9 production, and eliminated neutrophil-mediated lung cancer cell invasion and in vivo tumor growth.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a novel mechanism by which PARP-1 mediates lung cancer cell-induced neutrophil activation and PARylates ALOX5 to regulate MMP-9 expression, which exacerbates lung cancer progression.

The Role MicroRNA-135a in Suppressing Tumor Growth in Kidney Cancer Through the Regulation of Phosphoprotein Phosphatase2A and the Activation of the AKT and ERK1/2 Signaling Pathways

Background: Kidney cancer is a frequently occurring malignant tumor in the urinary system, with rising morbidity and mortality rates in recent times. Developing new biomarkers and therapeutic targets is essential to improve the prognosis of patients affected by kidney cancer. In recent years, miRNAs' role in tumorigenesis and development has received growing attention. miRNAs constitute a group of small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, affecting various biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Of the many miRNAs, miR-135a plays a pivotal role in several cancers. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms and functions concerning miR-135a in renal cancer remain incompletely understood. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effects of miR-135a on renal cancer replication and migration and its possible mechanisms, and to provide new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of renal cancer. Methods: Renal cell lines (ACHN, A498) with stable hyperexpression of miR-135a and reduced expression of miR-135a were constructed by lentivirus packaging. The changes of replication, clone formation and migration ability of overexpressed miR-135a and overexpressed miR-135a in ACHN and A498 renal cell lines were detected. The possible mechanism of miR-135a affecting the replication of kidney cancer was analyzed by target gene prediction, double luciferase test, Western blotting and subcutaneous tumorigenicity assay in nude mice. Results: Hyperexpression of miR-135a can inhibit kidney cancer replication, whereas miR-135a knockdown potentially enhances replication. However, neither hyperexpression nor knockdown of miR-135a affects the migration ability of kidney cancer cells. The protein expression of PP2A-B56-γ, PP2A-Cα and PP2A-Cβ in renal cell line decreased after hyperexpression of miR-135a, while the protein expression of PP2A-B56-γ, PP2A-Cα and PP2A-Cβ increased after knockdown of miR-135a. In addition, the protein expression of p-Akt and p-ERK1/2 proteins in kidney cancer cells after hyperexpression of miR-135a were down-regulated, while the protein expression of p-Akt and p-ERK1/2 were up-regulated in kidney cancer cells after knockdown of miR-135a. In subcutaneous tumor formation experiments in nude mice, tumor size within nude mice in the miR-135a group was significantly smaller than in the control group. Conclusion: MiR-135a could suppress the replication of kidney cancer by modulating PP2A and AKT, ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of the active components of Shenkang injection in rats with chronic renal failure and its protective effect on damaged renal cells

The study aimed to explore the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations of the active components of Shenkang injection (i.e. hydroxy saffron yellow pigment A [HSYA], tanshinol, rheum emodin, and astragaloside IV) in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF), and establish a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model (PK-PD model) in order to provide a scientific and theoretical basis for the rational clinical use of Shenkang injection. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, and Shenkang injection group. A rat model of CRF was induced by adenine gavage and then followed by drug administration via tail vein injection. Orbital blood was collected at different timepoints and the blood concentrations of the four active components were measured by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS. Serum levels of creatinine (Scr), urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid (UA) were determined using an automatic biochemical analyzer. A PK-PD model was established, and DAS 3.2.6 software was used for model fitting as well as statistical analysis. TGF-β1 was utilized to induce normal rat kidney cells to construct a renal fibrosis model to investigate the protective effect of the pharmacological components on renal fibrosis. The pharmacokinetic analysis of hydroxy saffron yellow pigment A, tanshinol, rheum emodin, and astragaloside IV based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS was stable. The linear regression equations for the four active components were as follows: Y = 0.031X + 0.0091 (R2  = 0.9986) for hydroxy saffron yellow pigment A, Y = 0.0389X + 0.164 (R2  = 0.9979) for tanshinol, Y = 0.0257X + 0.0146 (R2  = 0.9973) for rheum emodin, and Y = 0.0763X + 0.0139 (R2  = 0.9993) for astragaloside IV, which indicated good linear relationships. The methodological investigation was stable, with the interday and intraday precision RSD <10%. Meanwhile, the recoveries ranged between 90% and 120%, in accordance with the requirements for in vivo analysis of drugs. Compared with the model group, the levels of Scr, BUN, and UA were significantly decreased after 20 min in the Shenkang injection group (p < 0.01). The PK-PD model showed that the four active components in the Shenkang injection group could fit well with the three effect measures (i.e. Scr, BUN, and UA), with the measured values similar to the predicted values. The cell model of renal fibrosis showed that the connective tissue growth factor and FN1 protein expression levels were significantly lower in the Shenkang injection group than those in the model group, and the cell fibrosis was improved. The established method for in vivo analysis of Shenkang injection was highly specific, with good separation of the components and simple operation. The total statistical moment could well integrate the pharmacokinetic parameters of the four active components. After treatment with Shenkang injection, all indexes in the administered group improved and showed significant inhibition of renal cell fibrosis in vitro. This study could provide scientific reference ideas for the clinical rational use of traditional Chinese medicine.

The role of matrix stiffness in breast cancer progression: a review

The significance of matrix stiffness in cancer development has been investigated in recent years. The gradual elastic force the extracellular matrix imparts to cells, known as matrix stiffness, is one of the most important types of mechanical stimulation. Increased matrix stiffness alters the biological activity of cells, which promotes the growth of numerous malignancies, including breast cancer. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated that increasing matrix stiffness activates molecular signaling pathways that are closely linked to breast cancer progression. There are many articles exploring the relationship between mechanism hardness and breast cancer, so we wanted to provide a systematic summary of recent research advances. In this review, we briefly introduce the mechanism of matrix stiffness in breast cancer, elaborate on the effect of extracellular matrix stiffness on breast cancer biological behavior and signaling pathways, and finally, we will talk about breast cancer treatment that focuses on matrix stiffness.

Inflammatory Networks in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Cancer-associated inflammation has been established as a hallmark feature of almost all solid cancers. Tumor-extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways regulate the process of cancer-associated inflammation. Tumor-extrinsic inflammation is triggered by many factors, including infection, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and exposure to toxic and radioactive substances. Intrinsic inflammation can be induced by genomic mutation, genome instability and epigenetic remodeling in cancer cells that promote immunosuppressive traits, inducing the recruitment and activation of inflammatory immune cells. In RCC, many cancer cell-intrinsic alterations are assembled, upregulating inflammatory pathways, which enhance chemokine release and neoantigen expression. Furthermore, immune cells activate the endothelium and induce metabolic shifts, thereby amplifying both the paracrine and autocrine inflammatory loops to promote RCC tumor growth and progression. Together with tumor-extrinsic inflammatory factors, tumor-intrinsic signaling pathways trigger a Janus-faced tumor microenvironment, thereby simultaneously promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. For therapeutic success, it is important to understand the pathomechanisms of cancer-associated inflammation, which promote cancer progression. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms of cancer-associated inflammation that influence cancer and immune cell functions, thereby increasing tumor malignancy and anti-cancer resistance. We also discuss the potential of anti-inflammatory treatments, which may provide clinical benefits in RCCs and possible avenues for therapy and future research.

Managing the immune microenvironment of osteosarcoma: the outlook for osteosarcoma treatment

Osteosarcoma, with poor survival after metastasis, is considered the most common primary bone cancer in adolescents. Notwithstanding the efforts of researchers, its five-year survival rate has only shown limited improvement, suggesting that existing therapeutic strategies are insufficient to meet clinical needs. Notably, immunotherapy has shown certain advantages over traditional tumor treatments in inhibiting metastasis. Therefore, managing the immune microenvironment in osteosarcoma can provide novel and valuable insight into the multifaceted mechanisms underlying the heterogeneity and progression of the disease. Additionally, given the advances in nanomedicine, there exist many advanced nanoplatforms for enhanced osteosarcoma immunotherapy with satisfactory physiochemical characteristics. Here, we review the classification, characteristics, and functions of the key components of the immune microenvironment in osteosarcoma. This review also emphasizes the application, progress, and prospects of osteosarcoma immunotherapy and discusses several nanomedicine-based options to enhance the efficiency of osteosarcoma treatment. Furthermore, we examine the disadvantages of standard treatments and present future perspectives for osteosarcoma immunotherapy.

New insights into fibrotic signaling in renal cell carcinoma

Fibrotic signaling plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of solid cancers including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Intratumoral fibrosis (ITF) and pseudo-capsule (PC) fibrosis are significantly correlated to the disease progression of renal cell carcinoma. Targeting classic fibrotic signaling processes such as TGF-β signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) shows promising antitumor effects both preclinically and clinically. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of fibrotic signaling in renal cell carcinoma at molecular resolution can facilitate the development of precision therapies against solid cancers. In this review, we systematically summarized the latest updates on fibrotic signaling, from clinical correlation and molecular mechanisms to its therapeutic strategies for renal cell carcinoma. Importantly, we examined the reported fibrotic signaling on the human renal cell carcinoma dataset at the transcriptome level with single-cell resolution to assess its translational potential in the clinic.

Pharmacological modulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells to dampen inflammation

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous cell population with potent suppressive and regulative properties. MDSCs’ strong immunosuppressive potential creates new possibilities to treat chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases or induce tolerance towards transplantation. Here, we summarize and critically discuss different pharmacological approaches which modulate the generation, activation, and recruitment of MDSCs in vitro and in vivo, and their potential role in future immunosuppressive therapy.

Pump proton inhibitors display anti-tumour potential in glioma

OBJECTIVES

Glioma is one of the most aggressive brain tumours with poor overall survival despite advanced technology in surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiation. Progression and recurrence are the hinge causes of low survival. Our aim is to explain the concrete mechanism in the proliferation and progression of tumours based on tumour microenvironment (TME). The main purpose is to illustrate the mechanism of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in affecting acidity, hypoxia, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and autophagy based on the TME to induce apoptosis and enhance the sensitivity of chemoradiotherapy.

FINDINGS

TME is the main medium for tumour growth and progression. Acidity, hypoxia, inflammatory response, autophagy, angiogenesis and so on are the main causes of tumour progress. PPIs, as a common clinical drug to inhibit gastric acid secretion, have the advantages of fast onset, long action time and small adverse reactions. Nowadays, several kinds of literature highlight the potential of PPIs in inhibiting tumour progression. However, long-term use of PPIs alone also has obvious side effects. Therefore, till now, how to apply PPIs to promote the effect of radio-chemotherapy and find the concrete dose and concentration of combined use are novel challenges.

CONCLUSIONS

PPIs display the potential in enhancing the sensitivity of chemoradiotherapy to defend against glioma based on TME. In the clinic, it is also necessary to explore specific concentrations and dosages in synthetic applications.