Thermal cycling-hyperthermia in combination with polyphenols, epigallocatechin gallate and chlorogenic acid, exerts synergistic anticancer effect against human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells

Discovery and Mechanistic Studies of Dual-Target Hits for Carbonic Anhydrase IX and VEGFR-2 as Potential Agents for Solid Tumors: X-ray, In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Investigations of Coumarin-Based Thiazoles

A dual-targeting approach is predicted to yield better cancer therapy outcomes. Consequently, a series of coumarin-based thiazoles (5a-h, 6, and 7a-e) were designed and constructed as potential carbonic anhydrase (CA) and VEGFR-2 suppressors. The inhibitory actions of the target compounds were assessed against CA isoforms IX and VEGFR-2. The assay results showed that coumarin-based thiazoles 5a, 5d, and 5e can effectively inhibit both targets. 5a, 5d, and 5e cytotoxic effects were tested on pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancer cells (PANC1, MCF7, and PC3). Further mechanistic investigation disclosed the ability of 5e to interrupt the PANC1 cell progression in the S stage by triggering the apoptotic cascade, as seen by increased levels of caspases 3, 9, and BAX, alongside the Bcl-2 decline. Moreover, the in vivo efficacy of compound 5e as an antitumor agent was evaluated. Also, molecular docking and dynamics displayed distinctive interactions between 5e and CA IX and VEGFR-2 binding pockets.

Chlorogenic Acid Inhibits Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Pancreatic Cancer Cells via AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Chlorogenic acid (CA, United States Patent No. 10772340), a natural biologically active food ingredient, displays potent antitumor activity against a variety of cancer cells. However, the mechanism underlying its anticancer effect is not well elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we hope to dissect the mechanism underlying the anticancer effects of CA in pancreatic cancer cells.

METHODS

The cytotoxicity of CA in pancreatic cancer cells was determined by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the cells apoptosis, while a clonogenic assay was carried out to check the colony formation of cancer cells. Transwell assay was performed to assess the cells migration and invasion. The protein expression of AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway was detected by Western Blot.

RESULTS

Our data indicated that CA inhibited the proliferation of PANC-28 and PANC-1 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. CA was able to inhibit colony formation, migration, and invasion ability and trigger apoptosis in PANC-28 and PANC-1 cells. Further study showed that CA down-regulated the expression of AKT, p-AKT(Thr308), p-GSK-3β(Ser9), β-catenin, N-cadherin, and vimentin while enhancing the expression of cleaved-caspase 3 and cleaved-caspase 7 in PANC-28 and PANC-1 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides significant evidence that CA is able to inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer via the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Study on the effect of a triple cancer treatment of propolis, thermal cycling-hyperthermia, and low-intensity ultrasound on PANC-1 cells

To reduce side effects and enhance treatment efficacy, study on combination therapy for pancreatic cancer, a deadly cancer, has gained much attraction in recent years. In this study, we propose a novel triple treatment combining propolis and two physical stimuli-thermal cycling-hyperthermia (TC-HT) and low-intensity ultrasound (US). The study found that, after the triple treatment, the cell viability of a human cancer cell line PANC-1 decreased to a level 80% less than the control, without affecting the normal pancreatic cells. Another result was excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after the triple treatment, leading to the amplification of apoptotic pathway through the MAPK family and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first attempt to combine TC-HT, US, and a natural compound in cancer treatment. The combination of TC-HT and US also promotes the anticancer effect of the heat-sensitive chemotherapy drug cisplatin on PANC-1 cells. It is expected that optimized parameters for different agents and different types of cancer will expand the methodology on oncological therapy in a safe manner.

Network pharmacology-based anti-pancreatic cancer potential of kaempferol and catechin of Trema orientalis L. through computational approach

In pancreatic cancer, healthy cells in the pancreas begin to malfunction and proliferate out of control. According to our conventional knowledge, many plants contain several novel bioactive compounds, having pharmaceutical applications for the treatment of disease like pancreatic cancer. The methanolic fraction of fruit extract of Trema orientalis L. (MFETO) was analysed through HRMS. In this in silico study, pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties of the identified flavonoids from MFETO were screened out by ADMET analysis. Kaempferol and catechin followed Lipinski rules and showed no toxicity in Protox II. Targets of these compounds were taken from SwissTarget prediction and TCMSP whilst targets for pancreatic cancer were taken from GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of common genes was generated through STRING and then exported to the Cytoscape to get top 5 hub genes (AKT1, SRC, EGFR, TNF, and CASP3). The interaction between compounds and hub genes was analysed using molecular docking, and high binding affinity between them can be visualised by Biovia discovery studio visualizer. Our study shows that, five hub genes related to pancreatic cancer play an important role in tumour growth induction, invasion and migration. Kaempferol effectively check cell migration by inhibiting ERK1/2, EGFR-related SRC, and AKT pathways by scavenging ROS whilst catechin inhibited TNFα-induced activation and cell cycle arrest at G1 and G2/M phases by induction of apoptosis of malignant cells. Kaempferol and catechin containing MFETO can be used for formulation of potent drugs for pancreatic cancer treatment in future.

Hyperthermia Treatment as a Promising Anti-Cancer Strategy: Therapeutic Targets, Perspective Mechanisms and Synergistic Combinations in Experimental Approaches

Despite recent developments in diagnosis and treatment options, cancer remains one of the most critical threats to health. Several anti-cancer therapies have been identified, but further research is needed to provide more treatment options that are safe and effective for cancer. Hyperthermia (HT) is a promising treatment strategy for cancer because of its safety and cost-effectiveness. This review summarizes studies on the anti-cancer effects of HT and the detailed mechanisms. In addition, combination therapies with anti-cancer drugs or natural products that can effectively overcome the limitations of HT are reviewed because HT may trigger protective events, such as an increase of heat shock proteins (HSPs). In the 115 reports included, the mechanisms related to apoptosis, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA damage, transcription factors and HSPs were considered important. This review shows that HT is an effective inducer of apoptosis. Moreover, the limitations of HT may be overcome using combined therapy with anti-cancer drugs or natural products. Therefore, appropriate combinations of such agents with HT will exert maximal effects to treat cancer.

Epigallocatechin 3-gallate: From green tea to cancer therapeutics

Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) possesses various biological functions, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. EGCG is an abundant polyphenolic component originating from green tea extract that has exhibited versatile bioactivities in combating several cancers. This review highlights the pharmacological features of EGCG and its therapeutic implications in cancer and other metabolic diseases. It modulates numerous signaling pathways, regulating cells' undesired survival and proliferation, thus imparting strong tumor chemopreventive and therapeutic effects. EGCG initiates cell death through the intrinsic pathway and causes inhibition of EGFR, STAT3, and ERK pathways in several cancers. EGCG alters and inhibits ERK1/2, NF-κB, and Akt-mediated signaling, altering the Bcl-2 family proteins ratio and activating caspases in tumor cells. This review focuses on anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis, and apoptotic effects of EGCG. We further highlighted the potential of EGCG in different types of cancer, emphasizing clinical trials formulations that further improve our understanding of the therapeutic management of cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Phyto-targeting the CEMIP Expression as a Strategy to Prevent Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis

INTRODUCTION

Metastasis of primary pancreatic cancer (PC) to adjacent or distant organs is responsible for the poor survival rate of affected individuals. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy are currently being prescribed to treat PC in addition to surgical resection. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for PC that leads to 20% of 5-year survival, but only less than 20% of patients are eligible for surgical resection because of the poor prognosis. To improve the prognosis and clinical outcome, early diagnostic markers need to be identified, and targeting them would be of immense benefit to increase the efficiency of the treatment. Cell migration-inducing hyaluronan-binding protein (CEMIP) is identified as an important risk factor for the metastasis of various cancers, including PC. Emerging studies have pointed out the crucial role of CEMIP in the regulation of various signaling mechanisms, leading to enhanced migration and metastasis of PC.

METHODS

The published findings on PC metastasis, phytoconstituents, and CEMIP were retrieved from Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library. Computational tools, such as gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) and Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter, were used to study the relationship between CEMIP expression and survival of PC individuals.

RESULTS

Gene expression analysis using the GEPIA database identified a stupendous increase in the CEMIP transcript in PC compared to adjacent normal tissues. KM plotter analysis revealed the impact of CEMIP on the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) among PC patients. Subsequently, several risk factors associated with PC development were screened, and their ability to regulate CEMIP gene expression was analyzed using computational tools.

CONCLUSION

The current review is focused on gathering information regarding the regulatory role of phytocomponents in PC migration and exploring their possible impact on the CEMIP expression.

Chlorogenic acid: Potential source of natural drugs for the therapeutics of fibrosis and cancer

Fibrosis and cancer is described by some epidemiological studies as chronic stages of different disease conditions typically characterized by uncontrolled accumulation of extra-cellular matrix (ECM), thereby leading to inflammation of tissues and organ (lungs, heart, liver and kidney) dysfunction. It is highly prevalent, and contributes to increased mortality rate worldwide. Currently, the therapeutical approaches involving selected medications (bemcentinib, pirfenidone and nintedanib) obtained synthetically, and used in clinical practices for fibrosis and cancer management and treatment has shown to be unsatisfactorily, especially during progressive stages of the disease. With regards to finding a more potent, effective, and promising curative for fibrosis and cancer, there is need for continuous experimental studies universally. However, phytochemical constituents’ particularly phenolic compounds [Chlorogenic acid (CGA)] obtained from coffee, and coffee beans have been predominantly utilized in experimental studies, due to its multiple pharmacological properties against various disease forms. Considering its natural source alongside minimal toxicity level, CGA, a major precursor of coffee have gained considerable attention nowadays from researchers worldwide, owing to its wide, efficacious and beneficial action against fibrosis and cancer. Interestingly, the safety of CGA has been proven. Furthermore, numerous experimental studies have also deduced massive remarkable outcomes in the use of CGA clinically, as a potential drug candidate against treatment of fibrosis and cancer. In the course of this review article, we systematically discussed the beneficial contributions of CGA with regards to its source, absorption, metabolism, mechanistic effects, and molecular mechanisms against different fibrosis and cancer categorization, which might be a prospective remedy in the future. Moreover, we also highlighted CGA (in vitro and in vivo analytical studies) defensive effects against various disorders.

Epigallocatechin gallate protects the human lens epithelial cell survival against UVB irradiation through AIF/endo G signalling pathways in vitro

OBJECTIVE

Oxidative stress has been recognised as an important mediator of apoptosis in lens epithelial cells. It also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cataracts. It is reported that (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most abundant component in green tea, exhibits potent antioxidant activity against oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of EGCG against Ultraviolet B (UVB) induced apoptotic death and the underlying mechanism in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs).

METHODS

HLECs were exposed to various concentrations of EGCG under UVB (30 mJ/cm²), and cell viability was monitored by the MTT assay. Next, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the total antioxigenic capacity (T-AOC) was determined by enzyme standard instrument, and the expression of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (Endo G) was measured by quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) and western blotting, respectively. Moreover, the localisation of AIF and Endo G within cells was further detected by confocal optical microscopy.

RESULTS

The results indicated that EGCG could enhance the cell viability and protect against cell apoptosis caused by UVB irradiation in HLECs. EGCG could also decrease the UVB-induced generation of ROS and collapse of Δψm, increase the T-AOC level. In addition, EGCG could also inhibit the UVB-stimulated increase of AIF and Endo G expression at mRNA and protein levels and ameliorate the UVB-induced mitochondria-nuclear translocation of AIF and Endo G.

CONCLUSIONS

UVB irradiation could damage HLECs viability, while EGCG exhibits antioxidant effect and inhibits UVB-induced apoptosis in HLECs through AIF/Endo G signalling pathways. Our findings reveal the underlying mechanism of EGCG against UVB-induced oxidative stress in HLECs.

Synergistic Effect Induced by Gold Nanoparticles with Polyphenols Shell during Thermal Therapy: Macrophage Inflammatory Response and Cancer Cell Death Assessment

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, gold nanoparticle (Au NP)-based cancer therapy has been heavily debated. The physico-chemical properties of AuNPs can be exploited in photothermal therapy, making them a powerful tool for selectively killing cancer cells. However, the synthetic side products and capping agents often induce a strong activation of the inflammatory pathways of macrophages, thus limiting their further applications in vivo.

METHODS

Here, we described a green method to obtain stable polyphenol-capped AuNPs (Au NPs@polyphenols), as polyphenols are known for their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. These NPs were used in human macrophages to test key inflammation-related markers, such as NF-κB, TNF-α, and interleukins-6 and 8. The results were compared with similar NPs obtained by a traditional chemical route (without the polyphenol coating), proving the potential of Au NPs@polyphenols to strongly promote the shutdown of inflammation. This was useful in developing them for use as heat-synergized tools in the thermal treatment of two types of cancer cells, namely, breast cancer (MCF-7) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. The cell viability, calcium release, oxidative stress, HSP-70 expression, mitochondrial, and DNA damage, as well as cytoskeleton alteration, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Our results clearly demonstrate that the combined strategy markedly exerts anticancer effects against the tested cancer cell, while neither of the single treatments (only heat or only NPs) induced significant changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Au NP@polyphenols may be powerful agents in cancer treatment.

Effect of chlorogenic and gallic acids combined with azoles on antifungal susceptibility and virulence of multidrug-resistant Candida spp. and Malassezia furfur isolates

Chlorogenic acid (CHA) and gallic acid (GA) are safe natural phenolic compounds that are used as enhancers of some drugs in influencing antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial activities. Among fungi, Candida spp. and Malassezia spp. are characterized by an increasing prevalence of multidrug resistance phenomena and by a high morbidity and mortality of their infections. No data are available about the efficacy of CHA and GA combined with azoles on the antifungal susceptibility and on the virulence of both fungi. Therefore, their antifungal and antivirulence effects have been tested in combination with fluconazole (FLZ) or ketoconazole (KTZ) on 23 Candida spp. and 8 M. furfur isolates. Broth microdilution chequerboard, time-kill studies, and extracellular enzymes (phospholipase and hemolytic) activities were evaluated, displaying a synergistic antifungal action between CHA or GA and FLZ or KTZ on C. albicans, C. bovina, and C. parapsilosis, and antagonistic antifungal effects on M. furfur and Pichia kudriavzevii (Candida krusei) isolates. The time-kill studies confirmed the chequerboard findings, showing fungicidal inhibitory effect only when the GA was combined with azoles on Candida strains. However, the combination of phenolics with azoles had no effect on the virulence of the tested isolates. Our study indicates that the combination between natural products and conventional drugs could be an efficient strategy for combating azole resistance and for controlling fungistatic effects of azole drugs.

Research Progress in Flavonoids as Potential Anticancer Drug Including Synergy with Other Approaches

BACKGROUND

In chemotherapy for cancer, conventional drugs aim to target the rapidly growing and dividing cells at the early stages. However, at an advanced stage, cancer cells become less susceptible because of the multidrug resistance and the recruitment of alternative salvage pathways for their survival. Besides, owing to target non-selectivity, healthy proliferating cells also become vulnerable to the damage. The combination therapies offered using flavonoids to cure cancer not only exert an additive effect against cancer cells by targetting supplementary cell carnage pathways but also hampers the drug resistance mechanisms. Thus, the review aims to discuss the potential and pharmacokinetic limitations of flavonoids in cancer treatment. Further successful synergistic studies reported using flavonoids to treat cancer has been described along with potential drug delivery systems.

METHODS

A literature search was done by exploring various online databases like Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar with the specific keywords like "Anticancer drugs", "flavonoids", "oncology research", and "pharmacokinetics".

RESULTS

Dietary phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids, hinder cell signalling responsible for multidrug resistance and cancer progression, primarily targeting cancer cells sparing normal cells. Such properties establish flavonoids as a potential candidate for synergistic therapy. However, due to low absorption and high metabolism rates, the bioavailability of flavonoids becomes a challenge. Such challenges may be overcome using novel approaches like derivatization, and single or co-delivery nano-complexes of flavonoids with conventional drugs. These new approaches may improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic of flavonoids.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the application of flavonoids as a potential anticancer phytochemical class in combination with known anti-cancer drugs/nanoparticles. It also discusses flavonoid's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics issues and ways to overcome such issues. Moreover, it covers successful methodologies employed to establish flavonoids as a safe and effective phytochemical class for cancer treatment.

Chlorogenic acid depresses cellular bioenergetics to suppress pancreatic carcinoma through modulating c-Myc-TFR1 axis

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is severe malignant tumor in human, the outcomes of PDAC is extremely poor. Here, we evaluated the potential anti-tumor activity of chlorogenic Acid (CA) in PDAC. Here, we found CA was effective to suppress PDAC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we found overall oxygen consumption rate was significantly decreased in CA dose-dependent manner. We also found glycolysis reverse was decreased in CA-treated cells, while basal glycolysis and glycolytic capacity were not significantly changed. Mechanistically, we demonstrated TFR1 could be a novel downstream target of CA, which is essential for PDAC cell growth and cellular bioenergetics maintenance. Furthermore, we validated that CA-reduced c-Myc resulted to down-regulation of TFR1, which contributes to mitochondrial respiration dysfunction and cell growth delay. Together, this study indicates that CA suppresses PDAC cell growth through targeting c-Myc-TFR1 axis and suggests CA could be considered as a promising compound for PDAC treatment.

The impact of the co-exposure of melanoma cells to chlorogenic acid and a moderate-strength static magnetic field

A static magnetic field (SMF) or the bioactive compounds that are found in foods are potential agents that can be used to support cancer therapy. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the impact of the SMF that are induced by neodymium magnets on the culture growth and antioxidant status of melanoma cells that had been treated with chlorogenic acid (CGA). The melanoma cells, the control and those that had been treated with CGA, were put in special magnetic test chambers that generated a 0.7 T magnetic field. The mRNA levels of the antioxidant enzymes were analyzed using RT-qPCR. The activity of SOD, GPx, and CAT was measured in the cell lysates. While the expression and activity of the antioxidant enzymes was inhibited relative to the untreated cells as a result of the CGA treatment (1 mmol/L), it was not after the CGA treatment in combination with an SMF. The demonstrated cytotoxicity of CGA (1 mmol/L) and its inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes suggests the usefulness of phenolic compounds as a supporting pharmacological treatment for melanoma. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Phenolic acids and their derivatives, which are the bioactive components of the human diet, are signal molecules that transfer information from the external environment that affects the level of gene expression in cells. This study suggests the usefulness of phenolic compounds as a supporting pharmacological treatment for melanoma and seems to be important for the development of experimental oncology.

Thermal cycling protects SH-SY5Y cells against hydrogen peroxide and β-amyloid-induced cell injury through stress response mechanisms involving Akt pathway

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are becoming a major threat to public health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The most common form of NDDs is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), boasting 60–70% share. Although some debates still exist, excessive aggregation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles has been deemed one of the major causes for the pathogenesis of AD. A growing number of evidences from studies, however, have suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) also play a key role in the onset and progression of AD. Although scientists have had some understanding of the pathogenesis of AD, the disease still cannot be cured, with existing treatment only capable of providing a temporary relief at best, partly due to the obstacle of blood-brain barrier (BBB). The study was aimed to ascertain the neuroprotective effect of thermal cycle hyperthermia (TC-HT) against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and Aβ-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Treating cells with this physical stimulation beforehand significantly improved the cell viability and decreased the ROS content. The underlying mechanisms may be due to the activation of Akt pathway and the downstream antioxidant and prosurvival proteins. The findings manifest significant potential of TC-HT in neuroprotection, via inhibition of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. It is believed that coupled with the use of drugs or natural compounds, this methodology can be even more effective in treating NDDs.

Cinnamaldehyde and Hyperthermia Co-Treatment Synergistically Induces ROS-Mediated Apoptosis in ACHN Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents the most common form of kidney cancer, which accounts for 3-5% newly diagnosed cancer cases. Since limited therapies are available for RCC, a search for new options is required. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the combination effect of cinnamaldehyde (CNM) and hyperthermia treatment. CNM treatment combined with 43 °C hyperthermia synergistically increased cytotoxicity in RCC cell line ACHN cells. Through Western blot assays, we observed increased apoptosis signaling and decreased proliferation/metastasis signaling, along with a repressed heat shock protein 70 level. In flow cytometry analyses, CNM and hyperthermia combination clearly induced apoptosis and mitochondrial potential of ACHN cells, while arresting the cell cycle. Investigation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) suggested a significant increase of ROS generation by CNM and 43 °C hyperthermia co-treatment. We could verify that ROS is crucial in the apoptotic action of combination treatment with CNM and hyperthermia through further experiments regarding an ROS scavenger. Overall, we suggest CNM and hyperthermia combination treatment as an alternative option of anticancer strategies for RCC.

Potential Therapeutic Targets of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), the Most Abundant Catechin in Green Tea, and Its Role in the Therapy of Various Types of Cancer

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an active compound of green tea and its role in diseases cure and prevention has been proven. Its role in diseases management can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-cancer role of this green tea compound has been confirmed in various types of cancer and is still being under explored. EGCG has been proven to possess a chemopreventive effect through inhibition of carcinogenesis process such as initiation, promotion, and progression. In addition, this catechin has proven its role in cancer management through modulating various cell signaling pathways such as regulating proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and killing of various types of cancer cells. The additive or synergistic effect of epigallocatechin with chemopreventive agents has been verified as it reduces the toxicities and enhances the anti-cancerous effects. Despite its effectiveness and safety, the implications of EGCG in cancer prevention is certainly still discussed due to a poor bioavailability. Several studies have shown the ability to overcome poor bioavailability through nanotechnology-based strategies such as encapsulation, liposome, micelles, nanoparticles and various other formulation. In this review, we encapsulate therapeutic implication of EGCG in cancer management and the mechanisms of action are discussed with an emphasis on human clinical trials.

Mapping Pharmacological Network of Multi-Targeting Litchi Ingredients in Cancer Therapeutics

Considerable pharmacological studies have demonstrated that the extracts and ingredients from different parts (seeds, peels, pulps, and flowers) of Litchi exhibited anticancer effects by affecting the proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy sensitivity, stemness, metabolism, angiogenesis, and immunity via multiple targeting. However, there is no systematical analysis on the interaction network of “multiple ingredients-multiple targets-multiple pathways” anticancer effects of Litchi. In this study, we summarized the confirmed anticancer ingredients and molecular targets of Litchi based on published articles and applied network pharmacology approach to explore the complex mechanisms underlying these effects from a perspective of system biology. The top ingredients, top targets, and top pathways of each anticancer function were identified using network pharmacology approach. Further intersecting analyses showed that Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), Gallic acid, Kaempferol, Luteolin, and Betulinic acid were the top ingredients which might be the key ingredients exerting anticancer function of Litchi, while BAX, BCL2, CASP3, and AKT1 were the top targets which might be the main targets underling the anticancer mechanisms of these top ingredients. These results provided references for further understanding and exploration of Litchi as therapeutics in cancer as well as the application of “Component Formula” based on Litchi’s effective ingredients.

Potential of Polymeric Films Loaded with Gold Nanorods for Local Hyperthermia Applications

Current strategies for the treatment of superficial non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) lesions include topical imoquimod, 5-fluorouracil, and photodynamic therapy. Although these treatments are effective, burning pain, blistering, and dermatitis have been reported as frequent side effects, making these therapies far from ideal. Plasmonic materials have been investigated for the induction of hyperthermia and use in cancer treatment. In this sense, the effectiveness of intratumorally and systemically injected gold nanorods (GnRs) in inducing cancer cell death upon near-infrared light irradiation has been confirmed. However, the in vivo long-term toxicity of these particles has not yet been fully documented. In the present manuscript, GnRs were included in a crosslinked polymeric film, evaluating their mechanical, swelling, and adhesion properties; moreover, their ability to heat up neonatal porcine skin (such as a skin model) upon irradiation was tested. Inclusion of GnRs into the films did not affect mechanical or swelling properties. GnRs were not released after film swelling, as they remained entrapped in the polymeric network; moreover, films did not adhere to porcine skin, altogether showing the enhanced biocompatibility of the material. GnR-loaded films were able to heat up the skin model over 40 °C, confirming the potential of this system for non-invasive local hyperthermia applications.

Application of non-invasive low-intensity pulsed electric field with thermal cycling-hyperthermia for synergistically enhanced anticancer effect of chlorogenic acid on PANC-1 cells

Most existing cancer treatments involve high-cost chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with major side effects, prompting effort to develop alternative treatment modalities. It was reported that the combination of thermal-cycling hyperthermia (TC-HT) and phenolic compound exhibited a moderate cytotoxic effect against human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of triple combination in PANC-1 cancer cells by adopting low-intensity pulsed electric field (LIPEF) to couple with TC-HT and CGA (chlorogenic acid). The study finds that this triple combination can significantly impede the proliferation of PANC-1 cells, with only about 20% viable cells left after 24h, whereas being non-toxic to normal cells. The synergistic activity against the PANC-1 cells was achieved by inducing G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis, which were associated with up-regulation of p53 and coupled with increased expression of downstream proteins p21 and Bax. Further mechanism investigations revealed that the cytotoxic activity could be related to mitochondrial apoptosis, characterized by the reduced level of Bcl-2, mitochondrial dysfunction, and sequential activation of caspase-9 and PARP. Also, we found that the triple treatment led to the increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Notably, the triple treatment-induced cytotoxic effects and the elevated expression of p53 and p21 proteins as well as the increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, all could be alleviated by the ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). These findings indicate that the combination of CGA, TC-HT, and LIPEF may be a promising modality for cancer treatment, as it can induce p53-dependent cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through accumulation of ROS in PANC-1 cells.