NF-kappaB in carcinoma therapy and prevention

The Role of Inflammation in Cancer: Mechanisms of Tumor Initiation, Progression, and Metastasis

Inflammation is an essential component of the immune response that protects the host against pathogens and facilitates tissue repair. Chronic inflammation is a critical factor in cancer development and progression. It affects every stage of tumor development, from initiation and promotion to invasion and metastasis. Tumors often create an inflammatory microenvironment that induces angiogenesis, immune suppression, and malignant growth. Immune cells within the tumor microenvironment interact actively with cancer cells, which drives progression through complex molecular mechanisms. Chronic inflammation is triggered by factors such as infections, obesity, and environmental toxins and is strongly linked to increased cancer risk. However, acute inflammatory responses can sometimes boost antitumor immunity; thus, inflammation presents both challenges and opportunities for therapeutic intervention. This review examines how inflammation contributes to tumor biology, emphasizing its dual role as a critical factor in tumorigenesis and as a potential therapeutic target.

Recent Issues in the Development and Application of Targeted Therapies with Respect to Individual Animal Variability

This literature review explores the impact of molecular, genetic, and environmental factors on the efficacy of targeted therapies in veterinary medicine. Relevant studies were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect using keywords such as "species-specific treatment strategies", "signalling pathways", "epigenetic and paragenetic influences", "targeted therapies", "veterinary medicine", "genetic variation", and "free radicals and oxidative stress". Inclusion criteria included studies focusing on species-specific therapeutic responses, genetic influences, and oxidative stress. To ensure that only the most recent and relevant evidence was included, only peer-reviewed publications from the last two decades were considered. Each study selected for analysis was critically appraised, with a particular emphasis on methodological quality, experimental design, and scientific contribution to the understanding of how environmental and biological factors influence therapeutic outcomes. A special emphasis was placed on studies that used a comparative, cross-species approach to assess variability in therapeutic responses and potential adverse effects. The review synthesises evidence on the role of epigenetic and paragenetic factors and highlights the importance of cross-species studies to understand how environmental and biological factors influence treatment outcomes. By highlighting genetic variation, oxidative stress, and individual species differences, the review argues for personalised and species-specific therapeutic approaches. The review emphasises that such an approach would improve veterinary care and inform future research aimed at optimising targeted therapies, ultimately leading to better animal health and treatment efficacy. A key contribution of the review is its emphasis on the need for more personalised treatment protocols that take into account individual genetic profiles and environmental factors; it also calls for a greater integration of cross-species studies.

Metformin represses the carcinogenesis potentially induced by 50 Hz magnetic fields in aged mouse fibroblasts via inhibition of NF-kB

Aging is a risk factor for various human disorders, including cancer. Current literature advocates that the primary principles of aging depend on the endogenous stress-induced DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species 50 Hz low-frequency magnetic field was suggested to induce DNA damage and chromosomal instability. NF-kB, activated by DNA damage, is upregulated in age-related cancers and inhibition of NF-kB results in aging-related delayed pathologies. Metformin (Met), an NF-kB inhibitor, significantly reduces both NF-kB activation and expression in aging and cancer. This in vitro study, therefore, was set out to assess the effects of 5mT MF in 50 Hz frequency and Met treatment on the viability and proliferation of aged mouse NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and expression of RELA/p65, matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9, and E-cadherin (CDH1) genes. The trypan blue exclusion assay was used to determine cell viability and the BrdU incorporation assay to determine cell proliferation. The MMP-2/9 protein analysis was carried out by immunocytochemistry, NF-kB activity by ELISA and the expressions of targeted genes by qRT-PCR methods. Four doses of Met (500 uM, 1 mM, 2 mM and 10 mM) suppressed both the proliferation and viability of fibroblasts exposed to the MF in a dose-dependent pattern, and the peak inhibition was recorded at the 10 mM dose. Met reduced the expression of NF-kB, and MMP2/9, elevated CDH1 expression and suppressed NF-kB activity. These findings suggest that Met treatment suppresses the carcinogenic potential of 50 Hz MFs in aged mouse fibroblasts, possibly through modulation of NF-kB activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition modulation.

Analysis of Inhibition Potential of Nimbin and its Analogs against NF-κB Subunits p50 and p65: A Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Study

BACKGROUND

Cancer remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality. The nuclear factor kappa-B (NF- κB) plays an indispensable role in cancer cell proliferation and drug resistance. The role of NF-κB is not only limited to tumor cell proliferation and suppression of apoptotic genes but it also induces EMT transition responsible for metastasis. Inhibition of the NF-κB pathway in cancer cells by herbal derivatives makes it a favorable yet promising target for cancer therapeutics.

AIM

The purpose of the study is to explore the inhibition potential of Nimbin and its analogs against NF-κB subunits p50 and p65.

METHODS

In the present study, an herbal compound Nimbin and its derivative analogs were investigated to examine their impact on the p50 and p65 subunits of the NF-κB signaling pathway using in silico tools, namely molecular docking and simulation.

RESULTS

The molecular docking analysis revealed that Nimbin and its analogs may bind to p50 and p65 subunits with dG bind values ranging from -33.23 to -50.49 Kcal/mol. Interestingly, molecular dynamic simulation for the NO5-p65 complex displayed a stable conformation and convergence when compared to the NO4-p50 complex.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that NO5 may have a potential inhibitory effect against NF-κB subunit p65, which needs to be further validated in in vitro and in vivo systems. Also, the results obtained emphasize and pave the way for exploring the Nimbin scaffold against NF-κB inhibition for cancer therapeutics.

Prediction of dual NF-κB/IκB inhibitors using an integrative in-silico approaches

Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the NF-κB signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis; activation of NF-κB in cancer increases cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis, both of which define tumor mass development. Inhibiting NF-κB leads to tumor suppression by blocking the IKK-α/β enzymes, thus inhibiting its translocation. Furthermore, protecting p65 from acetylation and phosphorylation inhibits NF-κB through its active site. Some small molecules are assumed to inhibit NF-κB and IκB function separately. This study took one of the previously reported NF-κB inhibitors (compound D4) as a promising lead and predicted some dual NF-κB and IκB inhibitors. We performed a virtual screening (VS) workflow on a library with 186,146 compounds with 75% similarity to compound D4 on both NF-κB and IκB proteins. A total of 186 compounds were extracted from three steps of VS 36 were common in both proteins. These compounds were subjected to the quantum polarized ligand docking to elect potent compounds with the highest binding affinity for NF-κB and IκB proteins. The MM-GBSA method calculates the lowest binding free energy for eight selected compounds. These analyses found three top-ranked compounds for each protein with suitable pharmacokinetics properties and higher in-silico inhibitory ability. In the last screening, compound CID_4969 was introduced to a molecular dynamics (MDs) simulation study as a common inhibitor for both proteins. The MDs confirmed the main interactions between the final elected compound and NF-κB/IκB proteins. Consequently, the presented computational approaches could be used for designing promising anti-cancer agents.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The Role of PARP ‐1 and NF‐κB in Bile‐Induced DNA Damage and Oncogenic Profile in Hypopharyngeal Cells

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

We recently documented that acidic bile, a gastroesophageal reflux content, can cause invasive hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, by inducing widespread DNA damage and promoting nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-related oncogenic molecular events. Poly or adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a sensitive sensor of DNA damage, may interact with NF-κB. We hypothesized that PARP-1 is activated in hypopharyngeal cells (HCs) with marked DNA damage caused by acidic bile, hence there is an association between PARP-1 and NF-κB activation or its related oncogenic profile, in this process.

STUDY DESIGN

In vitro study.

METHODS

We targeted PARP-1 and NF-κB(p65), using pharmacologic inhibitors, 1.0 μM Rucaparib (AG014699) and 10 μM BAY 11-7082 {3-[4=methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-(2E)-propenenitrile}, respectively, or silencing their gene expression (siRNAs) and used immunofluorescence, luciferase, cell viability, direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and qPCR analysis to detect the effect of targeting PARP-1 or NF-κB in acidic bile-induced DNA damage, PARP-1, p-NF-κB, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression, as well as NF-κB transcriptional activity, cell survival, and mRNA oncogenic phenotype in HCs.

RESULTS

We showed that (i) PARP-1 is overexpressed by acidic bile, (ii) targeting NF-κB adequately prevents the acidic bile-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by gamma H2A histone family member X (γH2AX), oxidative DNA/RNA damage, PARP-1 overexpression, anti-apoptotic mRNA phenotype, and cell survival, whereas (iii) targeting PARP-1 preserves elevated DNA damage, NF-κB activation, and anti-apoptotic phenotype.

CONCLUSION

We document for the first time that the activation of PARP-1 is an early event during bile reflux-related head and neck carcinogenesis and that NF-κB can mediate DNA damage and PARP-1 activation. Our data encourage further investigation into how acidic bile-induced activated NF-κB mediates DNA damage in hypopharyngeal carcinogenesis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 133:1146-1155, 2023.

Plant based radioprotectors as an adjunct to radiotherapy: advantages and limitations

Radioprotectors are agents that have the potential to act against radiation damage to cells. These are equally invaluable in radiation protection, both in intentional and unintentional radiation exposure. It is however, complex to use a universal radioprotector that could be beneficial in diverse contexts such as in radiotherapy, nuclear accidents, and space travel, as each of these circumstances have unique requirements. In a clinical setting such as in radiotherapy, a radioprotector is used to increase the efficacy of cancer treatment. The protective agent must act against radiation damage selectively in normal healthy cells while enhancing the radiation damage imparted on cancer cells. In the context of radiotherapy, plant-based compounds offer a more reliable solution over synthetic ones as the former are less expensive, less toxic, possess synergistic phytochemical activity, and are environmentally friendly. Phytochemicals with both radioprotective and anticancer properties may enhance the treatment efficacy by two-fold. Hence, plant based radioprotective agents offer a promising field to progress forward, and to expand the boundaries of radiation protection. This review is an account on radioprotective properties of phytochemicals and complications encountered in the development of the ideal radioprotector to be used as an adjunct in radiotherapy.

The canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways and their crosstalk: A comparative study based on Petri nets

NF-κB is a protein complex that occurs in almost all animal cell types. It regulates the cellular immune responses to stimuli in the nucleus. Dysregulation of NF-κB can cause severe diseases like chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases or cancer. We modeled the two major pathways leading from the external cellular stimulation of the CD40 receptor to the nuclear translocation of NF-κB dimers, the canonical and non-canonical pathway. Based on literature data, we developed two Petri net models describing these pathways. In a third Petri net, we combined the two models, introducing crosstalk specific in CD40L-stimulated B cells. In terms of structural properties, we checked the Petri nets for their consistency and correctness. To explore differences and similarities, we compared structural properties and the simulation behavior of the models. The non-canonical NF-κB pathway exhibited a more diverse regulation than the canonical pathway. Applying in silico knockout analyses, we were able to quantify the relevance of individual biochemical processes. We predicted interrelationships, e.g., between the synthesis of the protein NF-κB-inducing kinase and the processing of the precursor protein p100. The activation of the transcription factors, p50-RelA and p52-RelB, was affected by most of the knockouts. The results of the in silico knockout were in accordance with experimental studies. The Petri net models provide a basis for further analyses and could be extended to include gene expression, additional pathways, molecular processes, and kinetic data.

Anti-cancer effect of metformin on the metastasis and invasion of primary breast cancer cells through mediating NF-kB activity

Current evidence strongly suggests that aberrant activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) signaling cascade is connected to carcinogenesis. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) which are also the key agents for tumor metastasis may be potent candidates for tumor diagnosis in clinics. In this in vitro study, we hypothesized that metformin with an effective dose can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and metastasis by modulating the expressions of MMP-2 and -9 and interfering with NF-kB signaling in primary breast cancer cells (PBCCs). 300 000 cells per ml were obtained from biopsies of breast tumors from five human donors. The cell viability and proliferation were tested. Immunocytochemistry was performed for MMP-2, MMP-9, and NF-kB, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for NF-kB activity, quantitative real-time PCR for RELA/p65, IkBα, MMP-2, and MMP-9. Three different doses of metformin (5, 10, and 25 mM) (Met) reduced the viability and proliferation of PBCCs in a dose-dependent manner, maximum inhibition was observed at 25 mM Met. The expression of RELA/p65 was not affected by 25 mM Met. Nuclear immunoreactivity and activity of NF-kB reduced while cytoplasmic NF-kB (p65) elevated by 25 mM Met compared to non-treatment (P <  0.05). The expression and immunoreactivity of MMP-9 but not MMP-2 were decreased by 25 mM Met treatment, compared with the non-treatment (P <  0.05). Metformin may have an essential antitumor role in the invasion and metastasis pathways of PBCCs by downregulating the MMP-9 expression blocking both the activity and nuclear translocation of NF-kB.

Chemokine-Cytokine Networks in the Head and Neck Tumor Microenvironment

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are aggressive diseases with a dismal patient prognosis. Despite significant advances in treatment modalities, the five-year survival rate in patients with HNSCC has improved marginally and therefore warrants a comprehensive understanding of the HNSCC biology. Alterations in the cellular and non-cellular components of the HNSCC tumor micro-environment (TME) play a critical role in regulating many hallmarks of cancer development including evasion of apoptosis, activation of invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, response to therapy, immune escape mechanisms, deregulation of energetics, and therefore the development of an overall aggressive HNSCC phenotype. Cytokines and chemokines are small secretory proteins produced by neoplastic or stromal cells, controlling complex and dynamic cell-cell interactions in the TME to regulate many cancer hallmarks. This review summarizes the current understanding of the complex cytokine/chemokine networks in the HNSCC TME, their role in activating diverse signaling pathways and promoting tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance development.

WTAP facilitates progression of endometrial cancer via CAV-1/NF-κB axis

The N⁶ -methyladenosine (m⁶ A) modification is one of the most prevalent methylations in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA), and it is essential for the development of many important biological processes such as multiple types of tumors. One of the most important enzymes catalyzing generation of m⁶ A on mRNA is Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP); however, the potential role of WTAP in endometrial cancer (EC) still remains unknown. Here, we investigated WTAP expression level in cancer tissue and paracancerous tissue from an EC patient. Subsequently, WTAP was knocked down by small interfering RNA in EC cell line of Ishikawa and HEC-1A, respectively. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were studied. The expression of caveolin-1 (CAV-1) was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The enrichments of m⁶ A and METTL3 on CAV-1 were detected using RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR. The activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was studied using Western blot. We observed that WTAP was dramatically upregulated in the cancer tissue, and there was an enhancement in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and a decrease in EC apoptosis in vivo and in vitro, which indicated higher tumor malignancy and worse survival outcome. After WTAP was knocked down in EC cells, CAV-1 was significantly upregulated and the enrichments of m⁶ A and METTL3 at 3'-untranslated region (UTR) region of CAV-1 were decreased. Moreover, the activity of NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited by its regulator CAV-1. Taken together, we concluded that WTAP could methylate 3'-UTR of CAV-1 and downregulate CAV-1 expression to activate NF-κB signaling pathway in EC, which promoted EC progression.

Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Activation Reduces Retinal Neovascularization by Promoting a Polarization Shift in Macrophages

Purpose

Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling is involved in regulating tumor angiogenesis and metastasis; however, the exact mechanism of action in retinal neovascularization (RNV) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the role and underlying mechanism of NF-κB in regulating RNV in retinal neovascularization mice.

Methods

Expression levels of NF-κB signaling were detected by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting in retinas of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice. OIR mice were treated with either pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC), a NF-κB signaling inhibitor, or PBS, and retinal flat-mounts were performed to quantify the area of RNV and the recruitment of retinal macrophages by immunofluorescence staining. Macrophage polarization detected by flow cytometric analysis and the expression of macrophage polarization-associated genes were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining, quantitative RT-PCR, and western blotting.

Results

Expression levels of phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα) and p-p65 increased in OIR mice. Inhibiting NF-κB signaling activation by PDTC significantly reduced RNV. After treatment with PDTC, a reduction in the quantity of macrophages was observed: M1 polarized macrophages decreased, and M2 polarized macrophages increased; the expression of M1 macrophage-associated cytokines decreased and M2 macrophage-associated cytokines increased in the retinas of OIR mice.

Conclusions

Blocking activation of NF-κB signaling reduces RNV by promoting polarization of M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages in OIR mice.

Escherichia coli, a common constituent of benign prostate hyperplasia-associated microbiota induces inflammation and DNA damage in prostate epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

The role of microbiota in the pathophysiology of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), especially in creating an inflammatory milieu may not be avoided. The major objectives of this study were to investigate the microbial composition of BPH tissues, its association with inflammation and check the effect of clinically isolated bacteria on prostate epithelial cells.

METHODS

The study includes 36 patients with a pathological diagnosis of BPH. Following strict aseptic measures, tissues were collected after transurethral resection of prostate, multiple pieces of the resected tissues were subjected to histopathological analysis, bacterial culture and genomic DNA extraction. Microbial composition was analyzed by culture and/or next-generation sequencing methods. Annotation of operational taxonomy unit has been done with an in-house algorithm. The extent of inflammation was scored through histological evaluation of tissue sections. The effect of clinical isolates on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity and induction of DNA-damage in the prostate epithelial cells were evaluated.

RESULTS

Histopathological analysis of the BPH tissues showed the presence of inflammation in almost all the tissues with a varied level at different regions of the same tissue section and the level of overall inflammation was different from patients to patients. Microbial culture of tissue samples showed the presence of live bacteria in 55.5% (20 out of 36) of the patient tissues. Majority of the isolates were coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, E. coli and Micrococcus spp. Further, V3 16S rRNA sequencing of the DNA isolated from BPH tissues showed the presence of multiple bacteria and the most common phylum in the BPH tissues were found to be Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. The E. coli, isolated from one of the tissue was able to activate NF-κB and induce DNA damage in prostate epithelial cells. Phospho-histone γH2A.X staining confirmed the presence of cells with damaged DNA lesion in BPH tissues and also correlated with the severity of inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Our study has shown that the BPH tissues do have a divergent microbial composition including the commonly found E. coli (phylum Proteobacteria), and these bacteria might contribute to the BPH-associated inflammation and/or tissue damage. The BPH-associated E. coli induced NF-κB signaling and DNA damage in prostate epithelial cells in vitro.

Targeting cancer stem cell pathways for cancer therapy

Since cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first identified in leukemia in 1994, they have been considered promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. These cells have self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential and contribute to multiple tumor malignancies, such as recurrence, metastasis, heterogeneity, multidrug resistance, and radiation resistance. The biological activities of CSCs are regulated by several pluripotent transcription factors, such as OCT4, Sox2, Nanog, KLF4, and MYC. In addition, many intracellular signaling pathways, such as Wnt, NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB), Notch, Hedgehog, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription), PI3K/AKT/mTOR (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin), TGF (transforming growth factor)/SMAD, and PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor), as well as extracellular factors, such as vascular niches, hypoxia, tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular matrix, and exosomes, have been shown to be very important regulators of CSCs. Molecules, vaccines, antibodies, and CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) cells have been developed to specifically target CSCs, and some of these factors are already undergoing clinical trials. This review summarizes the characterization and identification of CSCs, depicts major factors and pathways that regulate CSC development, and discusses potential targeted therapy for CSCs.

Suppression of migration, invasion, and metastasis of cisplatin-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through IKKβ inhibition

We explored the role of the transcription factor, NF-κB, and its upstream kinase IKKβ in regulation of migration, invasion, and metastasis of cisplatin-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We showed that cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cells have a stronger ability to migrate and invade, as well as display higher IKKβ/NF-κB activity compared to their parental partners. Importantly, we found that knockdown of IKKβ, but not NF-κB, dramatically impaired cell migration and invasion in these cells. Consistent with this, the IKKβ inhibitor, CmpdA, also inhibited cell migration and invasion. Previous studies have already shown that N-Cadherin, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker, and IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, play important roles in regulation of HNSCC migration, invasion, and metastasis. We found that cisplatin-resistant HNSCC expressed higher levels of N-Cadherin and IL-6, which were significantly inhibited by CmpdA. More importantly, we showed that CmpdA treatment dramatically abated cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cell metastasis to lungs in a mouse model. Our data demonstrated the crucial role of IKKβ in control of migration, invasion, and metastasis, and implicated that targeting IKKβ may be a potential therapy for cisplatin-resistant metastatic HNSCC.

Head and Neck Cancers Promote an Inflammatory Transcriptome through Coactivation of Classic and Alternative NF-κB Pathways

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) promote inflammation in the tumor microenvironment through aberrant NF-κB activation, but the genomic alterations and pathway networks that modulate NF-κB signaling have not been fully dissected. Here, we analyzed genome and transcriptome alterations of 279 HNSCC specimens from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort and identified 61 genes involved in NF-κB and inflammatory pathways. The top 30 altered genes were distributed across 96% of HNSCC samples, and their expression was often correlated with genomic copy-number alterations (CNA). Ten of the amplified genes were associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) status. We sequenced 15 HPV- and 11 HPV+ human HNSCC cell lines, and three oral mucosa keratinocyte lines, and supervised clustering revealed that 28 of 61 genes exhibit altered expression patterns concordant with HNSCC tissues and distinct signatures related to their HPV status. RNAi screening using an NF-κB reporter line identified 16 genes that are induced by TNFα or Lymphotoxin-β (LTβ) and implicated in the classic and/or alternative NF-κB pathways. Knockdown of TNFR, LTBR, or selected downstream signaling components established cross-talk between the classic and alternative NF-κB pathways. TNFα and LTβ induced differential gene expression involving the NF-κB, IFNγ, and STAT pathways, inflammatory cytokines, and metastasis-related genes. Improved survival was observed in HNSCC patients with elevated gene expression in T-cell activation, immune checkpoints, and IFNγ and STAT pathways. These gene signatures of NF-κB activation, which modulate inflammation and responses to the immune therapy, could serve as potential biomarkers in future clinical trials.

Complexity on modulation of NF-κB pathways by hepatitis B and C: A double-edged sword in hepatocarcinogenesis

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a family of master regulated dimeric transcription factors, signaling transduction pathways are active players in the cell signaling that control vital cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, morphogenesis, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Nevertheless, aberrant regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathways has been associated with a significant number of human cancers. In fact, NF-κB acts as a double-edged sword in the vital cellular processes and carcinogenesis. This review provides an overview on the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathways by proteins of hepatitis B and C viruses. One of the major NF-κB events that are modulated by these viruses is the induction of hepatocellular carcinoma. Given the central function of NF-κB in carcinogenesis, it has turned out to be a considerable therapeutic target for cancer therapy.

CK2 Pro-Survival Role in Prostate Cancer Is Mediated via Maintenance and Promotion of Androgen Receptor and NFκB p65 Expression

The prosurvival protein kinase CK2, androgen receptor (AR), and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) interact in the function of prostate cells, and there is evidence of crosstalk between these signals in the pathobiology of prostate cancer (PCa). As CK2 is elevated in PCa, and AR and NFκB are involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer, we investigated their interaction in benign and malignant prostate cells in the presence of altered CK2 expression. Our results show that elevation of CK2 levels caused increased levels of AR and NFκB p65 in prostate cells of different phenotypes. Analysis of TCGA PCa data indicated that AR and CK2α RNA expression are strongly correlated. Small molecule inhibition or molecular down-regulation of CK2 caused reduction in AR mRNA expression and protein levels in PCa cells and in orthotopic xenograft tumors by various pathways. Among these, regulation of AR protein stability plays a unifying role in CK2 maintenance of AR protein levels. Our results show induction of various endoplasmic reticulum stress signals after CK2 inhibition, which may play a role in the PCa cell death response. Of note, CK2 inhibition caused loss of cell viability in both parental and enzalutamide-resistant castrate-resistant PCa cells. The present work elucidates the specific link of CK2 to the pathogenesis of PCa in association with AR and NFκB expression; further, the observation that inhibition of CK2 can exert a growth inhibitory effect on therapy-resistant PCa cells emphasizes the potential utility of CK2 inhibition in patients who are on enzalutamide treatment for advanced cancer.

PARP14 promotes the proliferation and gemcitabine chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells through activation of NF-κB pathway

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most fatal gastrointestinal malignancy in the world, with a 5-year relative survival of only 8%. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)14, a member of the macro-PARP subfamily proteins, has been reported to participate in various biologic and pathologic processes in multiple cancers. The roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of PARP14 in PC carcinogenesis, however, remain to be elucidated. In this study, we for the first time discovered that PARP14 was highly expressed in human primary PC specimens and significantly correlated with poor patient prognosis. Using loss-of-function studies in vitro and in vivo, we showed that the knockdown of PARP14 led to enhanced apoptosis, repressed proliferation, and gemcitabine (GEM) resistance of PC cells. Further investigations revealed that PARP14 was significantly overexpressed in GEM-resistant PC cells (SW1990/GZ). And silencing of PARP14 significantly reversed the GEM resistance of SW1990/GZ cells. To the mechanism, PARP14 could stimulate PC progression by the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. And inhibition of NF-κB signal could significantly reverse PARP14-overexpression triggered PC carcinogenesis. In conclusion, PARP14 could promote PC cell proliferation, antiapoptosis, and GEM resistance via NF-κB signaling pathway, highlighting its potential role as a therapeutic target for PC.

TGF-β-induced alternative splicing of TAK1 promotes EMT and drug resistance

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is major inducer of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which associates with cancer cell metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy and targeted drugs, through both transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms. We previously reported that in cancer cells, heightened mitogenic signaling allows TGF-β-activated Smad3 to interact with poly(RC) binding protein 1 (PCBP1) and together they regulate many alternative splicing events that favors expression of protein isoforms essential for EMT, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and adherens junction signaling. Here, we show that the exclusion of TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) variable exon 12 requires another RNA-binding protein, Fox-1 homolog 2 (Rbfox2), which binds intronic sequences in front of exon 12 independently of the Smad3-PCBP1 complex. Functionally, exon 12-excluded TAK1∆E12 and full length TAK1FL are distinct. The short isoform TAK1∆E12 is constitutively active and supports TGF-β-induced EMT and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, whereas the full-length isoform TAK1FL promotes TGF-β-induced apoptosis. These observations offer a harmonious explanation for how a single TAK1 kinase can mediate the opposing responses of cell survival and apoptosis in response to TGF-β. They also reveal a propensity of the alternatively spliced TAK1 isoform TAK1∆E12 to cause drug resistance due to its activity in supporting EMT and NF-κB survival signaling.

Les huiles essentielles comme agents anticancéreux : actualité sur le mode d’action

Le cancer est une maladie complexe qui présente un réel problème de santé publique à travers le monde et cause statiquement sept millions de décès chaque année. Au cours des dernières décennies, la thérapie anticancéreuse a connu un réel bouleversement et un foisonnement de découvertes fondamentales. Plusieurs études accumulatives ont révélé l’activité antitumorale des substances naturelles isolées à partir de plantes. Les huiles essentielles (HE) et leurs constituants ont montré des activités anticancéreuses puissantes in vitro et in vivo. Cependant, les mécanismes d’action sont encore peu étudiés et moins connus. Par ailleurs, leur application dans l’industrie pharmaceutique nécessite une spécificité– sélectivité pharmacodynamique absolue. Dans le présent travail, nous présentons une synthèse des travaux réalisés sur les mécanismes d’actions anticancéreuses des HE et leurs composés bioactifs.

Anticancer and antibacterial potential of Rhus punjabensis and CuO nanoparticles

The present study reports ecofriendly synthesis of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) using an extract of Rhus punjabensis as a reducing agent. NPs structural and composition analysis are evaluated by X-rays diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared, Energy dispersive spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, and Thermal analysis. The NPs have pure single phase monoclinic geometry with spherical structure and high stability toward heat and with average particle size of about 36.6 and 31.27 nm calculated by XRD and SEM, respectively. NPs are tested for antibacterial, protein kinase (PK) inhibition, SRB cytotoxic, and NF-κB activities. Antibacterial activity is observed against B. subtilis and E. coli. Significant PK and SRB cytotoxic activity is observed with some NF-κB inhibition. NPs IC₅₀ values against HL-60 and PC-3 prostate cancer cells are 1.82 ± 1.22 and 19.25 ± 1.55 μg/mL. The results encourage further studies for antibacterial and anticancer drug development of NPs using animal models.

Cytotoxic activity and molecular targets of atractylodin in cholangiocarcinoma cells

Objectives

To evaluate the cytotoxic activity of atractylodin and its potential effects on heme oxygenase (HO)-1 production, STAT1/3 phosporylation and major NF-κB protein expression in the cholangiocarcinoma-associated cell line CL-6.

Methods

Standard MTT assay was used for accessing antiproliferative activity on CL-6 cells. Normal human embryonic fibroblast (OUMS) cell was taken as control cell line. Colony formation and wound healing assay were conducted to access the effects of atractylodin on cell proliferation and directional migration activity of CL-6 cells. Western blot was used for evaluating levels of protein expression and phosphorylation.

Key findings

Atractylodin exhibited selective cytotoxicity towards CL-6 as compared with OUMS with IC50 of 216.8 (212.4-233.8) and 351.2 (345.7-359.5) μm [median (range)], respectively. Exposure to the compound dose-dependently inhibited colony formation ability and decreased wound closure potential of CL-6 cells. Atractylodin treatment suppressed HO-1 production in CL-6 cells. It dose-dependently inhibited STAT1/3 protein phosphorylation and moderately inhibited NF-κB (p50), NF-κB (p52), and NF-κB (p65) protein expression in both dose- and time-dependent manner.

Conclusions

Atractylodin exerts significant cytotoxic activity against CL-6 cells which may be linked to its suppressive effect on HO-1 production, STAT1/3 phosphorylation and expression of key NF-κB proteins.

The levels of NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 play a role in thyroid carcinoma malignancy in vivo

Background To investigate the relationship between the levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 and tumour characteristics in patients with thyroid carcinoma. Methods This prospective study enrolled consecutive patients with thyroid carcinoma. Tumour samples were collected and the levels of NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 protein and mRNA were measured using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results A total of 73 patients with thyroid carcinoma were included in the study (20 males; 53 females; mean ± SD age, 44.8 ± 12.7 years, range, 18-76 years). There were no significant differences in sex, age and pathological type between the NF-κB p50 positive group and the NF-κB p50 negative group, but tumour diameter and lymph node metastasis were significantly higher in the NF-κB p50 positive group compared with the NF-κB p50 negative group. Similar findings were observed for NF-κB p65. The levels of NF-κB p50 were positively correlated with NF-κB p65 in samples of thyroid carcinoma ( rs = 0.653). Conclusion The levels of NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 in samples of thyroid carcinoma were positively associated with tumour diameter and the presence of lymph node metastasis.

Biological Evaluation and Docking Studies of Synthetic Oleanane-type Triterpenoids

Saponins are potential wide-spectrum antitumor drugs, and copper(I) catalyzed azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is a suitable approach to synthesizing saponin-like compounds by regioselective glycosylation of the C2/C3 hydroxyl and C28 carboxylic groups of triterpene aglycones maslinic acid (MA) and oleanolic acid (OA). Biological studies on the T-84 human colon carcinoma cell line support the role of the hydroxyl groups at C2/C3, the influence of the aglycone, and the bulky nature of the substituents in C28. OA bearing a α-d-mannose moiety at C28 (compound 18) focused our interest because the estimated inhibitory concentration 50 was similar to that reported for ginsenoside Rh2 against colon cancer cells and it inhibits the G₁-S phase transition affecting the cell viability and apoptosis. Considering that triterpenoids from natural sources have been identified as inhibitors of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) signaling, docking studies were conducted to evaluate whether NF-κB may be a potential target. Results are consistent with the biological study and predict a similar binding mode of MA and compound 18 to the p52 subunit from NF-κB but not for OA. The fact that the binding site is shared by the NF-κB inhibitor 6,6-dimethyl-2-(phenylimino)-6,7-dihydrobenzo[d][1,3]oxathiol-4(5H)-one supports the result and points to NF-κB as a potential target of both MA and compound 18.

The Interplay among PINK1/PARKIN/Dj-1 Network during Mitochondrial Quality Control in Cancer Biology: Protein Interaction Analysis

PARKIN (E3 ubiquitin ligase PARK2), PINK1 (PTEN induced kinase 1) and DJ-1 (PARK7) are proteins involved in autosomal recessive parkinsonism, and carcinogenic processes. In damaged mitochondria, PINK1’s importing into the inner mitochondrial membrane is prevented, PARKIN presents a partial mitochondrial localization at the outer mitochondrial membrane and DJ-1 relocates to mitochondria when oxidative stress increases. Depletion of these proteins result in abnormal mitochondrial morphology. PINK1, PARKIN, and DJ-1 participate in mitochondrial remodeling and actively regulate mitochondrial quality control. In this review, we highlight that PARKIN, PINK1, and DJ-1 should be regarded as having an important role in Cancer Biology. The STRING database and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis were performed to consolidate knowledge of well-known protein interactions for PINK1, PARKIN, and DJ-1 and envisage new ones. The enrichment analysis of KEGG pathways showed that the PINK1/PARKIN/DJ-1 network resulted in Parkinson disease as the main feature, while the protein DJ-1 showed enrichment in prostate cancer and p53 signaling pathway. Some predicted transcription factors regulating PINK1, PARK2 (PARKIN) and PARK7 (DJ-1) gene expression are related to cell cycle control. We can therefore suggest that the interplay among PINK1/PARKIN/DJ-1 network during mitochondrial quality control in cancer biology may occur at the transcriptional level. Further analysis, like a systems biology approach, will be helpful in the understanding of PINK1/PARKIN/DJ-1 network.

ATN-161 as an Integrin α5β1 Antagonist Depresses Ocular Neovascularization by Promoting New Vascular Endothelial Cell Apoptosis

BACKGROUND ATN-161 (Ac-PHSCN-NH2), an antagonist of integrin α5β1, has shown an important influence in inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and metastasis of other tumor types. However, the mechanism of action of ATN-161 and whether it can inhibit ocular neovascularization (NV) are unclear. This study investigated the role of ATN-161 in regulating ocular angiogenesis in mouse models and explored the underlying signaling pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS An oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model and a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mouse model were used to test integrin a5b1 expression and the effect of ATN-161 on ocular NV by immunofluorescence staining, Western blot analysis, and flat-mount analysis. The activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP-2/9), and cell apoptosis were detected by immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, real-time RT-PCR, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). The cell proliferation was detected by BrdU labeling. RESULTS In OIR and CNV mice, the protein expression level of integrin α5β1 increased compared with that in age-matched controls. The mice given ATN-161 had significantly reduced retinal neovascularization (RNV) and CNV. Blocking integrin a5b1 by ATN-161 strongly inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP-2/9) expression and promoted cell apoptosis, but the effect of ATN-161 on proliferation in CNV mice was indirect and required the inhibition of neovascularization. Inhibiting NF-κB activation by ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) reduced RNV and promoted cell apoptosis in ocular NV. CONCLUSIONS Blocking integrin α5β1 by ATN-161 reduced ocular NV by inhibiting MMP-2/MMP-9 expression and promoting the cell apoptosis of ocular NV.

Thymoquinone inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating the elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF-2K) signaling axis in triple-negative breast cancer

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and chemoresistant subtype of breast cancer. Therefore, new molecular targets and treatments need to be developed to improve poor patient prognosis and survival. We have previously shown that eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF-2K) is highly expressed in TNBC cells, is associated with poor patient survival and prognosis, and promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In vivo targeting of eEF-2K significantly reduces the tumor growth of orthotopic TNBC xenograft mouse models, suggesting that eEF-2K may serve as a potential novel therapeutic target.

METHODS/RESULTS

In the current study, we identified thymoquinone (TQ), an active ingredient of Nigella sativa, as a potential safe and effective eEF-2K inhibitor in TNBC. We demonstrated for the first time that TQ inhibits the protein and mRNA expression of eEF-2K, as well as the clinically relevant downstream targets, including Src/FAK and Akt, and induces the tumor suppressor miR-603, in response to NF-kB inhibition. This effect was associated with a significant decrease in the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells. Furthermore, systemic in vivo injection of TQ (20 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the growth of MDA-MB-231 tumors and inhibited the eEF-2K expression in an orthotopic tumor model in mice.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides first evidence that TQ treatment inhibits cell proliferation, migration/invasion, and tumor growth, in part through the inhibition of eEF-2K signaling in TNBC. Thus, our findings suggest that systemic TQ treatment may be used as a targeted therapeutic strategy for the inhibition of eEF-2K in TNBC tumor growth and progression.

12(S)-HETE induces lymph endothelial cell retraction in vitro by upregulation of SOX18

Metastasising breast cancer cells communicate with adjacent lymph endothelia, intravasate and disseminate through lymphatic routes, colonise lymph nodes and finally metastasize to distant organs. Thus, understanding and blocking intravasation may attenuate the metastatic cascade at an early step. As a trigger factor, which causes the retraction of lymph endothelial cells (LECs) and opens entry ports for tumour cell intravasation, MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells secrete the pro-metastatic arachidonic acid metabolite, 12S-hydroxy-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid [12(S)-HETE]. In the current study, treatment of LECs with 12(S)-HETE upregulated the expression of the transcription factors SRY-related HMG-box 18 (SOX18) and prospero homeobox protein 1 (PROX1), which determine endothelial development. Thus, whether they have a role in LEC retraction was determined using a validated intravasation assay, small interfering RNA mediated knockdown of gene expression, and mRNA and protein expression analyses. Specific inhibition of SOX18 or PROX1 significantly attenuated in vitro intravasation of MDA-MB231 spheroids through the LEC barrier and 12(S)-HETE-triggered signals were transduced by the high and low affinity receptors, 12(S)-HETE receptor and leukotriene B4 receptor 2. In addition, the current findings indicate that there is crosstalk between SOX18 and nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, which was demonstrated to contribute to MDA-MB231/lymph endothelial intravasation. The present data demonstrate that the endothelial-specific and lymph endothelial-specific transcription factors SOX18 and PROX1 contribute to LEC retraction.

Sinomenine Hydrochloride Inhibits the Metastasis of Human Glioblastoma Cells by Suppressing the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2/-9 and Reversing the Endogenous and Exogenous Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

As shown in our previous study, sinomenine hydrochloride (SH), the major bioactive alkaloid isolated from Sinomenium acutum Rehd. et Wils. (Fam. Menispermaceae), initiates the autophagy-mediated death of human glioblastoma cells by generating reactive oxygen species and activating the autophagy-lysosome pathway. However, its effects on the migration and invasion of human glioblastoma cells have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, human glioblastoma U87 and SF767 cells were treated with SH (0.125 and 0.25 mM) for 24 h, and cell migration and invasion were assessed using scratch wound healing, migration and invasion assays. SH promoted G0/G1 phase arrest, inhibited the migration and invasion of the two cell lines, suppressed the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/-9, triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, reversed the exogenous epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by the inflammatory microenvironment and the endogenous EMT. Additionally, NFκB p65 overexpression blocked the SH-mediated inhibitory effects on MMP-2/-9 expression and cell invasion. SH-induced autophagy was reduced in CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP) or autophagy-related 5 (ATG5)-silenced human glioblastoma cells and cells treated with 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) or 3-methyladenine (3-MA), as shown by the decreased levels of the microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B)-II and autophagic vacuoles (AVs) stained with monodansylcadaverine (MDC), respectively. Moreover, knockdown of CHOP or ATG5 and treatment with 4-PBA or 3-MA abolished the SH-mediated inhibition of mesenchymal markers (vimentin, Snail and Slug) expression and cell invasion, respectively. Importantly, SH also regulated the above related pathways in nude mice. Based on these findings, SH inhibited cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest, and attenuated the metastasis of U87 and SF767 cells by suppressing MMP-2/-9 expression and reversing the endogenous and exogenous EMT in vitro and/or in vivo. Thus, SH might be a new potential anti-metastasis agent for the treatment of human glioblastoma.

Linking Autophagy and the Dysregulated NFκB/ SNAIL/YY1/RKIP/PTEN Loop in Cancer: Therapeutic Implications

The role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of various cancers has been well documented in many reports. Autophagy in cancer cells regulates cell proliferation, viability, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and responses to chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic treatment strategies. These manifestations are the result of various regulatory gene products that govern autophagic, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms. In several human cancer cell models, the presence of a dysregulated circuit-namely, NFκB/SNAIL/YY1/RKIP/PTEN-that plays a major role in the regulation of tumor cell unique characteristics just listed for autophagy-regulated activities. Accordingly, the autophagic mechanism and the dysregulated circuit in cancer cells share many of the same properties and activities. Thus, it has been hypothesized that there must exist a biochemical/molecular link between the two. The present review describes the link and the association of each gene product of the dysregulated circuit with the autophagic mechanism and delineates the presence of crosstalk. Crosstalk between autophagy and the dysregulated circuit is significant and has important implications in the development of targeted therapies aimed at either autophagy or the dysregulated gene products in cancer cells.

A positive feedback loop involving EGFR/Akt/mTORC1 and IKK/NF-kB regulates head and neck squamous cell carcinoma proliferation

The overexpression or mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been associated with a number of cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Increasing evidence indicates that both the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) are constitutively active and contribute to aggressive HNSCC downstream of EGFR. However, whether these two oncogenic signaling pathways exhibit molecular and functional crosstalk in HNSCC is unclear. Our results now reveal that mTORC1, not mTORC2, contributes to NF-κB activation downstream of EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling. Mechanistically, mTORC1 enhances the inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase (IKK) activity to accelerate NF-κB signaling. Concomitantly, activated NF-κB/IKK up-regulates EGFR expression through positive feedback regulation. Blockage of NF-κB/IKK activity by the novel IKKβ specific inhibitor, CmpdA, leads to significant inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. CmpdA also sensitizes intrinsic cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cells to cisplatin treatment. Our findings reveal a new mechanism by which EGFR/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling promotes head and neck cancer progression and underscores the need for developing a therapeutic strategy for targeting IKK/NF-κB either as a single agent or in combination with cisplatin in head and neck cancer.

Proteasomes in corneal epithelial cells and cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheet (CAOMECS) graft used for the ocular surface regeneration

PURPOSE

This study focuses on characterizing proteasomes in corneal epithelial cells (CEC) and in cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets (CAOMECS) used to regenerate the ocular surface.

METHODS

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) was surgically induced in rabbit corneas. CAOMECS was engineered and grafted onto corneas with LSCD to regenerate the ocular surface.

RESULTS

LSCD caused an increase in inflammatory cells in the ocular surface, an increase in the formation of immunoproteasomes (IPR), and a decrease in the formation of constitutive proteasome (CPR). Specifically, LSCD-diseased CEC (D-CEC) showed a decrease in the CPR chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like and caspase-like activities, while healthy CEC (H-CEC) and CAOMECS showed higher activities. Quantitative analysis of IPR inducible subunit (B5i, B2i, and B1i) were performed and compared to CPR subunit (B5, B2, and B1) levels. Results showed that ratios B5i/B5, B2i/B2 and B1i/B1 were higher in D-CEC, indicating that D-CEC had approximately a two-fold increase in the amount of IPR compared to CAOMECS and H-CEC. Histological analysis demonstrated that CAOMECS-grafted corneas had a re-epithelialized surface, positive staining for CPR subunits, and weak staining for IPR subunits. In addition, digital quantitative measurement of fluorescent intensity showed that the CPR B5 subunit was significantly more expressed in CAOMECS-grafted corneas compared to non-grafted corneas with LSCD.

CONCLUSION

CAOMECS grafting successfully replaced the D-CEC with oral mucosal epithelial cells with higher levels of CPR. The increase in constitutive proteasome expression is possibly responsible for the recovery and improvement in CAOMECS-grafted corneas.

Methanolic bark extract of Acacia catechu ameliorates benzo(a)pyrene induced lung toxicity by abrogation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in mice

Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] is a well-known carcinogen present in the environment. In this study, we evaluated the protective potential of methanolic bark extract of Acacia catechu Willd. (MEBA) against the lung toxicity induced by B(a)P in Swiss albino mice. To determine the protective efficacy of MEBA, it was orally administered to the mice at two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) once daily for 7 days. Mice were also exposed (orally) to B(a)P at a dose of 125 mg/kg body weight on 7th day. Administration of B(a)P increased the activities of toxicity markers such as LDH, LPO, and XO with a subsequent decrease in the activities of tissue anti-oxidant armory (CAT, SOD, GST, GPx, GR, QR, and GSH). It also caused activation of the apoptotic and inflammatory pathway by upregulation of TNF-α, NF-kB, COX-2, p53, bax, caspase-3, and downregulating Bcl-2. Pretreatment with MEBA at two different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) significantly ameliorates B(a)P-induced increased toxicity markers and activities of detoxifying enzymes along with the levels of glutathione content. It also significantly attenuated expression of apoptotic and inflammatory markers in the lungs. Histological results further confirmed the protective role of MEBA against B(a)P-induced lung toxicity. The results indicate that MEBA may be beneficial in ameliorating the B(a)P-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the lungs of mice. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1566-1577, 2017.

Chemomodulatory effect Melastoma Malabathricum Linn against chemically induced renal carcinogenesis rats via attenuation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and early markers of tumor expansion

Melastoma malabathricum Linn (MM) has high valued for its commercial significance. Indian market (northeast) has great demand for the plants, which extended, its use as a traditional home remedy due to its anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we scrutinize the therapeutic and protective effect of MM against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA)-induced renal carcinogenesis, renal hyperproliferation, and oxidative stress in rats. Liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) was used for identification of phytoconstituents. Administration of DEN confirmed the initiation the renal carcinogenesis via enhancing the expansion of tumor incidence. Intraperitoneally, administration of Fe-NTA boost the antioxidant enzymes (phase I), viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and phase II, viz., quinone reductase (QR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). It also increased the content of renal lipid peroxidation (LPO), hydrogen peroxidase (H2O2) with decrease content in glutathione content (GSH). It also increased the renal biochemical and non-biochemical parameter. It also confirmed the augment the level of thymidine [3H] incorporation into renal DNA, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and increased the generation of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-β) and inflammatory mediator (PGE2). We also analyzed the macroscopic and histologic of renal tissue. In addition, the effect of phytoconstituent of MM extract was evaluated in silico and free radical scavenging activity against the DPPH and ABTS free radicals. LC-MS confirmed the presence of quercetin >gallic acid in MM extract. Renal carcinogenesis rats treated with MM (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) confirmed the significantly (P < 0.001) protective effect via reduction the antioxidant (phase I and phase II) enzymes, biochemical parameter and restore the proinflammatory and inflammatory mediator at dose dependent manner. MM altered the ODC and thymidine activity in renal DNA. The chemoprotective effect of MM was confirmed via decreased the renal tumor incidence, which was confirmed by the macroscopic and histopathological observation. Consequently, our result suggests that MM is a potent chemoprotective agent and suppresses DEN+ Fe-NTA-induced renal carcinogenesis, inflammatory reaction, and oxidative stress injury in Wister rats.

Curcumin potentiates the effect of chemotherapy against acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells via downregulation of NF-κB

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) accounts for 30% of all pediatric cancers. Currently available treatments exhibit toxicity and certain patients may develop resistance. Thus, less toxic and chemoresistance-reversal agents are required. In the present study, the potential effect of curcumin, a component of Curcuma longa, as a pharmacological co-adjuvant of several chemotherapeutic agents against ALL, including prednisone, 6-mercaptopurine, dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, l-asparaginase, vincristine, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, methotrexate and cytarabine, was investigated in the REH ALL cell line cultures treated in combination with chemotherapeutic agents and curcumin. The results of cell viability, gene expression and activation of NF-κB and caspase 3 indicated that curcumin potentiates the anticancer effects of the aforementioned chemotherapeutic agents in the REH ALL cell line. Following treatment with the above chemotherapeutic agents, curcumin enhanced caspase-3 activation and downregulated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Curcumin also downregulated the oxidative stress induced by certain chemotherapies. Notably, curcumin did not affect the gene expression of cell survival proteins such as B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2, Bcl-extra large, survivin, c-Myc and cyclin D1, which are regulated by the NF-κB transcription factor. In conclusion, curcumin has the potential to improve the effect of chemotherapeutic agents against ALL.

Examination of CK2α and NF-κB p65 expression in human benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer tissues

Protein kinase CK2 plays a critical role in cell growth, proliferation, and suppression of cell death. CK2 is overexpressed, especially in the nuclear compartment, in the majority of cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). CK2-mediated activation of transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 is a key step in cellular proliferation, resulting in translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. As CK2 expression and activity are also elevated in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), we sought to increase the knowledge of CK2 function in benign and malignant prostate by examination of the relationships between nuclear CK2 and nuclear NF-κB p65 protein expression. The expression level and localization of CK2α and NF-κB p65 proteins in PCa and BPH tissue specimens was determined. Nuclear CK2α and NF-κB p65 protein levels are significantly higher in PCa compared with BPH, and these proteins are positively correlated with each other in both diseases. Nuclear NF-κB p65 levels correlated with Ki-67 or with cytoplasmic NF-κB p65 expression in BPH, but not in PCa. The findings provide information that combined analysis of CK2α and NF-κB p65 expression in prostate specimens relates to the disease status. Increased nuclear NF-κB p65 expression levels in PCa specifically related to nuclear CK2α levels, indicating a possible CK2-dependent relationship in malignancy. In contrast, nuclear NF-κB p65 protein levels related to both Ki-67 and cytoplasmic NF-κB p65 levels exclusively in BPH, suggesting a potential separate impact for NF-κB p65 function in proliferation for benign disease as opposed to malignant disease.

Roles of NF-κB in Cancer and Inflammatory Diseases and Their Therapeutic Approaches

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including immune response, inflammation, cell growth and survival, and development. NF-κB is critical for human health, and aberrant NF-κB activation contributes to development of various autoimmune, inflammatory and malignant disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis and malignant tumors. Thus, inhibiting NF-κB signaling has potential therapeutic applications in cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Melatonin overcomes gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by abrogating nuclear factor-κB activation

Constitutive activation and gemcitabine induction of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) contribute to the aggressive behavior and chemotherapeutic resistance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Thus, targeting the NF-κB pathway has proven an insurmountable challenge for PDAC therapy. In this study, we investigated whether the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway by melatonin might lead to tumor suppression and overcome gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic tumors. Our results showed that melatonin inhibited activities of NF-κB by suppressing IκBα phosphorylation and decreased the expression of NF-κB response genes in MiaPaCa-2, AsPc-1, Panc-28 cells and gemcitabine resistance MiaPaCa-2/GR cells. Moreover, melatonin not only inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in a receptor-independent manner, but also enhanced gemcitabine cytotoxicity at pharmacologic concentrations in these PDAC cells. In vivo, the mice treated with both agents experienced a larger reduction in tumor burden than the single drug-treated groups in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Taken together, these results indicate that melatonin inhibits proliferation and invasion of PDAC cells and overcomes gemcitabine resistance of pancreatic tumors through NF-κB inhibition. Our findings therefore provide novel preclinical knowledge about melatonin inhibition of NF-κB in PDAC and suggest that melatonin should be investigated clinically, alone or in combination with gemcitabine for PDAC treatment.

IL1 Receptor Antagonist Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Growth by Abrogating NF-κB Activation

PURPOSE

Constitutive NF-κB activation is identified in about 70% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases and is required for oncogenic KRAS-induced PDAC development in mouse models. We sought to determine whether targeting IL-1α pathway would inhibit NF-κB activity and thus suppress PDAC cell growth.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We determined whether anakinra, a human IL-1 receptor (rhIL-1R) antagonist, inhibited NF-κB activation. Assays for cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were performed with rhIL-1R antagonist using the human PDAC cell lines AsPc1, Colo357, MiaPaCa-2, and HPNE/K-ras(G12V)/p16sh. In vivo NF-κB activation-dependent tumorigenesis was assayed using an orthotopic nude mouse model (n = 20, 5 per group) treated with a combination of gemcitabine and rhIL-1RA.

RESULTS

rhIL-1R antagonist treatment led to a significant decrease in NF-κB activity. PDAC cells treated with rhIL-1R antagonist plus gemcitabine reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion as compared with single gemcitabine treatment. In nude mice, rhIL-1R antagonist plus gemcitabine significantly reduced the tumor burden (gemcitabine plus rhIL-1RA vs. control, P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that anakinra, an FDA-approved drug that inhibits IL-1 receptor (IL-1R), when given with or without gemcitabine, can reduce tumor growth by inhibiting IL1α-induced NF-κB activity; this result suggests that it is a useful therapeutic approach for PDAC.

Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective Potential and Chemical Profiling of Propolis Ethanolic Extract from Kashmir Himalaya Region Using UHPLC-DAD-QToF-MS

The aim of this study was to examine hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of propolis (KPEt) from Kashmir Himalaya against isoniazid and rifampicin (INH-RIF) induced liver damage in rats. Hepatic cellular injury was initiated by administration of INH-RIF combination (100 mg/kg) intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection for 14 days. We report the protective effects of KPEt against INH-RIF induced liver oxidative stress, inflammation, and enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. Oral administration of KPEt at both doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) distinctly restricted all modulating oxidative liver injury markers and resulted in the attenuation of INH-RIF arbitrated damage. The free radical scavenging activity of KPEt was evaluated by DPPH, nitric oxide, and superoxide radical scavenging assay. The components present in KPEt identified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography diode array detector time of flight-mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-DAD-QToF-MS) were found to be flavonoids and phenolic acids. The protective efficacy of KPEt is possibly because of free radical scavenging and antioxidant property resulting from the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Nitric oxide-mediated sensitization of resistant tumor cells to apoptosis by chemo-immunotherapeutics

The generation of NO by the various NO synthases in normal and malignant tissues is manifested by various biological effects that are involved in the regulation of cell survival, differentiation and cell death. The role of NO in the cytotoxic immune response was first revealed by demonstrating the induction of iNOS in target cells by immune cytokines (e.g. IFN-γ, IL-1, TNF-α, etc.) and resulting in the sensitization of resistant tumor cells to death ligands-induced apoptosis. Endogenous/exogenous NO mediated its immune sensitizing effect by inhibiting NF-κΒ activity and downstream, inactivating the repressor transcription factor YY1, which inhibited both Fas and DR5 expressions. In addition, NO-mediated inhibition of NF-κΒ activity and inhibition downstream of its anti-apoptotic gene targets sensitized the tumor cells to apoptosis by chemotherapeutic drugs. We have identified in tumor cells a dysregulated pro-survival/anti-apoptotic loop consisting of NF-κB/Snail/YY1/RKIP/PTEN and its modification by NO was responsible, in large, for the reversal of chemo and immune resistance and sensitization to apoptotic mechanisms by cytotoxic agents. Moreover, tumor cells treated with exogenous NO donors resulted in the inhibition of NF-κΒ activity via S-nitrosylation of p50 and p65, inhibition of Snail (NF-κΒ target gene), inhibition of transcription repression by S-nitrosylation of YY1 and subsequent inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), induction of RKIP (inhibition of the transcription repressor Snail), and induction of PTEN (inhibition of the repressors Snail and YY1). Further, each gene product modified by NO in the loop was involved in chemo-immunosensitization. These above findings demonstrated that NO donors interference in the regulatory circuitry result in chemo-immunosensitization and inhibition of EMT. Overall, these observations suggest the potential anti-tumor therapeutic effect of NO donors in combination with subtoxic chemo-immuno drugs. This combination acts on multiple facets including reversal of chemo-immune resistance, and inhibition of both EMT and metastasis.

Erlotinib protects against LPS-induced endotoxicity because TLR4 needs EGFR to signal

Several components of the canonical pathway of response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are required for the EGF-dependent activation of NFκB. Conversely, the ability of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) to activate NFκB in response to LPS is impaired by down regulating EGF receptor (EGFR) expression or by using the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib. The LYN proto-oncogene (LYN) is required for signaling in both directions. LYN binds to the EGFR upon LPS stimulation, and erlotinib impairs this association. In mice, erlotinib blocks the LPS-induced expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and ameliorates LPS-induced endotoxity, revealing that EGFR is essential for LPS-induced signaling in vivo.

Enhanced cell growth inhibition by thiacremonone in paclitaxel-treated lung cancer cells

Activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) is implicated in drug resistant of lung cancer cells. Our previous data showed that thiacremonone inhibited activation of NF-κB. In the present study, we investigated whether thiacremonone enhanced susceptibility of lung cancer cells to a common anti-cancer drug paclitaxel by further inhibition of NF-κB. Thus, we used the threefold lower doses of IC50 values (50 μg/ml thiacremonone and 2.5 nM paclitaxel). We found that combination treatment with thiacremonone and paclitaxel was more susceptible (combination index; 0.40 in NCI-H460 cells and 0.46 in A549 cells) in cell growth inhibition of two types of lung cancer cell lines compared to a single agent treatment. Consistent with the combination effect on cancer cell growth inhibition, the combination treatment further induced apoptotic cell death and arrested the cancer cells in G2/M phase accompanied with a much lower expression of cdc2 and cyclin B1, and inhibited colony formation. Much more inactivation of NF-κB and greater expression of NF-κB target apoptosis regulated genes such as caspase-8 and PARPs were found by the combination treatment. Molecular model and pull down assay as well as MALDI-TOF analysis demonstrated that thiacremonone directly binds to p50. These data indicated that thiacremonone leads to increased apoptotic cell death in lung cancer cell lines through greater inhibition of NF-κB by the combination treatment with paclitaxel.

MEK inhibitor PD-0325901 overcomes resistance to CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 and exhibits anti-tumor activity in head and neck cancer

The serine-threonine kinase CK2 exhibits genomic alterations and aberrant overexpression in human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Here, we investigated the effects of CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 in human HNSCC cell lines and xenograft models. The IC_50's of CX-4945 for 9 UM-SCC cell lines measured by MTT assay ranged from 3.4-11.9 μM. CX-4945 induced cell cycle arrest and cell death measured by DNA flow cytometry, and inhibited prosurvival mediators phospho-AKT and p-S6 in UM-SCC1 and UM-SCC46 cells. CX-4945 decreased NF-κB and Bcl-XL reporter gene activities in both cell lines, but upregulated proapoptotic TP53 and p21 reporter activities, and induced phospho-ERK, AP-1, and IL-8 activity in UM-SCC1 cells. CX-4945 exhibited modest anti-tumor activity in UM-SCC1 xenografts. Tumor immunostaining revealed significant inhibition of PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway and increased apoptosis marker TUNEL, but also induced p-ERK, c-JUN, JUNB, FOSL1 and proliferation (Ki67) markers, as a possible resistance mechanism. To overcome the drug resistance, we tested MEK inhibitor PD-0325901 (PD-901), which inhibited ERK-AP-1 activation alone and in combination with CX-4945. PD-901 alone displayed significant anti-tumor effects in vivo, and the combination of PD-901 and CX-4945 slightly enhanced anti-tumor activity when compared with PD-901 alone. Immunostaining of tumor specimens after treatment revealed inhibition of p-AKT S129 and p-AKT T308 by CX-4945, and inhibition of p-ERK T202/204 and AP-1 family member FOSL-1 by PD-901. Our study reveals a drug resistance mechanism mediated by the MEK-ERK-AP-1 pathway in HNSCC. MEK inhibitor PD-0325901 is active in HNSCC resistant to CX-4945, meriting further clinical investigation.

Umbelliferone β-d-galactopyranoside inhibits chemically induced renal carcinogenesis via alteration of oxidative stress, hyperproliferation and inflammation: possible role of NF-κB

Umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin) compound possesses strong anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activity.