Miconazole Contributes to NRF2 Activation by Noncanonical P62-KEAP1 Pathway in Bladder Cancer Cells

Anti-Melanoma Effects of Miconazole: Investigating the Mitochondria Involvement

Miconazole is an antimycotic drug showing anti-cancer effects in several cancers. However, little is known on its effects in melanoma. A375 and SK-MEL-28 human melanoma cell lines were exposed to miconazole and clotrimazole (up to 100 mM). Proliferation, viability with MTT assay and vascular mimicry were assayed at 24 h treatment. Molecular effects were measured at 6 h, namely, ATP-, ROS-release and mitochondria-related cytofluorescence. A metabolomic profile was also investigated at 6 h treatment. Carnitine was one of the most affected metabolites; therefore, the expression of 29 genes involved in carnitine metabolism was investigated in the public platform GEPIA2 on 461 melanoma patients and 558 controls. After 24 h treatments, miconazole and clotrimazole strongly and significantly inhibited proliferation in the presence of 10% serum on either melanoma cell lines; they also strongly reduced viability and vascular mimicry. After 6 h treatment, ATP reduction and ROS increase were observed, as well as a significant reduction in mitochondria-related fluorescence. Further, in A375, miconazole strongly and significantly altered expression of several metabolites including carnitines, phosphatidyl-cholines, all amino acids and several other small molecules, mostly metabolized in mitochondria. The expression of 12 genes involved in carnitine metabolism was found significantly modified in melanoma patients, 6 showing a significant impact on patients' survival. Finally, miconazole antiproliferation activity on A375 was found completely abrogated in the presence of carnitine, supporting a specific role of carnitine in melanoma protection toward miconazole effect, and was significantly reversed in the presence of caspases inhibitors such as ZVAD-FMK and Ac-DEVD-CHO, and a clear pro-apoptotic effect was observed in miconazole-treated cells, by FACS analysis of Annexin V-FITC stained cells. Miconazole strongly affects proliferation and other biological features in two human melanoma cell lines, as well as mitochondria-related functions such as ATP- and ROS-release, and the expression of several metabolites is largely dependent on mitochondria function. Miconazole, likely acting via carnitine and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, is therefore suggested as a candidate for further investigations in melanoma treatments.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor-4 mediates activation of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor-2 in gastric tumorigenesis

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the leading risk factor for gastric carcinogenesis. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) is a member of transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors that are activated in cancer. We investigated the role of FGFR4 in regulating the cellular response to H. pylori infection in gastric cancer. High levels of oxidative stress signature and FGFR4 expression were detected in gastric cancer samples. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) demonstrated enrichment of NRF2 signature in samples with high FGFR4 levels. H. pylori infection induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) with a cellular response manifested by an increase in FGFR4 with accumulation and nuclear localization NRF2. Knocking down FGFR4 significantly reduced NRF2 protein and transcription activity levels, leading to higher levels of ROS and DNA damage following H. pylori infection. We confirmed the induction of FGFR4 and NRF2 levels using mouse models following infection with a mouse-adapted H. pyloristrain. Pharmacologic inhibition of FGFR4 using H3B-6527, or its knockdown, remarkably reduced the level of NRF2 with a reduction in the size and number of gastric cancer spheroids. Mechanistically, we detected binding between FGFR4 and P62 proteins, competing with NRF2-KEAP1 interaction, allowing NRF2 to escape KEAP1-dependent degradation with subsequent accumulation and translocation to the nucleus. These findings demonstrate a novel functional role of FGFR4 in cellular homeostasis via regulating the NRF2 levels in response to H. pylori infection in gastric carcinogenesis, calling for testing the therapeutic efficacy of FGFR4 inhibitors in gastric cancer models.

Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Decipher the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Magnolol on LPS-induced RAW264.7 Cells

INTRODUCTION

Magnolol is beneficial against inflammation-mediated damage. However, the underlying mechanisms by which magnolol exerts anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, network pharmacology and experimental validation were used to assess the effect of magnolol on inflammation caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Genes related to magnolol were identified in the PubChem and Swiss Target Prediction databases, and gene information about macrophage polarization was retrieved from the GeneCards, OMIM, and PharmGKB databases. Analysis of protein-protein interactions was performed with STRING, and Cytoscape was used to construct a component-target-disease network. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to ascertain significant molecular biological processes and signaling pathways. LPS was used to construct the inflammatory cell model. ELISA and qRT.PCR were used to examine the expression levels of inflammationassociated factors, immunofluorescence was used to examine macrophage markers (CD86 and CD206), and western blotting was used to examine protein expression levels.

RESULTS

The hub target genes of magnolol that act on macrophage polarization were MDM2, MMP9, IL-6, TNF, EGFR, AKT1, and ERBB2. The experimental validation results showed that magnolol treatment decreased the levels of proinflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Moreover, the levels of anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10 and IL-4) were increased. In addition, magnolol upregulated the expression of M2 markers (Agr-1, Fizzl, and CD206) and downregulated M1 markers (CD86). The cell experiment results supported the network pharmacological results and demonstrated that magnolol alleviated inflammation by modulating the PI3k-Akt and P62/keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

According to network pharmacology and experimental validation, magnolol attenuated inflammation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells mainly by inhibiting M1 polarization and enhancing M2 polarization by activating the PI3K/Akt and P62/keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathways.

Sulforaphane's Multifaceted Potential: From Neuroprotection to Anticancer Action

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. It has been widely studied for its potential as a neuroprotective and anticancer agent. This review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence supporting the neuroprotective and anticancer effects of SFN and the potential mechanisms through which it exerts these effects. SFN has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, the modulation of neuroinflammation, and epigenetic mechanisms. In cancer treatment, SFN has demonstrated the ability to selectively induce cell death in cancer cells, inhibit histone deacetylase, and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy. SFN has also shown chemoprotective properties through inhibiting phase I metabolizing enzymes, modulating phase II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, and targeting cancer stem cells. In addition to its potential as a therapeutic agent for neurological disorders and cancer treatment, SFN has shown promise as a potential treatment for cerebral ischemic injury and intracranial hemorrhage. Finally, the ongoing and completed clinical trials on SFN suggest potential therapeutic benefits, but more research is needed to establish its effectiveness. Overall, SFN holds significant promise as a natural compound with diverse therapeutic applications.

Recent progress in the effect of ferroptosis of HSCs on the development of liver fibrosis

Fibrosis is a common pathological process that must take place for multiple chronic liver diseases to develop into cirrhosis and liver cancer. Liver fibrosis (LF) is regulated by various cytokines and signaling pathways in its occurrence and development. Ferroptosis is an important mode of cell death caused by iron-dependent oxidative damage and is regulated by iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation signaling pathways. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that ferroptosis is closely related to LF. As the main material secreted by the extracellular matrix, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are a general concern in the development of LF. Therefore, targeting HSC ferroptosis against LF is crucial. This review describes the current status of treating LF by inducing HSC ferroptosis that would aid studies in better understanding the current knowledge on ferroptosis in HSCs and the future research direction in this field.

ERBB2-PTGS2 axis promotes intervertebral disc degeneration by regulating senescence of nucleus pulposus cells

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is considered one of the main causes of low back pain and lumbar disc herniation. Various studies have shown that disc cell senescence plays a critical role in this process. however, its role in IDD is yet unclear. In this study, we explored the role of senescence-related genes (SR-DEGs) and its underlying mechanism in IDD. A total of 1325 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database GSE41883. 30 SR-DEGs were identified for further functional enrichment and pathway analysis, and two hub SR-DEGs (ERBB2 and PTGS2) were selected to construct transcription factor (TF)-gene interaction and TF-miRNA coregulatory networks, and 10 candidate drugs were screened for the treatment of IDD. Last but not least, in vitro experiments show that ERBB2 expression decreased and PTGS2 expression increased in human nucleus pulposus (NP) cell senescence model treated with TNF-α. After lentivirus-mediated overexpression of ERBB2, the expression of PTGS2 decreased and the senescence level of NP cells decreased. Overexpression of PTGS2 reversed the anti-senescence effects of ERBB2. The findings in this study suggested that ERBB2 overexpression further reduced NP cell senescence by inhibiting PTGS2 levels, which ultimately alleviated IDD. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the roles of senescence-related genes in IDD and highlight a novel target of ERBB2-PTGS2 axis for therapeutic strategies.

Anti-oxidative-initiated cognitive impairment amelioration in Alzheimer's Disease model rats through preventive transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic and irreversible neurodegenerative disease. Oxidative stress emerges at the early AD stage. As a non-invasive therapy with few adverse reactions, transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combines acupuncture points of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and electrical stimulation. This study aimed to investigate the amelioration effects of preventive TEAS treatment (P-TEAS) on cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in AD model rats.

Methods

The AD model was established via subcutaneous injections of D-galactose (D-gal, 120 mg/kg/d) into the back of neck for 9 weeks in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats to simulate the oxidative stress in the early AD stage. On the first day of the 10th week, Aβ_1-42 (1 μg/μl) was injected into the CA1 regions of the bilateral hippocampus. P-TEAS was synchronized from the first day of subcutaneous D-gal injections for 9 weeks.

Results

Empirical measurements showed that P-TEAS can improve the spatial memory ability of AD model rats in the Morris water maze. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was upregulated in the P-TEAS group. Through the detection of the anti-oxidative stress signaling pathway, namely, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/ NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), it was found that P-TEAS could promote Nrf2 entering into the nucleus and upregulating the production of protective factors heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). It was also found that P-TEAS could downregulate the expressions of BCL2-associated X-protein (Bax), caspase 3, and caspase 9 to inhibit neuronal apoptosis.

Conclusions

P-TEAS has similar efficacy to electroacupuncture in preventing AD occurrence and development. P-TEAS is a new non-invasive intervention therapy for the prevention of AD.

Inaugurating a novel adjuvant therapy in urological cancers: Ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, a distinctive form of programmed cell death, is involved in numerous diseases with specific characteristics, including certain cell morphology, functions, biochemistry, and genetics, that differ from other forms of programmed cell death, such as apoptosis. Many studies have explored ferroptosis and its associated mechanisms, drugs, and clinical applications in diseases such as kidney injury, stroke, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and prostate cancer. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanisms of some ferroptosis inducers, such as enzalutamide and erastin. These are current research focuses and have already been studied extensively. In summary, this review focuses on the use of ferroptosis induction as a therapeutic strategy for treating tumors of the urinary system.

Role of Nrf2 signaling in development of hepatocyte-like cells

Generation of hepatocytes from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) could be a promising alternative source of human hepatocytes. However, mechanisms to differentiate hepatocytes from hADSCs are not fully elucidated. We have previously demonstrated that our three-step differentiation protocol with glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3 inhibitor was effective to improve hepatocyte functions. In this study, we investigated the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) on hADSCs undergoing differentiation to HLC (hepatocyte-like cells). Our three-step differentiation protocol was applied for 21 days (Step 1:day 1-6, Step2:day 6-11, Step3:day 11-21). Our results show that significant nuclear translocation of Nrf2 occurred from day 11 until the end of HLC differentiation. Nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and CYP3A4 activity in the GSK3 inhibitor-treated group was obviously higher than that in Activin A-treated groups at day 11. The maturation of HLCs was delayed in Nrf2-siRNA group compared to control group. Furthermore, CYP3A4 activity in Nrf2-siRNA group was decreased at the almost same level in Activin A-treated group. Nrf2 translocation might enhance the function of HLC and be a target for developing highly functional HLC. J. Med. Invest. 70 : 343-349, August, 2023.

Role of Nrf2, STAT3, and Src as Molecular Targets for Cancer Chemoprevention

Cancer is a complex and multistage disease that affects various intracellular pathways, leading to rapid cell proliferation, angiogenesis, cell motility, and migration, supported by antiapoptotic mechanisms. Chemoprevention is a new strategy to counteract cancer; to either prevent its incidence or suppress its progression. In this strategy, chemopreventive agents target molecules involved in multiple pathways of cancer initiation and progression. Nrf2, STAT3, and Src are promising molecular candidates that could be targeted for chemoprevention. Nrf2 is involved in the expression of antioxidant and phase II metabolizing enzymes, which have direct antiproliferative action as well as indirect activities of reducing oxidative stress and eliminating carcinogens. Similarly, its cross-talk with NF-κB has great anti-inflammatory potential, which can be utilized in inflammation-induced/associated cancers. STAT3, on the other hand, is involved in multiple pathways of cancer initiation and progression. Activation, phosphorylation, dimerization, and nuclear translocation are associated with tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Src, being the first oncogene to be discovered, is important due to its convergence with many upstream stimuli, its cross-talk with other potential molecular targets, such as STAT3, and its ability to modify the cell cytoskeleton, making it important in cancer invasion and metastasis. Therefore, the development of natural/synthetic molecules and/or design of a regimen that can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the tumor microenvironment and stop multiple cellular targets in cancer to stop its initiation or retard its progression can form newer chemopreventive agents.

Multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform loaded with autophagy inhibitor for enhanced photothermal cancer therapy under mild near-infrared irradiation

Photothermal therapy (PTT) usually causes hyperthermia and damages healthy tissues. Developing a PTT platform with enhanced therapeutic effects and reduced side effects to normal tissues attracts increasing attention. Herein, we developed a multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) loaded with near-infrared (NIR) photothermal agent (new indocyanine green IR820), fluorescence imaging agent (ZnCdSe/ZnS quantum dots, QDs) and autophagy inhibitor (chloroquine, CQ). These PLGA/IR820/Fluorescence imaging agent/CQ co-loading nanoparticles (termed PIFC NPs) displayed photothermal effects, enhanced the stability of IR820 in vivo, and enabled QDs to have stable fluorescent signals in vitro and in vivo. The PIFC NPs with particle size around 240 nm aggregated to tumor sites through the high permeability and retention effects of solid tumors. The intracellular delivery of CQ molecules through PIFC NPs significantly attenuated the degradation of autophagic lysosomes in tumor cells and effectively inhibited the autophagy mediated repair of photothermal damaged cells. Under milder NIR irradiation conditions, PIFC NPs exhibited high antitumor effect. By regulating autophagy, PTT can be effectively sensitized, which will provide a new idea for future cancer treatment research.

Miconazole Mitigates Acetic Acid-Induced Experimental Colitis in Rats: Insight into Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Keap1/Nrf-2 Signaling Crosstalk

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the most common type of inflammatory bowel disease, characterized by oxidative stress and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Miconazole is an azole antifungal that stimulates the expression of antioxidant enzymes via Nrf2 activation, which consequently inhibits ROS formation and NF-κB activation. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of miconazole, sulfasalazine (as a reference drug) and their combination on acetic acid (AA)-induced UC in a rat model which was induced by intra-rectal administration of 4% AA. Rats were pretreated with miconazole (20 and 40 mg/kg, orally) or sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg, orally), or their combination (20 mg/kg miconazole and 50 mg/Kg of sulfasalazine, orally). Pretreatment with miconazole significantly reduced wet colon weight and macroscopic scores, accompanied by a significant amelioration of the colonic architecture disorder. Moreover, the treatment also significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and prevented the depletion of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and GSH content in inflamed colons. Additionally, the treatment showed suppressive activities on pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). Moreover, the treatment upregulated the protein levels of Nrf-2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the colon tissue. Taken together, miconazole is effective in alleviating AA-induced colitis in rats, and the mechanism of its action is associated with the activation of Nrf2-regulated cytoprotective protein expression.

p62 works as a hub modulation in the ageing process

p62 (also known as SQSTM1) is widely used as a predictor of autophagic flux, a process that allows the degradation of harmful and unnecessary components through lysosomes to maintain protein homeostasis in cells. p62 is also a stress-induced scaffold protein that resists oxidative stress. The multiple domains in its structure allow it to be connected with a variety of vital signalling pathways, autophagy and the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), allowing p62 to play important roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis and survival. Recent studies have shown that p62 is also directly or indirectly involved in the ageing process. In this review, we summarize in detail the process by which p62 regulates ageing from multiple ageing-related signs with the aim of providing new insight for the study of p62 in ageing.

Attenuation of Pancreatic Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo via Modulation of Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways by Natural Compounds

Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which deregulation of signaling pathways plays a key role, thus searching for their novel modulators is a promising therapeutic strategy. Hence, in this study, the effect of phytochemical combinations on the canonical and non-canonical activation of Nrf2 and its interaction with the NF-κB pathway was evaluated in extensively proliferating pancreatic cancer cell line, PSN-1, in comparison to non-cancerous MS1 cells. The activation of Nrf2 and NF-κB, expression of their target genes, and effect on cell survival were assessed in PSN-1 cells. The tumor burden was evaluated in mice carrying xenografts. PSN-1 cells were more sensitive to the tested compounds as compared to the MS1 cell line. Combination of xanthohumol and phenethyl isothiocyanate was more effective than single compounds at decreasing the canonical and non-canonical activation of Nrf2 in PSN-1 cancer cells. Decreased activation of NF-κB, and subsequent reduced cytosolic COX-2 and nuclear STAT3 level indicated their anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic activities. In vivo studies showed the partial response in groups treated with xanthohumol or the combination of xanthohumol and phenethyl isothiocyanate. Overall, these results suggest that the combination of xanthohumol and phenethyl isothiocyanate may be a promising therapeutic candidate against pancreatic cancer.

Bladder cancer cells prevent cisplatin-induced oxidative stress by upregulating Nestin1 expression

OBJECTIVE

Redox adaptation plays a critical role in cancer cells' drug tolerance and sensitivity. The antioxidative response is induced by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which triggers the transcriptional activation of genes related to chemosensitivity, glutathione synthesis, and cell protection. Although Nestin1 is known to regulate cellular redox homeostasis by regulating Nrf2 in lung cancer cells, its regulatory effect on the antioxidative state of bladder cancer (BC) cells remains unclear.

METHODS

The oxidative stress levels in two cisplatin-treated BC cell lines (T24 and J82) were examined using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) assays. The cell viability, growth, and apoptosis were determined using CCK-8, colony formation, and flow cytometric assays, respectively. The mRNA and protein levels of Nestin1, Nrf2, and several antioxidant enzymes were quantified using RT-qPCR and western blot assays. A mouse xenograft model was used to determine the effect of Nestin1 on the T24 tumor growth in vivo.

RESULTS

Cisplatin treatment induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antioxidative damage in the T24 and J82 cells, reducing their viability and growth and triggering their apoptosis. Moreover, the Nestin1 and Nrf2 protein levels were enhanced in both treated cell lines. Loss- and gain-of-function assays indicated that Nestin1 expression was positively correlated with the Nrf2 protein expression in the BC cells. Nestin1 overexpression reduced the ROS generation, alleviated the redox disorder, promoted cell viability, and reduced apoptosis, but its silencing had the opposite effects. Importantly, Nestin1 overexpression enhanced the chemoresistance of BC cells to cisplatin in vivo, but its knockdown improved the chemosensitivity of the cells and increased their apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

These results provide a theoretical basis for further targeting the transcription factors, including Nestin1 and Nrf2, in the treatment of BC with cisplatin.

Effects of Flutriafol Fungicide on the Lipid Accumulation in Human Liver Cells and Rat Liver

Flutriafol (FTF) is a triazole fungicide that can cause liver toxicity through the ingestion of its residues in food and water. However, little is known about the liver toxicity of FTF, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether FTF induces NAFLD in human liver cells and animal liver. HepG2 cells and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were treated with FTF at doses of 0–640 µM for 24 h and 0–150 mg/kg bw/day for 28 days, respectively. FTF (80, 160, and 320 µM) treatment to cells induced lipid accumulation. FTF (80 and 160 µM)-treated cells had higher levels of cytochrome P450 enzymes and reactive oxygen species and increased mitochondrial membrane potential loss than the control. FTF also increased the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes through oxidative stress and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathways in HepG2 cells. However, a higher level of FTF (320 µM) induced apoptosis. The treatment of SD rats with FTF (2.5–150 mg/kg bw/day) induced fatty infiltration in the liver by impairing liver metabolism and inducing apoptosis. Therefore, our data suggest that human exposure to FTF residues may be a risk factor for liver diseases, such as NAFLD.

Sulforaphane Impact on Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Bladder Carcinoma

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables that acts as a chemopreventive agent, but its mechanism of action is not clear. Due to antioxidative mechanisms being thought central in preventing cancer progression, SFN could play a role in oxidative processes. Since redox imbalance with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in the initiation and progression of bladder cancer, this mechanism might be involved when chemoresistance occurs. This review summarizes current understanding regarding the influence of SFN on ROS and ROS-related pathways and appraises a possible role of SFN in bladder cancer treatment.

Therapeutic Targeting of the NRF2 Signaling Pathway in Cancer

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases with an increasing incidence and mortality all over the world. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel therapies targeting major cancer-related pathways. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and its major negative modulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) are main players of the cellular defense mechanisms against internal and external cell stressors. However, NRF2/KEAP1 signaling pathway is dysregulated in various cancers, thus promoting tumor cell survival and metastasis. In the present review, we discuss the mechanisms of normal and deregulated NRF2 signaling pathway focusing on its cancer-related functions. We further explore activators and inhibitors of this pathway as cancer targeting drug candidates in order to provide an extensive background on the subject.

P62/SQSTM1/Keap1/NRF2 Axis Reduces Cancer Cells Death-Sensitivity in Response to Zn(II)-Curcumin Complex

The hyperactivation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2), frequently found in many tumor types, can be responsible for cancer resistance to therapies and poor patient prognosis. Curcumin has been shown to activate NRF2 that has cytotprotective or protumorigenic roles according to tumor stage. The present study aimed at investigating whether the zinc–curcumin Zn(II)–curc compound, which we previously showed to display anticancer effects through multiple mechanisms, could induce NRF2 activation and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Biochemical studies showed that Zn(II)–curc treatment increased the NRF2 protein levels along with its targets, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and p62/SQSTM1, while markedly reduced the levels of Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1), the NRF2 inhibitor, in the cancer cell lines analyzed. The silencing of either NRF2 or p62/SQSTM1 with specific siRNA demonstrated the crosstalk between the two molecules and that the knockdown of either molecule increased the cancer cell sensitivity to Zn(II)–curc-induced cell death. This suggests that the crosstalk between p62/SQSTM1 and NRF2 could be therapeutically exploited to increase cancer patient response to therapies.

Miconazole induces autophagic death in glioblastoma cells via reactive oxygen species-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress

Miconazole is an antifungal agent that is used for the treatment of superficial mycosis. However, recent studies have indicated that miconazole also exhibits potent anticancer effects in various types of cancer via the activation of apoptosis. The main aim of the present study was to observe the effect of miconazole on autophagic cell death of cancer cells. Cytotoxicity was measured by viable cell counting after miconazole treatment in glioblastoma cell lines (U343MG, U87MG and U251MG). Induction of autophagy was analyzed by examining microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)-II expression levels using western blotting and by detecting GFP-LC3 translocation using a fluorescence microscope. Intracellular ROS production was measured using a fluorescent probe, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. It was found that miconazole induced autophagic cell death in the U251MG glioblastoma cell line via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. An association between miconazole-induced ROS production and autophagy was also identified; in particular, pretreatment of the cells with a ROS scavenger resulted in a reduction in the levels of LC3-II. Miconazole-induced ER stress was associated with increases in binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) and CHOP expression, and phospho-eIF2α levels. The inhibition of ER stress via treatment with 4-phenylbutyric acid or BiP knockdown reduced miconazole-induced autophagy and cell death. These findings suggest that miconazole induces autophagic cell death by inducing an ROS-dependent ER stress response in U251MG glioma cancer cells and provide new insights into the potential antiproliferative effects of miconazole.

Miconazole induces protective autophagy in bladder cancer cells

Autophagy plays a dual function in cancer progression; autophagy activation can support cancer cell survival or contribute to cell death. Miconazole, a Food and Drug Administration-approved antifungal drug, has been implicated in oncology research recently. Miconazole was found to exert antitumor effects in various tumors, including bladder cancer (BC). However, whether it provokes protective autophagy has been never discussed. We provide evidence that miconazole induces protective autophagy in BC for the first time. The results indicated that 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3)-II processing and p62 expression were elevated after miconazole exposure. Also, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase phosphorylation was increased after miconazole treatment. We also confirmed the autophagy-promoting effect of miconazole in the presence of bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1). The result indicates that a combination treatment of miconazole and Baf A1 improved LC3-II processing, confirming that miconazole promoted autophagic flux. The acridine orange, Lysotracker, and cathepsin D staining results indicate that miconazole increased lysosome formation, revealing its autophagy-promoting function. Finally, miconazole and autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine cotreatment further reduced the cell viability and induced apoptosis in BC cells, proving that miconazole provokes protective autophagy in BC cells. Our findings approve that miconazole has an antitumor effect in promoting cell apoptosis; however, its function of protective autophagy is needed to be concerned in cancer treatment.

Ubiquitin-Like Modifier Activating Enzyme 1 as a Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Indicator That Correlates With Ferroptosis and the Malignant Phenotypes of Liver Cancer Cells

PURPOSE

Ferroptosis is a type of cell death that is iron dependent, a characteristic that distinguishes it from necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy. However, the ferroptotic mechanisms for hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain incompletely described.

METHODS

Two hepatitis B virus-associated HCC public datasets, GSE22058 (n=192) and GSE54238 (n=23), were obtained from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Bioinformatics methods, including weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), Cox regression, and LASSO analysis, were used to identify signature markers for diagnosis and prognosis. CCK8, wound healing, Transwell migration/invasion, and ferroptosis assays were employed to explore the biological function of novel candidate markers weight gene coexpression network analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 926 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were common between the GSE22058 and GSE54238 datasets. Following WGCNA, 515 DEGs derived from the MEturquoise gene module were employed to establish diagnosis and prognosis models in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HCC RNA-Seq cohort (n=423). The score of the diagnostic model was strikingly upregulated in the TCGA HCC group (p<2.2e-16). The prognostic model exhibited high specificity and sensitivity in both training and validation (AUC=0.835 and 0.626, respectively), and the high-risk group showed dismal prognostic outcomes compared with the low-risk group (training: p=1.416e-10; validation: p=4.495e-02). Ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) was identified among both diagnosis and prognosis signature genes, and its overexpression was associated with poor survival. We validated the expression level of UBA1 in eight pairs of HCC patient tissues and liver cancer cell lines. UBA1 silencing decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion in Huh7 cells while elevating the Fe2+ and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Additionally, these biological effects were recovered by oltipraz (an Nrf2 activator). Furthermore, blocking UBA1 strikingly repressed the protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and FTH1 in the Nrf2 signal transduction pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that UBA1 participates in the development of HCC by modulating Huh7 phenotypes and ferroptosis via the Nrf2 signal transduction pathway and might be a promising diagnostic and prognostic indicator for HCC.

Neurotoxicity assessment of triazole fungicides on mitochondrial oxidative respiration and lipids in differentiated human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

Indiscriminate overuse or occupational exposure to agricultural chemicals can lead to neurotoxicity. Many pesticides act to impair mitochondrial function which can lead to exacerbation of neurodegeneration. Triazole fungicides are applied to grain, fruit, and vegetable crops to combat mold and fungi and their use is increasing worldwide. Here, we assessed the in vitro toxicity of two widely used triazole fungicides, propiconazole and tebuconazole, to mitochondria using differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells as an in vitro cell model used in Parkinson's disease research. Cell viability (based on ATP levels), mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative respiration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured following fungicide treatments. Cell viability was decreased with 100 μM propiconazole after 24 and 48 h, while tebuconazole required higher doses to affect viability (-200 μM at 24 h). Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was reduced with 50 μM propiconazole after 24 h while 200 μM tebuconazole reduced MMP. Oxidative respiration of SH-SY5Y cells was then measured using a XFe24 Flux analyzer and 100 μM propiconazole reduced basal respiration, oligomycin-induced ATP production, and FCCP-induced maximum respiration by -40-50%, while tebuconazole did not affect mitochondrial bioenergetics at the concentrations tested. Acute exposure to 100 μM propiconazole over 4 h did not immediately affect oxidative respiration in SH-SY5Y cells. ROS were not induced by propiconazole and tebuconazole up to 100 and 300 μM respectively. Based on these results, we focused our lipidomics investigations on SH-SY5Y exposed only to propiconazole, as lipid dysregulation is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Both 50 and 100 μM propiconazole altered the abundance of some ceramides, specifically reducing glucosylceramide non-hydroxyfatty acid-sphingosine (HexCer-NS) and increasing N-stearoyl-phytosphingosine (CerNP). Moreover, a recently discovered bioactive lipid called fatty acid ester of hydroxy fatty acid (FAHFA) was increased 5-fold, hypothesized to be a neuroprotective mechanism that has been demonstrated in other studies of human diseases. Additional lipids reduced in abundance included oxidized phosphatidylcholine (OxPC) and oxidized phosphatidylethanolamine (OxPE). There were no changes in cellular triacylglycerols nor total lipids with exposure to propiconazole. Taken together, this study provides insight into the toxicity of triazole fungicides in neuronal cells, which has implications for neurodegenerative diseases that involve the mitochondria such as Parkinson's disease.

Identification of Pannexin 2 as a Novel Marker Correlating with Ferroptosis and Malignant Phenotypes of Prostate Cancer Cells

Purpose

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a widespread urinary neoplasm and one of the most prevalent and second most frequent malignancies diagnosed in males worldwide. This study aimed to identify a candidate marker and explore its molecular mechanism in PCa.

Methods

Gene expression datasets, GSE55945 (n=21) and GSE46602 (n=50), were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Bioinformatic approaches were applied to identify potential markers. Effects of the candidate marker on proliferation, migration, invasion, and ferroptosis (ferrous iron and malondialdehyde (MDA)) in PCa cells and its mechanism were assessed after performing cell transfection.

Results

A total of 1435 common differentially expressed genes were identified in GSE55945 and GSE46602. Five key gene modules were listed based on a protein–protein interaction network, containing five hub genes. Pannexin 2 (PANX2), a candidate marker was identified, and findings revealed substantial upregulation of its expression levels in PCa cell lines. Blocking expression of PANX2 resulted in suppression of proliferation, migration, and invasion in PCa cells, while increasing ferrous iron and MDA levels. However, these effects were rescued by Nrf2 activator, oltipraz. The Nrf2 signaling pathway was consequently applied to determine underlying mechanism of PANX2 in PCa cells. We established that silencing PANX2 remarkably reduced protein expression levels in members of Nrf2 signaling pathway (Nrf2, HO-1, and FTH1).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that PANX2 is implicated in the pathogenesis of PCa, which regulates malignant phenotypes and ferroptosis through Nrf2 signaling pathway, and maybe a potential therapeutic target for PCa.