PKM2 Is the Target of a Multi-Herb-Combined Decoction During the Inhibition of Gastric Cancer Progression

Mechanistic insights into the role of traditional Chinese medicine in treating gastric cancer

Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with advanced stages presenting significant challenges due to metastasis and drug resistance. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a promising complementary approach characterized by holistic treatment principles and minimal side effects. This review comprehensively explores the multifaceted mechanisms by which TCM addresses gastric cancer. Specifically, we detail how TCM inhibits aerobic glycolysis by downregulating key glycolytic enzymes and metabolic pathways, thereby reducing the energy supply essential for cancer cell proliferation. We examine how TCM suppresses angiogenesis by targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways, effectively starving tumors of nutrients and oxygen required for growth and metastasis. Furthermore, TCM modulates the immune microenvironment by enhancing the activity of effector immune cells such as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells while reducing immunosuppressive cells like regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). These actions collectively contribute to slowing tumor progression, inhibiting metastasis, and enhancing the body's antitumor response. The insights presented underscore the significant potential of TCM as an integral component of comprehensive gastric cancer treatment strategies, highlighting avenues for future research and clinical application to improve patient outcomes.

Exploring the immunometabolic potential of Danggui Buxue Decoction for the treatment of IBD-related colorectal cancer

Danggui Buxue (DGBX) decoction is a classical prescription composed of Astragali Radix (AR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR), used to enrich blood, and nourish Qi in Chinese medicine, with the potential to recover energy and stimulate metabolism. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related colorectal cancer (CRC). More importantly, AR and ASR have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, as well as prefiguring a potential effect on inflammation-cancer transformation. We, therefore, aimed to review the immunometabolism potential of DGBX decoction and its components in this malignant transformation, to provide a helpful complement to manage the risk of IBD-CRC. The present study investigates the multifaceted roles of DGBX decoction and its entire components AR and ASR, including anti-inflammation effects, anti-cancer properties, immune regulation, and metabolic regulation. This assessment is informed by a synthesis of scholarly literature, with more than two hundred articles retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases within the past two decades. The search strategy employed utilized keywords such as "Danggui Buxue", "Astragali Radix", "Angelicae Sinensis Radix", "Inflammation", and "Metabolism", alongside the related synonyms, with a particular emphasis on high-quality research and studies yielding significant findings. The potential of DGBX decoction in modulating immunometabolism holds promise for the treatment of IBD-related CRC. It is particularly relevant given the heterogeneity of CRC and the growing trend towards personalized medicine, but the precise and detailed mechanism necessitate further in vivo validation and extensive clinical studies to substantiate the immunometabolic modulation and delineate the pathways involved.

Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer: signaling pathways and therapeutic targets

Currently, cancer is still a leading cause of human death globally. Tumor deterioration comprises multiple events including metastasis, therapeutic resistance and immune evasion, all of which are tightly related to the phenotypic plasticity especially epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). Tumor cells with EMP are manifest in three states as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), partial EMT, and mesenchymal-epithelial transition, which orchestrate the phenotypic switch and heterogeneity of tumor cells via transcriptional regulation and a series of signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch. However, due to the complicated nature of EMP, the diverse process of EMP is still not fully understood. In this review, we systematically conclude the biological background, regulating mechanisms of EMP as well as the role of EMP in therapy response. We also summarize a range of small molecule inhibitors, immune-related therapeutic approaches, and combination therapies that have been developed to target EMP for the outstanding role of EMP-driven tumor deterioration. Additionally, we explore the potential technique for EMP-based tumor mechanistic investigation and therapeutic research, which may burst vigorous prospects. Overall, we elucidate the multifaceted aspects of EMP in tumor progression and suggest a promising direction of cancer treatment based on targeting EMP.

Flavonoids and Gastric Cancer Therapy: From Signaling Pathway to Therapeutic Significance

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent gastrointestinal tumor characterized by high mortality and recurrence rates. Current treatments often have limitations, prompting researchers to explore novel anti-tumor substances and develop new drugs. Flavonoids, natural compounds with diverse biological activities, are gaining increasing attention in this regard. We searched from PubMed, Web of Science, SpringerLink and other databases to find the relevant literature in the last two decades. Using "gastric cancer", "stomach cancers", "flavonoid", "bioflavonoid", "2-Phenyl-Chromene" as keywords, were searched, then analyzed and summarized the mechanism of flavonoids in the treatment of GC. It was revealed that the anti-tumor mechanism of flavonoids involves inhibiting tumor growth, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, as well as inducing cell death through various processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. Additionally, combining flavonoids with other chemotherapeutic agents like 5-FU and platinum compounds can potentially reduce chemoresistance. Flavonoids have also demonstrated enhanced biological activity when used in combination with other natural products. Consequently, this review proposes innovative perspectives for the development of flavonoids as new anti-GC agents.

Gut microbiota-dependent modulation of pre-metastatic niches by Jianpi Yangzheng decoction in the prevention of lung metastasis of gastric cancer

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-metastasis efficacy of Jianpi Yangzheng (JPYZ) decoction against gastric cancer (GC) and its potential mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The distant metastasis of GC cells administered via tail vein injection was assessed using the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) model. 16S rRNA sequencing and GC-MS/MS were applied to determine the component of the gut microbiota and content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces of mice, respectively. The proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the lung was evaluated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Serum or tissue levels of inflammation factors including IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-β were determined by ELISA or Western blot respectively.

RESULTS

Injecting GC cells into the tail vein of mice led to the development of lung metastases and also resulted in alterations in the composition of gut microbiota and the levels of SCFAs produced. Nevertheless, JPYZ treatment robustly impeded the effect of GC cells administration. Mechanically, JPYZ treatment not only prevented the alteration in gut microbiota structure, but also restored the SCFAs content induced by GC cells administration. Specifically, JPYZ treatment recovered the relative abundance of genera Moryella, Helicobacter, Lachnoclostridium, Streptococcus, Tuzzerella, GCA-900066575, uncultured_Lachnospiraceae, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and uncultured_bacterium_Muribaculaceae to near the normal control levels. In addition, JPYZ abrogated MDSCs accumulation in the lung tissue and blocked inflammation factors overproduction in the serum and lung tissues, which subsequently impede the formation of the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Correlation analysis revealed that the prevalence of Rikenellaceae in the model group exhibited a positive correlation with MDSCs proportion and inflammation factor levels. Conversely, the scarcity of Muribaculaceae in the model group showed a negative correlation with these parameters. This suggests that JPYZ might exert an influence on the gut microbiota and their metabolites, such as SCFAs, potentially regulating the formation of the PMN and consequently impacting the outcome of GC metastasis.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that GC cells facilitate metastasis by altering the gut microbiota composition, affecting the production of SCFAs, and recruiting MDSCs to create a pro-inflammatory pre-metastatic niche. JPYZ decoction counteracts this process by reshaping the gut microbiota structure, enhancing SCFA production, and inhibiting the formation of the pre-metastatic microenvironment, thereby exerting an anti-metastatic effect.

Treating cancer through modulating exosomal protein loading and function: The prospects of natural products and traditional Chinese medicine

Exosomes, small yet vital extracellular vesicles, play an integral role in intercellular communication. They transport critical components, such as proteins, lipid bilayers, DNA, RNA, and glycans, to target cells. These vesicles are crucial in modulating the extracellular matrix and orchestrating signal transduction processes. In oncology, exosomes are pivotal in tumor growth, metastasis, drug resistance, and immune modulation within the tumor microenvironment. Exosomal proteins, noted for their stability and specificity, have garnered widespread attention. This review delves into the mechanisms of exosomal protein loading and their impact on tumor development, with a focus on the regulatory effects of natural products and traditional Chinese medicine on exosomal protein loading and function. These insights not only offer new strategies and methodologies for cancer treatment but also provide scientific bases and directions for future clinical applications.

Tumor-associated macrophage-derived exosomal miR-513b-5p is a target of jianpi yangzheng decoction for inhibiting gastric cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jianpi Yangzheng decoction (JPYZ) possesses a potential anti-tumor activity in gastric cancer. However, potential effect of JPYZ on regulating tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-derived exosomes to affect gastric cancer is still unclear.

AIM OF STUDY

We aimed to clarify the role of tumor-associated macrophage derived exosomes (TAM-exos) in invasive and metastasis of gastric cancer and the mechanism of JPYZ regulate TAM-exos against gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Flow cytometry was performed to demonstrate whether JPYZ involved in TAM polarization. After JPYZ treatment, TAM conditioned medium (TAM-CM)/TAM-exos were co-cultured with gastric cancer cells and were detected by wound healing and transwell assay. Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis predicted the exosomal miRNA after JPYZ intervention in TAM. miRNA mimic and inhibitor were used to verify the effect of miRNA in exosomes on gastric cancer cells. Q-PCR and luciferase reporter assay were employed to clarify the targeting relationship between miRNA and target gene. Western blot assay detected the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and related signaling pathways proteins.

RESULTS

We firstly demonstrated that TAM-CM intervened by JPYZ significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of gastric cancer. Furthermore, exosomes in TAM supernatants play a key role in migration of gastric cancer. Meanwhile, transcriptome sequencing and q-PCR revealed that miR-513b-5p expression was significantly reduced in TAM-exos intervened by JPYZ. And miR-513b-5p in TAM aggravated TAM-exos mediated invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells, the inhibitor of miR-513b-5p reversed TAM-exos mediated promotion. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay confirmed that PTEN was a direct target of miR-513b-5p in gastric cancer. MiR-513b-5p inhibited PTEN to activate AKT/mTOR signaling pathway thus promoting gastric cancer invasion and metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, JPYZ inhibited TAM derived exosomal miR-513b-5p, and alleviated AKT/mTOR activation by PTEN depended manner in gastric cancer.

CONCLUSION

TAM-exos containing miR-513b-5p lead to gastric cancer invasion and migration. Our findings clarify a novel TAM-exos mechanism of JPYZ for inhibiting gastric cancer progression.

Transcription factor LHX9 (LIM Homeobox 9) enhances pyruvate kinase PKM2 activity to induce glycolytic metabolic reprogramming in cancer stem cells, promoting gastric cancer progression

BACKGROUND

Glycolytic metabolic reprogramming is a phenomenon in which cells undergo altered metabolic patterns during malignant transformation, mainly involving various aspects of glycolysis, electron transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation, and pentose phosphate pathway. This reprogramming phenomenon can be used as one of the markers of tumorigenesis and development. Pyruvate kinase is the third rate-limiting enzyme in the sugar metabolism process by specifically catalyzing the irreversible conversion of PEP to pyruvate.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to reveal the critical mediator(s) that regulate glycolytic metabolism reprogramming in gastric cancer and their underlying molecular mechanism and then explore the molecular mechanisms by which LHX9 may be involved in regulating gastric cancer (GC) progression.

METHODS

Firstly, we downloaded the GC and glycolysis-related microarray datasets from TCGA and MSigDB databases and took the intersection to screen out the transcription factor LHX9 that regulates GC glycolytic metabolic reprogramming. Software packages were used for differential analysis, single gene predictive analysis, and Venn diagram. In addition, an enrichment analysis of the glycolytic pathway was performed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for LHX9 and PKM2 protein expression in 90 GC patients, and the association between their expressions was evaluated by Spearman's correlation coefficient method. Three human GC cell lines (AGS, NCI-N87, HGC-27) were selected for in vitro experimental validation. Flow cytometry was utilized to determine the stem cell marker CD44 expression status in GCSCs. A sphere formation assay was performed to evaluate the sphere-forming capabilities of GCSCs. In addition, RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments were employed to investigate the tumor stem cell markers OCT4 and SOX2 expression levels in GCSCs. Furthermore, a lentiviral expression vector was constructed to assess the impact of downregulating LHX9 or PKM2 on the glycolytic metabolic reprogramming of GCSCs. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of GCSCs were then detected by CCK-8, EdU, and Transwell assays. Subsequently, the mutual binding of LHX9 and PKM2 was verified using chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase reporter genes. In vivo experiments were verified by establishing a subcutaneous transplantation tumor model in nude mice, observing the size and volume of tumors in vivo in nude mice, and obtaining fresh tissues for subsequent experiments.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis revealed that LHX9 might be involved in the occurrence and development of GC through regulating glycolytic metabolism. High LHX9 expression could be used as a reference marker for prognosis prediction of GC patients. Clinical tissue assays revealed that LHX9 and PKM2 were highly expressed in GC tissues. Meanwhile, GC tissues also highly expressed glycolysis-associated protein GLUT1 and tumor cell stemness marker CD44. In vitro cellular assays showed that LHX9 could enhance its activity and induce glycolytic metabolic reprogramming in GCSCs through direct binding to PKM2. In addition, the knockdown of LHX9 inhibited PKM2 activity and glycolytic metabolic reprogramming and suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasive ability of GCSCs. In vivo animal experiments further confirmed that the knockdown of LHX9 could reduce the tumorigenic ability of GCSCs in nude mice by inhibiting PKM2 activity and glycolytic metabolic reprogramming.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that both LHX9 and PKM2 are highly expressed in GCs, and LHX9 may induce the reprogramming of glycolytic metabolism through transcriptional activation of PKM2, enhancing the malignant biological properties of GCSCs and ultimately promoting GC progression.

Anti-Warburg effect via generation of ROS and inhibition of PKM2/β-catenin mediates apoptosis of lambertianic acid in prostate cancer cells

To elucidate the underlying antitumor mechanism of lambertianic acid (LA) derived from Pinus koraiensis, the role of cancer metabolism related molecules was investigated in the apoptotic effect of LA in DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells. MTT assay for cytotoxicity, RNA interference, cell cycle analysis for sub G1 population, nuclear and cytoplasmic extraction, lactate, Glucose and ATP assay by ELISA, Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Western blotting, and immunoprecipitation assay were conducted in DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells. Herein LA exerted cytotoxicity, increased sub G1 population and attenuated the expression of pro-Caspase3 and pro-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (pro-PARP) in DU145 and PC3 cells. Also, LA reduced the expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), glycolytic enzymes such as hexokinase 2 and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) with reduced production of lactate in DU145 and PC3 cells. Notably, LA decreased phosphorylation of PKM2 on Tyr105 and inhibited the expression of p-STAT3, cyclin D1, C-Myc, β-catenin, and p-GSK3β with the decrease of nuclear translocation of p-PKM2. Furthermore, LA disturbed the binding of p-PKM2 and β-catenin in DU145 cells, which was supported by Spearman coefficient (0.0463) of cBioportal database. Furthermore, LA generated ROS in DU145 and PC3 cells, while ROS scavenger NAC (N-acetyl L-cysteine) blocked the ability of LA to reduce p-PKM2, PKM2, β-catenin, LDHA, and pro-caspase3 in DU145 cells. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that LA induces apoptosis via ROS generation and inhibition of PKM2/β-catenin signaling in prostate cancer cells.

Application of Polyphenols and Flavonoids in Oncological Therapy

The use of naturally derived drugs in anti-cancer therapies has grown exponentially in recent years. Among natural compounds, polyphenols have shown potential therapeutic applications in treatment due to their protective functions in plants, their use as food additives, and their excellent antioxidant properties, resulting in beneficial effects on human health. Building more efficient cancer therapies with fewer side effects on human health can be achieved by combining natural compounds with conventional drugs, which are typically more aggressive than natural chemicals with polyphenols. This article reviews a wide variety of studies where polyphenolic compounds can play a key role as anticancer drugs, alone or in combination with other drugs. Moreover, the future directions of applications of various polyphenols in cancer therapy are shown.

Calycosin-7-glucoside promotes mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting thioredoxin 1 to regulate oxidative stress

Thioredoxin1 (TRX1) is a key protein that regulates redox and is considered to be a key target for cancer therapy. Flavonoids have been proven to have good antioxidant and anticancer activities. This study aimed to investigate whether the flavonoid calycosin-7-glucoside (CG) exerts an anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) role by targeting TRX1. Different doses of CG were used to treat HCC cell lines Huh-7 and HepG2 to calculate the IC₅₀. On this basis, the effects of low, medium and high doses of CG on cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress and TRX1 expression of HCC cells were investigated in vitro. Also, HepG2 xenograft mice were used to evaluate the role of CG on HCC growth in vivo. The binding mode of CG and TRX1 was explored by molecular docking. Then si-TRX1 was used to further discover the effects of TRX1 on CG inhibition of HCC. Results found that CG dose-dependent decreased the proliferation activity of Huh-7 and HepG2 cells, induced apoptosis, significantly activated oxidative stress and inhibited TRX1 expression. In vivo experiments also showed that CG dose-dependent regulated oxidative stress and TRX1 expression, and promoted the expression of apoptotic proteins to inhibit HCC growth. Molecular docking confirmed that CG had a good binding effect with TRX1. Intervention with TRX1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells, promoted apoptosis, and further promoted the effect of CG on the activity of HCC cells. In addition, CG significantly increased ROS production, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, regulated the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved-caspase-3, and activated mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. And si-TRX1 enhanced the effects of CG on mitochondrial function and apoptosis of HCC, suggesting that TRX1 participated in the inhibitory effect of CG on mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of HCC. In conclusion, CG exerts anti-HCC activity by targeting TRX1 to regulate oxidative stress and promote mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.

Combination of chemical profiling and network pharmacology analysis to investigate the potential mechanism of Li-Zhong-Xiao-Pi granules in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions

Li-Zhong-Xiao-Pi granules (LZXP) are effective for treating gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the active compounds of LZXP and their potential therapeutic mechanism in GPL remained unclarified. The purpose of this study is to investigate the chemical composition and potential targets of LZXP. Based on the accurate masses, ion fragments, and literature data, a total of 128 compounds were identified in the LZXP sample using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) in both positive and negative ion modes, and 28 of these compounds were exactly determined by comparison with authentic reference standards. Meanwhile, 11 typical components were quantified via UPLC during a 24 min period. The linearity, accuracy, stability and recovery of the method were all proven. Through the network pharmacological analysis, six chemicals (quercetin, 4'-hydroxywogonin, sinensetin, 5, 7, 8, 3', 4'-pentamethoxyflavanone, 8-gingerdione and quercetin) were identified as the active ingredients, and five LZXP targets (AKT1, CYP1B1, PTGS2, MMP9 and EGFR) were found to be the crucial molecules in the treatment of GPL. This study provides a systematic and applicable method for the rapid screening and identification of the chemical constituents from LZXP, and an effective understanding the mechanism of LZXP in the treatment of GPL.

Inhibition of IDH3α Enhanced the Efficacy of Chemoimmunotherapy by Regulating Acidic Tumor Microenvironments

In recent years, chemoimmunotherapy has become effective in some advanced cancers, but its effect is still limited. Transcriptional upregulation of isocitrate dehydrogenase 3α (IDH3α) can promote tumor initiation and progression. However, it is not clear whether the aberrant expression of IDH3α is related to the efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy in cancers. Here, we found that IDH3α was elevated in uterine cervical cancer (UCC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) samples by using public databases. High expression of IDH3α could promote the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), alter the intracellular redox status, promote glycolysis, and induce an acidic microenvironments in cancer cells. Furthermore, we found that inhibition of IDH3α combined with chemoimmunotherapy (cisplatin and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies) activated the cGAS–STING pathway, promoted CD8+ T cell infiltration, and decreased tumor growth in mouse models of cervical cancer. In conclusion, our data indicate that silencing IDH3α sensitizes tumors to chemoimmunotherapy by modulating the acidic microenvironment and activating the cGAS–STING pathway.

Sulforaphane Targets the TBX15/KIF2C Pathway to Repress Glycolysis and Cell Proliferation in Gastric Carcinoma Cells

The effects of sulforaphane on glycolysis and proliferation of SGC7901 and BGC823 gastric carcinoma cell lines were analyzed, and the potential mediating role of the TBX15/KIF2C axis was explored. SGC7901 and BGC823 cells stably over- or underexpressing TBX15 were exposed to sulforaphane, and cell viability was assessed together with the expression of TBX15, KIF2C, and proteins involved in glycolysis, glucose uptake, and lactate production. Overexpressing TBX15 in SGC7901 and BGC823 cells significantly reduced glucose uptake, lactate production, cell viability, expression of KIF2C, and pyruvate kinase M2-mediated (PKM2) glycolysis. These effects were recapitulated by treatment with sulforaphane. The anti-tumor effects of sulforaphane were antagonized by down-regulation of TBX15, up-regulation of KIF2C or addition of a PKM2 agonist. Sulforaphane can reduce cell proliferation and PKM2-mediated glycolysis in gastric carcinoma cells, apparently by activating the TBX15/KIF2C pathway.

Natural products targeting glycolysis in cancer

Many energy metabolism pathways exist in cancer, including glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial respiration. Tumor cells mainly generate energy through glycolysis to maintain growth and biosynthesis of tumor cells under aerobic conditions. Natural products regulate many steps in glycolysis and targeting glycolysis using natural products is a promising approach to cancer treatment. In this review, we exemplify the relationship between glycolysis and tumors, demonstrate the natural products that have been discovered to target glycolysis for cancer treatment and clarify the mechanisms involved in their actions. Natural products, such as resveratrol mostly found in red grape skin, licochalcone A derived from root of Glycyrrhiza inflate, and brusatol found in Brucea javanica and Brucea mollis, largely derived from plant or animal material, can affect glycolysis pathways in cancer by targeting glycolytic enzymes and related proteins, oncogenes, and numerous glycolytic signal proteins. Knowledge of how natural products regulate aerobic glycolysis will help illuminate the mechanisms by which these products can be used as therapeutics to inhibit cancer cell growth and regulate cellular metabolism. Systematic Review Registration: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/, https://clinicaltrials.gov/, http://lib.zzu.edu.cn/.

Effect of modified Jianpi Yangzheng on regulating content of PKM2 in gastric cancer cells-derived exosomes

BACKGROUND

Modified Jianpi Yangzheng decoction (mJPYZ), as an empirical decoction of Traditional Chinese medicine has been shown significantly to prolong the survival of patients with advanced stage gastric cancer. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), has attracted attention for its important role on cellular aerobic glycolysis, however, few studies focus on PKM2 non-metabolic roles in tumor progression.

PURPOSE

Our study aimed to investigate the potential role of gastric cancer exosomes containing PKM2 in regulating tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and the mechanism of mJPYZ against gastric cancer.

METHODS

Colony Formation Assay, flow cytometry and TUNEL staining were employed to estimate the effect of mJPYZ on gastric cancer in tumor-bearing mice and cells. Western blot analyzed apoptosis-related protein expression changes. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics predicted potential exosomes modulation of mJPYZ in gastric cancer. Exosomes were isolated and co-cultured with TAM. Diff-Quik Staining observed the TAM morphological changes when incubating with gastric cancer cells exosomes. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were performed to demonstrate whether exosomes PKM2 involved in TAM polarization.

RESULTS

mJPYZ induced apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by targeting PKM2 and downregulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis in vivo and in vitro. Network pharmacology showed potential exosomes modulation of mJPYZ in gastric cancer. We extracted exosomes and found mJPYZ decreased the abundance of serum exosomes PKM2 in patients with advanced gastric cancer and xenograft tumor model. Additionally, we firstly detected and confirmed that PKM2 is a package protein of exosomes extracted from gastric cancer cells, and mJPYZ could diminish the content of exosomal PKM2 in gastric cancer cells. Importantly, mJPYZ reduced the delivery of exosomal PKM2 from tumor cells to macrophages, and alleviated exosomal PKM2-induced differentiation of M2-TAM in tumor microenvironment, eventually inhibited gastric cancer progression.

CONCLUSION

Gastric cancer exosomes containing PKM2 could lead to M2 macrophages differentiation, thereby promoting gastric cancer progression. Our findings provide a rationale for potential application of mJPYZ in the treatment of gastric cancer via PKM2.

Lobetyolin suppressed lung cancer in a mouse model by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Traditional Chinese medicines are gaining more attention as promising adjuvant agents for conventional chemotherapy. Recent studies have shown that lobetyolin (LBT) is one of the main bioactive compounds of traditional Chinese medicines and it exhibits anticancer activity in several types of cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which LBT inhibits lung cancer. A549 human lung cancer cells were treated with LBT. In addition, A549 cells were injected into Balc/b nude mice to establish model of lung cancer. The mice were treated with cisplatin (DDP) or LBT alone or in combination, and tumor growth was monitored. Protein levels of E-cadherin, vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) were detected. We found that the combination of LBT and DDP showed stronger effect to inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells compared to LBT or DDP treatment alone. Wound healing assay showed that the ratio of wound healing was significantly lower in LBT group and DDP group and was the lowest in LBT+DDP group. Transwell invasion assay showed that the invasion ability of A549 cells was the weakest in LBT+DDP group. Protein levels of E-cadherin were the highest while those of vimentin and MMP9 were the lowest in A549 cells treated with LBT+DDP. Nude mouse xenograft tumor model showed that the combination of LBT with DDP had the highest efficacy to inhibit the growth of lung cancer, and tumor tissues of mice treated with LBT+DDP had the lowest expression of vimentin and MMP9 and the highest expression of E-cadherin. In conclusion, LBT significantly enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy on lung cancer, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.