Apigenin directly interacts with and inhibits topoisomerase 1 to upregulate CD26/DPP4 on colorectal carcinoma cells

Acrylamide-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis disruption in rats: Androgenic protective roles of apigenin by restoring testicular steroidogenesis through upregulation of 17β-HSD, CYP11A1 and CYP17A1

Acrylamide (ARL) exposure induces significant toxicity to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, leading to detrimental effects on behavior, neuroendocrine functions, steroidogensis, oxidative stress, inflammation, hormonal balance, sperm quality, and histopathological integrity in rats. This study investigates the protective role of oral apigenin (API; 10 or 20 mg/kg/day for 28 days) against ARL-induced toxicity in the HPG axis of male Wistar rats. Behavioral assessments revealed that ARL exposure impaired motor coordination and balance, as evidenced by increased landing foot splay distance and gait score. ARL-induced toxicity elevated brain Tau protein levels and disrupted hypothalamic GnRH levels, both mitigated by API. ARL triggered oxidative/nitrosative stress, reducing GSH contents and increasing MDA and NO levels in brain and testicular tissues, which were reversed by API. Hormonal imbalance, marked by decreased serum testosterone, FSH, and LH levels, was corrected by API. API enhanced semen quality parameters, with elevation in sperm count concentration and the percentages of both progressive motility and individual motility. It also normalized testicular PS and PC content, enhanced testicular cellular energy and restored seminal amino acid. The repression of testicular steroidogenesis-related enzymes CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and 17β-HSD following ARL exposure was alleviated by API administration. API also mitigated the inflammatory effects of ARL by reducing the expression of p-NF-κB p65 and TNF-α in testicular tissue. Histopathological examinations showed that API reduced neuronal and testicular degeneration, improving spermatogenesis. These findings suggest that API confers significant protective effects against ARL-induced HPG axis toxicity by restoring testicular steroidogenesis through the upregulation of 17β-HSD, CYP11A1, and CYP17A1, potentially due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.

Systematic analysis of natural topoisomerase I inhibitors from Forsythiae Fructus by ultrafiltration-UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, pharmacophore modelling, and molecular dynamics simulation

This study conducted a systematic analysis to explore natural DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) inhibitors from Forsythiae Fructus (FF). Crude extract of FF exhibited notable toxic and anti-proliferative effects on A549 cells. A total of 36 components were identified using bioaffinity ultrafiltration UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Pinoresinol, 1,8-dihydrox-yanthraquinone, quercetin, and lariciresinol were screened as topo I inhibitors. Their ESI fragmentation patterns were analysed. An obvious repair effect on damaged DNA strands was observed by topo I inhibitory binding assay. Moreover, a common feature-based pharmacophore model was constructed and another 7 topo I inhibitors were screened. Molecular docking indicated that hydrogen bond, π-anion, and π-alkyl interaction were major interactions. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed important residues determining the binding of amentoflavone, forsythoside B and topo I. The results improved current understanding of natural topo I inhibitors from FF. Moreover, the combination of multi-disciplinary approaches provided a new tool to investigate natural antitumor products.

Reassessing the role of phytochemicals in cancer chemoprevention

In this comprehensive review we tried to reassess the role of phytochemicals in cancer chemoprevention. The exploration of the "synergistic effect" concept, advocating combined chemopreventive agents, faces challenges like low bioavailability. The review incorporates personal, occasionally controversial, viewpoints on natural compounds' cancer preventive capabilities, delving into mechanisms. Prioritizing significant contributions within the vast research domain, we aim stimulating discussion to provide a comprehensive insight into the evolving role of phytochemicals in cancer prevention. While early years downplayed the role of phytochemicals, the late nineties witnessed a shift, with leaders exploring their potential alongside synthetic compounds. Challenges faced by chemoprevention, such as limited pharmaceutical interest and cost-effectiveness issues, persist despite successful drugs. Recent studies, including the EPIC study, provide nuanced insights, indicating a modest risk reduction for increased fruit and vegetable intake. Phytochemicals, once attributed to antioxidant effects, face scrutiny due to low bioavailability and conflicting evidence. The Nrf2-EpRE signaling pathway and microbiota-mediated metabolism emerge as potential mechanisms, highlighting the complexity of understanding phytochemical mechanisms in cancer chemoprevention.

Casein Kinase 2 (CK2): A Possible Therapeutic Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The protein kinase CK2 (also known as casein kinase 2) is one of the main contributors to the human phosphoproteome. It is regarded as a possible therapeutic strategy in several malignant diseases, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is an aggressive bone marrow malignancy. CK2 is an important regulator of intracellular signaling in AML cells, especially PI3K-Akt, Jak-Stat, NFκB, Wnt, and DNA repair signaling. High CK2 levels in AML cells at the first time of diagnosis are associated with decreased survival (i.e., increased risk of chemoresistant leukemia relapse) for patients receiving intensive and potentially curative antileukemic therapy. However, it is not known whether these high CK2 levels can be used as an independent prognostic biomarker because this has not been investigated in multivariate analyses. Several CK2 inhibitors have been developed, but CX-4945/silmitasertib is best characterized. This drug has antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in primary human AML cells. The preliminary results from studies of silmitasertib in the treatment of other malignancies suggest that gastrointestinal and bone marrow toxicities are relatively common. However, clinical AML studies are not available. Taken together, the available experimental and clinical evidence suggests that the possible use of CK2 inhibition in the treatment of AML should be further investigated.