Nanoscale Diamond-Based Formulation as an Immunomodulator and Potential Therapeutic for Lymphoma

Structural insights and in vitro and in vivo anticancer evaluation of dithiocarbamate-based metal complexes against murine lymphoma

Metal-based chemotherapeutics have gained attention due to their ability to interfere with cellular functions. Dithiocarbamate ligands, known for their strong metal-binding properties, have been explored for their potential in anticancer applications. This study aims to synthesize and characterize dithiocarbamate-based Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes and evaluate their anticancer activity against Dalton's lymphoma (DL) cells. Three dithiocarbamate ligands (1-3) and their corresponding Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes (1a-c, 2a-c, and 3a-c) were synthesized and characterized using FT-IR, NMR, UV-Vis, and mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD). TGA analysis of complexes confirms their thermal stability up to 150 °C and the formation of metal sulfides at elevated temperatures. The in vitro antiproliferative activities of these compounds were assessed using the MTT assay. Apoptosis induction was analyzed via Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry. In vivo studies were conducted on a murine DL tumor model to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and biosafety. SC-XRD confirmed square planar geometries for Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes, whereas Zn(II) complexes exhibited a tetrahedral geometry. Metal complexes 1c, 2b, and 3c displayed the most potent antiproliferative activity, with 1c exhibiting the lowest IC50 (7.1 μM). Apoptosis analysis indicated that 1c induced 64% apoptosis in DL cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that 1c significantly reduced tumor growth and prolonged survival, with minimal toxicity. The synthesized dithiocarbamate-metal complexes exhibited promising anticancer properties, particularly 1c, which demonstrated superior efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo models. These findings highlight the potential of metal-based dithiocarbamates as novel anticancer agents warranting further preclinical studies.

Integrating Ayurvedic philosophy with modern technologies for drug research and development: A critical need of mechanistic insights for wider acceptability

Ayurveda is a holistic science emphasizing healing and maintaining harmony and balance in the body. Medicines from natural resources and in pre-defined dosage forms are integral parts of successful Ayurvedic treatment in various diseases including complex ailments, such as cancer. Ayurvedic medicines are cocktails of several active phyto-compounds and/or natural resources and no isolated/purified molecules are used in the treatment. However, various unique methods employed using natural media, such as water, lipids, buttermilk, and lemon juice, just to name a few, lead to the elimination of unwanted constituents/impurities and enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of the drug. Such plausible alterations, selection, and/or retention of signature phytocompounds in the raw materials, during the process, and in the final drug need to be studied for precise product identification and analysis. Critical standardization of the manufacturing procedures is, therefore, mandatory for quality fidelity, assurance, and optimum efficacy. Moreover, the simultaneous multi-level and/or multi-targeted actions of Ayurvedic medicines against various dysfunctions due to their complex nature makes it extremely challenging to understand the mechanistic aspects during pre-clinical and clinical studies. The present article focuses on probable challenges and ideal roadmaps for standardization and characterization of such herbal as well as metallic-mineral Ayurvedic medicines being used for various simple and complex diseases like cancer and their treatments. It is emphasized that Ayurvedic manufacturing procedures should be followed meticulously and the finished product be characterized thoroughly using advanced pharmaceutical and analytical techniques. It is also accentuated that detailed monographs or dossiers including shelf-life studies need to be officially published for knowledge dissemination and worldwide acceptance. Finally, safety and efficacy studies as per modern pharmacology ought to be conducted in suitable animal models for the judicious use of these medicines. Mainstream or adjuvant treatment of dreadful diseases such as cancer with Ayurvedic medicines will only be fruitful through rational experimentation and ethical reporting.

Successful Treatment of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Through Ayurveda Rasayana Therapy: A Case Study

Background

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) can affect fertilization rate and embryo development, making it a useful measure for assessing male fertility. Available evidence supports the association between high sperm DNA fragmentation and poor outcomes, with regard to natural conception. Several treatment options are being adopted with varying degrees of success. Some of the commonly used treatment options are the intake of oral antioxidants, varicocele repair, and techniques like micro-manipulation-based sperm selection and use of testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Case Presentation

Studies have shown that around 29% of couples depend on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modality for the treatment of infertility. However, there is a lack of substantial evidence regarding its efficacy in treating various aspects of infertility in couples. The current case report is about a 44 year-old male patient with infertility, who has a known diagnosis of sex chromosome abnormalities. Meanwhile, the SDF study reports indicated the presence of chromosomal abnormalities. This patient was treated exclusively with Ayurveda therapy aimed towards qualitative improvement in reproductive tissues (Shukra Dhatu as per Ayurveda). Patient was assessed periodically for changes in chromosomal abnormality. After four months of treatment, the evaluations demonstrated the presence of completely normal chromosomes.

Conclusion

This case study indicates the potential of Ayurveda therapy in treating cases of male infertility caused by DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, observations and systematically designed clinical trials are warranted to establish a stronger level of evidence before making further clinical recommendations.

Standalone Ayurveda management of Hodgkin's lymphoma: A case report

The abnormal and uncontrolled growth of lymphatic cells present in the lymphatic system, the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow is called lymphoma. Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of malignant growth in lymphatic tissues. Despite conventional anticancer therapy and remedy, there has been no cure for it. No direct reference to Hodgkin's lymphoma has been found in Ayurveda, although the clinical manifestations of Apachi like enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, painless swelling, and itchy skin, are similar to those seen in Hodgkin's lymphoma. A case of Hodgkin's lymphoma in a 34-year-old female who presented with multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the right supra clavicle at the neck, along with pain and swelling at site, right ear discharge, burning chest, and headache for the last two years. Biopsy confirmed it to be Hodgkin's lymphoma. The patient was treated with Arbudh hara Kashya, Kanchanar, Haridra, Gomutra, Rodhra Rasa, Tapyadi Loha, Swarna Vasant Malati, vaikrant Bhasma, Heerak Bhasma, Amritbhalatak Avaleha, Sanjivini Vati, Lavan Bhaskar Churna, Swarjika Kshara, Tablet Anacarcin, Kachnar Guggulu in form of ShamanaChikitsa. Local application in the form Kachanaradi Lepa was advised after local swedan with ArkpatraandErandpantra. The nodular heterogeneous mass and growth on neck of the patient reduced with clinical gradation from 17 to 4 with reduction in first lymph node from 122 mm to 80 mm and in the second lymph node from 108 mm to 20 mm, while in the third lymph node reduced from 32 mm to zero with Ayurveda treatment alone. Thus, a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma was treated with Ayurveda successfully without conventional therapy.

Galunisertib synergistically potentiates the doxorubicin-mediated antitumor effect and kickstarts the immune system against aggressive lymphoma

In clinical practice, major efforts are underway to identify appropriate drug combinations to boost anticancer activity while suppressing unwanted adverse effects. In this regard, we evaluated the efficacy of combination treatment with the widely used chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin along with the TGFβRI inhibitor galunisertib (LY2157299) in aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). The antiproliferative effects of these drugs as single agents or in combination against several B-NHL cell lines and the synergism of the drug combination were evaluated by calculating the combination index. To understand the putative molecular mechanism of drug synergism, the TGF-β and stress signaling pathways were analyzed after combination treatment. An aggressive lymphoma model was used to evaluate the anticancer activity and post-therapeutic immune response of the drug combination in vivo. Galunisertib sensitized various B-NHL cells to doxorubicin and in combination synergistically increased apoptosis. The antitumor activity of the drug combinations involved upregulation of p-P38 MAPK and inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad2/3 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Combined drug treatment significantly reduced tumor growth and enhanced survival, indicating that the synergism between galunisertib and Dox observed in vitro was most likely retained in vivo. Based on the tumor-draining lymph node analysis, combination therapy results in better prognosis, including disappearance of disease-exacerbating regulatory T cells and prevention of CD8⁺ T-cell exhaustion by downregulating MDSCs. Galunisertib synergistically potentiates the doxorubicin-mediated antitumor effect without aggravating the toxic effects and the ability to kickstart the immune system, supporting the clinical relevance of targeting TGF-βRI in combination with doxorubicin against lymphoma.

Targeting thymidine phosphorylase alleviates resistance to dendritic cell immunotherapy in colorectal cancer and promotes antitumor immunity

T-cell exhaustion plays a pivotal role in the resistance of microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (CRC) to immunotherapy. Identifying and targeting T-cell exhaustion-activating mechanisms is a promising strategy to augment the effects of immunotherapy. Here, we found that thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP) plays a decisive role in inducing systemic T-cell exhaustion and abrogating the efficacy of dendritic cell (DC) therapy in a CRC model. Targeting TYMP with tipiracil hydrochloride (TPI) induces immunological cell death (ICD). The combined effects of TPI and imiquimod-activated DCs turn CT26 tumors into immunologically ‘hot’ tumors by inducing ICD in vivo. High-dimensional cytometry analysis revealed T-cell and IFN-γ dependency on the therapeutic outcome. In addition, chemoimmunotherapy converts intratumoral Treg cells into Th1 effector cells and eliminates tumor-associated macrophages, resulting in higher cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration and activation. This effect is also associated with the downregulation of PD-L1 expression in tumors, leading to the prevention of T-cell exhaustion. Thus, cooperative and cognitive interactions between dendritic cells and immunogenic cell death induced by therapy with TPI promote the immune response and tumoricidal activities against microsatellite stable colorectal cancer. Our results support TYMP targeting to improve the effects of DC immunotherapy and outcomes in CRC.