Daidzein exerts anti-tumor activity against bladder cancer cells via inhibition of FGFR3 pathway

Soy isoflavones induces mitophagy to inhibit the progression of osteosarcoma by blocking the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Soy isoflavones (SI) is a natural bioactive substance exhibiting beneficial effects on human health. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic potential of SI in the treatment of osteosarcoma (OS) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms, particularly focusing on mitophagy.

METHODS

The effects of SI on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of U2OS cells were analyzed. Mitophagy was assessed through multiple parameters: mitochondrial autophagosomes, mitochondrial membrane potential, autophagy-related proteins, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Protein levels related to apoptosis, autophagy, and the AKT/mTOR pathway were analyzed using western blot. The therapeutic efficacy of SI was further identified using a mouse tumor xenograft model. Cell apoptosis and proliferation in tumor xenografts were detected by TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively.

RESULTS

SI dose-dependently suppressed the viability, colony formation, migration, and invasion of U2OS cells, and enhanced the apoptosis. SI also dose-dependently induced mitophagy in OS cells, evidenced by an increase in autophagosomes and ROS levels, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and OCR, and concomitant changes in autophagy-related proteins. Mdivi-1, an inhibitor of mitophagy, reversed the anti-tumor effects of SI on U2OS cells. In addition, SI blocked the AKT/mTOR pathway in U2OS cells. SC-79, an AKT agonist, reversed the effect of SI on inducing mitophagy. Moreover, SI also promoted cell apoptosis and mitophagy in tumor xenografts in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

SI induces mitophagy in OS cells by blocking the AKT/mTOR pathway, contributing to the inhibition of OS.

Inhibitory effect of daidzein on the calcium-activated chloride channel TMEM16A and its anti-lung adenocarcinoma activity

TMEM16A is highly expressed in a variety of tumor cells and is involved in the growth and metastasis of malignancies. It has been established that down-regulation of TMEM16A expression or functional activity can inhibit tumor cells growth. However, there is a lack of targeted inhibitors with high efficiency and low toxicity. Here, we identified a novel inhibitor daidzein from dozens of natural product molecules. Whole-cell patch clamp data indicated that daidzein inhibits TMEM16A channel in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 of 1.39 ± 0.59 μM. Western blot result showed that daidzein can also reduce the expression of TMEM16A protein in LA795 cells. These results indicated that the inhibitory effects of daidzein exert on TMEM16A in two ways, both inhibiting TMEM16A current and decreasing its protein expression. In addition, the putative binding sites of daidzein on TMEM16A are G608, G628, and K839 through molecular docking. Moreover, daidzein concentration-dependently reduced cell viability and cell migration, causing G1/S cell cycle arrest in vitro. It was also confirmed that daidzein can effectively inhibit the growth of LA795 lung adenocarcinoma cells implanted nude mice in vivo. In conclusion, daidzein can be used as a lead compound for the development of therapeutic drugs for lung adenocarcinoma.

Daidzein nanosuspension in combination with cisplatin to enhance therapeutic efficacy against A549 non-small lung cancer cells: an in vitro evaluation

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality, chemo-resistance, and toxicity limit treatment. The focus is on innovative combined phytotherapy to improve treatment outcomes. Our aim was to investigate the potential effects of daidzein nanosuspension (DZ-NS) and its combination with cisplatin (CIS) on A549 non-small lung cancer cells. Cytotoxicity was investigated using MTT and Chou-Talalay methods. Oxidative, apoptotic, and inflammatory markers were analyzed by ELISA and qRT-PCR. The IC50 value for DZ-NS was 25.23 µM for 24 h and was lower than pure DZ (IC50 = 835 µM for pure DZ). DZ-NS (at IC50x2 and IC50 values) showed synergistic cytotoxicity with CIS. The cells treated with DZ-NS had low TOS and OSI levels. However, DZ-NS failed to regulate Cas3 and TGF-β1 activation in A549 cells. MMP-9 gene expression was significantly suppressed in DZ-NS-treated cells, especially in combination therapy. DZ represents a potential combination option for the treatment of lung cancer, and its poor toxicokinetic properties limit its clinical use. To overcome these limitations, the effects of the nanosuspension formulation were tested. DZ-NS showed a cytotoxic effect on A549 cells and optimized the therapeutic effect of CIS. This in vitro synergistic effect was mediated by suppression of MMP-9 and not by oxidative stress or Cas3-activated apoptosis. This study provides the basis for an in vivo and clinical trial of DZ-NS with concurrent chemotherapy.

Daidzein from Dietary Supplement to a Drug Candidate: An Evaluation of Potential

Daidzein (DDZ) is a well-known nutraceutical supplement belonging to the class of isoflavones. It is isolated from various sources such as alfalfa, soybean, and red clover. It demonstrates a broad array of pharmacological/beneficial properties such as cardiovascular exercise, cholesterol reduction, and anticancer, antifibrotic, and antidiabetic effects, which make it effective in treating a wide range of diseases. Its structure and operation are the same as those of human estrogens, which are important in preventing osteoporosis, cancer, and postmenopausal diseases. It is thus a promising candidate for development as a phytopharmaceutical. Addressing safety, efficacy, and physicochemical properties are the primary prerequisites. DDZ is already ingested every day in varying amounts, so there should not be a significant safety risk; however, each indication requires a different dose to be determined. Some clinical trials are already being conducted globally to confirm its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential. Furthermore, as a result of its therapeutic influence on health, in order to establish intellectual property, patents are utilized. In light of the vast potential of eugenol, this review presents a detailed data collection on DDZ to substantiate the claim to develop it in the therapeutic category.

Gut Microbiota-Assisted Synthesis, Cellular Interactions and Synergistic Perspectives of Equol as a Potent Anticancer Isoflavone

It is well known that, historically, plants have been an important resource of anticancer agents, providing several clinically approved drugs. Numerous preclinical studies have shown a strong anticancer potential of structurally different phytochemicals, including polyphenolic constituents of plants, flavonoids. In this review article, suppressing effects of equol in different carcinogenesis models are unraveled, highlighting the mechanisms involved in these anticancer activities. Among flavonoids, daidzein is a well-known isoflavone occurring in soybeans and soy products. In a certain part of population, this soy isoflavone is decomposed to equol under the action of gut microflora. Somewhat surprisingly, this degradation product has been shown to be more bioactive than its precursor daidzein, revealing a strong and multifaceted anticancer potential. In this way, it is important to bear in mind that the metabolic conversion of plant flavonoids might lead to products that are even more efficient than the parent compounds themselves, definitely deserving further studies.

Established and emerging treatments for diabetes-associated lower urinary tract dysfunction

Dysfunction of the lower urinary tract (LUT) including urinary bladder and urethra (and prostate in men) is one of the most frequent complications of diabetes and can manifest as overactive bladder, underactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and as aggravated symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia. We have performed a selective literature search to review existing evidence on efficacy of classic medications for the treatment of LUT dysfunction in diabetic patients and animals, i.e., α1-adrenoceptor and muscarinic receptor antagonists, β3-adrenoceptor agonists, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Generally, these agents appear to have comparable efficacy in patients and/or animals with and without diabetes. We also review effects of antidiabetic medications on LUT function. Such studies have largely been performed in animal models. In the streptozotocin-induced models of type 1 diabetes, insulin can prevent and reverse alterations of morphology, function, and gene expression patterns in bladder and prostate. Typical medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes have been studied less often, and the reported findings are not yet sufficient to derive robust conclusions. Thereafter, we review animal studies with emerging medications perhaps targeting diabetes-associated LUT dysfunction. Data with myoinositol, daidzein, and with compounds that target oxidative stress, inflammation, Rac1, nerve growth factor, angiotensin II receptor, serotonin receptor, adenosine receptor, and soluble guanylyl cyclase are not conclusive yet, but some hold promise as potential treatments. Finally, we review nonpharmacological interventions in diabetic bladder dysfunction. These approaches are relatively new and give promising results in preclinical studies. In conclusion, the insulin data in rodent models of type 1 diabetes suggest that diabetes-associated LUT function can be mostly or partially reversed. However, we propose that considerable additional experimental and clinical studies are needed to target diabetes itself or pathophysiological changes induced by chronic hyperglycemia for the treatment of diabetic uropathy.

Prognostic Characteristics of Immune-Related Genes and the Related Regulatory Axis in Patients With Stage N+M0 Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BRCA) has the highest incidence rate among female tumours. The function of the immune system affects treatment efficacy and prognosis in patients with BRCA. However, the exact role of immune-related genes (IRGs) in stage N+M0 BRCA is unknown. We constructed a predictive risk scoring model with five IRGs (CDH1, FGFR3, INHBA, S100B, and SCG2) based on the clinical, mutation, and RNA sequencing data of individuals with stage N+M0 BRCA sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Results from the Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute validation cohort suggested that regardless of clinical stage, tumour size, or the number of lymph node metastases, this model was able to reliably discriminate low-risk patients from high-risk ones and assess the prognosis of patients with stage N+M0 BRCA, and low-risk patients could benefit more from immunotherapy than high-risk patients. In addition, significant inter-group variations in immunocyte infiltration and the tumour microenvironment were observed. Moreover, risk score and age were found to be independent factors in multivariate COX regression analysis, which influenced the outcome of patients with stage N+M0 BRCA. Based on the above findings, we plotted a prognostic nomogram. Finally, we constructed a lncRNA KCNQ1OT1-LINC00665-TUG1/miR-9-5p/CDH1 regulatory axis of the ceRNA network to explore the mechanism of BRCA progression. In summary, we conducted a systemic and extensive bioinformatics investigation and established an IRG-based prognostic scoring model. Finally, we constructed a ceRNA regulatory axis that might play a significant role in BRCA development. More research is required to confirm this result. Scoring system-based patient grouping can help predict the outcome of patients with stage N+M0 BRCA more effectively and determine their sensitivity to immunotherapies, which will aid the development of personalised therapeutic strategies and inspire the research and development of novel medications.

Daidzein and Chicory Extract Arrest the Cell Cycle via Inhibition of Cyclin D/CDK4 and Cyclin A/CDK2 Gene Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers, associated with a high rate of mortality. A disturbance between cell proliferation and cell death is one of the cancer hallmarks including HCC. Cell proliferation is mainly controlled by the cell cycle. The arrest of the cell cycle is one of the important targets of anticancer agents.

OBJECTIVES

The present study tries to clarify the exact role of some natural products such as daidzein (DAZ) and alcoholic chicory leaf extract (CE), as possible regulators of cell cycle and apoptosis.

METHODS

HCC in rats was induced using diethylnitrosamine (DENA). Ninety rats were allocated and divided equally into nine groups, treated with CE, DAZ, a combination of both, and sorafenib with non-treated control groups.

RESULTS

Treatment with CE, DAZ, and their combination significantly downregulated hepatic tissue expression of cyclin D1/CDK4 axis as well as cyclin A/CDK2 axis. The suggested therapeutic protocol inhibited the proliferation and dampened Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, the efficiency of combining CE and DAZ demonstrated a potency comparable to sorafenib in terms of cyclin D/CDK4 axis expression, as well as; this combination protocol was more potent in revealing a potentiated inhibitory effect on cyclin A and Ki-67 expression.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with DAZ or CE alone, or in combination, could possess an inhibitory effect on hepatocarcinogenesis via cell cycle arrest, inhibition of proliferation through suppression of Ki-67 expression, and apoptosis induction, mediated by downregulation of Bcl-2.

Investigation of inhibition effect of daidzein on osteosarcoma cells based on experimental validation and systematic pharmacology analysis

Objective

This study aims to explore the effect of daidzein, which is a natural isoflavone compound mainly extracted from soybeans, on osteosarcoma and the potential molecular mechanism.

Material and Methods

143B and U2OS osteosarcoma cells were treated with gradient concentrations of daidzein, and MTT assay was used to determine the cell proliferation capacity and IC₅₀. Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI detection were used to determine apoptosis. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry, and migration ability were detected by transwell assays and scratch wound assay. An osteosarcoma xenograft mice model was applied to investigate the effect of daidzein on osteosarcoma in vivo. Systematic pharmacology and molecular modeling analysis were applied to predict the target of daidzein to osteosarcoma, and the target Src was verified by western blotting. We also observed the effect of daidzein on cell proliferation and apoptosis of Src-overexpressing osteosarcoma cells.

Results

In vitro, daidzein significantly inhibited 143B and U2OS osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration, and induced cell cycle arrest. In vivo, daidzein exerts antitumor effects in osteosarcoma xenograft mice. After systematic screening and analysis, Src-MAPK signaling pathway was predicted as the highest-ranked pathway. Western blot demonstrated that daidzein inhibited phosphorylation of the Src-ERK pathway in osteosarcoma cells. Also, overexpression of Src could partially reverse the inhibitory effects of daidzein on osteosarcoma cell proliferation.

Conclusion

Daidzein exerts an antitumor effect on osteosarcoma, and the mechanism may be through the Src-ERK pathway.

Therapeutic Potential of Isoflavones with an Emphasis on Daidzein

Daidzein is a phytoestrogen isoflavone found in soybeans and other legumes. The chemical composition of daidzein is analogous to mammalian estrogens, and it could be useful with a dual-directional purpose by substituting/hindering with estrogen and estrogen receptor (ER) complex. Hence, daidzein puts forth shielding effects against a great number of diseases, especially those associated with the control of estrogen, such as breast cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. However, daidzein also has other ER-independent biological activities, such as oxidative damage reduction acting as an antioxidant, immune regulator as an anti-inflammatory agent, and apoptosis regulation, directly linked to its potential anticancer effects. In this sense, the present review is aimed at providing a deepen analysis of daidzein pharmacodynamics and its implications in human health, from its best-known effects alleviating postmenopausal symptoms to its potential anticancer and antiaging properties.

Ipriflavone Suppresses Growth of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Through Inhibiting mTOR In Vitro and In Vivo

Ipriflavone, a synthetic isoflavone that inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption, has been used clinically for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, the anticancer activity of Ipriflavone and its molecular mechanisms in the context of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have not been investigated. In this study, we report that Ipriflavone is a novel mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor that suppresses cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis in ESCC cells. Ipriflavone inhibited anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of ESCC cells. Ipriflavone induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest and intrinsic cell apoptosis by activating caspase 3 and increasing the expression of cytochrome c. Based on the results of in vitro screening and cell-based assays, Ipriflavone inhibited mTOR signaling pathway through directly targeting mTOR. Knockdown of mTOR strongly inhibited the growth of ESCC cells, and the cell growth inhibitory effect exerted by Ipriflavone was found to be dependent upon mTOR signaling pathway. Remarkably, Ipriflavone strongly inhibited ESCC patient-derived xenograft tumor growth in an in vivo mouse model. Our findings suggest that Ipriflavone is an mTOR inhibitor that could be potentially useful for treating ESCC.

Daidzein alleviates cisplatin-induced muscle atrophy by regulating Glut4/AMPK/FoxO pathway

Cisplatin (DDP) is widely used in cancer treatment, but DDP can cause skeletal muscle atrophy and cachexia. This study explored the effect and mechanism of daidzein (DAI) in reducing DDP-induced skeletal muscle atrophy and cachexia in vivo and in vitro. DAI alleviated the weight, food intake, muscle, adipose tissue, kidney weight and forelimb grip of LLC tumour-bearing mice after DDP treatment, and did not affect the antitumour effect of DDP. DAI can reduce the decrease of the cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle fibre-induced by DDP and prevent the change of fibre type proportion. In skeletal muscle, it can inhibit Glut4/AMPK/FoxO pathway, down-regulate the expression of atrogin1 and MuRF1, and inhibit skeletal muscle protein degradation. In DDP treated C2C12 myotubes, DAI could inhibit Glut4/AMPK/FoxO pathway to reduce myotubes atrophy, while AMPK agonist MK-3903 could reverse the protective effect of DAI. These results suggest that DAI can alleviate DDP-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by downregulating the expression of Atrogin1 and MuRF1 through the regulation of Glut4/AMPK/FoxO pathway.

Pueraria tuberosa: A Review on Traditional Uses, Pharmacology, and Phytochemistry

Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) DC. (Fabaceae), also known as Indian Kudzu (vidari kand), is a perennial herb distributed throughout India and other Asian countries. Traditionally, tuber and leaves of this plant have extensively been reported for nutritional and medicinal properties in Ayurveda as well as in Chinese traditional practices. The objective of the present review is to compile and update the published data on traditional uses, pharmacological potential, and phytochemistry of compounds isolated from the plant Pueraria tuberosa. P. tuberosa extracts and its purified compounds possess multiple activities such as anticancer, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, antifertility, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-stress, antiulcerogenic, cardioprotective, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, nephroprotective, nootropic, neuroprotective, and wound healing. Tuber and leaf extracts of P. tuberosa contain several bioactive constituents such as puerarin, daidzein, genistein, quercetin, irisolidone, biochanin A, biochanin B, isoorientin, and mangiferin, which possess an extensive range of pharmacological activities. The extensive range of pharmacological properties of P. tuberosa provides opportunities for further investigation and presents a new approach for the treatment of ailments. Many phytochemicals have been identified and characterized from P. tuberosa; however, some of them are still unexplored, and there is no supporting data for their activities and exact mechanisms of action. Therefore, further investigations are warranted to unravel the mechanisms of action of individual constituents of this plant.

Targeting the HIF-1α/Cav-1 Pathway with a Chicory Extract/Daidzein Combination Plays a Potential Role in Retarding Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most rapidly growing solid cancers, that is characterized by hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that regulates tumor proliferation and metastasis. It induces caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression, a glycoprotein found on the membrane surface, then Cav-1 triggers angiogenesis and metastasis in HCC.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesize that targeting HIF-1α and consequently, Cav-1 using the antioxidant natural compound such as chicoric acid and a Cav-1 inhibitor daidzein (DAZ) could be a useful approach in the management of HCC. This study was conducted to investigate the possible therapeutic efficacy of standardized chicory leaf extract (SCLE) and DAZ via modulation of HIF-1α and Cav-1 in HCC rats.

METHODS

Diethyl nitrosamine (DENA) was used for HCC induction. After the induction period, four groups (10 rats for each) were treated with SCLE, DAZ, a combination of both, as well as sorafenib, all compared to the non-treated control. We assessed hepatic HIF-1α protein expression, Cav-1 gene expression, serum level of AFP, hepatic tissue content of VEGF, MMP-9, oxidative stress markers MDA and SOD.

RESULTS

DAZ, SCLE, and their combination, significantly down-regulated the expression of HIF-1α, Cav-1, and consequently dampened MMP-9, VEGF, hepatic content. It has been observed that the combination treatment showed a synergistic effect compared to either treatment alone. Importantly, the combination treatment exhibited a significantly more potent effect than sorafenib.

CONCLUSION

This study showed the potential role of the HIF-1α/Cav-1 pathway in HCC progression, moreover, SCLE and DAZ showed a potent efficacy in retarding HCC via modulation of this pathway.

Induction of cell death and modulation of Annexin A1 by phytoestrogens in human leukemic cell lines

Background

Phytoestrogens are polyphenolic plant compounds which are structurally similar to the endogenous mammalian estrogen, 17β-estradiol. Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is an endogenous protein which inhibits cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) and phospholipase A2, signal transduction, DNA replication, cell transformation, and mediation of apoptosis.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the effects of selected phytoestrogens on annexin A1 (ANXA1) expression, mode of cell death and cell cycle arrest in different human leukemic cell lines.

Methods

Cells viability were examined by MTT assay and ANXA1 quantification via Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were examined by flow cytometer and phagocytosis effect was evaluated using haematoxylin-eosin staining.

Results

Coumestrol significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the total level of ANXA1 in both K562 and U937 cells and genistein significantly (p < 0.05) reduced it in K562, Jurkat and U937 cells, meanwhile estradiol and daidzein induced similar reduction in U937 and Jurkat cells. Coumestrol and daidzein induced apoptosis in K562 and Jurkat cells, while genistein and estradiol induced apoptosis in all tested cells. Coumestrol and estradiol induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in K562 and Jurkat cells with an addition of U937 cells for estradiol. Genistein induced cell cycle arrest at S phase for both K562 and Jurkat cells. However, daidzein induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in K562, and G2/M phase of Jurkat cells. Coumestrol, genistein and estradiol induced phagocytosis in all tested cells but daidzein induced significant (p < 0.05) phagocytosis in K562 and Jurkat cells only.

Conclusion

The selected phytoestrogens induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and phagocytosis and at the same time they reduced ANXA1 level in the tested cells. The IC50 value of phytoestrogens was undetectable at the concentrations tested, their ability to induce leukemic cells death may be related with their ability to reduce the levels of ANXA1. These findings can be used as a new approach in cancer treatment particularly in leukemia.

Exploring the In Vivo Existence Forms (23 Original Constituents and 147 Metabolites) of Astragali Radix Total Flavonoids and Their Distributions in Rats Using HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSn

Astragali Radix total flavonoids (ARTF) is one of the main bioactive components of Astragali Radix (AR), and has many pharmacological effects. However, its metabolism and effective forms remains unclear. The HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSⁿ technique was used to screen and tentatively identify the in vivo original constituents and metabolites of ARTF and to clarify their distribution in rats after oral administration. In addition, modern chromatographic methods were used to isolate the main metabolites from rat urine and NMR spectroscopy was used to elucidate their structures. As a result, 170 compounds (23 original constituents and 147 metabolites) were tentatively identified as forms existing in vivo, 13 of which have the same pharmacological effect with ARTF. Among 170 compounds, three were newly detected original constituents in vivo and 89 were new metabolites of ARTF, from which 12 metabolites were regarded as new compounds. Nineteen original constituents and 65 metabolites were detected in 10 organs. Four metabolites were isolated and identified from rat urine, including a new compound (calycoisn-3'-O-glucuronide methyl ester), a firstly-isolated metabolite (astraisoflavan-7-O-glucoside-2'-O-glucuronide), and two known metabolites (daidzein-7-O-sulfate and calycosin-3'-O-glucuronide). The original constituents and metabolites existing in vivo may be material basis for ARTF efficacy, and these findings are helpful for further clarifying the effective forms of ARTF.

Improved Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Uptake of Complexed Daidzein in Rats

The pharmacokinetic profile and tissue uptake of daidzein (DAI) was determined in rat serum and tissues (lungs, eyes, brain, heart, spleen, fat, liver, kidney, and testes) after intravenous and intraperitoneal administration of DAI in suspension or complexed with ethylenediamine-modified γ-cyclodextrin (GCD-EDA/DAI). The absolute and relative bioavailability of DAI suspended (20 mg/kg i.v. vs. 50 mg/kg i.p.) and complexed (0.54 mg/kg i.v. vs. 1.35 mg/kg i.p.) was determined. After i.p. administration, absorption of DAI complexed with GCD-EDA was more rapid (t_max = 15 min) than that of DAI in suspension (t_max = 45 min) with a ca. 3.6 times higher maximum concentration (C_max = 615 vs. 173 ng/mL). The i.v. half-life of DAI was longer in GCD-EDA/DAI complex compared with DAI in suspension (t_0.5 = 380 min vs. 230 min). The volume of distribution of DAI given i.v. in GCD-EDA/DAI complex was ca. 6 times larger than DAI in suspension (38.6 L/kg vs. 6.2 L/kg). Our data support the concept that the pharmacokinetics of DAI suspended in high doses are nonlinear. Increasing the intravenous dose 34 times resulted in a 5-fold increase in AUC. In turn, increasing the intraperitoneal dose 37 times resulted in a ca. 2-fold increase in AUC. The results of this study suggested that GCD-EDA complex may improve DAI bioavailability after i.p. administration. The absolute bioavailability of DAI in GCD-EDA inclusion complex was ca. 3 times greater (F = 82.4% vs. 28.2%), and the relative bioavailability was ca. 21 times higher than that of DAI in suspension, indicating the need to study DAI bioavailability after administration by routes other than intraperitoneal, e.g., orally, subcutaneously, or intramuscularly. The concentration of DAI released from GCD-EDA/DAI inclusion complex to all the rat tissues studied was higher than after administration of DAI in suspension. The concentration of DAI in brain and lungs was found to be almost 90 and 45 times higher, respectively, when administered in complex compared to the suspended DAI. Given the nonlinear relationship between DAI bioavailability and the dose released from the GCD-EDA complex, complexation of DAI may thus offer an effective approach to improve DAI delivery for treatment purposes, for example in mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), allowing the reduction of ingested DAI doses.

MicroRNA-99a Suppresses Breast Cancer Progression by Targeting FGFR3

MicroRNAs have been implicated in acting as oncogenes or anti-oncogenes in breast cancer by regulating diverse cellular pathways. In the present study, we investigated the effects of miR-99a on cell biological processes in breast cancer. Breast cancer cells were transfected with a lentivirus that expressed miR-99a or a scramble control sequence. Functional experiments showed that miR-99a reduced breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Tumor xenograft experiment suggested miR-99a overexpression inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation in vivo. The dual luciferase assay revealed that miR-99a directly targets FGFR3 by binding its 3′ UTR in breast cancer. miR-99a was strongly down-regulated in breast tumor and FGFR3 was significantly up-regulated in breast tumor. FGFR3 silencing inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Deep sequencing indicated that miR-99a overexpression regulates multiple signaling pathways and triggers the alteration of the whole transcriptome. We constructed correlated expression networks based on circRNA/miRNA and lncRNA/miRNA competing endogenous RNAs regulation and miRNA-mRNA interaction, which provided new insights into the regulatory mechanism of miR-99a. In conclusion, these results suggest that the miR-99a/FGFR3 axis is an important tumor regulator in breast cancer and might have potential as a therapeutic target.

CDKN2A as transcriptomic marker for muscle-invasive bladder cancer risk stratification and therapy decision-making

Deletions of the cell cycle control gene CDKN2A are described as progression markers of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and to be associated with fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGFR3) mutations. The prognostic role of CDKN2A RNA expression in muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is under discussion. In 80 MIBC patients (m/f 60/20) who underwent radical cystectomy the expression of CDKN2A and FGFR3 was examined with qRT-PCR (test cohort). The MDA cohort (n = 57) and the TCGA cohort (n = 365) served for validation. The expression of drug target genes and TCGA molecular subtypes was correlated with CDKN2A expression. In the test cohort CDKN2Ahigh patients (n = 8; 10.0%) had a significantly shorter recurrence-free (p = 0.018) and disease-specific (p = 0.006) survival compared to the rest of the cohort. A similar stratification was seen in the validation cohorts (CDKN2Ahigh: n = 7, 12.3%, p = 0.001; n = 46, 12.6%, p = 0.011). In the TCGA cohort these patients had a comparably low expression of drug target genes. The expression of CDKN2A significantly differed among TGCA molecular subtypes. 71.7% of CDKN2Ahigh were TCGA basal squamous tumours but also show divergent molecular features compared to this group. In summary CDKN2A RNA expression-based risk stratification of MIBC allows the identification of a CDKN2Ahigh poor prognosis group with low expression of drug target genes.

Soy Isoflavone Intake and Bladder Cancer Risk in Japan: From the Takayama Study

Background: There is growing evidence suggesting that soy isoflavones play a protective role in the development of cancer. However, few epidemiological studies have investigated the association between soy isoflavone intake and bladder cancer.Methods: We evaluated the associations of soy and isoflavone intakes with bladder cancer incidence in a population-based prospective study in Japan. Subjects were 14,233 men and 16,584 women age 35 years or older in September 1992. Soy and isoflavone intakes were assessed via a validated food-frequency questionnaire, while controlling for total energy intake. Cancer incidence was mainly confirmed through regional population-based cancer registries. Bladder cancer was defined as code C67 according to the International Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems, 10th Revision.Results: During mean follow-up of 13.6 years, 120 men and 41 women had developed bladder cancer. After adjustments for multiple confounders, compared with the lowest quartile of soy food intake, the estimated hazard ratios for the second, third, and highest quartiles of soy food intake were 0.74, 0.52, and 0.55, respectively, in men (P-trend: 0.023). The corresponding values were 0.60, 0.75, and 0.64, respectively, in women (P-trend: 0.43). Similar inverse associations were observed between isoflavone intake and bladder cancer risk.Conclusions: A significant decreased risk of bladder cancer was observed among men who had higher intakes of total soy and isoflavones.Impact: Our finding on the potential benefit of consuming soy foods against bladder cancer is promising and warrants further studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(11); 1371-5. ©2018 AACR.

Possible mechanisms mediating apoptosis of bronchial epithelial cells in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - A next-generation sequencing approach

PURPOSE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation. Apoptosis of pulmonary structural cells contributes to pulmonary destruction and dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the possible mechanisms underlying decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis of bronchial epithelial cells of COPD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression profiles of mRNAs and microRNAs in bronchial epithelial cells from a COPD patient and a normal subject were identified using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and analyzed using bioinformatic tools.

RESULTS

We identified 233 significantly upregulated and 204 significantly downregulated genes in COPD bronchial epithelial cells. The PI3K-Akt pathway was one of the most important dysregulated pathways in bronchial epithelial cells. We further identified that 3 genes involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, including IL6, F2R, and FGFR3, might be associated with inhibition of cell proliferation in bronchial epithelial cells, while 5 genes involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, including TLR4, IL6, F2R, FGFR3, and FGFR1, might be associated with apoptosis of bronchial epithelial cells. FGFR1 was also a predicted target for some up-regulated miRNAs in COPD bronchial epithelial cells, including hsa-miR-195-5p, hsa-miR-424-5p, and hsa-miR-6724-5p.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest PI3K-Akt signaling pathway plays an important role in COPD. We observed altered expression of apoptosis and cell proliferation-related genes that might contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD.

Daidzein induces choriocarcinoma cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway

Choriocarcinoma is a malignant gestational trophoblastic disease and relapse or drug resistance occurs in ~25% of gestational trophoblastic tumors. Cell apoptosis serves a role in the progression from hydatidiform mole to persistent gestational trophoblastic disease. It has been demonstrated that daidzein [7‑hydroxy‑3‑(4‑hydroxyphenyl)‑4H‑chromen‑4‑one] may induce apoptosis in a number of cancer types via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by altering the B‑cell lymphoma (Bcl)‑2/Bcl‑2 associated X, apoptosis regulator (Bax) ratio, and activating the caspase cascade. Daidzein also serves a role in regulation of production of human chorionic gonadotropin in trophoblast cells and inhibition of cell proliferation. However, few reports have been published regarding the effect of daidzein on apoptosis in choriocarcinoma. Therefore, in the present study, JAR and JEG‑3 human gestational choriocarcinoma cells were used to investigate the effect of daidzein on apoptosis of choriocarcinoma cells. Treatment with daidzein for 48 h reduced cell viability in a dose‑dependent manner. The percentages of early and late apoptotic cells also increased following treatment with daidzein in a dose‑dependent manner, with the number of late apoptotic cells increasing more prominently. Furthermore, treatment with daidzein led to apoptosis‑associated alterations in nuclear morphology of JAR and JEG-3 cells. Expression levels of cleaved poly(ADP‑ribose) polymerase, cleaved caspase‑3 and cleaved caspase‑9 increased following treatment with daidzein, whereas the Bcl‑2/Bax ratio decreased in a dose‑dependent manner. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that daidzein may induce apoptosis of choriocarcinoma cells in a dose‑dependent manner via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

Formononetin inhibits human bladder cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness via regulation of miR-21 and PTEN

The isoflavone formononetin is the main active component of Astragalus membranaceus and possesses anti-tumorigenic properties. However, the role of formononetin in human bladder cancer (BCa) has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-tumor effects of formononetin on BCa cells and its potential molecular mechanism. T24 cells were treated with different concentrations of formononetin, and then the cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, cell apoptosis by Hoechst 33258 stain assay, cell invasiveness by transwell invasion assay, microRNA-21 (miR-21) expression by real-time PCR and the protein level of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and phosphorylated homolog of Akt (p-Akt) by western blotting. The results showed that formononetin significantly inhibited the proliferation of T24 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. T24 cells treated with formononetin displayed obvious morphological changes of apoptosis and lower invasiveness. In addition, miR-21 expression was significantly decreased in formononetin-treated T24 cells, followed by increase of PTEN, and down-regulation of p-Akt. Collectively, these results suggest that formononetin exerts an anti-carcinogenic effect on BCa in vitro, which might be due to miR-21-mediated regulation of the PTEN/Akt pathway.