Therapeutic potential of targeting MKK3-p38 axis with Capsaicin for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Potential of capsaicin as a combinatorial agent to overcome chemoresistance and to improve outcomes of cancer therapy

Capsaicin (CAPS), a bioactive alkaloid derived from chili peppers, has garnered significant interest for its potential role as a combinatorial and chemosensitizing agent in cancer therapy. Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated that CAPS enhanced the efficacy of various anticancer agents by promoting apoptosis, modulating autophagy and inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. Additionally, CAPS modulated critical regulators of chemoresistance, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway, thereby contributing to the reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR). Moreover, when administered in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, CAPS has been shown to improve treatment efficacy at lower drug concentrations. Given its multitargeted mechanism of action, CAPS represents a promising adjunct to conventional cancer therapies. However, due to its lipophilic nature, the development of optimized formulation strategies is essential to enhance its bioavailability and ensure consistent therapeutic outcomes. In conclusion, CAPS holds significant potential as a combinatorial and chemosensitizing agent, helping to overcome chemoresistance and enhance treatment outcomes across various malignancies. These promising findings warrant further preclinical and clinical investigations.

Redox regulation: mechanisms, biology and therapeutic targets in diseases

Redox signaling acts as a critical mediator in the dynamic interactions between organisms and their external environment, profoundly influencing both the onset and progression of various diseases. Under physiological conditions, oxidative free radicals generated by the mitochondrial oxidative respiratory chain, endoplasmic reticulum, and NADPH oxidases can be effectively neutralized by NRF2-mediated antioxidant responses. These responses elevate the synthesis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, as well as key molecules like nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and glutathione (GSH), thereby maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. Disruption of this finely tuned equilibrium is closely linked to the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases. Recent advances have broadened our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning this dysregulation, highlighting the pivotal roles of genomic instability, epigenetic modifications, protein degradation, and metabolic reprogramming. These findings provide a foundation for exploring redox regulation as a mechanistic basis for improving therapeutic strategies. While antioxidant-based therapies have shown early promise in conditions where oxidative stress plays a primary pathological role, their efficacy in diseases characterized by complex, multifactorial etiologies remains controversial. A deeper, context-specific understanding of redox signaling, particularly the roles of redox-sensitive proteins, is critical for designing targeted therapies aimed at re-establishing redox balance. Emerging small molecule inhibitors that target specific cysteine residues in redox-sensitive proteins have demonstrated promising preclinical outcomes, setting the stage for forthcoming clinical trials. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the intricate relationship between oxidative stress and disease pathogenesis and also discuss how these insights can be leveraged to optimize therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.

Capsaicin combined with cisplatin inhibits TGF-β1-induced EMT and TSCC cells migration via the Claudin-1/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors among oral cancers, and its treatment is based on radio-chemotherapy and surgery, which always produces more serious side effects and sequelae. Traditional medicine can compensate for the shortcomings of modern medical treatments and play a better therapeutic role. Currently, active ingredients derived from plants are attracting the attention of researchers and clinical professionals. We examined capsaicin (CAP), an active ingredient isolated from Capsicum annuum (family Solanaceae), and explored the effect of CAP combined with cisplatin (DDP) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and TSCC cells migration. Our results demonstrated that Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) induced EMT and promoted cell migration in TSCC cells. CAP combined with DDP inhibits non-TGF-β1-induced or TGF-β1-induced EMT and migration. Mechanistically, the inhibition of non-TGF-β1-induced EMT and migration by CAP combined with DDP was mediated by the AMPK/mTOR pathway, whereas TGF-β1-induced EMT and migration were regulated by the Claudin-1/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. A nude lung metastasis mouse model was established for in vivo validation. These results support our hypothesis that the combination of CAP and DDP inhibits TSCC metastasis. These data set the stage for further studies aimed at validating CAP as an effective active ingredient for enhancing chemotherapy efficacy and reducing the dosage and toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs, ultimately paving the way for translational research and clinical trials for TSCC eradication.

Modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis by natural compounds: a comprehensive and critical review

Tumor cells employ multiple signaling mediators to escape the hypoxic condition and trigger angiogenesis and metastasis. As a critical orchestrate of tumorigenic conditions, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is responsible for stimulating several target genes and dysregulated pathways in tumor invasion and migration. Therefore, targeting HIF-1 pathway and cross-talked mediators seems to be a novel strategy in cancer prevention and treatment. In recent decades, tremendous efforts have been made to develop multi-targeted therapies to modulate several dysregulated pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. In this line, natural compounds have shown a bright future in combating angiogenic and metastatic conditions. Among the natural secondary metabolites, we have evaluated the critical potential of phenolic compounds, terpenes/terpenoids, alkaloids, sulfur compounds, marine- and microbe-derived agents in the attenuation of HIF-1, and interconnected pathways in fighting tumor-associated angiogenesis and invasion. This is the first comprehensive review on natural constituents as potential regulators of HIF-1 and interconnected pathways against cancer angiogenesis and metastasis. This review aims to reshape the previous strategies in cancer prevention and treatment.

Research focus and thematic trends of transient receptor potential vanilloid member 1 research: a bibliometric analysis of the global publications (1990-2023)

Recently, various studies have been devoted to the study of transient receptor potential vanilloid member 1 (TRPV1)-related diseases, potential drugs, and related mechanisms. The objective of this investigation was to examine the significant areas and cutting-edge developments in TRPV1 study within recent decades. Articles or reviews were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer 1.6.18 and CiteSpace 6.1 R2 software were utilized to examine publication growth, distribution by country/region, institution, journal, authorship, references, and keywords. The software identified keywords with a high citation burstiness to determine emerging topics. From 1990 to 2023, the annual global publications increased by 62,000%, from 1 to 621. Journal of neuroscience published the most manuscripts and Nature produced the highest citations. The USA, Seoul National University and Di marzo V were the most productive and impactful institution, country, and author, respectively. "TRPV1," "Capsaicin receptor," "Activation," and "Pain" are the most important keywords. The burst keywords "TRPV1 channel," "Oxidative stress," "TRPV1 structure," and "Cancer" are supposed to be the research frontiers. The present study offers valuable insights into the understanding of TRPV1 and pain-related conditions. The research on TRPV1 has demonstrated a steady increase in studies related to pain-related diseases in the past few decades. The significance of TRPV1 in cancer pathogenesis and the resolution of its structure will emerge as a new academic trend in this field, providing direction for more widespread and comprehensive studies in the future.

Capsaicin: A chili pepper bioactive phytocompound with a potential role in suppressing cancer development and progression

Cancer profoundly influences morbidity and fatality rates worldwide. Patients often have dismal prognoses despite recent improvements in cancer therapy regimens. However, potent biomolecules derived from natural sources, including medicinal and dietary plants, contain biological and pharmacological properties to prevent and treat various human malignancies. Capsaicin is a bioactive phytocompound present in red hot chili peppers. Capsaicin has demonstrated many biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic capabilities. This review highlights the cellular and molecular pathways through which capsaicin exhibits antineoplastic activities. Our work also depicts the synergistic anticancer properties of capsaicin in conjunction with other natural bioactive components and approved anticancer drugs. Capsaicin inhibits proliferation in various cancerous cells, and its antineoplastic actions in numerous in vitro and in vivo carcinoma models impact oncogenesis, tumor-promoting and suppressor genes, and associated signaling pathways. Capsaicin alone or combined with other phytocompounds or approved antineoplastic drugs triggers cell cycle progression arrest, generating reactive oxygen species and disrupting mitochondrial membrane integrity, ultimately stimulating caspases and promoting death. Furthermore, capsaicin alone or in combination can promote apoptosis in carcinoma cells by enhancing the p53 and c-Myc gene expressions. In conclusion, capsaicin alone or in combination can have enormous potential for cancer prevention and intervention, but further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of this phytocompound.

Capsaicin suppresses the migration and invasion of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through the modulation of mTOR signaling pathway

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a malignancy of the nasopharynx, is prevalent in Southeast Asia and Southern China. The prognosis of NPC is poor and local recurrence and metastasis often occur. Capsaicin (tran-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), a pungent constituent of hot chili peppers, shows anti-cancer activities such as anti-proliferation and anti-metastasis. Currently, the role of capsaicin in cell metastasis of NPC is not well understood. We tested whether capsaicin has anti-metastatic activity in NPC cell lines. Capsaicin suppressed cell proliferation in dose-dependent manner. Moreover, capsaicin inhibited cell metastasis as shown by wound healing assay and decreased the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9. In addition, the phosphorylation of mTOR was downregulated by capsaicin. Combination of capsaicin and rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) treatments led to increasing of anti-growth and anti-metastatic activities. Therefore, capsaicin has potential to be used as an optional therapeutic drug for treatment of NPC.

Cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells do not express a functional TRPV1

We showed previously that capsaicin, an active compound of chili peppers, can inhibit platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation in primary rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The inhibition of BrdU incorporation by capsaicin in these cells was revoked by BCTC, which might be explained by a role of TRPV1 in VSMCs proliferation. To further pursue the hypothesis of a TRPV1-dependent effect of capsaicin, we investigated TRPV1 expression and function. Commercially available antibodies against two different TRPV1 epitopes (N-terminus and C-terminus) were rendered invalid in detecting TRPV1, as shown: i) in western blot experiments using control lysates of TRPV1-expressing (PC-12 and hTRPV1 transfected HEK293T) and TRPV1-downregulated (CRISPR/Cas gene edited A10) cells, and ii) by substantial differences in staining patterns between the applied antibodies using fluorescence confocal microscopy. The TRPV1 agonists capsaicin, resiniferatoxin, piperine and evodiamine did not increase intracellular calcium levels in primary VSMCs and in A10 cells. Using RT qPCR, we could detect a rather low TRPV1 expression in VSMCs at the mRNA level (Cp value around 30), after validating the primer pair in NGF-stimulated PC-12 cells. We conclude that rat vascular smooth muscle cells do not possess canonical TRPV1 channel activity, which could explain the observed antiproliferative effect of capsaicin.

Capsaicin shapes gut microbiota and pre-metastatic niche to facilitate cancer metastasis to liver

Dietary factors are fundamental in tumorigenesis throughout our lifetime. A spicy diet has been ambiguous on the development of cancers, especially in the study of colon cancer metastasis. Here, we utilized a mouse metastasis model to test the potential role of capsaicin in influencing metastasis. Long-term continuous administration of capsaicin diet (300 mg/kg) to mice promotes the formation of liver pre-metastatic niche to facilitate the metastasis of colon cancer cells. Bacteria translocation to liver is clearly observed. Capsaicin increases intestinal barrier permeability and disrupts gut vascular barrier by altering the composition of gut microbiota. Capsaicin not only changes the abundance of mucin-related bacteria like Akkermanisa and Muribaculaceae, but also bacteria involved in bile acids metabolism. Dysregulated bile acids profile is related to the recruitment of natural killer T (NKT) cells in pre-metastatic niche, primary bile acid α-Muricholic acid can enhance the recruitment of NKT cells, while secondary bile acids Glycoursodeoxycholic acid and Taurohyodeoxycholic acid impair the recruitment of NKT cells. These findings reveal long term consumption of capsaicin increases the risk of cancer metastasis through modulating the gut microbiota. Capsaicin (300 mg/kg) disrupts gut barrier and promotes the translocation of bacteria to liver, while altered bile acids metabolism affects the recruitment of NKT cells in liver, forming a pre-metastatic niche and promoting cancer metastasis.

Is the Triggering of PD-L1 Dimerization a Potential Mechanism for Food-Derived Small Molecules in Cancer Immunotherapy? A Study by Molecular Dynamics

Using small molecules to inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is an important approach in cancer immunotherapy. Natural compounds such as capsaicin, zucapsaicin, 6-gingerol and curcumin have been proposed to have anticancer immunologic functions by downregulating the PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 dimerization promoted by small molecules was recently reported to be a potential mechanism to inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. To clarify the molecular mechanism of such compounds on PD-L1 dimerization, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed. The results evidenced that these compounds could inhibit PD-1/PD-L1 interactions by directly targeting PD-L1 dimerization. Binding free energy calculations showed that capsaicin, zucapsaicin, 6-gingerol and curcumin have strong binding ability with the PD-L1 dimer, where the affinities of them follow the trend of zucapsaicin > capsaicin > 6-gingerol ≈ curcumin. Analysis by residue energy decomposition, contact numbers and nonbonded interactions revealed that these compounds have a tight interaction with the C-sheet, F-sheet and G-sheet fragments of the PD-L1 dimer, which were also involved in the interactions with PD-1. Moreover, non-polar interactions between these compounds and the key residues Ile54, Tyr56, Met115 and Ala121 play a key role in stabilizing the protein−ligand complexes in solution, in which the 4′-hydroxy-3′-methoxyphenyl group and the carbonyl group of zucapsaicin, capsaicin, 6-ginger and curcumin were significant for the complexation of small molecules with the PD-L1 dimer. The conformational variations of these complexes were further analyzed by free energy landscape (FEL) and principal component analysis (PCA) and showed that these small molecules could make the structure of dimers more stable. This work provides a mechanism insight for food-derived small molecules blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway via directly targeting the PD-L1 dimerization and offers theoretical guidance to discover more effective small molecular drugs in cancer immunotherapy.

Membrane-Active Nonivamide Derivatives as Effective Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobials: Rational Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation

Antibiotic resistance is emerging as a "global public health concern". To address the growing epidemic of multidrug-resistant pathogens, the development of novel antimicrobials is urgently needed. In this study, by biomimicking cationic antibacterial peptides, we designed and synthesized a series of new membrane-active nonivamide and capsaicin derivatives as peptidomimetic antimicrobials. Through modulating charge/hydrophobicity balance and rationalizing structure-activity relationships of these peptidomimetics, compound 51 was identified as the lead compound. Compound 51 exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria (MICs = 0.39-0.78 μg/mL) and Gram-negative bacteria (MICs = 1.56-6.25 μg/mL), with low hemolytic activity and low cytotoxicity. Compound 51 displayed a faster bactericidal action through a membrane-disruptive mechanism and avoided bacterial resistance development. Furthermore, compound 51 significantly reduced the microbial burden in a murine model of keratitis infected by Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hence, this design strategy can provide a promising and effective solution to overcome antibiotic resistance.

Capsaicin and cancer: Guilty as charged or innocent until proven guilty?

With an estimated 2 billion chili pepper connoisseurs worldwide, the human exposure to capsaicin is enormous. Therefore, the question whether nutritional capsaicin is a cancer causing or cancer preventive agent is of utmost importance. The gamut of human epidemiology studies suggests that capsaicin in modest, "restaurant-like" doses is not only safe to eat, but it may even provide health benefits, such as lower cancer-related death rate. Very "hot" food is, however, probably better avoided. Importantly, no increased cancer risk was reported in patients following topical (skin or intravesical) capsaicin therapy. Aberrant capsaicin receptor TRPV1 expression was noted in various cancers with potential implications for cancer therapy, diagnosis and prognostication. Indeed, capsaicin can kill cancer cells by a combination of on- and off-target mechanisms, though it remains unclear if this can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. The literature on capsaicin and cancer is vast and controversial. This review aims to find answers to questions that are relevant for our daily life and medical practice.

Capsaicin attenuates TGFβ2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal-transition in lens epithelial cells in vivo and in vitro

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), the most common complication of cataract surgery occurring in 20-50% of patients after 2-5 years of cataract surgery, is a major problem in the aging society. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells after cataract surgery has been proposed as a major cause of PCO. Capsaicin, widely used as a food additive and analgesic agent, is a major pungent ingredient in red pepper. Although the effect of capsaicin on EMT has been reported in cancer cells, the biological reaction of capsaicin was unique in each cell type, and there have been no reports describing its effects on EMT earlier. In this study, we demonstrated that treatment with capsaicin inhibited TGFβ2-induced EMT in vitro lens epithelial cells and ex vivo explant lens epithelial cells. Furthermore, eye drops of capsaicin inhibited the PCO model mice in vivo. Finally, we showed that capsaicin inhibited non-canonically induced Smad2/3 activation via suppression of EGFR activation and ERK phosphorylation. Our findings indicate that capsaicin and its derivatives are good candidate compounds for preventing PCO after cataract surgery.

Plant Extracts in Obesity: A Role of Gut Microbiota

Obesity has become one of the most serious chronic diseases threatening human health. Its occurrence and development are closely associated with gut microbiota since the disorders of gut microbiota can promote endotoxin production and induce inflammatory response. Recently, numerous plant extracts have been proven to mitigate lipid dysmetabolism and obesity syndrome by regulating the abundance and composition of gut microbiota. In this review, we summarize the potential roles of different plant extracts including mulberry leaf extract, policosanol, cortex moutan, green tea, honokiol, and capsaicin in regulating obesity via gut microbiota. Based on the current findings, plant extracts may be promising agents for the prevention and treatment of obesity and its related metabolic diseases, and the mechanisms might be associated with gut microbiota.

The Impact of TRPV1 on Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapy: A Systematic Review

The transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) is a transmembrane protein that can be activated by various physical and chemical stimuli and is associated with pain transduction. In recent years, TRPV1 was discovered to play essential roles in cancer tumorigenesis and development, as TRPV1 expression levels are altered in numerous cancer cell types. Several investigations have discovered direct associations between TRPV1 and cancer cell proliferation, cell death, and metastasis. Furthermore, about two dozen TRPV1 agonists/antagonists are under clinical trial, as TRPV1 is a potential drug target for treating various diseases. Hence, more researchers are focusing on the effects of TRPV1 agonists or antagonists on cancer tumorigenesis and development. However, both agonists and antagonists may reveal anti-cancer effects, and the effect may function via or be independent of TRPV1. In this review, we provide an overview of the impact of TRPV1 on cancer cell proliferation, cell death, and metastasis, as well as on cancer therapy and the tumor microenvironment, and consider the implications of using TRPV1 agonists and antagonists for future research and potential therapeutic approaches.