Cordycepin Reverses Cisplatin Resistance in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Activating AMPK and Inhibiting AKT Signaling Pathway

Preclinical evidence using synthetic compounds and natural products indicates that AMPK represents a potential pharmacological target for the therapy of pulmonary diseases

Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a highly conserved eukaryotic enzyme discovered as a key regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, with anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, anticancer, and antifibrosis beneficial effects. AMPK is dysregulated in human pulmonary diseases such as acute lung injury, nonsmall cell lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. This review provides an overview of the beneficial role of natural, synthetic, and Chinese traditional medicines AMPK modulators in pulmonary diseases, and highlights the role of the AMPK signaling pathway in the lung, emphasizing the importance of finding lead compounds and drugs that can target and modulate AMPK to treat the lung diseases.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of tumour suppressor genes in lung cancer

Tumour suppressor genes play a cardinal role in the development of a large array of human cancers, including lung cancer, which is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. Therefore, extensive studies have been committed to deciphering the underlying mechanisms of alterations of tumour suppressor genes in governing tumourigenesis, as well as resistance to cancer therapies. In spite of the encouraging clinical outcomes demonstrated by lung cancer patients on initial treatment, the subsequent unresponsiveness to first-line treatments manifested by virtually all the patients is inherently a contentious issue. In light of the aforementioned concerns, this review compiles the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of some of the tumour suppressor genes implicated in lung cancer that are either frequently mutated and/or are located on the chromosomal arms having high LOH rates (1p, 3p, 9p, 10q, 13q, and 17p). Our study identifies specific genomic loci prone to LOH, revealing a recurrent pattern in lung cancer cases. These loci, including 3p14.2 (FHIT), 9p21.3 (p16INK4a), 10q23 (PTEN), 17p13 (TP53), exhibit a higher susceptibility to LOH due to environmental factors such as exposure to DNA-damaging agents (carcinogens in cigarette smoke) and genetic factors such as chromosomal instability, genetic mutations, DNA replication errors, and genetic predisposition. Furthermore, this review summarizes the current treatment landscape and advancements for lung cancers, including the challenges and endeavours to overcome it. This review envisages inspired researchers to embark on a journey of discovery to add to the list of what was known in hopes of prompting the development of effective therapeutic strategies for lung cancer.

Antitumor Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential of Cordycepin Derivatives

Cordycepin has good antitumor activity, but its clinical application is limited due to the easy deamination of N6 in structure. In this study, a large lipolysis group was introduced at the cordycepin N6 to improve the problem, cordycepin derivatives (3a-4c) were synthesized, and biological evaluation of compounds was studied. In this study, the vitro antitumor activity of the compounds against MCF7 cells, HepG2 cells and SGC-7901 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. In the results, compound 4a showed the most obvious inhibitory effect on MCF7 cells with an IC50 value of 27.57 ± 0.52 μM, which was much lower than cordycepin. Compound 4a showed high selectivity between MCF7 and normal MCF-10A cells. Further biological evaluation showed that compound 4a promoted apoptosis and blocked the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase. Then, Western Blot was used to detect related apoptotic proteins. It was found that Compound 4a could down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2 protein and up-regulate the expression of p53, Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 proteins. The mitochondrial membrane potential decreased continuously and the positive expression rate decreased. It was speculated that compound 4a induced the apoptosis of MCF7 cells through the mitochondrial pathway.

The mechanism and application of traditional Chinese medicine extracts in the treatment of lung cancer and other lung-related diseases

Lung cancer stands as one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, bearing the highest morbidity and mortality rates among all malignant tumors. The treatment of lung cancer primarily encompasses surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, which are fraught with significant side effects, unfavorable prognoses, and a heightened risk of metastasis and relapse. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have gradually gained prominence in lung cancer treatment, diversifying the array of available methods, the overall recovery and survival rates for lung cancer patients remain suboptimal. Presently, with a holistic approach and a focus on syndrome differentiation and treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has emerged as a pivotal player in the prognosis of cancer patients. TCM possesses characteristics such as targeting multiple aspects, addressing a wide range of concerns, and minimizing toxic side effects. Research demonstrates that Traditional Chinese Medicine can significantly contribute to the treatment or serve as an adjunct to chemotherapy for lung cancer and other lung-related diseases. This is achieved through mechanisms like inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, suppressing tumor angiogenesis, influencing the cellular microenvironment, regulating immune system function, impacting signal transduction pathways, and reversing multidrug resistance in tumor cells. In this article, we offer an overview of the advancements in research concerning Traditional Chinese Medicine extracts for the treatment or adjunctive chemotherapy of lung cancer and other lung-related conditions. Furthermore, we delve into the challenges that Traditional Chinese Medicine extracts face in lung cancer treatment, laying the foundation for the development of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets.

Cordyceps militaris Solid Medium Extract Alleviates Lipoteichoic Acid-Induced MH-S Inflammation by Inhibiting TLR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathways

The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of Cordyceps militaris solid medium extract (CME) and cordycepin (COR) on LTA-induced inflammation in MH-S cells and their mechanisms of action. In this study, the establishment of an LTA-induced MH-S inflammation model was determined, the CCK-8 method was used to determine the safe concentration range for a drug for COR and CME, the optimal concentration of COR and CME to exert anti-inflammatory effects was further selected, and the expression of inflammatory factors of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-6 was detected using ELISA. The relative expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, IL-10, TLR2 and MyD88 mRNA was detected using RT-PCR, and the IL-1β, IL-18, TLR2, MyD88, NF-κB p-p65, NLRP3, pro-caspase-1, Caspase-1 and ASC protein expression in the cells were detected using Western blot; immunofluorescence assay detected the expression of Caspase-1 in MH-S cells. The results revealed that both CME and COR inhibited the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α in the supernatants of LTA-induced MH-S cells and the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR2 and MyD88, down-regulated the LTA-induced IL-1β, IL-18, TLR2 in MH-S cells, MyD88, NF-κB p-p65/p65, NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, and caspase-1 protein expression levels, and inhibited LTA-induced caspase-1 activation in MH-S cells. In conclusion, CME can play a therapeutic role in LTA-induced inflammation in MH-S cells via TLR2/NF-κB/NLRP3, and may serve as a potential drug for bacterial pneumonia caused by Gram-positive bacteria.

Cordycepin inhibited the retinoblastoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as lung metastasis via modulating c-Myc/cyclin D1 pathway

This study aims to investigate cordycepin's effects on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of retinoblastoma (RB) cells and its regulatory mechanism. In this study, it was found that cordycepin inhibited RB cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, and pulmonary metastasis in vivo. c-Myc was a downstream target of cordycepin, and cordycepin significantly suppressed c-Myc expression, and c-Myc overexpression markedly counteracted the impacts of cordycepin on RB cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. c-Myc was positively correlated with the cell cycle pathway. Cordycepin restrained cyclin D1 expression, and c-Myc overexpression rescued this effect. In conclusion, cordycepin targets the c-Myc/cyclin D1 pathway, thereby suppressing the malignant biological behaviors of RB cells.

FGF19 promotes cell autophagy and cisplatin chemoresistance by activating MAPK signaling in ovarian cancer

Background

Chemotherapy is one of the primary treatments for ovarian cancer patients. Autophagy has been linked to chemotherapy resistance in tumor cells. Recent studies have suggested that fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) may be involved in the onset and progression of malignancies. However, the relationship between FGF19 and autophagy in ovarian cancer is still unknown.

Methods

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted to analyze gene mutation profiles of 62 cases of high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed to validate the amplification of FGF19 in HGSOC tissues. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to analyze the difference of FGF19 in mRNA and protein expression. Meanwhile, bioinformatics techniques were used to analyze the expression profiles of FGF19 and the correlation with prognosis. Besides, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy and Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) were used to investigate the potential mechanisms.

Results

In this study, we found that FGF19 promotes cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells by inducing autophagy. NGS analysis of 62 HGSOC cases identified a significantly amplified gene, FGF19. In addition, the expression level of FGF19 in ovarian cancer samples was higher than that in normal samples. FISH results showed a positive correlation between amplification and expression of FGF19. Knockdown of FGF19 inhibited the cell autophagy through decrease in the expression of LC3 and Beclin 1, and increase in the expression of SQSTM1/p62. Furthermore, we observed that p38 MAPK phosphorylation was down-regulated after FGF19 knockdown. IFN-γ, a potential p38 MAPK activator, counteracted the inhibition of cell autophagy and the anti-proliferation effect of cisplatin induced by FGF19 knockdown in ovarian cancer cells.

Conclusion

FGF19 increases autophagy and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer by activating the p38 MAPK pathway. These results could point to FGF19 being a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

Crosstalk between protein kinases AKT and ERK1/2 in human lung tumor-derived cell models

There is no doubt that cell signaling manipulation is a key strategy for anticancer therapy. Furthermore, cell state determines drug response. Thus, establishing the relationship between cell state and therapeutic sensitivity is essential for the development of cancer therapies. In the era of personalized medicine, the use of patient-derived ex vivo cell models is a promising approach in the translation of key research findings into clinics. Here, we were focused on the non-oncogene dependencies of cell resistance to anticancer treatments. Signaling-related mechanisms of response to inhibitors of MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways (regulators of key cellular functions) were investigated using a panel of patients' lung tumor-derived cell lines with various stemness- and EMT-related markers, varying degrees of ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation, and response to anticancer treatment. The study of interactions between kinases was the goal of our research. Although MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT interactions are thought to be cell line-specific, where oncogenic mutations have a decisive role, we demonstrated negative feedback loops between MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in all cell lines studied, regardless of genotype and phenotype differences. Our work showed that various and distinct inhibitors of ERK signaling - selumetinib, trametinib, and SCH772984 - increased AKT phosphorylation, and conversely, inhibitors of AKT - capivasertib, idelalisib, and AKT inhibitor VIII - increased ERK phosphorylation in both control and cisplatin-treated cells. Interaction between kinases, however, was dependent on cellular state. The feedback between ERK and AKT was attenuated by the focal adhesion kinase inhibitor PF573228, and in cells grown in suspension, showing the possible role of extracellular contacts in the regulation of crosstalk between kinases. Moreover, studies have shown that the interplay between MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways may be dependent on the strength of the chemotherapeutic stimulus. The study highlights the importance of spatial location of the cells and the strength of the treatment during anticancer therapy.

Synergistic effect of CD47 blockade in combination with cordycepin treatment against cancer

Cordycepin is widely considered a direct tumor-suppressive agent. However, few studies have investigated as the effect of cordycepin therapy on the tumor microenvironment (TME). In our present study, we demonstrated that cordycepin could weaken the function of M1-like macrophages in the TME and also contribute to macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. Herein, we established a combined therapeutic strategy combining cordycepin and an anti-CD47 antibody. By using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we showed that the combination treatment could significantly enhance the effect of cordycepin, which would reactivate macrophages and reverse macrophage polarization. In addition, the combination treatment could regulate the proportion of CD8⁺ T cells to prolong the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with digestive tract malignancies. Finally, flow cytometry validated the changes in the proportions of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Collectively, our findings suggested that the combination treatment of cordycepin and the anti-CD47 antibody could significantly enhance tumor suppression, increase the proportion of M1 macrophages, and decrease the proportion of M2 macrophages. In addition, the PFS in patients with digestive tract malignancies would be prolonged by regulating CD8 ⁺ T cells.

Involvement of AMPKα and MAPK-ERK/-JNK Signals in Docetaxel-Induced Human Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis

Cancers of the oral cavity can develop in the anatomic area extending from the lip, gum, tongue, mouth, and to the palate. Histologically, about 85-90% of oral cavity cancers are of the type squamous cells carcinomas (SCCs). The incidence of oral tongue SCC is higher in the tongue than any other anatomic area of the oral cavity. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of docetaxel, which is a paclitaxel antitumor agent, on the cell growth of a human tongue SCC-derived SAS cell line. The results showed that docetaxel (10-300 nM) induced cytotoxicity and caspase-3 activity in SAS cells. Moreover, docetaxel (100 nM) promoted the expression of apoptosis-related signaling molecules, including the cleavages of caspase-3, caspase-7, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). In mitochondria, docetaxel (100 nM) decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression and increased cytosolic cytochrome c protein expression and Bax mRNA and protein expression. In terms of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, docetaxel increased the expression of phosphorylated (p)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p-AMPKα protein expression but not p-p38 protein expression. Moreover, the increase in caspase-3/-7 activity and Bax protein expression and decreased Bcl-2 protein expression and MMP depolarization observed in docetaxel-treated SAS cells could be reversed by treatment with either SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor), PD98059 (an MEK1/2 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2) inhibitor), or compound c (an AMPK inhibitor). The docetaxel-induced increases in p-JNK, p-ERK, and p-AMPKα protein expression could also be reversed by treatment with either SP600125, PD98059, or compound c. These results indicate that docetaxel induces human tongue SCC cell apoptosis via interdependent MAPK-JNK, MAPK-ERK1/2, and AMPKα signaling pathways. Our results show that docetaxel could possibly exert a potent pharmacological effect on human oral tongue SCC cell growth.

Preparation of Paclitaxel-Encapsulated Bio-Functionalized Selenium Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Efficacy against Cervical Cancer

The potentiality of nanomedicine in the cancer treatment being widely recognized in the recent years. In the present investigation, the synergistic effects of chitosan-modified selenium nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX-chit-SeNPs) were studied. These selenium nanoparticles were tested for drug release analysis at a pH of 7.4 and 5.5, and further characterized using FTIR, DLS, zeta potential, and TEM to confirm their morphology, and the encapsulation of the drug was carried out using UPLC analysis. Quantitative evaluation of anti-cancer properties was performed via MTT analysis, apoptosis, gene expression analysis, cell cycle arrest, and over-production of ROS. The unique combination of phytochemicals from the seed extract, chitosan, paclitaxel, and selenium nanoparticles can be effectively utilized to combat cancerous cells. The production of the nanosystem has been demonstrated to be cost-effective and have unique characteristics, and can be utilized for improving future diagnostic approaches.

Cisplatin for cancer therapy and overcoming chemoresistance

Cisplatin spearheads the anticancer chemotherapeutics in present-day use although acute toxicity is its primary impediment factor. Among a plethora of experimental medications, a drug as effective or surpassing the benefits of cisplatin has not been discovered yet. Although Oxaliplatin is considered more superior to cisplatin, the former has been better for colorectal cancer while cisplatin is widely used for treating gynaecological cancers. Carcinoma imposes a heavy toll on mortality rates worldwide despite the novel treatment strategies and detection methods that have been introduced; nanomedicine combined with precision medicine, immunotherapy, volume-regulated anion channels, and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography. Millions of deaths occur annually from metastatic cancers which escape early detection and the concomitant diseases caused by highly toxic chemotherapy that causes organ damage. It continues due to insufficient knowledge of the debilitative mechanisms induced by cancer biology. To overcome chemoresistance and to attenuate the adverse effects of cisplatin therapy, both in vitro and in vivo models of cisplatin-treated cancers and a few multi-centred, multi-phasic, randomized clinical trials in pursuant with recent novel strategies have been tested. They include plant-based phytochemical compounds, de novo drug delivery systems, biochemical/immune pathways, 2D and 3D cell culture models using small molecule inhibitors and genetic/epigenetic mechanisms, that have contributed to further the understanding of cisplatin's role in modulating the tumour microenvironment. Cisplatin was beneficial in cancer therapy for modulating the putative cellular mechanisms; apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest and gene therapy of micro RNAs. Specific importance of drug influx, efflux, systemic circulatory toxicity, half-maximal inhibition, and the augmentation of host immunometabolism have been identified. This review offers a discourse on the recent anti-neoplastic treatment strategies to enhance cisplatin efficacy and to overcome chemoresistance, given its superiority among other tolerable chemotherapies.

Cordycepin Attenuates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats via Modulation of AMPK and AKT Activation

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a disease that commonly affects elderly men. Cordycepin is an adenosine analog with a wide range of pharmacological activities including antiproliferative and prostatic smooth muscle relaxant effects. This study was designed to assess the actions of cordycepin in testosterone-induced BPH in rats. Animals were divided into six treatment groups: control, cordycepin-alone (10 mg/kg), testosterone-alone (3 mg/kg), cordycepin (5 mg/kg) + testosterone, cordycepin (10 mg/kg) + testosterone, and finasteride (0.5 mg/kg) + testosterone. Treatments were continued daily, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. Cordycepin significantly prevented the increase in prostate weight and prostate index induced by testosterone. This was confirmed by histopathological examinations. Cordycepin antiproliferative activity was further defined by its ability to inhibit cyclin-D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. In addition, cordycepin exhibited significant antioxidant properties as proven by the prevention of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione diminution, and superoxide dismutase exhaustion. This was paralleled by anti-inflammatory activity as shown by the inhibition of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear factor-κB expression in prostatic tissues. It also enhanced apoptosis as demonstrated by its ability to enhance and inhibit mRNA expression of Bax and Bcl2, respectively. Western blot analysis indicated that cordycepin augmented phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and inhibited p-AKT expression. Collectively, cordycepin has the ability to prevent testosterone-induced BPH in rats. This is mediated, at least partially, by its antiproliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic actions in addition to its modulation of AMPK and AKT activation.

Selenium Yeast and Fish Oil Combination Diminishes Cancer Stem Cell Traits and Reverses Cisplatin Resistance in A549 Sphere Cells

Cisplatin is a prevalent chemotherapeutic agent used for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is difficult to treat by targeted therapy, but the emergence of resistance severely limits its efficacy. Thus, an effective strategy to combat cisplatin resistance is required. This study demonstrated that, at clinically achievable concentrations, the combination of selenium yeast (Se-Y) and fish oil (FO) could synergistically induce the apoptosis of cancer stem cell (CSC)-like A549 NSCLC sphere cells, accompanied by a reversal of their resistance to cisplatin. Compared to parental A549 cells, sphere cells have higher cisplatin resistance and possess elevated CSC markers (CD133 and ABCG2), epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers (anexelekto (AXL), vimentin, and N-cadherin), and cytoprotective endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker (glucose-regulated protein 78) and increased oncogenic drivers, such as yes-associated protein, transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif, β-catenin, and cyclooxygenase-2. In contrast, the proapoptotic ER stress marker CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity were reduced in sphere cells. The Se-Y and FO combination synergistically counteracted the above molecular features of A549 sphere cells and diminished their elevated CSC-like side population. AMPK inhibition by compound C restored the side population proportion diminished by this nutrient combination. The results suggest that the Se-Y and FO combination can potentially improve the outcome of cisplatin-treated NSCLC with phenotypes such as A549 cells.

Exogenous proline enhances susceptibility of NSCLC to cisplatin via metabolic reprogramming and PLK1-mediated cell cycle arrest

The occurrence of cisplatin resistance is still the main factor limiting the therapeutic effect of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is urgent to elucidate the resistance mechanism and develop novel treatment strategies. Targeted metabolomics was first performed to detect amino acids’ content in cisplatin-resistant cancer cells considering the relationship between tumour metabolic rearrangement and chemotherapy resistance and chemotherapy resistance. We discovered that levels of most amino acids were significantly downregulated, whereas exogenous supplementation of proline could enhance the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to cisplatin, evidenced by inhibited cell viability and tumour growth in vitro and xenograft models. In addition, the combined treatment of proline and cisplatin suppressed ATP production through disruption of the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis identified the cell cycle as the top enriched pathway in co-therapy cells, accompanied by significant down-regulation of PLK1, a serine/threonine-protein kinase. Mechanistic studies revealed that PLK1 inhibitor (BI2536) and CDDP have synergistic inhibitory effects on NSCLC cells, and cells transfected with lentivirus expressing shPLK1 showed significantly increased toxicity to cisplatin. Inhibition of PLK1 inactivated AMPK, a primary regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, ultimately leading to cell cycle arrest via FOXO3A-FOXM1 axis mediated transcriptional inhibition in cisplatin-resistant cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that exogenous proline exerts an adjuvant therapeutic effect on cisplatin resistance, and PLK1 may be considered an attractive target for the clinical treatment of cisplatin resistance in NSCLC.

Alizarin, a nature compound, inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer cells by abrogating NF-κB activation

The current performance of nature compounds in antitumor field is gradually attracted more and more attention, we discovered a nature active ingredient alizarin possess potent natural reductive NF-κB activity to against pancreatic cancer. However, the preclinical pharmacology and therapeutic effect, and the underlying mechanisms of alizarin in inhibiting pancreatic cancer are still unclear. After high-throughput screening, this is the first report that alizarin can induce a potent inhibitory effect against pancreatic cancer cells. Alizarin induced cell cycle arrest and promoted cell apoptosis by inhibiting TNF-α-stimulated NF-κB activity and nuclear translocation, and inactivated its related TNF-α-TAK1-NF-κB signaling cascade followed by downregulation of NF-κB target genes involved in cell apoptosis (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, XIAP) and in the cell cycle and growth (cyclin D, c-myc). Due to the abrogation of NF-κB activity, combination of alizarin and gemcitabine exerted a better inhibitory effect on pancreatic cancer. In summary, natural component alizarin, inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo through targeting of the NF-κB signaling cascade with minimal toxicity, which combine with gemcitabine, can significantly enhance the antitumor capability, playing a synergistic effect. Therefore, alizarin may play a role in reversing gemcitabine resistance caused by overactivated NF-κB in clinical application in the future.

Cetuximab Combined With Sonodynamic Therapy Achieves Dual-Modal Image Monitoring for the Treatment of EGFR-Sensitive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Background

Blocking signaling by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), can effectively inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Additionally, an increasing number of NSCLC patients have treatment limitations caused by EGFR overexpression or mutations. Therefore, we constructed a nanotherapy platform consisting of cetuximab (CTX) to target EGFR-sensitive NSCLC with an iron tetroxide core loading the sound-sensitive agent IR780 for dual-mode imaging diagnosis by combining targeting and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) to reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME), enhance the SDT antitumor effects and improve the therapeutic effects of EGFR sensitivity.

Methods

IR780@INPs were prepared by reverse rotary evaporation, CTX was adsorbed/coupled to obtain IR780@INPs-CTX, and the morphology and structure were characterized. Intracellular ROS levels and cell apoptosis first verified its killing effects against tumor cells. Then, a nude mouse lung cancer subcutaneous xenograft model was established with HCC827 cells. A real-time fluorescence IVIS imaging system determined the targeting and live distribution of IR780@INPs-CTX in the transplanted tumors and the imaging effects of the T2 sequence of the INPs by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 0 h, 2 h, 4 h and 6 h after administration to confirm drug efficacy.

Results

In vitro, US+IR780@INPs-CTX produced a large amount of ROS after SDT to induce cell apoptosis, and significant cell death after live/dead staining was observed. In vivo fluorescence imaging showed the IR780@INPs-CTX was mainly concentrated in the tumor with a small amount in the liver. MRI displayed rapid enrichment of the IR780@INPs into tumor tissue 0h after injection and the T2 signal intensity gradually decreases with time without obvious drug enrichment in the surrounding tissues. In vivo, at the end of treatment, the US+IR780@INPs-CTX group showed disappearance or a continued decrease in tumor volume, indicating strong SDT killing effects.

Conclusion

The combination of CTX and SDT is expected to become a novel treatment for EGFR-sensitive NSCLC.

Platelet-Tumor Cell Hybrid Membrane-Camouflaged Nanoparticles for Enhancing Therapy Efficacy in Glioma

Purpose

Cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles (NPs) are drawing increasing attention because their surfaces acquire some characteristics of the cell membranes, making them a unique class of biomimetic materials for diverse applications. Modification of cell membrane or combination of different types of membranes can enhance their functionality.

Methods

We prepared platelet and tumor cell membrane camouflaged β-mangostin-loaded NPs, which were synthesized with platelet–C6 hybrid biomimetic coating, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), and β-mangostin (β-PCNPs). Then, we evaluated their targeting ability and anticancer activity against glioma in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Biomimetic coating enhanced active drug targeting and immune escape properties of nanocarrier in C6 and THP-1 cells, respectively, which improved their cytotoxicity. β-PCNPs were characterized to study the inherent properties of both source cells. Compared with bare β-NPs, β-PCNPs exhibited high tumor-targeting capability and induced apoptosis of C6 cells in vitro. Similarly, intravenous administration of drug through β-PCNPs resulted in enhanced tumor-targeting and exhibited excellent rate of inhibition of glioma tumor growth in mice. Moreover, the blood circulation time of drug in mice in the β-PCNP group was markedly prolonged and these mice exhibited better outcome than those in the β-NP group.

Conclusion

These results provide a new strategy of utilizing PCNPs as carriers for drug delivery, which improves the targeting efficiency and therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents for glioma therapy.

Traditional Chinese medicine reverses cancer multidrug resistance and its mechanism

Chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used clinical treatments among the currently available cancer therapies. However, the phenomenon of Multidrug resistance (MDR) has become a challenge in the treatment process, weakening the impact of chemotherapy. Extensive research on elucidating the development of cancer MDR has identified the following mechanisms that play a critical role in the development of several MDR reversal agents: abnormal expression of cell membrane transporters, adaptation of cancer cells to the microenvironment, regulation of hypoxia, repair of DNA damage and reduction of apoptosis, the enhancement of the EMT process, the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and the abnormal activation of key signaling pathways. However, they failed to demonstrate significant efficacy due to severe side effects during their clinical trials. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are known to play an important anti-cancer role since they have low toxicity, high efficacy, and safety and can reverse MDR. TCMs reversal agents can be divided into Chinese medicine monomers, synthetic monomers, analogs, or derivatives. Several studies have shown that TCMs can effectively overcome cancer MDR and can be effectively used for treating cancer patients.

Therapeutic potential of AMPK signaling targeting in lung cancer: Advances, challenges and future prospects

Lung cancer (LC) is a leading cause of death worldwide with high mortality and morbidity. A wide variety of risk factors are considered for LC development such as smoking, air pollution and family history. It appears that genetic and epigenetic factors are also potential players in LC development and progression. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a signaling pathway with vital function in inducing energy balance and homeostasis. An increase in AMP:ATP and ADP:ATP ratio leads to activation of AMPK signaling by upstream mediators such as LKB1 and CamKK. Dysregulation of AMPK signaling is a common finding in different cancers, particularly LC. AMPK activation can significantly enhance LC metastasis via EMT induction. Upstream mediators such as PLAG1, IMPAD1, and TUFM can regulate AMPK-mediated metastasis. AMPK activation can promote proliferation and survival of LC cells via glycolysis induction. In suppressing LC progression, anti-tumor compounds including metformin, ginsenosides, casticin and duloxetine dually induce/inhibit AMPK signaling. This is due to double-edged sword role of AMPK signaling in LC cells. Furthermore, AMPK signaling can regulate response of LC cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy that are discussed in the current review.

AMPK activation by ASP4132 inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cell growth

Activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is able to produce significant anti-non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell activity. ASP4132 is an orally active and highly effective AMPK activator. The current study tested its activity against NSCLC cells. In primary NSCLC cells and established cell lines (A549 and NCI-H1944) ASP4132 potently inhibited cell growth, proliferation and cell cycle progression as well as cell migration and invasion. Robust apoptosis activation was detected in ASP4132-treated NSCLC cells. Furthermore, ASP4132 treatment in NSCLC cells induced programmed necrosis, causing mitochondrial p53-cyclophilin D (CyPD)-adenine nucleotide translocase 1 (ANT1) association, mitochondrial depolarization and medium lactate dehydrogenase release. In NSCLC cells ASP4132 activated AMPK signaling, induced AMPKα1-ACC phosphorylation and increased AMPK activity. Furthermore, AMPK downstream events, including mTORC1 inhibition, receptor tyrosine kinases (PDGFRα and EGFR) degradation, Akt inhibition and autophagy induction, were detected in ASP4132-treated NSCLC cells. Importantly, AMPK inactivation by AMPKα1 shRNA, knockout (using CRISPR/Cas9 strategy) or dominant negative mutation (T172A) almost reversed ASP4132-induced anti-NSCLC cell activity. Conversely, a constitutively active AMPKα1 (T172D) mimicked and abolished ASP4132-induced actions in NSCLC cells. In vivo, oral administration of a single dose of ASP4132 largely inhibited NSCLC xenograft growth in SCID mice. AMPK activation, mTORC1 inhibition and EGFR-PDGFRα degradation as well as Akt inhibition and autophagy induction were detected in ASP4132-treated NSCLC xenograft tumor tissues. Together, activation of AMPK by ASP4132 potently inhibits NSCLC cell growth in vitro and in vivo.