Chemotherapeutic potential of betanin/capecitabine combination targeting colon cancer: experimental and bioinformatic studies exploring NFκB and cyclin D1 interplay

Introduction: Betanin (C₂₄H₂₆N₂O₁₃) is safe to use as food additives approved by the FDA with anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects in many types of cancer cell lines. The current experiment was designed to test the chemotherapeutic effect of the combination of betanin with the standard chemotherapeutic agent, capecitabine, against chemically induced colon cancer in mice. Methods: Bioinformatic approach was designed to get information about the possible mechanisms through which the drugs may control cancer development. Five groups of mice were assigned as, (i) saline, (ii) colon cancer, (iii) betanin, (iv) capecitabine and (v) betanin/capecitabine. Drugs were given orally for a period of six weeks. Colon tissues were separated and used for biological assays and histopathology. Results: In addition, the mRNA expression of TNF-α (4.58-fold), NFκB (5.33-fold), IL-1β (4.99-fold), cyclin D1 (4.07-fold), and IL-6 (3.55-fold) and protein levels showed several folds increases versus the saline group. Tumor histopathology scores in the colon cancer group (including cryptic distortion and hyperplasia) and immunostaining for NFκB (2.94-fold) were high while periodic-acid Schiff staining demonstrated poor mucin content (33% of the saline group). These pathologic manifestations were reduced remarkably in betanin/capecitabine group. Conclusion: Collectively, our findings demonstrated the usefulness of betanin/capecitabine combination in targeting colon cancer and highlighted that betanin is a promising adjuvant therapy to capecitabine in treating colon cancer patients.

Using BpyAla to generate copper artificial metalloenzymes: a catalytic and structural study

Artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) have emerged as a promising avenue in the field of biocatalysis, offering new reactivity. However, their design remains challenging due to the limited understanding of their protein dynamics and how the introduced cofactors alter the protein scaffold structure. Here we present the structures and catalytic activity of novel copper ArMs capable of (R)- or (S)-stereoselective control, utilizing a steroid carrier protein (SCP) scaffold. To incorporate 2,2'-bipyridine (Bpy) into SCP, two distinct strategies were employed: either Bpy was introduced as an unnatural amino acid (2,2'-bipyridin-5-yl)alanine (BpyAla) using amber stop codon expression or via bioconjugation of bromomethyl-Bpy to cysteine residues. The resulting ArMs proved to be effective at catalysing an enantioselective Friedel-Crafts reaction with SCP_Q111BpyAla achieving the best selectivity with an enantioselectivity of 72% ee (S). Interestingly, despite using the same protein scaffold, different attachment strategies for Bpy at the same residue (Q111) led to a switch in the enantiopreference of the ArM. X-ray crystal structures of SCP_Q111CBpy and SCP_Q111BpyAla ArMs with bound Cu(ii) ions unveiled crucial differences in the orientation of the catalytic centre. Combining structural information, alanine scanning studies, and computational analysis shed light on the distinct active sites of the ArMs, clarifying that these active sites stabilise the nucleophilic substrate on different sides of the electrophile leading to the observed switch in enantioselectivity. This work underscores the importance of integrating structural studies with catalytic screening to unravel the intricacies of ArM behaviour and facilitate their development for targeted applications in biocatalysis.

Punicalagin's Protective Effects on Parkinson's Progression in Socially Isolated and Socialized Rats: Insights into Multifaceted Pathway

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a gradual deterioration of dopaminergic neurons, leading to motor impairments. Social isolation (SI), a recognized stressor, has recently gained attention as a potential influencing factor in the progress of neurodegenerative illnesses. We aimed to investigate the intricate relationship between SI and PD progression, both independently and in the presence of manganese chloride (MnCl2), while evaluating the punicalagin (PUN) therapeutic effects, a natural compound established for its cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. In this five-week experiment, seven groups of male albino rats were organized: G1 (normal control), G2 (SI), G3 (MnCl2), G4 (SI + MnCl2), G5 (SI + PUN), G6 (MnCl2 + PUN), and G7 (SI + PUN + MnCl2). The results revealed significant changes in behavior, biochemistry, and histopathology in rats exposed to SI and/or MnCl2, with the most pronounced effects detected in the SI rats concurrently exposed to MnCl2. These effects were associated with augmented oxidative stress biomarkers and reduced antioxidant activity of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Additionally, inflammatory pathways (HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-ᴋB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 and JAK-2/STAT-3) were upregulated, while dysregulation of signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB), sustained endoplasmic reticulum stress by activation PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2, and impaired autophagy (AMPK/SIRT-1/Beclin-1 axis) were observed. Apoptosis induction and a decrease in monoamine levels were also noted. Remarkably, treatment with PUN effectively alleviated behaviour, histopathological changes, and biochemical alterations induced by SI and/or MnCl2. These findings emphasize the role of SI in PD progress and propose PUN as a potential therapeutic intervention to mitigate PD. PUN's mechanisms of action involve modulation of pathways such as HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-ᴋB/NLRP3/Caspase-1, JAK-2/STAT-3, PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB, AMPK/SIRT-1, Nrf2/HO-1, and PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2.

Topiramate affords neuroprotection in diabetic neuropathy model via downregulating spinal GFAP/inflammatory burden and improving neurofilament production

The current study aimed to test the neuroprotective action of topiramate in mouse peripheral diabetic neuropathy (DN) and explored some mechanisms underlying this action. Mice were assigned as vehicle group, DN group, DN + topiramate 10-mg/kg and DN + topiramate 30-mg/kg. Mice were tested for allodynia and hyperalgesia and then spinal cord and sciatic nerves specimens were examined microscopically and neurofilament heavy chain (NEFH) immunostaining was performed. Results indicated that DN mice had lower the hotplate latency time (0.46-fold of latency to licking) and lower von-Frey test pain threshold (0.6-fold of filament size) while treatment with topiramate increased these values significantly. Sciatic nerves from DN control mice showed axonal degeneration while spinal cords showed elevated GFAP (5.6-fold) and inflammatory cytokines (∼3- to 4-fold) but lower plasticity as indicated by GAP-43 (0.25-fold). Topiramate produced neuroprotection and suppressed spinal cord GFAP/inflammation but enhanced GAP-43. This study reinforces topiramate as neuroprotection and explained some mechanisms included in alleviating neuropathy.

Quercetin Alleviated Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis and Modulated the mTOR/P70S6/P6/eIF4E/4EBP1 Pathway in Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ranks as the world's second most prevalent cause of mortality, and it represents a major public health concern with profound economic and social implications. In the present study, we elucidated the neuroprotective role of quercetin on NLRP3-associated pyroptosis, Nrf2-coupled anti-inflammatory, and mTOR-dependent downstream pathways. Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to 72 h of transient middle cerebral artery ischemia, followed by the administration of 10 mg/kg of quercetin. Our findings demonstrated that MCAO induced elevated ROS which were coupled to inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and altered mTOR-related signaling proteins. We performed ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting to unveil the underlying role of the Nrf2/HO-1 and PDK/AKT/mTOR pathways in the ischemic cortex and striatum. Our results showed that quercetin post-treatment activated the Nrf2/HO-1 cascade, reversed pyroptosis, and modulated the autophagy-related pathway PDK/AKT/mTOR/P70S6/P6/eIF4E/4EBP1. Further, quercetin enhances the sequestering effect of 14-3-3 and reversed the decrease in interaction between p-Bad and 14-3-3 and p-FKHR and 14-3-3. Our findings showed that quercetin exerts its protective benefits and rescues neuronal damage by several mechanisms, and it might be a viable neuroprotective drug for ischemic stroke therapy.

Ameliorative effect of Arabic gum Acacia and mori extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: implications of Cas-3 and TGF-β

OBJECTIVE

Arabic gum Acacia (AG) is rich in fiber which improves lipid metabolism besides its antioxidant effect. Folium mori (FM) is a widely used herb due to its immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity. In the current study, we explore the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, as well as antioxidant activities of AG and FM in Streptozotocin (STZ), induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

STZ diabetic rats were orally administrated with metformin and/or a combination of AG and FM for 4 weeks. Glycemic levels, Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, and creatinine were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also evaluated. Gene expression and profile as well as immunohistopathological were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The results elicited no toxicological profile of both AG and FM. Plasma glucose level was decreased starting from 1st week to 4th week; besides, there was an improvement in glycated hemoglobin, insulin, and fructosamine. Liver and kidney damage markers were decreased in both AG and FM-treated rats. A significant increase in the antioxidant defense system and a decrease in oxidative stress markers were also observed. Gene expression analysis in brain tissues revealed a significant decrease in Interleukin beta 1 (IL-β1), Caspase 3 (Cas-3), and Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral treatment of metformin with AG and FM in STZ-injected rats could ameliorate protective pathways and can be one of the promising oral anti-diabetic herbal agents.

Pretreatment with Coenzyme Q10 Combined with Aescin Protects against Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury

Sepsis-associated acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical condition characterized by severe inflammatory response and mitochondrial dysfunction. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and aescin (AES) are well-known for their anti-inflammatory activities. However, their effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury have not been explored yet. Here, we asked whether combined pretreatment with CoQ10 and AES synergistically prevents LPS-induced lung injury. Fifty male rats were randomized into 5 groups: (1) control; (2) LPS-treated, rats received a single i.p. injection of LPS (8 mg/kg); (3) CoQ10-pretreated, (4) AES-pretreated, or (5) combined-pretreated; animals received CoQ10 (100 mg/kg), AES (5 mg/kg), or both orally for 7 days before LPS injection. Combined CoQ10 and AES pretreatment significantly reduced lung injury markers; 52.42% reduction in serum C-reactive protein (CRP), 53.69% in alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and 60.26% in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities versus 44.58, 37.38, and 48.6% in CoQ10 and 33.81, 34.43, and 39.29% in AES-pretreated groups, respectively. Meanwhile, combination therapy significantly reduced interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expressions compared to monotherapy (p < 0.05). Additionally, combination therapy prevented LPS-induced histological and mitochondrial abnormalities greater than separate drugs. Western blotting indicated that combination therapy significantly suppressed nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors-3 (NLRP-3) inflammasome compared to separate drugs (p < 0.05). Further, combination therapy significantly decreased the expression of signaling cascades, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-p65, and extracellular-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) versus monotherapy (p < 0.05). Interestingly, combined pretreatment significantly downregulated high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) by 72.93%, and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) by -0.93-fold versus 61.92%, -0.83-fold in CoQ10 and 38.67%, -0.70-fold in AES pretreatment, respectively. Our results showed for the first time that the enhanced anti-inflammatory effect of combined CoQ10 and AES pretreatment prevented LPS-induced ALI via suppression of NLRP-3 inflammasome through regulation of HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway and mitochondrial stabilization.

Leflunomide Induces Dose-Dependent Lung Injury in Mice via Stimulating Vimentin and NLRP3 Inflammasome Production

Recently, the therapeutic importance of the anti-rheumatic drug, leflunomide, has been increased after the involvement of leflunomide in treating other autoimmune diseases and its promising role in retarding human malignancies. Few studies have focused on the safety in human or animals without clear outlining of the pathologic features on target organs. One clinical study related leflunomide with significant pulmonary complications in predisposed individuals. The current study examined the dose-dependent lung injury produced by leflunomide in healthy mice. Albino mice were allocated into four different groups. Group (1): Vehicle control group, Group (2–4): mice received leflunomide (2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg), respectively, for 8 weeks and then lungs were dissected from the mice for histopathological examination and fibrosis evaluation (Masson’s trichrome staining and α-smooth muscle actin immunohistochemistry). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess the vimentin and other inflammatory factors in the lung homogenate whereas Western blot analysis was employed to assess α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin and collagen 1. Results indicated that leflunomide induced dose-dependent pulmonary injury and the high dose and increased the vimentin, inflammatory markers (NLRP3 and interlukin-1β). Histologic examination showed distorted architecture, marked inflammatory cells infiltrate and increase collagen content. The findings were supported by Western blotting and the immunohistochemical study which showed greater pulmonary α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin content. In conclusion, the current results highlighted that leflunomide produced dose-dependent pulmonary toxicities that requires further investigation of the nature of injury.

Regulation of IL-6/STAT-3/Wnt axis by nifuroxazide dampens colon ulcer in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis model: Novel mechanistic insight

AIM

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common intestinal problem characterized by the diffusion of colon inflammation and immunity dysregulation. Nifuroxazide, a potent STAT-3 inhibitor, exhibits diverse pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to elucidate a novel anti-colitis mechanism of nifuroxazide against the acetic acid-induced UC model.

METHODS

Rats were grouped into control (received vehicle), UC (2 ml of 5% acetic acid by intrarectal infusion), UC plus sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg/day, P.O.), UC plus nifuroxazide (25 mg/kg/day, P.O.), and UC plus nifuroxazide (50 mg/kg/day, P.O.) and lasted for 6 days.

RESULTS

The present study revealed that nifuroxazide significantly reduced UC measures, hematological changes, and histological alteration. In addition, treatment with nifuroxazide significantly down-regulated serum CRP as well as the colonic expressions of MPO, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR-4, NF-κB-p65, JAK1, STAT-3, DKK1 in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, our results showed that the colonic Wnt expression was up-regulated with nifuroxazide treatment. In a dose-dependent manner, nifuroxazide markedly alleviated acetic acid-induced cellular infiltration and improved ulcer healing by increasing intestinal epithelial cell regeneration.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results collectively indicate that nifuroxazide is an effective anti-colitis agent through regulation of colon inflammation and proliferation via modulation IL-6/STAT-3/Wnt signaling pathway.

Heroin profiling: mannitol hexaacetate as an unusual ingredient of some illicit drug seizures

Mannitol hexaacetate (MHA) has been detected by GC-MS in some brown illicit drug seizures in which diacetylmorphine (DAM) was completely lacking. The presence of MHA as a genuine ingredient of the drug seizures rather than a storage- or an analytical artifact, formed by transacetylation of mannitol with the DAM in the heroin, has been verified. It is argued that MHA was formed as a result of the addition of mannitol, as diluent, before the acetylating step in the process of the heroin preparation. This early dilution in the production and distribution chain of the illicit drug is deemed as peculiar, nonetheless it may be highly indicative of a specific production process of heroin in a trafficking organization.

The use of cyclohexanone as a "derivatizing" reagent for the GC-MS detection of amphetamines and ephedrines in seizures and the urine

A GC-MS method has been developed for the detection of amphetamine, methamphetamine, and the ephedrines, in seizures and the urine, based on on-GC condensation (derivatization) with cyclohexanone. The method is simple: the dried seizure material or the urine extract was mixed with cyclohexanone and injected into the GC-MS. The method was found to be superior to the methods based on acyl and trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatization. Unlike for the acyl and TMS derivatives, the molecular and fragment ions of the cyclohexanone condensation products (cyclohexanone derivatives) were of substantial abundance, a useful property in unambiguous compound characterization. Furthermore, the high stability of the "derivatizing" reagent, cyclohexanone, compared with acyl and TMS derivatizing reagents, is a useful property in method development. The present method has proved selective and, tentatively, sensitive enough in the following areas (where methods based on acyl and TMS derivatization, as tested in this laboratory, have failed): (a) detection of amphetamine as a metabolite of methamphetamine; (b) detection of norpseudoephedrine as a metabolite of pseudoephedrine; (c) detection of amphetamine as an impurity of methamphetamine; (d) detection of cathine (norephedrine) as a constituent of Khat leaves; and (e) differentiation of Khat use from phenylpropanolamine use.

Increased bcl-2 expression is associated with primary resistance to chemotherapy in human epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic factor, has a role in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer as well as in resistance to chemotherapy.

DESIGN AND METHODS

20 benign, and 26 malignant epithelial ovarian tissues were analyzed for bcl-2 protein and mutant p53 by enzyme-immunoassay (EIA). Flowcytometric analysis was also performed. Patients of malignant group were followed up to monitor overall survival and primary resistance to chemotherapy.

RESULTS

bcl-2 was significantly higher in malignant group than benign group (p < 0.001). A cutoff value was determined for bcl-2 (63.8 kU/g protein). At this cutoff, sensitivity is 80.7%, and specificity is 85%. Using chi square analysis, a significant correlation was found between bcl-2 and FIGO stage (p = 0.01), overall survival (p = 0.01), as well as primary resistance to chemotherapy (p = 0.03). By correlation coefficient analysis the relation between bcl-2 and synthetic phase fraction was highly significant (p = 0.002). Bcl-2, p53, and FIGO stage were significantly correlated to poor survival (p = 0.01) in univariate analysis. However, in multivariate analysis, only FIGO stage, and p53 were independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

EIA could be a useful tool for investigating the prognostic value of bcl-2, and its possible prediction of platinum resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer. This might help in selecting patients for future anti-bcl-2 therapy.

Ectopic pregnancy presenting with obturator nerve pain

A 27 year old woman had a three day history of pain in the cutaneous distribution of the left obturator nerve before she developed the classical picture of ectopic pregnancy with lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. A left tubal pregnancy was subsequently confirmed by laparoscopy. Referred pain along the obturator nerve has been reported in other pelvic conditions, but has not previously been reported as a manifestation of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy may present with a very wide range of signs and symptoms and should be excluded in females of child bearing age with unexplained symptoms including pain anywhere from the shoulder down to the knee.