Targeting LRP6: A new strategy for cancer therapy

Targeting specific molecular drivers of tumor growth is a key approach in cancer therapy. Among these targets, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), a vital component of the Wnt signaling pathway, has emerged as an intriguing candidate. As a cell-surface receptor and vital co-receptor, LRP6 is frequently overexpressed in various cancer types, implicating its pivotal role in driving tumor progression. The pursuit of LRP6 as a target for cancer treatment has gained substantial traction, offering a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention. Here, this comprehensive review explores recent breakthroughs in our understanding of LRP6's functions and underlying molecular mechanisms, providing a profound discussion of its involvement in cancer pathogenesis and drug resistance. Importantly, we go beyond discussing LRP6's role in cancer by discussing diverse potential therapeutic approaches targeting this enigmatic protein. These approaches encompass a wide spectrum, including pharmacological agents, natural compounds, non-coding RNAs, epigenetic factors, proteins, and peptides that modulate LRP6 expression or disrupt its interactions. In addition, also discussed the challenges associated with developing LRP6 inhibitors and their advantages over Wnt inhibitors, as well as the drugs that have entered phase II clinical trials. By shedding light on these innovative strategies, we aim to underscore LRP6's significance as a valuable and multifaceted target for cancer treatment, igniting enthusiasm for further research and facilitating translation into clinical applications.

Sirtuin 1 in osteoarthritis: Perspectives on regulating glucose metabolism

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease characterised by articular cartilage destruction, and its complex aetiology contributes to suboptimal clinical treatment outcomes. A close association exists between glucose metabolism dysregulation and OA pathogenesis. Owing to the unique environment of low oxygen and glucose concentrations, chondrocytes rely heavily on their glycolytic capacity, exhibiting distinct spatiotemporal differences. However, under pathological stimulation, chondrocytes undergo excessive glycolytic activity while mitochondrial respiration and other branches of glucose metabolism are compromised. This metabolic change induces cartilage degeneration by reprogramming the inflammatory responses. Sirtuins, a highly conserved family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylases, regulate glucose metabolism in response to energy fluctuations in different cellular compartments，alleviating metabolic stress. SIRT1, the most extensively studied sirtuin, participates in maintaining glucose homeostasis in almost all key metabolic tissues. While actively contributing to the OA progression and displaying diverse biological effects in cartilage protection, SIRT1's role in regulating glucose metabolism in chondrocytes has not received sufficient attention. This review focuses on discussing the beneficial role of SIRT1 in OA progression from a metabolic regulation perspective based on elucidating the primary characteristics of chondrocyte glucose metabolism. We also summarise the potential mechanisms and therapeutic strategies targeting SIRT1 in chondrocytes to guide clinical practice and explore novel therapeutic directions.

Cistanches Herba: An overview of its chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics property

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cistanches Herba is an Orobanchaceae parasitic plant. As a commonly used Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), its traditional functions include treating kidney deficiency, impotence, female infertility and senile constipation. Chemical analysis of Cistanches Herba revealed that phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoids, lignans, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides were the main constituents. Pharmacological studies demonstrated that Cistanches Herba exhibited neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, hormonal balancing, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotection, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-tumor effects, etc. The aim of this review is to provide updated, comprehensive and categorized information on the phytochemistry, pharmacological research and pharmacokinetics studies of the major constituents of Cistanches Herba.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature search was conducted by systematic searching multiple electronic databases including SciFinder, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and CNKI. Information was also collected from journals, local magazines, books, monographs.

RESULTS

To date, more than 100 compounds have been isolated from this genus, include phenylethanoid glycosides, carbohydrates, lignans, iridoids, etc. The crude extracts and isolated compounds have exhibited a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacologic effects, such as neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotection, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, and anti-tumor effects. The phenylethanoid glycosides, echinacoside and acteoside have attracted the most attention for their significantly neuropharmacology effects. Pharmacokinetic studies of echinacoside and acteoside also have also been summarized.

CONCLUSION

Phenylethanoid glycosides have demonstrated wide pharmacological actions and have great clinical value if challenges such as poor bioavailability, fast and extensive metabolism are addressed. Apart from phenylethanoid glycosides, other constituents of Cistanches Herba, their pharmacological activities and underlying mechanisms are also need to be studied further.

Jia-Jian-Di-Huang-Yin-Zi decoction reduces apoptosis induced by both mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum caspase12 pathways in the mouse model of Parkinson's disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a classical prescription of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Jia-Jian-Di-Huang-Yin-Zi decoction (JJDHYZ) has been used to treat the symptoms of neurological disorders with a long history.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the effects and possible mechanisms of JJDHYZ on a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced subacute mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: control, MPTP, JJDHYZ low dosage (JJDHYZ-L, 8.5g/kg/day), medium dosage (JJDHYZ-M, 17g/kg/day) and high dosage (JJDHYZ-H, 34g/kg/day). Behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were conducted to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of JJDHYZ. The mechanism was further explored using TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining and transmission electron microscopy. The protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, full-length caspase9, cleaved caspase9, cleaved caspase3, caspase12 and C/EBP homologous protein was assessed. The toxicity on hepatocytes and renal cells was detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.

RESULTS

JJDHYZ-H restored the behavior performance impaired by MPTP, and reduced the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase. Additionally, it blocked the apoptosis, activated cleaved caspase3 and protected the ultrastructural integrity of mitochondria by regulating the expression of proteins in both mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) caspase12 pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

JJDHYZ-H showed behavior recovery and dopamine neuron protection by inhibiting the apoptotic activities associated with mitochondrial and ER caspase12 pathways.