Nuclear factor-kappaB activation: from bench to bedside

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Hypomagnetic Field Effects

The geomagnetic field (GMF) is crucial for the survival and evolution of life on Earth. The weakening of the GMF, known as the hypomagnetic field (HMF), significantly affects various aspects of life on Earth. HMF has become a potential health risk for future deep space exploration. Oxidative stress is directly involved in the biological effects of HMF on animals or cells. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance favoring oxidants over antioxidants, resulting in cellular damage. Oxidative stress is a double-edged sword, depending on the degree of deviation from homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the important experimental findings from animal and cell studies on HMF exposure affecting intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as the accompanying many physiological abnormalities, such as cognitive dysfunction, the imbalance of gut microbiota homeostasis, mood disorders, and osteoporosis. We discuss new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these HMF effects in the context of the signaling pathways related to ROS. Among them, mitochondria are considered to be the main organelles that respond to HMF-induced stress by regulating metabolism and ROS production in cells. In order to unravel the molecular mechanisms of HMF action, future studies need to consider the upstream and downstream pathways associated with ROS.

Salidroside protects RGC from pyroptosis in diabetes-induced retinopathy associated with NLRP3, NFEZL2 and NGKB1, revealed by network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of salidroside (SAL) in protecting retinal ganglion cell (RGC) from pyroptosis and explore associated molecular network mechanism in diabetic retinapathy (DR) rats.

METHODS

HE, Nissl and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the retinal morphological change, and the related target genes for salidroside, DR and pyroptosis were downloaded from GeneCard database. Then Venny, PPI, GO, KEGG analysis and molecular docking were used to reveal molecular network mechanism of SAL in inhibiting the pyroptosis of RGC. Lastly, all hub genes were confirmed by using qPCR.

RESULTS

HE and Nissl staining showed that SAL could improve the pathological structure known as pyroptosis in diabetic retina, and the fluorescence detection of pyroptosis marker in DM group was the strongest, while they decreased in the SAL group(P < 0.05)). Network pharmacological analysis showed 6 intersecting genes were obtained by venny analysis. GO and KEGG analysis showed 9 biological process, 3 molecular function and 3 signaling pathways were involved. Importantly, molecular docking showed that NFE2L2, NFKB1, NLRP3, PARK2 and SIRT1 could combine with salidroside, and qPCR validates the convincible change of CASP3, NFE2L2, NFKB1, NLRP3, PARK2 and SIRT1.

CONCLUSION

Salidroside can significantly improve diabetes-inducedRGC pyrotosis in retina, in which, the underlying mechanism is associated with the NLRP3, NFEZL2 and NGKB1 regulation.

[The complex effect of polyphenols on the gut microbiota and triggers of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease]

Intestinal dysfunction and microbiome changes are actively discussed in the modern literature as the most important link in the development of neurodegenerative changes in Parkinson's disease. The article discusses the pathogenetic chain «microbiome- intestine-brain», as well as factors that affect the development of intestinal dysbiosis. A promising direction for influencing microflora and inflammatory changes in the intestine is the use of polyphenols, primarily curcumin. The review of experimental, laboratory, clinical research proving the pleiotropic effect of curcumin, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective effects, realized both through peripheral and central mechanisms is presented.

ANRIL regulating the secretion of Muc5ac induced by atmospheric PM2.5 via NF-κB pathway in Beas-2B cells

PM2.5 can cause airway inflammation and promote the excessive secretion of mucin 5ac (Muc5ac), which can further induce many respiratory diseases. Antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) might regulate the inflammatory responses mediated by nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Beas-2B cells were used to clarify the role of ANRIL in the secretion of Muc5ac induced by PM2.5 . The siRNA was used to silence ANRIL expression. Normal and gene silenced Beas-2B cells were respectively exposed to different doses of PM2.5 for 6, 12, and 24 h. The survival rate of Beas-2B cells was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and Muc5ac levels were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of NF-κB family genes and ANRIL were detected by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The levels of NF-κB family proteins and NF-κB family phosphorylated proteins were determined using Western blot. Immunofluorescence experiments were performed to observe the nuclear transposition of RelA. PM2.5 exposure increased the levels of Muc5ac, IL-1β and TNF-α, and ANRIL gene expression (p < .05). With the dose and time of PM2.5 exposure increasing, the protein levels of inhibitory subunit of nuclear factor kappa-B alpha (IκB-α), RelA, and NF-κB1 decreased, the protein levels of phosphorylated RelA (p-RelA) and phosphorylated NF-κB1 (p-NF-κB1) increased, and RelA nuclear translocation increased, which indicated that the NF-κB signaling pathway was activated (p < .05). Silencing ANRIL could decrease the levels of Muc5ac, IL-1β, TNF-α, decrease NF-κB family genes expression, inhibit the degradation of IκB-α and the activation of NF-κB pathway (p < .05). ANRIL played a regulatory role in the secretion of Muc5ac and the inflammation induced by atmospheric PM2.5 via NF-κB pathway in Beas-2B cells. ANRIL could be a target for prevention and treatment of the respiratory diseases caused by PM2.5 .

Pharmacological Potential of Betulin as a Multitarget Compound

Betulin is a natural triterpene, usually from birch bark, known for its potential wound-healing properties. Despite having a wide range of pharmacological targets, no studies have proposed betulin as a multitarget compound. Betulin has protective effects against cardiovascular and liver diseases, cancer, diabetes, oxidative stress, and inflammation. It reduces postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, combats tumor cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting metastatic proteins, and modulates chronic inflammation by blocking the expression of proinflammatory cytokines via modulation of the NFκB and MAPKs pathways. Given its potential to influence diverse biological networks with high target specificity, it can be hypothesized that betulin may eventually become a new lead for drug development because it can modify a variety of pharmacological targets. The summarized research revealed that the diverse beneficial effects of betulin in various diseases can be attributed, at least in part, to its multitarget anti-inflammatory activity. This review focuses on the natural sources, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological activity of betulin, and the multi-target effects of betulin on signaling pathways such as MAPK, NF-κB, and Nrf2, which are important regulators of the response to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

Comprehensive insight into altered host cell-signaling cascades upon Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr virus infections in cancer

Cancer is characterized by mutagenic events that lead to disrupted cell signaling and cellular functions. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Literature suggests that pathogens, mainly Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have been associated with the etiology of human cancer. Notably, their co-infection may lead to gastric cancer. Pathogen-mediated DNA damage could be the first and crucial step in the carcinogenesis process that modulates numerous cellular signaling pathways. Altogether, it dysregulates the metabolic pathways linked with cell growth, apoptosis, and DNA repair. Modulation in these pathways leads to abnormal growth and proliferation. Several signaling pathways such RTK, RAS/MAPK, PI3K/Akt, NFκB, JAK/STAT, HIF1α, and Wnt/β-catenin are known to be altered in cancer. Therefore, this review focuses on the oncogenic roles of H. pylori, EBV, and its associated signaling cascades in various cancers. Scrutinizing these signaling pathways is crucial and may provide new insights and targets for preventing and treating H. pylori and EBV-associated cancers.

The Role of CD38 in the Pathogenesis of Cardiorenal Metabolic Disease and Aging, an Approach from Basic Research

Aging is a major risk factor for the leading causes of mortality, and the incidence of age-related diseases including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and metabolic disease increases with age. NAD⁺ is a classic coenzyme that exists in all species, and that plays a crucial role in oxidation-reduction reactions. It is also involved in the regulation of many cellular functions including inflammation, oxidative stress and differentiation. NAD⁺ declines with aging in various organs, and the reduction in NAD⁺ is possibly involved in the development of age-related cellular dysfunction in cardiorenal metabolic organs through the accumulation of inflammation and oxidative stress. Levels of NAD⁺ are regulated by the balance between its synthesis and degradation. CD38 is the main NAD⁺-degrading enzyme, and CD38 is activated in response to inflammation with aging, which is associated with the reduction in NAD⁺ levels. In this review, focusing on CD38, we discuss the role of CD38 in aging and the pathogenesis of age-related diseases, including cardiorenal metabolic disease.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 7/9 inhibitor SNS-032 induces apoptosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells

Approximately 40% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are refractory or relapse to standard chemotherapy, and most of them are activated B cell-like DLBCLs (ABC-DLBCL) and germinal center B cell-like DLBCLs (GCB-DLBCL). SNS-032, a novel and selective CDK7/9 inhibitor, that the first phase clinical trials approved by US FDA for cancer treatment have been completed. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of SNS-032 in ABC- and GCB-DLBCL subtypes. We report that SNS-032 induced growth inhibition and cell apoptosis in both DLBCL cells in vitro, and inhibited the growth of both DLBCL xenografts in nude mice. Mechanistically, SNS-032 inhibited RNA polymerase II, which led to transcriptional-dependent suppression of NF-κB signaling pathway and its downstream targets involved in cell survival; SNS-032 also downregulates BCL-2 and c-MYC in both mRNA and protein levels. Significantly, these findings provide pre-clinical evidence for application of targeting the CDK7/9 in DLBCL.

Effect of inflammation on cytochrome P450-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism and the consequences on cardiac hypertrophy

The incidence of heart failure (HF) is generally preceded by cardiac hypertrophy (CH), which is the enlargement of cardiac myocytes in response to stress. During CH, the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA), which is present in the cell membrane phospholipids, is modulated. Metabolism of AA gives rise to hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) via cytochrome P450 (CYP) ω-hydroxylases and CYP epoxygenases, respectively. A plethora of studies demonstrated the involvement of CYP-mediated AA metabolites in the pathogenesis of CH. Also, inflammation is known to be a characteristic hallmark of CH. In this review, our aim is to highlight the impact of inflammation on CYP-derived AA metabolites and CH. Inflammation is shown to modulate the expression of various CYP ω-hydroxylases and CYP epoxygenases and their respective metabolites in the heart. In general, HETEs such as 20-HETE and mid-chain HETEs are pro-inflammatory, while EETs are characterized by their anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. Several mechanisms are implicated in inflammation-induced CH, including the modulation of NF-κB and MAPK. This review demonstrated the inflammatory modulation of cardiac CYPs and their metabolites in the context of CH and the anti-inflammatory strategies that can be employed in the treatment of CH and HF.

NF-κB Inducing Kinase Regulates Intestinal Immunity and Homeostasis

Intestinal immunity and homeostasis are maintained through the regulation of cytokine trafficking, microbiota, necrosis and apoptosis. Intestinal immunity and homeostasis participate in host defenses and inflammatory responses locally or systemically through the gut-organ axis. NF-κB functions as a crucial transcription factor mediating the expression of proteins related to the immune responses. The activation of NF-κB involves two major pathways: canonical and non-canonical. The canonical pathway has been extensively studied and reviewed. Here, we present the current knowledge of NIK, a pivotal mediator of the non-canonical NF-κB pathway and its role in intestinal immunity and homeostasis. This review also discusses the novel role of NIK signaling in the pathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Journey of Alpinia galanga from kitchen spice to nutraceutical to folk medicine to nanomedicine

ETHANOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd (AG), belonging to Zingiberaceae family is used as a spice and condiment in various culinary preparations of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. It has been also used as a key ingredient in various traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of throat infection, asthma, urinary ailments, inflammation and rheumatism amongst other conditions. AG is widely used as a functional food and included in various preparations to obtain its nutraceutical and pharmacological benefits of its phytoconstituents such as phenyl propanoids, flavonoids and terpenoids. Over the past decades, several researchers have carried out systematic investigation on various parts of AG. Numerous studies on AG rhizomes have shown positive pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antipsoriasis, antiallergic, neuroprotective and thermogenesis. Till date, no comprehensive review summarizing the exploitation of AG into nanomedicine has been published.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This comprehensive review aims to briefly discuss cultivation methods, propagation techniques, extraction processes for AG. The ethnopharmacological uses and pharmacological activities of AG extracts and its isolates are discussed in detail which may contribute well in further development of novel drug delivery system (NDDS) i.e. future nanomedicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information about AG was collected using search engine tools such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Google Patent, Web of Science and bibliographic databases of previously published peer-reviewed review articles and research works were explored. The obtained data sets were sequentially arranged for better understanding of AG's potential.

RESULTS

More advanced genetic engineering techniques have been utilized in cultivation and propagation of AG for obtaining better yield. Extraction, isolation and characterization techniques have reported numerous phytoconstituents which are chemically phenolic compounds (phenyl propanoids, flavonoids, chalcones, lignans) and terpenes. Ethnopharmacological uses and pharmacological activity of AG are explored in numerous ailments, their mechanism of action and its further potential to explore into novel drug delivery system are also highlighted.

CONCLUSIONS

The review highlights the importance of plant tissue culture in increasing the production of AG plantlets and rhizomes. It was understood from the review that AG and its phytoconstituents possess numerous pharmacological activities and have been explored for the treatment of cancer, microbial infection, gastrointestinal disorders, neuroprotective effects, obesity and skin disorders. However, the use of AG as alternative medicine is limited owing to poor solubility of its bioactive components and their instability. To overcome these challenges, novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) have been utilized and found good success in overcoming its aforementioned challenges. Furthermore, efforts are required towards development of scalable, non-toxic and stable NDDS of AG and/or its bioactives.

Shedding Light on NF-κB Functions in Cellular Organelles

NF-κB is diffusely recognized as a transcriptional factor able to modulate the expression of various genes involved in a broad spectrum of cellular functions, including proliferation, survival and migration. NF-κB is, however, also acting outside the nucleus and beyond its ability to binds to DNA. NF-κB is indeed found to localize inside different cellular organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi and nucleoli, where it acts through different partners in mediating various biological functions. Here, we discuss the relationship linking NF-κB to the cellular organelles, and how this crosstalk between cellular organelles and NF-κB signalling may be evaluated for anticancer therapies.

Transcriptional Factor Repertoire of Breast Cancer in 3D Cell Culture Models

Simple Summary

Knowledge of the transcriptional regulation of breast cancer tumorigenesis is largely based on studies performed in two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture models, which lack tissue architecture and therefore fail to represent tumor heterogeneity. However, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are better at mimicking in vivo tumor microenvironment, which is critical in regulating cellular behavior. Hence, 3D cell culture models hold great promise for translational breast cancer research.

Abstract

Intratumor heterogeneity of breast cancer is driven by extrinsic factors from the tumor microenvironment (TME) as well as tumor cell–intrinsic parameters including genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic traits. The extracellular matrix (ECM), a major structural component of the TME, impacts every stage of tumorigenesis by providing necessary biochemical and biomechanical cues that are major regulators of cell shape/architecture, stiffness, cell proliferation, survival, invasion, and migration. Moreover, ECM and tissue architecture have a profound impact on chromatin structure, thereby altering gene expression. Considering the significant contribution of ECM to cellular behavior, a large body of work underlined that traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures depriving cell–cell and cell–ECM interactions as well as spatial cellular distribution and organization of solid tumors fail to recapitulate in vivo properties of tumor cells residing in the complex TME. Thus, three-dimensional (3D) culture models are increasingly employed in cancer research, as these culture systems better mimic the physiological microenvironment and shape the cellular responses according to the microenvironmental cues that will regulate critical cell functions such as cell shape/architecture, survival, proliferation, differentiation, and drug response as well as gene expression. Therefore, 3D cell culture models that better resemble the patient transcriptome are critical in defining physiologically relevant transcriptional changes. This review will present the transcriptional factor (TF) repertoire of breast cancer in 3D culture models in the context of mammary tissue architecture, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis, cell death mechanisms, cancer therapy resistance and differential drug response, and stemness and will discuss the impact of culture dimensionality on breast cancer research.

Celastrol attenuates the remodeling of pulmonary vascular and right ventricular in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive angio-proliferative disease associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although the histopathology of pulmonary arterial hypertension is well described, its therapeutic option remains unsatisfactory. This study investigated the effect of celastrol treatment on right ventricular dysfunction, remodeling, and pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension rats as well as its possible mechanisms.

METHODS

Pulmonary arterial hypertension was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by a single subcutaneously injection of monocrotaline. After daily delivery of celastrol (1 mg/kg) or vehicle via intraperitoneal injection for 4 weeks, the effects of celastrol on right ventricular function, fibrosis, and pulmonary vascular remodeling were assessed. The infiltration of macrophages, the expression of inflammatory cytokines, including MCP-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10, and the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway-associated proteins, IκBα, p-IKKα/β and p65 were further detected. Finally, the effect of celastrol on human pulmonary artery smooth cells proliferation under hypoxia was studied in vitro.

RESULTS

Rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension had decreased right ventricular function, increased right ventricular fibrosis and pulmonary arteries with interstitial thickening and prominent media hypertrophy. Treatment with celastrol improved right ventricular function, attenuated right ventricular fibrosis and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Significantly decreased macrophage infiltration, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased level of anti-inflammatory cytokine and inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway were observed in the lung tissues of rats treated with celastrol. Moreover, celastrol significantly suppressed the proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth cells under hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension, celastrol could improve right ventricular function, attenuate right ventricular and pulmonary vascular remodeling, and inhibit human pulmonary artery smooth cells proliferation under hypoxia. Suppression of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway may be a part of the protective mechanism.

Curcumin inhibits the invasion and metastasis of triple negative breast cancer via Hedgehog/Gli1 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional Chinese medicine, there is a long history that curcuma longa L is used to treat distending pain of chest and belly, arthralgia of shoulder and arm aggravated by cold. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that breast cancer is caused by cold congelation, stagnation of qi and blood stasis. It is usually treated with some pungent and warm Chinese herbs, such as Curcuma longaL and Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Rosc, which are effective in promoting blood circulation for removing blood stasis, activating qi-flowing and relieving pain. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, is the main pharmacological component extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L. Modern pharmacological studies have found that curcumin has many kinds of pharmacological activities of anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastasis and anti-multidrug resistance.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the mechanism of curcumin and Glioma-associated oncogene homolod-1 (Gli1) on invasion and metastasis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells through the Hedgehog (Hh)/Gli signaling pathway.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The effect of curcumin on TNBC cells was detected by colony formation, wound healing and transwell assay. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) were cultured in serum-free medium and its stemness was detected by flow cytometry and subcutaneous xenografted tumor assay. The formation of mammospheres was used to detect the effect of curcumin and GANT61 (Gli inhibitor)on the formation ability of BCSCs. Gli1 overexpressed was conducted in MDA-MB-231 cells by lentivirus vector HBLV-h-Gli1-3xflag-ZsGreen-PURO. RT-qPCR and Western blot were detected the mRNA and protein level of genes of Hh pathway, Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness. The nuclear localization and expression of Gli1 was observed by laser confocal microscope scanning. Co-IP was investigated the key genes interacted with Gli1.

RESULTS

The abilities of proliferation, invasion, migration and the formation of mammospheres in TNBC cells were inhibited by curcumin. Furthermore, curcumin reduced the invasion and migration abilities in stable Gli1-overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cell. Moreover, curcumin down-regulated the expression of genes related Hh pathway, EMT and stemness in MDA-MB-231 mammospheres. Observation of laser confocal microscope showed that Gli1 were expressed mainly in nucleus in MDA-MB-231 adherent cells and completely in nucleus in BCSCs, which was significantly reduced in the nucleus and cytoplasm after curcumin treatment. Besides, our results suggested that vimentin was interacted with Gli1.

CONCLUSIONS

Curcumin can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of TNBC cells, EMT and characteristics of BCSC by Hedgehog/Gli1 pathway.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides can initiate regeneration of the Xenopus tadpole tail

Tadpoles of the frog Xenopus laevis can regenerate tails except for a short "refractory" period in which they heal rather than regenerate. Rapid and sustained production of ROS by NADPH oxidase (Nox) is critical for regeneration. Here, we show that tail amputation results in rapid, transient activation of the ROS-activated transcription factor NF-κB and expression of its direct target cox2 in the wound epithelium. Activation of NF-κB is also sufficient to rescue refractory tail regeneration. We propose that bacteria on the tadpole's skin could influence tail regenerative outcomes, possibly via LPS-TLR4-NF-κB signaling. When raised in antibiotics, fewer tadpoles in the refractory stage attempted regeneration, whereas addition of LPS rescued regeneration. Short-term activation of NF-κB using small molecules enhanced regeneration of tadpole hindlimbs, but not froglet forelimbs. We propose a model in which host microbiome contributes to creating optimal conditions for regeneration, via regulation of NF-κB by the innate immune system.

Overview of Candida albicans and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Agents and their Biomolecular Mechanisms in Promoting Oral Cancer in Pediatric Patients

Oral carcinoma represents one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) account over 90% of all oral malignant tumors and are characterized by high mortality in the advanced stages. Early diagnosis is often a challenge for its ambiguous appearance in early stages. Mucosal infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for a growing number of malignancies, particularly cervical cancer and oropharyngeal carcinomas. In addition, Candida albicans (C. albicans), which is the principal fungi involved in the oral cancer development, may induce carcinogenesis through several mechanisms, mainly promoting inflammation. Medical knowledge and research on adolescent/pediatric patients' management and prevention are in continuous evolution. Besides, microbiota can play an important role in maintaining oral health and therefore all human health. The aim of this review is to evaluate epidemiological and pathophysiological characteristics of the several biochemical pathways involved during HPV and C. albicans infections in pediatric dentistry.

Healthy ageing and Mediterranean diet: A focus on hormetic phytochemicals

Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is rich in fruits and vegetables associated with longevity and a reduced risk of several age-related diseases. It is demonstrated that phytochemicals in these plant products enhance the positive effects of MedDiet by acting on the inflammatory state and reducing oxidative stress. Evidence support that these natural compounds act as hormetins, triggering one or more adaptive stress-response pathways at low doses. Activated stress-response pathways increase the expression of cytoprotective proteins and multiple genes that act as lifespan regulators, essential for the ageing process. In these ways, the hormetic response by phytochemicals such as resveratrol, ferulic acid, and several others in MedDiet might enhance cells' ability to cope with more severe challenges, resist diseases, and promote longevity. This review discusses the role of MedDiet phytochemicals in healthy ageing and the prevention of age-related diseases.

Foresight regarding drug candidates acting on the succinate-GPR91 signalling pathway for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) treatment

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, and it is a liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome, with a histological spectrum from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH can evolve into progressive liver fibrosis and eventually lead to liver cirrhosis. The pathological mechanism of NASH is multifactorial, involving a series of metabolic disorders and changes that trigger low-level inflammation in the liver and other organs. In the pathogenesis of NASH, the signal transduction pathway involving succinate and the succinate receptor (G-protein-coupled receptor 91, GPR91) regulates inflammatory cell activation and liver fibrosis. This review describes the mechanism of the succinate-GPR91 signalling pathway in NASH and summarizes the drugs that act on this pathway, with the aim of providing a new approach to NASH treatment.

MEST promotes lung cancer invasion and metastasis by interacting with VCP to activate NF-κB signaling

Background

Cell invasion is a hallmark of metastatic cancer, leading to unfavorable clinical outcomes. In this study, we established two highly invasive lung cancer cell models (A549-i8 and H1299-i8) and identified mesoderm-specific transcript (MEST) as a novel invasive regulator of lung cancer. We aim to characterize its biological function and clinical significance in lung cancer metastasis.

Methods

Transwell invasion assay was performed to establish high-invasive lung cancer cell model. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect MEST expression in tumor tissues. Mass spectrometry and bioinformatic analyses were used to identify MEST-regulated proteins and binding partners. Co-immunoprecipitation assay was performed to detect the interaction of MEST and VCP. The biological functions of MEST were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to explore the colocalization of MEST and VCP.

Results

MEST overexpression promoted metastasis of lung cancer cells in vivo and in vitro by activating NF-κB signaling. MEST increased the interaction between VCP and IκBα, which accelerated IκBα degradation and NF-κB activation. Such acceleration was abrogated by VCP silencing, indicating that MEST is an upstream activator of the VCP/IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, high expressions of MEST and VCP were associated with poor survival of lung cancer patients.

Conclusion

Collectively, these results demonstrate that MEST plays an important role in driving invasion and metastasis of lung cancer by interacting with VCP to coordinate the IκBα/NF-κB pathway. Targeting the MEST/VCP/IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway may be a promising strategy to treat lung cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02107-1.

(E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2'-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. suppresses LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages by downregulating inflammatory factors

CONTEXT

Portulaca oleracea L. is herbaceous succulent annual plant, which belongs to the Portulacaceae family. Many studies have shown its wide spectrum of pharmacological activities such as anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to identify the anti-inflammatory effects of HM-chromanone isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LPS (1 μg/ml)-stimulated mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages were used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of HM-chromanone (10-50 μM). Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. In addition, the production of intracellular ROS, superoxide anion, lipid peroxide, NO, and PGE2, and activity of antioxidant enzymes were analyzed. The expressions of iNOS, COX-2, IκB, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were evaluated by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

HM-chromanone has demonstrated that there is no significant cytotoxic effect on the viability of RAW 264.7 macrophages. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, HM-chromanone treatment was found to significantly inhibit the production of intracellular ROS, superoxide anion and lipid peroxide, while enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, catalase, and GSH-px. Additionally, HM-chromanone treatment was observed to inhibit NO and PGE2 production by inhibiting the expression of iNOS and COX-2. Subsequently, HM-chromanone was observed to significantly suppress LPS-induced expression of IκB, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Overall, our results suggested that HM-chromanone suppresses LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages by downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors.

Another look at dietary polyphenols: challenges in cancer prevention and treatment

Cancer is a pathology that impacts in a profound manner people all over the world. The election strategy against cancer often uses chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which more often than not can present many side effects and not always reliable efficacy. By contrast, it is widely known that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables has a protective effect against cancer insurgence and development. Polyphenols are generally believed to be responsible for those beneficial actions, at least partially. In this review, we highlight the metabolic interaction between polyphenols and our metabolism and discuss their potential for anticancer prevention and therapy.

Neuroprotective Effects of Guanosine in Ischemic Stroke-Small Steps towards Effective Therapy

Guanosine (Guo) is a nucleotide metabolite that acts as a potent neuromodulator with neurotrophic and regenerative properties in neurological disorders. Under brain ischemia or trauma, Guo is released to the extracellular milieu and its concentration substantially raises. In vitro studies on brain tissue slices or cell lines subjected to ischemic conditions demonstrated that Guo counteracts destructive events that occur during ischemic conditions, e.g., glutaminergic excitotoxicity, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production. Moreover, Guo mitigates neuroinflammation and regulates post-translational processing. Guo asserts its neuroprotective effects via interplay with adenosine receptors, potassium channels, and excitatory amino acid transporters. Subsequently, guanosine activates several prosurvival molecular pathways including PI3K/Akt (PI3K) and MEK/ERK. Due to systemic degradation, the half-life of exogenous Guo is relatively low, thus creating difficulty regarding adequate exogenous Guo distribution. Nevertheless, in vivo studies performed on ischemic stroke rodent models provide promising results presenting a sustained decrease in infarct volume, improved neurological outcome, decrease in proinflammatory events, and stimulation of neuroregeneration through the release of neurotrophic factors. In this comprehensive review, we discuss molecular signaling related to Guo protection against brain ischemia. We present recent advances, limitations, and prospects in exogenous guanosine therapy in the context of ischemic stroke.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Immature Sword Bean Pod (Canavalia gladiata) in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW264.7 Cells

Sword bean has been known as a traditional medicinal plant to treat cancer, sinus infection, and suppurative disease. It also possesses hypertension-relieving, antioxidation, and antibacterial effects. However, studies on the efficacy of sword bean are limited to mature beans. Few studies have focused on immature sword bean pod (ISBP). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of ISBP in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were treated with ISBP at concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, and 5 mg/mL), levels of nitrite oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, protein, and mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inflammatory cytokine secretion level, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activity were determined. Under inflammatory conditions induced by LPS, ISBP reduced levels of inflammatory mediators NO and PGE2 by 60% and 23%, respectively. It also decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 known to synthesize inflammatory mediators. Inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β, levels were decreased, while interferon gamma level was increased by ISBP based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real time-polymerase chain reaction results. Finally, ISBP showed the ability to inhibit NF-κB activity. In conclusion, ISBP can alleviate inflammation by controlling inflammation-related substances, and may have efficacy as a healthful functional food and natural anti-inflammatory drug.

Rationalizing the therapeutic potential of apigenin against cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite the remarkable advances made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer during the past couple of decades, it remains the second largest cause of mortality in the world, killing approximately 9.6 million people annually. The major challenges in the treatment of the advanced stage of this disease are the development of chemoresistance, severe adverse effects of the drugs, and high treatment cost. Therefore, the development of drugs that are safe, efficacious, and cost-effective remains a 'Holy Grail' in cancer research. However, the research over the past four decades shed light on the cancer-preventive and therapeutic potential of natural products and their underlying mechanism of action. Apigenin is one such compound, which is known to be safe and has significant potential in the prevention and therapy of this disease.

AIM

To assess the literature available on the potential of apigenin and its analogs in modulating the key molecular targets leading to the prevention and treatment of different types of cancer.

METHOD

A comprehensive literature search has been carried out on PubMed for obtaining information related to the sources and analogs, chemistry and biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, biological activities, bioavailability and toxicity of apigenin.

KEY FINDINGS

The literature search resulted in many in vitro, in vivo and a few cohort studies that evidenced the effectiveness of apigenin and its analogs in modulating important molecular targets and signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, etc., which play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer. In addition, apigenin was also shown to inhibit chemoresistance and radioresistance and make cancer cells sensitive to these agents. Reports have further revealed the safety of the compound and the adaptation of nanotechnological approaches for improving its bioavailability.

SIGNIFICANCE

Hence, the present review recapitulates the properties of apigenin and its pharmacological activities against different types of cancer, which warrant further investigation in clinical settings.

The related mechanism of complete Freund's adjuvant-induced chronic inflammation pain based on metabolomics analysis

Chronic inflammation pain is a debilitating disease, and its mechanism still remains poorly understood. This study attempted to illuminate the metabolic mechanism of chronic inflammation pain induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) injection, especially at spinal level. The chronic inflammation pain model was established by CFA administration. Behavioral testing including mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia was performed. Meanwhile, a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics approach was applied to analyze potential metabolic biomarkers. The orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis mode was employed for determining metabolic changes, and a western blot was performed to detect the protein expression change. The results showed that 27 metabolites showed obviously abnormal expression and seven metabolic pathways were significantly enriched, comprising aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, histidine metabolism, purine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism. Meanwhile, the results showed that the expression of arginase I and nitric oxide levels were elevated in the CFA group compared with the control group, while the argininosuccinate synthetase and argininosuccinatelyase proteins were not significantly different between the groups. These findings demonstrate that metabolic changes of the spinal cord may be implicated in neurotransmitter release and pain conductivity following CFA administration.

Synergistic anti-liver cancer effects of curcumin and total ginsenosides

BACKGROUND

Liver cancer is the sixth most frequently occurring cancer in the world and the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality. The pathogenesis of liver cancer is closely associated with inflammation and immune response in the tumor microenvironment. New therapeutic agents for liver cancer, which can control inflammation and restore cellular immunity, are required. Curcumin (Cur) is a natural anti-inflammatory drug, and total ginsenosides (TG) are a commonly used immunoregulatory drug. Of note, both Cur and TG have been shown to exert anti-liver cancer effects.

AIM

To determine the synergistic immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Cur combined with TG in a mouse model of subcutaneous liver cancer.

METHODS

A subcutaneous liver cancer model was established in BALB/c mice by a subcutaneous injection of hepatoma cell line. Animals were treated with Cur (200 mg/kg per day), TG (104 mg/kg per day or 520 mg/kg per day), the combination of Cur (200 mg/kg per day) and TG (104 mg/kg per day or 520 mg/kg per day), or 5-fluorouracil combined with cisplatin as a positive control for 21 d. Tumor volume was measured and the protein expression of programmed cell death 1 and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), inflammatory indicators Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and vascular growth-related factors nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were analyzed by Western blot analysis. CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were counted by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The combination therapy of Cur and TG significantly inhibited the growth of liver cancer, as compared to vehicle-treated animals, and TG showed dose dependence. Cur combined with TG-520 markedly decreased the protein expression of PD-L1 (P < 0.0001), while CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Tregs regulated by the PD-L1 signaling pathway exhibited a positive correlation with PD-L1. Cur combined with TG-520 also inhibited the cascade action mediated by NF-κB (P < 0.0001), thus inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway (P = 0.0088, P < 0.0001), which is associated with inflammation and acts on PD-L1. It also inhibited the NF-κB-MMP9 signalling pathway (P < 0.0001), which is associated with tumor angiogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Cur combined with TG regulates immune escape through the PD-L1 pathway and inhibits liver cancer growth through NF-κB-mediated inflammation and angiogenesis.

Gibberellin JRA-003: A Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Translocation of IKKα

The small molecule gibberellin JRA-003 was identified as an inhibitor of the NF-kB (nuclear kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) pathway. Here we find that JRA-003 binds to and significantly inhibits the nuclear translocation of pathway-activating kinases IKKα (IκB kinase alpha) and IKKβ (IκB kinase beta). Analogs of JRA-003 were synthesized and NF-κB-inhibiting gibberellins were found to be cytotoxic in cancer-derived cell lines (HS 578T, HCC 1599, RC-K8, Sud-HL4, CA 46, and NCIH 4466). Not only was JRA-003 identified as the most potent synthetic gibberellin against cancer-derived cell lines, it displayed no cytotoxicity in cells derived from noncancerous sources (HEK 293T, HS 578BST, HS 888Lu, HS 895Sk, HUVEC). This selectivity suggests a promising approach for the development of new therapeutics.

Inherited variant in NFκB-1 promoter is associated with increased risk of IBD in an Algerian population and modulates SOX9 binding

BACKGROUND

The link between inflammation and cancer development was intensively studied in the last decade. To date, few studies explored the association between inflammatory genes and colorectal cancer (CRC) development.

AIM

The present study aimed to evaluate the implication of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs28362491 ins/del -94 ATTG in NFκB1, rs6920220 (G/A) in TNFAIP3, and rs419598 (C/T) in IL1RN, which play a role in inflammation regulation in CRC development.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A case-control study was conducted on an Algerian cohort of 358 subjects (147 healthy people, 89 individuals affected by inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], and 122 CRC patients enrolled at the University Hospital Center Ben Badis of Constantine). SNPs genotyping was performed by allelic discrimination TaqMan assay. The rs28362491 ins/del heterozygous genotype in NFκB1 conferred an increased risk of IBD compared with ins/ins homozygous genotype, with an increase of twofold (OR = 2.34 [1.29-4.21]; 95% CI, 1.29-4.21, P value = 0.004). No significant association was detected for the other two variants. Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay System performed in LoVo cells showed a significantly higher activity of the construct with ins allele of rs28362491 compared with the one harboring the del allele. Computational analysis nominated SOX9 as putative transcription factor (TF) with higher probability to bind the NFκB1 promoter at the SNP site, and we demonstrated in the in vitro assay that its overexpression modulates NFκB1 promoter activity in allele-specific manner.

CONCLUSION

We speculate that SOX9 may modulate the NFκB1 activity by binding its promoter at the SNP site in allelic specific manner.

Cell-Type Targeted NF-kappaB Inhibition for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases

Deregulated NF-k activation is not only involved in cancer but also contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Ideally, therapeutic NF-KappaB inhibition should only take place in those cell types that are involved in disease pathogenesis to maintain physiological cell functions in all other cells. In contrast, unselective NF-kappaB inhibition in all cells results in multiple adverse effects, a major hindrance in drug development. Hitherto, various substances exist to inhibit different steps of NF-kappaB signaling. However, powerful tools for cell-type specific NF-kappaB inhibition are not yet established. Here, we review the role of NF-kappaB in inflammatory diseases, current strategies for drug delivery and NF-kappaB inhibition and point out the "sneaking ligand" approach. Sneaking ligand fusion proteins (SLFPs) are recombinant proteins with modular architecture consisting of three domains. The prototype SLC1 binds specifically to the activated endothelium and blocks canonical NF-kappaB activation. In vivo, SLC1 attenuated clinical and histological signs of experimental arthritides. The SLFP architecture allows an easy exchange of binding and effector domains and represents an attractive approach to study disease-relevant biological targets in a broad range of diseases. In vivo, SLFP treatment might increase therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.

Dose-dependent structural and immunological changes in the placenta and fetal brain in response to systemic inflammation during pregnancy

PROBLEM

Systemic maternal inflammation is associated with adverse neonatal sequelae. We tested the hypothesis that IL-1β is a key inflammatory regulator of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

METHOD OF STUDY

Pregnant mice were treated with intraperitoneal injections of IL-1β (0, 0.1, 0.5, or 1 μg) from embryonic day (E)14 to E17. Placenta and fetal brains were harvested and analyzed for morphologic changes and IL-1β signaling markers.

RESULTS

As compared with non-treated dams, maternal injections with IL-1β resulted in increased p-NF-κB and caspase-1 in placentas and fetal brains, but not consistently in spleens, suggesting induction of intrinsic IL-1β production. These findings were confirmed by increased levels of IL-1β in the placentas of the IL-1β-treated dams. Systemic treatment of dams with IL-1β suppressed Stat1 signaling. Maternal inflammation caused by IL-1β treatment reduced fetal viability to 80.6% and 58.9%, in dams treated with either 0.5 or 1 μg of IL-1β, respectively. In the placentas, there was an IL-1β dose-dependent distortion of the labyrinth structure, decreased numbers of mononuclear trophoblast giant cells, and reduced proportions of endothelial cells as compared to placentas from control dams. In fetal brains collected at E17, there was an IL-1β dose-dependent reduction in cortical neuronal morphology.

CONCLUSION

This work demonstrates that systemic IL-1β injection causes dose-dependent structural and functional changes in the placenta and fetal brain.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Biomarkers and Low-Grade Inflammation in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders: A Meta-Analytic Review

Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) present positive effects on mental health in diverse populations. However, the detailed associations between MBIs and biomarkers in patients with psychiatric disorders remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of MBIs on biomarkers in psychiatric illness used to summarise the effects of low-grade inflammation. A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Effect sizes (ESs) were determined by Hedges' g and the number needed to treat (NNT). Heterogeneity was evaluated. A total of 10 trials with 998 participants were included. MBIs showed significant improvements in the event-related potential amplitudes in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, the methylation of serotonin transporter genes in post-traumatic stress disorder, the salivary levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in depression, and the blood levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), IL-6, and TNF-α in generalised anxiety disorder. MBIs showed low but significant effects on health status related to biomarkers of low-grade inflammation (g = -0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.41 to -0.01; NNT = 8.47), with no heterogeneity (I² = 0; 95% CI 0 to 79). More trials are needed to establish the impact of MBIs on biomarkers in psychiatric illness.

Identification of a novel 1,2 oxazine that can induce apoptosis by targeting NF-κB in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

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10 new 1,2-Oxazines were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity.

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3i is lead cytotoxic agent which increased SubG1 cell population of HCC cells.

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p65 siRNA transfection significantly reduced the 3i induced DNA fragmentation.

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3i decreased DNA binding and NF-κB-dependent luciferase reporter gene expression.

Constitutive activation of NF-κB is associated with proinflammatory diseases and suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway has been considered as an effective therapeutic strategy in the treatment of various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we report the synthesis of 1,2 oxazines and their anticancer potential. The antiproliferative studies presented 3-((4-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-4-phenyl-4,4a,5,6,7,7a-hexahydrocyclopenta [e][1,2]oxazine(3i) as a lead cytotoxic agent against HCC cells. Flow cytometric analysis showed that 3i caused a substantial increase in the subG1 cell population. Annexin-V-FITC-PI staining showed a significant increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells on treatment with 3i. Transfection with p65 siRNA significantly reduced the 3i induced DNA fragmentation indicating that 3i may primarily mediate its proapoptotic effects by abrogating the NF-κB signaling. In addition, treatment of HCC cells with 3i decreased the DNA binding ability of NF-κB and NF-κB-dependent luciferase expression. Taken together, this report introduces 1,2-oxazine that potently targets the NF-κB signaling pathway in HCC cells.

Adhesion and anti-inflammatory potential of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in a sea buckthorn based beverage matrix

A seabuckthorn based beverage matrix retains the functionality of L. rhamnosus GG and exhibits enhanced anti-inflammatory effects against LPS-induced inflammation in zebrafish.

Advances in IKBKE as a potential target for cancer therapy

IKBKE (inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit epsilon), a member of the nonclassical IKK family, plays an important role in the regulation of inflammatory reactions, activation and proliferation of immune cells, and metabolic diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that IKBKE plays a crucial regulatory role in malignant tumor development. In recent years, IKBKE, an important oncoprotein in several kinds of tumors, has been widely found to regulate a variety of cytokines and signaling pathways. IKBKE promotes the growth, proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance of various cancers. This paper makes a detailed review that focuses on the recent discoveries of IKBKE in the malignant tumors, and puts forward that IKBKE is becoming an important therapeutic target for clinical treatment, which has been more and more realized.

An Investigation on the Therapeutic Potential of Butein, A Tretrahydroxychalcone Against Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background:

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most predominant cancers in India. With advances in the field of oncology, a number of therapies have emerged; however, they are minimally effective. Consequently, there is a need to develop safe and effective regimens for the treatment of OSCC. Butein, a tetrahydroxychalcone has been found to exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and also anti-tumor effects against several cancer types. However, its effect on OSCC is not studied yet.

Methods:

The effect of butein on the viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion of OSCC cells was evaluated using MTT, colony formation, PI/FACS, live and dead, scratch wound healing, and matrigel invasion assays. Further Western blot analysis was done to evaluate the expression of different proteins involved in the regulation of cancer hallmarks.

Results:

This is the first report exemplifying the anti-cancer effect of butein against OSCC. Our results showed that butein exhibited potent anti-proliferative, cytotoxic, anti-migratory, and anti-invasive effects in OSCC cells. It suppressed the expression of NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated gene products such as COX-2, survivin and MMP-9 which are involved in the regulation of different processes like proliferation, survival, invasion, and metastasis of OSCC cells.

Conclusion

Collectively, these results suggest that butein has immense potential in the management of OSCC. Nonetheless, in vivo validation is critical before moving to clinical trials.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Canavalia gladiata in Macrophage Cells and DSS-Induced Colitis Mouse Model

Canavalia gladiata, known as sword bean, has been used as a Chinese traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory effects. However, the action mechanisms of sword bean have not yet been clearly defined. In the present study, the whole parts of a ripened sword bean (RSB) and the green sword bean (GSB) containing bean pod were extracted with ethanol by reflux extraction. The two crude extracts (RSBE and GSBE) from RSB and GSB were validated by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis of gallic acid as a reference chemical. The anti-inflammatory effects of two sword bean extracts were extensively investigated using LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. First, RSBE and GSBE significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandinE₂ (PGE₂), and nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. RSBE and GSBE showed no cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophage cells. In addition, the overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells was significantly decreased by RSBE and GSBE. Western blotting and immunostaining analysis showed that RSBE and GSBE inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunits, which correlated with the inhibitory effects on inhibitor kappa B (IκB) degradation. In dextran sulfated sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice model, RSBE restored body weight, colon length, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). In addition, RSBE significantly suppressed the expression of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB.

RBPJ inhibits the movability of endometrial carcinoma cells by miR-155/NF-κB/ROS pathway

Background

Recombination signal-binding protein J (RBPJ) is a crucial downstream effector of Notch signaling, which is involved cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. It plays an important role in tumorigenesis although the further studies and concrete evidence are still needed. Especially for endometrial carcinoma, the functions and mechanism of RBPJ are still elusive.

Methods

The RNA expressions of RBPJ, miR-155, NF-κB, TNF-α and κB-Ras1 were examined by rt-PCR, and their protein levels were determined by Western Blot. Their expressions were inhibited by transient transfection of related siRNAs. Wound healing and transwell invasion assays were performed in ECC003 cells for measuring the migration and invasion ability, respectively. The ROS levels were detected by flow cytometry with H2DCFDA.

Purpose

This study was designed to investigate biological characteristics and molecular pathway of RBPJ in endometrial carcinoma cells, which may provide a potential therapeutic target for the treatments against endometrial carcinoma.

Results

It was shown in our study that the expression levels of RBPJ were significantly downregulated in different endometrial carcinoma cell lines. And a siRNA-mediated reduction of RBPJ enhanced the migration and invasion ability of ECC003 obviously. Besides, the results showed that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increase when inhibiting RBPJ. To investigate the molecular pathway of RBPJ, we examined the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NF-κB inhibitor interacting Ras-like protein 1 (κB-Ras1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and miR-155. The results suggested that the expression of NF-κB and TNF-α significantly was promoted, while κB-Ras1 was inhibited. An upregulated expression was observed with miR-155 as well, which suggested the inhibition of NF-κB signal pathway was mediated by miR-155. Our results of Notch intracellular domain (NICD) knockdown also demonstrated that NICD is required for the inhibition of RBPJ on miR-155. And knockdown of miR-155 could inhibit the mobility of endometrial carcinoma cells.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that RBPJ can inhibit the movability of endometrial carcinoma cells by miR-155/NF-κB/ROS pathway.

Association between nucleotide excision repair gene polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk

BACKGROUND

The nucleotide excision repair system removes a wide variety of DNA lesions from the human genome, and plays an important role in maintaining genomic stability. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nucleotide excision repair are associated with the various forms of tumor susceptibility. However, the relationship between NER polymorphism and colorectal cancer is not clear.

METHODS

In this study, three candidate SNPs including ERCC4 (rs6498486), ERCC1 (rs3212986), and ERCC5 (rs17655) were analyzed in 1101colorectal cancer patients and 1175 healthy control patients from Jiangsu province (China). Then, we performed Immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and luciferase assay to determine the potential mechanisms.

RESULTS

The ERCC4 rs6498486 AC/CC genotypes show lower susceptibility to CRC than those carrying rs6498486 AA (Adjusted OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.69-0.97). However, we did not observe any association between the colorectal cancer risk and the rs3212986(ERCC1) and rs17655(ERCC5) polymorphisms. Immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and luciferase assay revealed that rs6498486 A > C polymorphism in the ERCC4 promoter region could lessen the expression level of ERCC4 by impacting the binding ability of the transcription factor NF-kB, thereby affecting the transcription activity of the ERCC4 gene and decreased ERCC4 gene expression.

CONCLUSION

In brief, our finding demonstrated that ERCC4 rs6498486 serves as a potential biomarker of CRC susceptibility for the development of colorectal cancer.

Inflammation and dysfunction in human aortic endothelial cells associated with poly-l-lactic acid degradation in vitro are alleviated by curcumin

Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) is widely used in clinic, for example, as biodegradable coronary artery stents. However, inflammatory responses in endothelial cells associated with PLLA degradation are relatively undefined. We previously reported inflammation in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) in vitro and in vivo. Here, we further assessed inflammatory injury, including cell migration, cell function, and inflammatory cytokines expressed in HAEC treated with PLLA and curcumin by CCK-8, wound healing assay, ELISA, and Western blot. Significant inhibition of cell migration, remarkable dysfunction, and inflammatory responses were found in HAEC treated with PLLA degradation extract, and these effects were alleviated by Cur treatment. These findings indicated that cautious evaluation of biodegradable polymers should be performed, and Cur represents a promising anti-inflammatory agent for alleviating endothelial dysfunction and inflammation caused by PLLA degradation. In addition, Cur should be further studied experimentally in in vivo experiments on animal models as a potential therapeutic to reduce thrombosis of biodegradable polymer stents.

Fangchinoline, a Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloid can Modulate Cytokine-Impelled Apoptosis via the Dual Regulation of NF-κB and AP-1 Pathways

Fangchinoline (FCN) derived from Stephaniae tetrandrine S. Moore can be employed to treat fever, inflammation, rheumatism arthralgia, edema, dysuria, athlete’s foot, and swollen wet sores. FCN can exhibit a plethora of anti-neoplastic effects although its precise mode of action still remains to be deciphered. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) can closely regulate carcinogenesis and thus we analyzed the possible action of FCN may have on these two signaling cascades in tumor cells. The effect of FCN on NF-κB and AP-1 signaling cascades and its downstream functions was deciphered using diverse assays in both human chronic myeloid leukemia (KBM5) and multiple myeloma (U266). FCN attenuated growth of both leukemic and multiple myeloma cells and repressed NF-κB, and AP-1 activation through diverse mechanisms, including attenuation of phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKK) and p65. Furthermore, FCN could also cause significant enhancement in TNFα-driven apoptosis as studied by various molecular techniques. Thus, FCN may exhibit potent anti-neoplastic effects by affecting diverse oncogenic pathways and may be employed as pro-apoptotic agent against various malignancies.

An Update on Pharmacological Potential of Boswellic Acids against Chronic Diseases

Natural compounds, in recent years, have attracted significant attention for their use in the prevention and treatment of diverse chronic diseases as they are devoid of major toxicities. Boswellic acid (BA), a series of pentacyclic triterpene molecules, is isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata and Boswellia carteri. It proved to be one such agent that has exhibited efficacy against various chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes, asthma, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, etc. The molecular targets attributed to its wide range of biological activities include transcription factors, kinases, enzymes, receptors, growth factors, etc. The present review is an attempt to demonstrate the diverse pharmacological uses of BA, along with its underlying molecular mechanism of action against different ailments. Further, this review also discusses the roadblocks associated with the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of this promising compound and strategies to overcome those limitations for developing it as an effective drug for the clinical management of chronic diseases.