The Complex Interplay between Antioxidants and ROS in Cancer

Role of reactive oxygen species in myelodysplastic syndromes

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) serve as typical metabolic byproducts of aerobic life and play a pivotal role in redox reactions and signal transduction pathways. Contingent upon their concentration, ROS production not only initiates or stimulates tumorigenesis but also causes oxidative stress (OS) and triggers cellular apoptosis. Mounting literature supports the view that ROS are closely interwoven with the pathogenesis of a cluster of diseases, particularly those involving cell proliferation and differentiation, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic/acute myeloid leukemia (CML/AML). OS caused by excessive ROS at physiological levels is likely to affect the functions of hematopoietic stem cells, such as cell growth and self-renewal, which may contribute to defective hematopoiesis. We review herein the eminent role of ROS in the hematological niche and their profound influence on the progress of MDS. We also highlight that targeting ROS is a practical and reliable tactic for MDS therapy.

m6A/HOXA10-AS/ITGA6 axis aggravates oxidative resistance and malignant progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma through regulating Notch and Keap1/Nrf2 pathways

As the second most prevalent malignant tumor of head and neck, laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) imposes a substantial health burden on patients worldwide. Within recent years, resistance to oxidative stress and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) of RNA have been proved to be significantly involved in tumorigenesis. In current study, we investigated the oncogenic role of m6A modified long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs), specifically HOXA10-AS, and its downstream signaling pathway in the regulation of oxidative resistance in LSCC. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that heightened expression of HOXA10-AS was associated with the poor prognosis in LSCC patients, and N (6)-Methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) was identified as a factor in promoting m6A modification of HOXA10-AS and further intensify its RNA stability. Mechanistically, HOXA10-AS was found to play as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sequestering miR-29 b-3p and preventing its downregulation of Integrin subunit alpha 6 (ITGA6), ultimately enhancing the oxidative resistance of tumor cells and promoting the malignant progression of LSCC. Furthermore, our research elucidated the mechanism by which ITGA6 accelerates Keap1 proteasomal degradation via enhancing TRIM25 expression, leading to increased Nrf2 stability and exacerbating its aberrant activation. Additionally, we demonstrated that ITGA6 enhances γ-secretase-mediated Notch signaling activation, ultimately promoting RBPJ-induced TRIM25 transcription. The current study provides the evidence supporting the effect of m6A modified HOXA10-AS and its downstream miR-29 b-3p/ITGA6 axis on regulating oxidative resistance and malignant progression in LSCC through the Notch and Keap1/Nrf2 pathways, and proposed that targeting this axis holds promise as a potential therapeutic approach for treating LSCC.

Cancer immunometabolism: advent, challenges, and perspective

For decades, great strides have been made in the field of immunometabolism. A plethora of evidence ranging from basic mechanisms to clinical transformation has gradually embarked on immunometabolism to the center stage of innate and adaptive immunomodulation. Given this, we focus on changes in immunometabolism, a converging series of biochemical events that alters immune cell function, propose the immune roles played by diversified metabolic derivatives and enzymes, emphasize the key metabolism-related checkpoints in distinct immune cell types, and discuss the ongoing and upcoming realities of clinical treatment. It is expected that future research will reduce the current limitations of immunotherapy and provide a positive hand in immune responses to exert a broader therapeutic role.

SOX11/PRDX2 axis modulates redox homeostasis and chemoresistance in aggressive mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an incurable B-cell neoplasm characterized by an aggressive behavior, short responses to conventional therapies and SOX11 overexpression, which is associated with aggressive disease features and inferior clinical outcome of patients. Oxidative stress is known to induce tumorigenesis and tumor progression, whereas high expression levels of antioxidant genes have been associated with chemoresistance in different cancers. However, the role of oxidative stress in MCL pathogenesis and the involvement of SOX11 regulating redox homeostasis in MCL cells are largely unknown. Here, by integrating gene set enrichment analysis of two independent series of MCL, we observed that SOX11+ MCL had higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels compared to SOX11- MCL primary tumors and increased expression of Peredoxine2 (PRDX2), which upregulation significantly correlated with SOX11 overexpression, higher ROS production and worse overall survival of patients. SOX11 knockout (SOX11KO) significantly reduced PRDX2 expression, and SOX11KO and PRDX2 knockdown (PRDX2KD) had increased ROS levels and ROS-mediated tumor cell death upon treatment with drugs, compared to control MCL cell lines. Our results suggest an aberrant redox homeostasis associated with chemoresistance in aggressive MCL through SOX11-mediated PRDX2 upregulation, highlighting PRDX2 as promising target for new therapeutic strategies to overcome chemoresistance in aggressive MCLs.

O-GlcNAcylation mediates H2O2-induced apoptosis through regulation of STAT3 and FOXO1

The O-linked-β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) glycosylation (O-GlcNAcylation) is a critical post-translational modification that couples the external stimuli to intracellular signal transduction networks. However, the critical protein targets of O-GlcNAcylation in oxidative stress-induced apoptosis remain to be elucidated. Here, we show that treatment with H2O2 inhibited O-GlcNAcylation, impaired cell viability, increased the cleaved caspase 3 and accelerated apoptosis of neuroblastoma N2a cells. The O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) inhibitor OSMI-1 or the O-GlcNAcase (OGA) inhibitor Thiamet-G enhanced or inhibited H2O2-induced apoptosis, respectively. The total and phosphorylated protein levels, as well as the promoter activities of signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3) and Forkhead box protein O 1 (FOXO1) were suppressed by OSMI-1. In contrast, overexpressing OGT or treating with Thiamet-G increased the total protein levels of STAT3 and FOXO1. Overexpression of STAT3 or FOXO1 abolished OSMI-1-induced apoptosis. Whereas the anti-apoptotic effect of OGT and Thiamet-G in H2O2-treated cells was abolished by either downregulating the expression or activity of endogenous STAT3 or FOXO1. These results suggest that STAT3 or FOXO1 are the potential targets of O-GlcNAcylation involved in the H2O2-induced apoptosis of N2a cells.

Isobavachalcone, a natural sirtuin 2 inhibitor, exhibits anti-triple-negative breast cancer efficacy in vitro and in vivo

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and lethal clinical subtype and lacks effective targeted therapies at present. Isobavachalcone (IBC), the main active component of Psoralea corylifolia L., has potential anticancer effects. Herein, we identified IBC as a natural sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) inhibitor and characterized the potential mechanisms underlying the inhibition of TNBC. Molecular dynamics analysis, enzyme activity assay, and cellular thermal shift assay were performed to evaluate the combination of IBC and SIRT2. The therapeutic effects, mechanism, and safety of IBC were analyzed in vitro and in vivo using cellular and xenograft models. IBC effectively inhibited SIRT2 enzyme activity with an IC50 value of 0.84 ± 0.22 μM by forming hydrogen bonds with VAL233 and ALA135 within its catalytic domain. In the cellular environment, IBC bound to and stabilized SIRT2, consequently inhibiting cellular proliferation and migration, and inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by disrupting the SIRT2/α-tubulin interaction and inhibiting the downstream Snail/MMP and STAT3/c-Myc pathways. In the in vivo model, 30 mg/kg IBC markedly inhibited tumor growth by targeting the SIRT2/α-tubulin interaction. Furthermore, IBC exerted its effects by inducing apoptosis in tumor tissues and was well-tolerated. IBC alleviated TNBC by targeting SIRT2 and triggering the reactive oxygen species ROS/β-catenin/CDK2 axis. It is a promising natural lead compound for future development of SIRT2-targeting drugs.

Disulfidptosis: disulfide stress-induced cell death

The cystine transporter solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) (also known as xCT) promotes glutathione synthesis and counters oxidative stress-induced cell death, including ferroptosis, by importing cystine. Also, SLC7A11 plays a crucial role in tumor development. However, recent studies have uncovered an unexpected role of SLC7A11 in promoting disulfidptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death induced by disulfide stress. In this review, we examine the opposing roles of SLC7A11 in regulating redox homeostasis and cell survival/death, summarize current knowledge on disulfidptosis, and explore its potential in disease treatment. A deeper understanding of disulfidptosis will offer new insights into fundamental cellular homeostasis and facilitate the development of innovative therapies for disease treatment.

Aging, Cellular Senescence, and Glaucoma

Aging is one of the most serious risk factors for glaucoma, and according to age-standardized prevalence, glaucoma is the second leading cause of legal blindness worldwide. Cellular senescence is a hallmark of aging that is defined by a stable exit from the cell cycle in response to cellular damage and stress. The potential mechanisms underlying glaucomatous cellular senescence include oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, defective autophagy/mitophagy, and epigenetic modifications. These phenotypes interact and generate a sufficiently stable network to maintain the cell senescent state. Senescent trabecular meshwork (TM) cells, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and vascular endothelial cells reportedly accumulate with age and stress and may contribute to glaucoma pathologies. Therapies targeting the suppression or elimination of senescent cells have been found to ameliorate RGC death and improve vision in glaucoma models, suggesting the pivotal role of cellular senescence in the pathophysiology of glaucoma. In this review, we explore the biological links between aging and glaucoma, specifically delving into cellular senescence. Moreover, we summarize the current data on cellular senescence in key target cells associated with the development and clinical phenotypes of glaucoma. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting cellular senescence for the management of glaucoma.

Single-cell and spatial analyses revealed the co-location of cancer stem cells and SPP1+ macrophage in hypoxic region that determines the poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), classical cancer stem cells (CSC) markers were shared by normal stem cells, targeting which may hinder hepatic regeneration and cause liver failure. Additionally, the spatial structure of CSC still remained elusive. To address these limitations, we undertook a comprehensive study combining single-cell data (56,022 cells from 20 samples) and spatial data (38,191 spots from eight samples) to obtain CSC signature and uncover its spatial structure. Utilizing the CytoTRACE algorithm, we discretely identified CSC, which displayed upregulated proliferation pathways regulated by HIF1A. A CSC signature of 107 genes was then developed using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Notably, HCC patients with high CSC levels exhibited an accumulation of SPP1+ macrophages (Macro_SPP1) expressing metalloproteinases (MMP9, MMP12, and MMP7) regulated by HIF1A, suggesting a hypoxic tumor region connecting Macro_SPP1 and CSC. Both CSC and Macro_SPP1 correlated with worse prognosis and undesirable immunotherapy response. Spatial analysis revealed the co-location of CSC and Macro_SPP1, with CD8 T cells excluded from the tumor region. The co-location area and non-tumor area of boundary exhibited a high level of hypoxia, with the HAVRC2 checkpoint highly expressed. Within the co-location area, the SPP1 signaling pathway was most active in cell-cell communication, with SPP1-CD44 and SPP1-ITGA/ITGB identified as the main ligand-receptor pairs. This study successfully constructed a CSC signature and demonstrated the co-location of CSC and Macro_SPP1 in a hypoxic region that exacerbates the tumor microenvironment in HCC.

Neo-construction of a SO2-tunable near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent probe for high-fidelity diagnosis and evaluation hazards of Cd2+-induced liver injury

Cadmium-contaminated water and food are seriously hazardous to the human health, especially liver injury. To understand the entanglement relationship between cadmium ion (Cd2+)-induced liver injury and the biomarker sulfur dioxide (SO2), a reliable bioanalytical tool is urgently needed, detecting SO2 to diagnose and evaluate the extent of liver injury in vivo. Herein, based on the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism, a novel SO2-tunable NIR ratiometric fluorescent probe (SMP) was developed, it was used to diagnose and treat liver injury induced by Cd2+ in biosystems. Specifically, it was constructed by conjugating a NIR dicyanoisophorone with a NIR benzopyranate as the donor and acceptor, respectively, and the ratiometric response of SO2- regulated by the Michael addition reaction. In addition, SMP exhibits rapid reaction time (<15 s), two well-resolved emission peaks (68 nm) with less cross-talk between channels for high imaging resolution, superior selectivity, and low limit of detection (LOD=80.3 nM) for SO2 detection. Impressively, SMP has been successfully used for intracellular ratiometric imaging of Cd2+-induced SO2 and diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation in liver injury mice models with satisfactory results. Therefore, SMP may provide a powerful molecular tool for revealing the occurrence and development relationship between SO2 and Cd2+-induced liver injury. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Cadmium ions are one of the well-known toxic environmental pollutants, which are enriched in the human body through inhalation of cadmium-contaminated air or from the food chain, leading to damage in various organs, especially liver injury. Therefore, we developed a novel fluorescent probe that can specifically detect SO2 in Cd2+-induced liver injury, which is critically important for the diagnosis and evaluation of Cd2+-induced liver injury diseases. The specific detection of SO2 of this probe has been successfully demonstrated in live HepG2 cells and Cd2+-induced liver injury mice.

Nortriptyline hydrochloride, a potential candidate for drug repurposing, inhibits gastric cancer by inducing oxidative stress by triggering the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway

Effective drugs for the treatment of gastric cancer (GC) are still lacking. Nortriptyline Hydrochloride (NTP), a commonly used antidepressant medication, has been demonstrated by numerous studies to have antitumor effects. This study first validated the ability of NTP to inhibit GC and preliminarily explored its underlying mechanism. To begin with, NTP inhibits the activity of AGS and HGC27 cells (Human-derived GC cells) in a dose-dependent manner, as well as proliferation, cell cycle, and migration. Moreover, NTP induces cell apoptosis by upregulating BAX, BAD, and c-PARP and downregulating PARP and Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, the mechanism of cell death caused by NTP is closely related to oxidative stress. NTP increases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and inducing glucose (GSH) consumption. While the death of GC cells can be partially rescued by ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Mechanistically, NTP activates the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein (Keap1)-NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which is an important pathway involved in oxidative stress. RNA sequencing and proteomics analysis further revealed molecular changes at the mRNA and protein levels and provided potential targets and pathways through differential gene expression analysis. In addition, NTP can inhibited tumor growth in nude mouse subcutaneous tumor models constructed respectively using AGS and MFC (mouse-derived GC cells), providing preliminary evidence of its effectiveness in vivo. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that NTP exhibits significant anti-GC activity and is anticipated to be a candidate for drug repurposing.

Ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma, from mechanism to effect

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, characterized by high malignancy and rapid progression. Most cases are diagnosed at intermediate to advanced stages. Current treatment methods have limited efficacy, resulting in high recurrence rates and poor prognosis. Radical hepatectomy remains the primary treatment for HCC, complemented by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Despite significant improvement in patient prognosis with radical hepatectomy, the five-year survival rate post-surgery remains low; thus necessitating exploration of more effective therapeutic approaches. Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of cell death that can modulate the occurrence and development of HCC through various mechanisms. This article aims to elucidate the mechanism of ferroptosis and its impact on HCC development to provide novel insights for diagnosis and treatment.

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Tumorigenesis and Progression

Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the endogenous antioxidant defense system. Its involvement in cell senescence, apoptosis, and series diseases has been demonstrated. Advances in carcinogenic research have revealed oxidative stress as a pivotal pathophysiological pathway in tumorigenesis and to be involved in lung cancer, glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, leukemia, and so on. This review combs the effects of oxidative stress on tumorigenesis on each phase and cell fate determination, and three features are discussed. Oxidative stress takes part in the processes ranging from tumorigenesis to tumor death via series pathways and processes like mitochondrial stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and ferroptosis. It can affect cell fate by engaging in the complex relationships between senescence, death, and cancer. The influence of oxidative stress on tumorigenesis and progression is a multi-stage interlaced process that includes two aspects of promotion and inhibition, with mitochondria as the core of regulation. A deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the effects of oxidative stress on tumorigenesis is conducive to exploring more tumor therapies.

Lysosome-targeted ruthenium(II) complex encapsulated with pluronic® F-127 induces oncosis in A549 cells

Transition metal complexes with characteristics of unique packaging in nanoparticles and remarkable cancer cell cytotoxicity have emerged as potential alternatives to platinum-based antitumor drugs. Here we report the synthesis, characterization, and antitumor activities of three new Ruthenium complexes that introduce 5-fluorouracil-derived ligands. Notably, encapsulation of one such metal complex, Ru3, within pluronic® F-127 micelles (Ru3-M) significantly enhanced Ru3 cytotoxicity toward A549 cells by a factor of four. To determine the mechanisms underlying Ru3-M cytotoxicity, additional in vitro experiments were conducted that revealed A549 cell treatment with lysosome-targeting Ru3-M triggered oxidative stress, induced mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, and drastically reduced intracellular ATP levels. Taken together, these results demonstrated that Ru3-M killed cells mainly via a non-apoptotic pathway known as oncosis, as evidenced by observed Ru3-M-induced cellular morphological changes including cytosolic flushing, cell swelling, and cytoplasmic vacuolation. In turn, these changes together caused cytoskeletal collapse and activation of porimin and calpain1 proteins with known oncotic functions that distinguished this oncotic process from other cell death processes. In summary, Ru3-M is a potential anticancer agent that kills A549 cells via a novel mechanism involving Ru(II) complex triggering of cell death via oncosis.

The pleiotropic functions of reactive oxygen species in cancer

Cellular redox homeostasis is an essential, dynamic process that ensures the balance between reducing and oxidizing reactions within cells and thus has implications across all areas of biology. Changes in levels of reactive oxygen species can disrupt redox homeostasis, leading to oxidative or reductive stress that contributes to the pathogenesis of many malignancies, including cancer. From transformation and tumor initiation to metastatic dissemination, increasing reactive oxygen species in cancer cells can paradoxically promote or suppress the tumorigenic process, depending on the extent of redox stress, its spatiotemporal characteristics and the tumor microenvironment. Here we review how redox regulation influences tumorigenesis, highlighting therapeutic opportunities enabled by redox-related alterations in cancer cells.

Curcumin activates the JNK signaling pathway to promote ferroptosis in colon cancer cells

Recent evidence has proved that curcumin as a natural polyphenol have a great anticancer and anti-proliferative effects in cancer cells. Ferroptosis, a new form of regulated cell death, plays a vital role in the pathogenesis and therapy of cancers. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of curcumin in ferroptosis of human colorectal cancer cells and its underlying molecular mechanisms. SW-480 colorectal cancer cells were treated by curcumin with different concentrations. Cell viability was determined by using MTT assay. The concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular iron were measured using specific related kits. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were used to determine the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins including ACSL4, GPx4 and FTH1 and activation of JNK protein. Curcumin suppressed SW-480 cancer cells viability in dose-dependent manner. Cell treatment with curcumin led to accumulation of ROS and iron within cells and increase in the intracellular levels of lipid peroxidation. In addition, curcumin modulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins including ACSL4, GPx4 and FTH1 and suppression of JNK signaling. Curcumin may exhibit its anticancer effect on colorectal cancer by downregulating JNK signaling to induce ferroptosis in SW-480 cells.

Redox System and Oxidative Stress-Targeted Therapeutic Approaches in Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer (BCa) is the most common genitourinary malignancy, with a high global incidence and recurrence rate that is paired with an increasing caregiver burden and higher financial cost, in addition to increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Histologically, BCa is categorized into non-muscle invasive, muscle invasive, and metastatic BCa, on the basis of which the therapeutic strategy is determined. Despite all innovations and recent advances in BCa research, conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery fall short in the complete management of this important malignancy. Besides this worrying trend, the molecular basis of BCa development also remains poorly understood. Burgeoning evidence from experimental and clinical studies suggests that oxidative stress resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the body's antioxidant production plays an integral role in BCa development and progression. Hence, ROS-induced oxidative stress-related pathways are currently under investigation as potential therapeutic targets of BCa. This review focuses on our current understanding regarding ROS-associated pathways in BCa pathogenesis and progression, as well as on antioxidants as potential adjuvants to conventional BCa therapy.

Reactive oxygen species and its role in pathogenesis and resistance to therapy in acute myeloid leukemia

Relapse following a short clinical response to therapy is the major challenge for the management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Leukemic stem cells (LSC), as the source of relapse, have been investigated for their metabolic preferences and their alterations at the time of relapse. As LSC rely on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for energy requirement, reactive oxygen species (ROS), as by-products of OXPHOS, have been investigated for their role in the effectiveness of the standard AML therapy. Increased levels of non-mitochondrial ROS, generated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, in a subgroup of AML patients add to the complexity of studying ROS. Although there are various studies presenting the contribution of ROS to AML pathogenesis, resistance, and its inhibition or activation as a target, a model that can clearly explain its role in AML has not been conceptualized. This is due to the heterogeneity of AML, the dynamics of ROS production, which is influenced by factors such as the type of treatment, cell differentiation state, mitochondrial activity, and also the heterogeneous generation of non-mitochondrial ROS and limited available data on their interaction with the microenvironment. This review summarizes these challenges and the recent progress in this field.

Ferroptosis-Based Therapeutic Strategies toward Precision Medicine for Cancer

Ferroptosis is a type of iron-dependent programmed cell death characterized by the dysregulation of iron metabolism and the accumulation of lipid peroxides. This nonapoptotic mode of cell death is implicated in various physiological and pathological processes. Recent findings have underscored its potential as an innovative strategy for cancer treatment, particularly against recalcitrant malignancies that are resistant to conventional therapies. This article focuses on ferroptosis-based therapeutic strategies for precision cancer treatment, covering the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis, four major types of ferroptosis inducers and their inhibitory effects on diverse carcinomas, the detection of ferroptosis by fluorescent probes, and their implementation in image-guided therapy. These state-of-the-art tactics have manifested enhanced selectivity and efficacy against malignant carcinomas. Given that the administration of ferroptosis in cancer therapy is still at a burgeoning stage, some major challenges and future perspectives are discussed for the clinical translation of ferroptosis into precision cancer treatment.

Fluorescence-Recovered Wearable Hydrogel Patch for In Vitro Detection of Glucose Based on Rare-Earth Nanoparticles

The physiological state of the human body can be indicated by analyzing the composition of sweat. In this research, a fluorescence-recovered wearable hydrogel patch has been designed and realized which can noninvasively monitor the glucose concentration in human sweat. Rare-earth nanoparticles (RENPs) of NaGdF4 doped with different elements (Yb, Er, and Ce) are synthesized and optimized for better luminescence in the near-infrared second (NIR-II) and visible region. In addition, RENPs are coated with CoOOH of which the absorbance has an extensive peak in the visible and NIR regions. The concentration of H2O2 in the environment can be detected by the fluorescence recovery degree of CoOOH-modified RENPs based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer effect. For in vivo detection, the physiological state of oxidative stress at tumor sites can be visualized through its fluorescence in NIR-II with low background noise and high penetration depth. For the in vitro detection, CoOOH-modified RENP and glucose oxidase (GOx) were doped into a polyacrylamide hydrogel, and a patch that can emit green upconversion fluorescence under a 980 nm laser was prepared. Compared with the conventional electrochemical detection method, the fluorescence we presented has higher sensitivity and linear detection region to detect the glucose. This improved anti-interference sweat patch that can work in the dark environment was obtained, and the physiological state of the human body is conveniently monitored, which provides a new facile and convenient method to monitor the sweat status.

Reductive stress in cancer: coming out of the shadows

Redox imbalance is defined by disruption in oxidative and reductive pathways and has a central role in cancer initiation, development, and treatment. Although redox imbalance has traditionally been characterized by high levels of oxidative stress, emerging evidence suggests that an overly reductive environment is just as detrimental to cancer proliferation. Reductive stress is defined by heightened levels of antioxidants, including glutathione and elevated NADH, compared with oxidized NAD, which disrupts central biochemical pathways required for proliferation. With the advent of new technologies that measure and manipulate reductive stress, the sensors and drivers of this overlooked metabolic stress are beginning to be revealed. In certain genetically defined cancers, targeting reductive stress pathways may be an effective strategy. Redox-based pathways are gaining recognition as essential 'regulatory hubs,' and a broader understanding of reductive stress signaling promises not only to reveal new insights into metabolic homeostasis but also potentially to transform therapeutic options in cancer.

The role of ROS in tumor infiltrating immune cells and cancer immunotherapy

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of short-lived highly reactive molecules formed intracellularly from molecular oxygen. ROS can alter biochemical, transcriptional, and epigenetic programs and have an indispensable role in cellular function. In immune cells, ROS are mediators of specialized functions such as phagocytosis, antigen presentation, activation, cytolysis, and differentiation. ROS have a fundamental role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) where they are produced by immune cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms. ROS can act as a double-edged sword with short exposures leading to activation in various innate and adaptative immune cells, and prolonged exposures, unopposed by redox balancing antioxidants leading to exhaustion, immunosuppression, and unresponsiveness to cancer immunotherapy. Due to its plasticity and impact on the anti-tumor function of immune cells, attempts are currently in process to harness ROS biology with the purpose to improve contemporary strategies of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we provide a short overview how ROS and various antioxidant systems impact on the function of innate and adaptive immune system cells with emphasis on the TME and immune-based therapies for cancer.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Assisted Nano-Therapeutics Surface-Decorated with Epidermal Growth Factor Fragments for Enhanced Wound Healing

In this study, stimuli-responsive liberation of an epidermal growth factor fragment (EGFfr) is accomplished using nanofibrous meshes to improve wound healing effects. Electrospun nanofibers are fragmented by mechanical milling, followed by aminolysis to fabricate powdered nanofibrils (NFs). EGFfrs are covalently immobilized on NFs via thioketal linkers (EGFfr@TK@NF) for reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent liberation. EGFfr@TK@NF exhibits ROS-responsive liberation of EGFfr from the matrix at hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) concentrations of 0-250 mm. Released EGFfr is confirmed to enhance the migration of HaCaT cell monolayers, and keratinocytic gene expression levels are significantly enhanced when H2 O2 is added to obtain the released fraction of NFs. An in vivo study on the dorsal wounds of mice reveals that EGFfr-immobilized NFs improve the expression levels of keratin1, 5, and 14 for 2 weeks when H2 O2 is added to the wound sites, suggesting that the wounded skin is re-epithelized with the original epidermis. Thus, EGFfrs-immobilized NFs are anticipated to be potential nanotherapeutics for wound treatment in combination with the conventional disinfection process with H2 O2 .

Targeting the nucleic acid oxidative damage repair enzyme MTH1: a promising therapeutic option

The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a pivotal role in the development of various diseases, including cancer. Elevated ROS levels cause oxidative stress, resulting in detrimental effects on organisms and enabling tumors to develop adaptive responses. Targeting these enhanced oxidative stress protection mechanisms could offer therapeutic benefits with high specificity, as normal cells exhibit lower dependency on these pathways. MTH1 (mutT homolog 1), a homolog of Escherichia coli's MutT, is crucial in this context. It sanitizes the nucleotide pool, preventing incorporation of oxidized nucleotides, thus safeguarding DNA integrity. This study explores MTH1's potential as a therapeutic target, particularly in cancer treatment, providing insights into its structure, function, and role in disease progression.

Enhanced Antioxidative Capacity Transfer between Sow and Fetus via the Gut-Placenta Axis with Dietary Selenium Yeast and Glycerol Monolaurate Supplementation during Pregnancy

This study aims to investigate the impact of dietary supplementation with selenium yeast (SeY) and glycerol monolaurate (GML) on the transfer of antioxidative capacity between the mother and fetus during pregnancy and its underlying mechanisms. A total of 160 sows with similar body weight and parity of 3-6 parity sows were randomly and uniformly allocated to four groups (n = 40) as follows: CON group, SeY group, GML group, and SG (SeY + GML) group. Animal feeding started from the 85th day of gestation and continued to the day of delivery. The supplementation of SeY and GML resulted in increased placental weight and reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in sow plasma, placental tissues, and piglet plasma. Furthermore, the redox balance and inflammatory markers exhibited significant improvements in the plasma of sows fed with either SeY or GML, as well as in their offspring. Moreover, the addition of SeY and GML activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway, while downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and proteins associated with inflammatory pathways (MAPK and NF-κB). Vascular angiogenesis and nutrient transportation (amino acids, fatty acids, and glucose) were upregulated, whereas apoptosis signaling pathways within the placenta were downregulated with the supplementation of SeY and GML. The integrity of the intestinal and placental barriers significantly improved, as indicated by the increased expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1, along with reduced levels of DLA and DAO with dietary treatment. Moreover, supplementation of SeY and GML increased the abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Clostridium_sensus_stricto_1, and Bacteroidota, while decreasing levels of gut microbiota metabolites LPS and trimethylamine N-oxide. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant negative relationship between plasma LPS levels and placental weight, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In summary, dietary supplementation of SeY and GML enhanced the transfer of antioxidative capacity between maternal-fetal during pregnancy via gut-placenta axis through modulating sow microbiota composition.

Copper drives remodeling of metabolic state and progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element required for mitochondrial respiration. Late-stage clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accumulates Cu and allocates it to mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase. We show that Cu drives coordinated metabolic remodeling of bioenergy, biosynthesis and redox homeostasis, promoting tumor growth and progression of ccRCC. Specifically, Cu induces TCA cycle-dependent oxidation of glucose and its utilization for glutathione biosynthesis to protect against H 2 O 2 generated during mitochondrial respiration, therefore coordinating bioenergy production with redox protection. scRNA-seq determined that ccRCC progression involves increased expression of subunits of respiratory complexes, genes in glutathione and Cu metabolism, and NRF2 targets, alongside a decrease in HIF activity, a hallmark of ccRCC. Spatial transcriptomics identified that proliferating cancer cells are embedded in clusters of cells with oxidative metabolism supporting effects of metabolic states on ccRCC progression. Our work establishes novel vulnerabilities with potential for therapeutic interventions in ccRCC. Accumulation of copper is associated with progression and relapse of ccRCC and drives tumor growth.Cu accumulation and allocation to cytochrome c oxidase (CuCOX) remodels metabolism coupling energy production and nucleotide biosynthesis with maintenance of redox homeostasis.Cu induces oxidative phosphorylation via alterations in the mitochondrial proteome and lipidome necessary for the formation of the respiratory supercomplexes. Cu stimulates glutathione biosynthesis and glutathione derived specifically from glucose is necessary for survival of Cu Hi cells. Biosynthesis of glucose-derived glutathione requires activity of glutamyl pyruvate transaminase 2, entry of glucose-derived pyruvate to mitochondria via alanine, and the glutamate exporter, SLC25A22. Glutathione derived from glucose maintains redox homeostasis in Cu-treated cells, reducing Cu-H 2 O 2 Fenton-like reaction mediated cell death. Progression of human ccRCC is associated with gene expression signature characterized by induction of ETC/OxPhos/GSH/Cu-related genes and decrease in HIF/glycolytic genes in subpopulations of cancer cells. Enhanced, concordant expression of genes related to ETC/OxPhos, GSH, and Cu characterizes metabolically active subpopulations of ccRCC cells in regions adjacent to proliferative subpopulations of ccRCC cells, implicating oxidative metabolism in supporting tumor growth.

Role of Natural Antioxidants in Cancer

The oxidative stress defined as an event caused by an imbalance between production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which lead to a damage in the structure of proteins, lipids, and DNA. Therefore, the production of ROS may alter the normal physiological process by provoking damage to multiple cellular organelles and processes. Oxidative stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases, immune deficiency, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and other inflammatory or ischemic conditions. Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells and tissues caused by ROS, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. The β-carotene, catechins, flavonoids, polyphenols, lycopene, lutein, selenium, vitamins A, C, D, E, and zeaxanthin are all common types of antioxidants and found in plant-based foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Each antioxidant has its own role and can interact with others to process and remove free radicals efficiently. Several studies have been conducted to investigate whether the use of dietary antioxidant supplements is associated with decreased risks of developing cancer in humans, mixed results were reported. For instance, daily use of supplement such as vitamin c, vitamin E, β-Carotene, and minerals such as selenium and zinc have shown its effectiveness by reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer among men and skin cancer among women.

Yi-qi-hua-yu-jie-du decoction induces ferroptosis in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer via the AKT/GSK3β/NRF2/GPX4 axis

BACKGROUND

Resistance to chemotherapy in gastric cancer (GC) is a ubiquitous challenge for its treatment. Yi-qi-hua-yu-jie-du decoction (YJD), an empirical formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), demonstrated survival-prolonging functions in patients with GC. Previous research has shown that YJD could also inhibit drug resistance in GC. However, the precise mechanisms for how YJD accomplishes this remain incompletely explained.

PURPOSE

The research aimed to identify differential metabolic characteristics in cisplatin-resistant GC and investigate whether YJD can target these differences to suppress GC drug resistance.

METHODS

Metabolomic analysis was conducted to identify metabolic disparities between cisplatin-resistant and parental GC cells, as well as metabolic modifications resulting from YJD intervention in cisplatin-resistant GC cells. The effect of YJD on ferroptosis stimulation was assessed by measuring the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), iron ions, the reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidised glutathione (GSSG) ratio, and alterations in mitochondrial morphology. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) were employed to verity the mechanisms of YJD-triggered ferroptosis through GPX4 and NRF2 overexpression models, alongside the AKT activator SC79. In vivo validation was conducted using nude mouse xenograft models.

RESULTS

Cisplatin-resistant GC exhibited altered GSH/GPX4 metabolism, and ferroptosis was a significantly enriched cell death pattern with YJD treatment in cisplatin-resistant GC cells. Ferroptosis biomarkers, including ROS, MDA, iron ions, the GSH/GSSG ratio, and mitochondrial morphology, were remarkably changed with the YJD intervention. Mechanistic experiments demonstrated that YJD inhibited the phosphorylation cascade activity of the AKT/GSK3β pathway, thereby reducing NRF2 expression. The level of GPX4, a crucial enzyme involved in glutathione metabolism, was attenuated, facilitating ferroptosis induction in cisplatin-resistant GC.

CONCLUSION

The research reveals, for the first time, changes in GSH/GPX4 metabolism in cisplatin-resistant GC cells based on metabolomic analysis. YJD induced ferroptosis in cisplatin-resistant GC by inhibiting GPX4 through the AKT/GSK3β/NRF2 pathway, thus attenuating the cisplatin drug resistance in GC. Our findings identify metabolic changes in cisplatin-resistant GC and establish a theoretical framework for YJD on tackling drug resistance in GC through ferroptosis.

Role of Mediterranean diet in endocrine diseases: a joint overview by the endocrinologist and the nutritionist

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review is to examine the current evidence on the potential role of Mediterranean diet (MD) in the prevention and management of endocrine disorders and to highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between endocrinologists and nutritionists.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant studies published in English. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the role of MD in the prevention and management of endocrine disorders. The search terms included "Mediterranean diet," "endocrine disorders," "thyroid disorders," "gonadal disorders," and "neuroendocrine tumors".

RESULTS

The studies reviewed suggest that MD may have a beneficial effect in the prevention and management of various endocrine disorders, including thyroid disorders, gonadal disorders, and neuroendocrine tumors. MD has been associated with decreased risk of nodular thyroid disease and thyroid cancer, improved male and female reproductive health, and a potential role in the management of neuroendocrine tumors. MD's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its high levels of phytochemicals, may play a role in its beneficial effects.

CONCLUSION

Interdisciplinary collaboration between endocrinologists and nutritionists is essential for the optimal management of endocrine disorders, including the potential role of MD in their prevention and management. While further research is needed, the current evidence suggests that MD may have a protective effect against endocrine disorders, and its incorporation into dietary recommendations may be beneficial.

Recent advances in sonodynamic therapy strategies for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer, a prevalent malignancy of the digestive system, has a poor 5-year survival rate of around 10%. Although numerous minimally invasive alternative treatments, including photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy, have shown effectiveness compared with traditional surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, the application of these alternative treatments is constrained by their depth of penetration, making it challenging to treat pancreatic cancer situated deep within the tissue. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive therapy method that is particularly potent against deep-seated tumors such as pancreatic cancer. However, the unique characteristics of pancreatic cancer, including a dense surrounding matrix, high reductivity, and a hypoxic tumor microenvironment, impede the efficient application of SDT. Thus, to guide the evolution of SDT for pancreatic cancer therapy, this review addresses these challenges, examines current strategies for effective SDT enhancement for pancreatic cancer, and investigates potential future advances to boost clinical applicability. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

Fast Antioxidation Kinetics of Glutathione Intracellularly Monitored by a Dual-Wire Nanosensor

The glutathione (GSH) system is one of the most powerful intracellular antioxidant systems for the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. However, the rapid kinetics information (at the millisecond to the second level) during the dynamic antioxidation process of the GSH system remains unclear. As such, we specifically developed a novel dual-wire nanosensor (DWNS) that can selectively and synchronously measure the levels of GSH and ROS with high temporal resolution, and applied it to monitor the transient ROS generation as well as the rapid antioxidation process of the GSH system in individual cancer cells. These measurements revealed that the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the GSH system is rapidly initiated against ROS burst in a sub-second time scale, but the elimination process is short-lived, ending after a few seconds, while some ROS are still present in the cells. This study is expected to open new perspectives for understanding the GSH antioxidant system and studying some redox imbalance-related physiological.

Anti-tumor activity of silymarin nanoliposomes in combination with iron: In vitro and in vivo study

Combination therapy represents a promising strategy in cancer management by reducing chemotherapy resistance and associated side effects. Silymarin (SLM) has been extensively investigated due to its potent antioxidant properties and demonstrated efficacy against cancer cells. Under certain conditions however, polyphenolic compounds may also exhibit prooxidant activity by elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can harm the target cells. In this study, we hypothesized that the simultaneous administration of iron (Fe) could alter the antioxidant characteristic of SLM nanoliposomes (SLM Lip) to a prooxidant state. Hence, we first developed a SLM Lip preparation using lipid film method, and then investigated the anti-oxidant properties as well as the cytotoxicity of the liposomal preparation. We also explored the efficacy of concomitant administration of iron sucrose and SML Lip on the tumor growth and survival of mice bearing tumors. We observed that exposing cells to iron, and consecutive treatment with SLM Lip (Fe + SLM Lip) could induce greater toxicity to 4 T1 breast cancer cells compared to SLM Lip. Further, Fe + SLM Lip combination demonstrated a time-dependent effect on reducing the catalase activity compared to SLM Lip, while iron treatment did not alter cell toxicity and catalase activity. In a mouse breast cancer model, the therapeutic efficacy of Fe + SLM Lip was superior compared to SLM Lip, and the treated animals survived longer. The histopathological findings did not reveal a significant damage to the major organs, whereas the most significant tumor necrosis was evident with Fe + SLM Lip treatment. The outcomes of the present investigation unequivocally underscored the prospective use of Fe + SLM combination in the context of cancer therapy, which warrants further scrutiny.

A review of experimental and clinical studies on the therapeutic effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Focus on oxidative stress and inflammation

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is frequently linked to metabolic disorders and is prevalent in obese and diabetic patients. The pathophysiology of NAFLD involves multiple factors, including insulin resistance (IR), oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and genetic predisposition. Recently, there has been an emphasis on the use of herbal remedies with many people around the world resorting to phytonutrients or nutraceuticals for treatment of numerous health challenges in various national healthcare settings. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) parts, such as juice, peel, seed and flower, have high polyphenol content and is well known for its antioxidant capabilities. Pomegranate polyphenols, such as hydrolyzable tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, have high antioxidant capabilities that can help lower the OS and inflammation associated with NAFLD. The study aimed to investigate whether pomegranate parts could attenuate OS, inflammation, and other risk factors associated with NAFLD, and ultimately prevent the development of the disease. The findings of this study revealed that: 1. pomegranate juice contains hypoglycemic qualities that can assist manage blood sugar levels, which is vital for avoiding and treating NAFLD. 2. Polyphenols from pomegranate flowers increase paraoxonase 1 (PON1) mRNA and protein levels in the liver, which can help protect liver enzymes and prevent NAFLD. 3. Punicalagin (PU) is one of the major ellagitannins found in pomegranate, and PU-enriched pomegranate extract (PE) has been shown to inhibit HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and hepatic lipid deposition in rats. 4. Pomegranate fruit consumption, which is high in antioxidants, can decrease the activity of AST and ALT (markers of liver damage), lower TNF-α (a marker of inflammation), and improve overall antioxidant capacity in NAFLD patients. Overall, the polyphenols in pomegranate extracts have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and protective effects on liver enzymes, which can help prevent and manage NAFLD effects on liver enzymes, which can help prevent and manage NAFLD.

Molecular landmarks of tumor disulfidptosis across cancer types to promote disulfidptosis-target therapy

The mystery about the mechanistic basis of disulfidptosis has recently been unraveled and shows promise as an effective treatment modality for triggering cancer cell death. However, the limited understanding of the role of disulfidptosis in tumor progression and drug sensitivity has hindered the development of disulfidptosis-targeted therapy and combinations with other therapeutic strategies. Here, we established a disulfidptosis signature model to estimate tumor disulfidptosis status in approximately 10,000 tumor samples across 33 cancer types and revealed its prognostic value. Then, we characterized disulfidptosis-associated molecular features and identified various types of molecular alterations that correlate with both drug-resistant and drug-sensitive responses to anti-tumor drugs. We further showed the vast heterogeneity in disulfidptosis status among 760 cancer cell lines across 25 cancer types. We experimentally validated that disulfidptosis score-high cell lines are more susceptible to glucose starvation-induced disulfidptosis compared to their counterparts with low scores. Finally, we investigated the impact of disulfidptosis status on drug response and revealed that disulfidptosis induction may enhance sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs, but in some cases, it could also lead to drug resistance in cultured cells. Overall, our multi-omics analysis firstly elucidates a comprehensive profile of disulfidptosis-related molecular alterations, prognosis, and potential therapeutic therapies at a pan-cancer level. These findings may uncover opportunities to utilize multiple drug sensitivities induced by disulfidptosis, thereby offering practical implications for clinical cancer therapy.

KEAP1 mutation in lung adenocarcinoma promotes immune evasion and immunotherapy resistance

Lung cancer treatment has benefited greatly through advancements in immunotherapies. However, immunotherapy often fails in patients with specific mutations like KEAP1, which are frequently found in lung adenocarcinoma. We established an antigenic lung cancer model and used it to explore how Keap1 mutations remodel the tumor immune microenvironment. Using single-cell technology and depletion studies, we demonstrate that Keap1-mutant tumors diminish dendritic cell and T cell responses driving immunotherapy resistance. This observation was corroborated in patient samples. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene targeting revealed that hyperactivation of the NRF2 antioxidant pathway is responsible for diminished immune responses in Keap1-mutant tumors. Importantly, we demonstrate that combining glutaminase inhibition with immune checkpoint blockade can reverse immunosuppression, making Keap1-mutant tumors susceptible to immunotherapy. Our study provides new insight into the role of KEAP1 mutations in immune evasion, paving the way for novel immune-based therapeutic strategies for KEAP1-mutant cancers.

Improvement of the effectiveness of sonodynamic therapy: by optimizing components and combination with other treatments

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an emerging treatment method. In comparison with photodynamic therapy (PDT), SDT exhibits deep penetration, high cell membrane permeability, and free exposure to light capacity. Unfortunately, owing to inappropriate ultrasound parameter selection, poor targeting of sonosensitizers, and the complex tumor environment, SDT is frequently ineffective. In this review, we describe the approaches for selecting ultrasound parameters and how to develop sonosensitizers to increase targeting and improve adverse tumor microenvironments. Furthermore, the potential of combining SDT with other treatment methods, such as chemotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and immunotherapy, is discussed to further increase the treatment efficiency of SDT.

Novel diagnostic biomarkers of oxidative stress, immune- infiltration characteristics and experimental validation of SERPINE1 in colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Colon cancer (CC) is a prevalent malignant tumor that affects the colon in the gastrointestinal tract. Its aggressive nature, strong invasiveness, and rapid progression make it a significant health concern. In addition, oxidative stress can lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that surpass the body's antioxidant defense capacity, causing damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA, potentially promoting tumor development. However, the relationship between CC and oxidative stress requires further investigation.

METHODS

We collected gene expression data and clinical data from 473 CC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Additionally, we obtained 433 oxidative stress genes from Genecards ( https://www.genecards.org/ ). Using univariate, multivariate, and LASSO Cox regression analyses, we developed predictive models for oxidative stress-related genes in CC patients. To validate the models, we utilized data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We assessed the accuracy of the models through various techniques, including the creation of a nomogram, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). The Cytoscape program was utilized to identify hub genes among differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in tumor patients using the TCGA dataset. Subsequently, we conducted survival analysis, clinical relevance analysis, and immune cell relevance analysis for the intersected genes obtained by combining the hub genes with the genes from the predictive models. Moreover, we investigated the mRNA expression and potential functions of these intersected genes using a range of experimental approaches.

RESULTS

In both the TCGA and GSE17538 datasets, patients classified as high-risk had significantly shorter overall survival compared to those in the low-risk group (TCGA: p < 0.001; GSE17538: p = 0.010). As a result, we decided to further investigate the role of SERPINE1. Our survival analysis revealed that patients with high expression of SERPINE1 had a significantly lower probability of survival compared to those with low expression (p < 0.05). Additionally, our clinical correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between SERPINE1 expression and T, N, and M stages, as well as tumor grade. Furthermore, our immune infiltration correlation analysis demonstrated notable differences in multiple immune cells between the high- and low-expression groups of SERPINE1. To validate our findings, we conducted experimental tests and observed that knocking down SERPINE1 in colon cancer cells resulted in significant reductions in cell viability and proliferation. Interestingly, we also noticed an increase in oxidative stress parameters, such as ROS and MDA levels, while the levels of reduced GSH decreased upon SERPINE1 knockdown. These findings suggest that the antineoplastic effect of silencing SERPINE1 may be associated with the induction of oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study introduces a new approach for the early diagnosis and treatment of CC, and further exploration of SERPINE1 could potentially lead to a significant advancement.

Recent advances in small-molecule fluorescent probes with the function of targeting cancer receptors

Cancer is "the sword of Damocles" that threatens human life and health. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer have been receiving much attention. Many overexpressed receptors on the surface of cancer cells provide us with an effective way to specifically identify the cancer cells, and receptor targeting strategies are becoming one of the hot ideas to enhance the ability of fluorescent probes to target tumors. Fluorescent probes connected to ligands are targeted at cancer cell surfaces through receptor-mediated endocytosis. Receptor-targeting probes can image and track cancer cells, determine tumor boundaries, monitor deep lesions, and play a role in clinical medicine, such as fluorescent imaging-guided surgery. In this review, based on the perspective of small molecule fluorescent probes, we reviewed the design ideas, photophysical properties, and applications of receptor-targeting probes for detecting biomarkers in imaging and tracing cancer cells and prospected the future developmental direction of such probes. We hope that this review will provide more ideas for the design and development of active targeting probes for receptors and lead to more applications in the medical field.

Potential Chemopreventive Effects of Dietary Combination of Phytochemicals against Cancer Development

Cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Over 70% of epithelial malignancies are sporadic and are related to lifestyle. Epidemiological studies suggest an inverse correlation between cancer incidence and fruit and vegetable intake. Numerous preclinical studies using in vitro (cell lines) and in vivo animal models of oncogenesis have reported the chemopreventive effects of dietary phytochemical agents through alterations in different biomarkers and signaling pathways. However, there is contrasting evidence from preclinical studies and clinical trials. To date, the most studied compounds include curcumin, resveratrol, isoflavones, green tea extract (epigallocatechin gallate), black raspberry powder (anthocyanins and ellagitannins), bilberry extract (anthocyanins), ginger extract (gingerol derivatives), and pomegranate extract (ellagitannins and ellagic acid). Overall, the clinical evidence of the preventive effects of dietary phytochemicals against cancer development is still weak, and the amount of these phytochemicals needed to exert chemopreventive effects largely exceeds the common dietary doses. Therefore, we propose a combination treatment of natural compounds that are used clinically for another purpose in order to obtain excess inhibitory efficacy via low-dose administration and discuss the possible reasons behind the gap between preclinical research and clinical trials.

Metabolic reprogramming in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

The high prevalence of metabolic reprogramming in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) offers an abundance of potential therapeutic targets. This review delves into the distinct mechanisms underlying metabolic reprogramming in NPC, including enhanced glycolysis, nucleotide synthesis, and lipid metabolism. All of these changes are modulated by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, hypoxia, and tumor microenvironment. We highlight the role of metabolic reprogramming in the development of NPC resistance to standard therapies, which represents a challenging barrier in treating this malignancy. Furthermore, we dissect the state of the art in therapeutic strategies that target these metabolic changes, evaluating the successes and failures of clinical trials and the strategies to tackle resistance mechanisms. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and future directions in this field, this review sets the stage for new therapeutic avenues in NPC.

Inorganic Nanoparticles as Radiosensitizers for Cancer Treatment

Nanotechnology has expanded what can be achieved in our approach to cancer treatment. The ability to produce and engineer functional nanoparticle formulations to elicit higher incidences of tumor cell radiolysis has resulted in substantial improvements in cancer cell eradication while also permitting multi-modal biomedical functionalities. These radiosensitive nanomaterials utilize material characteristics, such as radio-blocking/absorbing high-Z atomic number elements, to mediate localized effects from therapeutic irradiation. These materials thereby allow subsequent scattered or emitted radiation to produce direct (e.g., damage to genetic materials) or indirect (e.g., protein oxidation, reactive oxygen species formation) damage to tumor cells. Using nanomaterials that activate under certain physiologic conditions, such as the tumor microenvironment, can selectively target tumor cells. These characteristics, combined with biological interactions that can target the tumor environment, allow for localized radio-sensitization while mitigating damage to healthy cells. This review explores the various nanomaterial formulations utilized in cancer radiosensitivity research. Emphasis on inorganic nanomaterials showcases the specific material characteristics that enable higher incidences of radiation while ensuring localized cancer targeting based on tumor microenvironment activation. The aim of this review is to guide future research in cancer radiosensitization using nanomaterial formulations and to detail common approaches to its treatment, as well as their relations to commonly implemented radiotherapy techniques.

CDKN2A was a cuproptosis-related gene in regulating chemotherapy resistance by the MAGE-A family in breast cancer: based on artificial intelligence (AI)-constructed pan-cancer risk model

BACKGROUND

Before the discovery of cuproptosis, copper-loaded nanoparticle is a wildly applied strategy for enhancing the tumor-cell-killing effect of chemotherapy. Although copper(ii)-related researches are wide, details of cuproptosis-related bioprocess in pan-cancer are not clear yet now, especially for prognosis and drug sensitivity prediction yet now.

METHODS

In this study, VOSviewer is used for the literature review, and R4.2.0 is used for data analysis. Public data are collected from TCGA and GEO, local breast cancer cohort is collected to verify the expression level of CDKN2A.

RESULTS

7036 published articles exhibited a time-dependent linear relationship (R=0.9781, p<0.0001), and breast cancer (33.4%) is the most researched topic. Cuproptosis-related-genes (CRGs)-based unsupervised clustering divides pan-cancer subgroups into four groups (CRG subgroup) with differences in prognosis and tumor immunity. 44 tumor-driver-genes (TDGs)-based prediction model of drug sensitivity and prognosis is constructed by artificial intelligence (AI). Based on TDGs and clinical features, a nomogram is (C- index: 0.7, p= 6.958e- 12) constructed to predict the prognosis of breast cancer. Importance analysis identifies CDKN2A has a pivotal role in AI modeling, whose higher expression indicates worse prognosis in breast cancer. Furthermore, inhibition of CDKN2A down-regulates decreases Snail1, Twist1, Zeb1, vimentin and MMP9, while E-cadherin is increased. Besides, inhibition of CDKN2A also decreases the expression of MEGEA4, phosphorylated STAT3, PD-L1, and caspase3, while cleaved-caspase3 is increased. Finally, we find down-regulation of CDKN2A or MAGEA inhibits cell migration and wound healing, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

AI identified CRG subgroups in pan-cancer based on CRGs-related TDGs, and 44-gene-based AI modeling is a novel tool to identify chemotherapy sensitivity in breast cancer, in which CDKN2A/MAGEA4 pathway played the most important role.

Synthesis of Quinazolin-2,4,6-triamine Derivatives as Non-purine Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors and Exploration of Their Toxicological Potential

In this work, a new set of quinazolin-2,4,6-triamine derivatives were synthesized to explore their potential biological activity as xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors, superoxide scavengers and screening of their toxicological profile. Among all the synthesized compounds, B1 exhibited better inhibitory activity against bovine xanthine oxidase (bXO) than allopurinol (IC50 =1.56 μM and IC50 =6.99 μM, respectively). As superoxide scavengers, B1, B2 and B13 exhibited a better effect than allopurinol (97.3 %, 82.1 %, 87.4 % and 69.4 %, respectively). Regarding the toxicological profile, B1 was less cytotoxic than methotrexate on HCT-15 cancer cells. Apoptosis results obtained in cells of female and male mice, showed that B1 and B2 presented a similar behaviour to CrO3 (positive control) with respect to the average frequency to induce apoptosis; while B13 apoptosis induced effect was similar to DMSO and control group. Finally, B1, B2, B13 did not induce genotoxicity in a micronuclei murine model compared to CrO3 .

Metabolism of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: what can omics tell us?

Introduction

Reprogramming of cellular metabolism is now a hallmark of tumorigenesis. In recent years, research on pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) has focused on genetic and epigenetic modifications and related signaling pathways, but few studies have been devoted to characterizing the metabolic profile of these tumors. In this review, we thoroughly investigate the metabolic pathways in pNETs by analyzing the transcriptomic and metabolomic data available in the literature.

Methodology

We retrieved and downloaded gene expression profiles from all publicly available gene set enrichments (GSE43797, GSE73338, and GSE117851) to compare the differences in expressed genes based on both the stage and MEN1 mutational status. In addition, we conducted a systematic review of metabolomic data in NETs.

Results

By combining transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches, we have identified a distinctive metabolism in pNETs compared with controls without pNETs. Our analysis showed dysregulations in the one-carbon, glutathione, and polyamine metabolisms, fatty acid biosynthesis, and branched-chain amino acid catabolism, which supply the tricarboxylic acid cycle. These targets are implicated in pNET cell proliferation and metastasis and could also have a prognostic impact. When analyzing the profiles of patients with or without metastasis, or with or without MEN1 mutation, we observed only a few differences due to the scarcity of published clinical data in the existing research. Consequently, further studies are now necessary to validate our data and investigate these potential targets as biomarkers or therapeutic solutions, with a specific focus on pNETs.

Lysosomal cyst(e)ine storage potentiates tolerance to oxidative stress in cancer cells

Cyst(e)ine is a key precursor for the synthesis of glutathione (GSH), which protects cancer cells from oxidative stress. Cyst(e)ine is stored in lysosomes, but its role in redox regulation is unclear. Here, we show that breast cancer cells upregulate major facilitator superfamily domain containing 12 (MFSD12) to increase lysosomal cyst(e)ine storage, which is released by cystinosin (CTNS) to maintain GSH levels and buffer oxidative stress. We find that mTORC1 regulates MFSD12 by directly phosphorylating residue T254, while mTORC1 inhibition enhances lysosome acidification that activates CTNS. This switch modulates lysosomal cyst(e)ine levels in response to oxidative stress, fine-tuning redox homeostasis to enhance cell fitness. MFSD12-T254A mutant inhibits MFSD12 function and suppresses tumor progression. Moreover, MFSD12 overexpression correlates with poor neoadjuvant chemotherapy response and prognosis in breast cancer patients. Our findings reveal the critical role of lysosomal cyst(e)ine storage in adaptive redox homeostasis and suggest that MFSD12 is a potential therapeutic target.

Cytosolic malic enzyme and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase modulate redox balance in NSCLC with acquired drug resistance

Lung cancer cells often show elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). However, the connections between deregulated redox homeostasis in different subtypes of lung cancer and acquired drug resistance in lung cancer have not yet been fully established. Herein, we analyzed different subtypes of lung cancer data reported in the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) database, the Cancer Genome Atlas program (TCGA), and the sequencing data obtained from a gefitinib-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line (H1975GR). Using flux balance analysis (FBA) model integrated with multiomics data and gene expression profiles, we identified cytosolic malic enzyme 1 (ME1) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase as the major contributors to the significantly upregulated NADPH flux in NSCLC tissues as compared with normal lung tissues, and gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell line as compared with the parental cell line. Silencing the gene expression of either of these two enzymes in two osimertinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines (H1975OR and HCC827OR) exhibited strong antiproliferative effects. Our findings not only underscored the pivotal roles of cytosolic ME1 and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in regulating redox states in NSCLC cells but also provided novel insights into their potential roles in drug-resistant NSCLC cells with disturbed redox states.

The effects of pomegranate consumption on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several studies have shown the effects of pomegranate on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers, while some studies showed no effects of pomegranate on these biomarkers. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of pomegranate consumption on C-reactive protein (CRP), interlukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in adults.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, up to May 2023 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Heterogeneity tests of the included trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as the weighted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

Of 3811 records, 33 eligible RCTs were included in the current study. Our meta-analysis of the pooled findings showed that pomegranate consumption significantly reduced CRP (WMD: -0.50 mg/l; 95% CI -0.79 to -0.20; p = 0.001), IL-6 (WMD: -1.24 ng/L 95% CI -1.95 to -0.54; p = 0.001), TNF-α (WMD: -1.96 pg/ml 95%CI -2.75 to -1.18; p < 0.001), and MDA (WMD: -0.34 nmol/ml 95%CI -0.42 to -0.25; p < 0.001). Pooled analysis of 13 trials revealed that pomegranate consumption led to a significant increase in TAC (WMD: 0.26 mmol/L 95%CI 0.03 to 0.49; p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the results demonstrated that pomegranate consumption has beneficial effects on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in adults. Therefore, pomegranate can be consumed as an effective dietary approach to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION CODE

CRD42023406684.

An in vitro and in vivo study: Valencene protects cartilage and alleviates the progression of osteoarthritis by anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a heterogeneous disease involving the whole joint. The pathogenesis involves oxidative stress levels and chronic inflammation, and Valencene (VA) has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress abilities.

PURPOSE

The objective was to study the effects of VA therapy on combating oxidative stress and to evaluate the protective effect of chondrocytes to alleviate the progression of OA.

METHODS

C57BL6J mouse chondrocytes were used as the primary cells in this study. Mouse chondrocytes were stimulated with IL-1β, and VA was administered in different concentrations. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay kits, western blotting, cellular immunofluorescence, and scanning microscopy were used to evaluate VA's antioxidant stress mechanism, anti-inflammatory effect, and cartilage protective ability. The mouse arthritis model constructed by destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM) was observed by micro-CT scan and histology after different treatments.

RESULTS

We found that VA can reverse the rise of ROS under IL-1β, the degeneration of the cartilage extracellular matrix, and the production of inflammatory mediators. In terms of mechanism, VA activated NRF2/HO-1/NQO1 pathway, thus enhancing ROS clearance. The phosphorylation of IκBα is inhibited, which further reduces the downstream phosphorylation of P65 in nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. In addition, VA inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling molecules P-JNK, P-ERK, and P-P38, inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators and thus inhibiting Aggrecan and Collagen Type II （COL2）degeneration. In vivo, VA reduced DMM-induced osteophytes and spurs, suppressed subchondral bone destruction, and reduced articular cartilage erosion.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that VA is an effective candidate for OA treatment.

An antioxidant feedforward cycle coordinated by linker histone variant H1.2 and NRF2 that drives nonsmall cell lung cancer progression

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is highly malignant with limited treatment options, platinum-based chemotherapy is a standard treatment for NSCLC with resistance commonly seen. NSCLC cells exploit enhanced antioxidant defense system to counteract excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contributes largely to tumor progression and resistance to chemotherapy, yet the mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent studies have suggested the involvement of histones in tumor progression and cellular antioxidant response; however, whether a major histone variant H1.2 (H1C) plays roles in the development of NSCLC remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that H1.2 was increasingly expressed in NSCLC tumors, and its expression was correlated with worse survival. When crossing the H1c knockout allele with a mouse NSCLC model (KrasLSL-G12D/+), H1.2 deletion suppressed NSCLC progression and enhanced oxidative stress and significantly decreased the levels of key antioxidant glutathione (GSH) and GCLC, the catalytic subunit of rate-limiting enzyme for GSH synthesis. Moreover, high H1.2 was correlated with the IC50 of multiple chemotherapeutic drugs and with worse prognosis in NSCLC patients receiving chemotherapy; H1.2-deficient NSCLC cells presented reduced survival and increased ROS levels upon cisplatin treatment, while ROS scavenger eliminated the survival inhibition. Mechanistically, H1.2 interacted with NRF2, a master regulator of antioxidative response; H1.2 enhanced the nuclear level and stability of NRF2 and, thus, promoted NRF2 binding to GCLC promoter and the consequent transcription; while NRF2 also transcriptionally up-regulated H1.2. Collectively, these results uncovered a tumor-driving role of H1.2 in NSCLC and indicate an "H1.2-NRF2" antioxidant feedforward cycle that promotes tumor progression and chemoresistance.

Astaxanthin ameliorates oxidative stress in lens epithelial cells by regulating GPX4 and ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death closely associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and is characterised by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid species and iron overload. Damage to human lens epithelial cells (LECs) is associated with age-related cataract progression. Astaxanthin (ATX), a carotenoid with natural antioxidant properties, counteracts ferroptosis in the treatment of various degenerative diseases. However, this mechanism has not been reported with respect to cataract treatment. In this study, the differential expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the lens of young and aged mice were analysed. Continuous ATX supplementation for 8 months upregulated GPX4 expression in the mouse LECs and delayed the progression of ferroptosis. Upon treatment with erastin, ROS and malondialdehyde accumulated and the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased. At the same time, the expressions of GPX4, SLC7A11, and ferritin were suppressed in human LECs. All of these phenomena were partially reversed by ATX and Fer-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor. This study confirmed that the ATX-mediated targeting of GPX4 might alleviate human LECs damage by inhibiting ferroptosis and ameliorating oxidative stress and that this could represent a promising therapeutic approach for age-related cataract.