HIF-1 at the crossroads of hypoxia, inflammation, and cancer

The differential impact of iron on ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory reaction in head-kidney macrophages of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) with and without ammonia stress

Ammonia toxicity in fish is closely related to ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. Iron is an essential trace element that plays a key role in many biological processes for cells and organisms, including ferroptosis, oxidative stress response, and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of iron on indicators of fish exposed to ammonia, specifically on the three aspects mentioned above. The head kidney macrophages of yellow catfish were randomly assigned to one of four groups: CON (normal control), AM (0.046 mg L-1 total ammonia nitrogen), Fe (20 μg mL-1 FeSO4), and Fe + AM (20 μg mL-1 FeSO4, 0.046 mg L-1 total ammonia nitrogen). The cells were pretreated with FeSO4 for 6 h followed by ammonia for 24 h. The study found that iron supplementation led to an excessive accumulation of iron and ROS in macrophages, but it did not strongly induce ferroptosis, oxidative stress, or inflammatory responses. This was supported by a decrease in T-AOC, and the downregulation of SOD, as well as an increase in GSH levels and the upregulation of TFR1, CAT and Nrf2. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of HIF-1, p53 and the anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage marker Arg-1 were upregulated. The results also showed that iron supplementation increased the progression of some macrophages from early apoptosis to late apoptotic cells. However, the combined treatment of iron and ammonia resulted in a stronger intracellular ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory reaction compared to either treatment alone. Additionally, there was a noticeable increase in necrotic cells in the Fe + AM and AM groups. These findings indicate that the biological functions of iron in macrophages of fish may vary inconsistently in the presence or absence of ammonia stress.

Development of a Folding Paper System To Enable the Analysis of Gene Profile of Short- and Long-Distance Cancer Cell Migration

In cancer metastasis, where mortality rates remain high despite advancements in medical treatments, understanding the molecular pathways and cellular dynamics underlying tumor spread is critical for devising more effective therapeutic strategies. Here, a folding paper system was proposed and developed to mimic native tumor microenvironment. This system, composed of 7 stacked layers of paper enclosed in a holder, allows for the culture of cancer cells under conditions mimicking those found in solid tumors, including limited oxygen and nutrients. Because of the migratory capabilities of cancer cells, the cells in the center layer could migrated to outer layers of the paper stack, enabling the differentiation of cells based on their migratory potential. Subsequent gene expression analysis, conducted through RT-PCR and RNA sequencing, revealed significant correlations between cancer cell migration distance and the expression of genes associated with hypoxia, metabolism, ATP production, and cellular process. Moreover, our study identified cells with aggressive phenotypic traits from the outer layers of the paper stack, highlighting the potential of this system for enabling the study of aggressive cancer cell characteristics. Validation of the folding paper system against clinical carcinoma tissue demonstrated its ability to faithfully mimic the native tumor microenvironment. Overall, our findings underscore the utility of the folding paper system as a valuable tool for investigating and identifying critical molecular pathways involved in cancer metastasis.

Early short-term hypoxia promotes epidermal cell migration by activating the CCL2-ERK1/2 pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition during wound healing

Background

Due to vasculature injury and increased oxygen consumption, the early wound microenvironment is typically in a hypoxic state. We observed enhanced cell migration ability under early short-term hypoxia. CCL2 belongs to the CC chemokine family and was found to be increased in early hypoxic wounds and enriched in the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 pathway in our previous study. However, the underlying mechanism through which the CCL2-ERK1/2 pathway regulates wound healing under early short-term hypoxia remains unclear. Activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in cancer cell metastasis, during which epithelial cells acquire the characteristics of mesenchymal cells and enhance cell motility and migration ability. However, the relationship between epithelial cell migration and EMT under early short-term hypoxia has yet to be explored.

Methods

HaCaT cells were cultured to verify the effect of early short-term hypoxia on migration through cell scratch assays. Lentiviruses with silenced or overexpressed CCL2 were used to explore the relationship between CCL2 and migration under short-term hypoxia. An acute full-thickness cutaneous wound rat model was established with the application of an ERK inhibitor to reveal the hidden role of the ERK1/2 pathway in the early stage of wound healing. The EMT process was verified in all the above experiments through western blotting.

Results

In our study, we found that short-term hypoxia promoted cell migration. Mechanistically, hypoxia promoted cell migration through mediating CCL2. Overexpression of CCL2 via lentivirus promoted cell migration, while silencing CCL2 via lentivirus inhibited cell migration and the production of related downstream proteins. In addition, we found that CCL2 was enriched in the ERK1/2 pathway, and the application of an ERK inhibitor in vivo and in vitro verified the upstream and downstream relationships between the CCL2 pathway and ERK1/2. Western blot results both in vivo and in vitro demonstrated that early short-term hypoxia promotes epidermal cell migration by activating the CCL2-ERK1/2 pathway and EMT during wound healing.

Conclusions

Our work demonstrated that hypoxia in the early stage serves as a stimulus for triggering wound healing through activating the CCL2-ERK1/2 pathway and EMT, which promote epidermal cell migration and accelerate wound closure. These findings provide additional detailed insights into the mechanism of wound healing and new targets for clinical treatment.

Tumor promoting effect of PDLIM2 downregulation involves mitochondrial ROS, oncometabolite accumulations and HIF-1α activation

BACKGROUND

Cancer is characterized by dysregulated cellular metabolism. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying these metabolic alterations is important for developing targeted therapies. In this study, we investigated the pro-tumoral effect of PDZ and LIM domain 2 (PDLIM2) downregulation in lung cancer growth and its association with the accumulation of mitochondrial ROS, oncometabolites and the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) α in the process.

METHODS

Databases and human cancer tissue samples were analyzed to investigate the roles of PDLIM2 and HIF-1α in cancer growth. DNA microarray and gene ontology enrichment analyses were performed to determine the cellular functions of PDLIM2. Seahorse assay, flow cytometric analysis, and confocal microscopic analysis were employed to study mitochondrial functions. Oncometabolites were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). A Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) mouse model was established to assess the in vivo function of PDLIM2 and HIF-1α.

RESULTS

The expression of PDLIM2 was downregulated in lung cancer, and this downregulation correlated with poor prognosis in patients. PDLIM2 highly regulated genes associated with mitochondrial functions. Mechanistically, PDLIM2 downregulation resulted in NF-κB activation, impaired expression of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle genes particularly the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) genes, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This disturbance contributed to the accumulation of succinate and other oncometabolites, as well as the buildup of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), leading to the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). Furthermore, the expression of HIF-1α was increased in all stages of lung cancer. The expression of PDLIM2 and HIF-1α was reversely correlated in lung cancer patients. In the animal study, the orally administered HIF-1α inhibitor, PX-478, significantly reduces PDLIM2 knockdown-promoted tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

These findings shed light on the complex action of PDLIM2 on mitochondria and HIF-1α activities in lung cancer, emphasizing the role of HIF-1α in the tumor-promoting effect of PDLIM2 downregulation. Additionally, they provide new insights into a strategy for precise targeted treatment by suggesting that HIF-1α inhibitors may serve as therapy for lung cancer patients with PDLIM2 downregulation.

Seedless black Vitis vinifera polyphenols suppress hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo by targeting apoptosis, cancer stem cells, and proliferation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor and one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Here, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo ameliorating impacts of seedless black Vitis vinifera (VV) polyphenols on HCC. Following the preparation of the VV crude extract (VVCE) from seedless VV (pulp and skin), three fractions (VVF1, VVF2, and VVF3) were prepared. The anticancer potencies of the prepared fractions, compared to 5-FU, were assessed against HepG2 and Huh7 cells. In addition, the effects of these fractions on p-dimethylaminoazobenzene-induced HCC in mice were evaluated. The predicted impacts of selected phenolic constituents of VV fractions on the activity of essential HCC-associated enzymes (NADPH oxidase "NADPH-NOX2", histone deacetylase 1 "HDAC1", and sepiapterin reductase "SepR") were analyzed using molecular docking. The results showed that VVCE and its fractions induced apoptosis and collapsed CD133+ stem cells in the studied cancer cell lines with an efficiency greater than 5-FU. VVF1 and VVF2 exhibited the most effective anticancer fractions in vitro; therefore, we evaluated their influences in mice. VVF1 and VVF2 improved liver morphology and function, induced apoptosis, and lowered the fold expression of various crucial genes that regulate cancer stem cells and other vital pathways for HCC progression. For most of the examined parameters, VVF1 and VVF2 had higher potency than 5-FU, and VVF1 showed more efficiency than VVF2. The selected phenolic compounds displayed competitive inhibitory action on NADPH-NOX2, HDAC1, and SepR. In conclusion, these findings declare that VV polyphenolic fractions, particularly VVF1, could be promising safe anti-HCC agents.

The protective effect of natural medicines in rheumatoid arthritis via inhibit angiogenesis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic immunological disease leading to the progressive bone and joint destruction. Angiogenesis, accompanied by synovial hyperplasia and inflammation underlies joint destruction. Delaying or even blocking synovial angiogenesis has emerged as an important target of RA treatment. Natural medicines has a long history of treating RA, and numerous reports have suggested that natural medicines have a strong inhibitory activity on synovial angiogenesis, thereby improving the progression of RA. Natural medicines could regulate the following signaling pathways: HIF/VEGF/ANG, PI3K/Akt pathway, MAPKs pathway, NF-κB pathway, PPARγ pathway, JAK2/STAT3 pathway, etc., thereby inhibiting angiogenesis. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (TwHF), sinomenine, and total glucoside of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Are currently the most representative of all natural products worthy of development and utilization. In this paper, the main factors affecting angiogenesis were discussed and different types of natural medicines that inhibit angiogenesis were systematically summarized. Their specific anti-angiogenesis mechanisms are also reviewed which aiming to provide new perspective and options for the management of RA by targeting angiogenesis.

Characterization of HIF-1α Knockout Primary Human Natural Killer Cells Including Populations in Allogeneic Glioblastoma

Enhancing immune cell functions in tumors remains a major challenge in cancer immunotherapy. Natural killer cells (NK) are major innate effector cells with broad cytotoxicity against tumors. Accordingly, NK cells are ideal candidates for cancer immunotherapy, including glioblastoma (GBM). Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors, and tumor cells and normal cells adapt to the tumor microenvironment by upregulating the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, which can be detrimental to anti-tumor effector immune cell function, including that of NK cells. We knocked out HIF-1α in human primary NK cells using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9). Then, cellular characterizations were conducted in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Electroporating two HIF-1α-targeting guide RNA-Cas9 protein complexes inhibited HIF-1α expression in expanded NK cells. HIF-1α knockout human NK cells, including populations in hypoxic conditions, enhanced the growth inhibition of allogeneic GBM cells and induced apoptosis in GBM-cell-derived spheroids. RNA-sequencing revealed that the cytotoxicity of HIF-1α knockout NK cells could be related to increased perforin and TNF expression. The results demonstrated that HIF-1α knockout human NK cells, including populations, enhanced cytotoxicity in an environment mimicking the hypoxic conditions of GBM. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated HIF-1α knockout NK cells, including populations, could be a promising immunotherapeutic alternative in patients with GBM.

Melatonin Inhibits Hypoxia-Induced Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis by Regulating the Amyloidogenic Pathway in Human Neuroblastoma Cells

Stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are prevalent age-related diseases; however, the relationship between these two diseases remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the ability of melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, to alleviate the effects of ischemic stroke leading to AD by observing the pathogenesis of AD hallmarks. We utilized SH-SY5Y cells under the conditions of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) to establish ischemic stroke conditions. We detected that hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), an indicator of ischemic stroke, was highly upregulated at both the protein and mRNA levels under OGD conditions. Melatonin significantly downregulated both HIF-1α mRNA and protein expression under OGD/R conditions. We detected the upregulation of β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) mRNA and protein expression under both OGD and OGD/R conditions, while 10 µM of melatonin attenuated these effects and inhibited beta amyloid (Aβ) production. Furthermore, we demonstrated that OGD/R conditions were able to activate the BACE1 promoter, while melatonin inhibited this effect. The present results indicate that melatonin has a significant impact on preventing the aberrant development of ischemic stroke, which can lead to the development of AD, providing new insight into the prevention of AD and potential stroke treatments.

Hypoxia-inducible factor in breast cancer: role and target for breast cancer treatment

Globally, breast cancer stands as the most prevalent form of cancer among women. The tumor microenvironment of breast cancer often exhibits hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha, a transcription factor, is found to be overexpressed and activated in breast cancer, playing a pivotal role in the anoxic microenvironment by mediating a series of reactions. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha is involved in regulating downstream pathways and target genes, which are crucial in hypoxic conditions, including glycolysis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. These processes significantly contribute to breast cancer progression by managing cancer-related activities linked to tumor invasion, metastasis, immune evasion, and drug resistance, resulting in poor prognosis for patients. Consequently, there is a significant interest in Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha as a potential target for cancer therapy. Presently, research on drugs targeting Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha is predominantly in the preclinical phase, highlighting the need for an in-depth understanding of HIF-1α and its regulatory pathway. It is anticipated that the future will see the introduction of effective HIF-1α inhibitors into clinical trials, offering new hope for breast cancer patients. Therefore, this review focuses on the structure and function of HIF-1α, its role in advancing breast cancer, and strategies to combat HIF-1α-dependent drug resistance, underlining its therapeutic potential.

Micronutrient Status and Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, at the same time being one of the most prevalent causes of women's death. Many factors such as alcohol, weight fluctuations, or hormonal replacement therapy can potentially contribute to breast cancer development and progression. Another important factor in breast cancer onset includes micronutrient status. In this narrative review, we analyzed 23 micronutrients and their possible influence on breast cancer onset and progression. Further, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of micronutrient status on the prevention of breast cancer and its possible influence on various therapeutic pathways. We researched meta-analyses, systemic and narrative reviews, retrospective studies, as well as original studies on human and animal models. The results of these studies indicate a possible correlation between the different levels of micronutrients and a decreased risk of breast cancer as well as a better survival rate. However, further studies are necessary to establish adequate doses of supplementation of the chosen micronutrients and the exact mechanisms of micronutrient impact on breast cancer therapy.

Transcription factors in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell development

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a new and innovative approach to treating cancers that has shown promising results in the treatment of lymphoma. However, it has been found to be less effective in the treatment of solid tumors. To overcome the limitation, researchers have explored the use of combined CAR-T therapy with other complementary regimens that target specific genes or biomarkers, which would enhance the synergistic therapeutic effects. Transcription factors (TFs) have been identified as potential markers that can regulate gene expression in CAR-T cells to enhance their cytotoxicity and safety. TFs are known to bind DNA specifically and recruit cofactor proteins to regulate the expression of target genes. By targeting TFs, it is possible to improve the anti-tumor response of CAR-T cells by altering their phenotype and transcriptional map, thereby increasing their effector function, such as reducing the exhaustion, enhancing the survival, and cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells. This review summarizes the application of transcription factors in CART therapy to enhance the synergistic therapeutic effect of CAR-T cells in the treatment of solid tumors and improve their anti-tumor responses.

The CREB1/WNK1 axis promotes the tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer via regulating HIF-1

The aim of this study was to explore the functions and molecular mechanisms of the WNK lysine deficient protein kinase 1 (WNK1) in the development of ovarian cancer. Firstly, loss- and gain-of-function assays were carried out and subsequently cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration were detected. Furthermore, WNK1 action on glucose uptake, lactate production and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level were assessed. The roles of WNK1 on cisplatin resistance were explored using CCK-8, colony formation, and flow cytometry in vitro. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and qRT-PCR were conducted to determine the protein and mRNA expression. Additionally, tumor growth in vivo was also monitored. We found that the overexpression of WNK1 predicted a bad prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. WNK1 enhanced the malignant behavior and facilitated glycolysis of ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, WNK1 increased cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, we found that WNK1 expression was promoted by CREB1 at the transcriptional level. And CREB1 could facilitate ovarian cancer cells malignant behavior through target upregulating WNK1. Besides, we also showed that WNK1 facilitated the malignant behavior by accelerating HIF-1 expression. In xenograft tumor tissues, the downregulation of WNK1 significantly reduced HIF-1α expression. These data demonstrated that the CREB1/WNK1 axis could promote the tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer via accelerating HIF-1 expression, suggesting that the CREB1/WNK1 axis could be a potential target during the therapy of ovarian cancer.

Effect of cell adhesiveness of Cell Dome shell on enclosed HeLa cells

The Cell Dome is a dome-shaped structure (diameter: 1 mm, height: 270 μm) with cells enclosed within a cavity, covered by a hemispherical hydrogel shell, and immobilized on a glass plate. Given that the cells within Cell Dome are in contact with the inner walls of the hydrogel shell, the properties of the shell are anticipated to influence cell behavior. To date, the impact of the hydrogel shell properties on the enclosed cells has not been investigated. In this study, we explored the effects of the cell adhesiveness of hydrogel shell on the behavior of enclosed cancer cells. Hydrogel shells with varying degrees of cell adhesiveness were fabricated using aqueous solutions containing either an alginate derivative with phenolic hydroxyl moieties exclusively or a mixture of alginate and gelatin derivatives with phenolic hydroxyl moieties. Hydrogel formation was mediated by horseradish peroxidase. We used the HeLa human cervical cancer cell line, which expresses fucci2, a cell cycle marker, to observe cell behavior. Cells cultured in hydrogel shells with cell adhesiveness proliferated along the inner wall of the hydrogel shell. Conversely, cells in hydrogel shells without cell adhesiveness grew uniformly at the bottom of the cavities. Furthermore, cells in non-adhesive hydrogel shells had a higher percentage of cells in the G1/G0 phase compared to those in adhesive shells and exhibited increased resistance to mitomycin hydrochloride when the cavities became filled with cells. These results highlight the need to consider the cell adhesiveness of the hydrogel shell when selecting materials for constructing Cell Dome.

Activation of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 Alpha-Mediated DNA Methylation Enzymes (DNMT3a and TET2) Under Hypoxic Conditions Regulates S100A6 Transcription to Promote Lung Cancer Cell Growth and Metastasis

Aims: This research was aimed at investigating the effects of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α)-mediated DNA methylation enzymes (ten-eleven translocase-2 [TET2] and DNA methyltransferase-3a [DNMT3a]) under hypoxic conditions on S100A6 transcription, thereby promoting the growth and metastasis of lung cancer cells. Methods: The expression of HIF-1α or S100A6 in lung cancer cells was interfered with under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, and the cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive properties were assessed. The mechanism of HIF-1α-regulated TET2 and DNMT3 effects on S100A6 transcription under hypoxic conditions was further investigated. Results: Functionally, S100A6 over-expression promoted lung cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. S100A6 over-expression reversed the inhibitory effects of HIF-1α interference on the proliferation and metastasis of lung cancer cells. S100A6 was induced to express in an HIF-1α-dependent manner under hypoxic conditions, and silencing S100A6 or HIF-1α suppressed lung cancer cell proliferation and metastasis under hypoxic conditions. Further, The Cancer Genome Atlas-lung adenocarcinoma database analysis revealed that S100A6 mRNA levels had a negative correlation with methylation levels. Mechanistically, CpG hypomethylation status in the S100A6 promoter hypoxia response element had an association with HIF-1α induction. TET2 was enriched in S100A6 promoter region of lung cancer cells under hypoxic conditions, whereas DNMT3a enrichment was reduced in S100A6 promoter region. HIF-1α-mediated S100A6 activation was linked to DNMT3a-associated epigenetic inactivation and TET2 activation. Innovation: The activation of HIF-1α-mediated DNA methylation enzymes under hypoxic conditions regulated S100A6 transcription, thereby promoting lung cancer cell growth and metastasis. Conclusion: In lung cancer progression, hypoxia-induced factor HIF-1α combined with DNA methylation modifications co-regulates S100A6 transcriptional activation and promotes lung cancer cell growth and metastasis.

Redox proteomics of PANC-1 cells reveals the significance of HIF-1 signaling protein oxidation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma pathogenesis

BACKGROUND

Protein cysteine oxidation is substantially involved in various biological and pathogenic processes, but its implications in pancreatic cancer development remains poorly understood.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we performed a global characterization of protein oxidation targets in PDAC cells through iodoTMT-based quantitative proteomics, which identified over 4300 oxidized cysteine sites in more than 2100 proteins in HPDE6c7 and PANC-1 cells. Among them, 1715 cysteine residues were shown to be differentially oxidized between HPDE6c7 and PANC-1 cells. Also, charged amino acids including aspartate, glutamate and lysine were significantly overrepresented in flanking sequences of oxidized cysteines. Differentially oxidized proteins in PANC-1 cells were enriched in multiple cancer-related biological processes and signaling pathways. Specifically, the HIF-1 signaling proteins exhibited significant oxidation alterations in PANC-1 cells, and the reduced PHD2 oxidation in human PDAC tissues was correlated with lower survival time in pancreatic cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

These investigations provided new insights into protein oxidation-regulated signaling and biological processes during PDAC pathogenesis, which might be further explored for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment.

MiR-375 impairs breast cancer cell stemness by targeting the KLF5/G6PD signaling axis

Recurrence of breast cancer may be due to the presence of breast cancer stem cells (BCSC). Abnormal tumor cell growth is closely associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disruption of redox homeostasis, and BCSCs exhibit low levels of ROS. The detailed mechanism between the low levels of ROS in BCSCs and their maintenance of stemness characteristics has not been reported. A growing number of studies have shown that tumor development is often accompanied by metabolic reprogramming, which is an important hallmark of tumor cells. As the first rate-limiting enzyme of pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), the expression of G6PD is precisely regulated in tumor cells, and there is a certain correlation between PPP and BCSCs. MiR-375 has been shown to inhibit stem cell-like properties in breast cancer, but the exact mechanism is not clear. Here, KLF5, as a transcription factor, was identified to bind to the promoter of G6PD to promote its expression, whereas miR-375 inhibited the expression of KLF5 by binding to the 3'UTR region of KLF5 mRNA and thus reduced the expression of G6PD expression, inhibits PPP to reduce NADPH, and increases ROS levels in breast cancer cells, thereby weakening breast cancer cell stemness. Our study reveals the specific mechanism by which miR-375 targets the KLF5/G6PD signaling axis to diminish the stemness of breast cancer cells, providing a therapeutic strategy against BCSCs.

Analyses of hypoxia-related risk factors and clinical relevance in breast cancer

Introduction

Hypoxia plays an important role in the heterogeneity, relapse, metastasis, and drug resistance of breast cancer. In this study, we explored the hypoxia-related biological signatures in different subtypes of breast cancer and identified the key prognostic factors by bioinformatics methods.

Methods

Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Breast Cancer datasets, we divided the samples into immune-activated/suppressed populations by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and then used hierarchical clustering to further identify hypoxic/non-hypoxic populations from the immune-suppressed samples. A hypoxia related risk model of breast cancer was constructed.

Results

Nuclear factor interleukin-3 regulated (NFIL3), serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1), FOS, biglycan (BGN), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and sushi-repeat-containing protein, X-linked (SRPX) were identified as key hypoxia-related genes. Margin status, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, hypoxia status, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) status, NFIL3, SERPINE1, EGFR, and risk score were identified as independent prognostic indicators for breast cancer patients. The 3- and 5-year survival curves of the model and immunohistochemical staining on the breast cancer microarray verified the statistical significance and feasibility of our model. Among the different molecular types of breast cancer, ER/PR+ and HER2+ patients might have higher hypoxia-related risk scores. ER/PR-negative samples demonstrated more activated immune-related pathways and better response to most anticancer agents.

Discussion

Our study revealed a novel risk model and potential feasible prognostic factors for breast cancer and might provide new perspectives for individual breast cancer treatment.

Modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis by natural compounds: a comprehensive and critical review

Tumor cells employ multiple signaling mediators to escape the hypoxic condition and trigger angiogenesis and metastasis. As a critical orchestrate of tumorigenic conditions, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is responsible for stimulating several target genes and dysregulated pathways in tumor invasion and migration. Therefore, targeting HIF-1 pathway and cross-talked mediators seems to be a novel strategy in cancer prevention and treatment. In recent decades, tremendous efforts have been made to develop multi-targeted therapies to modulate several dysregulated pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. In this line, natural compounds have shown a bright future in combating angiogenic and metastatic conditions. Among the natural secondary metabolites, we have evaluated the critical potential of phenolic compounds, terpenes/terpenoids, alkaloids, sulfur compounds, marine- and microbe-derived agents in the attenuation of HIF-1, and interconnected pathways in fighting tumor-associated angiogenesis and invasion. This is the first comprehensive review on natural constituents as potential regulators of HIF-1 and interconnected pathways against cancer angiogenesis and metastasis. This review aims to reshape the previous strategies in cancer prevention and treatment.

Targeting the prostate tumor microenvironment by plant-derived natural products

Prostate cancer is among the most common malignancies for men, with limited therapy options for last stages of the tumor. There are some different options for treatment and control of prostate tumor growth. However, targeting some specific molecules and cells within tumors has been attracted interests in recent years. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has an important role in the initiation of various malignancies, which can also expand the progression of tumor and facilitate invasion of malignant cells. By regulating immune responses and distinct changes in the metabolism of cells in the tumor, TME has substantial effects in the resistance of cancer cells to therapy. TME in various solid cancers like prostate cancer includes various cells, including cancer cells, supportive stromal cells, immunosuppressive cells, and anticancer inflammatory cells. Natural products including herbal-derived agents and also other natural compounds have been well studied for their anti-tumor potentials. These compounds may modulate various signaling pathways involved in TME, such as immune responses, the metabolism of cells, epigenetics, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix (ECM). This paper provides a review of the current knowledge of prostate TME and complex interactions in this environment. Additionally, the potential use of natural products and also nanoparticles loaded with natural products as therapeutic adjuvants on different cells and therapeutic targets within prostate TME will be discussed.

Nanotherapeutics for prostate cancer treatment: A comprehensive review

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent solid organ malignancy and seriously affects male health. The adverse effects of prostate cancer therapeutics can cause secondary damage to patients. Nanotherapeutics, which have special targeting abilities and controlled therapeutic release profiles, may serve as alternative agents for PCa treatment. At present, many nanotherapeutics have been developed to treat PCa and have shown better treatment effects in animals than traditional therapeutics. Although PCa nanotherapeutics are highly attractive, few successful cases have been reported in clinical practice. To help researchers design valuable nanotherapeutics for PCa treatment and avoid useless efforts, herein, we first reviewed the strategies and challenges involved in prostate cancer treatment. Subsequently, we presented a comprehensive review of nanotherapeutics for PCa treatment, including their targeting methods, controlled release strategies, therapeutic approaches and mechanisms. Finally, we proposed the future prospects of nanotherapeutics for PCa treatment.

Targeting the Warburg effect: A revisited perspective from molecular mechanisms to traditional and innovative therapeutic strategies in cancer

Cancer reprogramming is an important facilitator of cancer development and survival, with tumor cells exhibiting a preference for aerobic glycolysis beyond oxidative phosphorylation, even under sufficient oxygen supply condition. This metabolic alteration, known as the Warburg effect, serves as a significant indicator of malignant tumor transformation. The Warburg effect primarily impacts cancer occurrence by influencing the aerobic glycolysis pathway in cancer cells. Key enzymes involved in this process include glucose transporters (GLUTs), HKs, PFKs, LDHs, and PKM2. Moreover, the expression of transcriptional regulatory factors and proteins, such as FOXM1, p53, NF-κB, HIF1α, and c-Myc, can also influence cancer progression. Furthermore, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circular RNAs play a vital role in directly regulating the Warburg effect. Additionally, gene mutations, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and immune system interactions are closely associated with the Warburg effect. Notably, the development of drugs targeting the Warburg effect has exhibited promising potential in tumor treatment. This comprehensive review presents novel directions and approaches for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients by conducting in-depth research and summarizing the bright prospects of targeting the Warburg effect in cancer.

Hypoxia at 3D organoid establishment selects essential subclones within heterogenous pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is especially hypoxic and composed of heterogeneous cell populations containing hypoxia-adapted cells. Hypoxia as a microenvironment of PDAC is known to cause epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and resistance to therapy. Therefore, cells adapted to hypoxia possess malignant traits that should be targeted for therapy. However, current 3D organoid culture systems are usually cultured under normoxia, losing hypoxia-adapted cells due to selectivity bias at the time of organoid establishment. To overcome any potential selection bias, we focused on oxygen concentration during the establishment of 3D organoids. We subjected identical PDAC surgical samples to normoxia (O2 20%) or hypoxia (O2 1%), yielding glandular and solid organoid morphology, respectively. Pancreatic cancer organoids established under hypoxia displayed higher expression of EMT-related proteins, a Moffitt basal-like subtype transcriptome, and higher 5-FU resistance in contrast to organoids established under normoxia. We suggest that hypoxia during organoid establishment efficiently selects for hypoxia-adapted cells possibly responsible for PDAC malignant traits, facilitating a fundamental source for elucidating and developing new treatment strategies against PDAC.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of curcumin in oral squamous cell carcinoma (HSC-3 cells): Molecular insights into hypoxia-mediated angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

Oral cancer represents a substantial global health burden, often associate with hypoxia-induced angiogenesis as a critical factor in its progression. Curcumin, a naturally occurring bioactive compounds, has gained increasing attention for its potential anticancer properties.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of curcumin on oral cancer, particularly its role in modulating HIF-1α-mediated angiogenesis in HSC-3 cells.

METHODS

Our investigation involved multiple experimental approaches, including MTT assay, aerobic glycolysis by metabolic kit, cell cycle, and apoptosis assessment via flow cytometry. Furthermore, we employed molecular docking techniques to examine the interactions between curcumin and key angiogenesis related proteins, including HIF-1α, VEGF-B, MMP-3, and STAT3.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate that curcumin exerts significant effects on the cell survivability, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis induction in oral cancer cells. These effects were particularly pronounced under the conditions of HIF-1α mediated angiogenesis. Computational binding analysis revealed strong binding interactions with curcumin and the selected proteins, implying a plausible mechanism through which curcumin may modulate the angiogenic pathways in oral cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our research sheds light on the diverse effects of curcumin on oral cancer cells, emphasizing its potential as a promising therapeutic tool for addressing hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. However, further investigation is essential to comprehensively understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects in in vitro models. This deeper comprehension is crucial for translating these findings into clinical applications aimed at improving oral cancer treatment.

Forces at play: exploring factors affecting the cancer metastasis

Metastatic disease, a leading and lethal indication of deaths associated with tumors, results from the dissemination of metastatic tumor cells from the site of primary origin to a distant organ. Dispersion of metastatic cells during the development of tumors at distant organs leads to failure to comply with conventional treatments, ultimately instigating abrupt tissue homeostasis and organ failure. Increasing evidence indicates that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a crucial factor in cancer progression and the process of metastatic tumor development at secondary sites. TME comprises several factors contributing to the initiation and progression of the metastatic cascade. Among these, various cell types in TME, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), T cells, and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are significant players participating in cancer metastasis. Besides, various other factors, such as extracellular matrix (ECM), gut microbiota, circadian rhythm, and hypoxia, also shape the TME and impact the metastatic cascade. A thorough understanding of the functions of TME components in tumor progression and metastasis is necessary to discover new therapeutic strategies targeting the metastatic tumor cells and TME. Therefore, we reviewed these pivotal TME components and highlighted the background knowledge on how these cell types and disrupted components of TME influence the metastatic cascade and establish the premetastatic niche. This review will help researchers identify these altered components' molecular patterns and design an optimized, targeted therapy to treat solid tumors and restrict metastatic cascade.

Oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate regulates anti-tumor immunity

"Oncometabolite" 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) is an aberrant metabolite found in tumor cells, exerting a pivotal influence on tumor progression. Recent studies have unveiled its impact on the proliferation, activation, and differentiation of anti-tumor T cells. Moreover, 2-HG regulates the function of innate immune components, including macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and the complement system. Elevated levels of 2-HG hinder α-KG-dependent dioxygenases (α-KGDDs), contributing to tumorigenesis by disrupting epigenetic regulation, genome integrity, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) signaling, and cellular metabolism. The chiral molecular structure of 2-HG produces two enantiomers: D-2-HG and L-2-HG, each with distinct origins and biological functions. Efforts to inhibit D-2-HG and leverage the potential of L-2-HG have demonstrated efficacy in cancer immunotherapy. This review delves into the metabolism, biological functions, and impacts on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of 2-HG, providing a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between 2-HG and antitumor immunity. Additionally, we examine the potential clinical applications of targeted therapy for 2-HG, highlighting recent breakthroughs as well as the existing challenges.

HIF-1α/METTL1/m7G axis is involved in CRC response to hypoxia

BACKGROUND

In recent years, many studies have confirmed that hypoxia and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α drive the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). HIF-1α also modulates epitranscriptomic remodeling to regulate cancer development. However, the mechanism by which RNA methylation is altered under hypoxic conditions and the underlying regulatory mechanisms in CRC remain unclear.

METHODS

Here, seven common types of modifications of mRNA and tRNA were quantitated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. To validate the robustness of the profiling data, modifications that were consistently altered across the three CRC cell lines under hypoxia were validated via dot blot analysis. Then, 10 enzymes that could regulate the abundance of three RNA modifications in tRNA were measured in CRC cells after hypoxia treatment using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the regulatory role of HIF-1α in the expression of methyltransferase 1 (METTL1) under hypoxic conditions was confirmed using METTL1 promoter activity assays and HIF-1α small interfering RNA (siRNA). The binding capacity of HIF-1α to each hypoxia response element (HRE) in the promoter of METTL1 was investigated by performing Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP).

RESULTS

Abundance of RNA modifications was altered more consistently and significantly in tRNA than in mRNA under hypoxic conditions. In addition, the abundance of N7-methyleguanosine (m7G) modification in tRNA decreased significantly under hypoxic conditions. As a methyltransferase of the m7G modification in tRNA, the expression of METTL1 mRNA was drastically downregulated under hypoxic conditions. Mechanistically, suppression of HIF-1α by siRNA upregulated the METTL1 promoter activity. Furthermore, ChIP showed that HIF-1α could bind with an HRE in the promoter region of METTL1, indicating that METTL1 is a direct target of HIF-1α in CRC cells under hypoxic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that the abundance of the m7G modification in tRNA was drastically reduced in CRC cells dependent on the HIF-1α-mediated inhibition of METTL1 transcription under hypoxic conditions.

Analysis of HIF-1α expression and genetic polymorphisms in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Introduction: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is mostly diagnosed incidentally and has relatively high recurrence rates. Alterations in VHL/HIF and mTOR pathways are commonly present in ccRCC. The present study attempted to identify potential diagnostic markers at the biochemical and molecular level. Methods: In total, 54 subjects (36 patients with ccRCC and 18 cancer-free controls) were enrolled. ELISA was used to measure the levels of HIF-1α in the tumor and healthy kidney tissue. The association between five selected SNPs (rs779805, rs11549465, rs2057482, rs2295080 and rs701848) located in genes of pathologically relevant pathways (VHL/HIF and mTOR) and the risk of ccRCC in the Slovak cohort was studied using real-time PCR. Results: Significant differences in HIF-1α tissue levels were observed between the tumor and healthy kidney tissue (p < 0.001). In the majority (69%) of cases, the levels of HIF-1α were higher in the kidney than in the tumor. Furthermore, the concentration of HIF-1α in the tumor showed a significant positive correlation with CCL3 and IL-1β (p (R2) 0.007 (0.47); p (R2) 0.011 (0.38). No relationship between intratumoral levels of HIF-1α and clinical tumor characteristics was observed. Rs11549465, rs2057482 in the HIF1A gene did not correlate with the expression of HIF-1α either in the tumor or in the normal kidney. None of the selected SNPs has influenced the susceptibility to ccRCC. Conclusion: More research is neccesary to elucidate the role of HIF-1α in the pathogenesis of ccRCC and the association between selected SNPs and susceptibility to this cancer.

Antrodia salmonea suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition/metastasis and Warburg effects by inhibiting Twist and HIF-1α expression in Twist-overexpressing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Antrodia salmonea (AS), linked to the genus Taiwanofungus, is a medicinal fungus, and exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and tumor inhibiting properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we investigated the metabolic reprogramming and anti-metastasis/epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) effects of AS exposure in Twist-overexpressing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC, OECM-1 and FaDu-Twist) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MTT assay, Western blot, migration/invasion assay, immunofluorescence, glucose uptake assay, lactate assay, oxygen consumption rate (OCR)/Extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) assay, Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS), and qRT-PCR experimental techniques were used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of AS treatment in HNSCC cells.

RESULTS

This study showed that AS exhibits anti-EMT and anti-metastatic effects as well as metabolic reprogramming in Twist-overexpressing HNSCC cells. AS exposure inhibited Twist and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein and/or mRNA expression in Twist-overexpressing OECM-1 and FaDu-Twist cells. AS markedly suppressed EMT by enhancing the expression of E-cadherin; while the N-cadherin was suppressed. Furthermore, glucose uptake and lactate accumulation, together with HIF-1α-regulated glycolysis genes were diminished by AS in OECM-1 cells. AS decreased the ECAR, and enhanced the OCR together with basal respiration, ATP production, maximal respiration, and spare respiratory capacity under normoxia and hypoxia (CoCl2) in OECM-1 cells. There was a marked reduction in the level of glycolytic intermediate's; while TCA cycle metabolites were increased by AS treatment in OECM-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that AS treatment suppresses EMT/metastasis and Warburg effects through Twist and HIF-1α inhibition in Twist-overexpressing HNSCC cells.

The pathogenesis and regulatory role of HIF-1 in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disease that involves the overgrowth and inflammation of synovial tissue, leading to the degeneration and impairment of joints. In recent years, numerous studies have shown a close relationship between the hypoxic microenvironment in joints and the occurrence and progression of RA. The main cause of the pathological changes in RA is widely believed to be the abnormal expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) in joints. This paper describes and illustrates the structure and primary functions of HIF-1 and explains the main regulatory methods of HIF-1, including the PHDs/HIF-1 α/pVHL pathway, factor-inhibiting HIF (FIH), regulation of inflammatory cytokines, and the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, this paper discusses the mechanism of HIF-1 and its impact on inflammation, angiogenesis, and cartilage destruction in greater detail. We summarize previous research findings on the mechanism of HIF-1 and propose new potential treatments for RA based on the pathogenesis of HIF-1 in RA.

Distinct human stem cell subpopulations drive adipogenesis and fibrosis in musculoskeletal injury

Fibroadipogenic progenitors (FAPs) maintain healthy skeletal muscle in homeostasis but drive muscle degeneration in chronic injuries by promoting adipogenesis and fibrosis. To uncover how these stem cells switch from a pro-regenerative to pro-degenerative role we perform single-cell mRNA sequencing of human FAPs from healthy and injured human muscles across a spectrum of injury, focusing on rotator cuff tears. We identify multiple subpopulations with progenitor, adipogenic, or fibrogenic gene signatures. We utilize full spectrum flow cytometry to identify distinct FAP subpopulations based on highly multiplexed protein expression. Injury severity increases adipogenic commitment of FAP subpopulations and is driven by the downregulation of DLK1. Treatment of FAPs both in vitro and in vivo with DLK1 reduces adipogenesis and fatty infiltration, suggesting that during injury, reduced DLK1 within a subpopulation of FAPs may drive degeneration. This work highlights how stem cells perform varied functions depending on tissue context, by dynamically regulating subpopulation fate commitment, which can be targeted improve patient outcomes after injury.

Regulation of Angiogenesis by Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer

Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have been identified as crucial regulators of various biological processes through epigenetic regulation, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional regulation. Growing evidence suggests that dysregulation and activation of non-coding RNAs are closely associated with tumor angiogenesis, a process essential for tumor growth and metastasis and a major contributor to cancer-related mortality. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor angiogenesis is of utmost importance. Numerous studies have documented the involvement of different types of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of angiogenesis. This review provides an overview of how non-coding RNAs regulate tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, we discuss emerging strategies that exploit non-coding RNAs for anti-angiogenic therapy in cancer treatment. Ultimately, this review underscores the crucial role played by non-coding RNAs in tumor angiogenesis and highlights their potential as therapeutic targets for anti-angiogenic interventions against cancer.

The dual role of MiR-210 in the aetiology of cancer: A focus on hypoxia-inducible factor signalling

Tumorigenesis exemplifies the complex process of neoplasm origination, which is characterised by somatic genetic alterations and abnormal cellular growth. This multidimensional phenomenon transforms previously dormant cells into malignant equivalents, resulting in uncontrollable proliferation and clonal expansion. Various elements, including random mutations, harmful environmental substances, and genetic predispositions, influence tumorigenesis's aetiology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are now recognised as crucial determinants of gene expression and key players in several biological methods, including oncogenesis. A well-known hypoxia-inducible miRNA is MiR-210, which is of particular interest because of its complicated role in the aetiology of cancer and a variation of physiological and pathological situations. MiR-210 significantly impacts cancer by controlling the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signalling pathway. By supporting angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, and cellular survival in hypoxic microenvironments, HIF signalling orchestrates adaptive responses, accelerating the unstoppable development of tumorous growth. Targeting several components of this cascade, including HIF-1, HIF-3, and FIH-1, MiR-210 plays a vital role in modifying HIF signalling and carefully controlling the HIF-mediated response and cellular fates in hypoxic environments. To understand the complexities of this relationship, careful investigation is required at the intersection of MiR-210 and HIF signalling. Understanding this relationship is crucial for uncovering the mechanisms underlying cancer aetiology and developing cutting-edge therapeutic approaches. The current review emphasises MiR-210's significance as a vital regulator of the HIF signalling cascade, with substantial implications spanning a range of tumor pathogenesis.

Analysis of Potential Circular RNAs in Regulating Imatinib Resistance of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies have found that circular RNA is an abundant RNA species that belongs to part of the competing endogenous RNA network (ceRNA), which was proven to play an important role in the development, diagnosis and progress of diseases. However, the function of circRNAs in imatinib resistance in Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) are poorly understood so for. The present study aimed to screen and predict the potential circRNAs in imatinib resistance of GIST using microarray analysis.

METHODS

We determined the expression of circular RNAs in paired normal gastric tissues (N), primary GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) tissues (YC) and imatinib mesylate secondary resistance GIST tissues (C) with microarray and predicted 8677 dysregulated circular RNAs.

RESULTS

Compared with the YC group, we identified 15 circRNAs that were up-regulated and 8 circRNAs that were down-regulated in the C group. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that these host linear transcripts that differentially express circular RNAs are involved in many key biological pathways, predicting the potential tumor-genesis and drug resistance mechanismrelated to HIF-1 pathway, later we draw the cirRNA-miRNA-mRNA network involved in the HIF-1 pathway and found several dysregulated circRNAs and the relationship between circRNA-miRNAs-mRNA, such as circRNA_06551, circRNA_14668, circRNA_04497, circRNA_08683, circRNA_09923(Green, down-regulation) and circRNA_23636, circRNA_15734 (Red, up-regulation).

CONCLUSION

Taken together, we identified a panel of dysregulated circRNAs that may be potential biomarkers even therapy relevant to the GIST, especially imatinib secondary resistance GIST.

Promising applications of nanotechnology in inhibiting chemo-resistance in solid tumors by targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)

The resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy, also known as chemo-resistance, poses a significant obstacle to cancer treatment and can ultimately result in patient mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the many factors and processes responsible for chemo-resistance. Studies have shown that targeting EMT can help overcome chemo-resistance, and nanotechnology and nanomedicine have emerged as promising approaches to achieve this goal. This article discusses the potential of nanotechnology in inhibiting EMT and proposes a viable strategy to combat chemo-resistance in various solid tumors, including breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. While nanotechnology has shown promising results in targeting EMT, further research is necessary to explore its full potential in overcoming chemo-resistance and discovering more effective methods in the future.

Targeting HIF-1α alleviates the inflammatory responses and rebuilds the CD4+ T cell subsets balance in the experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis inflammation model via regulating cellular and humoral immunity

BACKGROUND

Cells and tissues in an inflammatory state are usually hypoxic. The hypoxic environment can affect the differentiation of immune cells and produce Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α). Inflammation is also a major contributor to the development and deterioration of Myasthenia Gravis (MG). There are limited studies on the immunopathological mechanism and targeted therapy associated with MG exacerbated with inflammation. This research aimed to explore whether BAY 87-2243 (HIF-1α inhibitor) ameliorates the symptoms of the Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis (EAMG) inflammation model and study its regulatory mechanism on cellular immunity and humoral immunity.

METHODS

We first establish the EAMG inflammation model using Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), BAY 87-2243 was applied to the EAMG inflammation model and its therapeutic effects were evaluated in vivo and in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

The proportion of Treg cells was increased whereas Th1, Th17, and Th1/17 cells were decreased in BAY 87-2243-treated EAMG inflammation model. BAY 87-2243 ameliorated the acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) loss and the complement deposited at the neuromuscular junction of the EAMG inflammation model, declined the levels of IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-6 in serum, and further attenuated responses in the germinal center and reduced the antibody levels by inhibiting the IL-6-dependent STAT3 axis.

CONCLUSION

BAY 87-2243 restored the balance of CD4+T cell subsets and reduced the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus acting as both an immune imbalance regulator and anti-inflammatory. The current study suggests that HIF-1α might be a potential target for the treatment of MG exacerbated with inflammation.

The cell stress and immunity cycle in cancer: Toward next generation of cancer immunotherapy

The cellular stress and immunity cycle is a cornerstone of organismal homeostasis. Stress activates intracellular and intercellular communications within a tissue or organ to initiate adaptive responses aiming to resolve the origin of this stress. If such local measures are unable to ameliorate this stress, then intercellular communications expand toward immune activation with the aim of recruiting immune cells to effectively resolve the situation while executing tissue repair to ameliorate any damage and facilitate homeostasis. This cellular stress-immunity cycle is severely dysregulated in diseased contexts like cancer. On one hand, cancer cells dysregulate the normal cellular stress responses to reorient them toward upholding growth at all costs, even at the expense of organismal integrity and homeostasis. On the other hand, the tumors severely dysregulate or inhibit various components of organismal immunity, for example, by facilitating immunosuppressive tumor landscape, lowering antigenicity, and increasing T-cell dysfunction. In this review we aim to comprehensively discuss the basis behind tumoral dysregulation of cellular stress-immunity cycle. We also offer insights into current understanding of the regulators and deregulators of this cycle and how they can be targeted for conceptualizing successful cancer immunotherapy regimen.

The diverse effects of cisplatin on tumor microenvironment: Insights and challenges for the delivery of cisplatin by nanoparticles

Cisplatin is a well-known platinum-based chemotherapy medication that is widely utilized for some malignancies. Despite the direct cytotoxic consequences of cisplatin on tumor cells, studies in the recent decade have revealed that cisplatin can also affect different cells and their secretions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cisplatin has complex impacts on the TME, which may contribute to its anti-tumor activity or drug resistance mechanisms. These regulatory effects of cisplatin play a paramount function in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. This paper aims to review the diverse impacts of cisplatin and nanoparticles loaded with cisplatin on cancer cells and also non-cancerous cells in TME. The impacts of cisplatin on immune cells, tumor stroma, cancer cells, and also hypoxia will be discussed in the current review. Furthermore, we emphasize the challenges and prospects of using cisplatin in combination with other adjuvants and therapeutic modalities that target TME. We also discuss the potential synergistic effects of cisplatin with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and other agents with anticancer potentials such as polyphenols and photosensitizers. Furthermore, the potential of nanoparticles for targeting TME and better delivery of cisplatin into tumors will be discussed.

Significance of flavonoids targeting PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway in therapy-resistant cancer cells - A potential contribution to the predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine

BACKGROUND

Cancer management faces multiple obstacles, including resistance to current therapeutic approaches. In the face of challenging microenvironments, cancer cells adapt metabolically to maintain their supply of energy and precursor molecules for biosynthesis and thus sustain rapid proliferation and tumor growth. Among the various metabolic adaptations observed in cancer cells, the altered glucose metabolism is the most widely studied. The aberrant glycolytic modification in cancer cells has been associated with rapid cell division, tumor growth, cancer progression, and drug resistance. The higher rates of glycolysis in cancer cells, as a hallmark of cancer progression, is modulated by the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), a downstream target of the PI3K/Akt signaling, the most deregulated pathway in cancer.

AIM OF REVIEW

We provide a detailed overview of current, primarily experimental, evidence on the potential effectiveness of flavonoids to combat aberrant glycolysis-induced resistance of cancer cells to conventional and targeted therapies. The manuscript focuses primarily on flavonoids reducing cancer resistance via affecting PI3K/Akt, HIF-1α (as the transcription factor critical for glucose metabolism of cancer cells that is regulated by PI3K/Akt pathway), and key glycolytic mediators downstream of PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling (glucose transporters and key glycolytic enzymes).

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

The working hypothesis of the manuscript proposes HIF-1α - the transcription factor critical for glucose metabolism of cancer cells regulated by PI3K/Akt pathway as an attractive target for application of flavonoids to mitigate cancer resistance. Phytochemicals represent a source of promising substances for cancer management applicable to primary, secondary, and tertiary care. However, accurate patient stratification and individualized patient profiling represent crucial steps in the paradigm shift from reactive to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM / 3PM). The article is focused on targeting molecular patterns by natural substances and provides evidence-based recommendations for the 3PM relevant implementation.

The link between intracellular calcium signaling and exosomal PD-L1 in cancer progression and immunotherapy

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles containing microRNA, RNA, DNA fragments, and proteins that are transferred from donor cells to recipient cells. Tumor cells release exosomes to reprogram the factors associated with the tumor microenvironment (TME) causing tumor metastasis and immune escape. Emerging evidence revealed that cancer cell-derived exosomes carry immune inhibitory molecule program death ligand 1 (PD-L1) that binds with receptor program death protein 1 (PD-1) and promote tumor progression by escaping immune response. Currently, some FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies are clinically used for cancer treatment by blocking PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Despite notable treatment outcomes, some patients show poor drug response. Exosomal PD-L1 plays a vital role in lowering the treatment response, showing resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockage therapy through recapitulating the effect of cell surface PD-L1. To enhance therapeutic response, inhibition of exosomal PD-L1 is required. Calcium signaling is the central regulator of tumorigenesis and can regulate exosome biogenesis and secretion by modulating Rab GTPase family and membrane fusion factors. Immune checkpoints are also connected with calcium signaling and calcium channel blockers like amlodipine, nifedipine, lercanidipine, diltiazem, and verapamil were also reported to suppress cellular PD-L1 expression. Therefore, to enhance the PD-1/PD-L1 blockage therapy response, the reduction of exosomal PD-L1 secretion from cancer cells is in our therapeutic consideration. In this review, we proposed a therapeutic strategy by targeting calcium signaling to inhibit the expression of PD-L1-containing exosome levels that could reduce the anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy resistance and increase the patient's drug response rate.

Network Pharmacology Analysis on the Mechanism of Xihuangwan in Treating Rectal Cancer and Radiation Enteritis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that XihuangWan (XHW) is a kind of Chinese medicine with significant anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its mechanism for preventing and treating radiation proctitis in rectal cancer patients during radiotherapy remains unclear.

METHODS

This study employed the network pharmacology to establish a "drug-active ingredient-target genedisease" network via using TCMSP, SymMap, GeneCard, and OMIM databases. The PPI network was conducted by the String tool. The core targets of XHW in the treatment of rectal cancer and radiation enteritis were identified by topological analysis, and the functional annotation analysis and pathway enrichment analysis were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 61 active ingredients of XHW ingredients, 4607 rectal cancer-related genes, 5803 radiation enteritis-related genes, and 68 common targets of XHW in the treatment of rectal cancer and radiation enteritis were obtained. PTGS1 and NR3C2, as identified potential targets, were significantly associated with OS of colorectal cancer patients. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that bioinformatics annotation of these common genes was mainly involved in DNA-binding transcription factor, PI3K/Akt, TNF, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and colorectal cancer pathway.

CONCLUSION

The active ingredients of XHW, mainly including Quercetin, Ellagic acid, and Stigmasterol, might act on common targets of rectal cancer and radiation enteritis, such as PTGS1, NR3C2, IL-6, EGFR, HIF-1A, CASP3, BCL2, ESR1, MYC, and PPARG, and regulate multiple signaling pathways like PI3K-Akt, TNF, and HIF-1 to inhibit tumor proliferation, tumor angiogenesis, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress, thereby achieving prevention and treatment of radiation enteritis in rectal cancer patients during radiotherapy. It provided an important reference for further elucidating the anti-inflammation and anti-tumor mechanism and clinical application of XHW.

Aging changes the expression of adenosine receptors, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) in hypothalamic astrocyte cultures

The aging process induces neurochemical alterations in different brain regions, including hypothalamus. This pivotal area of the central nervous system (CNS) is crucial for detection and integration of nutritional and hormonal signals from the periphery of the body to maintain metabolic homeostasis. Astrocytes support the CNS homeostasis, energy metabolism, and inflammatory response, as well as increasing evidence has highlighted a critical role of astrocytes in orchestrating hypothalamic functions and in gliocrine system. In this study, we aimed to investigate the age-dependent mRNA expression of adenosine receptors, the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), and the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), in addition to the levels of IGF1 and HIF1α in hypothalamic astrocyte cultures derived from newborn, adult, and aged rats. Our results revealed age-dependent changes in adenosine receptors, as well as a decrease in IGF1R/IGF1 and HIF1α. Of note, adenosine receptors, IGF1, and HIF1α are affected by inflammatory, redox, and metabolic processes, which can remodel hypothalamic properties, as observed in aging brain, reinforcing the role of hypothalamic astrocytes as targets for understanding the onset and/or progression of age-related diseases.

A review on the potential risks and mechanisms of heavy metal exposure to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic disease that affects patients as well as the health and economic stability of society as a whole. At the same time, heavy metal pollution is widely recognized as having a possible impact on the environment and human health. Therefore, these diseases have become important global public health issues. In recent years, researchers have shown great interest in the potential association between heavy metal exposure and the development of COPD, and there has been a substantial increase in the number of related studies. However, we still face the challenge of developing a comprehensive and integrated understanding of this complex association. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate the existing epidemiological studies to clarify the association between heavy metal exposure and COPD. In addition, we will discuss the biological mechanisms between the two to better understand the multiple molecular pathways and possible mechanisms of action involved, and provide additional insights for the subsequent identification of potential strategies to prevent and control the effects of heavy metal exposure on the development of COPD in individuals and populations.

Recent Advances and Therapeutic Implications of 2-Oxoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenases in Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is a common disease with a high disability rate and mortality, which brings heavy pressure on families and medical insurance. Nowadays, the golden treatments for ischemic stroke in the acute phase mainly include endovascular therapy and intravenous thrombolysis. Some drugs are used to alleviate brain injury in patients with ischemic stroke, such as edaravone and 3-n-butylphthalide. However, no effective neuroprotective drug for ischemic stroke has been acknowledged. 2-Oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2OGDDs) are conserved and common dioxygenases whose activities depend on O2, Fe2+, and 2OG. Most 2OGDDs are expressed in the brain and are essential for the development and functions of the brain. Therefore, 2OGDDs likely play essential roles in ischemic brain injury. In this review, we briefly elucidate the functions of most 2OGDDs, particularly the effects of regulations of 2OGDDs on various cells in different phases after ischemic stroke. It would also provide promising potential therapeutic targets and directions of drug development for protecting the brain against ischemic injury and improving outcomes of ischemic stroke.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α activates the NLRP3 inflammasome to regulate epithelial differentiation in chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an upper airway inflammation disease associated with hypoxia-mediated inflammation. The effect of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) on NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation in the pathogenesis of sinonasal mucosa is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effect and mechanism of HIF-1α on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the primary human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs).

METHODS

We measured the expression levels of HIF-1α and the NLRP3 inflammasome in nasal biopsy samples and hNECs derived from negative controls (healthy) and patients with CRS with and without nasal polyps, then further analyzed the specific mechanism of HIF-1α regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its effect on hNEC differentiation.

RESULTS

Increased mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α and the NLRP3 inflammasome were found in all CRS biopsy samples. HIF-1α enhanced expression of phosphorylated NLRP3 (S295) in both HEK293T cells and hNECs; it also promoted recruitment of caspase-1 and apoptotic speck-like protein containing caspase recruitment domain (aka ASC) by NLRP3. HIF-1α also improved NLRP3's stability by preventing NLRP3 degradation caused by hypoxia-mediated inflammation. In addition, HIF-1α could also increase expression of Mucin5AC and decrease expression of α-tubulin by promoting activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in hNECs. In addition, HIF-1α could also directly promote P63 expression in hNECs.

CONCLUSION

HIF-1α could potentially induce cilia loss and enhance the proliferation of goblet cells, possibly mediated by the regulation of NLRP3 phosphorylation in CRS inflammation.

HIF-1α promotes astrocytic production of macrophage migration inhibitory factor following spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important mediator of neuropathology in various central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, little is known about its inducers for production from the nerve cells, as well as the underlying regulatory mechanism. Injury-induced HIF-1α has been shown to exacerbate neuroinflammation by activating multiple downstream target molecules. It is postulated that HIF-1α is involved in the regulation of MIF following spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

SCI model of Sprague-Dawley rats was established by cord contusion at T8-T10. The dynamic changes of HIF-1α and MIF protein levels at lesion site of rat spinal cord were determined by Western blot. The specific cell types of HIF-1α and MIF expression were examined by immunostaining. Primary astrocytes were isolated from the spinal cord, cultured and stimulated with various agonist or inhibitor of HIF-1α for analysis of HIF-1α-mediated expression of MIF. Luciferase report assay was used to determine the relationship between HIF-1α and MIF. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale was used to assess the locomotor function following SCI.

RESULTS

The protein levels of HIF-1α and MIF at lesion site were significantly elevated by SCI. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that both HIF-1α and MIF were abundantly expressed in the astrocytes of the spinal cord. By using various agonists or inhibitors of HIF-1α, it was shown that HIF-1α sufficiently induced astrocytic production of MIF. Mechanistically, HIF-1α promoted MIF expression through interaction with MIF promoter. Inhibition of HIF-1α activity using specific inhibitor markedly reduced the protein levels of MIF at lesion site following SCI, which in turn favored for the functional recovery.

CONCLUSION

SCI-induced activation of HIF-1α is able to promote MIF production from astrocytes. Our results have provided new clues for SCI-induced production of DAMPs, which may be helpful for clinical treatment of neuroinflammation.

Hypoxic tumor cell-derived small extracellular vesicle miR-152-3p promotes cervical cancer radioresistance through KLF15 protein

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy is widely used in treating cervical cancer patients, however, radioresistance unavoidably occurs and seriously affects the treatment effect. It is well known that hypoxia plays an important role in promoting radioresistance in tumor microenvironment, yet our understanding of the effect of small extracellular vesicles miRNA on cervical cancer radiosensitivity in hypoxic environment is still limited.

METHODS

Small extracellular vesicles extracted from hypoxic and normoxic cultured cervical cancer cells were evaluated for their effects on radioresistance. miR-152-3p was found to be a potential effector in hypoxia-derived extracellular vesicles by searching the GEO database. Its downstream substrate was confirmed by double luciferase report, which was KLF15. The role of miR-152-3p and KLF15 in regulating cervical cancer radioresistance was detected by cell activity assays. The findings were confirmed in vivo by animal models. The expression of miR-152-3p was quantified by qRT-PCR and its prognostic significance was evaluated.

RESULTS

Hypoxic environment promoted the secretion of small extracellular vesicles, and reduced the apoptosis and DNA damage caused by radiation, accompanied by increased expression of small extracellular vesicles miR-152-3p from hypoxic cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, small extracellular vesicles miR-152-3p promoted Hela xenograft growth and reduced the radiosensitivity vivo. Mechanism studies revealed that KLF15 protein was the downstream target of miR-152-3p in regulating radioresistance.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that small extracellular vesicles miR-152-3p affects the therapeutic effect of radiotherapy and holds potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target for cervical cancer prognosis and improving radiotherapy.

Effect of Oroxylum indicum on hepatocellular carcinoma via the P53 and VEGF pathways based on microfluidic chips

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), abbreviated as liver cancer, is one of the most common cancers in clinics. HCC has a wider spread and higher incidence due to its high malignancy and metastasis. In HCC, effective strategies to block cancer cell migration, invasion, and neovascularization need to be further studied. Consumption of flavonoid-rich Oroxylum indicum (OI) has been associated with multiple beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, but the potential effects on HCC have not been thoroughly investigated.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to reveal the effect of OI on HCC and its potential mechanism through microfluidic technology.

METHODS

We designed microfluidic chips for cell migration, invasion, and neovascularization to evaluate the effect of OI on HepG2 cells. To further explore the mechanism of its anti-liver cancer action, the relevant signaling pathways were studied by microfluidic chips, RT‒qPCR and immunofluorescence techniques. Compared to the control group, cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis were significantly reduced in each administration group. According to the P53 and VEGF pathways predicted by network pharmacology, RT‒qPCR and immunofluorescence staining experiments were conducted.

RESULTS

The results showed that OI upregulated the expression of Bax, P53 and Caspase-3 and downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and MDM2. It has been speculated that OI may directly or indirectly induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells by regulating apoptosis-related genes. OI blocks the VEGF signaling pathway by downregulating the expression levels of VEGF, HIF-1α and EGFR and inhibits the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells and the formation of new blood vessels.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that OI may inhibit the migration, invasion, and neovascularization of HepG2 cells, and its regulatory mechanism may be related to the regulation of the P53 and VEGF pathways.

Unraveling the protective mechanisms of Chuanfangyihao against acute lung injury: Insights from experimental validation

Chuanfangyihao (CFYH) is an effective treatment for acute lung injury (ALI) in clinical practice; however, its underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism of action of CFYH in ALI through experimental validation. First, a rat model of ALI was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Next, the pathological changes in the lungs of the rats and the pathological damage were scored. The wet/dry weight ratios were measured, and ROS content was detected using flow cytometry. ELISA was used to examine IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH levels. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect Beclin-1 and NLRP3 expression. Western blotting was performed to analyze the expression of HMGB1, RAGE, TLR4, NF-κB p65, AMPK, p-AMPK, mTOR, p-mTOR, Beclin-1, LC3-II/I, p62, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD-NT. The mRNA levels of HMGB1, RAGE, AMPK, mTOR, and HIF-1α were determined using reverse transcription quantitative PCR. CFYH alleviated pulmonary edema and decreased the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, TLR4, NF-κB p65, HMGB1/RAGE, ROS, and HIF-1α. In addition, pretreatment with CFYH reversed ALI-induced programmed cell death. In conclusion, CFYH alleviates LPS-induced ALI, and these findings provide a preliminary clarification of the predominant mechanism of action of CFYH in ALI.

A positive feedback loop between miR-574-3p and HIF-1α in promoting angiogenesis under hypoxia

In our previous report, we presented evidence supporting the role of miR-574-3p in downregulating the expression of cullin 2 (CUL2) in gastric cancer (GC) cells. Expanding on those findings, the present study aims to confirm the direct interaction between miR-574-3p and the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of CUL2, which leads to the suppression of CUL2 expression and destabilization of the VCBCR complex. Based on these discoveries, we propose a novel pathway involving miR-574-3p, HIF-1α, and VEGF that contributes to angiogenesis. Through a series of meticulous experiments, we successfully validate this hypothesis. Specifically, our observations indicate that overexpression of miR-574-3p in GC cells induces an upregulation of HIF-1α and VEGF, resulting in enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation of HUVEC cells. Furthermore, employing a mouse model, we demonstrate that miR-574-3p facilitates the recruitment of endothelial cells towards matrigel xenografts. Additionally, we note a parallel increase in miR-574-3p and HIF-1α levels across multiple cell lines (including AGS, SGC-7901, Hela, and 293T cells) subjected to hypoxic conditions (2 % O2 or CoCl2 treatment), as well as in the myocardial muscles of sodium nitrite-induced hypoxic mice. Further investigations reveal that HIF-1α upregulates miR-574-3p expression by directly binding to the miR-574 promoter. Collectively, these findings strongly support the existence of a positive feedback loop between miR-574-3p and HIF-1α, which facilitates angiogenesis under hypoxic conditions.

Caveolin-1 protects against liver damage exacerbated by acetaminophen in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting the ERK/HIF-1α pathway

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a common antipyretic and analgesic drug that can cause long-term liver damage after an overdose. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increases susceptibility to APAP. In NAFLD, excessive accumulation of lipids leads to an abnormal increase in hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Caveolin-1 (CAV1) may protect against NAFLD by inhibiting HIF-1α. This research aimed to determine whether CAV1 could attenuate APAP-exacerbated liver injury in NAFLD by inhibiting oxidative stress involving HIF-1α. In this study, 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks, followed by the instillation of APAP. Levels of oxidative stress and liver lipid deposition were determined, and p-ERK1/2 and HIF-1α protein expression were measured by the Western blot (WB) method. In the APAP-treated group, the level of CAV1 was decreased, while the levels of HIF-1α and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were significantly increased. AML12 cells were treated with a mixture of palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) (1:2 mix) for 48 h, and APAP was added for the last 24 h. Overexpression of CAV1 in AML12 cells significantly inhibited the expression of ROS and HIF-1α. And the results of immunofluorescence after treatment with CAV1-SiRNA showed that the HIF-1α levels were significantly increased in mitochondria. In conclusion, our experimental results suggest that CAV1 has a protective function in the fatty liver based on preventing oxidative stress, which involves HIF-1α. Thus, upregulation of CAV1 may attenuate APAP-exacerbated liver injury in NAFLD.