Effect of resveratrol on doxorubicin resistance in breast neoplasm cells by modulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Resveratrol: Targeting Cancer Stem Cells and ncRNAs to Overcome Cancer Drug Resistance

A major challenge in treating cancer is the development of drug resistance, which can result in treatment failure and tumor recurrence. Targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with a polyphenolic substance called resveratrol has the ability to combat this problem by lowering cancer resistance to drugs and opening up new therapeutic options. Resveratrol alters the expression of genes related to self-renewal, modulating important signaling pathways involved in cancer initiation and CSC control. Additionally, resveratrol affects non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs which are essential for stemness, drug resistance, and other cancer-related activities. Numerous studies have shown that resveratrol has the potential to be an effective anticancer drug when used in combination therapy, but issues with absorption and pharmacokinetics still need to be resolved before it can be used in clinical applications. Reducing chemotherapy resistance by better understanding the intricate mechanisms by which resveratrol affects cancer cells and CSCs, as well as its impact on ncRNA expression, could eventually contribute to more effective cancer treatments. To completely understand these pathways and optimize the utilization of resveratrol in combination treatments, additional study is necessary.

USP10 suppresses ABCG2-induced malignant characteristics of doxorubicin-resistant thyroid cancer by inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway

Doxorubicin (DOX) is the most extensively used drug in the chemotherapy of thyroid cancer (TC). However, the existence of DOX resistance is not conducive to TC treatment. Here, we investigated the role of USP10 in DOX-resistant TC and explored the underlying molecular mechanism. CCK-8 assay was used to measure cell viability in thyroid cancer FTC133 and DOX-resistant FTC133-DOX cells. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to evaluate USP10 expression. Cell migration, invasion, and apoptotic assays were conducted. Western blot was used to detect cellular signaling proteins, EMT-related proteins, and apoptosis-related proteins. We found a lower expression of USP10 in the human TC cell line FTC133 as compared to the normal human thyroid Htori-3 cells. Notably, USP10 expression was further reduced in DOX-resistant (FTC133-DOX) cells compared to the FTC133 cells. FTC133-DOX cells had increased invasion, migration, and EMT properties while less apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Interestingly, overexpressing USP10 increased the chemosensitivity of FTC133 cells to DOX therapy. Overexpressing USP10 inhibited invasion, migration, and EMT properties of FTC133-DOX cells and promoted apoptosis. Mechanistically, overexpressing USP10 inhibited PI3K/AKT pathway by activating PTEN. Furthermore, overexpressed USP10 controlled all these processes by downregulating ABCG2. This study demonstrates that USP10 could reduce DOX-induced resistance of TC cells to DOX therapy and could suppress TC malignant behavior by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway. Furthermore, USP10 targeted ABCG2 to inhibit all these malignant processes, therefore, either increasing USP10 expression or inhibiting ABCG2 could be used as novel targets for treating DOX-resistant thyroid cancer.

Combination Chemotherapy with Selected Polyphenols in Preclinical and Clinical Studies-An Update Overview

This review article describes studies published over the past five years on the combination of polyphenols, which are the most studied in the field of anticancer effects (curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, and apigenin) and chemotherapeutics such as cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, etc. According to WHO data, research has been limited to five cancers with the highest morbidity rate (lung, colorectal, liver, gastric, and breast cancer). A systematic review of articles published in the past five years (from January 2018 to January 2023) was carried out with the help of all Web of Science databases and the available base of clinical studies. Based on the preclinical studies presented in this review, polyphenols can enhance drug efficacy and reduce chemoresistance through different molecular mechanisms. Considering the large number of studies, curcumin could be a molecule in future chemotherapy cocktails. One of the main problems in clinical research is related to the limited bioavailability of most polyphenols. The design of a new co-delivery system for drugs and polyphenols is essential for future clinical research. Some polyphenols work in synergy with chemotherapeutic drugs, but some polyphenols can act antagonistically, so caution is always required.

Resveratrol in breast cancer treatment: from cellular effects to molecular mechanisms of action

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in females and is responsible for the highest cancer-related deaths following lung cancer. The complex tumor microenvironment and the aggressive behavior, heterogenous nature, high proliferation rate, and ability to resist treatment are the most well-known features of BC. Accordingly, it is critical to find an effective therapeutic agent to overcome these deleterious features of BC. Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenol and can be found in common foods, such as pistachios, peanuts, bilberries, blueberries, and grapes. It has been used as a therapeutic agent for various diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and cancer. The anticancer mechanisms of RES in regard to breast cancer include the inhibition of cell proliferation, and reduction of cell viability, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, the synergistic effects of RES in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, such as docetaxel, paclitaxel, cisplatin, and/or doxorubicin may contribute to enhancing the anticancer properties of RES on BC cells. Although, it demonstrates promising therapeutic features, the low water solubility of RES limits its use, suggesting the use of delivery systems to improve its bioavailability. Several types of nano drug delivery systems have therefore been introduced as good candidates for RES delivery. Due to RES's promising potential as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent for BC, this review aims to explore the anticancer mechanisms of RES using the most up to date research and addresses the effects of using nanomaterials as delivery systems to improve the anticancer properties of RES.

Disease-associated regulation of gene expression by resveratrol: Special focus on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural phenol that is present in the skin of the grape, blueberry, raspberry, mulberry, and peanut. This substance is synthesized in these plants following injury or exposure to pathogens. Resveratrol is used as a dietary supplement for a long time and its effects have been assessed in animal models of human disorders. It has potential beneficial effects in diverse pathological conditions such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, neoplastic conditions, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular disorders. Notably, resveratrol has been found to affect the expression of several genes including cytokine coding genes, caspases, matrix metalloproteinases, adhesion molecules, and growth factors. Moreover, it can modulate the activity of several signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, Wnt, NF-κB, and Notch pathways. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies that reported modulatory effects of resveratrol on the expression of genes and the activity of signaling pathways. We explain these results in two distinct sections of non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions.

Potential roles and molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals against cancer

Increasing evidence has been reported regarding phytochemicals, plant secondary metabolites, having therapeutic functions against numerous human diseases. Recently, phytochemicals (flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, coumarins and so on) have shown promising anti-cancer efficacy with their distinct advantages of high efficiency and low toxicity. They regulate programmed cell death (apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy), migration and senescence-related signaling pathways of cancer via the modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, deleted in liver cancer 1 (DLC1), nuclear factor κ light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) pathways and glycolytic enzymes. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms by which phytochemicals prevent the development of cancer. Furthermore, phytochemicals combined with chemotherapeutic agents could target the crosstalk among multiple signal cascades to block chemoresistance and attenuate carcinogenic properties, and can be considered as a novel and potential therapeutic strategy. Our review highlights that the mechanisms and promising applications are required to be understood to decisively establish the anti-cancer efficacy of natural phytochemicals.

miRNAs inspirations in hepatocellular carcinoma: Detrimental and favorable aspects of key performers

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC initiation, progression, and therapy failure are all influenced by various variables, including microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are short non-coding RNA sequences that modulate target mRNA expression by deteriorating or repressing translation. miRNAs play an imperative role in HCC pathogenesis by triggering the induction of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their proliferation, while also delaying apoptosis, sustaining the cell cycle, and inspiring angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Additionally, miRNAs modulate crucial HCC-related molecular pathways such as the p53 pathway, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, VEGFR2, and PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. Consequently, the goal of this review was to give an up-to-date overview of oncogenic and tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs, as well as their potential significance in HCC pathogenesis and treatment responses, highlighting their underpinning molecular pathways in HCC initiation and progression. Similarly, the biological importance and clinical application of miRNAs in HCC are summarized.

Molecular Basis of Resveratrol-Induced Resensitization of Acquired Drug-Resistant Cancer Cells

Multidrug resistance (MDR) to anticancer drugs remains a serious obstacle to the success of cancer chemotherapy. Resveratrol, a polyphenol, present in natural products exerts anticancer activity and acts as a potential MDR inhibitor in various drug-resistant cancer cells. In the process of resensitization of drug-resistant cancer cells, resveratrol has been shown to interfere with ABC transporters and drug-metabolizing enzymes, increase DNA damage, inhibit cell cycle progression, and induce apoptosis and autophagy, as well as prevent the induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSCs). This review summarizes the mechanisms by which resveratrol counteracts MDR in acquired drug-resistant cancer cell lines and provides a critical basis for understanding the regulation of MDR as well as the development of MDR-inhibiting drugs.

The Potential of Natural Products in the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks receptors for targeted therapy. Consequently, chemotherapy is currently the mainstay of systemic treatment options. However, the enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSC, a subpopulation with stem-cell characteristics and tumor-initiating propensity) promotes chemo-resistance and tumorigenesis, resulting in cancer recurrence and relapse. Furthermore, toxic side effects of chemotherapeutics reduce patient wellbeing. Natural products, specifically compounds derived from plants, have the potential to treat TNBC and target CSCs by inhibiting CSC signaling pathways. Literature evidence from six promising compounds were reviewed, including sulforaphane, curcumin, genistein, resveratrol, lycopene, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate. These compounds have been shown to promote cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in TNBC cells. They also could inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that plays an important role in metastasis. In addition, those natural compounds have been found to inhibit pathways important for CSCs, such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Notch 1, Wnt/β-catenin, and YAP. Clinicals trials conducted on these compounds have shown varying degrees of effectiveness. Epidemiological case-control studies for the compounds commonly consumed in certain human populations have also been summarized. While in vivo and in vitro data are promising, further basic and clinical investigations are required. Likely, natural products in combination with other drugs may hold great potential to improve TNBC treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Polyphenols inhibiting MAPK signalling pathway mediated oxidative stress and inflammation in depression

Depression is one of the most debilitating psychiatric disorders affecting people of all ages worldwide. Despite significant heterogeneity between studies, increased inflammation and oxidative stress have been found in depression. Oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the pathogenesis of depression. In the current review, we discussed the markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in depressive disorder and the association between these markers and the antidepressant treatment. The role of natural polyphenols in regulating various cell signaling pathways related to oxidative stress and inflammation has also been reviewed. The inhibitory effect of polyphenols on several cell signaling pathways reveals the vital role of polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of depressive disorder. Understanding the mechanism of polyphenols implicated in the regulation of cell signaling pathways is essential for the identification of lead compounds and the development of novel effective compounds for the prevention and treatment of depressive disorder.

A New Chalcone Derivative C49 Reverses Doxorubicin Resistance in MCF-7/DOX Cells by Inhibiting P-Glycoprotein Expression

Objective: C49 is a chalcone derivative. The aim of the current study is to illuminate the efficacy of C49 in reversing multidrug resistance (MDR) in MCF-7/DOX cells and its underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: The cytotoxic effects of C49 on MCF-7/DOX cells were evaluated by MTT assay using different concentration (0-250 μmol/L) of C49. Cell proliferation was evaluated by colony formation assay. Cell death was examined by morphological analysis using Hoechst 33,258 staining. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were utilized to evaluate the intracellular accumulation of doxorubicin (DOX) and cell apoptosis. The differentially expressed genns between MCF-7 and MCF-7/DOX cells were analyzed by GEO database. The expression of PI3K/Akt pathway proteins were assessed by Western blot The activities of C49 combined with DOX was evaluated via xenograft tumor model in female BALB/c nude mice. Results: C49 inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 59.82 ± 2.10 μmol/L) and MCF-7/DOX cells (IC50 = 65.69 ± 8.11 μmol/L) with dosage-dependent and enhanced the cellular accumulation of DOX in MCF-7/DOX cells. The combination of C49 and DOX inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. MCF-7/DOX cells regained drug sensibility with the combination treatment through inhibiting the expression of P-gp, p-PI3K and p-Akt proteins. Meanwhile, C49 significantly increased the anticancer efficacy of DOX in vivo. Conclusion: C49 combined with DOX restored DOX sensitivity in MCF-7/DOX cells through inhibiting P-gp protein.

Dietary polyphenols suppress chronic inflammation by modulation of multiple inflammation-associated cell signaling pathways

The high failure rate of the reductionist approach to discover effective and safe drugs to treat chronic inflammatory diseases has led scientists to seek alternative ways. Recently, targeting cell signaling pathways has been utilized as an innovative approach to discover drug leads from natural products. Cell signaling mechanisms have been identified playing key role in diverse diseases by inducing proliferation, cell survival and apoptosis. Phytochemicals are known to be able to modulate the cellular and molecular networks which are associated to chronic diseases including cancer-associated inflammation. In this review, the roles of dietary polyphenols (apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, curcumin, genistein, isoliquiritigenin, resveratrol and gallic acid) in modulating multiple inflammation-associated cell signaling networks are deliberated. Scientific databases on suppressive effects of the polyphenols on chronic inflammation via modulation of the pathways especially in the recent five years are gathered and critically analyzed. The polyphenols are able to modulate several inflammation-associated cell signaling pathways, namely nuclear factor-kappa β, mitogen activated protein kinases, Wnt/β-catenin and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B via selective actions on various components of the networks. The suppressive effects of the polyphenols on the multiple cell signaling pathways reveal their potential use in prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders. Understanding the mechanistic effects involved in modulation of the signaling pathways by the polyphenols is necessary for lead identification and development of future functional foods for prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

CYP1B1 as a therapeutic target in cardio-oncology

Cardiovascular complications have been frequently reported in cancer patients and survivors, mainly because of various cardiotoxic cancer treatments. Despite the known cardiovascular toxic effects of these treatments, they are still clinically used because of their effectiveness as anti-cancer agents. In this review, we discuss the growing body of evidence suggesting that inhibition of the cytochrome P450 1B1 enzyme (CYP1B1) can be a promising therapeutic strategy that has the potential to prevent cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular complications without reducing their anti-cancer effects. CYP1B1 is an extrahepatic enzyme that is expressed in cardiovascular tissues and overexpressed in different types of cancers. A growing body of evidence is demonstrating a detrimental role of CYP1B1 in both cardiovascular diseases and cancer, via perturbed metabolism of endogenous compounds, production of carcinogenic metabolites, DNA adduct formation, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Several chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to induce CYP1B1 in cardiovascular and cancer cells, possibly via activating the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), ROS generation, and inflammatory cytokines. Induction of CYP1B1 is detrimental in many ways. First, it can induce or exacerbate cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular complications. Second, it may lead to significant chemo/radio-resistance, undermining both the safety and effectiveness of cancer treatments. Therefore, numerous preclinical studies demonstrate that inhibition of CYP1B1 protects against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and prevents chemo- and radio-resistance. Most of these studies have utilized phytochemicals to inhibit CYP1B1. Since phytochemicals have multiple targets, future studies are needed to discern the specific contribution of CYP1B1 to the cardioprotective and chemo/radio-sensitizing effects of these phytochemicals.

Antioncogenic Effect of MicroRNA-206 on Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Through Inhibition of Proliferation and Promotion of Apoptosis and Autophagy

Recent studies have reported the crucial role of stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) in hepatocellular carcinoma; however, its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains elusive. In this study, microRNA-206 (miR-206) was predicted to target STC2 gene. The study herein aimed to elucidate the effect of miR-206 on HNSCC by targeting STC2. STC2 was highly expressed in HNSCC tissues and cells. By targeting STC2, miR-206 decreased mRNA and protein expression of STC2. Importantly, our study showed that miR-206 blocked the Akt signaling pathway by inhibiting STC2. Intriguingly, our data from in vitro and in vivo experiments suggested that miR-206 overexpression led to decreased cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis and autophagy, as well as suppressed tumor growth; whereas, STC2 silencing reversed the effects of miR-206 inhibitor on those biological behaviors. In this study, we investigated the antioncogenic effect of miR-206 on HNSCC by targeting STC2, and highlighted miR-206/STC2 aixs as potential therapeutic targets for HNSCC.

MAPK pathway and SIRT1 are involved in the down-regulation of secreted osteopontin expression by genistein in metastatic cancer cells

AIM

The regulation of secreted osteopontin (OPN) expression by genistein and its functional sequel in the metastatic cancer cells (MDA-MB-435 and MDA-MB-231) was ascertained.

MAIN METHODS

Western blot and Real-Time PCR were used to analyse the proteins and mRNA transcripts, respectively. Possible transcriptional regulation of secreted OPN was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, bioinformatics analysis, transfection and luciferase reporter assay. The specific siRNAs and constitutive p-ERKs were used to evaluate the role of the MAPK pathway. The functional sequel of genistein in these cells was analyzed by colony formation-, migration- and invasion- assay.

KEY FINDINGS

Secreted OPN expression was inhibited (up to ~0.7-fold) by genistein in these cells. Genistein (50 μM) displayed a reduction in the aggressiveness of these cells concerning colony formation rate, migration, and invasion. The p-ERK½ was increased by ~2.5-fold and ~1.5-fold upon 50 μM genistein and 15 μM resveratrol treatments at 24 h, respectively. Knockdown of ERK½ and PD98059, the inhibitor of MEK, promoted secreted OPN expression in vitro in these cells; while, the transfection of the constitutive active ERK2 (L73P and S151D) decreased the secreted OPN expression. Further, silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) expression in the cells was increased (~1.6-fold) upon genistein treatment (50 μM) likewise with resveratrol (~1.5-fold), an activator for SIRT1. Knockdown of SIRT1 increased OPN mRNA transcripts expression level and secreted OPN protein level in these cells.

SIGNIFICANCE

MAPK pathway and SIRT1 activation are involved in the regulation of secreted OPN by genistein in these cells.

Bioinspired Composite, pH-Responsive Sodium Deoxycholate Hydrogel and Generation 4.5 Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer Improves Cancer Treatment Efficacy via Doxorubicin and Resveratrol Co-Delivery

Maximizing the antitumor efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX) with a new drug delivery strategy is always desired in the field of biomedical science. Because the clinical applications of DOX in the treatment of cancer is limited by the side effects related to the dose. Herein, we report the co-loading of DOX and resveratrol (RESV) using an injectable in situ formed sodium deoxycholate hydrogel (Na-DOC-hyd) at the pH of the tumor extracellular microenvironment. The sequential, controlled, and sustained release of RESV and DOX for synergistic antitumor effects was confirmed by entrapping G4.5-DOX in the RESV-loaded Na-DOC hydrogel (Na-DOC-hyd-RESV). The synergistic antitumor activity of Na-DOC-hyd-RESV+G4.5-DOX was assessed on HeLa cell xenograft tumor in BALB/c nude mice. In the MTT biocompatibility assay, both the G4.5 PAMAM dendrimer and Na-DOC-hyd exhibited negligible cytotoxicity up to the highest dose of 2.0 mg mL-1 in HeLa, MDA-MB-231, and HaCaT cells. The release profiles of DOX and RESV from the Na-DOC-hyd-RESV+G4.5-DOX confirmed the relatively rapid release of RESV (70.43 ± 1.39%), followed by that of DOX (54.58 ± 0.62%) at pH 6.5 in the 7 days of drug release studies. A single intratumoral injection of Na-DOC-hyd-RESV+G4.5-DOX maximally suppressed tumor growth during the 28 days of the treatment period. Na-DOC-hyd-RESV+G4.5-DOX did not cause any histological damage in the major visceral organs. Therefore, this Na-DOC-hydrogel for dual drugs (DOX and RESV) delivery at the pH of the tumor extracellular microenvironment is a promising, safe, and effective combination for antitumor chemotherapy.

CircRNAs in anticancer drug resistance: recent advances and future potential

CircRNAs are a novel class of RNA molecules with a unique closed continuous loop structure. CircRNAs are abundant in eukaryotic cells, have unique stability and tissue specificity, and can play a biological regulatory role at various levels, such as transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Numerous studies have indicated that circRNAs serve a crucial purpose in cancer biology. CircRNAs regulate tumor behavioral phenotypes such as proliferation and migration through various molecular mechanisms, such as miRNA sponging, transcriptional regulation, and protein interaction. Recently, several reports have demonstrated that they are also deeply involved in resistance to anticancer drugs, from traditional chemotherapeutic drugs to targeted and immunotherapeutic drugs. This review is the first to summarize the latest research on circRNAs in anticancer drug resistance based on drug classification and to discuss their potential clinical applications.

The emerging role of microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide and the second most lethal human cancer. A portion of patients with advanced HCC can significantly benefit from treatments with sorafenib, adriamycin, 5-fluorouracil and platinum drugs. However, most HCC patients eventually develop drug resistance, resulting in a poor prognosis. The mechanisms involved in HCC drug resistance are complex and inconclusive. Human transcripts without protein-coding potential are known as noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNA (circRNA). Accumulated evidences demonstrate that several deregulated miRNAs and lncRNAs are important regulators in the development of HCC drug resistance which elucidates their potential clinical implications. In this review, we summarized the detailed mechanisms by which miRNAs and lncRNAs affect HCC drug resistance. Multiple tumor-specific miRNAs and lncRNAs may serve as novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for HCC.

Inhibition of TFF3 Enhances Sensitivity-and Overcomes Acquired Resistance-to Doxorubicin in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Mammary Carcinoma

Dose-dependent toxicity and acquired resistance are two major challenges limiting the efficacious treatment of mammary carcinoma (MC) with doxorubicin. Herein, we investigated the function of Trefoil Factor 3 (TFF3) in the sensitivity and acquired resistance of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) MC cells to doxorubicin. Doxorubicin treatment of ER+MC cells increased TFF3 expression. The depletion of TFF3 by siRNA or inhibition with a small molecule TFF3 inhibitor (AMPC) synergistically enhanced the efficacy of doxorubicin in ER+MC through the suppression of doxorubicin-induced AKT activation and enhancement of doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Elevated expression of TFF3 and increased activation of AKT were also observed using a model of acquired doxorubicin resistance in ER+MC cells. AMPC partially re-sensitized the doxorubicin resistant cells to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Indeed, doxorubicin resistant ER + MC cells exhibited increased sensitivity to AMPC as a single agent compared to doxorubicin sensitive cells. In vivo, AMPC attenuated growth of doxorubicin sensitive ER+MC xenografts whereas it produced regression of xenografts generated by doxorubicin resistant ER+MC cells. Hence, TFF3 inhibition may improve the efficacy and reduce required doses of doxorubicin in ER+MC. Moreover, inhibition of TFF3 may also be an effective therapeutic strategy to eradicate doxorubicin resistant ER+MC.

Leveraging the Cardio-Protective and Anticancer Properties of Resveratrol in Cardio-Oncology

Cardio-oncology is a clinical/scientific discipline which aims to prevent and/or treat cardiovascular diseases in cancer patients. Although a large number of cancer treatments are known to cause cardiovascular toxicity, they are still widely used because they are highly effective. Unfortunately, therapeutic interventions to prevent and/or treat cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular toxicity have not been established yet. A major challenge for such interventions is to protect the cardiovascular system without compromising the therapeutic benefit of anticancer medications. Intriguingly, the polyphenolic natural compound resveratrol and its analogs have been shown in preclinical studies to protect against cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular toxicity. They have also been shown to possess significant anticancer properties on their own, and to enhance the anticancer effect of other cancer treatments. Thus, they hold significant promise to protect the cardiovascular system and fight the cancer at the same time. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge regarding the cardio-protective and the anticancer properties of resveratrol and its analogs. Thereafter, we will discuss the challenges that face the clinical application of these agents. To conclude, we will highlight important gaps of knowledge and future research directions to accelerate the translation of these exciting preclinical findings to cancer patient care.