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Kao WH, Liao LZ, Chen YA, Lo UG, Pong RC, Hernandez E, Chen MC, Teng CLJ, Wang HY, Tsai SCS, Kapur P, Lai CH, Hsieh JT, Lin H. SPHK1 promotes bladder cancer metastasis via PD-L2/c-Src/FAK signaling cascade. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:678. [PMID: 39284838 PMCID: PMC11405731 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-07044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
SPHK1 (sphingosine kinase type 1) is characterized as a rate-limiting enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism to phosphorylate sphingosine into sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) that can bind to S1P receptors (S1PRs) to initiate several signal transductions leading to cell proliferation and survival of normal cell. Many studies have indicated that SPHK1 is involved in several types of cancer development, however, a little is known in bladder cancer. The TCGA database analysis was utilized for analyzing the clinical relevance of SPHK1 in bladder cancer. Through CRISPR/Cas9 knockout (KO) and constitutive activation (CA) strategies on SPHK1 in the bladder cancer cells, we demonstrated the potential downstream target could be programmed cell death 1 ligand 2 (PD-L2). On the other hand, we demonstrated that FDA-approved SPHK1 inhibitor Gilenya® (FTY720) can successfully suppress bladder cancer metastasis by in vitro and in vivo approaches. This finding indicated that SPHK1 as a potent therapeutic target for metastatic bladder cancer by dissecting the mechanism of action, SPHK1/S1P-elicited Akt/β-catenin activation promoted the induction of PD-L2 that is a downstream effector in facilitating bladder cancer invasion and migration. Notably, PD-L2 interacted with c-Src that further activates FAK. Here, we unveil the clinical relevance of SPHK1 in bladder cancer progression and the driver role in bladder cancer metastasis. Moreover, we demonstrated the inhibitory effect of FDA-approved SPHK1 inhibitor FTY720 on bladder cancer metastasis from both in vitro and in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsiang Kao
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Li-Zhu Liao
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yu-An Chen
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - U-Ging Lo
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rey-Chen Pong
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hernandez
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mei-Chih Chen
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Lin Jerry Teng
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Stella Chin-Shaw Tsai
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Superintendent Office, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Payal Kapur
- Urology and Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Chih-Ho Lai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jer-Tsong Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Ho Lin
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Talib WH, Abed I, Raad D, Alomari RK, Jamal A, Jabbar R, Alhasan EOA, Alshaeri HK, Alasmari MM, Law D. Targeting Cancer Hallmarks Using Selected Food Bioactive Compounds: Potentials for Preventive and Therapeutic Strategies. Foods 2024; 13:2687. [PMID: 39272454 PMCID: PMC11395675 DOI: 10.3390/foods13172687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to be a prominent issue in healthcare systems, resulting in approximately 9.9 million fatalities in 2020. It is the second most common cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Although there are difficulties in treating cancer at both the genetic and phenotypic levels, many cancer patients seek supplementary and alternative medicines to cope with their illness, relieve symptoms, and reduce the side effects of cytotoxic drug therapy. Consequently, there is an increasing emphasis on studying natural products that have the potential to prevent or treat cancer. Cancer cells depend on multiple hallmarks to secure survival. These hallmarks include sustained proliferation, apoptosis inactivation, stimulation of angiogenesis, immune evasion, and altered metabolism. Several natural products from food were reported to target multiple cancer hallmarks and can be used as adjuvant interventions to augment conventional therapies. This review summarizes the main active ingredients in food that have anticancer activities with a comprehensive discussion of the mechanisms of action. Thymoquinone, allicin, resveratrol, parthenolide, Epigallocatechin gallate, and piperine are promising anticancer bioactive ingredients in food. Natural products discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers to provide effective anticancer functional food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wamidh H Talib
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Inti International University, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Ilia Abed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Daniah Raad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Raghad K Alomari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Ayah Jamal
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Rand Jabbar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Eman Omar Amin Alhasan
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Heba K Alshaeri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdul-Aziz University, Rabigh 25724, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moudi M Alasmari
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Jeddah 22233, Saudi Arabia
| | - Douglas Law
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Inti International University, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
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Khan M, Lam SK, Yan S, Feng Y, Chen C, Ko FCF, Ho JCM. The anti-neoplastic impact of thymoquinone from Nigella sativa on small cell lung cancer: In vitro and in vivo investigations. J Cancer Res Ther 2024; 20:1224-1231. [PMID: 39206985 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_883_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Malignant and aggressive, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) constitutes about 15% of all diagnosed lung cancer cases. With primary therapeutic options such as chemotherapy accompanied by debilitating side effects, interest has been soaring in the therapeutic competencies of herbs. The pharmacological driving force behind the beneficial properties of Nigella sativa is the quinone, thymoquinone (TQ). The anti-cancer effects of TQ on different cancers have been extensively studied. Nonetheless, only one paper in the entire National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database describes its effects on SCLC. A more detailed investigation is required. METHODS The current study examined the impact of TQ in vitro on five SCLC cell lines and in vivo in a nude mouse xenograft model. The following in vitro effects of TQ on SCLC were evaluated: (a) cell viability; (b) apoptosis; (c) cell cycle arrest; (d) intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and (e) protein expression in concomitant signaling pathways. For the in vivo effects of TQ on SCLC, (a) tumor volume was measured, and (b) selected protein expression in selected concomitant signaling pathways was determined by Western blotting. RESULT In general, TQ reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, depleted ROS, and altered protein expression in associated signaling pathways. Furthermore, TQ exhibited a tumor-suppressive effect in an H446 SCLC xenograft model. CONCLUSION The cytotoxic impact of TQ arising from anti-cancer mechanisms was elucidated. The positive results obtained in this study warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahjabin Khan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Sivaganesh V, Ta TM, Peethambaran B. Pentagalloyl Glucose (PGG) Exhibits Anti-Cancer Activity against Aggressive Prostate Cancer by Modulating the ROR1 Mediated AKT-GSK3β Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7003. [PMID: 39000112 PMCID: PMC11241829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Androgen-receptor-negative, androgen-independent (ARneg-AI) prostate cancer aggressively proliferates and metastasizes, which makes treatment difficult. Hence, it is necessary to continue exploring cancer-associated markers, such as oncofetal Receptor Tyrosine Kinase like Orphan Receptor 1 (ROR1), which may serve as a form of targeted prostate cancer therapy. In this study, we identify that Penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (PGG), a plant-derived gallotannin small molecule inhibitor, modulates ROR1-mediated oncogenic signaling and mitigates prostate cancer phenotypes. Results indicate that ROR1 protein levels were elevated in the highly aggressive ARneg-AI PC3 cancer cell line. PGG was selectively cytotoxic to PC3 cells and induced apoptosis of PC3 (IC50 of 31.64 µM) in comparison to normal prostate epithelial RWPE-1 cells (IC50 of 74.55 µM). PGG was found to suppress ROR1 and downstream oncogenic pathways in PC3 cells. These molecular phenomena were corroborated by reduced migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression of PC3 cells. PGG minimally and moderately affected RWPE-1 and ARneg-AI DU145, respectively, which may be due to these cells having lower levels of ROR1 expression in comparison to PC3 cells. Additionally, PGG acted synergistically with the standard chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel to lower the IC50 of both compounds about five-fold (combination index = 0.402) in PC3 cells. These results suggest that ROR1 is a key oncogenic driver and a promising target in aggressive prostate cancers that lack a targetable androgen receptor. Furthermore, PGG may be a selective and potent anti-cancer agent capable of treating ROR1-expressing prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Sivaganesh
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph’s University, 600 S 43rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (V.S.); (T.M.T.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 4170 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA
| | - Tram M. Ta
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph’s University, 600 S 43rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (V.S.); (T.M.T.)
| | - Bela Peethambaran
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph’s University, 600 S 43rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (V.S.); (T.M.T.)
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Jiang WM, Tian JY, Guo YH, Qiu LH, Luo XY, Huang YY, Long H, Zhang LJ, Lin P, Xu XX, Wu LL, Ma GW. The molecular characteristics could supplement the staging system of pT2/T3N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a translational study based on a cohort with over 20 years of follow-up. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:119. [PMID: 38553712 PMCID: PMC10981364 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03286-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to construct a model based on 23 enrolled molecules to evaluate prognoses of pT2/3N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients with up to 20 years of follow-up. METHODS The lasso-Cox model was used to identify the candidate molecule. A nomogram was conducted to develop the survival model (molecular score, MS) based on the molecular features. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used in this study. The concordance index (C-index) was measured to compare the predicted ability between different models. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). RESULTS A total of 226 patients and 23 proteins were enrolled in this study. Patients were classified into high-risk (MS-H) and low-risk (MS-L) groups based on the MS score of 227. The survival curves showed that the MS-L cohort had better 5-year and 10-year survival rates than the MS-H group (5-year OS: 51.0% vs. 8.0%; 10-year OS: 45.0% vs. 5.0%, all p < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariable analysis confirmed MS as an independent prognostic factor after eliminating the confounding factors (Hazard ratio 3.220, p < 0.001). The pT classification was confirmed to differentiate ESCC patients' prognosis (Log-rank: p = 0.029). However, the combination of pT and MS could classify survival curves evidently (overall p < 0.001), which showed that the prognostic prediction efficiency was improved significantly by the combination of the pT and MS than by the classical pT classification (C-index: 0.656 vs. 0.539, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested an MS for significant clinical stratification of T2/3N0M0 ESCC patients to screen out subgroups with poor prognoses. Besides, the combination of pT staging and MS could predict survival more accurately for this cohort than the pT staging system alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Mei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510030, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Yuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510030, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Han Guo
- Department of Scientific Research, Shaanxi Academy of Social Sciences, Xi'an, 710065, China
| | - Li-Hong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510030, P. R. China
| | - Xing-Yu Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510030, P. R. China
| | - Yang-Yu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510030, P. R. China
| | - Hao Long
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510030, P. R. China
| | - Lan-Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510030, P. R. China
| | - Peng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510030, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Xin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510030, P. R. China.
- Central Hospital of Minhang District, Shanghai, 201100, P. R. China.
| | - Lei-Lei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510030, P. R. China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Guo-Wei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510030, P. R. China.
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Li X, Peng X, Zoulikha M, Boafo GF, Magar KT, Ju Y, He W. Multifunctional nanoparticle-mediated combining therapy for human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:1. [PMID: 38161204 PMCID: PMC10758001 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01668-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Combining existing drug therapy is essential in developing new therapeutic agents in disease prevention and treatment. In preclinical investigations, combined effect of certain known drugs has been well established in treating extensive human diseases. Attributed to synergistic effects by targeting various disease pathways and advantages, such as reduced administration dose, decreased toxicity, and alleviated drug resistance, combinatorial treatment is now being pursued by delivering therapeutic agents to combat major clinical illnesses, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, myocarditis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Combinatorial therapy involves combining or co-delivering two or more drugs for treating a specific disease. Nanoparticle (NP)-mediated drug delivery systems, i.e., liposomal NPs, polymeric NPs and nanocrystals, are of great interest in combinatorial therapy for a wide range of disorders due to targeted drug delivery, extended drug release, and higher drug stability to avoid rapid clearance at infected areas. This review summarizes various targets of diseases, preclinical or clinically approved drug combinations and the development of multifunctional NPs for combining therapy and emphasizes combinatorial therapeutic strategies based on drug delivery for treating severe clinical diseases. Ultimately, we discuss the challenging of developing NP-codelivery and translation and provide potential approaches to address the limitations. This review offers a comprehensive overview for recent cutting-edge and challenging in developing NP-mediated combination therapy for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Xiuju Peng
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Makhloufi Zoulikha
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - George Frimpong Boafo
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China
| | - Kosheli Thapa Magar
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Yanmin Ju
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China.
| | - Wei He
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China.
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Sivaganesh V, Peethambaran B. Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 inhibitor strictinin exhibits anti-cancer properties against highly aggressive androgen-independent prostate cancer. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:1188-1209. [PMID: 38213538 PMCID: PMC10784114 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim It is important to identify anti-cancer compounds that can inhibit specific molecular targets to eradicate androgen-receptor negative (ARneg), androgen-independent (AI) prostate cancer, which is an aggressive form of prostate cancer with limited treatment options. The goal of this study was to selectively target prostate cancer cells that have high levels of oncogenic protein Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) by using strictinin, a small molecule ROR1 inhibitor. Methods The methods performed in this study include western blots, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) proliferation assays, phosphatidylserine apoptosis assays, apoptosis flow cytometry (Annexin V, caspase 3/7), migration scratch assays, Boyden chamber invasion assays, and cell cycle flow cytometry. Results Strictinin was most lethal against PC3 [half-maximal drug inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 277.2 µmol/L], an ARneg-AI cell type that expresses the highest levels of ROR1. Strictinin inhibited ROR1 expression, downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT)-glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3β) pro-survival signaling, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers in PC3 cells. Additionally, strictinin decreased PC3 cell migration and invasion, while increasing S-phase cell cycle arrest. In ARneg-AI DU145 cells, strictinin inhibited ROR1 expression and modulated downstream AKT-GSK3β signaling. Furthermore, strictinin exhibited anti-migratory, anti-invasive, but minimal pro-apoptotic effects in DU145 cells likely due to DU145 having less ROR1 expression in comparison to PC3 cells. Throughout the study, strictinin minimally impacted the phenotype of normal prostatic epithelial cells RWPE-1 (IC50 of 658.5 µmol/L). Strictinin was further identified as synergistic with docetaxel [combination index (CI) = 0.311] and the combination therapy was found to reduce the IC50 of strictinin to 38.71 µmol/L in PC3 cells. Conclusions ROR1 is an emerging molecular target that can be utilized for treating prostate cancer. The data from this study establishes strictinin as a potential therapeutic agent that targets ARneg-AI prostate cancer with elevated ROR1 expression to reduce the migration, invasion, cell cycle progression, and survival of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Sivaganesh
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA
| | - Bela Peethambaran
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Elgohary S, Eissa RA, El Tayebi HM. Thymoquinone, a Novel Multi-Strike Inhibitor of Pro-Tumorigenic Breast Cancer (BC) Markers: CALR, NLRP3 Pathway and sPD-L1 in PBMCs of HR+ and TNBC Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14254. [PMID: 37762557 PMCID: PMC10531892 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is not only a mass of malignant cells but also a systemic inflammatory disease. BC pro-tumorigenic inflammation has been shown to promote immune evasion and provoke BC progression. The NOD-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is activated when pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) sense danger signals such as calreticulin (CALR) from damaged/dying cells, leading to the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). CALR is a novel BC biological marker, and its high levels are associated with advanced tumors. NLRP3 expression is strongly correlated with an elevated proliferative index Ki67, BC progression, metastasis, and recurrence in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and triple-negative BC (TNBC). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) secrete high levels of IL-1β promoting endocrine resistance in HR+ BC. Recently, an immunosuppressive soluble form of programmed death ligand 1 (sPD-L1) has been identified as a novel prognostic biomarker in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Interestingly, IL-1β induces sPD-L1 release. BC Patients with elevated IL-1β and sPD-L1 levels show significantly short progression-free survival. For the first time, this study aims to investigate the inhibitory impact of thymoquinone (TQ) on CALR, the NLRP3 pathway and sPD-L1 in HR+ and TNBC. Blood samples were collected from 45 patients with BC. The effect of differing TQ concentrations for different durations on the expression of CALR, NLRP3 complex components and IL-1β as well as the protein levels of sPD-L1 and IL-1β were investigated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and TAMs of TNBC and HR+ BC patients, respectively. The findings showed that TQ significantly downregulated the expression of CALR, NLRP3 components and IL-1β together with the protein levels of secreted IL-1β and sPD-L1. The current findings demonstrated novel immunomodulatory effects of TQ, highlighting its potential role not only as an excellent adjuvant but also as a possible immunotherapeutic agent in HR+ and TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Elgohary
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt;
| | - Reda A. Eissa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11591, Egypt;
| | - Hend M. El Tayebi
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt;
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He P, He Y, Ma J, Liu Y, Liu C, Baoping Y, Dong W. Thymoquinone induces apoptosis and protective autophagy in gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Phytother Res 2023; 37:3467-3480. [PMID: 37288949 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is often diagnosed in the advanced stages with a poor prognosis. Thymoquinone (TQ) is known for its antitumor activity; however, the specific mechanism in GC remains unknown. In our study, TQ inhibited GC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis and autophagy in a concentration-dependent manner. Transmission electron microscopy showed increased autophagosome formation in GC cells treated with TQ. Meanwhile, the LC3B puncta and LC3BII protein levels were significantly increased in GC cells, while p62 expression was significantly decreased. The autophagy inhibitor, Bafilomycin A1 enhanced TQ-inhibited proliferation and TQ-induced apoptosis, suggesting that TQ-induced autophagy has a protective effect on GC cells. Furthermore, TQ decreased the phosphorylation levels of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). The PI3K agonist partially rescued TQ-induced autophagy and apoptosis. Finally, in vivo experiments showed that TQ could inhibit tumor growth and promote apoptosis and autophagy. This study provides new insights into the specific mechanism for the anti-GC effect of TQ. TQ inhibits the proliferation of GC cells and induces apoptosis and protective autophagy by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. The results suggest that the combination of TQ and autophagy inhibitors might be a potential chemotherapeutic strategy for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengzhan He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yang He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Jingjing Ma
- Department of Geriatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yinghui Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Chuan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yu Baoping
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Weiguo Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Kwan K, Han AY, Mukdad L, Barragan F, Selim O, Alhiyari Y, St. John M. Anticancer effects of thymoquinone in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A scoping review. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2023; 8:876-885. [PMID: 37731860 PMCID: PMC10508265 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Thymoquinone (TQ), the active constituent of Nigella sativa, has been shown to have anticancer effects in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This review aims to outline the properties of TQ, the known drivers in HNSCC formation, and summarize the anticancer effects of TQ in SCC. Data Sources Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar) were queried for the key words "thymoquinone squamous cell carcinoma." Review Methods Publications that were not original research and publications that did not have full-text available for review were excluded. Results Sixteen research articles met the inclusion criteria. Our review demonstrates that TQ-induced cytotoxicity is associated with increased expression and activity of the tumor suppressor p53, proapoptotic proteins Bax and caspases, as well as decreased expression and activity of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Mdm2. Additionally, TQ modulates cell-survival pathways such as the PI3k/Akt pathway. TQ synergizes with therapeutics including cisplatin and radiation. Early TQ administration may prevent carcinogenesis via upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, and TQ administration in the presence of cancer can result in disease mitigation via induction of oxidative stress. Conclusion TQ acts as an upregulator of proapoptotic pathways and downregulator of antiapoptotic pathways, modulates the oxidative stress balance in tumor development, and works synergistically alongside other chemotherapeutics to increase cytotoxicity. TQ has the potential to prevent carcinogenesis in patients who are at high-risk for SCC and adjuvant treatment for SCC patients undergoing conventional treatments. Future studies should aim to identify specific populations in which TQ's effects would be the most beneficial. Level of Evidence Not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kera Kwan
- UCLA Department of SurgeryUniversity of California Los AngelesCaliforniaLos AngelesUSA
| | - Albert Y. Han
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Laith Mukdad
- UCLA Head and Neck Cancer SurgeryUniversity of California Los AngelesCaliforniaLos AngelesUSA
| | - Frida Barragan
- UCLA Head and Neck Cancer SurgeryUniversity of California Los AngelesCaliforniaLos AngelesUSA
| | - Omar Selim
- UCLA Head and Neck Cancer SurgeryUniversity of California Los AngelesCaliforniaLos AngelesUSA
| | - Yazeed Alhiyari
- UCLA Head and Neck Cancer SurgeryUniversity of California Los AngelesCaliforniaLos AngelesUSA
| | - Maie St. John
- UCLA Head and Neck Cancer SurgeryUniversity of California Los AngelesCaliforniaLos AngelesUSA
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Liu DN, Liu M, Zhang SS, Shang YF, Zhang WF, Song FH, Zhang HW, Du GH, Wang YH. Chrysomycin A Regulates Proliferation and Apoptosis of Neuroglioma Cells via the Akt/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:329. [PMID: 37367654 DOI: 10.3390/md21060329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a major type of primary brain tumor without ideal prognosis and it is therefore necessary to develop a novel compound possessing therapeutic effects. Chrysomycin A (Chr-A) has been reported to inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of U251 and U87-MG cells through the Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway, but the mechanism of Chr-A against glioblastoma in vivo and whether Chr-A modulates the apoptosis of neuroglioma cells is unclear. The present study aims to elucidate the potential of Chr-A against glioblastoma in vivo and how Chr-A modulates the apoptosis of neuroglioma cells. Briefly, the anti-glioblastoma activity was assessed in human glioma U87 xenografted hairless mice. Chr-A-related targets were identified via RNA-sequencing. Apoptotic ratio and caspase 3/7 activity of U251 and U87-MG cells were assayed via flow cytometry. Apoptosis-related proteins and possible molecular mechanisms were validated via Western blotting. The results showed that Chr-A treatment significantly inhibits glioblastoma progression in xenografted hairless mice, and enrichment analysis suggested that apoptosis, PI3K-Akt and Wnt signaling pathways were involved in the possible mechanisms. Chr-A increased the apoptotic ratio and the activity of caspase 3/7 in U251 and U87-MG cells. Western blotting revealed that Chr-A disturbed the balance between Bax and Bcl-2, activating a caspase cascade reaction and downregulating the expression of p-Akt and p-GSK-3β, suggesting that Chr-A may contribute to glioblastoma regression modulating in the Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway to promote apoptosis of neuroglioma cells in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, Chr-A may hold therapeutic promise for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Ni Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Man Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shan-Shan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yu-Fu Shang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wen-Fang Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Fu-Hang Song
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Hua-Wei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Guan-Hua Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yue-Hua Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Sadeghi E, Imenshahidi M, Hosseinzadeh H. Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of black cumin (Nigella sativa) and its active constituent, thymoquinone: a review. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:5439-5454. [PMID: 37155017 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08363-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nigella sativa and its main bioactive ingredient, thymoquinone, exhibit various pharmacological activities, including neuroprotective, nephroprotective, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-cancer effects. Many studies have been conducted trying to elucidate the molecular signaling pathways that mediate these diverse pharmacological properties of N. sativa and thymoquinone. Accordingly, the goal of this review is to show the effects of N. sativa and thymoquinone on different cell signaling pathways. METHODS The online databases Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant articles using a list of related keywords such as Nigella sativa, black cumin, thymoquinone, black seed, signal transduction, cell signaling, antioxidant, Nrf2, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, apoptosis, JAK/STAT, AMPK, MAPK, etc. Only articles published in the English language until May 2022 were included in the present review article. RESULTS Studies indicate that N. sativa and thymoquinone improve antioxidant enzyme activities, effectively scavenges free radicals, and thus protect cells from oxidative stress. They can also regulate responses to oxidative stress and inflammation via Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways. N. sativa and thymoquinone can inhibit cancer cell proliferation through disruption of the PI3K/AKT pathway by upregulating phosphatase and tensin homolog. Thymoquinone can modulate reactive oxygen species levels in tumor cells, arrest the cell cycle in the G2/M phase as well as affect molecular targets including p53, STAT3 and trigger the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Thymoquinone, by adjusting AMPK, can regulate cellular metabolism and energy hemostasis. Finally, N. sativa and thymoquinone can elevate brain GABA content, and thus it may ameliorate epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the improvement of antioxidant status and prevention of inflammatory process by modulating the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation through disruption of the PI3K/AKT pathway appear to be the main mechanisms involved in different pharmacological properties of N. sativa and thymoquinone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Sadeghi
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Imenshahidi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, P.O.Box: 1365-91775, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, P.O.Box: 1365-91775, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Torres-Vargas JA, Cheng-Sánchez I, Martínez-Poveda B, Medina MÁ, Sarabia F, García-Caballero M, Quesada AR. Characterization of the activity and the mechanism of action of a new toluquinol derivative with improved potential as an antiangiogenic drug. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113759. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Talib WH, Daoud S, Mahmod AI, Hamed RA, Awajan D, Abuarab SF, Odeh LH, Khater S, Al Kury LT. Plants as a Source of Anticancer Agents: From Bench to Bedside. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27154818. [PMID: 35956766 PMCID: PMC9369847 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Conventional anticancer therapies are associated with lack of selectivity and serious side effects. Cancer hallmarks are biological capabilities acquired by cancer cells during neoplastic transformation. Targeting multiple cancer hallmarks is a promising strategy to treat cancer. The diversity in chemical structure and the relatively low toxicity make plant-derived natural products a promising source for the development of new and more effective anticancer therapies that have the capacity to target multiple hallmarks in cancer. In this review, we discussed the anticancer activities of ten natural products extracted from plants. The majority of these products inhibit cancer by targeting multiple cancer hallmarks, and many of these chemicals have reached clinical applications. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers and physicians to design more effective combination anticancer therapies using plant-derived natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wamidh H. Talib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Safa Daoud
- Department Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan;
| | - Asma Ismail Mahmod
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Reem Ali Hamed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Dima Awajan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Sara Feras Abuarab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Lena Hisham Odeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Samar Khater
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Lina T. Al Kury
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi 144534, United Arab Emirates;
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Anticancer and Anti-Metastatic Role of Thymoquinone: Regulation of Oncogenic Signaling Cascades by Thymoquinone. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116311. [PMID: 35682990 PMCID: PMC9181073 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a life-threatening and multifaceted disease. Pioneering research works in the past three decades have mechanistically disentangled intertwined signaling networks which play contributory roles in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Phenomenal strides have been made in leveraging our scientific knowledge altogether to a new level of maturity. Rapidly accumulating wealth of information has underlined a myriad of transduction cascades which can be pharmaceutically exploited for cancer prevention/inhibition. Natural products serve as a treasure trove and compel interdisciplinary researchers to study the cancer chemopreventive roles of wide-ranging natural products in cell culture and preclinical studies. Experimental research related to thymoquinone has gradually gained momentum because of the extra-ordinary cancer chemopreventive multifunctionalities of thymoquinone. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of different cell signaling cascades reported to be regulated by thymoquinone for cancer chemoprevention. Essentially, thymoquinone efficacy has also been notably studied in animal models, which advocates for a rationale-based transition of thymoquinone from the pre-clinical pipeline to clinical trials.
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16
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Qiu R, Wang W, Li J, Wang Y. Roles of PTEN inactivation and PD-1/PD-L1 activation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:6633-6645. [PMID: 35301651 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common type of esophageal cancer in China and developing countries. The purpose of this review is to summarize the roles of inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and activation of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) upon binding to its ligand (PD-L1) in the promotion of ESCC. Studies of ESCC performed in vitro and in vivo indicated that PTEN and PD-L1 function in the regulation of cell proliferation, invasion, and migration; the epithelial-mesenchymal transition; resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy; and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Certain genetic variants of PTEN are related to susceptibility to ESCC, and PTEN and PD-L1 also function in ESCC progression and affect the prognosis of patients with ESCC. There is also evidence that the expression of PD-L1 and PTEN are associated with the progression of certain other cancers. Future studies should further examine the relationship of PD-L1 and PTEN and their possible interactions in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 12 Jian Kang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, P. R. China
| | - Wenxi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 12 Jian Kang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, P. R. China
| | - Yuxiang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 12 Jian Kang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, P. R. China.
- , No.12, Jiankang Road, 050011, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China.
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Pal RR, Rajpal V, Singh P, Saraf SA. Recent Findings on Thymoquinone and Its Applications as a Nanocarrier for the Treatment of Cancer and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:775. [PMID: 34067322 PMCID: PMC8224699 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13060775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer causes a considerable amount of mortality in the world, while arthritis is an immunological dysregulation with multifactorial pathogenesis including genetic and environmental defects. Both conditions have inflammation as a part of their pathogenesis. Resistance to anticancer and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) happens frequently through the generation of energy-dependent transporters, which lead to the expulsion of cellular drug contents. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a bioactive molecule with anticancer as well as anti-inflammatory activities via the downregulation of several chemokines and cytokines. Nevertheless, the pharmacological importance and therapeutic feasibility of thymoquinone are underutilized due to intrinsic pharmacokinetics, including short half-life, inadequate biological stability, poor aqueous solubility, and low bioavailability. Owing to these pharmacokinetic limitations of TQ, nanoformulations have gained remarkable attention in recent years. Therefore, this compilation intends to critically analyze recent advancements in rheumatoid arthritis and cancer delivery of TQ. This literature search revealed that nanocarriers exhibit potential results in achieving targetability, maximizing drug internalization, as well as enhancing the anti-inflammatory and anticancer efficacy of TQ. Additionally, TQ-NPs (thymoquinone nanoparticles) as a therapeutic payload modulated autophagy as well as enhanced the potential of other drugs when given in combination. Moreover, nanoformulations improved pharmacokinetics, drug deposition, using EPR (enhanced permeability and retention) and receptor-mediated delivery, and enhanced anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. TQ's potential to reduce metal toxicity, its clinical trials and patents have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Raj Pal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), VidyaVihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India; (R.R.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Vasundhara Rajpal
- Department of Biotechology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), VidyaVihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Priya Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), VidyaVihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India; (R.R.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Shubhini A. Saraf
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), VidyaVihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India; (R.R.P.); (P.S.)
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Wang L, Han H, Dong L, Wang Z, Qin Y. Function of p21 and its therapeutic effects in esophageal cancer. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:136. [PMID: 33552255 PMCID: PMC7798030 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is the eighth most common type of cancer worldwide and ranks sixth among the causes of cancer-related mortality. Due to the high mortality rate and poor treatment efficacy for EC, millions of individuals succumb to this disease; thus, the identification of novel treatment targets is of utmost importance and urgency. In recent years, there have been advances if therapies targeting cell cycle regulators. p21 is a type of cell cycle regulator that plays a dual role in tumor cells, as it can not only regulate the cell cycle, induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation, but can also protect cells from apoptosis. It has been found that p21 often exerts a tumor-suppressive effect on EC, which provides a basis for its use as a treatment target for EC. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to review the function of p21 and its potential value as a therapeutic target for EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Huiqiong Han
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Lin Dong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Zehua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
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Zhou Y, Li Z, Wu X, Tou L, Zheng J, Zhou D. MAGOH/MAGOHB Inhibits the Tumorigenesis of Gastric Cancer via Inactivation of b-RAF/MEK/ERK Signaling. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:12723-12735. [PMID: 33328743 PMCID: PMC7735944 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s263913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer is one of the most malignant tumors all over the world. It has been reported that proteins play key roles during the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer. To identify novel potential targets for gastric cancer, differential expressed proteins between gastric cancer and adjacent normal tissues were analyzed with proteomics and bioinformatics tool. Methods The differentially expressed proteins between gastric cancer and adjacent normal tissues were analyzed by Omicsbean (multi-omics data analysis tool). Cell viability was tested by CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was used to measure cell apoptosis and cycle. Transwell assay was used to test cell migration and invasion. Gene and protein expressions were detected by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively. Results MAGOH and MAGOHB were found to be notably upregulated in gastric cancer tissues compared with that in normal tissues. Knockdown of MAGOH significantly inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells via inducing the cell apoptosis. In addition, MAGOH knockdown induced G2 phase arrest in gastric cancer cells. Moreover, MAGOH knockdown notably inhibited migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Importantly, double knockdown of MAGOH and MAGOHB exhibited much better anti-tumor effects on gastric cancer compared with alone treatment. Finally, double knockdown of MAGOH and MAGOHB mediated the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer via regulation of RAF/MEK/ERK signaling. Conclusion MAGOH knockdown inhibited the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer via mediation of b-RAF/MEK/ERK signaling, and double knockdown of MAGOH and MAGOHB exhibited much better anti-tumor effects. This finding might provide us a new strategy for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqi Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Laizhen Tou
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, People's Republic of China
| | - Donghui Zhou
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
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