Involvement of cytochrome P450 in cisplatin treatment: implications for toxicity

Probe substrates assay estimates the effect of polyphyllin H on the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes in human liver microsomes

Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) play a crucial role in phase I metabolic reactions. The activity of CYPs would affect therapeutic efficacy and may even induce toxicity. Given the complex components of traditional Chinese medicine, it is important to understand the effect of active ingredients on CYPs activity to guide their prescription. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of polyphyllin H on the activity of CYPs major isoforms providing a reference for the clinical prescription of polyphyllin H and its source herbs. The effects of polyphyllin H were evaluated in pooled human liver microsomes using probe substrates of CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4 to determine their activities. The Lineweaver-Burk was used to model the inhibition, and a time-dependent inhibition experiment was performed to understand the characteristics of the inhibition. Polyphyllin H significantly suppressed the activity of CYP1A2, 2D6, and 3A4 with IC50 values of 6.44, 13.88, and 4.52 μM, respectively. The inhibition of CYP1A2 and 2D6 was best fitted with a competitive model, yielding the inhibition constant (Ki) values of 3.18 and 6.77 μM, respectively. The inhibition of CYP3A4 was fitted with the non-competitive model with the Ki value of 2.38 μM. Moreover, the inhibition of CYP3A4 was revealed to be time-dependent with the inhibition parameters inhibition constant (KI) and inactivation rate constant (Kinact) values of 2.26 μM-1 and 0.045 min-1. Polyphyllin H acted as a competitive inhibitor of CYP1A2 and 2D6 and a non-competitive and time-dependent inhibitor of CYP3A4.

Dapagliflozin: A Promising Strategy to Combat Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Recognizing the challenges posed by chemotherapy, specifically the hepatotoxic effects of drugs like cisplatin, this study aimed to examine the hepatoprotective potential of dapagliflozin to mitigate cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model. This study focused on repurposing drugs such as dapagliflozin and natural agents like silymarin as potential interventions to address cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty adult female Wistar rats were distributed into five groups and treated with cisplatin alone, silymarin, dapagliflozin, or a combination of dapagliflozin and silymarin accordingly for 45 days. Body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, liver function tests, and histopathological analysis were conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects. Cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity significantly (p < 0.05) increased the serum levels of ALT, AST, TB, and reduced the TP and albumin levels. Dapagliflozin administration led to significant reductions in ALT, AST, TB, and increased albumin levels. Silymarin demonstrated comparable effects. Combining dapagliflozin and silymarin showed synergistic effects, further reducing the liver enzymes and improving albumin levels. Histopathological examination supported these findings, revealing the restoration of liver structure with dapagliflozin and silymarin treatment. Dapagliflozin and silymarin exhibited substantial hepatoprotective benefits against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The combination therapy demonstrated synergistic effects, highlighting a potential therapeutic approach for mitigating chemotherapy-induced liver damage. Further research into molecular mechanisms and clinical translation is warranted, offering hope for improved clinical outcomes in cancer patients undergoing cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

The Association of Transferrin Receptor with Prognosis and Biologic Role in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis is a cell death caused by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxidation. Transferrin receptor (TFR) is a ferroptosis-related protein responsible for iron transport. The detailed biologic role of TFR in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is not fully elucidated.

METHODS

The study enrolled 92 ICC patients who had undergone hepatic resection. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays were performed for TFR protein expression. The regulation of malignant activity and the effect on sensitivity to the ferroptosis-inducer artesunate by TFR were investigated in vitro.

RESULTS

Using IHC staining, 23 patients were categorized as TFR-positive. The TFR-positive group had a significantly larger tumor size and more microscopic vascular invasion. In the multivariate analysis, TFR positivity was an independent poor prognostic factor. In vitro TFR-knockdown (KD) significantly decreased the intracellular iron levels and the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion rates. Artesunate treatment significantly decreased cell viability, whereas cisplatin promoted ferroptosis. When iron transport into cells was inhibited by TFR-KD, ferroptosis was significantly suppressed. Expression of PD-L1 was induced by cisplatin, with a further increase observed when artesunate and cisplatin were used in combination.

CONCLUSIONS

Transferrin receptor is a poor prognostic factor for ICC and contributes to sensitivity to ferroptosis.

An integrated view of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity: characteristics, common molecular mechanisms, and current clinical management

Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapy drug widely prescribed to treat various neoplasms. Although fundamental for the therapeutic action of the drug, its cytotoxic mechanisms trigger adverse effects in several tissues, such as the kidney, liver, and heart, which limit its clinical use. In this sense, studies point to an essential role of damage to nuclear and mitochondrial DNA associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the pathophysiology of tissue injuries. Due to the limitation of effective preventive and therapeutic measures against CP-induced toxicity, new strategies with potential cytoprotective effects have been studied. Therefore, this article is timely in reviewing the characteristics and main molecular mechanisms common to renal, hepatic, and cardiac toxicity previously described, in addition to addressing the main validated strategies for the current management of these adverse events in clinical practice. We also handle the main promising antioxidant substances recently presented in the literature to encourage the development of new research that consolidates their potential preventive and therapeutic effects against CP-induced cytotoxicity.

Prevalence and predictors for cisplatin-induced toxicities in Zimbabwean women with cervical cancer

Aim: To describe treatment-induced toxicities (TITs) and associated factors in Zimbabwean cancer patients receiving cisplatin. Methods: In total, 252 Zimbabwean women with cervical cancer, receiving cisplatin were followed up over 12 months for TITs and disease status. Results: Peripheral neuropathy (70%) and ototoxicity (53%) were most prevalent. Advanced disease (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1-1.5; p = 0.02), pain comedications (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1-1.5; p = 0.03), alcohol (OR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.1-7.5; p = 0.04) and comorbidities (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1-1.4; p = 0.04) increased peripheral neuropathy and ototoxicity risk. Older age increased risk of disease progression (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.4-3.0; p = 0.033). Conclusion: High peripheral neuropathy and ototoxicity prevalence were observed, which are not routinely monitored in Zimbabwe. There is a need for capacity building to incorporate comprehensive TIT testing and optimize cancer care in Zimbabwe.

Molecular mechanisms underlying cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and the potential ameliorative effects of essential oils: A comprehensive review

Since the Middle Ages, essential oils (EO) have been widely used for bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, insecticidal, medicinal and cosmetic applications, nowadays in pharmaceutical, agricultural and food industries. Recently, EO have emerged as promising adjuvant therapies to mitigate the toxicities induced by anti - cancerous drugs; among them cisplatin induced renal damage amelioration remain remarkable. Cisplatin (cis-diaminedichloroplatinum II, CDDP) is renowned as one of the most effective anti-neoplastic agents, widely used as a broad-spectrum anti-tumor agent for various solid tumors. However, its clinical use is hampered by several side effects, notably nephrotoxicity and acute kidney injury, which arise from the accumulation of CDDP in the proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs). To better understand and analyze the molecular mechanisms of CDDP-induced renal damage, it is crucial to investigate potential interventions to protect against cisplatin-mediated nephrotoxicity. These EO have shown the ability to counteract oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, prevent apoptosis, and exert estrogenic effects, all contributing to renal protection. In this review, we have made an effort to summarize the molecular mechanisms and exploring new interventions by which we can pave the way for safer and more effective cancer management in the future.

Formation of potentially toxic metabolites of drugs in reactions catalyzed by human drug-metabolizing enzymes

Data are presented on the formation of potentially toxic metabolites of drugs that are substrates of human drug metabolizing enzymes. The tabular data lists the formation of potentially toxic/reactive products. The data were obtained from in vitro experiments and showed that the oxidative reactions predominate (with 96% of the total potential toxication reactions). Reductive reactions (e.g., reduction of nitro to amino group and reductive dehalogenation) participate to the extent of 4%. Of the enzymes, cytochrome P450 (P450, CYP) enzymes catalyzed 72% of the reactions, myeloperoxidase (MPO) 7%, flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) 3%, aldehyde oxidase (AOX) 4%, sulfotransferase (SULT) 5%, and a group of minor participating enzymes to the extent of 9%. Within the P450 Superfamily, P450 Subfamily 3A (P450 3A4 and 3A5) participates to the extent of 27% and the Subfamily 2C (P450 2C9 and P450 2C19) to the extent of 16%, together catalyzing 43% of the reactions, followed by P450 Subfamily 1A (P450 1A1 and P450 1A2) with 15%. The P450 2D6 enzyme participated in an extent of 8%, P450 2E1 in 10%, and P450 2B6 in 6% of the reactions. All other enzymes participate to the extent of 14%. The data show that, of the human enzymes analyzed, P450 enzymes were dominant in catalyzing potential toxication reactions of drugs and their metabolites, with the major role assigned to the P450 Subfamily 3A and significant participation of the P450 Subfamilies 2C and 1A, plus the 2D6, 2E1 and 2B6 enzymes contributing. Selected examples of drugs that are activated or proposed to form toxic species are discussed.

The Impact of Inorganic Systems and Photoactive Metal Compounds on Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Metabolism: From Induction to Inhibition

While cytochrome P450 (CYP; P450) enzymes are commonly associated with the metabolism of organic xenobiotics and drugs or the biosynthesis of organic signaling molecules, they are also impacted by a variety of inorganic species. Metallic nanoparticles, clusters, ions, and complexes can alter CYP expression, modify enzyme interactions with reductase partners, and serve as direct inhibitors. This commonly overlooked topic is reviewed here, with an emphasis on understanding the structural and physiochemical basis for these interactions. Intriguingly, while both organometallic and coordination compounds can act as potent CYP inhibitors, there is little evidence for the metabolism of inorganic compounds by CYPs, suggesting a potential alternative approach to evading issues associated with rapid modification and elimination of medically useful compounds.

Chemical-induced liver cancer: an adverse outcome pathway perspective

INTRODUCTION

The evaluation of the potential carcinogenicity is a key consideration in the risk assessment of chemicals. Predictive toxicology is currently switching toward non-animal approaches that rely on the mechanistic understanding of toxicity.

AREAS COVERED

Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) present toxicological processes, including chemical-induced carcinogenicity, in a visual and comprehensive manner, which serve as the conceptual backbone for the development of non-animal approaches eligible for hazard identification. The current review provides an overview of the available AOPs leading to liver cancer and discusses their use in advanced testing of liver carcinogenic chemicals. Moreover, the challenges related to their use in risk assessment are outlined, including the exploitation of available data, the need for semantic ontologies, and the development of quantitative AOPs.

EXPERT OPINION

To exploit the potential of liver cancer AOPs in the field of risk assessment, 3 immediate prerequisites need to be fulfilled. These include developing human relevant AOPs for chemical-induced liver cancer, increasing the number of AOPs integrating quantitative toxicodynamic and toxicokinetic data, and developing a liver cancer AOP network. As AOPs and other areas in the field continue to evolve, liver cancer AOPs will progress into a reliable and robust tool serving future risk assessment and management.

The systemic oxidative stress score has a prognostic value on gastric cancer patients undergoing surgery

Background

Oxidative stress is strongly associated with the development, recurrence metastasis, and treatment of gastric cancer. It is yet unknown, though, how systemic oxidative stress levels relate to the surgically treated gastric cancer patients' clinical results. This research aims to investigate the prognostic effect of systemic oxidative stress score, also known as systematic oxidative stress score (SOS), on gastric cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment.

Methods

Development of the SOS Formula through Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator LASSO Cox Regression. By using optimal cut-off values, the 466 patients included in the study had been split into high SOS and low SOS groups. Utilizing Chi-square test and the Wilcoxon rank sum test, this research examined the relationship between SOS and clinical traits. With the aid of Kaplan-Meier and COX regression analysis, the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer was examined.

Results

SOS consisted of four oxidative stress-related laboratory indices. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses revealed that SOS, Age, CA724, Radical resection and TNM stage were crucial prognostic factors for OS, and the independent prognostic factors for PFS included Age, CA724, TNM stage and SOS. They could have their prognosis correctly predicted using a nomogram built around SOS and independent prognostic variables.

Conclusion

SOS is a practical and reasonably priced tool for determining a patient's prognosis for gastric cancer. More notably, SOS is an accurate prognostic factor for patients with advanced gastric cancer who has undergone radical surgery.

From genomic spectrum of NTRK genes to adverse effects of its inhibitors, a comprehensive genome-based and real-world pharmacovigilance analysis

Introduction: The discovery of neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions has facilitated the development of precision oncology. Two first-generation NTRK inhibitors (larotrectinib and entrectinib) are currently approved for the treatment of patients with solid tumors harboring NTRK gene fusions. Nevertheless, comprehensive NTRK profiling at the pan-cancer genomic level and real-world studies pertaining to the adverse events of NTRK inhibitors are lacking. Methods: We characterize the genome of NTRK at the pan-cancer level through multi-omics databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, we collect reports of entrectinib and larotrectinib-induced adverse events and perform a pharmacovigilance analysis using various disproportionality methods. Results: NTRK1/2/3 expression is lower in most tumor tissues, while they have higher methylation levels. NTRK gene expression has prognostic value in some cancer types, such as breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA). The cancer type with highest NTRK alteration frequency is skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) (31.98%). Thyroid carcinoma (THCA) has the largest number of NTRK fusion cases, and the most common fusion pair is ETV6-NTRK3. Adverse drug events (ADEs) obtained from the FAERS database for larotrectinib and entrectinib are 524 and 563, respectively. At the System Organ Class (SOC) level, both drugs have positive signal value for "nervous system disorder". Other positive signals for entrectinib include "cardiac disorders", "metabolism and nutrition disorders", while for larotrectinib, it is "hepatobiliary disorders". The unexpected signals are also listed in detail. ADEs of the two NTRK inhibitors mainly occur in the first month. The median onset time of ADEs for entrectinib and larotrectinib was 16 days (interquartile range [IQR] 6-86.5) and 44 days ([IQR] 7-136), respectively. Conclusion: Our analysis provides a broad molecular view of the NTRK family. The real-world adverse drug event analysis of entrectinib and larotrectinib contributes to more refined medication management.

Contributing roles of mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatocyte apoptosis in liver diseases through oxidative stress, post-translational modifications, inflammation, and intestinal barrier dysfunction

This review provides an update on recent findings from basic, translational, and clinical studies on the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis of hepatocytes in multiple liver diseases, including but not limited to alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and drug-induced liver injury (DILI). While the ethanol-inducible cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1) is mainly responsible for oxidizing binge alcohol via the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system, it is also responsible for metabolizing many xenobiotics, including pollutants, chemicals, drugs, and specific diets abundant in n-6 fatty acids, into toxic metabolites in many organs, including the liver, causing pathological insults through organelles such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticula. Oxidative imbalances (oxidative stress) in mitochondria promote the covalent modifications of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids through enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. Excessive changes stimulate various post-translational modifications (PTMs) of mitochondrial proteins, transcription factors, and histones. Increased PTMs of mitochondrial proteins inactivate many enzymes involved in the reduction of oxidative species, fatty acid metabolism, and mitophagy pathways, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, energy depletion, and apoptosis. Unique from other organelles, mitochondria control many signaling cascades involved in bioenergetics (fat metabolism), inflammation, and apoptosis/necrosis of hepatocytes. When mitochondrial homeostasis is shifted, these pathways become altered or shut down, likely contributing to the death of hepatocytes with activation of inflammation and hepatic stellate cells, causing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. This review will encapsulate how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to hepatocyte apoptosis in several types of liver diseases in order to provide recommendations for targeted therapeutics.

Exploring the Potential Role of Phytopharmaceuticals in Alleviating Toxicities of Chemotherapeutic Agents

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment, bringing patients optimism about recurrence and survival. However, the clinical effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs is frequently jeopardized by their intrinsic toxicity, resulting in side effects affecting the quality of life of cancer patients. This analysis explores the ethnopharmacological impact of phytopharmaceuticals, highlighting their traditional use in many cultures. The present study, which takes its cues from indigenous knowledge, aims to close the knowledge gap between traditional medicine and modern medicine in reducing the toxicities of chemotherapy treatments.

AIM

The present in-depth study aims to highlight the current research and upcoming developments in phytopharmaceuticals for reducing the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs. Further, we address the mechanisms through which phytopharmaceuticals may reduce chemotherapy-induced side effects that include nausea, vomiting, myelosuppression, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiotoxicity using data from a variety of preclinical and clinical investigations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature search was carried out by employing search engines such as PubMed and Google Scholar with keywords such as cancer, chemotherapy, CNS toxicity, hematopoietic toxicity, renal toxicity, GI toxicity, CNS toxicity, and phytopharmaceuticals.

RESULTS

Bioactive chemicals found in plants, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, are being studied for their capacity to improve the safety and acceptability of chemotherapy regimens. The current review also dives into the investigation of phytopharmaceuticals as adjuvant medicines in cancer treatment, which is a viable path for addressing the pressing need to lessen chemotherapy-induced toxicities.

CONCLUSION

The present review revealed that the potential of phytopharmaceuticals in alleviating chemotherapeutic drug toxicities would pave the way for better cancer treatment and patient outcomes, harmonizing with the larger trend towards personalized and holistic approaches to chemotherapy.

[Therapy of mental disorders in patients with hematological malignancies]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the possibilities of therapy with minimal effective doses (MED) of psychotropic drugs for mental disorders (MD) that manifest during the treatment of hematological malignancies (HM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted at the National Medical Research Center for Hematology of the Russian Ministry of Health (Moscow), which included 204 (39.4%) men and 314 (60.6%) women (518 patients in total), aged 17 to 83 years (median 45 years), with various HM, in which the manifestation of MD occurred during the treatment of the underlying disease. To minimize the side-effects of psychotropic drugs and given the relatively mild level of MD, psychopharmacotherapy of patients was carried out mainly at MED. The severity of MD, manifested in patients, was assessed by the illness severity scale of the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, and the effectiveness of the treatment was assessed by the improvement scale (CGI-I).

RESULTS

Mainly mild (188, 36%) and moderately pronounced (270, 52%) MD were noted in patients with HM during the treatment of the underlying disease. Severe psychopathological disorders (60, 12%) were observed much less often. Because of psychopharmacotherapy with MED, patients experienced a very significant (97, 19%) and significant improvement (354, 68%) of their mental state, less often the improvement was regarded as minimal (67, 13%). Therefore, almost all patients showed a stable relief of MD; in 87% (95% CI 84-90) of patients, this improvement was significant.

CONCLUSION

The tactics of treatment MD that manifest in patients with HM with MED of psychotropic drugs turned out to be therapeutically effective according to the results of the assessment on CGI scales.

Nanocurcumin preserves kidney function and haematology parameters in DMBA-induced ovarian cancer treated with cisplatin via its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effect in rats

CONTEXT

Cisplatin, as a first-line treatment for ovarian cancer, is associated with debilitating adverse effects, including nephrotoxic and haematotoxic effects.

OBJECTIVE

This study determines whether nanocurcumin, combined with cisplatin, would give additional benefit to kidney function and haematological parameters in rats with ovarian cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five Wistar rats were divided into five untreated rats and 20-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced ovarian cancer rats. The 20 ovarian cancer rats were divided into four treatment groups: vehicle, cisplatin, cisplatin-curcumin, and cisplatin-nanocurcumin. Cisplatin was given at the dose of 4 mg/kg BW once weekly, while curcumin or nanocurcumin was administered at 100 mg/kg BW daily for four weeks. At the end of treatment, we analysed kidney function, haematological parameters, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers from plasma.

RESULTS

Nanocurcumin alleviates the increase in kidney function markers and abnormalities in haematological indices in rats treated with cisplatin. Compared to cisplatin-treated rats, plasma urea levels decreased from 66.4 to 47.7 mg/dL, creatinine levels lowered from 0.87 to 0.82 mg/dL, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels declined from 8.51 to 3.59 mIU/mg protein. Furthermore, the therapy increased glutathione activities (from 2.02 to 3.23 U/µL), reduced lipid peroxidation (from 0.54 to 0.45 nmol/mL), and decreased plasma TNF-α (from 270.6 to 217.8 pg/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

Cisplatin with nanocurcumin in an ovarian cancer rat model may provide additional benefits as a preventive agent against renal impairment and cisplatin-induced haematological toxicity. However, further research is required to prove that using nanocurcumin for a more extended time would not affect its anticancer properties.

Influence of Rifamycin on Survival in Patients with Concomitant Lung Cancer and Pulmonary Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

The coexistence of lung cancer and tuberculosis is not rare. Rifamycin plays a pivotal role in anti-tuberculosis therapy. However, its potential impact on the liver metabolism of oncology drugs raises concerns. We performed this study to explore whether Rifamycin affects the survival of patients with tuberculosis and lung cancer.

METHODS

Drawing from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified patients diagnosed with concurrent lung cancer and tuberculosis between 2000 and 2014. Patients were categorized based on whether they underwent rifamycin-inclusive or rifamycin-exempt anti-tuberculosis therapy. Subsequently, we paired them at a 1:1 ratio and evaluated the mortality risk over a two-year span.

RESULTS

Out of the study participants, 1558 (81.4%) received rifamycin-based anti-tuberculosis therapy, while 356 (18.6%) underwent a rifamycin-free regimen. Analysis revealed no marked variance in the biennial mortality rate between the groups (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.33, 95% confidence interval 0.93-1.90, p = 0.1238). When focusing on the matched sets comprising 127 individuals in each group, the data did not indicate a significant link between rifamycin and a heightened two-year mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.00, 95% confidence interval 0.86-1.18, p = 0.9538).

CONCLUSIONS

For individuals with concomitant lung cancer and tuberculosis, rifamycin's administration did not adversely influence two-year survival. Thus, rifamycin-containing anti-TB regimens should be prescribed for the indicated patients.

Cisplatin increases carboxylesterases through increasing PXR mediated by the decrease of DEC1

cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP) is widely used for the treatment of various solid cancers. Here we reported that CDDP increased the expression and enzymatic activities of carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) and carboxylesterase 2 (CES2), along with the upregulation of pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the downregulation of differentiated embryonic chondrocyte-expressed gene 1 (DEC1) in human hepatoma cells, primary mouse hepatocytes, mouse liver and intestine. The overexpression or knockdown of PXR alone upregulated or downregulated the CES1 and CES2 expression, respectively. The increases in CES1 and CES2 expression levels induced by CDDP abolished or enhanced by PXR knockdown or overexpression, implying that CDDP induces carboxylesterases through the activation of PXR. Likewise, the overexpression or knockdown of DEC1 alone significantly decreased or increased PXR and its targets. Moreover, the increases of PXR and its targets induced by CDDP were abolished or alleviated by the overexpression or knockdown of DEC1. The overexpression or knockdown of DEC1 affected the response of PXR to CDDP, but not vice versa, suggesting that CDDP increases carboxylesterases by upregulating PXR mediated by the decrease of DEC1. In addition, CDDP did not increase DEC1 mRNA degradation but suppressed DEC1 promoter reporter activity, indicating that it suppresses DEC1 transcriptionally. The combined use of CDDP and irinotecan had a synergistic effect on two cell lines, especially when CDDP was used first.

A preliminary study on the pathology and molecular mechanism of fumonisin B1 nephrotoxicity in young quails

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a widely present mycotoxin that accumulates in biological systems and poses a health risk to animals. However, few studies have reported the molecular mechanism by which FB1 induces nephrotoxicity. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of nephrotoxicity during FB1 exposure and the possible molecular mechanisms behind it. Therefore, 180 young quails were equally divided into two groups. The control group was fed typical quail food, while the experimental group was fed quail food containing 30 mg·kg-1 FB1. Various parameters were assessed, which included histopathological, ultrastructural changes, levels of biochemical parameters, oxidative indicators, inflammatory factors, possible target organelles mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-related factors, nuclear xenobiotic receptors (NXR) response, and cytochrome P450 system (CYP450s)-related factors in the kidneys on days 14, 28, and 42. The results showed that FB1 can induce oxidative stress through NXR response and disorder of the CYP450s system, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress, promoting the expression of inflammatory factors (including IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) and causing kidney damage. This study elucidated the possible molecular mechanism by which FB1 induces nephrotoxicity in young quails.

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a role in drug-induced liver injury by regulating cytochrome P450 2E1 expression

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major cause of acute liver failure and drug withdrawal. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2E1 is involved in the metabolism of several drugs, and can induce liver injury through the production of toxic metabolites and the generation of reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CYP2E1 regulation for drug-induced hepatotoxicity. To achieve this, mice were administered cisplatin or acetaminophen (APAP) 1 h after treatment with the CYP2E1 inhibitor dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and histopathological and serum biochemical analyses were performed. APAP treatment induced hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by an increase in liver weight and serum ALT levels. Moreover, histological analysis indicated severe injury, including apoptosis, in the liver tissue of APAP-treated mice, which was confirmed by TUNEL assay. Additionally, APAP treatment suppressed the antioxidant capacity of the mice and increased the expression of the DNA damage markers γ-H2AX and p53. However, these effects of APAP on hepatotoxicity were significantly attenuated by DMSO treatment. Furthermore, the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling using the Wnt agonist CHIR99021 (CHIR) increased CYP2E1 expression in rat liver epithelial cells (WB-F344), whereas treatment with the Wnt/β-catenin antagonist IWP-2 inhibited nuclear β-catenin and CYP2E1 expression. Interestingly, APAP-induced cytotoxicity in WB-F344 cells was exacerbated by CHIR treatment and suppressed by IWP-2 treatment. Overall, these results showed that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in DILI through the upregulation of CYP2E1 expression by directly binding the transcription factor β-cat/TCF to the Cyp2e1 promoter, thus exacerbating DILI.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-023-00180-6.

Repurposing antifungal drugs for cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

Repurposing antifungal drugs in cancer therapy has attracted unprecedented attention in both preclinical and clinical research due to specific advantages, such as safety, high-cost effectiveness and time savings compared with cancer drug discovery. The surprising and encouraging efficacy of antifungal drugs in cancer therapy, mechanistically, is attributed to the overlapping targets or molecular pathways between fungal and cancer pathogenesis. Advancements in omics, informatics and analytical technology have led to the discovery of increasing "off-site" targets from antifungal drugs involved in cancerogenesis, such as smoothened (D477G) inhibition from itraconazole in basal cell carcinoma.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review illustrates several antifungal drugs repurposed for cancer therapy and reveals the underlying mechanism based on their original target and "off-site" target. Furthermore, the challenges and perspectives for the future development and clinical applications of antifungal drugs for cancer therapy are also discussed, providing a refresh understanding of drug repurposing.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

This review may provide a basic understanding of repurposed antifungal drugs for clinical cancer management, thereby helping antifungal drugs broaden new indications and promote clinical translation.

Cisplatin Nephrotoxicity: Novel Insights Into Mechanisms and Preventative Strategies

Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent that has been used for more than 50 years for a variety of cancers; however, its use is limited by toxicity, including nephrotoxicity. In this in-depth review, we discuss the incidence of cisplatin-associated acute kidney injury, as well as common risk factors for its development. Cisplatin accumulates in the kidney tubules and causes AKI through various mechanisms, including DNA damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. We also discuss the spectrum of nephrotoxicity, including acute and chronic impairment of kidney function, electrolyte disturbances, and thrombotic microangiopathy. We discuss the limited options for the diagnosis, prevention, and management of these complications, along with factors that may impact future therapy with or without cisplatin. We conclude with directions for future research in this expanding and important area.

The Combined Effect of Licorice Extract and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Cisplatin-Induced Hepatocellular Damage in Rats

Drug-induced liver damage is a life-threatening disorder, and one major form of it is the hepatotoxicity induced by the drug cisplatin. In folk medicine, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra (is used for detoxification and is believed to be a potent antioxidant. Currently, the magically self-renewable potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) has prompted us to explore their hepatoregenerative capability. The impact of G. glabra extract (GGE) and BM-MSCs alone and, in combination, on protecting against hepatotoxicity was tested on cisplatin-induced liver injury in rats. Hepatic damage, as revealed by liver histopathology and increased levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and malondialdehyde (MDA), was elevated in rats by received 7 mg/kg of cisplatin intraperitoneally. The combination of GGE and BM-MSCs returned the enzyme levels to near the normal range. It also improved levels of liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) and reduced MDA levels. Additionally, it was found that when GGE and BM-MSCs were used together, they significantly downregulated caspase9 (Casp9), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which are involved in severe proinflammatory and apoptotic signaling cascades in the liver. Moreover, combining GGE and BM-MSCs led to the normal result of hepatocytes in several examined liver histological sections. Therefore, our findings suggest that GGE may have protective effects against oxidative liver damage and the promising regenerative potential of BM-MSCs.

Silymarin as a preventive or therapeutic measure for chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced adverse reactions: a comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical data

PURPOSE

Thus far, silymarin has been examined in several studies for prevention or treatment of various chemotherapy or radiotherapy-induced adverse reactions. In this review, we try to collect all available human, animal, and pre-clinical data in this field.

METHODS

The search was done in Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and systematic reviews in the Cochrane database, using the following keywords: "Cancer," "Chemotherapy," "Radiotherapy," "Mucositis," "Nephrotoxicity," "Dermatitis," "Ototoxicity," "Cardiotoxicity," "Nephrotoxicity," "Hepatotoxicity," "Reproductive system," "Silybum marianum," "Milk thistle," and "Silymarin" and "Silybin." We included all relevant in vitro, in vivo, and human studies up to the date of publication.

RESULTS

Based on 64 included studies in this review, silymarin is considered a safe and well-tolerated compound, with no known clinical drug interaction. Notably, multiple adverse reactions of chemotherapeutic agents are effectively managed by its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-immunomodulatory properties. Clinical trials suggest that oral silymarin may be a promising adjuvant with cancer treatments, particularly against hepatotoxicity (n = 10), nephrotoxicity (n = 3), diarrhea (n = 1), and mucositis (n = 3), whereas its topical formulation can be particularly effective against radiodermatitis (n = 2) and hand-foot syndrome (HFS) (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

Further studies are required to determine the optimal dose, duration, and the best formulation of silymarin to prevent and/or manage chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced complications.

Cisplatin nephrotoxicity: new insights and therapeutic implications

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for various solid tumours, but its use is limited by adverse effects in normal tissues. In particular, cisplatin is nephrotoxic and can cause acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Preclinical studies have provided insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cisplatin nephrotoxicity, which involve intracellular stresses including DNA damage, mitochondrial pathology, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Stress responses, including autophagy, cell-cycle arrest, senescence, apoptosis, programmed necrosis and inflammation have key roles in the pathogenesis of cisplatin nephrotoxicity. In addition, emerging evidence suggests a contribution of epigenetic changes to cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Further research is needed to determine how these pathways are integrated and to identify the cell type-specific roles of critical molecules involved in regulated necrosis, inflammation and epigenetic modifications in cisplatin nephrotoxicity. A number of potential therapeutic targets for cisplatin nephrotoxicity have been identified. However, the effects of renoprotective strategies on the efficacy of cisplatin chemotherapy needs to be thoroughly evaluated. Further research using tumour-bearing animals, multi-omics and genome-wide association studies will enable a comprehensive understanding of the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms of cisplatin nephrotoxicity and potentially lead to the identification of specific targets to protect the kidney without compromising the chemotherapeutic efficacy of cisplatin.

Prevention of Testicular Damage by Indole Derivative MMINA via Upregulated StAR and CatSper Channels with Coincident Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: In Silico and In Vivo Validation

Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP) is a widely used antineoplastic agent with numerous associated side effects. We investigated the mechanisms of action of the indole derivative N'-(4-dimethylaminobenzylidene)-2-1-(4-(methylsulfinyl) benzylidene)-5-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-inden-3-yl) acetohydrazide (MMINA) to protect against CDDP-induced testicular damage. Five groups of rats (n = 7) were treated with saline, DMSO, CDDP, CDDP + MMINA, or MMINA. Reproductive hormones, antioxidant enzyme activity, histopathology, daily sperm production, and oxidative stress markers were examined. Western blot analysis was performed to access the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and inflammatory biomarker expression in testis, while expression of calcium-dependent cation channel of sperm (CatSper) in epididymis was examined. The structural and dynamic molecular docking behavior of MMINA was analyzed using bioinformatics tools. The construction of molecular interactions was performed through KEGG, DAVID, and STRING databases. MMINA treatment reversed CDDP-induced nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) augmentation, while boosting the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the epididymis and testicular tissues. CDDP treatment significantly lowered sperm count, sperm motility, and epididymis sperm count. Furthermore, CDDP reduced epithelial height and tubular diameter and increased luminal diameter with impaired spermatogenesis. MMINA rescued testicular damage caused by CDDP. MMINA rescued CDDP-induced reproductive dysfunctions by upregulating the expression of the CatSper protein, which plays an essential role in sperm motility, MMINA increased testosterone secretion and StAR protein expression. MMINA downregulated the expression of NF-κB, STAT-3, COX-2, and TNF-α. Hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions were predicted between MMINA and 3β-HSD, CatSper, NF-κβ, and TNFα. Molecular interactome outcomes depicted the formation of one hydrogen bond and one hydrophobic interaction between 3β-HSD that contributed to its strong binding with MMINA. CatSper also made one hydrophobic interaction and one hydrogen bond with MMINA but with a lower binding affinity of -7.7 relative to 3β-HSD, whereas MMINA made one hydrogen bond with NF-κβ residue Lys37 and TNF-α reside His91 and two hydrogen bonds with Lys244 and Thr456 of STAT3. Our experimental and in silico results revealed that MMINA boosted the antioxidant defense mechanism, restored the levels of fertility hormones, and suppressed histomorphological alterations.

Hydroxyapatite Biobased Materials for Treatment and Diagnosis of Cancer

Great advances in cancer treatment have been undertaken in the last years as a consequence of the development of new antitumoral drugs able to target cancer cells with decreasing side effects and a better understanding of the behavior of neoplastic cells during invasion and metastasis. Specifically, drug delivery systems (DDS) based on the use of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAp NPs) are gaining attention and merit a comprehensive review focused on their potential applications. These are derived from the intrinsic properties of HAp (e.g., biocompatibility and biodegradability), together with the easy functionalization and easy control of porosity, crystallinity and morphology of HAp NPs. The capacity to tailor the properties of DLS based on HAp NPs has well-recognized advantages for the control of both drug loading and release. Furthermore, the functionalization of NPs allows a targeted uptake in tumoral cells while their rapid elimination by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) can be avoided. Advances in HAp NPs involve not only their use as drug nanocarriers but also their employment as nanosystems for magnetic hyperthermia therapy, gene delivery systems, adjuvants for cancer immunotherapy and nanoparticles for cell imaging.

Repurposing FDA-approved drugs against the toxicity of platinum-based anticancer drugs

Platinum-based anticancer drugs (PADs), mainly cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, are widely used efficacious long-standing anticancer agents for treating several cancer types. However, clinicians worry about PAD chemotherapy and its induction of severe non-targeted organ toxicity. Compelling evidence has shown that toxicity of PAD on delicate body organs is associated with free radical generation, DNA impairment, endocrine and mitochondrial dysfunctions, oxidative inflammation, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and activation of regulator signaling proteins, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and pathways. The emerging trend is the repurposing of FDA-approved non-anticancer drugs (FNDs) for combating the side effects toxicity of PADs. Thus, this review chronicled the mechanistic preventive and therapeutic effects of FNDs against PAD organ toxicity in preclinical studies. FNDs are potential clinical drugs for the modulation of toxicity complications associated with PAD chemotherapy. Therefore, FNDs may be suggested as non-natural agent inhibitors of unpalatable side effects of PADs.

Metabolic Profiling, Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and In Vivo Hepato- and Nephroprotective Effects of Sonchus cornutus in Mice Exposed to Cisplatin

Sonchus cornutus (Asteraceae) is a wild. edible plant that represents a plentiful source of polyphenolic compounds. For the first time, the metabolic analysis profiling demonstrated the presence of anthocyanidin glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids and their corresponding glycosides, and phenolic acids. The total phenolic compounds were determined to be 206.28 ± 14.64 mg gallic acid equivalent/gm, while flavonoids were determined to be 45.56 ± 1.78 mg quercetin equivalent/gm. The crude extract of S. cornutus exhibited a significant 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging effect with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 16.10 ± 2.14 µg/mL compared to ascorbic acid as a standard (10.64 ± 0.82 µg/mL). In vitro total antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing power capacity assays revealed a promising reducing potential of S. cornutus extract. Therefore, the possible protective effects of S. cornutus against hepatic and renal toxicity induced by cisplatin in experimental mice were investigated. S. cornutus significantly ameliorated the cisplatin-induced disturbances in liver and kidney functions and oxidative stress, decreased MDA, ROS, and NO levels, and restored CAT and SOD activities. Besides, it reversed cisplatin-driven upregulation in inflammatory markers, including iNOS, IL-6, and IL-1β levels and NF-κB and TNF-α expression, and elevated anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels and Nrf2 expression. Additionally, the extract mitigated cisplatin alteration in apoptotic (Bax and caspase-3) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) proteins. Interestingly, hepatic, and renal histopathology revealed the protective impacts of S. cornutus against cisplatin-induced pathological changes. Our findings guarantee a protective effect of S. cornutus against cisplatin-induced hepatic and renal damage via modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic pathways.

Unexpected Enhancement of Cytotoxicity of Cisplatin in a Rat Kidney Proximal Tubular Cell Line Overexpressing Mitochondrial Glutathione Transport Activity

In previous studies, we identified the two principal transporters that mediate the uptake of glutathione (GSH) from cytoplasm into the mitochondrial matrix of rat kidney proximal tubular cells. We hypothesized that genetic modulation of transporter expression could markedly alter susceptibility of renal proximal tubular cells to a broad array of oxidants and mitochondrial toxicants. Indeed, we previously showed that overexpression of either of these transporters resulted in diminished susceptibility to several chemicals. In the present work, we investigated the influence of overexpression of the mitochondrial 2-oxoglutarate carrier (OGC) in NRK-52E cells on the cytotoxicity of the antineoplastic drug cisplatin. In contrast to previous results showing that overexpression of the mitochondrial OGC provided substantial protection of NRK-52E cells from injury due to several toxicants, we found a remarkable enhancement of cellular injury from exposure to cisplatin as compared to wild-type NRK-52E cells. Despite the oxidative stress that cisplatin is known to cause in the renal proximal tubule, the increased concentrations of mitochondrial GSH associated with OGC overexpression likely resulted in increased delivery of cisplatin to molecular targets and increased cellular injury rather than the typical protection observed in the previous work.

Molecular and biological effects of Cisplatin in Drosophila

Cisplatin is widely used in cancer treatment and is one of the best cytostatic agents available for antitumor therapy. Drosophila melanogaster has one of the best annotated genomes and one of the best characterized sets of transposable elements (TE) sequences. This model organism is useful for analyzing the mode of action of several compounds in vivo and evaluating the behavioral consequences of treatments. The aim of our study was to increase the knowledge about the effects of Cisplatin in Drosophila by joining RNA-seq and biological assays. RNA-seq was followed by analyses of differential expression of genes (DEGs) and TEs (DETEs), and of pathways and ontology terms. DETEs were confirmed by qPCR. Cisplatin was evaluated at 50 and 100 μg/mL in Drosophila culture medium for 24 h. The fly locomotor assay, survival analysis, oviposition and development were used as biological assays. Cisplatin induced DEGs in a dose-dependent fashion, and four TEs were up-regulated. Most DEGs are related to DNA damage and detoxification processes. Cisplatin increases Drosophila locomotor activity and interrupts development. Genes and processes related to the assays were also identified. This is the first study to evaluate the effects of Cisplatin in flies using RNA-seq. Gene alteration was almost limited to drug metabolism and DNA damage, and the drug did not vastly affect Drosophila on the molecular level. Contrary to the hypothesis that stress dramatically alters TEs mobilization, only four TEs were up-regulated. Our study, together with previous knowledge, asserts Drosophila as a valuable organism in the study of chemotherapy drugs.

In vivo assessment of reversing Cisplatin-Induced nephrotoxicity using Jatropha mollissima crude extract and its potential cytotoxicity

Jatropha mollissima is one of the ancient plants that known in Africa, Asia and Latin America for its high medicinal value. Previously we showed that the ethanolic leaves extract of J. mollissima was able to reverse the aminoglycoside antibiotics induced nephrotoxicity in only two weeks of administration. Here, we evaluated the phytochemicals, antioxidant and in vivo cytotoxicity of the ethanolic leaves extract in addition to the ability of reversing Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in wistar albino rats. The results of phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins and saponins, with significantly high antioxidant activity. The treated rats did not show any cytotoxic signs; no anatomical, physiological and/or histopathological changes compared with the control group. Kidney, spleen and liver tissues appeared normal after two weeks administration of the maximum dose, with a possible alteration in distal tubules, proximal tubules and glomerulus of the kidney tissues. The results of nephrotoxicity and kidney function suggest promising potential for J. mollissima in kidney damage treatment.

Nano-hydroxyapatite as a delivery system: overview and advancements

Nano-hydroxyapatite is being investigated as vital components of implants and dental and tissue engineering devices. It is found as a bone replacement due to its non-toxicity and cytocompatibility with dental tissues and bone. The reality that nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite can be made of porous granules and scaffolds. Additionally, it has a massive loading potential indicating its use as a transporter for drugs or a regulated drug release mechanism in pharmaceutical research. This review aims to present existing nano-hydroxyapatite research developments as a drug carrier employed in bone tissue disorders locally and deliver poorly soluble drugs with reduced bioavailability. We have discussed the nano-hydroxyapatite role in the delivery of drugs (i.e. anti-resorptive, anti-cancer, and antibiotics), proteins, genetic material, and radionuclides.

The role of natural antioxidants in cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity

Cisplatin is a potent platinum-based anticancer drug approved by the Food Drug Administration (FDA) in 1978. Despite its advantages against solid tumors, cisplatin confers toxicity to various tissues that limit its clinical uses. In cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, few mechanisms have been identified, which started as excess generation of reactive oxygen species that leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage and apoptosis in the liver. Various natural products, plant extracts and oil rich in flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and phenolic acids were able to minimize oxidative stress by restoring the level of antioxidant enzymes and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. Likewise, treatment with honey and royal jelly was demonstrated to decrease serum transaminases and scavenge free radicals in the liver after cisplatin administration. Medicinal properties of these natural products have a promising potential as a complementary therapy to counteract cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. This review concentrated on the protective role of several natural products, which has been proven in the laboratory findings to combat cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.

Transcriptomic analysis of rat kidney reveals a potential mechanism of sex differences in susceptibility to cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

Although cisplatin is an effective platinum-based anticancer drug against solid cancer, its availability is limited owing to its adverse side effects. Our study aimed to identify the potential relationship within cisplatin-induced multi-organ physiological changes and genetic factors associated with sex differences in nephrotoxicity susceptibility. To investigate this, mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin. Cisplatin administration resulted in renal dysfunction, as evidenced by the elevation in serum biomarkers of renal damage (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) and the degree of histopathological alterations. In particular, along with testicular damage and low testosterone levels, we also observed a decrease in male-specific (CYP3A2) or male-dominant (CYP2B1 and CYP3A1) CYP isoforms in the livers of rats with hepatotoxicity following cisplatin treatment, which may be associated with an imbalance in male hormone regulation caused by renal and testicular injury. Notably, we found that male rats were more susceptible to cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, as characterized by histopathological and biochemical analyses. Therefore, RNA sequencing was performed at baseline (pre-treatment) and at 48 h following cisplatin administration (post-treatment) to identify the genes associated with sex differences in nephrotoxicity susceptibility. Gap junctions, which play a role in replenishing damaged cells to maintain tissue homeostasis, and mismatch repair associated with a pathological apoptotic mechanism against cisplatin nephrotoxicity were significantly enriched only in males following cisplatin treatment. Moreover, among the 322 DEGs showing different basal expression patterns between males and females before cisplatin treatment, the male expressed high levels of genes, which are responsible for transmembrane transport and regulation of apoptotic process, pre-cisplatin treatment; additionally, genes involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and the oxidation-reduction process were significantly lower in males before cisplatin treatment. Collectively, our comprehensive findings provided valuable insight into the potential mechanisms of sex differences in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity susceptibility.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) supplements in cancer outpatients: analyses of usage and of interaction risks with cancer treatment

Purpose

The aim of our study was to analyze the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) supplements, identify possible predictors, and analyze and compile potential interactions of CAM supplements with conventional cancer therapy.

Methods

We included outpatient cancer patients treated at a German university hospital in March or April 2020. Information was obtained from questionnaires and patient records. CAM–drug interactions were identified based on literature research for each active ingredient of the supplements consumed by the patients.

Results

37.4% of a total of 115 patients consumed CAM supplements. Potential interactions with conventional cancer treatment were identified in 51.2% of these patients. All types of CAM supplements were revealed to be a potential source for interactions: vitamins, minerals, food and plant extracts, and other processed CAM substances. Younger age (< 62 years) (p = 0.020, φc = 0.229) and duration of individual cancer history of more than 1 year (p = 0.006, φc = 0.264) were associated with increased likelihood of CAM supplement use. A wide range of different CAM supplement interactions were reviewed: effects of antioxidants, cytochrome (CYP) interactions, and specific agonistic or antagonistic effects with cancer treatment.

Conclusion

The interaction risks of conventional cancer therapy with over-the-counter CAM supplements seem to be underestimated. Supplements without medical indication, as well as overdoses, should be avoided, especially in cancer patients. To increase patient safety, physicians should address the risks of interactions in physician–patient communication, document the use of CAM supplements in patient records, and check for interactions.

High temperature stress induces expression of CYP450 genes and contributes to insecticide tolerance in Liriomyza trifolii

Liriomyza trifolii is an invasive leafminer fly that inflicts damage on many horticultural and vegetable crops. In this study, the effects of elevated temperatures on L. trifolii tolerance to insecticides abamectin (AB), monosultap (MO) and a mixture of abamectin and monosultap (AM) were firstly investigated, then five CYP450 genes (LtCYPs) were cloned, and expression patterns and NADPH cytochrome C reductase (NCR) activity in L. trifolii were compared in response to high temperature stress and insecticide exposure. Results showed elevated temperatures induced expression of LtCYP450s, the expression level of LtCYP4g1, LtCYP4g15 and LtCYP301A1 after exposed to different high temperature were significantly up-regulated compared with the control (25 °C), while there was no significant difference in LtCYP4E21 and LtCYP18A1. Under the joint high temperature and insecticide stress, the expression of LtCYP4g15, LtCYP18A1 and LtCYP301A1 was significantly higher under elevated temperatures than that of only under AB exposure. For MO and AM exposure, only 40 °C could induce the expression of LtCYP4g15, LtCYP18A1 and LtCYP301A1. In general, the LtCYPs expression pattern was correlated with increased NCR activity and decreased mortality in response to insecticide exposure under elevated temperatures. These all demonstrated that insecticide tolerance in L. trifolii could be mediated by high temperature. This study improves our understanding of L. trifolii physiology and offers a theoretical context for improved control that ultimately reduces the abuse of insecticides and decreases exposure to non-target organisms.

Cisplatin chemotherapy and renal function

Cisplatin has been a mainstay of cancer chemotherapy since the 1970s. Despite its broad anticancer potential, its clinical use has regularly been constrained by kidney toxicities. This review details those biochemical pathways and metabolic conversions that underlie the kidney toxicities. A wide range of redox events contribute to the eventual physiological consequences of drug activities.

Proximal Tubular Vacuolization and Hypersensitivity to Drug-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Mice With Decreased Expression of the NADPH-Cytochrome P450 Reductase

The effect of variations in the expression of cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR or POR) is determined in mice with decreased POR expression to identify potential vulnerabilities in people with low POR expression. There is an age-dependent appearance of increasing vacuolization in the proximal tubules of the renal cortex in 4- to 9-month-old male (but not female) Cpr-low (CL) mice. These mice have low POR expression in all cells of the body and upregulation of lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 expression in the renal cortex. Vacuolization is also seen in extrahepatic CL and extrarenal CL male mice, but not in mice with tissue-specific Por deletion in liver, intestinal epithelium, or kidney. The occurrence of vacuolization is accompanied by increases in serum blood-urea-nitrogen levels. Male CL mice are hypersensitive to cisplatin- and gentamicin-induced renal toxicity at 3 months of age, before proximal tubular (PT) vacuoles are detectable. At doses that do not cause renal toxicity in wild-type mice, both drugs cause substantial increases in serum blood-urea-nitrogen levels and PT vacuolization in male but not female CL mice. The hypersensitivity to drug-induced renal toxicity is accompanied by increases in circulating drug levels. These novel findings demonstrate deficiency of renal function in mice with globally reduced POR expression and suggest that low POR expression may be a risk factor for drug-induced nephrotoxicity in humans.

Polygonum minus essential oil modulates cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity through inflammatory and apoptotic pathways

Oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis are thought as primary mediators of cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. The objective of this study was to determine the protective effect of Polygonum minus essential oil in cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. A total of forty-two male rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control, cisplatin, β-caryophyllene 150 mg/kg (BCP), PmEO 100 mg/kg + cisplatin (PmEO100CP), PmEO 200 mg/kg + cisplatin (PmEO200CP), PmEO 400 mg/kg + cisplatin (PmEO400CP) and PmEO 400 mg/kg (PmEO400). Rats in the BCP, PmEO100CP, PmEO200CP, PmEO400CP and PmEO400 group received respective treatment orally for 14 consecutive days prior to cisplatin injection. All animals except for those in the control group and PmEO400 were administered with a single dose of cisplatin (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day 15 and all animals were sacrificed on day 18. PmEO100CP pretreatment protected against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity by decreasing CYP2E1 and indicators of oxidative stress including malondialdehyde, 8-OHdG and protein carbonyl which was accompanied by increased antioxidant status (glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) as compared to cisplatin group. PmEO100CP pretreatment also modulated changes in liver inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10). PmEO100CP administration also notably reduced cisplatin-induced apoptosis significantly as compared to cisplatin group. In conclusion, our results suggested that P. minus essential oil at a dose of 100 mg/kg may protect against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity possibly via inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Histoprotective effect of rutin against cisplatin-induced toxicities in tumor-bearing mice: Rutin lessens cisplatin-induced toxicities

Cisplatin is an effective anticancer drug used against a variety of cancers. The full therapeutic potential of cisplatin is often hampered due to concurrent development of various side effects in the hosts. Rutin, a naturally occurring bioflavonoid shows several pharmacological activities. It has been earlier reported by us that rutin and cisplatin in combination show better antitumor activity against murine ascites Dalton's lymphoma. As cisplatin is given to cancer-bearing hosts only, the present study was undertaken to explore the histoprotective effect of rutin against some toxicities induced by cisplatin in tumor-bearing mice. Cisplatin treatment caused severe damages in tissue architecture such as degenerated hepatocytes with nuclear condensation and sinusoidal dilatation in the liver, glomerular deterioration, infiltration of cells, and tubular congestion in the kidney, and vacuolization of Sertoli cells or dense granules in the cytoplasm and damaged seminiferous tubules in the testes. In the rutin plus cisplatin combination-treated mice, all the abnormal tissue architectural features were decreased. Further, as compared to cisplatin treatment, combination treatment did not show any significant elevation in the liver functional biomarkers (serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) and renal functional biomarkers (serum urea and creatinine levels). The combination treatment reduced the sperm abnormalities also as compared to the cisplatin alone treatment. The in vitro hemolysis assay of red blood cells and scanning electron microscopy revealed that combination treatment lessened the cisplatin-induced hemolysis and abnormalities in RBCs. Thus, the present findings demonstrate that rutin has histoprotective ability against cisplatin-induced toxicities in tumor-bearing mice.

A novel effect of Aprepitant: Protection for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity

Cisplatin is widely used chemotherapeutic drug and have some serious side effects as tissue toxicity and nausea and vomiting. Aprepitant is used in clinic as an anti-emetic drug for cisplatin treated patient to prevent nausea and vomiting. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of Aprepitant on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. In total 42 male rats were separated into six groups (n = 7). A single dose of cisplatin (10 mg/kg i.p.) was administered to induce toxicity on first day. Different doses of Aprepitant (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) were given to treatment groups during 3 days. After the experimental procedures serum enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, BUN and Creatinin), kidney and liver oxidative parameters (SOD, GSH and MDA), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and NF-κB) and Cyp2e1 expressions analyzed. Histopathological investigations also performed for all groups. Cisplatin caused tissue toxicity in both kidney and liver. Serum enzymes, tissue cytokines and oxidative stress were increased after the Cis treatment. Aprepitant treatment normalized all parameters compared to cisplatin treated group. Cisplatin significantly increased the Cyp2e1 expression in the kidney while significantly decreased in the liver compared to Healthy group. Histopathologically, it was shown that cisplatin causes a lot of abnormal structures as inflammatory infiltration and necrosis on the liver and kidney. Similar the biochemical and molecular results, aprepitant showed positive effects on tissue pathological parameters. With its main anti-emetic effect, Aprepitant treatment may be an effective option for cancer patients if they have additional injury as nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity due to cisplatin.

Bismuth Porphyrin Antagonizes Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity via Unexpected Metallothionein-Independent Mechanisms

Cisplatin (CDDP) has been a highly successful anticancer drug in cancer therapy; however, its further application suffers severe nephrotoxicity. Herein, we identify bismuth tetraphenylporphyrinate [Bi(TPP)] as a potent protective agent against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity. Bi(TPP) attenuates CDDP-induced acute kidney injury and prevents the death of mice exposed to a lethal dose of CDDP. The protective potency of bismuth porphyrin complexes could be optimized by varying lipophilic TPP ligands with ideal ClogP values of 8–14. Unexpectedly, Bi(TPP) exhibited a protective role via metallothionein-independent pathways, i.e., maintenance of redox homeostasis and energy supplement, elimination of accumulated platinum in the kidney, and inactivation of caspases cascade in apoptotic pathway. Significantly, Bi(TPP) does not compromise the antitumor activity of CDDP in the orthotopic tumor xenograft mouse model. These findings suggest that Bi(TPP) could be incorporated into current CDDP-based cancer therapy as a nephroprotective agent.

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Bi(TPP), a potent nephroprotectant against cisplatin-induced toxicity, is disclosed

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Protective potency of Bi(TPP) could be modulated by varying lipophilic TPP ligands

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Bi(TPP) ameliorates cisplatin-induced renal damage via multiple mechanisms

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Combined therapy with Bi(TPP) does not compromise the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin

Efficacy of relaxin for cisplatin-induced testicular dysfunction and epididymal spermatotoxicity

Background

Cisplatin (CP) is an extremely effective anticancer agent widely used to treat various cancer types, however, the potential side effects include testicular dysfunction. This study was to investigate, using a rat model of CP-induced testicular dysfunction, the protective effects of relaxin (RLN) against oxidative stress, testicular function, histological damage, spermatogenesis, germ-cell apoptosis, and sperm output, and to explore the usefulness of RLN as a potential protective drug for use with CP in chemotherapeutic treatments.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley male rats were used, which were divided into three groups: sham control, CP, and CP + RLN. Porcine RLN (500 ng/h) or saline was infused for 5 days using an implanted osmotic mini-pump following intraperitoneal injection of CP (6 mg/kg). RLN dose was chosen based on previous studies showing that it resulted in serum relaxin levels comparable to those in rats at the middle of pregnancy. At 5 days after CP administration, samples were collected and assessment of testicular histopathology, germ-cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and sperm quality was performed as main measures.

Results

The testicular CP model showed reduced testis weight and significantly decreased spermatogenesis scores. Additionally, CP administration induced a 4.6-fold increase in the apoptotic index associated with a significant increase in oxidative stress and upregulation of pro-apoptotic Casp3 and downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 levels, resulting in a marked reduction in sperm concentration. However, RLN administration caused a significant reduction in CP-mediated damage by attenuating oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. RLN administration efficiently scavenged ROS via the activation of SOD, CAT, and GPx and upregulation of GSH to prevent lipid peroxidation and decreased apoptosis by altering Bcl2 and Casp3 expression, thereby reducing histopathological damage and restoring spermatogenesis. Furthermore, RLN ameliorated attenuated sperm motility in the cauda epididymis resulting from CP treatment.

Conclusions

This study clearly indicates that RLN exerts a protective effect against CP-induced testicular damage through attenuation of oxidative stress and suppression of apoptosis. Our findings suggest RLN as a potentially efficacious drug for use with cisplatin chemotherapy in order to ameliorate CP-induced side effects and testicular injury adversely affecting spermatogenesis, sperm quality, and oxidative-stress parameters.

The prognostic nutritional index predicts survival and response to first-line chemotherapy in advanced biliary cancer

BACKGROUND

An accurate risk-stratification is key to optimize the benefit-to-risk ratio of palliative treatment in advanced biliary cancer. We aimed at assessing the impact of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on survival and treatment response in advanced biliary cancer (ABC) receiving first-line chemotherapy.

METHODS

Medical records of ABC treated with standard chemotherapy at the Modena Cancer Centre were retrospectively reviewed for variables deemed of potential interest, including the PNI. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between the covariates and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

114 ABC fulfilled the inclusion criteria and made up the training cohort. A PNI cut-off value of 36.7 was established using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. At both the univariate and the multivariate analysis, low PNI value (<36.7) was associated with shorter OS (P = .0011), together with increased NLR (P = .0046) and ECOG >1 (P < .0001). The median OS was 5.4 vs 12.1 months in the low- vs high PNI-group. Moreover, a PNI value >36.7 resulted in a higher disease control in patients treated with gemcitabine/platinum combination (61.4% vs 34.3%). These results were validated in an independent cohort of 253 ABC.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated and externally validated a prognostic role for the PNI in ABC treated with first-line chemotherapy. Although the PNI turned out to be predictive in the subset of patients receiving platinum/gemcitabine combination, future prospective confirmation is needed.

Ccrn4l as a pre-dose marker for prediction of cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity susceptibility

Clinical cisplatin use is often limited by its drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Particularly, individual differences in susceptibility to DILI can cause life-threatening medical conditions. This study aimed to uncover the inherent genetic factors determining individual variations in hepatotoxicity susceptibility. Rats were subjected to liver biopsy and a 3-week postoperative recovery period before cisplatin administration. At 2 days post-treatment with cisplatin, the rats exhibited histopathological and serum biochemical alterations in the liver, and changes in hydrogen peroxide and cytochrome P450-2E1 levels. Based on these results of liver-related biochemical markers, 32 rats were grouped into the susceptible (top five) and resistant (bottom five) groups. Using RNA-sequencing, we compared gene expressions in the liver pre-biopsied from these two groups before cisplatin treatment and found 161 differently expressed genes between the Susceptible and Resistant groups. Among them, the clock-controlled Ccrn4l responsible for 'rhythmic process' was identified as a common gene downregulated inherently prior to drug exposure in both cisplatin- and acetaminophen-sensitive animals. Additionally, low Ccrn4l levels before cisplatin treatment in the Susceptible group were maintained even after treatment, with decreased antioxidants, increased nitration, and apoptosis. The relationship of Ccrn4l with catalase and mitochondrial RNAs in the liver was confirmed by correlation of their hepatic levels among individuals and similar patterns of circadian variation in their mRNA expression. Remarkably, Ccrn4l knockdown promoted cisplatin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in WB-F344 cells with antioxidant catalase and apoptosis-related Bax changes. Inherent individual hepatic Ccrn4l level might be a novel factor affecting cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity susceptibility, possibly through regulation of mitochondrial and antioxidant functions.

Short-Term Diet Restriction but Not Alternate Day Fasting Prevents Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most preferred platinum-containing antineoplastic drugs. However, even in nontoxic plasma concentrations, it may cause kidney injury. To be able to increase its effective pharmacological dose, its side effects need to be regarded. Diet restriction (DR) has been demonstrated to improve cellular survival in a number of disorders. In this context, we investigated the role of DR in CP-induced nephrotoxicity (CPN). Besides alternate DR, animals were exposed to DR for 3 days prior or after CP treatment. Here, we observed that both 3 days of DR reverses the nephrotoxic effect of CP, which was associated with improved physiological outcomes, such as serum creatine, blood-urea nitrogen and urea. These treatments significantly increased phosphorylation of survival kinases PI3K/Akt and ERK-1/2 and decreased the level of stress kinase JNK were noted. In addition, the activation level of signal transduction mediator p38 MAPK phosphorylation was higher particularly in both three-day DR groups. Next, animals were fed with carbohydrate-, protein- or fat-enriched diets in the presence of CP. Results indicated that not only fasting but also dietary content itself may play a determinant role in the severity of CPN. Our data suggest that DR is a promising approach to reduce CPN by regulating metabolism and cell signaling pathways.

The Role of CYP450 Drug Metabolism in Precision Cardio-Oncology

As many novel cancer therapies continue to emerge, the field of Cardio-Oncology (or onco-cardiology) has become crucial to prevent, monitor and treat cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity. Furthermore, given the narrow therapeutic window of most cancer therapies, drug-drug interactions are prevalent in the cancer population. Consequently, there is an increased risk of affecting drug efficacy or predisposing individual patients to adverse side effects. Here we review the role of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes in the field of Cardio-Oncology. We highlight the importance of cardiac medications in preventive Cardio-Oncology for high-risk patients or in the management of cardiotoxicities during or following cancer treatment. Common interactions between Oncology and Cardiology drugs are catalogued, emphasizing the impact of differential metabolism of each substrate drug on unpredictable drug bioavailability and consequent inter-individual variability in treatment response or development of cardiovascular toxicity. This inter-individual variability in bioavailability and subsequent response can be further enhanced by genomic variants in CYP450, or by modifications of CYP450 gene, RNA or protein expression or function in various 'omics' related to precision medicine. Thus, we advocate for an individualized approach to each patient by a multidisciplinary team with clinical pharmacists evaluating a treatment plan tailored to a practice of precision Cardio-Oncology. This review may increase awareness of these key concepts in the rapidly evolving field of Cardio-Oncology.

The Multifarious Link between Cytochrome P450s and Cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Cytochrome P450s (P450s) play an important role in the metabolism of endogenous as well as exogenous substances, especially drugs. Moreover, many P450s can serve as targets for disease therapy. Increasing reports of epidemiological, diagnostic, and clinical research indicate that P450s are enzymes that play a major part in the formation of cancer, prevention, and metastasis. The purposes of this review are to shed light on the current state of knowledge about the cancer molecular mechanism involving P450s and to summarize the link between the cancer effects and the participation of P450s.

Bee Collected Pollen and Bee Bread: Bioactive Constituents and Health Benefits

Bee products were historically used as a therapheutic approach and in food consumption, while more recent data include important details that could validate them as food supplements due to their bioproperties, which support their future use as medicines. In this review data, data collected from bee pollen (BP) and bee bread (BB) essays will be discussed and detailed for their nutritional and health protective properties as functional foods. Dietary antioxidants intake derived from BP and BB have been associated with the prevention and clinical treatment of multiple diseases. The beneficial effects of BP and BB on health result from the presence of multiple polyphenols which possess anti-inflammatory properties, phytosterols and fatty acids, which play anticancerogenic roles, as well as polysaccharides, which stimulate immunological activity. From the main bioactivity studies with BP and BB, in vitro studies and animal experiments, the stimulation of apoptosis and the inhibition of cell proliferation in multiple cell lines could be one of the major therapeutic adjuvant effects to be explored in reducing tumor growth. Tables summarizing the main data available in this field and information about other bio-effects of BP and BB, which support the conclusions, are provided. Additionally, a discussion about the research gaps will be presented to help further experiments that complete the tree main World Health Organization (WHO) Directives of Efficiency, Safety and Quality Control for these products.

Interaction between autophagy and the NLRP3 inflammasome

Autophagy, a metabolic pathway that plays an important role in maintaining the dynamic balance of cells, has two types, i.e. non-selective autophagy and selective autophagy. The role of non-selective autophagy is primarily to allow cells to circulate nutrients in an energy-limited environment, while selective autophagy primarily cleans up the organelles inside the cells to maintain the cell structure. The NLRP3 inflammasome is an innate immune response produced by the organism that can promote the secretion of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 through caspase-1 activation and resist the damage of some pathogens. However, when the NLRP3 inflammasome is overactivated, it can cause various inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Many previous studies have shown that autophagy can inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome, while in recent years, new studies have found that autophagy can also promote the NLRP3 inflammasome in some cases, and the NLRP3 inflammasome can, in turn, affect autophagy. In this review, the interaction between autophagy and the NLRP3 inflammasome is explored, and then the application of this interaction in disease treatment is discussed.