Andrographis modulates cisplatin resistance in lung cancer via miR-155-5p/SIRT1 axis

The novel miR-873-5p-YWHAE-PI3K/AKT axis is involved in non-small cell lung cancer progression and chemoresistance by mediating autophagy

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) encompasses approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and is the foremost cancer type worldwide; it is prevalent in both sexes and known for its high fatality rate. Expanding scientific inquiry underscores the indispensability of microRNAs in NSCLC. Here, we probed the impact of miR-873-5p on NSCLC development and chemoresistance. qRT‒PCR was used to measure the miR-873-5p level in NSCLC cells with or without chemoresistance. A model of miR-873-5p overexpression was constructed. The proliferation and viability of NSCLC cells were evaluated through CCK8 and colony formation experiments. Cell migration and invasion were monitored via Transwell assays. Western blotting was used to determine the levels of YWHAE, PI3K, AKT, EMT, apoptosis, and autophagy-related proteins. The sensitivity of NSCLC cells to the chemotherapeutic agent gefitinib was assessed. Additionally, the correlation of YWHAE with miR-873-5p was validated via a dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). Overexpressed miR-873-5p suppressed migration, proliferation, invasion, and EMT while concurrently stimulating apoptotic processes. miR-873-5p was downregulated in NSCLC cells resistant to gefitinib. Upregulating miR-873-5p reversed gefitinib resistance by inducing autophagy. YWHAE was confirmed to be a downstream target of miR-873-5p. YWHAE overexpression promoted the malignant behaviors of NSCLC cells and boosted tumor growth, while these effects were reversed following miR-873-5p overexpression. Subsequent investigations revealed that overexpressing YWHAE promoted PI3K/AKT pathway activation, with miR-873-5p displaying inhibitory effects on the YWHAE-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling cascade. miR-873-5p affects proliferation, invasion, migration, EMT, autophagy, and chemoresistance in NSCLC by controlling the YWHAE/PI3K/AKT axis.

The mechanism and application of traditional Chinese medicine extracts in the treatment of lung cancer and other lung-related diseases

Lung cancer stands as one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, bearing the highest morbidity and mortality rates among all malignant tumors. The treatment of lung cancer primarily encompasses surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, which are fraught with significant side effects, unfavorable prognoses, and a heightened risk of metastasis and relapse. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have gradually gained prominence in lung cancer treatment, diversifying the array of available methods, the overall recovery and survival rates for lung cancer patients remain suboptimal. Presently, with a holistic approach and a focus on syndrome differentiation and treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has emerged as a pivotal player in the prognosis of cancer patients. TCM possesses characteristics such as targeting multiple aspects, addressing a wide range of concerns, and minimizing toxic side effects. Research demonstrates that Traditional Chinese Medicine can significantly contribute to the treatment or serve as an adjunct to chemotherapy for lung cancer and other lung-related diseases. This is achieved through mechanisms like inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, suppressing tumor angiogenesis, influencing the cellular microenvironment, regulating immune system function, impacting signal transduction pathways, and reversing multidrug resistance in tumor cells. In this article, we offer an overview of the advancements in research concerning Traditional Chinese Medicine extracts for the treatment or adjunctive chemotherapy of lung cancer and other lung-related conditions. Furthermore, we delve into the challenges that Traditional Chinese Medicine extracts face in lung cancer treatment, laying the foundation for the development of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets.