Neuroprotective Role of Selected Antioxidant Agents in Preventing Cisplatin-Induced Damage of Human Neurons In Vitro

Advanced Technologies in Radiation Research

The U.S. Government is committed to maintaining a robust research program that supports a portfolio of scientific experts who are investigating the biological effects of radiation exposure. On August 17 and 18, 2023, the Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program, within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), partnered with the National Cancer Institute, NIH, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Radiation Injury Treatment Network to convene a workshop titled, Advanced Technologies in Radiation Research (ATRR), which focused on the use of advanced technologies under development or in current use to accelerate radiation research. This meeting report provides a comprehensive overview of the research presented at the workshop, which included an assembly of subject matter experts from government, industry, and academia. Topics discussed during the workshop included assessments of acute and delayed effects of radiation exposure using modalities such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) - based gene editing, tissue chips, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, and immersive imaging techniques. These approaches are being applied to develop products to diagnose and treat radiation injury to the bone marrow, skin, lung, and gastrointestinal tract, among other tissues. The overarching goal of the workshop was to provide an opportunity for the radiation research community to come together to assess the technological landscape through sharing of data, methodologies, and challenges, followed by a guided discussion with all participants. Ultimately, the organizers hope that the radiation research community will benefit from the workshop and seek solutions to scientific questions that remain unaddressed. Understanding existing research gaps and harnessing new or re-imagined tools and methods will allow for the design of studies to advance medical products along the critical path to U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.

Antioxidant effect of lactic acid bacteria in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke

AIMS

Chronic lung diseases are a major and increasing global health problem, commonly caused by cigarette smoke. We aimed to explore the antioxidant effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) against cigarette smoke in bronchial epithelial cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The antioxidant effects of 21 heat-killed (HK) LAB strains were tested in cigarette smoke-stimulated BEAS-2B cells and 3-D bronchospheres organoids. We showed that HK Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BGPKM22 possesses antioxidant activity against cigarette smoke, resistance to hydrogen peroxide, and free radical neutralizing activity. We demonstrated that HK BGPKM22 inhibited cigarette smoke-induced expression of the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) genes. The cell-free supernatant (SN) of BGPKM22 fully confirmed the effects of HK BGPKM22.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, we revealed that HK and SN of Lactip. plantarum BGPKM22 possess antioxidant activity and modulate AhR and Nrf2 gene expression in bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke.

Proof of principle study: synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy for identification of previously radioactive microparticles and elemental mapping of FFPE tissues

Biobanks containing formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from animals and human atomic-bomb survivors exposed to radioactive particulates remain a vital resource for understanding the molecular effects of radiation exposure. These samples are often decades old and prepared using harsh fixation processes which limit sample imaging options. Optical imaging of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained tissues may be the only feasible processing option, however, H&E images provide no information about radioactive microparticles or radioactive history. Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) is a robust, non-destructive, semi-quantitative technique for elemental mapping and identifying candidate chemical element biomarkers in FFPE tissues. Still, XFM has never been used to uncover distribution of formerly radioactive micro-particulates in FFPE canine specimens collected more than 30 years ago. In this work, we demonstrate the first use of low-, medium-, and high-resolution XFM to generate 2D elemental maps of ~ 35-year-old, canine FFPE lung and lymph node specimens stored in the Northwestern University Radiobiology Archive documenting distribution of formerly radioactive micro-particulates. Additionally, we use XFM to identify individual microparticles and detect daughter products of radioactive decay. The results of this proof-of-principle study support the use of XFM to map chemical element composition in historic FFPE specimens and conduct radioactive micro-particulate forensics.

PGC1α: an emerging therapeutic target for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)-mediated paresthesias are a common complication in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. There are currently no treatments available to prevent or reverse CIPN. Therefore, new therapeutic targets are urgently needed to develop more effective analgesics. However, the pathogenesis of CIPN remains unclear, and the prevention and treatment strategies of CIPN are still unresolved issues in medicine. More and more studies have demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction has become a major factor in promoting the development and maintenance of CIPN, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) coactivator 1α (PGC1α) plays a significant role in maintaining the mitochondrial function, protecting peripheral nerves, and alleviating CIPN. In this review, we highlight the core role of PGC1α in regulating oxidative stress and maintaining normal mitochondrial function and summarize recent advances in its therapeutic effects and mechanisms in CIPN and other forms of peripheral neuropathy. Emerging studies suggest that PGC1α activation may positively impact CIPN mitigation by modulating oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies targeting PGC1α could be a potential therapeutic target in CIPN.

The role of ginseng derivatives against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity: A systematic review of non-clinical studies

Aims

Although chemotherapy agents are used to treating cancers, they have serious side effects, like their harmful effects on the cardiovascular system, limiting the clinical use of these chemotherapy agents. This study aimed to systematically investigate the potential role of ginseng derivatives in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity.

Methods

This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines strategy in databases till August 2022. First, identify studies related to using search terms in titles and abstracts. After studying and screening 209 articles, 16 articles were selected in this study according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

According to the findings of this study, ginseng derivatives showed significant changes in biochemical, histological, and heart weight loss, as well as a reduction in mortality, which occurred in the groups treated with chemotherapy agents compared to the control groups. Co-administration of ginseng derivatives with chemotherapy agents inhibited or reversed these changes to near-moderate levels. The protective effects of ginseng derivatives can be due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic action.

Conclusion

This systematic review shows evidence that concomitant administration of ginseng derivatives improves chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity. However, for better conclusions about the practical mechanisms of ginseng derivatives in reducing the cardiac toxic effects of chemotherapy agents and evaluating the efficacy and safety of the compound simultaneously, it is necessary to design comprehensive studies.

Phlomis fruticosa L. exerts in vitro antineurodegenerative and antioxidant activities and induces prooxidant effect in glioblastoma cell line

Despite the significant advances in drug development we are witnessing the inability of health systems to combat both neurodegenerative diseases and cancers, especially glioblastoma. Hence, natural products are comprehensively studied in order to provide novel therapeutic options. This study aimed to explore anti-neurodegenerative and anti-glioblastoma potential of extract of Phlomis fruticosa L. using in vitro model systems. It was found that the methanol extract of P. fruticosa was able to efficiently reduce activities of enzymes linked to neurodegenerative disease including acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and tyrosinase. Furthermore, P. fruticosa extract has shown excellent antioxidant potential, as evidenced by six different methods. Analysis of cytotoxic effect of P. fruticosa extract on A172 glioblastoma cell line revealed that the concentration of the extract necessary for 50 % inhibition of A172 growth (IC₅₀) was 710 μg/mL. The extract did not induce changes in proliferation and morphology of A172 glioblastoma cells. On the other side, production of ROS was increased in A172 cells treated with the extract. Observed cytotoxic effect of P. fruticosa extract might be based on increase in ROS generation upon treatment. Quantitative chemical analysis revealed the presence of twelve different polyphenols with the cis 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid being the most abundant. This study provided scientific evidence for further exploration of P. fruticosa as a promising natural anti-neurodegenerative therapeutic option.

A Systematic Review of Nutritional Lab Correlates with Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy for which no prevention or cure exists. Cancer and cancer treatments can adversely affect nutritional status. Nutrition may play a role in development of CIPN, yet the relationship between nutrition and CIPN is not well understood. Common laboratory values measuring various aspects of nutrition (hemoglobin/hematocrit, vitamin B12, calcium, and magnesium) may be associated with CIPN. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the empirical evidence surrounding the relationship between laboratory measures of nutrition and CIPN among persons with cancer who received neurotoxic chemotherapy drugs. We conducted an extensive review of the literature to identify articles that evaluated relationships between laboratory measures of nutrition and CIPN. A total of eleven articles satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Participants in the studies had breast or colorectal cancer, lymphoma or multiple myeloma and were receiving a variety of neurotoxic drugs. Hemoglobin/hematocrit, vitamin D, albumin, and magnesium were associated with CIPN. The quality of the studies ranges from fair to good. Evidence suggests that low levels of the above-mentioned tests could be associated with CIPN but additional research is needed.

Redox-sensitive TRP channels: a promising pharmacological target in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and its related pain is a major side effect of certain chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer treatment. Available analgesics are mostly symptomatic, and on prolonged treatment, patients become refractive to them. Hence, the development of improved therapeutics that act on novel therapeutic targets is necessary. Potential targets include the redox-sensitive TRP channels [e.g. TRPA1, TRPC5, TRPC6, TRPM2, TRPM8, TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV4] which are activated under oxidative stress associated with CIPN.

AREAS COVERED

We have examined numerous neuropathy-inducing cancer chemotherapeutics and their pathophysiological mechanisms. Oxidative stress and its downstream targets, the redox-sensitive TRP channels, together with their potential pharmacological modulators, are discussed. Finally, we reflect upon the barriers to getting new therapeutic approaches into the clinic. The literature search was conducted in PubMed upto and including April 2021.

EXPERT OPINION

Redox-sensitive TRP channels are a promising target in CIPN. Pharmacological modulators of these channels have reduced pain in preclinical models and in clinical studies. Clinical scrutiny suggests that TRPA1, TRPM8, and TRPV1 are the most promising targets because of their pain-relieving potential. In addition to the analgesic effect, TRPV1 agonist-Capsaicin possesses a disease-modifying effect in CIPN through its restorative property in damaged sensory nerves.

Mini-Review: Mitochondrial dysfunction and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a somatosensory axonopathy in cancer patients receiving any of a variety of widely-use antitumor agents. CIPN can lead to long-lasting neuropathic pain that limits the dose or length of otherwise life-saving cancer therapy. Accumulating evidence over the last two decades indicates that many chemotherapeutic agents cause mitochondrial injury in the peripheral sensory nerves by disrupting mitochondrial structure and bioenergetics, increasing nitro-oxidative stress and altering mitochondrial transport, fission, fusion and mitophagy. The accumulation of abnormal and dysfunctional mitochondria in sensory neurons are linked to axonal growth defects resulting in the loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers in the hands and feet, increased spontaneous discharge and the sensitization of peripheral sensory neurons that provoke and promote changes in the central nervous system that establish a chronic neuropathic pain state. This has led to the propose mitotoxicity theory of CIPN. Strategies that improve mitochondrial function have shown success in preventing and reversing CIPN in pre-clinical animal models and have begun to show some progress toward translation to the clinic. In this review, we will review the evidence for, the causes and effects of and current strategies to target mitochondrial dysfunction in CIPN.

Peripheral Neuropathy under Oncologic Therapies: A Literature Review on Pathogenetic Mechanisms

Peripheral neurologic complications are frequent adverse events during oncologic treatments and often lead to dose reduction, administration delays with time elongation of the therapeutic plan and, not least, worsening of patients’ quality of life. Experience skills are required to recognize symptoms and clinical evidences and the collaboration between different health professionals, in particular oncologists and hospital pharmacists, grants a correct management of this undesirable occurrence. Some classes of drugs (platinates, vinca alkaloids, taxanes) typically develop this kind of side effect, but the genesis of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is not linked to a single mechanism. This paper aims from one side at summarizing and explaining all the scattering mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy through a detailed literature revision, on the other side at finding new approaches to possible treatments, in order to facilitate the collaboration between oncologists, hematologists and hospital pharmacists.

The role of taurine on chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity: A systematic review of non-clinical study

AIMS

Although chemotherapeutic agents have highly beneficial effects against cancer, they disturb the body's normal homeostasis. One of the critical side effects of chemotherapeutic agents is their deleterious effect on the cardiac system, which causes limitations of their clinical usage. Taurine constitutes more than 50% of the amino acids in the heart. The use of taurine might prevent chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. This systematic study aims to evaluate the protective role of taurine against cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in databases up to November 2020, and the review is designed on PRISMA guidelines. The search keywords were selected based on our study target and were searched in the title and abstract. After the consecutive screening, out of a whole of 94 articles, 8 articles were included according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria.

KEY FINDINGS

According to the study results, chemotherapy decreases body and heart weight and increases mortality. Also, it induces some biochemical and histological changes compared to the control group. By co-administration of taurine with chemotherapy, alterations returned near to the average level. These protective effects of taurine are mediated through anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.

SIGNIFICANCE

Based on evaluated non-clinical studies, taurine ameliorates chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, but its possible interaction with the efficacy of anti-cancer medicines that mostly act through induction of oxidants remains to be elucidated in the future. This needs conducting well-designed studies to assess the effectiveness and safety of this combination simultaneously.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy among patients with ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the course of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) among patients with ovarian cancer receiving taxanes.

METHODS

In a retrospective case-control study conducted between January 1, 2016, and May 31, 2018, in Xiangya Hospital in Changsha, China, women with ovarian cancer received taxane and platinum-complex combination therapy. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life, Ovarian cancer module questionnaire, was used to assess the severity of neuropathy by telephone.

RESULTS

Out of the 88 women included in the study, 61 (69.3%) reported CIPN. Twelve months after chemotherapy, the percentage was 19.3%. The percentage of patients suffering from sensory peripheral neuropathy (SPN) was higher than motor peripheral neuropathy at any time during the study. Sensory peripheral neuropathy was associated with the use of docetaxel and paclitaxel (docetaxel vs liposomal paclitaxel: odds ratio [OR] 4.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.69-11.42, P<0.01; paclitaxel vs liposomal paclitaxel: OR 5.91, 95% CI 1.09-31.97, P=0.04). The average weakness score in acute CIPN was lower than chronic CIPN (1.46 vs 2.00, P=0.019). Patients treated with vitamin B₁ and amifostine experienced better relief from CIPN.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed a significant proportion of patients with ovarian cancer receiving taxanes suffered from long-term residual neuropathy, and the use of docetaxel and paclitaxel was associated with SPN. Vitamin B₁ or amifostine may improve the symptoms of CIPN.

Recent advances in understanding chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common cause of pain and poor quality of life for those undergoing treatment for cancer and those surviving cancer. Many advances have been made in the pre-clinical science; despite this, these findings have not been translated into novel preventative measures and treatments for CIPN. This review aims to give an update on the pre-clinical science, preventative measures, assessment and treatment of CIPN.

Lanthanide-Binding Tags for 3D X-ray Imaging of Proteins in Cells at Nanoscale Resolution

We report the application of lanthanide-binding tags (LBTs) for two- and three-dimensional X-ray imaging of individual proteins in cells with a sub-15 nm beam. The method combines encoded LBTs, which are tags of minimal size (ca. 15-20 amino acids) affording high-affinity lanthanide ion binding, and X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM). This approach enables visualization of LBT-tagged proteins while simultaneously measuring the elemental distribution in cells at a spatial resolution necessary for visualizing cell membranes and eukaryotic subcellular organelles.

Advances in visualization of copper in mammalian systems using X-ray fluorescence microscopy

Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) has become an important imaging technique to investigate elemental concentrations and distributions in biological specimens. Advances in technology now permit imaging at resolutions rivaling that of electron microscopy, and researchers can now visualize elemental concentrations in subcellular organelles when using appropriate correlative methods. XFM is an especially valuable tool to determine the distribution of endogenous trace metals that are involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we discuss the latest research on the unusual copper (Cu) storage vesicles that were originally identified in mouse brains and the involvement of Cu in Alzheimer's disease. Finally, we provide an outlook of how future improvements to XFM will drive current trace element research forward.

Insights into platinum-induced peripheral neuropathy-current perspective

Cancer is a global health problem that is often successfully addressed by therapy, with cancer survivors increasing in numbers and living longer world around. Although new cancer treatment options are continuously explored, platinum based chemotherapy agents remain in use due to their efficiency and availability. Unfortunately, all cancer therapies affect normal tissues as well as cancer, and more than 40 specific side effects of platinum based drugs documented so far decrease the quality of life of cancer survivors. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a frequent side effects of platinum-based chemotherapy agents. This cluster of complications is often so debilitating that patients occasionally have to discontinue the therapy. Sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglia are at the core of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms. In these postmitotic cells, DNA damage caused by platinum chemotherapy interferes with normal functioning. Accumulation of DNA-platinum adducts correlates with neurotoxic severity and development of sensation of pain. While biochemistry of DNA-platinum adducts is the same in all cell types, molecular mechanisms affected by DNA-platinum adducts are different in cancer cells and non-dividing cells. This review aims to raise awareness about platinum associated chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy as a medical problem that has remained unexplained for decades. We emphasize the complexity of this condition both from clinical and mechanistical point of view and focus on recent findings about chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in in vitro and in vivo model systems. Finally, we summarize current perspectives about clinical approaches for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy treatment.