Albendazole inhibits HIF-1α-dependent glycolysis and VEGF expression in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Enhancing antitumor efficacy of oncolytic virus M1 via albendazole-sustained CD8+ T cell activation

The immune response plays a crucial role in the functionality of oncolytic viruses. In this study, Albendazole, an antihelminthic drug known to modulate the immune checkpoint PD-L1, was combined with the oncolytic virus M1 (OVM1) to treat mice with either prostate cancer (RM-1) or glioma (GL261) tumors. This combination therapy enhanced anti-tumor effects in immunocompetent mice, but not in immunodeficient ones, without increasing OVM1 replication. Instead, it led to an increase in the number of CD8+ T cells within the tumor, downregulated the expression of PD1 on CD8+ T cells, and upregulated activation markers such as Ki67, CD44, and CD69 and the secretion of cytotoxic factors including interferon (IFN)-γ, granzyme B, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Consistently, it enhanced the in vitro tumor-killing activity of lymphocytes from tumor-draining lymph nodes or spleens. The synergistic effect of Albendazole on OVM1 was abolished by depleting CD8+ T cells, suggesting a CD8+ T cell-dependent mechanism. In addition, Albendazole and OVM1 therapy increased CTLA4 expression in the spleen, and the addition of CTLA4 antibodies further enhanced the anti-tumor efficacy in vivo. In summary, Albendazole can act synergistically with oncolytic viruses via CD8+ T cell activation, and the Albendazole/OVM1 combination can overcome resistance to CTLA4-based immune checkpoint blockade therapy.

Melittin inactivates YAP/HIF-1α pathway via up-regulation of LATS2 to inhibit hypoxia-induced proliferation, glycolysis and angiogenesis in NSCLC

BACKGROUND

NSCLC is one of the most common causes of death. The hypoxia microenvironment contributes to cancer progression. The purpose was to explore the effects and mechanism of melittin on NSCLC cells in the hypoxic microenvironment.

METHODS

NSCLC cell lines (A549 and H1299) were cultured in normoxia or hypoxia conditions with or without melittin treatment. The viability of the cells was detected via MTT assay and the proliferation ability was evaluated by EdU assay. QRT-PCR was performed to evaluate GLUT1, LDHA, HK2, VEGF and LATS2 mRNA levels. Glucose transport was assessed by the 2-NBDG uptake assay. The angiogenesis was determined by the tubule formation assay. The protein expressions of GLUT1, LDHA, HK2, VEGF, LATS2, YAP, p-YAP and HIF-1α were detected via western blotting assay. The tumor formation assay was conducted to examine the roles of melittin and LATS2 in vivo.

RESULTS

Melittin inhibited hypoxia-induced cell viability, proliferation, glycolysis and angiogenesis as well as suppressed YAP binding to HIF-1α in NSCLC. Melittin inactivated the YAP/HIF-1α pathway via up-regulation of LATS2, ultimately inhibiting cancer progression of NSCLC. Moreover, melittin suppressed tumor growth via up-regulation of LATS2 in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Melittin inactivated the YAP/HIF-1α pathway via up-regulation of LATS2 to contribute to the development of NSCLC. Therefore, melittin is expected to become a potential prognostic drug for the therapy of NSCLC.

Optimization of Flavonoid Extraction from Abelmoschus manihot Flowers Using Ultrasonic Techniques: Predictive Modeling through Response Surface Methodology and Deep Neural Network and Biological Activity Assessment

Understanding the optimal extraction methods for flavonoids from Abelmoschus manihot flowers (AMF) is crucial for unlocking their potential benefits. This study aimed to optimize the efficiency of flavonoid extraction from AMF. After comparing extraction methods, the ultrasonic cell crusher demonstrated superior performance over conventional techniques. Four key factors-solid-to-liquid ratio (1:10 to 1:50 g·mL-1), ethanol concentration (55% to 95%), ultrasonic time (10 to 50 min), and ultrasonic power (5% to 25% of 900 W)-were investigated and normalized using the entropy weight method. This led to a comprehensive evaluation (CE). Optimization of extraction conditions for the ultrasonic cell crusher was achieved through response surface methodology and a deep neural network model, resulting in optimal parameters: ethanol volume fraction of 66%, solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:21 g/mL, extraction efficiency of 9%, and extraction duration of 35 min, yielding a CE value of 23.14 (RSD < 1%). Additionally, the inhibitory effects of the optimized extracts against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) were assessed. The results revealed that AMF extract (AMFE) exhibits inhibitory effects on S. mutans, with concomitant inhibition of sucrase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The MIC of AMFE against planktonic S. mutans is 3 mg/mL, with an MBC of 6 mg/mL. Within the concentration range of 1/8 MIC to 2 MIC of AMFE, the activities of sucrase and LDH decreased by 318.934 U/mg prot and 61.844 U/mg prot, respectively. The antioxidant activity of AMFE was assessed using the potassium ferricyanide reduction and phosphomolybdenum methods. Additionally, the effect of AMFE on DPPH, ABTS, and ·OH free radical scavenging abilities was determined. The concentrations at which AMFE exhibited over 90% scavenging rate for ABTS and DPPH free radicals were found to be 0.125 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL, respectively.

Response of aerobic granular sludge under acute inhibition by polystyrene microplastics: Activity, aggregation performance, and microbial analysis

In this study, the activity, aggregation performance, microbial community and functional proteins of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) in response to acute inhibition by different concentrations of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) were investigated. As the PS-MPs concentration increased from 0 mg/L to 200 mg/L, the specific nitrogen removal rate and the activity of enzymes were inhibited. The inhibition of specific nitrite reduction rate (SNIRR) and specific nitrate reduction rate (SNRR) was most obvious at the PS-MPs concentration of 100 mg/L, and that of nitrite reductase (NIR) and nitrate reductase (NR) was most obvious at the concentration of 50 mg/L. But the inhibitory effects were mitigated at the concentration of 200 mg/L. The increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) indicated that the cells were damaged with the increase of PS-MPs concentration. The content of proteins and polysaccharides in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) decreased, especially the polysaccharides were more affected. Analysis of zeta potential, hydrophobicity and surface thermodynamics of AGS revealed that addition of PS-MPs was unfavorable for AGS aggregation. It was also found that bacteria genera associated with EPS secretion and nitrogen removal functions were inhibited, while functions associated with cell metabolism, protein synthesis and cell repair were enhanced. This also confirmed that acute inhibition of PS-MPs had a detrimental effect on the nitrogen removal and aggregation performance of AGS. This study can provide theoretical support for the operation of AGS reactors under microplastics impact load.

Albendazole inhibits colon cancer progression and therapy resistance by targeting ubiquitin ligase RNF20

BACKGROUND

The repurposing of FDA-approved drugs for anti-cancer therapies is appealing due to their established safety profiles and pharmacokinetic properties and can be quickly moved into clinical trials. Cancer progression and resistance to conventional chemotherapy remain the key hurdles in improving the clinical management of colon cancer patients and associated mortality.

METHODS

High-throughput screening (HTS) was performed using an annotated library of 1,600 FDA-approved drugs to identify drugs with strong anti-CRC properties. The candidate drug exhibiting most promising inhibitory effects in in-vitro studies was tested for its efficacy using in-vivo models of CRC progression and chemoresistance and patient derived organoids (PTDOs).

RESULTS

Albendazole, an anti-helminth drug, demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effects on the tumorigenic potentials of CRC cells, xenograft tumor growth and organoids from mice. Also, albendazole sensitized the chemoresistant CRC cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin suggesting potential to treat chemoresistant CRC. Mechanistically, Albendazole treatment modulated the expression of RNF20, to promote apoptosis in CRC cells by delaying the G2/M phase and suppressing anti-apoptotic-Bcl2 family transcription.

CONCLUSIONS

Albendazole, an FDA approved drug, carries strong therapeutic potential to treat colon cancers which are aggressive and potentially resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Our findings also lay the groundwork for further clinical testing.

Current and novel approaches in the pharmacological treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumours worldwide. The mortality-to-incidence ratio is up to 91.6% in many countries, representing the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Systemic drugs, including the multikinase inhibitors sorafenib and lenvatinib, are first-line drugs used in HCC treatment. Unfortunately, these therapies are ineffective in most cases due to late diagnosis and the development of tumour resistance. Thus, novel pharmacological alternatives are urgently needed. For instance, immune checkpoint inhibitors have provided new approaches targeting cells of the immune system. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies against programmed cell death-1 have shown benefits in HCC patients. In addition, drug combinations, including first-line treatment and immunotherapy, as well as drug repurposing, are promising novel therapeutic alternatives. Here, we review the current and novel pharmacological approaches to fight HCC. Preclinical studies, as well as approved and ongoing clinical trials for liver cancer treatment, are discussed. The pharmacological opportunities analysed here should lead to significant improvement in HCC therapy.

Inhibition of Wnt Signaling in Colon Cancer Cells via an Oral Drug that Facilitates TNIK Degradation

We have synthesized an oxetane derivative of the benzimidazole compound mebendazole (OBD9) with enhanced solubility and strong anticancer activity in multiple types of cancer cells, especially colorectal cancer. In this report, we provide evidence that OBD9 suppresses colorectal cancer growth by interfering with the Wnt signaling pathway, a main driver of cell growth in colorectal cancer. Specifically, we find that OBD9 induces autophagic degradation of TNIK (traf2 and Nck-interacting kinase), which promotes T-cell factor-4 (TCF4)/beta-catenin-mediated gene expression. Thus, OBD9 as a TNIK inhibitor blocks Wnt/beta-catenin signaling at the final step of transcriptional activation. We suggest that OBD9 provides a potential novel autophagy-mediated, Wnt-damping therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Targeting glycolysis in non-small cell lung cancer: Promises and challenges

Metabolic disturbance, particularly of glucose metabolism, is a hallmark of tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cancer cells tend to reprogram a majority of glucose metabolism reactions into glycolysis, even in oxygen-rich environments. Although glycolysis is not an efficient means of ATP production compared to oxidative phosphorylation, the inhibition of tumor glycolysis directly impedes cell survival and growth. This review focuses on research advances in glycolysis in NSCLC and systematically provides an overview of the key enzymes, biomarkers, non-coding RNAs, and signaling pathways that modulate the glycolysis process and, consequently, tumor growth and metastasis in NSCLC. Current medications, therapeutic approaches, and natural products that affect glycolysis in NSCLC are also summarized. We found that the identification of appropriate targets and biomarkers in glycolysis, specifically for NSCLC treatment, is still a challenge at present. However, LDHB, PDK1, MCT2, GLUT1, and PFKM might be promising targets in the treatment of NSCLC or its specific subtypes, and DPPA4, NQO1, GAPDH/MT-CO1, PGC-1α, OTUB2, ISLR, Barx2, OTUB2, and RFP180 might be prognostic predictors of NSCLC. In addition, natural products may serve as promising therapeutic approaches targeting multiple steps in glycolysis metabolism, since natural products always present multi-target properties. The development of metabolic intervention that targets glycolysis, alone or in combination with current therapy, is a potential therapeutic approach in NSCLC treatment. The aim of this review is to describe research patterns and interests concerning the metabolic treatment of NSCLC.

Repurposing of Benzimidazole Anthelmintic Drugs as Cancer Therapeutics

Simple Summary

Although non-prescription anthelmintics are often used for cancer treatment, there is a lack of information regarding their anti-cancer effects in clinical settings. The aims of our review are to describe the possibilities and limitations of the anti-cancer effects of benzimidazole anthelmintics and to suggest ways to overcome these limitations. The results of the current review illustrate the potential development of anthelmintics as a useful strategy for cancer treatment based on much preclinical evidence. Furthermore, they suggest that more rigorous studies on whole anti-cancer pathways and development strategies, including formulations, could result in significantly enhanced anti-cancer effects of benzimidazoles as a repurposed cancer therapy in clinical settings.

Abstract

Benzimidazoles have shown significant promise for repurposing as a cancer therapy. The aims of this review are to investigate the possibilities and limitations of the anti-cancer effects of benzimidazole anthelmintics and to suggest ways to overcome these limitations. This review included studies on the anti-cancer effects of 11 benzimidazoles. Largely divided into three parts, i.e., preclinical anti-cancer effects, clinical anti-cancer effects, and pharmacokinetic properties, we examine the characteristics of each benzimidazole and attempt to elucidate its key properties. Although many studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of benzimidazoles, there is limited evidence regarding their effects in clinical settings. This might be because the clinical trials conducted using benzimidazoles failed to restrict their participants with specific criteria including cancer entities, cancer stages, and genetic characteristics of the participants. In addition, these drugs have limitations including low bioavailability, which results in insufficient plasma concentration levels. Additional studies on whole anti-cancer pathways and development strategies, including formulations, could result significant enhancements of the anti-cancer effects of benzimidazoles in clinical situations.

Prediction of VEGF and EGFR Expression in Peripheral Lung Cancer Based on the Radiomics Model of Spectral CT Enhanced Images

Background

Energy spectrum CT is an effective method to evaluate the biological behavior of lung cancer. Radiomics is a non-invasive technology to obtain histological information related to lung cancer.

Purpose

To investigate the value of the radiomics models on the bases of enhanced spectral CT images of peripheral lung cancer to predict the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Material and Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 73 patients with peripheral lung cancer confirmed by postoperative pathology. All patients underwent dual-phase enhanced spectral CT scans before surgery. Regions of interest (ROI) were delineated in the arterial phase and venous phase. Key radiomics features were extracted and models were established to predict the expression of VEGF and EGFR, respectively. All models were established based on the expression levels of VEGF and EGFR in tissues detected by immunohistochemical staining as reference standards. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were used to evaluate the predictive performance of each model, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical utility of the models.

Results

In predicting the expression level of VEGF, the combined (COMB) model composed of one spectral feature and two radiomics features achieved the best performance with area under ROC (AUC) 0.867 (95% CI: 0.767–0.966), accuracy of 0.812, sensitivity of 0.879, and specificity of 0.667. According to the expression level of EGFR, three importance radiomics features were retained in the arterial and venous phases to establish the multiphase phase model which has the best performance with AUC of 0.950 (95% confidence interval: 0.89–1.00), accuracy of 0.896, sensitivity of 0.868, and specificity of 1.

Conclusion

The radiomics model of enhanced spectral CT images of peripheral lung cancer can predict the expression of EGFR and VEGF.

Secretion into Milk of the Main Metabolites of the Anthelmintic Albendazole Is Mediated by the ABCG2/BCRP Transporter

Albendazole (ABZ) is an anthelmintic with a broad-spectrum activity, widely used in human and veterinary medicine. ABZ is metabolized in all mammalian species to albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO), albendazole sulfone (ABZSO₂) and albendazole 2-aminosulphone (ABZSO₂-NH₂). ABZSO and ABZSO₂ are the main metabolites detected in plasma and all three are detected in milk. The ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) is an efflux transporter that is involved in the active secretion of several compounds into milk. Previous studies have reported that ABZSO was in vitro transported by ABCG2. The aim of this work is to correlate the in vitro interaction between ABCG2 and the other ABZ metabolites with their secretion into milk by this transporter. Using in vitro transepithelial assays with cells transduced with murine Abcg2 and human ABCG2, we show that ABZSO₂ and ABZSO₂-NH₂ are in vitro substrates of both. In vivo assays carried out with wild-type and Abcg2^-/- lactating female mice demonstrated that secretion into milk of these ABZ metabolites was mediated by Abcg2. Milk concentrations and milk-to-plasma ratio were higher in wild-type compared to Abcg2^-/- mice for all the metabolites tested. We conclude that ABZ metabolites are undoubtedly in vitro substrates of ABCG2 and actively secreted into milk by ABCG2.

Metal-Based Nanostructured Therapeutic Strategies for Glioblastoma Treatment-An Update

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most commonly diagnosed and most lethal primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Standard treatments are ineffective, and despite promising results obtained in early phases of experimental clinical trials, the prognosis of GBM remains unfavorable. Therefore, there is need for exploration and development of innovative methods that aim to establish new therapies or increase the effectiveness of existing therapies. One of the most exciting new strategies enabling combinatory treatment is the usage of nanocarriers loaded with chemotherapeutics and/or other anticancer compounds. Nanocarriers exhibit unique properties in antitumor therapy, as they allow highly efficient drug transport into cells and sustained intracellular accumulation of the delivered cargo. They can be infused into and are retained by GBM tumors, and potentially can bypass the blood-brain barrier. One of the most promising and extensively studied groups of nanostructured therapeutics are metal-based nanoparticles. These theranostic nanocarriers demonstrate relatively low toxicity, thus they might be applied for both diagnosis and therapy. In this article, we provide an update on metal-based nanostructured constructs in the treatment of GBM. We focus on the interaction of metal nanoparticles with various forms of electromagnetic radiation for use in photothermal, photodynamic, magnetic hyperthermia and ionizing radiation sensitization applications.

Albendazole ameliorates inflammatory response in a rat model of acute mesenteric ischemia reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric ischemia is known as a life threatening condition. Re-establishment of blood flow in this condition can lead to mesenteric ischemia reperfusion (MIR) injury which is accompanied by inflammatory response. Still, clear blueprint of inflammatory mechanism underlying MIR injury has not been provided. Interestingly, Albendazole has exhibited notable effects on inflammation and cytokine production. In this study, we aimed to evaluate outcomes of MIR injury following pretreatment with Albendazole with respect to assessment of mesenteric inflammation and ischemia threshold.

METHODS

Male rats were randomly divided into sham operated, vehicle treated, Albendazole 100 mg/kg and Albendazole 200 mg/kg groups. MIR injury was induced by occlusion of superior mesenteric artery for 30 min followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Samples were utilized for assessment of epithelial survival and villous height. Immunohistochemistry study revealed intestinal expression of TNF-α and HIF-1-α. Gene expression of NF-κB/TLR4/TNF-α/IL-6 was measured using RTPCR. Also protein levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and intestine were assessed by ELISA method.

RESULTS

Histopathological study demonstrated that pretreatment with Albendazole could ameliorate decline in villous height and epithelial survival following MIR injury. Also, systemic inflammation was suppressed after administration of Albendazole. Analysis of possible participating inflammatory pathway could demonstrate that intestinal expression of NF-κB/TLR4/TNF-α/IL-6 is significantly attenuated in treated groups. Eventually, IHC study illustrated concordant decline in mesenteric expression of HIF-1-α/TNF-α.

CONCLUSION

Single dose pretreatment with Albendazole could ameliorate inflammatory response and enhance ischemia threshold following induction of MIR injury. More studies would clarify existing causality in this phenomenon.

Low-Dose Albendazole Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Melanoma Cells by Enhancing Phosphorylated GSK-3β/Tyr216 Accumulation

Albendazole (ABZ) is an effective broad-spectrum anthelmintic agent that has been widely used for humans and animals. Previous studies have reported that ABZ exhibits antitumor effects against melanoma and other different cancer types; however, it is unknown whether ABZ exerts the inhibitory effect against melanoma metastasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of ABZ on melanoma cells. Through in vitro studies, we discovered that low-dose ABZ treatment significantly inhibited the migration and invasion, but not the proliferation, of A375 and B16-F10 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Further analysis revealed that ABZ treatment reduced the expression level of snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (Snail) in the cytoplasm and nucleus by decreasing the levels of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) Ser473/GSK-3β (pGSK-3β) Ser9 and increasing pGSK-3β/Tyr216, resulting in a significant upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin and ultimately reversing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of melanoma cells. In contrast, the continuous activation of AKT via transfected plasmids elevated the protein levels of pAKT Ser473/pGSK-3β Ser9 and Snail and antagonized the inhibitory action of ABZ. We also confirmed that ABZ treatment effectively inhibited the lung metastasis of melanoma in nude mice in vivo. Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis verified the decreased pAKT Ser473/pGSK-3β Ser9 and increased pGSK-3β/Tyr216 levels in ABZ-treated subcutaneous tumors. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that ABZ treatment can suppress the EMT progress of melanoma by increasing the pGSK-3β/Tyr216-mediated degradation of Snail, which may be used as a potential treatment strategy for metastatic melanoma.

Triclabendazole Induces Pyroptosis by Activating Caspase-3 to Cleave GSDME in Breast Cancer Cells

Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death, in which gasdermin E (GSDME) plays an important role in cancer cells, which can be induced by activated caspase-3 on apoptotic stimulation. Triclabendazole is a new type of imidazole in fluke resistance and has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of fascioliasis and its functions partially acting through apoptosis-related mechanisms. However, it remains unclear whether triclabendazole has obvious anti-cancer effects on breast cancer cells. In this study, to test the function of triclabendazole on breast cancer, we treated breast cancer cells with triclabendazole and found that triclabendazole induced lytic cell death in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, and the dying cells became swollen with evident large bubbles, a typical sign of pyroptosis. Triclabendazole activates apoptosis by regulating the apoptoic protein levels including Bax, Bcl-2, and enhanced cleavage of caspase-8/9/3/7 and PARP. In addition, enhanced cleavage of GSDME was also observed, which indicates the secondary necrosis/pyroptosis is further induced by active caspase-3. Consistent with this, triclabendazole-induced GSDME-N-terminal fragment cleavage and pyroptosis were reduced by caspase-3-specific inhibitor (Ac-DEVD-CHO) treatment. Moreover, triclabendazole induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation and increased JNK phosphorylation and lytic cell death, which could be rescued by the ROS scavenger (NAC), suggesting that triclabendazole-induced GSDME-dependent pyroptosis is related to the ROS/JNK/Bax-mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Besides, we showed that triclabendazole significantly reduced the tumor volume by promoting the cleavage of caspase-3, PARP, and GSDME in the xenograft model. Altogether, our results revealed that triclabendazole induces GSDME-dependent pyroptosis by caspase-3 activation at least partly through augmenting the ROS/JNK/Bax-mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, providing insights into this on-the-market drug in its potential new application in cancer treatment.

Progress in Redirecting Antiparasitic Drugs for Cancer Treatment

Drug repurposing is a feasible strategy in developing novel medications. Regarding the cancer field, scientists are continuously making efforts to redirect conventional drugs into cancer treatment. This approach aims at exploring new applications in the existing agents. Antiparasitic medications, including artemisinin derivatives (ARTs), quinine-related compounds, niclosamide, ivermectin, albendazole derivatives, nitazoxanide and pyrimethamine, have been deeply investigated and widely applied in treating various parasitic diseases for a long time. Generally, their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties are well understood, while the side effects are roughly acceptable. Scientists noticed that some of these agents have anticancer potentials and explored the underlying mechanisms to achieve drug repurposing. Recent studies show that these agents inhibit cancer progression via multiple interesting ways, inducing ferroptosis induction, autophagy regulation, mitochondrial disturbance, immunoregulation, and metabolic disruption. In this review, we summarize the recent advancement in uncovering antiparasitic drugs' anticancer properties from the perspective of their pharmacological targets. Instead of paying attention to the previously discovered mechanisms, we focus more on newly emerging ones that are worth noticing. While most investigations are focusing on the mechanisms of their antiparasitic effect, more in vivo exploration in clinical trials in the future is necessary. Moreover, we also paid attention to what limits the clinical application of these agents. For some of these agents like ARTs and niclosamide, drug modification, novel delivery system invention, or drug combination are strongly recommended for future exploration.

Albendazole exerts antiproliferative effects on prostate cancer cells by inducing reactive oxygen species generation

Benzimidazole derivatives are used for their antihelmintic properties, but have also been reported to exert anticancer effects. In the present study, the anticancer effects of albendazole on prostate cancer cells were assessed using proliferation, clonogenic and migration assays. To investigate the anticancer mechanisms of albendazole, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured, and the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress and Wnt/β-catenin signaling was confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Albendazole selectively inhibited the proliferation of the PC3, DU145, LNCaP and AT2 prostate cancer cell lines at concentrations that did not affect the proliferation of a normal prostate cell line (RWPE-1). Albendazole also inhibited the colony formation and migration of PC3 and DU145 cells, as well as inducing ROS production. Diphenyleneiodonium chloride, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase (NOX), one of the sources of ROS, decreased basal ROS levels in the PC3 and DU145 cells, but did not reduce albendazole-associated ROS production, suggesting that ROS production following albendazole treatment was NOX-independent. The anticancer effect was decreased when albendazole-induced ROS was reduced by treatment with antioxidants (glutathione and N-acetylcysteine). Furthermore, albendazole decreased the mRNA expression of CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2, which regulates antioxidant activity against ROS, as well as the antioxidant enzymes catalase, and glutathione peroxidase 1 and 3. Albendazole also decreased the mRNA expression of catenin β1 and transcription factor 4, which regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its associated targets, Twist family BHLH transcription factor 1 and BCL2. The albendazole-related decrease in the expression levels of oxidative stress-related genes and Wnt/β-catenin signaling proteins was thought to be associated with ROS production. These results suggest that the antihelmintic drug, albendazole, has inhibitory effects against prostate cancer cells in vitro. Therefore, albendazole may potentially be used as a novel anticancer agent for prostate cancer.

Repositioning of Antiparasitic Drugs for Tumor Treatment

Drug repositioning is a strategy for identifying new antitumor drugs; this strategy allows existing and approved clinical drugs to be innovatively repurposed to treat tumors. Based on the similarities between parasitic diseases and cancer, recent studies aimed to investigate the efficacy of existing antiparasitic drugs in cancer. In this review, we selected two antihelminthic drugs (macrolides and benzimidazoles) and two antiprotozoal drugs (artemisinin and its derivatives, and quinolines) and summarized the research progresses made to date on the role of these drugs in cancer. Overall, these drugs regulate tumor growth via multiple targets, pathways, and modes of action. These antiparasitic drugs are good candidates for comprehensive, in-depth analyses of tumor occurrence and development. In-depth studies may improve the current tumor diagnoses and treatment regimens. However, for clinical application, current investigations are still insufficient, warranting more comprehensive analyses.

Albendazole Exhibits Anti-Neoplastic Actions against Gastric Cancer Cells by Affecting STAT3 and STAT5 Activation by Pleiotropic Mechanism(s)

Albendazole (ABZ) has been reported to display anti-tumoral actions against various maliganncies, but possible impact of ABZ on gastric cancer has not been deciphered. As aberrant phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT5 proteins can regulate the growth and progression of gastric cancer, we postulated that ABZ may interrupt the activation of these oncogenic transcription factors. We found that ABZ exposure abrogated STAT3/5 activation, inhibited phosphorylation of Janus-activated kinases 1/2 and Src and enhanced the levels of SHP-1 protein. Silencing of SHP-1 gene by small interfering RNA (siRNA) reversed the ABZ-promoted attenuation of STAT3 as well as STAT5 activation and cellular apoptosis. In addition, these effects were noted to be driven by an augmented levels of reactive oxygen species caused by drug-induced GSH/GSSG imbalance. Thus, the data indicates that ABZ can modulate the activation of STAT3 and STAT5 by pleiotropic mechanisms in gastric cancer cells.

Albendazole suppresses cell proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells

This study aims to investigate the effects of albendazole on pancreatic cancer cells and to explore the possible mechanisms involved. MTT, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays and immunocytochemistry analyses of proliferation antigen Ki-67 were employed to evaluate the role of albendazole in pancreatic cancer cell line proliferation and migration. Moreover, flow cytometry cell apoptosis evaluation was used for mechanism analysis. Finally, the in-vivo effects of albendazole were examined in an in-vivo nude mouse xenograft model. Compared to the control treatment, albendazole significantly decreased the growth of the pancreatic cancer cell lines SW1990 and PANC-1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by decreased MTT absorbance, colony number and Ki-67 levels. Furthermore, albendazole decreased cell migration in 2- and 3-dimensional models in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, albendazole increased the apoptotic cell ratio in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, the in-vivo results confirmed that albendazole could decrease tumor growth. We demonstrated the inhibitory effects of albendazole on pancreatic cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo, which indicate that albendazole might serve as a novel treatment modality for pancreatic cancer.

Mechanisms of Fritillariae Thunbergii Flos in lung cancer treatment from a systems pharmacology perspective

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fritillariae Thunbergii Flos (FTF) included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (1977 Edition) is a Chinese medicinal herb traditionally used to treat bronchitis. In recent years, it has been applied in the treatment of lung cancer. However, the molecular mechanism remains largely unknown.

METHODS

The screening of bioactive compounds, acquisition of drug targets, network construction, and experimental validation in vivo were combined to explored the mechanism of FTF in the treatment of lung carcinoma with regards to systems pharmacology.

RESULTS

The network Lung Cancer Pathway consisted of 114 nodes (44 compounds and 70 potential targets) and 361 edges, as well as modules that included inflammatory response, angiogenesis, negative regulation of the apoptotic process, and positive regulation of cell proliferation and migration. It was examined by conducting experiments that involved the administration of ethanol-based extracts of FTF in Lewis lung carcinoma mice. The extracts exerted excellent anti-lung cancer effects in vivo by significantly inhibiting tumor proliferation, thereby extending the survival period of tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, FTF induced the downregulation of PIK3CG, Bcl-2, eNOS, VEGF, p-STAT3, and STAT3 genes in tumor-bearing mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study verify the therapeutic effects and mechanism of FTF on lung cancer and provide a theoretical basis to support the comprehensive utilization of FTF resources.

Tacrolimus, a rapamycin target protein inhibitor, exerts anti-cystic echinococcosis effects both in vitro and in vivo

In view of a growing need for new treatment options for human cystic echinococcosis (CE), we aimed to investigate the efficacy of mTOR pathway inhibitors against CE in vitro and in vivo. Among the seven mTOR inhibitors evaluated, tacrolimus (TAC) showed significant dose- and time-dependent killing of cultured protoscoleces and cysts in vitro. Notably, the oral administration of TAC (4 mg/kg/day) to CE mice model highly effectively reduced both the weight and number of parasitic cysts. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that TAC destroys the ultrastructure of cysts, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, TAC had no significant effect on blood glucose, body weight, liver, or kidney functions in mice. We further observed that the ATP levels and glucose content of cysts reduced upon TAC treatment, indicating that inhibiting mTORC1 activity possibly affects glucose metabolism in the cysts of mice. Based on our experimental data, TAC emerged as a promising anti-cyst drug that efficiently inhibits the growth of cysts.

Ligustilide inhibits the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer via glycolytic metabolism

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The abnormal activation of glycolytic metabolism and PTEN/AKT signaling in NSCLC cells are highly correlated with their proliferation abilities and viability. Ligustilide is one of the major bioactive components of multiple Chinese traditional medicine including Angelica sinensis and Ligusticum. Ligustilide exposure inhibits the proliferation and viability of multiple cancer cell lines in vitro. However, the impact of ligustilide to the progression of NSCLC and its detailed pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. In this research, CCK-8 and colony formation assay were performed to demonstrate ligustilide treatment inhibited the viability and proliferation ability of NSCLC cells in vitro. Caspase-3/-7 activity assay and nucleosome ELISA assay were utilized to show ligustilide promoted the apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Metabolic analysis and qRT-PCR assay were used to demonstrated that ligustilide dampened aerobic glycolysis of NSCLC cells. Nude mice were exposed to 5 mg/kg ligustilide and ligustilide inhibited orthotopic NSCLC growth in vivo. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to substantiate the regulatory function of ligustilide to PTEN/AKT signaling in NSCLC cells. Overall, this study revealed that ligustilide regulated the proliferation, apoptosis and aerobic glycolysis of NSCLC cells through PTEN/AKT signaling pathway.

Solid Polymeric Nanoparticles of Albendazole: Synthesis, Physico-Chemical Characterization and Biological Activity

Albendazole is a benzimidazole derivative with documented antitumor activity and low toxicity to healthy cells. The major disadvantage in terms of clinical use is its low aqueous solubility which limits its bioavailability. Albendazole was incorporated into stable and homogeneous polyurethane structures with the aim of obtaining an improved drug delivery system model. Spectral and thermal analysis was used to investigate the encapsulation process and confirmed the presence of albendazole inside the nanoparticles. The in vitro anticancer properties of albendazole encapsulated in polyurethane structures versus the un-encapsulated compound were tested on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, in terms of cellular viability and apoptosis induction. The study showed that the encapsulation process enhanced the antitumor activity of albendazole on the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-23 breast cancer lines. The cytotoxic activity manifested in a concentration-dependent manner and was accompanied by changes in cell morphology and nuclear fragmentation.

The Antitumor Potentials of Benzimidazole Anthelmintics as Repurposing Drugs

The development of refractory tumor cells limits therapeutic efficacy in cancer by activating mechanisms that promote cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, and survival. Benzimidazole anthelmintics have broad-spectrum action to remove parasites both in human and veterinary medicine. In addition to being antiparasitic agents, benzimidazole anthelmintics are known to exert anticancer activities, such as the disruption of microtubule polymerization, the induction of apoptosis, cell cycle (G2/M) arrest, anti-angiogenesis, and blockage of glucose transport. These antitumorigenic effects even extend to cancer cells resistant to approved therapies and when in combination with conventional therapeutics, enhance anticancer efficacy and hold promise as adjuvants. Above all, these anthelmintics may offer a broad, safe spectrum to treat cancer, as demonstrated by their long history of use as antiparasitic agents. The present review summarizes central literature regarding the anticancer effects of benzimidazole anthelmintics, including albendazole, parbendazole, fenbendazole, mebendazole, oxibendazole, oxfendazole, ricobendazole, and flubendazole in cancer cell lines, animal tumor models, and clinical trials. This review provides valuable information on how to improve the quality of life in patients with cancers by increasing the treatment options and decreasing side effects from conventional therapy.

Anti-cancer effects of methanol-ethyl acetate partitioned fraction from Magnolia grandiflora in human non-small cell lung cancer H1975 cells

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes nearly 85% of all cases of lung cancer. Drug resistance, dose-limiting toxicity, and metastasis in NSCLC eventually reduce the efficacy of chemotherapeutics. In this study, we have shown that the methanol-ethyl acetate partitioned fraction from Magnolia grandiflora L. seeds (MEM) exhibit potential anti-cancer activities against NSCLC H1975 cells in vivo and in vitro. MEM significantly inhibited the proliferation of H1975 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Further, MEM exhibited potent anti-tumor efficacy and low toxicity in nude mice bearing H1975 tumors. Our study also showed that MEM could induce cellular apoptosis in H1975 cells by down-regulating the protein expression levels of Akt and p-Akt-473, and by increasing the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Also, MEM significantly inhibited metastasis-related cell invasion and migration of H1975 cells, which associated with the down-regulation of HIF-1α, MMP-2, and MMP-9 protein expression levels. Thus, our data shows that MEM may be an effective fraction of M. grandiflora in NSCLC treatment.

The Molecular Mechanism of Metabolic Remodeling in Lung Cancer

Metabolic remodeling is a key phenomenon in the occurrence and development of tumors. It not only offers materials and energy for the survival and proliferation of tumor cells, but also protects tumor cells so that they may survive, proliferate and transfer in the harsh microenvironment. This paper attempts to reveal the role of abnormal metabolism in the development of lung cancer by considering the processes of glycolysis and lipid metabolism, Identification of the molecules that are specifically used in the processes of glycolysis and lipid metabolism, and their underlying molecular mechanisms, is of great clinical and theoretical significance. We will focus on the recent progress in elucidating the molecular mechanism of metabolic remodeling in lung cancer.

Clinical study of apatinib combined with EGFR-TKI in the treatment of chronic progression after EGFR-TKI treatment in non-small cell lung cancer (ChiCTR1800019185)

This clinical trial (ChiCTR1800019185) is designed to be an open‐label, prospective, single‐center, single arm exploratory research study. The study will recruit non‐small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC) with slow progression after first‐line treatment with EGFR‐TKI drugs. Slow progression will be confirmed by the presence of serum carcinoembryonic antigen or imaging evaluation. The primary aim is to assess progression‐free survival after EGFR‐TKIs treatment combined with apatinib 250 mg once daily. The secondary objectives are to evaluate objective efficacy, disease control rates, quality of life, overall survival, and safety. From September 2018 to September 2020, under specific entry and discharge standards, we plan to enroll 38 eligible patients until the end of the study. We hope that our study will help to explore a new way of combining the small molecular inhibitors of antiangiogenesis with EGFR‐TKIs to overcome acquired drug resistance.

Antitumor Effect of Albendazole on Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Cells

Drug repurposing and/or repositioning is an alternative method to develop new treatment for certain diseases. Albendazole was originally developed as an anthelmintic medication, and it has been used to treat a variety of parasitic infestations. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of albendazole and putative action mechanism. Results showed that albendazole dramatically decreased the cell viability of SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13 cells). Albendazole increased apoptosis-related signals, including cleaved caspase-3 and PARP-1 in a dose-dependent fashion. The mechanistic study showed that albendazole induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, evidenced by increase of CHOP, ATF-4, caspase-4, and caspase-12. Pretreatment with ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA attenuated albendazole-induced apoptosis of SCC cells. In addition, albendazole decreased the colony-forming ability of SCC cells, together with inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These results indicate that albendazole shows an antitumor effect via regulation of ER stress and cancer stemness, suggesting that albendazole could be repositioned for cutaneous SCC treatment.

Quantitative proteomics using SILAC-MS identifies N-acetylcysteine-solution-triggered reversal response of renal cell carcinoma cell lines

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor for glutathione (GSH), causes permeable antioxidation protecting normal cells and disrupting cancer cells. In the present study, we found that a NAC-based medium can trigger a reversal response of human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). To further investigate the action of a NAC-based solution in ccRCC cell lines, 786-O and SN12C were incubated in a serum-free acid medium (low pH) in the presence of 2 mM NAC for 24 hours or in a serum-free medium (normal pH) as the control, and then a phenotypic and proteomic analyses were performed. To determine the reversal occurrence, we tested the phenotypic features associated with cancer cells. Under this premise, a systematic and in-depth analysis of NAC-solution-triggered protein alterations was carried out by quantitative proteomics in both cell lines. Among the paramount protein signature, we identified a large number of proteins associated with cancer features were downregulated, but other proteins in the KEGG pathways associated with recovery of the missing tumorigenicity, such as the p53 pathway and repair pathway, were significantly upregulated. Quantification of notable proteins was validated by messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in the ccRCC cell line. Collectively, our data indicate that the NAC-based solution inhibits human ccRCC cell growth by decreasing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis, limiting their migration by limiting cell motility and completely changing their metabolic mode. Thus, NAC-based solutions could be used for the prevention or treatment of ccRCC.

The reverse Warburg effect is likely to be an Achilles' heel of cancer that can be exploited for cancer therapy

Although survival outcomes of cancer patients have been improved dramatically via conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapy over the last decades, there are still some tough clinical challenges that badly needs to be overcome, such as anticancer drug resistance, inevitable recurrences, cancer progression and metastasis. Simultaneously, accumulated evidence demonstrates that aberrant glucose metabolism termed ‘the Warburg effect’ in cancer cell is closely associated with malignant phenotypes. In 2009, a novel ‘two-compartment metabolic coupling’ model, also named ‘the reverse Warburg effect’, was proposed and attracted lots of attention. Based on this new model, we consider whether this new viewpoint can be exploited for improving the existent anti-cancer therapeutic strategies. Our review focuses on the paradigm shift from ‘the Warburg effect’ to ‘the reverse Warburg effect’, the features and molecular mechanisms of ‘the reverse Warburg effect’, and then we discuss its significance in fundamental researches and clinical practice.