Curcumin Synergizes with Cisplatin to Inhibit Colon Cancer through Targeting the MicroRNA-137-Glutaminase Axis

Curcumin synergistically enhances the efficacy of gemcitabine against gemcitabine-resistant cholangiocarcinoma via the targeting LAT2/glutamine pathway

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is often diagnosed late, leading to incomplete tumor removal, drug resistance and reduced chemotherapy efficacy. Curcumin has the potential for anti-cancer activity through various therapeutic properties and can improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. We aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of a combination of curcumin and gemcitabine against CCA, targeting the LAT2/glutamine pathway. This combination synergistically suppressed proliferation in gemcitabine-resistant CCA cells (KKU-213BGemR). It also resulted in a remarkable degree of CCA cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, characterized by a high proportion of cells in the S and G2/M phases. Knockdown of SLC7A8 decreased the expressions of glutaminase and glutamine synthetase, resulting in inhibited cell proliferation and sensitized CCA cells to gemcitabine treatment. Moreover, in vivo experiments showed that a combination curcumin and gemcitabine significantly reduced tumor size, tumor growth rate and LAT2 expression in a gemcitabine-resistant CCA xenograft mouse model. Suppression of tumor progression in an orthotopic CCA hamster model provided strong support for clinical application. In conclusion, curcumin synergistically enhances gemcitabine efficacy against gemcitabine-resistant CCA by induction of apoptosis, partly via inhibiting LAT2/glutamine pathway. This approach may be an alternative strategy for the treatment of gemcitabine-resistant in CCA patients.

Synergistic Mechanisms of Selected Polyphenols in Overcoming Chemoresistance and Enhancing Chemosensitivity in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite significant advances in medical treatment, chemotherapy as monotherapy can lead to substantial side effects and chemoresistance. This underscores the need for therapeutic approaches that are not only pharmacologically safe but also modulate multiple potent signaling pathways and sensitize cancer cells to overcome resistance to standard drugs. In recent years, scientists have been searching for natural compounds that can be used as chemosensitizers in addition to conventional medications for the synergistic treatment of CRC. Polyphenols represent a diverse group of natural compounds that can target multiple signaling pathways in cancer cells to induce anti-cancer effects. Additionally, polyphenols have been shown to work synergistically with chemotherapeutics and other natural compounds in cancer cells. This review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the synergistic mechanisms of selected polyphenols as chemosensitizers in CRC cells. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully harness the synergistic mechanisms of selected polyphenols combined with chemotherapy or natural compounds in improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Curcumin suppresses colorectal cancer by induction of ferroptosis via regulation of p53 and solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione/glutathione peroxidase 4 signaling axis

Driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, ferroptosis is regulated by p53 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to investigate the influence of curcumin (CUR) on ferroptosis in CRC. The efficacies of CUR on the malignant phenotype of CRC cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, wound healing, and clonogenic assays. The effects of CUR on ferroptosis of CRC cells were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, lactate dehydrogenase release assay, Fe2+ staining, and analyses of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxide, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels. CUR's targets in ferroptosis were predicted by network pharmacological study and molecular docking. With SW620 xenograft tumors, the efficacy of CUR on CRC was investigated, and the effects of CUR on ferroptosis were assessed by detection of Fe2+, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels. The effects of CUR on expressions of p53, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in CRC cells and tumors were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. CUR suppressed the proliferation, migration, and clonogenesis of CRC cells and xenograft tumor growth by causing ferroptosis, with enhanced lactate dehydrogenase release and Fe2+, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxide, and malondialdehyde levels, but attenuated glutathione level in CRC. In silico study indicated that CUR may bind p53, SLC7A11, and GPX4, consolidated by that CUR heightened p53 but attenuated SLC7A11 and GPX4 mRNA and protein levels in CRC. CUR may exert an inhibitory effect on CRC by inducing ferroptosis via regulation of p53 and SLC7A11/glutathione/GPX4 axis.

Extracellular vesicles containing MFGE8 from colorectal cancer facilitate macrophage efferocytosis

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) commonly exhibits tolerance to cisplatin treatment, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Within the tumor microenvironment, macrophages play a role in resisting the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy by engaging in efferocytosis to clear apoptotic cells induced by chemotherapeutic agents. The involvement of extracellular vesicles (EVs), an intercellular communicator within the tumor microenvironment, in regulating the efferocytosis for the promotion of drug resistance has not been thoroughly investigated.

METHODS

We constructed GFP fluorescent-expressing CRC cell lines (including GFP-CT26 and GFP-MC38) to detect macrophage efferocytosis through flow cytometric analysis. We isolated and purified CRC-secreted EVs using a multi-step ultracentrifugation method and identified them through electron microscopy and nanoflow cytometry. Proteomic analysis was conducted to identify the protein molecules carried by CRC-EVs. MFGE8 knockout CRC cell lines were constructed using CRISPR-Cas9, and their effects were validated through in vitro and in vivo experiments using Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometric analysis, confirming that these EVs activate the macrophage αvβ3-Src-FAK-STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby promoting efferocytosis.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that CRC-derived EVs (CRC-EVs) enhanced macrophage efferocytosis of cisplatin-induced apoptotic CRC cells. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed a high expression of the efferocytosis-associated gene MFGE8 in CRC patients, suggesting a poorer prognosis. Additionally, mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis identified a high abundance of MFGE8 protein in CRC-EVs. Utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 gene edition system, we generated MFGE8-knockout CRC cells, demonstrating that their EVs fail to upregulate macrophage efferocytosis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MFGE8 in CRC-EVs stimulated macrophage efferocytosis by increasing the expression of αvβ3 on the cell surface, thereby activating the intracellular Src-FAK-STAT3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, this study highlighted a mechanism in CRC-EVs carrying MFGE8 activated the macrophage efferocytosis. This activation promoted the clearance of cisplatin-induced apoptotic CRC cells, contributing to CRC resistance against cisplatin. These findings provide novel insights into the potential synergistic application of chemotherapy drugs, EVs inhibitors, and efferocytosis antagonists for CRC treatment.

Role of microRNAs in Immune Regulation with Translational and Clinical Applications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 19-23 nucleotide long, evolutionarily conserved noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In this review, involvement of miRNAs is summarized in the differentiation and function of immune cells, in anti-infective immune responses, immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases. Roles of miRNAs in anticancer immunity and in the transplantation of solid organs and hematopoietic stem cells are also discussed. Major focus is put on the translational clinical applications of miRNAs, including the establishment of noninvasive biomarkers for differential diagnosis and prediction of prognosis. Patient selection and response prediction to biological therapy is one of the most promising fields of application. Replacement or inhibition of miRNAs has enormous therapeutic potential, with constantly expanding possibilities. Although important challenges still await solutions, evaluation of miRNA fingerprints may contribute to an increasingly personalized management of immune dysregulation with a remarkable reduction in toxicity and treatment side effects. More detailed knowledge of the molecular effects of physical exercise and nutrition on the immune system may facilitate self-tailored lifestyle recommendations and advances in prevention.

A New Method for Constructing Macrophage-Associated Predictors of Treatment Efficacy Based on Single-Cell Sequencing Analysis

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are highly infiltrated in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of colorectal cancer (CRC) and play a vital role in CRC's development as well as prognosis. The required data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and The Cancer Genome Atlas. Univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage operator analyses were executed for model construction. TME assessment and immune prediction were performed using the ESTIMATE software package and the single sample genome enrichment analysis algorithm. The results show patients with low a TAMs risk score (TRS) had a better prognosis in both The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus cohorts. Patients with low TRS were more sensitive to 3 chemotherapeutic agents: oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, and cisplatin ( P <0.05). TME assessment showed that the low TRS group had less infiltration of M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells, but CD4 + T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells occupy a greater proportion of TME. Low TRS group patients have a low StromalScore and ImmuneScore but have high TumorPurity. The immune checkpoint TIM-3 gene HAVCR2 expression was significantly higher in the high TRS group. Finally, we created a nomogram including TRS for forecasting survival, and TRS was significantly associated with the clinical stage of the patients. In conclusion, the TRS serves as a reliable prognostic indicator of CRC; it predicts patient outcomes to immunotherapy and chemotherapy and provides genomic evidence for the subsequent development of modulated TAMs for treating CRC.

Phytochemicals Target Multiple Metabolic Pathways in Cancer

Cancer metabolic reprogramming is a complex process that provides malignant cells with selective advantages to grow and propagate in the hostile environment created by the immune surveillance of the human organism. This process underpins cancer proliferation, invasion, antioxidant defense, and resistance to anticancer immunity and therapeutics. Perhaps not surprisingly, metabolic rewiring is considered to be one of the "Hallmarks of cancer". Notably, this process often comprises various complementary and overlapping pathways. Today, it is well known that highly selective inhibition of only one of the pathways in a tumor cell often leads to a limited response and, subsequently, to the emergence of resistance. Therefore, to increase the overall effectiveness of antitumor drugs, it is advisable to use multitarget agents that can simultaneously suppress several key processes in the tumor cell. This review is focused on a group of plant-derived natural compounds that simultaneously target different pathways of cancer-associated metabolism, including aerobic glycolysis, respiration, glutaminolysis, one-carbon metabolism, de novo lipogenesis, and β-oxidation of fatty acids. We discuss only those compounds that display inhibitory activity against several metabolic pathways as well as a number of important signaling pathways in cancer. Information about their pharmacokinetics in animals and humans is also presented. Taken together, a number of known plant-derived compounds may target multiple metabolic and signaling pathways in various malignancies, something that bears great potential for the further improvement of antineoplastic therapy.

Combination Chemotherapy with Selected Polyphenols in Preclinical and Clinical Studies-An Update Overview

This review article describes studies published over the past five years on the combination of polyphenols, which are the most studied in the field of anticancer effects (curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, and apigenin) and chemotherapeutics such as cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, etc. According to WHO data, research has been limited to five cancers with the highest morbidity rate (lung, colorectal, liver, gastric, and breast cancer). A systematic review of articles published in the past five years (from January 2018 to January 2023) was carried out with the help of all Web of Science databases and the available base of clinical studies. Based on the preclinical studies presented in this review, polyphenols can enhance drug efficacy and reduce chemoresistance through different molecular mechanisms. Considering the large number of studies, curcumin could be a molecule in future chemotherapy cocktails. One of the main problems in clinical research is related to the limited bioavailability of most polyphenols. The design of a new co-delivery system for drugs and polyphenols is essential for future clinical research. Some polyphenols work in synergy with chemotherapeutic drugs, but some polyphenols can act antagonistically, so caution is always required.

Curcumin, calebin A and chemosensitization: How are they linked to colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading malignant diseases worldwide with a high rate of metastasis and poor prognosis. Treatment options include surgery, which is usually followed by chemotherapy in advanced CRC. With treatment, cancer cells could become resistant to classical cytostatic drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), oxaliplatin, cisplatin, and irinotecan, resulting in chemotherapeutic failure. For this reason, there is a high demand for health-preserving re-sensitization mechanisms including the complementary use of natural plant compounds. Calebin A and curcumin, two polyphenolic turmeric ingredients derived from the Asian Curcuma longa plant, demonstrate versatile anti-inflammatory and cancer-reducing abilities, including CRC-combating capacity. After an insight into their epigenetics-modifying holistic health-promoting effects, this review compares functional anti-CRC mechanisms of multi-targeting turmeric-derived compounds with mono-target classical chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, the reversal of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs was presented by focusing on calebin A's and curcumin's capabilities to chemosensitize or re-sensitize CRC cells to 5-FU, oxaliplatin, cisplatin, and irinotecan. Both polyphenols enhance the receptiveness of CRC cells to standard cytostatic drugs converting them from chemoresistant into non-chemoresistant CRC cells by modulating inflammation, proliferation, cell cycle, cancer stem cells, and apoptotic signaling. Therefore, calebin A and curcumin can be tested for their ability to overcome cancer chemoresistance in preclinical and clinical trials. The future perspective of involving turmeric-ingredients curcumin or calebin A as an additive treatment to chemotherapy for patients with advanced metastasized CRC is explained.

Metabolomics Analysis Reveals Novel Targets of Chemosensitizing Polyphenols and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with typically poorer outcomes due to its aggressive clinical behavior and lack of targeted treatment options. Currently, treatment is limited to the administration of high-dose chemotherapeutics, which results in significant toxicities and drug resistance. As such, there is a need to de-escalate chemotherapeutic doses in TNBC while also retaining/improving treatment efficacy. Dietary polyphenols and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been demonstrated to have unique properties in experimental models of TNBC, improving the efficacy of doxorubicin and reversing multi-drug resistance. However, the pleiotropic nature of these compounds has caused their mechanisms to remain elusive, preventing the development of more potent mimetics to take advantage of their properties. Using untargeted metabolomics, we identify a diverse set of metabolites/metabolic pathways that are targeted by these compounds following treatment in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these chemosensitizers do not all target the same metabolic processes, but rather organize into distinct clusters based on similarities among metabolic targets. Common themes in metabolic targets included amino acid metabolism (particularly one-carbon and glutamine metabolism) and alterations in fatty acid oxidation. Moreover, doxorubicin treatment alone generally targeted different metabolites/pathways than chemosensitizers. This information provides novel insights into chemosensitization mechanisms in TNBC.

Curcumin Targeting Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer: Therapeutic and Biomarker Implications

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies, with high incidence rates, a low rate of early diagnosis, and complex pathogenesis. In recent years, there has been progress made in its diagnosis and treatment methods, but tumor malignant proliferation and metastasis after treatment still seriously affect the survival and prognosis of patients. Therefore, it is an extremely urgent task of current medicine to find new anti-tumor drugs with high efficiency and safety and low toxicity. Curcumin has shown potent anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects and is considered a hot spot in the research and development of anti-tumor drugs due to its advantages of precise efficacy, lower toxic side effects, and less drug resistance. Recent studies have revealed that curcumin has anti-tumor effects exerted on the epigenetic regulation of tumor-promoting/tumor-suppressing gene expression through the alteration of expression levels of non-coding RNAs (e.g., lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs). Herein, we summarize the interaction between curcumin and non-coding RNAs on the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. The information complied in this review will serve as a scientific and reliable basis and viewpoint for the clinical application of non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer.

Curcumin against gastrointestinal cancer: A review of the pharmacological mechanisms underlying its antitumor activity

Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) poses a serious threat to human health globally. Curcumin (CUR), a hydrophobic polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has shown reliable anticancer function and low toxicity, thereby offering broad research prospects. Numerous studies have demonstrated the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of CUR against GIC, including the induction of apoptosis and autophagy, arrest of the cell cycle, inhibition of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes, inhibition of cell invasion and migration, regulation of multiple signaling pathways, sensitization to chemotherapy and reversal of resistance to such treatments, and regulation of the tumor survival environment. It has been confirmed that CUR exerts its antitumor effects on GIC through these mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, treatment with CUR is safe and tolerable. Newly discovered types of regulated cell death (RCD), such as pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis, may provide a new direction for research on the efficacy of CUR against GIC. In this review, we discuss the recently found pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effects of CUR against GIC (gastric and colorectal cancers). The objective is to provide a reference for further research on treatments against GIC.

Using ncRNAs as Tools in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment-The Way towards Personalized Medicine to Improve Patients' Health

Although the first discovery of a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) dates back to 1958, only in recent years has the complexity of the transcriptome started to be elucidated. However, its components are still under investigation and their identification is one of the challenges that scientists are presently facing. In addition, their function is still far from being fully understood. The non-coding portion of the genome is indeed the largest, both quantitatively and qualitatively. A large fraction of these ncRNAs have a regulatory role either in coding mRNAs or in other ncRNAs, creating an intracellular network of crossed interactions (competing endogenous RNA networks, or ceRNET) that fine-tune the gene expression in both health and disease. The alteration of the equilibrium among such interactions can be enough to cause a transition from health to disease, but the opposite is equally true, leading to the possibility of intervening based on these mechanisms to cure human conditions. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge on these mechanisms, illustrating how they can be used for disease treatment, the current challenges and pitfalls, and the roles of environmental and lifestyle-related contributing factors, in addition to the ethical, legal, and social issues arising from their (improper) use.