Proteomic analysis of differentially expressed proteins in 5-fluorouracil-treated human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

Base-Mediated Coupling Reactions of Benzenesulfonyl Azides with Proline: Synthesis of Proline-Derived Benzenesulfonamides

Sulfonamides and lipids are widely found in natural products, bioactive substances, and pharmaceuticals. Here, we report N-sulfonylation and esterification of carboxylic acids in an environment-friendly one-pot tandem protocol involving 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE). Moreover, 1,8-diazabicyclo (5.4.0) undec-7-ene was necessary for this reaction as a strong base, which drives the reaction to completion. Although DCE is a very low activity reagent, it acts not only as a solvent but also as a reactant in the reaction. The β-chloroester contained in the reaction product can be easily dissociated to react with N, S, and O atoms, increasing the possibility for subsequent synthesis.

Itraconazole inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro and improves patient survival

Itraconazole is a Food and Drug Administration-approved antifungal drug belonging to the azole family. Recent studies reported that itraconazole has potential anticancer activity. Whether combining itraconazole with other anticancer compounds such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a potent drug used in the treatment of gastric cancer, is unknown and warrants further study. In the present study, SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells were chosen to assess the anticancer effects of itraconazole in combination with 5-FU. Cell proliferation was assessed by a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry. Cell cycle distribution was determined by PI staining and flow cytometer. Single-cell gel electrophoresis was used to estimate DNA damage. Medical records of patients with gastric cancer were retrospectively reviewed, and the patients treated with itraconazole were selected for the present study. Itraconazole treatment inhibited the proliferation and altered cell cycle in SGC-7901 cells while promoting early apoptosis and DNA damage. These effects were promoted in cells treated with both itraconazole and 5-FU. Combination itraconazole and 5-FU treatment showed a synergetic anticancer effect in SGC-7901 cells. in vivo, itraconazole was able to improve the outcome of 5-FU-based chemotherapy. Itraconazole alone and in combination with 5-FU was able to inhibit the growth of gastric cancer in vitro, and it was able to prolong the survival of patients with gastric cancer.

The role of cytoskeleton and adhesion proteins in the resistance to photodynamic therapy. Possible therapeutic interventions

It is known that Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) induces changes in the cytoskeleton, the cell shape, and the adhesion properties of tumour cells. In addition, these targets have also been demonstrated to be involved in the development of PDT resistance. The reversal of PDT resistance by manipulating the cell adhesion process to substrata has been out of reach. Even though the existence of cell adhesion-mediated PDT resistance has not been reported so far, it cannot be ruled out. In addition to its impact on the apoptotic response to photodamage, the cytoskeleton alterations are thought to be associated with the processes of metastasis and invasion after PDT. In this review, we will address the impact of photodamage on the microfilament and microtubule cytoskeleton components and its regulators on PDT-treated cells as well as on cell adhesion. We will also summarise the impact of PDT on the surviving and resistant cells and their metastatic potential. Possible strategies aimed at taking advantage of the changes induced by PDT on actin, tubulin and cell adhesion proteins by targeting these molecules will also be discussed.