Acovenoside A as a novel therapeutic approach to boost taxol and carboplatin apoptotic and antiproliferative activities in NSCLC: Interplay of miR-630/miR-181a and apoptosis genes

Innovative microwave-assisted biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles loaded with platinum(ii) based complex for halting colon cancer: cellular, molecular, and computational investigations

In the current study, we biosynthesized copper oxide NPs (CuO NPs) utilizing the essential oils extracted from Boswellia carterii oleogum resin, which served as a bioreductant and capping agent with the help of microwave energy. Afterwards, the platinum(ii) based anticancer drug, carboplatin (Cr), was loaded onto the CuO NPs, exploiting the electrostatic interactions forming Cr@CuO NPs. The produced biogenic NPs were then characterized using zeta potential (ZP), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. In addition, the entrapment efficiency and release profile of the loaded Cr were evaluated. Thereafter, SRB assay was performed, where Cr@CuO NPs demonstrated the highest cytotoxic activity against human colon cancer cells (HCT-116) with an IC50 of 5.17 μg mL-1, which was about 1.6 and 2.2 folds more than that of Cr and CuO NPs. Moreover, the greenly synthesized nanoparticles (Cr@CuO NPs) displayed a satisfactory selectivity index (SI = 6.82), which was far better than the free Cr treatment (SI = 2.23). Regarding the apoptosis assay, the advent of Cr@CuO NPs resulted in an immense increase in the cellular population percentage of HCT-116 cells undergoing both early (16.02%) and late apoptosis (35.66%), significantly surpassing free Cr and CuO NPs. A study of HCT-116 cell cycle kinetics revealed the powerful ability of Cr@CuO NPs to trap cells in the Sub-G1 and G2 phases and impede the G2/M transition. RT-qPCR was utilized for molecular investigations of the pro-apoptotic (Bax and p53) and antiapoptotic genes (Bcl-2). The novel Cr@CuO NPs treatment rose above single Cr or CuO NPs therapy in stimulating the p53-Bax mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. The cellular and molecular biology investigations presented substantial proof of the potentiated anticancer activity of Cr@CuO NPs and the extra benefits that could be obtained from their use.

Unraveling the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis, progression, and therapeutic intervention of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurological disorder characterized by the impairment of the motor system, resulting in symptoms such as resting tremor, cogwheel rigidity, bradykinesia, difficulty with gait, and postural instability. The occurrence of striatal dopamine insufficiency can be attributed to a notable decline in dopaminergic neurons inside the substantia nigra pars compacta. Additionally, the development of Lewy bodies serves as a pathological hallmark of PD. While current therapy approaches for PD aim to preserve dopaminergic neurons or replenish dopamine levels in the brain, it is important to acknowledge that achieving complete remission of the condition remains elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miR) are a class of small, non-coding ribonucleic acids involved in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The miRNAs play a crucial part in the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of several neurodegenerative illnesses, including PD. The aim of this review is to explore the role of miRNAs in regulating genes associated with the onset and progression of PD, investigate the potential of miRNAs as a diagnostic tool, assess the effectiveness of targeting specific miRNAs as an alternative therapeutic strategy to impede disease advancement, and discuss the utilization of newly developed nanoparticles for delivering miRNAs as neurodegenerative therapies.

Deciphering signaling pathway interplay via miRNAs in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly invasive form of lung cancer that adversely affects the pleural and other linings of the lungs. MPM is a very aggressive tumor that often has an advanced stage at diagnosis and a bad prognosis (between 7 and 12 months). When people who have been exposed to asbestos experience pleural effusion and pain that is not explained, MPM should be suspected. After being diagnosed, most MPM patients have a one- to four-year life expectancy. The life expectancy is approximately six months without treatment. Despite the plethora of current molecular investigations, a definitive universal molecular signature has yet to be discovered as the causative factor for the pathogenesis of MPM. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. The association between the expression of these short, non-coding RNAs and several neoplasms, including MPM, has been observed. Although the incidence of MPM is very low, there has been a significant increase in research focused on miRNAs in the past few years. In addition, miRNAs have been found to have a role in various regulatory signaling pathways associated with MPM, such as the Notch signaling network, Wnt/β-catenin, mutation of KRAS, JAK/STAT signaling circuit, protein kinase B (AKT), and Hedgehog signaling pathway. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the existing understanding of the roles of miRNAs in the underlying mechanisms of pathogenic symptoms in MPM, highlighting their potential as viable targets for therapeutic interventions.

Association of XIST/miRNA155/Gab2/TAK1 cascade with the pathogenesis of anti-phospholipid syndrome and its effect on cell adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators

Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by thrombosis and miscarriage events. Still, the molecular mechanisms underlying APS, which predisposes to a wide spectrum of complications, are being explored. Seventy patients with primary and secondary APS were recruited, in addition to 35 healthy subjects. Among APS groups, the gene expression levels of XIST, Gab2, and TAK1 were higher along with declined miRNA155 level compared with controls. Moreover, the sera levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, IL-1ꞵ, and TNF-α were highly elevated among APS groups either primary or secondary compared with controls. The lncRNA XIST was directly correlated with Gab2, TAK1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, IL-1ꞵ, and TNF-α. The miRNA155 was inversely correlated with XIST, Gab2, and TAK1. Moreover, ROC curve analyses subscribed the predictive power of the lncRNA XIST and miRNA155, to differentiate between primary and secondary APS from control subjects. The lncRNA XIST and miRNA155 are the upstream regulators of the Gab2/TAK1 axis among APS patients via influencing the levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, IL1ꞵ, and TNF-α which propagates further inflammatory and immunological streams. Interestingly, the study addressed that XIST and miRNA155 may be responsible for the thrombotic and miscarriage events associated with APS and provides new noninvasive molecular biomarkers for diagnosing the disease and tracking its progression.

Modulating miR-146a Expression by Hydrogen Sulfide Ameliorates Motor Dysfunction and Axonal Demyelination in Cuprizone-Induced Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neuro-inflammatory and neuro-autoimmune disease. Although hydrogen sulfide has recently shown potential therapeutic impacts in different neurological diseases, its effects on MS are still obscure. MiR-146a is considered a vital target for different therapeutic approaches in treating MS. The present study is directed to explore the therapeutic effects of NaHS (hydrogen sulfide donor) on cuprizone-induced MS and to explore whether NaHS can mediate its effects via regulating miR-146a expression. A total of 28 male C57Bl/6 mice were divided into 4 groups; control, cuprizone-intoxicated, NaHS control (100 μmol/kg/day, i.p), and NaHS-treated groups. Intriguingly, NaHS treatment managed to improve locomotor coordination and curb neuronal inflammation and demyelination as evidenced by hematoxylin & eosin, and Luxol fast blue staining and the increased myelin basic protein (MBP) content. Additionally, NaHS reduced interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK-1), nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-1β brain levels along with downregulation of miR-146a expression compared with the untreated cuprizone-intoxicated group. Furthermore, NaHS-treated animals revealed much less oxidative stress compared to the untreated animals as evidenced by elevated glutathione and reduced malondialdehyde contents. Altogether, the current work reported that NaHS could improve motor dysfunction and reduce axonal demyelination, oxidative stress, as well as neuro-inflammation in mice with MS. Thus, using H2S-releasing compounds could be a promising approach in MS treatment strategies. The mechanism of these beneficial effects may involve the regulation of miR-146a/NF-κB/IL-1β axis.