Extract of Caulis Spatholobi, a novel platelet inhibitor,efficiently suppresses metastasis of colorectal cancer by targeting tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation

Combining in silico and in vitro approaches for understanding the mechanism of action of the galactomannan extracted from Cassia grandis seeds against colorectal cancer

This study aimed to investigate the antitumor activity of galactomannan extracted from Cassia grandis seeds (GCg) against colorectal cancer cells using both experimental and computational approaches. Galactomannan was extracted from C. grandis seeds and prepared into solutions with varying concentrations. The cytotoxicity of these solutions was tested on HT-29 and HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Additionally, computational evaluations, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, were performed to explore the potential binding interactions of GCg with cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). The experimental results demonstrated that GCg significantly inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells, especially at concentrations of 5 mg/mL. On the other hand, no concentration inhibited >30 % of HCT-116 cells. Computational analysis revealed that GCg could bind to the ATP-binding site of CDK2, promoting the inactive DFG-out conformation, similar to the known inhibitor K03861. This interaction suggests a mechanism through which GCg may exert its anticancer effects. GCg exhibits significant cytotoxic activity against HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, likely through the inhibition of CDK2; however, its efficacy against HCT-116 cells is limited, possibly due to structural differences in the molecular targets. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies have explored the applications of GCg in cancers, particularly colorectal ones. Further studies are needed to explore the antimetastatic effects and potential clinical applications of GCg in colorectal cancer treatment.

The potential clinical value of platelet aggregation in colorectal tumor progression

OBJECTIVE

The present study is to examine whether platelet aggregation function, platelet count and mean platelet volume are indicators that related to clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A total of 546 patients with colorectal tumors and 118 healthy controls were enrolled, and patients with colorectal tumors were grouped according to malignancy, prognosis, recurrence and metastasis. The parameters of platelet aggregation function included max aggregation ratio, average aggregation ratio and max aggregation time were detected. 546 patients were induced by arachidonic acid, meanwhile, 415 of which were additionally induced by adenosine diphosphate. Of 118 healthy controls, 60 cases were induced by arachidonic acid and 58 cases were induced by adenosine diphosphate. We evaluated the intergroup significance of these indexes by receiver operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

The levels of max aggregation ratio, average aggregation ratio and platelet count were related to progression including cancerization, radical operation and recurrence and metastasis (P < 0.05). Notably, max aggregation ratio-arachidonic acid is the best indicator for predicting these three progressions with the areas under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.685, 0.652, and 0.649, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Correlations between max aggregation ratio, average aggregation ratio and colorectal tumor progression were observed with a certain clinical value.

Molecular mechanism of Spatholobi Caulis treatment for cholangiocarcinoma based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a type of malignant tumor originating from the intrahepatic, periportal, or distal biliary system. The treatment means for CCA is limited, and its prognosis is poor. Spatholobi Caulis (SC) is reported to have effects on anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor, but its role in CCA is unclear. First, the potential molecular mechanism of SC for CCA treatment was explored based on network pharmacology, and the core targets were verified by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Then, we explored the inhibitory effect of SC on the malignant biological behavior of CCA in vitro and in vivo and also explored the related signaling pathways. The effect of combination therapy of SC and cisplatin (DDP) in CCA was also explored. Finally, we conducted a network pharmacological study and simple experimental verification on luteolin, one of the main components of SC. Network pharmacology analysis showed that the core targets of SC on CCA were AKT1, CASP3, MYC, TP53, and VEGFA. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation indicated a good combination between the core target protein and the corresponding active ingredients. In vitro, SC inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CCA cells. In vivo experiments, the results were consistent with in vitro experiments, and there was no significant hepatorenal toxicity of SC at our dosage. Based on KEGG enrichment analysis, we found PI3K/AKT signaling pathway might be the main signaling pathway of SC action on CCA by using AKT agonist SC79. To explore whether SC was related to the chemotherapy sensitivity of CCA, we found that SC combined with DDP could more effectively inhibit the progression of cholangiocarcinoma. Finally, we found luteolin may inhibit the proliferation and invasion of CCA cells. Our study demonstrates for the first time that SC inhibits the progression of CCA by suppressing EMT through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and SC could enhance the effectiveness of cisplatin therapy for CCA.

Ethyl-acetate extract of Spatholobi Caulis blocked the pro-metastatic support from the hemato-microenvironment of colon cancer by specific disruption of tumor-platelet adhesion

BACKGROUND

Within the pro-metastatic hemato-microenvironment, interaction between platelets and tumor cells provides essential support for tumor cells by inducing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), which greatly increases the stemness of colon cancer cells. Pharmacologically, although platelet deactivation has proved to be benefit against metastasis, its wide application is severely restricted due to the bleeding risk. Spatholobi Caulis, a traditional Chinese herb with circulatory promotion and blood stasis removal activity, has been proved to be clinically effective in malignant medication, leaving its mechanistic relevance to tumor-platelet interaction largely unknown.

METHODS

Firstly, MC38-Luc cells were injected into tail-vein in C57BL/6 mice to establish hematogenous metastasis model and the anti-metastasis effects of SEA were evaluated by using a small-animal imaging system. Then, we evaluated the anti-tumor-platelet interaction efficacy of SEA using a tumor-specific induced platelet aggregation model. Platelet aggregation was specifically induced by tumor cells in vitro. Furthermore, to clarify the anti-metastatic effects of SEA is mainly attributed to its blockage on tumor-platelet interaction, after co-culture with tumor cells and platelets (with or without SEA), MC38-Luc cells were injected into the tail-vein and finally count the total of photons quantitatively. Besides, to clarify the blocking pattern of SEA within the tumor-platelet complex, the dependence of SEA on different fractions from activated platelets was tested. Lastly, molecular docking screening were performed to screen potential effective compounds and we used β-catenin blockers to verify the pathways involved in SEA blocking tumor-platelet interaction.

RESULTS

Our study showed that SEA was effective in blocking tumor-platelet specific interaction: (1) Through CCK-8 and LDH assays, SEA showed no cytotoxic effects on tumor cells and platelets. On this basis, by the tail vein injection model, the photon counts in the SEA group was significantly lower than model group, indicating that SEA effectively reduced metastasis. (2) In the "tumor-platelet" co-culture model, SEA effectively inhibited the progression of EMT and cancer stemness signatures of MC38 cells in the model group. (3) In mechanism study, by using the specific inhibitors for galectin-3 (GB1107) andWNT (IWR) respectively, we proved that SEA inhibits the activation of the galectin-3-mediated β-catenin activation.

CONCLUSION

By highlighting the pro-metastatic effects of galectin-3-mediated tumor-platelet adhesion, our study provided indicative evidence for Spatholobi Caulis as the representative candidate for anti-metastatic therapy.

Study on the mechanism of MDSC-platelets and their role in the breast cancer microenvironment

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are key immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that play critical roles in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Tumor-associated platelets (TAPs) help cancer cells evade the immune system and promote metastasis. In this paper, we describe the interaction between MDSCs and TAPs, including their generation, secretion, activation, and recruitment, as well as the effects of MDSCs and platelets on the generation and changes in the immune, metabolic, and angiogenic breast cancer (BC) microenvironments. In addition, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutic approaches, and new technologies related to targeting and preventing MDSCs from interacting with TAPs to modulate the BC TME, discuss the potential mechanisms, and provide perspectives for future development. The therapeutic strategies discussed in this review may have implications in promoting the normalization of the BC TME, reducing primary tumor growth and distant lung metastasis, and improving the efficiency of anti-tumor therapy, thereby improving the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients. However, despite the significant advances in understanding these mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, the complexity and heterogeneity of MDSCs and side effects of antiplatelet agents remain challenging. This requires further investigation in future prospective cohort studies.

Colorectal Cancer Stem Cell Biomarkers: Biological Traits and Prognostic Insights

Due to self-renewal, differentiation, and limitless proliferation properties, Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) increase the probability of tumor development. These cells are identified by using CSC markers, which are highly expressed proteins on the cell surface of CSCs. Recently, the therapeutic application of CSCs as novel biomarkers improved both the prognosis and diagnosis outcome of colorectal Cancer. In the present review, we focused on a specific panel of colorectal CSC markers, including LGR5, ALDH, CD166, CD133, and CD44, which offers a targeted and comprehensive analysis of their functions. The selection criteria for these markers cancer were based on their established significance in Colorectal Cancer (CRC) pathogenesis and clinical outcomes, providing novel insights into the CSC biology of CRC. Through this approach, we aim to elevate understanding and stimulate further research for developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in CRC.

Caulis Spatholobi extracts inhibit osteosarcoma growth and metastasis through suppression of CXCR4/PI3K/AKT signaling

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic potential of Caulis Spatholobi (CS) extracts against various cancers has been well documented, yet its impact and mechanism in osteosarcoma (OS) remain unexplored. This study aims to elucidate the effects of CS extracts on the growth and metastasis of OS, along with its underlying molecular mechanism.

METHODS

The impact of CS extracts on the proliferative potential of two OS cell lines (Saos-2 and U2OS) was assessed using MTT and colony-formation assays. Additionally, the migratory and invasive capacities of OS cells were investigated through Transwell assays. The modulation of CXCR4 expression by CS extracts was evaluated using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Furthermore, the influence of CS extracts on the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling was determined through Western blotting.

RESULTS

CS extracts exhibited a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of proliferation and colony formation in OS cells. Notably, CXCR4 expression was prominently observed in Saos-2 and U2OS, and treatment with CS extracts led to a dose-dependently reduction in CXCR4 levels. Silencing CXCR4 or inhibiting its function diminished the migratory and invasive capacities of OS cells. Conversely, the CS extracts induced suppression of OS cell migration and invasion was counteracted by CXCR4 overexpression. Mechanistically, CS extracts repressed PI3K/AKT signaling in OS cells by downregulating CXCR4 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

CS extracts mitigate the CXCR4/PI3K/AKT signaling-mediated growth and metastasis capacities of OS cells, thus might play an anti-tumor role in OS.

Spatholobi caulis: A systematic review of its traditional uses, chemical constituents, biological activities and clinical applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Spatholobi caulis (SC), the dried vine stem of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn, is known as Ji Xue Teng in China, and has long been used as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat anaemia, menstrual abnormalities, rheumatoid arthritis, purpura, etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The aim of this review is to provide a systematic and updated summary of the traditional uses, chemical constituents, biological activities and clinical applications of SC. In addition, several suggestions for future research on SC are also proposed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extensive information and data on SC were obtained from electronic databases (ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, SpringerLink and Wiley Online). Additional information was collected from Ph.D. and MSc dissertations, published books, and classic material medica.

RESULTS

To date, phytochemical studies have revealed that approximately 243 chemical ingredients have been isolated from SC and identified, including flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids, volatile oils, sesquiterpenoids and other compounds. Many studies have indicated that extracts and pure constituents from SC possess a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects, such as anti-tumour, haematopoietic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial effects, as well as other activities. SC could be applied to the treatment of leukopenia, aplastic anemic, endometriosis, etc. according to the clinical reports. The traditional efficacies of SC is due to the biological functions of its chemical compounds, especially flavonoids. However, research investigating the toxicological effects of SC is relatively limited.

CONCLUSIONS

SC is widely used in TCM formulae and its some traditional efficacies has been confirmed by extensive recent pharmacological and clinical studies. Most the biological activities of the SC may be attributed to flavonoids. However, in-depth studies on the molecular mechanisms of the effective ingredients and extracts of SC are limited. Further systematic studies focusing on pharmacokinetics, toxicology and quality control are needed to ensure the effective and safe application of SC.

Tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation accelerates hematogenous metastasis of malignant melanoma by triggering macrophage recruitment

BACKGROUND

Tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA) is not only a recognized mechanism for paraneoplastic thrombocytosis but also a potential breakthrough alternative for a low response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in hematogenous metastasis of malignant melanoma (MM). However, there is no TCIPA-specific model for further investigation of the relationship among TCIPA, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and metastasis.

METHODS

We developed a TCIPA metastatic melanoma model with advanced hematogenous metastasis and enhanced TCIPA characteristics. We also investigated the pathway for TCIPA in the TIME.

RESULTS

We found that TCIPA triggers the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to lung metastases by secreting B16 cell-educated platelet-derived chemokines such as CCL2, SDF-1, and IL-1β. Larger quantities of TAMs in the TCIPA model were polarized to the M2 type by B16 cell reprocessing, and their surface programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was upregulated, ultimately assisting B16 cells in escaping host immunity and accelerating MM hematogenous metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

TCIPA accelerates MM lung metastasis via tumor-educated platelets (TEPs), triggering TAM recruitment, promoting TAM polarization (M2), and remodeling the suppressive TIME in lung metastases.

Natural Products Treat Colorectal Cancer by Regulating miRNA

Diseases are evolving as living standards continue to improve. Cancer is the main cause of death and a major public health problem that seriously threatens human life. Colorectal cancer is one of the top ten most common malignant tumors in China, ranking second after gastric cancer among gastrointestinal malignant tumors, and its incidence rate is increasing dramatically each year due to changes in the dietary habits and lifestyle of the world's population. Although conventional therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, have profoundly impacted the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), drug resistance and toxicity remain substantial challenges. Natural products, such as dietary therapeutic agents, are considered the safest alternative for treating CRC. In addition, there is substantial evidence that natural products can induce apoptosis, inhibit cell cycle arrest, and reduce the invasion and migration of colon cancer cells by targeting and regulating the expression and function of miRNAs. Here, we summarize the recent research findings on the miRNA-regulation-based antitumor mechanisms of various active ingredients in natural products, highlighting how natural products target miRNA regulation in colon cancer prevention and treatment. The application of natural drug delivery systems and predictive disease biomarkers in cancer prevention and treatment is also discussed. Such approaches will contribute to the discovery of new regulatory mechanisms associated with disease pathways and provide a new theoretical basis for developing novel colon cancer drugs and compounds and identifying new therapeutic targets.

The Efficacy and Safety of the Shouzu Ning Decoction Treatment Versus Halometasone Plus Celecoxib Treatment in Patients With Grade 2 HFSR: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of the Shouzu Ning Decoction (SND) and Halometasone plus Celecoxib (Hal/Cxb) as therapy in patients with grade 2 hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty patients with grade 2 HFSR participated in a randomized, single-center, open-label study. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive the SND or Hal/Cxb treatment, twice daily for 4 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of post-treatment follow-up. The primary endpoint was clinical remission of HFSR at the end of the fourth week (W4). The secondary endpoints were recurrence rate, quality of life (QoL), pain intensity, and safety.

RESULTS

In this study, 46 patients successfully completed the study, and 4 patients were excluded. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups on demographic and baseline clinical characteristics. In the SND group, 56.52% of patients showed clinical remission at W4, which was significantly superior to that achieved in the Hal/Cxb group (26.09%, P = .036). In addition, the HF-QoL score was statistically lower in the SND group compared to the Hal/Cxb group at W2 (P = .007), W3 (P = .005), and W4 (P = .005), respectively. In line with this, the inter-group difference in NRS score was statistically significant (P = .004).

CONCLUSION

In the present study, SND treatment has been observed to be effective and well tolerated for patients with grade 2 HFSR. Thus, SND treatment could be considered a suitable option for HFSR patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900027518. Registered on 17 Nov 2019.

Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Spatholobus suberectus Vine Stem

Spatholobus suberectus vine stem is an important medicinal material in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean traditional medicines. Its decoction has long been used to treat blood disorders, such as anemia and menstrual irregularity, as well as rheumatoid diseases. Previous phytochemical investigations characterized 88 compounds from S suberectus, which mainly belonged to the phenolic class, especially of the flavonoid type. Pharmacological studies showed the beneficial effects of extracts of the plant on the cardiovascular tract, which is ethnopharmacologically relevant to the plant's use in traditional medicine. Besides that, the extracts and isolated compounds also exhibited antimicrobial, anticancer, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant activities. The past study results support the use of S suberectus vine stem in traditional medicine and also revealed new directions of pharmacological effects of this medicinal plant.

A Review of the Pharmacological Potential of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn on Cancer

Spatholobus suberectus Dunn (SSD) has been extensively employed in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat several ailments. SSD and its active compounds are effective therapeutic agents for treating a variety of diseases with negligible side effects. Therefore, we aimed to investigate its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and potential therapeutic effects exclusively in cancer prevention and treatment. Phytochemical and pharmacological information was collected and arranged in a rational order. SSD has been frequently attributed to having antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, hematopoietic, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Evidence has indicated that the bioactive constituents in SSD have attracted increasing scientific attention due to their preventive role in cancers. Further, the present review provides the current information on the health implications of SSD, thus allowing for future clinical trials to explore its restorative benefits. All data of in vitro and animal investigations of SSD, as well as its effect on human health, were obtained from an electronic search and library database. The diverse pharmacological potential of SSD provides an opportunity for preclinical drug discovery, and this comprehensive review strongly indicates that SSD is an excellent anti-tumorigenic agent that modulates or prevents breast cancer.

Genus Spatholobus: a comprehensive review on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology

Edible medicinal plants are important sources for the development of health beneficial products and drugs. Several species of the genus Spatholobus are considered as medicinal and food homologous plants in various Asian countries for the treatment of menstrual pain, anemia, paralysis, arthralgia, etc. Regarding this genus, mounting investigations on different aspects have been conducted; however, a comprehensive review about these findings is yet to be compiled. Herein, we reviewed the up-to-date information on the botanical description, distribution, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of the Spatholobus species for the first time to support their development potential. Thus far, 175 phytochemicals have been isolated, and flavonoids are the predominant constituents. Furthermore, 141 compounds show the ideal characteristic behavior of a drug-like molecule. Besides, the compounds and crude extracts of this genus have been demonstrated to exert a wide range of in vitro and in vivo bioactivities, such as antitumor activity, antioxidant activity, antiinflammatory activity, antiischemic activity, antimicrobial activity, and neuroprotective activity. Toxicity studies have revealed that Spatholobus species seem to have no apparent toxic effects. Even so, the need for in-depth studies to reveal the scientific connotation of the widely documented traditional actions, the structure-activity relationship of the bioactive compounds, and the systematic toxic reactions are warranted, and also to provide essential evidence for the beneficial use of Spatholobus plants and developing novel health care products and therapeutic drug from this genus.

Traditional Chinese medicine formula T33 inhibits the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells by inducing autophagy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Although surgery is still the major method for CRC therapy, the adoption of alternative treatments, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), for CRC treatment is increasing. Our previous study has indicated the anti-breast cancer activity of T33 (a TCM formula). Interestingly, a major ingredient in T33, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), was reported to have antiproliferative effects on CRC cells. Therefore, this study further validated the influences of T33 on HT-29 and Caco2 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Viability and migration assays were performed to analyze the influences of T33 on proliferation and migratory activity of HT-29 and Caco2 cells. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining and immunoblotting were performed to confirm T33-induced autophagy in HT-29 and Caco2 cells. Xenograft HT-29 tumors were generated to test the effects of T33 in vivo. Significantly reduced survival and migratory activity were observed in both HT-29 and Caco2 cells treated with T33 along with apparently increased LC3-II protein. Significantly decreased p62/SQSTM1 protein, increased LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, and elevated amounts of Atg7, Atg5, and Beclin-1 proteins were detected in both HT-29 and Caco2 cells treated with T33. Moreover, the volume of xenograft HT-29 tumors was significantly lower in mice receiving 200 or 600 mg/kg T33 than in control-treated mice. These findings indicate that T33 exerts anti-CRC activity by inducing autophagy and suggest the potential of T33 for CRC treatment.

Challenges and Opportunities Associated With Platelets in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system with a poor prognosis. Accordingly, better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and innovative therapies are warranted to improve the prognosis of this patient population. In addition to playing a crucial role in coagulation, platelets reportedly contribute to the growth, invasion and metastasis of various tumors, including pancreatic cancer. This narrative review brings together currently available evidence on the impact of platelets on pancreatic cancer, including the platelet-related molecular mechanisms of cancer promotion, pancreatic cancer fibrosis, immune evasion, drug resistance mechanisms, thrombosis, targeted platelet therapy, combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, platelet combined with nanotechnology treatment and potential applications of pancreatic cancer organoids. A refined understanding of the role of platelets in pancreatic cancer provides the foothold for identifying new therapeutic targets.

Mechanisms and interactions in concomitant use of herbs and warfarin therapy: An updated review

This review is an updated and expanded version published in this journal in 2016. Warfarin pharmacotherapy is extremely complex, since in addition to being a low therapeutic index drug, it does not follow the dose-response pattern and has characteristics that predispose the occurrence of interactions, such as high binding rate to plasma proteins, metabolization by cytochrome P450 enzymes, further to acting in the complex process of blood coagulation, platelet activation, and inflammation. For these reasons, warfarin has great potential for interaction with drugs, foods, and herbal medicines. Herb-warfarin interactions, however, are still not very well studied; thus, the objective of this update is to present new information on the subject aiming to provide a scientific basis to help health professionals in the clinical management of these interactions. A literature review was performed from May to June 2021 in multiple databases and articles published in 2016 to 2021 were included. A total of 59 articles describing 114 herbal medicines were reported to interact with warfarin. Of the plants mentioned, 84% had the potential to increase warfarin effect and the risk of bleeding. Targets possibly involved in these interactions include the processes of blood coagulation, platelet activation, and inflammation, in addition to the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin. Despite these alarming numbers, however, the clinical management of interactions is known to be effective. Thus, it is important that the use of these herbal medicines be done with caution in anticoagulated patients and that studies of herb-drug interactions be encouraged in order to generate information to support the clinical management of patients.

Decreased mean platelet volume is associated with microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer: A propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC) generally have a better prognosis and a more effective immune response than patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC. Moreover, activated platelets play a crucial role in modulating innate immune cells. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is an indicator of platelet activation. This study is to examine the association between MPV and MSI status in CRC.

METHODS

We collected the clinical and pathological variables of 424 CRC patients diagnosed at the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from January 2018 to December 2018. Associations between MPV levels and MSI status were examined. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce the possibility of selection bias.

RESULTS

424 CRC patients were divided into low-MPV group and high-MPV group according to the optimal cut-off value of MPV. 131 high-MPV patients were matched to low-MPV counterparts in a 1:1 ratio by propensity score matching. As MPV levels increased, the percentage of patients with MSI-H reduced. Furthermore, compared with MSS group, the MSI-H group had a significantly lower MPV levels (p= 0.003 after matching). In addition, logistic regression analysis identified reduced MPV as an independent risk factor for MSI-H in CRC patients after controlling for other potential parameters.

CONCLUSION

Lower MPV is associated with MSI-H subtype of CRC. Further study on MPV in MSI-H CRC is warranted.

Simultaneous determination of twenty-five compounds with anti-inflammatory activity in Spatholobi Caulis by using an optimized UFLC-MS/MS method: An application to pharmacokinetic study

As a kind of commonly used Traditional Chinese Medicine in clinical, Spatholobi Caulis (SPC) contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds, including protocatechuate (1), nicotinic acid (2), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (3), salicylic acid (4), 6,9-dihydroxy megastigma-4,7-dien-3-one (5), 8,9-dihydroxy megastigma-4,6-dien-3-one (6), daidzin (7), genistin (8), isolariciresinol (9), ononin (10), 4',8-dimethoxy-7-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl isoflavone (11), 3'-methoxydaidzein (12), odoratin (13), spasuberol A (14), (+)-pinoresinol (15), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy cinnamic acid methyl ester (16), (+)-epipinoresinol (17), calycosin (18), 8-O-methylretusin (19), formononetin sodium (20), formononetin (21), biochanin A (22), butesuperin A (23), homovanillyl-4-oxo-nonanoate (24) and (6aR,11aR)-maackiain (25). The pharmacokinetic characteristics of these twenty-five compounds in rat plasma were quantitatively and simultaneously studied using a fast, sensitive and precise ultra fast liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS) method after oral administration of aqueous extract of SPC to rats. The mobile phase consists of acetonitrile and 0.5 mM ammonium acetate in water, and these compounds were well separated at a gradient elution program with flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. Carbamazepine was employed as the internal standard (IS) and all samples were precipitated with MeOH-ACN (2:1, v/v). The analytical method has been proved to be good linearity (R² ≥ 0.9957), precise, accurate, stable, recovery and matrix effect, which applicated becomingly to study the pharmacokinetic processes of these compounds in rat plasma. In addition, these twenty-five compounds exhibited anti-inflammatory activity on the inflammatory model of NO over production in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Isoflavones, especially compounds 20-22 (The IC₅₀ of which were 22.75 μM, 21.11 μM and 48.29 μM, respectively.) might be the important constituents for anti-inflammatory activity of SPC. This study provides reference values for the clinical application, in-depth study on new dosage forms and pharmacological activities of SPC.

Significant difference of c-type lectin-like receptor 2 between colorectal cancer and polyp subgroups

BACKGROUND

Platelets play a key role in tumor progression and metastasis. C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) is the receptor expressed on platelets and the marker of platelet activation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine whether soluble CLEC-2 levels differ between patients with benign colorectal polyps and those with colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

We measured plasma soluble CLEC-2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 150 patients with colorectal polyps, 150 CRC patients without metastasis, 150 CRC liver metastasis, and 150 control subjects.

RESULTS

The CRC patients had higher soluble CLEC-2 levels than patients with colorectal polyps (p< 0.001). Moreover, CRC patients with liver metastases displayed higher CLEC-2 levels than those in CRC patients without metastases (p< 0.001). In the CRC patients, CLEC-2 levels were correlated with lymph node metastasis and advanced stage. In the patients with polyps, there was a significant difference in CLEC-2 levels among patients with hyperplastic polyp, sessile serrated adenoma, and traditional serrated adenoma (p< 0.001). The ROC curve analysis revealed CLEC-2 had an optimal sensitivity of 77.3% and specificity of 94.6% for the screening of CRC, and sensitivity of 71.0% and specificity of 76.7% for the differential diagnosis of colorectal polyps and CRC.

CONCLUSIONS

CRC patients have higher CLEC-2 levels than patients with colorectal polyps and healthy controls. Moreover, there is a significant difference in CLEC-2 levels among polyp subtypes. Further research is warranted.

Prognostic value of platelet distribution width and mean platelet volume in patients with laryngeal cancer

Aims: To investigate the prognostic relevance of platelet volume indices for survival in laryngeal cancer. Patients & methods: The study included 640 patients with laryngeal cancer. We analyzed the optimal cutoff values through receiver operating characteristic analysis, then analyzed the univariate factor and multivariate variables. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were conducted to compare the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival rates between the groups. Results: In multivariate analysis, elevated platelet distribution width (PDW) and PDW/platelet count ratio were significantly correlated with poor prognosis for OS; however, elevated mean platelet volume (MPV) and MPV/platelet count ratio suggested a notable correlation with favorable prognosis for OS. Meanwhile, elevated PDW and decreased MPV were significantly correlated with poor prognosis for recurrence-free survival. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that elevated PDW and decreased MPV could serve as independent biomarkers for worse survival in laryngeal cancer.

Analysis and Anticancer Effects of Active Compounds from Spatholobi Caulis in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in both developing and developed countries. In this study, we simultaneously analyzed nine constituent compounds from Spatholobi Caulis (gallic acid, (−)-gallocatechin, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, procyanidin B1, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, catechin, procyanidin B2, epicatechin, and (−)-epicatechin gallate) and examined their anticancer effects on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. The experimental results indicated that the gallic acid showed the strongest cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells among tested compounds whilst most of samples did not express inhibitory effect on viability of MDA-MB-231 cells, except for 70% ethanol extract of S. Caulis. Thus, gallic acid was chosen to extend anticancer mechanism study on MCF-7 cells. Our data showed that the gallic acid induced apoptotic MCF-7 cell death through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which increased the expression of cleaved caspase-7, -8, and -9, Bax and p53, but reduced the expression of Bcl-2 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). In addition, the network pharmacological analysis pointed out that the p53, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), estrogen, and Wnt signaling pathways have a great correlation with the targets of gallic acid. This study suggested that gallic acid is a bioactive component of S. Caulis with potential to be used in chemotherapy for breast cancer.