Metformin dampens cisplatin cytotoxicity on leukemia cells after incorporation into cubosomal nanoformulation

Collaboration of Hprt/K-RAS/c-Myc mutation in the oncogenesis of T-lymphocytic leukemia: a comparative study

Aim: Leukemia is a malignant clonal illness stem from the mutations of hematopoietic cells. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is one of the utmost prevalent kinds of leukemia, is brought on by atypical lymphoid progenitor cell division in the bone marrow. Materials & methods: A comparative study between, titanium Nanoparticle-loaded doxorubicin or cisplatin and lactoferrin-loaded doxorubicin or cisplatin, on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]-anthracene (DMBA)-induced leukemia was investigated and confirming the hypothesis that messenger RNA of Hprt/K-RAS/c-Myc/SAT-2/P53/JAK-2 is a forthcoming signaling pathways in leukemia. Results: A significant alteration in Hprt, K-RAS, C-Myc, P53, JAK-2 and SAT-2 genes was observed post DMBA intoxication the aforementioned Nanodrugs modulated these signaling pathways. Conclusion: The carrier-loaded drugs triggered cytotoxicity of cancer cells via enhancing drug efficacy and bio-availability.

Paclitaxel-loaded niosomes in combination with metformin: development, characterization and anticancer potentials

Aim: This study aims to assess the efficacy of free and niosomes-loaded paclitaxel combined with the anti-diabetic drug metformin. Methods: Paclitaxel was successfully encapsulated in all niosome formulations, using microfluidic mixing, with a maximum encapsulation efficiency of 11.9%. Results: The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for free paclitaxel in T47D cells was significantly reduced from 0.2 to 0.048 mg/ml when combined with metformin 40 mg. The IC50 of paclitaxel was significantly reduced when loaded in niosomes to less than 0.06 mg/ml alone or with metformin. Conclusion: Paclitaxel combination (free or loaded into niosomes) with metformin significantly improved the anticancer efficacy of paclitaxel, which can serve as a method to reduce the paclitaxel dose and its associated side effects.

Repurposing Metformin in hematologic tumor: State of art

Metformin is an ancient drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and many studies now suggested that metformin can be used as an adjuvant drug in the treatment of many types of tumors. The mechanism of action of metformin for tumor treatment mainly involves: 1. activation of AMPK signaling pathway 2. inhibition of DNA damage repair in tumor cells 3. downregulation of IGF-1 expression 4. inhibition of chemoresistance and enhancement of chemotherapy sensitivity in tumor cells 5. enhancement of antitumor immunity 6. inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Metformin also plays an important role in the treatment of hematologic tumors, especially in leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma (MM). The combination of metformin and chemotherapy enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy, and metformin reduces the progression of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to MM. The purpose of this review is to summarize the anticancer mechanism of metformin and the role and mechanism of action of metformin in hematologic tumors. We mainly summarize the studies related to metformin in hematologic tumors, including cellular experiments and animal experiments, as well as controlled clinical studies and clinical trials. In addition, we also focus on the possible side effects of metformin. Although a large number of preclinical and clinical studies have been performed and the role of metformin in preventing the progression of MGUS to MM has been demonstrated, metformin has not been approved for the treatment of hematologic tumors, which is related to the adverse effects of its high-dose application. Low-dose metformin reduces adverse effects and has been shown to alter the tumor microenvironment and enhance antitumor immune response, which is one of the main directions for future research.

Exploring the Potential of Nanotechnology in Pediatric Healthcare: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions

The utilization of nanotechnology has brought about notable advancements in the field of pediatric medicine, providing novel approaches for drug delivery, disease diagnosis, and tissue engineering. Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale, resulting in improved drug effectiveness and decreased toxicity. Numerous nanosystems, including nanoparticles, nanocapsules, and nanotubes, have been explored for their therapeutic potential in addressing pediatric diseases such as HIV, leukemia, and neuroblastoma. Nanotechnology has also shown promise in enhancing disease diagnosis accuracy, drug availability, and overcoming the blood-brain barrier obstacle in treating medulloblastoma. It is important to acknowledge that while nanotechnology offers significant opportunities, there are inherent risks and limitations associated with the use of nanoparticles. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the existing literature on nanotechnology in pediatric medicine, highlighting its potential to revolutionize pediatric healthcare while also recognizing the challenges and limitations that need to be addressed.

Action Mechanism of Metformin and Its Application in Hematological Malignancy Treatments: A Review

Hematologic malignancies (HMs) mainly include acute and chronic leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other heterogeneous tumors that seriously threaten human life and health. The common effective treatments are radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which have limited options and are prone to tumor recurrence and (or) drug resistance. Metformin is the first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Recently, studies identified the potential anti-cancer ability of metformin in both T2DM patients and patients that are non-diabetic. The latest epidemiological and preclinical studies suggested a potential benefit of metformin in the prevention and treatment of patients with HM. The mechanism may involve the activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway by metformin as well as other AMPK-independent pathways to exert anti-cancer properties. In addition, combining current conventional anti-cancer drugs with metformin may improve the efficacy and reduce adverse drug reactions. Therefore, metformin can also be used as an adjuvant therapeutic agent for HM. This paper highlights the anti-hyperglycemic effects and potential anti-cancer effects of metformin, and also compiles the in vitro and clinical trials of metformin as an anti-cancer and chemosensitizing agent for the treatment of HM. The need for future research on the use of metformin in the treatment of HM is indicated.

Necroptosis modulation by cisplatin and sunitinib in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line

Aim Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Systemic chemotherapy such as cisplatin and multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including sunitinib, has marginal activity and frequent toxicity. Recently, necroptosis has been investigated as a potential target in treating cancer. Our aim is to evaluate the influence of cisplatin-sunitinib combination on HepG2 cells regarding their cytotoxicity and implicated intracellular pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of cisplatin, sunitinib, and their combination were determined by Sulforhodamine-B assay. Bcl-2 and Bax protein levels were assayed using western blot. ELISA technique was used to measure pRIPK3/RIPK3, pERK/ERK, caspase-9, caspase-8, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).

KEY FINDINGS

Cisplatin-sunitinib combination exhibited a superior cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cells. Low concentrations of 4 μg/ml cisplatin and 2.8 μg/ml sunitinib showed significant Bcl-2 down-regulation and Bax up-regulation. The combined treatment also lowered pRIPK3/RIPK3 by 74% (p < 0.05) compared to the control. Significant increase in pERK/ERK by 3.9 folds over the normal control was also demonstrated. Moreover, combined treatment produced a significant 4 and 4.6 folds increase in caspase-9 and -8 levels. An increase in MDA level by 1.3 folds, a decrease in the intracellular GSH level by 63%, and an increase in GPx level by 1.17 folds were demonstrated.

SIGNIFICANCE

Sunitinib modulated cisplatin effect on cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, necroptosis and MAPK pathways. Sunitinib enhanced cisplatin-induced apoptosis and increased oxidative stress, but decreased necroptosis. Combined cisplatin and sunitinib might be promising for treating advanced HCC.

Hexosomal Dispersion: A Nano-Based Approach to Boost the Antifungal Potential of Citrus Essential Oils against Plant Fungal Pathogens

The demand for natural fungicides to replace synthetic ones has surged since toxic residues persist in soils, causing environmental contamination and posing a serious threat to worldwide public health. In the context of crop protection and enhancing the efficiency and safety of fungicides, nanotechnology is an eco-friendly strategy in managing fungal pathogens. In the present study, essential oils were isolated from the peels of four citrus fruits (Citrus lemon, Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus maxima, and Citrus sinensis) and were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis. Monoterpene hydrocarbon was the most predominant group and limonene was the most abundant in the four oils. The antifungal potential of the oils was investigated, and the most active oil (Citrus lemon) was loaded into hexosomal dispersion, and its antifungal potential was retested against the same fungi. The structurally unique nano-based formulation showed great potency for fungal control. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time the oil of Citrus lemon in nano-hexosomes has been formulated and its fungicidal activity examined. The data collected suggest that citrus essential oils (CEOs), especially when nano-formulated, could be successfully used in integrated fungus management programs.