Crocin attenuates cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity via TLR4/NF-κBp50 signaling and BAMBI modulation of TGF-β activity: Involvement of miRNA-9 and miRNA-29

High-intensity interval training alleviates liver inflammation by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and M1/M2 macrophage balance in female rats with cisplatin hepatotoxicity

Cisplatin (CDDP) is an antineoplastic drug whose adverse effects include hepatotoxicity. The inflammatory process is crucial in the progression of liver injuries. Exercise is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, but the influence of different training modalities on hepatoprotection is still unclear. This study aims to compare the impacts between preconditioning with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and traditional continuous training of low (LT) and moderate (MT) intensities on inflammatory markers in Wistar female rats with CDDP-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty-five rats were divided into five groups: control and sedentary (C + Sed), treated with CDDP and sedentary (CDDP + Sed), treated with CDDP and subjected to LT (CDDP + LT), treated with CDDP and subjected to MT (CDDP + MT), and treated with CDDP and subjected to HIIT (CDDP + HIIT). The training protocols consisted of treadmill running for 8 weeks before CDDP treatment. The rats were euthanized 7 days after the treatment. Liver samples were collected to evaluate the expression of various inflammatory markers and types of macrophages. Our results indicated that HIIT was the only protocol to prevent the increase in all analyzed pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce the number of ED-1-positive cells, attenuating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the liver. Additionally, HIIT increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and regulated M1/M2 macrophage polarization. Thus, this study suggests that preconditioning with HIIT is more effective in promoting hepatoprotective effects than LT and MT, regulating inflammatory markers through modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and M2 macrophage polarization in the hepatic tissue of female rats treated with CDDP.

Testicular toxicity in cisplatin-treated Wistar rats is mitigated by Daflon and associated with modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-kB signaling

BACKGROUND

Testicular toxicity is a complication of cisplatin therapy and it limits its use. Since cisplatin-induced testicular damage is mediated by inflammation and oxidative stress, evaluation of the protective role of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules such as micronized purified flavonoid fraction (Daflon®) is pertinent.

AIM

Therefore, this study investigated the mitigating effect of daflon against cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity. Also, the impact of daflon on Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-kB pathways, which are key pathways in cisplatin toxicity, was explored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After 2 weeks of acclimatization, 20 male albino Wistar rats were allotted at random into 4 equal groups; control, daflon-treated, cisplatin-treated, and cisplatin+daflon-treated.

RESULTS

Daflon significantly restored cisplatin-induced reductions in body weight (112.20±9.01 vs. 129.60±5.68, P= 0.0175), body weight gain (-39.80±9.52 vs. -16.80±16.53, P= 0.0154), and testicular weight (1.69±0.08 vs. 1.95±0.13, P= 0.0980) and alterations in testicular histology. In addition, daflon abrogated cisplatin-induced rise in testicular CK (55.53±2.77 vs. 37.40±3.29, P< 0.0001) and LDH (74.52±3.20 vs. 65.89±2.08, P= 0.0009) activities, and lactate content (180.50±4.19 vs. 166.20±2.78, P< 0.0001). Also, daflon alleviated cisplatin-induced suppression of GnRH (5.09±0.60 vs. 10.17±0.51, P< 0.0001), LH (1.33±0.07 vs. 2.77±0.13, P< 0.0001), FSH (0.51±0.10 vs. 1.82±0.09, P< 0.0001), and testosterone (2.39±0.11 vs. 4.70±0.33, P< 0.001) as well as lowered sperm quality. More so, daflon attenuated cisplatin-induced testicular oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis evidenced by daflon-driven suppression of MDA (14.16±0.66 vs. 9.22±0.52, P< 0.0001), TNF-α (79.42±5.66 vs. 54.13±3.56, P< 0.0001), IL-1β (8.63±0.41 vs. 3.37±0.43, P< 0.0001), IL-6 (6.87±0.48 vs. 3.67±0.32, P< 0.0001), and caspase 3 activity (4.20±0.26 vs. 0.72±0.23, P< 0.0001) and DNA fragmentation (34.60±3.05 vs. 17.20±3.19, P< 0.0001), and upregulation of GSH level (0.07±0.03 vs. 0.36±0.03, P< 0.0001), and GPx (5.96±0.46 vs. 11.88±1.05, P< 0.0001), GST (5.16±0.71 vs. 11.50±0.81, P< 0.0001), SOD (1.29±0.15 vs. 2.81±0.29, P< 0.0001), and catalase activities (6.18±0.69 vs. 10.71±0.74, P< 0.0001). Furthermore, daflon upregulated testicular Nrf2 expression (40.25±2.65 vs. 66.62±4.01, P< 0.0001) and HO-1 (4.18±0.56 vs. 8.79±0.55, P< 0.0001) activity but downregulated TLR4 (11.63±0.89 vs. 7.23±0.43, P< 0.0001) and NF-kB levels (113.20±3.36 vs. 78.22±3.90, P< 0.0001) in cisplatin-treated rats.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the ameliorative effect of daflon on cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity is associated with inhibition of oxidative stress and TLR4/NF-kB-mediated inflammatory pathways and activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.

Edaravone and obeticholic acid protect against cisplatin-induced heart toxicity by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation and modulating Nrf2, TLR4/p38MAPK, and JAK1/STAT3/NF-κB signals

Cardiotoxicity is a significant adverse effect of cisplatin (CIS) that necessitates extensive medical care. The current study examines the cardioprotective effects of edaravone (EDV), obeticholic acid (OCA), and their combinations on CIS-induced cardiac damage. Rats were allocated into five groups: the normal control group, the remaining four groups received CIS (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) as a single dose on the fifth day and were assigned to CIS, OCA (10 mg/kg/day) + CIS, EDV (20 mg/kg/day) + CIS, and the (EDV + OCA) + CIS group. Compared to the CIS-treated group, co-treating rats with EDV, OCA, or their combinations significantly decreased ALP, AST, LDH, CK-MB, and troponin-I serum levels and alleviated histopathological heart abnormalities. Biochemically, EDV, OCA, and EDV plus OCA administration mitigated cardiac oxidative stress as indicated by a marked decrease in heart MDA content with a rise in cardiac antioxidants SOD and GSH associated with upregulating Nrf2, PPARγ, and SIRT1 expression. Besides, it dampened inflammation by decreasing cardiac levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, mediated by suppressing NF-κB, JAK1/STAT3, and TLR4/p38MAPK signal activation. Notably, rats co-administered with EDV plus OCA showed noticeable protection that exceeded that of EDV and OCA alone. In conclusion, our study provided that EDV, OCA, and their combinations effectively attenuated CIS-induced cardiac intoxication by activating Nrf2, PPARγ, and SIRT1 signals and downregulating NF-κB, JAK1/STAT3, and TLR4/p38MAPK signals.

An integrated view of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity: characteristics, common molecular mechanisms, and current clinical management

Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapy drug widely prescribed to treat various neoplasms. Although fundamental for the therapeutic action of the drug, its cytotoxic mechanisms trigger adverse effects in several tissues, such as the kidney, liver, and heart, which limit its clinical use. In this sense, studies point to an essential role of damage to nuclear and mitochondrial DNA associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the pathophysiology of tissue injuries. Due to the limitation of effective preventive and therapeutic measures against CP-induced toxicity, new strategies with potential cytoprotective effects have been studied. Therefore, this article is timely in reviewing the characteristics and main molecular mechanisms common to renal, hepatic, and cardiac toxicity previously described, in addition to addressing the main validated strategies for the current management of these adverse events in clinical practice. We also handle the main promising antioxidant substances recently presented in the literature to encourage the development of new research that consolidates their potential preventive and therapeutic effects against CP-induced cytotoxicity.

Pioglitazone ameliorates cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (CIS) is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used to cure several cancers. It exerts detrimental cellular effects that restrain its clinical application as an antineoplastic agent, as testicular damage. Pioglitazone (PIO), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist, is used to treat type-2 diabetes mellitus. PIO has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in different tissues. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of PIO in a rat model of cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity and address the possible role of the Toll-like receptors (TLR4) / myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) / nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) signal pathway.

METHODS

Rats received a single dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg, IP) on the first day and PIO (10 mg/kg, P.O.) for 7 days. At the end of the treatment period, rats were killed. Testicular weights, histopathological alterations, and serum testosterone levels were determined. Moreover, tissue samples were collected for the estimation of oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory markers, and the determination of TLR4 /MyD88/NF-kB signaling.

RESULTS

Concurrent PIO administration with CIS markedly improved testicular weights, histopathological alteration, and serum testosterone level changes. Moreover, Concurrent PIO administration abrogated oxidative stress status and inflammatory markers caused by CIS administration. Furthermore, PIO inhibited the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κBp65, proteins that are activated by CIS administration.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that PIO can protect against cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in rats through inhibition of the TLR4 /MyD88/NF-kB signal pathway.

Therapeutic implications of targeting autophagy and TGF-β crosstalk for the treatment of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is characterized by the excessive deposition and accumulation of extracellular matrix components, mainly collagens, and occurs in response to a broad spectrum of triggers with different etiologies. Under stress conditions, autophagy serves as a highly conserved homeostatic system for cell survival and is importantly involved in various biological processes. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has emerged as a central cytokine in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and is the main mediator of liver fibrosis. A growing body of evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggests that TGF-β1 regulates autophagy, a process that affects various essential (patho)physiological aspects related to liver fibrosis. This review comprehensively highlights recent advances in our understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms of autophagy, its regulation by TGF-β, and the implication of autophagy in the pathogenesis of progressive liver disorders. Moreover, we evaluated crosstalk between autophagy and TGF-β1 signalling and discussed whether simultaneous inhibition of these pathways could represent a novel approach to improve the efficacy of anti-fibrotic therapy in the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Hibiscus-cisplatin combination treatment decreases liver toxicity in rats while increasing toxicity in lung cancer cells via oxidative stress- apoptosis pathway

Cisplatin (CIS) is a broad-spectrum anti-carcinogen that causes cytotoxic effects both in normal and cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to test whether Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) extract can reduce CIS-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents and to assess its anticancer activity in vitro. Treatment with HS extract at daily doses of 500 mg/kg before and after a single dose of CIS (10 mg/kg) reduced hepatotoxicity in Wistar male albino rats. HS extract reduced activity of hepatic damage marker enzymes ( i.e. alanine and aspartate aminotransferases), necrosis, and apoptosis in liver tissues of CIS-treated rats. This hepatic protection was associated with reduced oxidative stress in liver tissues. The antioxidant effects of HS were manifested as a normalization of malondialdehyde levels and glutathione levels which were all raised after CIS-induction. In addition, HS treatment resulted in a decrease of catalase, and superoxide dismutase activity. The combined effects of CIS and HS were also studied in two human lung cancer cell lines (A549 and H460). Treatment with HS (20 μg /mL) enhanced the cytotoxic activity of CIS both in A549 and H460 cell lines. Interestingly, HS increased CIS-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress more clearly in A549 cells indicating that HS extract in combination with CIS could increase the efficacy of CIS in the treatment of cancer.

Investigation of the Ability of Crocin to Treat Skin Cancer Chemically Induced in Mice via the Inhibition of the Wnt/β-Catenin and Fibrotic Pathway

Background The Wnt pathway is a major pathway in the pathogenesis of skin cancer. Moreover, crocin is one of the carotenoid compounds present in the flowers of gardenia and crocus. Crocin is responsible for the characteristic color of saffron. Aims This study was conducted to discover the therapeutic effects of crocin against skin cancer induced in mice by blocking the Wnt pathway with subsequent effects on inflammation and fibrosis. Methods For the induction of skin cancer in mice, the application of DMBA and Croton oil was used. The dorsal skin was used for the evaluation of the gene and protein expression of TGF-β, SMAD, Wnt, β-catenin, TNF-α, and NFκB. Part of the skin is stained with Mallory trichrome. Results The use of crocin for treating skin cancer mice significantly reduced both the number of tumors and the number of scratches. In addition, crocin inhibited epidermal hyperplasia. Finally, crocin reduced the gene expression and protein levels of Wnt, β-catenin, SMAD, NFκB; TGF-β and TNF-α. Conclusions Crocin produced therapeutic effects against skin cancer induced in mice by blocking the expression of Wnt followed by blocking the pro-inflammatory pathway through downregulation of NFκB and TNF-α. In addition, crocin blocked the fibrosis pathway via the downregulation of TGF-β.

Bioactive compounds modulating Toll-like 4 receptor (TLR4)-mediated inflammation: pathways involved and future perspectives

Chronic inflammation is associated with the development and progression of several noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Evidence suggests that pattern recognition receptors that identify pathogen-associated molecular patterns and danger-associated molecular patterns are crucial in chronic inflammation. Among the pattern recognition receptors, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) stimulates several inflammatory pathway agonists, such as nuclear factor-κB, interferon regulator factor 3, and nod-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 pathways, which consequently trigger the expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers, increasing the risk of noncommunicable disease development and progression. Studies have focused on the antagonistic potential of bioactive compounds, following the concept of food as a medicine, in which nutritional strategies may mitigate inflammation via TLR4 modulation. Thus, this review discusses preclinical evidence concerning bioactive compounds from fruit, vegetable, spice, and herb extracts (curcumin, resveratrol, catechin, cinnamaldehyde, emodin, ginsenosides, quercetin, allicin, and caffeine) that may regulate the TLR4 pathway and reduce the inflammatory response. Bioactive compounds can inhibit TLR4-mediated inflammation through gut microbiota modulation, improvement of intestinal permeability, inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-TLR4 binding, and decreasing TLR4 expression by modulation of microRNAs and antioxidant pathways. The responses directly mitigated inflammation, especially nuclear factor-κB activation and inflammatory cytokines release. These findings should be considered for further clinical studies on inflammation-mediated diseases.

Protective effects of rivaroxaban against cisplatin-induced testicular damage in rats: Impact on oxidative stress, coagulation, and p-NF-κB/VCAM-1 signaling

Coagulation is a main pathway in various diseases pathogenesis including testicular damage. This study evaluated rivaroxaban (RVX) protective effects in testicular impairment by cisplatin (CP). Rats were randomly allocated into five groups: Control, RVX (7 mg/kg/day), CP (10 mg/kg), RVX 5 mg + CP and RVX 7 mg + CP. Serum testosterone and testicular ALT, AST, and ALP were assessed. Testicular oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters and inflammatory indicators including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were assessed. qRT-PCR was used to determine mRNA expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (stAR). Protein expressions of p-Nuclear factor kappa B (p- NF-κB) and vascular cell adhesion protein-1 (VCAM-1) were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Tissue factor (TF) expression was immunohistochemically analyzed. Results revealed that RVX significantly increased serum testosterone and sperm count while significantly reduced IL-1β and TNF-α. It significantly decreased tissue MDA and NO contents while increased SOD and GPx. In addition, RVX attenuated CP-induced histopathological aberrations and normalized TF. It also decreased the VCAM-1 and p-NF-κB expression and showed strong expression of 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, and stAR, indicating improvement of steroidogenesis. In conclusion, RVX counteracted testicular damage by CP via suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and coagulation and downregulating p-NF-κB/VCAM-1 signaling.

Crocin molecular signaling pathways at a glance: A comprehensive review

Crocin is a hydrophilic carotenoid that is synthesized in the flowers of the Crocus genus. Numerous in vitro and in vivo research projects have been published about the biological and pharmacological properties and toxicity of crocin. Crocin acts as a memory enhancer, anxiolytic, aphrodisiac, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and so on. Here, we introduce an updated and comprehensive review of crocin molecular mechanisms based on previously examined and mentioned in the literature. Different studies confirmed the significant effect of crocin to control pathological conditions, including oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. The neuroprotective effect of crocin could be related to the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Notch, and cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein signaling pathways. The crocin also protects the cardiovascular system through the inhibitory effect on toll-like receptors. The regulatory effect of crocin on PI3K/AKT/mTOR, AMP-activated protein kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathways can play an effective role in the treatment of metabolic disorders. The crocin has anticancer activity through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK, vascular endothelial growth factor, Wnt/β-catenin, and Janus kinases-signal transducer and activator of transcription suppression. Also, the nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 and p53 signaling pathway activation may be effective in the anticancer effect of crocin. Finally, among signaling pathways regulated by crocin, the most important ones seem to be those related to the regulatory effect on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Dietary phenolic-type Nrf2-activators: implications in the control of toxin-induced hepatic disorders

Numerous studies have exemplified the importance of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation in the alleviation of toxin-induced hepatic disorders primarily through eliminating oxidative stress. Whereafter, increasingly more efforts have been contributed to finding Nrf2-activators, especially from dietary polyphenols. The present review summarized the phenolic-type Nrf2-activators published in the past few decades, analyzed their effectiveness based on their structural characteristics and outlined their related mechanisms. It turns out that flavonoids are the largest group of phenolic-type Nrf2-activators, followed by nonflavonoids and phenolic acids. When counting on subgroups, the top three types are flavonols, flavones, and hydroxycinnamic acids, with curcuminoids having the highest effective doses. Moreover, most polyphenols work through the phosphorylation of Nrf2. Besides, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase B (Akt) are the frequent targets of these Nrf2-activators, which indirectly mediate the behavior of Nrf2. However, current data are not sufficient to conclude any structure-activity relationship.

Centella asiatica extract protects against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity via targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Centella asiatica (CA) on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and to clarify the underlying mechanism by biochemical, molecular, immunohistochemical, and histopathological analyses. Rats were pre-treated with two doses of CA (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 consecutive days. Then, on the 15th day, hepatotoxicity was induced by a single cisplatin injection (10 mg/kg i.p.). On the 18th day, the rats were euthanized. CA effectively alleviated cisplatin-induced hepatic injury via reduction in AST, ALT, and ALP enzymes and a decrease in oxidative stress (decreased MDA and ROS, and increased SOD, CAT, and GSH). CA also mitigated the inflammatory damage by the inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB. The liver expression of caspase-3 and Bax was downregulated, while Bcl-2 was upregulated. Moreover, immunohistochemical results confirmed the recovery with CA by downregulation of iNOS and 8-OHdG expression. These results showed that with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities, CA could help alleviate the hepatotoxic effects of cisplatin chemotherapy.

Curcumin and its derivatives in cancer therapy: Potentiating antitumor activity of cisplatin and reducing side effects

Curcumin is a phytochemical isolated from Curcuma longa with potent tumor-suppressor activity, which has shown significant efficacy in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Curcumin stimulates cell death, triggers cycle arrest, and suppresses oncogenic pathways, thereby suppressing cancer progression. Cisplatin (CP) stimulates DNA damage and apoptosis in cancer chemotherapy. However, CP has adverse effects on several organs of the body, and drug resistance is frequently observed. The purpose of the present review is to show the function of curcumin in decreasing CP's adverse impacts and improving its antitumor activity. Curcumin administration reduces ROS levels to prevent apoptosis in normal cells. Furthermore, curcumin can inhibit inflammation via down-regulation of NF-κB to maintain the normal function of organs. Curcumin and its nanoformulations can reduce the hepatoxicity, neurotoxicity, renal toxicity, ototoxicity, and cardiotoxicity caused by CP. Notably, curcumin potentiates CP cytotoxicity via mediating cell death and cycle arrest. Besides, curcumin suppresses the STAT3 and NF-ĸB as tumor-promoting pathways, to enhance CP sensitivity and prevent drug resistance. The targeted delivery of curcumin and CP to tumor cells can be mediated nanostructures. In addition, curcumin derivatives are also able to reduce CP-mediated side effects, and increase CP cytotoxicity against various cancer types.

The role of natural antioxidants in cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity

Cisplatin is a potent platinum-based anticancer drug approved by the Food Drug Administration (FDA) in 1978. Despite its advantages against solid tumors, cisplatin confers toxicity to various tissues that limit its clinical uses. In cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, few mechanisms have been identified, which started as excess generation of reactive oxygen species that leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage and apoptosis in the liver. Various natural products, plant extracts and oil rich in flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and phenolic acids were able to minimize oxidative stress by restoring the level of antioxidant enzymes and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. Likewise, treatment with honey and royal jelly was demonstrated to decrease serum transaminases and scavenge free radicals in the liver after cisplatin administration. Medicinal properties of these natural products have a promising potential as a complementary therapy to counteract cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. This review concentrated on the protective role of several natural products, which has been proven in the laboratory findings to combat cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.

Differential expression of microRNAs in human endometrium after implantation of an intrauterine contraceptive device containing copper

Intrauterine devices containing copper placement will release a large amount of Cu2+ into the uterine fluid, leading to local endometrial damage and inflammation, which is considered to be one of the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. Studies have shown that the metabolism and function of metal ions are related to the regulation of microRNA. The aims of this study were to investigate changes in endometrial microRNA levels after implantation of an intrauterine device containing copper and to preliminarily explore the signalling pathways involved in abnormal uterine bleeding. The subjects were fertile women, aged 25-35, without major obstetrics and gynaecology diseases. Human endometrial tissues were collected before implantation or removal of the intrauterine device containing copper. High-throughput microRNA sequencing was performed on human endometrial tissues, and real-time quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of relevant genes. MicroRNA sequencing results showed that 72 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the endometrial tissue after the insertion of the intrauterine device containing copper. Implantation of an intrauterine device containing copper implantation can up-regulate the expression of miR-144-3p in endometrial tissue, and therefore, decreases the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to endometrial injury and tissue repair, including the MT/NF-κB/MMP damage pathway and the THBS-1/TGF-β/SMAD3 repair pathway. In this study, the molecular mechanisms of abnormal uterine bleeding due to an intrauterine device containing copper were preliminarily investigated. The information will be beneficial for the clinical treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding caused by intrauterine device.

Computational Design of Novel Allosteric Inhibitors for Plasmodium falciparum DegP

The serine protease, DegP exhibits proteolytic and chaperone activities, essential for cellular protein quality control and normal cell development in eukaryotes. The P. falciparum DegP is essential for the parasite survival and required to combat the oscillating thermal stress conditions during the infection, protein quality checks and protein homeostasis in the extra-cytoplasmic compartments, thereby establishing it as a potential target for drug development against malaria. Previous studies have shown that diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) and the peptide SPMFKGV inhibit E. coli DegP protease activity. To identify novel potential inhibitors specific to PfDegP allosteric and the catalytic binding sites, we performed a high throughput in silico screening using Malaria Box, Pathogen Box, Maybridge library, ChEMBL library and the library of FDA approved compounds. The screening helped identify five best binders that showed high affinity to PfDegP allosteric (T0873, T2823, T2801, RJC02337, CD00811) and the catalytic binding site (T0078L, T1524, T2328, BTB11534 and 552691). Further, molecular dynamics simulation analysis revealed RJC02337, BTB11534 as the best hits forming a stable complex. WaterMap and electrostatic complementarity were used to evaluate the novel bio-isosteric chemotypes of RJC02337, that led to the identification of 231 chemotypes that exhibited better binding affinity. Further analysis of the top 5 chemotypes, based on better binding affinity, revealed that the addition of electron donors like nitrogen and sulphur to the side chains of butanoate group are more favoured than the backbone of butanoate group. In a nutshell, the present study helps identify novel, potent and Plasmodium specific inhibitors, using high throughput in silico screening and bio-isosteric replacement, which may be experimentally validated.

Crocin induces autophagic cell death and inhibits cell invasion of cervical cancer SiHa cells through activation of PI3K/AKT

Background

Cervical cancer is a prevalent tumor mainly induced by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Autophagy was inactivated with HPV to promote cancer progression. Here we explored the effects of crocin on cervical cancer cells, mainly on autophagy and apoptosis.

Methods

SiHa cells were treated with crocin, and proliferation, metastases, apoptosis and autophagy were measured using a CCK-8 assay, transwell migration assay, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Protein levels were measured using western blotting. The antitumor effects of crocin were validated in female BALB/c nude mice injected with SiHa cells.

Results

The result showed that 2, 4, 8 and 16 mM of crocin significantly reduced the viability of SiHa cells within 24 h. Subsequently, 0, 1, 2 and 4 mM crocin concentrations were used in later experiments. Treatment with crocin reduced invasive cells, while increasing autophagic and apoptotic cells dose-dependently. The enhanced apoptosis and autophagy were partly validated by an increase in cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9/caspase9, LC3B II/I, Beclin1 and ATG7. AMPK and mTOR were inactivated with crocin treatment, while PI3K was activated. These results indicated that crocin might promote autophagy and apoptosis by inactivating AMPK and mTOR signaling. Tumor progression was inhibited in mice treated with 50 mg/kg/d of crocin, which was demonstrated by smaller tumor volumes, less VEGF expression, more intense caspase-3 staining and increased LC3B II/I in the tumor tissues.

Conclusions

Crocin inhibited the progression of cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo, possibly through inactivation of AMPK and mTOR, inhibition of proliferation and invasion, and promotion of autophagy and apoptosis. These results support the potential therapeutic value of crocin in treating cervical cancer.