Babao Dan is a robust anti-tumor agent via inhibiting wnt/β-catenin activation and cancer cell stemness

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer Treatment

In recent years, due to advancements in medical conditions and the development of scientific research, the fundamental research of TCM antitumor treatments has progressed from the cellular level to the molecular and genetic levels. Previous studies have demonstrated the significant role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in antitumor therapy through various mechanisms and pathways. Its mechanism of action is closely associated with cancer biology across different stages. This includes inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, blocking invasion and metastasis to surrounding tissues, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, regulating immune function, maintaining genome stability, preventing mutation, and regulating cell energy metabolism. The use of TCM for eliciting antitumor effects not only has a good therapeutic effect and low side effects, it also provides a solid theoretical basis for clinical treatment and medication. This paper reviews the mechanism of the antitumor effects of TCM based on tumor characteristics. Through our review, we found that TCM not only directly inhibits tumors, but also enhances the body's immunity, thereby indirectly inducing an antitumor effect. This function aligns with the TCM theory of "strengthening the body's resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors". Furthermore, TCM will play a significant role in tumor treatment in clinical settings.

Sporoderm-broken spores of Ganoderma lucidum modulate hepatoblastoma malignancy by regulating RACK1-mediated autophagy and tumour immunity

Hepatoblastoma (HB), a primary liver tumour, is notorious for its high metastatic potential and poor prognosis. Ganoderma lucidum, an edible mushroom species utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for addressing various tumour types, presents an intriguing avenue for HB treatment. However, the effectiveness of G. lucidum in managing HB and its underlying molecular mechanism necessitates further exploration. Standard in vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of sporoderm-broken spores of G. lucidum (SBSGL) on the malignant characteristics of HB cells. The mechanism of SBSGL in treating HB and its tumour immunomodulatory effects were explored and validated by various experiments, including immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus transfection and co-localization analysis, as well as verified with in vivo experiments in this regard. The results showed that SBSGL effectively inhibited the malignant traits of HB cells and suppressed the O-GlcNAcylation of RACK1, thereby reducing its expression. In addition, SBSGL inhibited immune checkpoints and regulated cytokines. In conclusion, SBSGL had immunomodulatory effects and regulated the malignancy and autophagy of HB by regulating the O-GlcNAcylation of RACK1. These findings suggest that SBSGL holds promise as a potential anticancer drug for HB treatment.

Role of prognostic gene DKK1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. The morbidity and mortality rates of OSCC have increased in recent years. However, the pathogenesis of this disease remains unknown. The present study aimed to identify predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for OSCC. Bioinformatics screening of differentially expressed genes in OSCC was performed based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK1) was identified to be associated with survival, tumor immunity and DNA repair in OSCC. Furthermore, the effects of DKK1 were evaluated by the knockdown of DKK1 in two OSCC cell lines. The proliferation, clonogenicity, migration and invasion of the cells were assessed in vitro using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively, and were found to be inhibited by DKK1 knockdown. The present study suggests that DKK1 may be used in the prognosis of patients with OSCC and that targeting DKK1 is a potential strategy for OSCC therapy.

Epigenetics and genetics of hepatoblastoma: Linkage and treatment

Hepatoblastoma is a malignant embryonal tumor with multiple differentiation modes and is the clearest liver malignancy in children. However, little is known about genetic and epigenetic events in Hepatoblastoma. Increased research has recently demonstrated, unique genetic and epigenetic events in Hepatoblastoma, providing insights into its origin and precise treatment. Some genetic disorders and congenital factors are associated with the risk of Hepatoblastoma development, such as the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Familial Adenomatous polyposis, and Hemihypertrophy. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA modifications, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation are also essential in the development of Hepatoblastoma. Herein, we reviewed genetic and epigenetic events in Hepatoblastoma, focusing on the relationship between these events and cancer susceptibility, tumor growth, and prognosis. By deciphering the genetic and epigenetic associations in Hepatoblastoma, tumor pathogenesis can be clarified, and guide the development of new anti-cancer drugs and prevention strategies.