Antiproliferative effects of aspirin and diclofenac against the growth of cancer and fibroblast cells: In vitro comparative study

Removal and degradation of sodium diclofenac via radical-based mechanisms using S. sclerotiorum laccase

The recently isolated Sclerotinia sclerotiorum laccase was used for the degradation of sodium diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely found in the aquatic environment. The Michaelis-Menten parameters, half-life of diclofenac at different pH values in presence of this enzyme and potential inhibitors were evaluated. Diclofenac-based radicals formed in presence of laccase were spin-trapped and detected using EPR spectroscopy. Almost complete diclofenac degradation (> 96%) occurred after a 30-h treatment via radical-based generated oligomers and their rapid precipitation, thus ensuring an unprecedented green formula suitable not only for degradation but also for straightforward removal of the degradation products. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC-APCI-MS) analyses of the degradation products of diclofenac in aqueous dosage revealed the presence of at least seven products while HR Orbitrap MS analysis showed that the enzymatic treatment produced high molecular weight metabolites through a radical oligomerization mechanism of diclofenac. The enzymatically formed products precipitated and its constituting components were also characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

The Influence of Novel, Biocompatible, and Bioresorbable Poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) Dressings on Wound Healing in Mice

The human body's natural protective barrier, the skin, is exposed daily to minor or major mechanical trauma, which can compromise its integrity. Therefore, the search for new dressing materials that can offer new functionalisation is fully justified. In this work, the development of two new types of dressings based on poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) (P(3HO)) is presented. One of the groups was supplemented with conjugates of an anti-inflammatory substance (diclofenac) that was covalently linked to oligomers of hydroxycarboxylic acids (Oli-dicP(3HO)). The novel dressings were prepared using the solvent casting/particulate leaching technique. To our knowledge, this is the first paper in which P(3HO)-based dressings were used in mice wound treatment. The results of our research confirm that dressings based on P(3HO) are safe, do not induce an inflammatory response, reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, provide adequate wound moisture, support angiogenesis, and, thanks to their hydrophobic characteristics, provide an ideal protective barrier. Newly designed dressings containing Oli-dicP(3HO) can promote tissue regeneration by partially reducing the inflammation at the injury site. To conclude, the presented materials might be potential candidates as excellent dressings for wound treatment.

Development and Challenges of Diclofenac-Based Novel Therapeutics: Targeting Cancer and Complex Diseases

Simple Summary

Diclofenac is a widely used drug for its anti-inflammatory and pain alleviating properties. This review summarizes the current understanding about the drug diclofenac. The potential applications of diclofenac beyond its well-known anti-inflammatory properties for other diseases such as cancer are discussed, along with existing limitations.

Abstract

Diclofenac is a highly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves inflammation, pain, fever, and aches, used at different doses depending on clinical conditions. This drug inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes, which are responsible for the generation of prostaglandin synthesis. To improve current diclofenac-based therapies, we require new molecular systematic therapeutic approaches to reduce complex multifactorial effects. However, the critical challenge that appears with diclofenac and other drugs of the same class is their side effects, such as signs of stomach injuries, kidney problems, cardiovascular issues, hepatic issues, and diarrhea. In this article, we discuss why defining diclofenac-based mechanisms, pharmacological features, and its medicinal properties are needed to direct future drug development against neurodegeneration and imperfect ageing and to improve cancer therapy. In addition, we describe various advance molecular mechanisms and fundamental aspects linked with diclofenac which can strengthen and enable the better designing of new derivatives of diclofenac to overcome critical challenges and improve their applications.

Unboxing the molecular modalities of mutagens in cancer

The etiology of the majority of human cancers is associated with a myriad of environmental causes, including physical, chemical, and biological factors. DNA damage induced by such mutagens is the initial step in the process of carcinogenesis resulting in the accumulation of mutations. Mutational events are considered the major triggers for introducing genetic and epigenetic insults such as DNA crosslinks, single- and double-strand DNA breaks, formation of DNA adducts, mismatched bases, modification in histones, DNA methylation, and microRNA alterations. However, DNA repair mechanisms are devoted to protect the DNA to ensure genetic stability, any aberrations in these calibrated mechanisms provoke cancer occurrence. Comprehensive knowledge of the type of mutagens and carcinogens and the influence of these agents in DNA damage and cancer induction is crucial to develop rational anticancer strategies. This review delineated the molecular mechanism of DNA damage and the repair pathways to provide a deep understanding of the molecular basis of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. A relationship between DNA adduct formation and cancer incidence has also been summarized. The mechanistic basis of inflammatory response and oxidative damage triggered by mutagens in tumorigenesis has also been highlighted. We elucidated the interesting interplay between DNA damage response and immune system mechanisms. We addressed the current understanding of DNA repair targeted therapies and DNA damaging chemotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment and discussed how antiviral agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunotherapeutic agents combined with traditional approaches lay the foundations for future cancer therapies.

Effects of Non-Opioid Analgesics on the Cell Membrane of Skin and Gastrointestinal Cancers

Skin and gastrointestinal cancer cells are the target of research by many scientists due to the increasing morbidity and mortality rates around the world. New indications for drugs used in various conditions are being discovered. Non-opioid analgesics are worth noting as very popular, widely available, relatively cheap medications. They also have the ability to modulate the membrane components of tumor cells. The aim of this review is to analyze the impact of diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol on skin and gastrointestinal cancers cell membrane. These drugs may affect the membrane through topical application, at the in vitro and in vivo level after oral or parenteral administration. They can lead to up- or downregulated expression of receptors, transporters and other molecules associated with plasma membrane. Medications may also alter the lipid bilayer composition of membrane, resulting in changes in its integrity and fluidity. Described modulations can cause the visualization of cancer cells, enhanced response of the immune system and the initiation of cell death. The outcome of this is inhibition of progression or reduction of tumor mass and supports chemotherapy. In conclusion, non-opioid analgesics may be used in the future as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of these cancers.

Controlling Inflammation Pre-Emptively or at the Time of Cutaneous Injury Optimises Outcome of Skin Scarring

Inflammation plays an active role during the wound healing process. There is a direct association between the extent of injury as well as inflammation and the amount of subsequent cutaneous scarring. Evidence to date demonstrates that high levels of inflammation are associated with excessive dermal scarring and formation of abnormal pathological scars such as keloids and hypertrophic scars. In view of the multiple important cell types being involved in the inflammatory process and their influence on the extent of scar formation, many scar therapies should aim to target these cells in order to control inflammation and by association help improve scar outcome. However, most current treatment strategies for the management of a newly formed skin scar often adopt a watch-and-wait approach prior to commencing targeted anti-inflammatory therapy. Moreover, most of these therapies have been evaluated in the remodelling phase of wound healing and the evaluation of anti-inflammatory treatments at earlier stages of healing have not been fully explored and remain limited. Taken together, in order to minimise the risk of developing a poor scar outcome, it is clear that adopting an early intervention prior to skin injury would be optimal, however, the concept of pre-emptively priming the skin prior to injury has not yet been thoroughly evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this review was to evaluate the available literature regarding scar therapies that aim to target inflammation which are commenced prior to when a scar is formed or immediately after injury, with a particular focus on the role of pre-emptive priming of skin prior to injury in order to control inflammation for the prevention of poor scarring outcome.

Repositioning of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer Sub-Types

Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and, in almost all cases is caused by infection with highly oncogenic Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs). On the other hand, inflammation is one of the hallmarks of cancer research. Here, we focused on inflammatory proteins that classify cervical cancer patients by considering individual differences between cancer patients in contrast to conventional treatments. We repurposed anti-inflammatory drugs for therapy of HPV-16 and HPV-18 infected groups, separately. In this study, we employed systems biology approaches to unveil the diagnostic and treatment options from a precision medicine perspective by delineating differential inflammation-associated biomarkers associated with carcinogenesis for both subtypes. We performed a meta-analysis of cervical cancer-associated transcriptomic datasets considering subtype differences of samples and identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Using gene signature reversal on HPV-16 and HPV-18, we performed both signature- and network-based drug reversal to identify anti-inflammatory drug candidates against inflammation-associated nodes. The anti-inflammatory drug candidates were evaluated using molecular docking to determine the potential of physical interactions between the anti-inflammatory drug and inflammation-associated nodes as drug targets. We proposed 4 novels anti-inflammatory drugs (AS-601245, betamethasone, narciclasin, and methylprednisolone) for the treatment of HPV-16, 3 novel drugs for the treatment of HPV-18 (daphnetin, phenylbutazone, and tiaprofenoic acid), and 5 novel drugs (aldosterone, BMS-345541, etodolac, hydrocortisone, and prednisolone) for the treatment of both subtypes. We proposed anti-inflammatory drug candidates that have the potential to be therapeutic agents for the prevention and/or treatment of cervical cancer.

Assessment of Physicochemical, Microbiological and Toxicological Hazards at an Illegal Landfill in Central Poland

This study aimed to assess the physicochemical, microbiological and toxicological hazards at an illegal landfill in central Poland. The research included the analysis of airborne dust (laser photometer), the number of microorganisms in the air, soil and leachate (culture method) and the microbial diversity in the landfill environment (high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina Miseq); the cytotoxicity (PrestoBlue) and genotoxicity (alkaline comet assay) of soil and leachate were tested. Moreover, an analysis of UHPLC-Q-ToF-UHRMS (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry) was performed to determine the toxic compounds and microbial metabolites. The PM₁ dust fraction constituted 99.89% and 99.99% of total dust and exceeded the threshold of 0.025 mg m⁻³ at the tested locations. In the air, the total number of bacteria was 9.33 × 10¹–1.11 × 10³ CFU m⁻³, while fungi ranged from 1.17 × 10² to 4.73 × 10² CFU m⁻³. Psychrophilic bacteria were detected in the largest number in leachates (3.3 × 10⁴ to 2.69 × 10⁶ CFU mL⁻¹) and in soil samples (8.53 × 10⁵ to 1.28 × 10⁶ CFU g⁻¹). Bacteria belonging to Proteobacteria (42–64.7%), Bacteroidetes (4.2–23.7%), Actinobacteria (3.4–19.8%) and Firmicutes (0.7–6.3%) dominated. In the case of fungi, Basidiomycota (23.3–27.7%), Ascomycota (5.6–46.3%) and Mortierellomycota (3.1%) have the highest abundance. Bacteria (Bacillus, Clostridium, Cellulosimicrobium, Escherichia, Pseudomonas) and fungi (Microascus, Chrysosporium, Candida, Malassezia, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Fusarium, Stachybotrys, Cladosporium, Didymella) that are potentially hazardous to human health were detected in samples collected from the landfill. Tested leachates and soils were characterised by varied cyto/genotoxins. Common pesticides (carbamazepine, prometryn, terbutryn, permethrin, carbanilide, pyrethrin, carbaryl and prallethrin), quaternary ammonium compounds (benzalkonium chlorides), chemicals and/or polymer degradation products (melamine, triphenylphosphate, diphenylphtalate, insect repellent diethyltoluamide, and drugs (ketoprofen)) were found in soil and leachate samples. It has been proven that the tested landfill is the source of the emission of particulate matter; microorganisms (including potential pathogens) and cyto/genotoxic compounds.

PLLA Coating of Active Implants for Dual Drug Release

Cochlear implants, like other active implants, rely on precise and effective electrical stimulation of the target tissue but become encapsulated by different amounts of fibrous tissue. The current study aimed at the development of a dual drug release from a PLLA coating and from the bulk material to address short-term and long-lasting release of anti-inflammatory drugs. Inner-ear cytocompatibility of drugs was studied in vitro. A PLLA coating (containing diclofenac) of medical-grade silicone (containing 5% dexamethasone) was developed and release profiles were determined. The influence of different coating thicknesses (2.5, 5 and 10 µm) and loadings (10% and 20% diclofenac) on impedances of electrical contacts were measured with and without pulsatile electrical stimulation. Diclofenac can be applied to the inner ear at concentrations of or below 4 × 10⁻⁵ mol/L. Release of dexamethasone from the silicone is diminished by surface coating but not blocked. Addition of 20% diclofenac enhances the dexamethasone release again. All PLLA coatings serve as insulator. This can be overcome by using removable masking on the contacts during the coating process. Dual drug release with different kinetics can be realized by adding drug-loaded coatings to drug-loaded silicone arrays without compromising electrical stimulation.

Layered terbium hydroxides for simultaneous drug delivery and imaging

Layered rare-earth hydroxides have begun to gather increasing attention as potential theranostic platforms owing to their extensive intercalation chemistry combined with magnetic and fluorescent properties. In this work, the potential of layered terbium hydroxide (LTbH) as a platform for simultaneous drug delivery and fluorescence imaging was evaluated. LTbH-Cl ([Tb2(OH)5]Cl·yH2O) was loaded with three nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen) via ion-exchange. Drug release studies in phosphate buffered saline (pH = 7.4) revealed all three formulations release their drug cargo rapidly over the course of approximately 5 hours. In addition, solid state fluorescence studies indicated that fluorescence intensity is strongly dependent on the identity of the guest anion. It was postulated that this feature may be used to track the extent of drug release from the formulation, which was subsequently successfully demonstrated for the ibuprofen loaded LTbH. Overall, LTbH exhibits good biocompatibility, high drug loading, and a strong, guest-dependent fluorescence signal, all of which are desirable qualities for theranostic applications.

Promising Hybrids Derived from S-Allylcysteine and NSAIDs Fragments against Colorectal Cancer: Synthesis, In-vitro Evaluation, Drug-Likeness and In-silico ADME/tox Studies

We synthesized twelve hybrids, S-allyl Cysteine methyl, ethyl and propyl ester-based non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. The chemopreventive potential of all compounds was evaluated against SW480 human colon adenocarcinoma cells and the non-malignant CHO-K1 cell line. Among the tested compounds, hybrids 10b-c, 11b and 12b displayed the best anticancer activity with IC₅₀ values between 0.131-0.183 mM and selectivity indices higher than 1 after 48 h of treatment. Selectivity indices were comparable to those reported for the reference drug, 5-fluorouracil (SI > 1). The SAR analysis showed that compounds with two carbon atom alkylic chains displayed the best activity (10b, 11b and 12b). Modeling studies including drug-likeness, bioactivity score and ADME/tox studies using online tools like molinspiration and Osiris suggested that these designed hybrids have a good pharmacological profile and can be considered as promising scaffolds for further studies in the search for new therapeutic alternatives to treat colorectal cancer.

Nanonet-nano fiber electrospun mesh of PCL-chitosan for controlled and extended release of diclofenac sodium

Electrospun nanofiber (EN) technology has been used in the past to generate electrostatically charged multilayer-nanofibers. This platform offers versatile applications including in tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound dressings, and high-efficiency particulate air filters. In this study, we synthesized for the first time nanonet-nanofiber electrospun meshes (NNEMs) of polycaprolactone (PCL)-chitosan (CH) using EN technology. The fabricated NNEMs were utilized for high payload delivery and controlled release of a water-soluble drug. Diclofenac Sodium (DS), a hydrophilic anti-inflammatory drug, was selected as a model drug because of its high aqueous solubility and poor compatibility with insoluble polymers. Various compositions of DS drug-loaded NNEMs (DS-NNEMs) were synthesized. The physicochemical properties such as structure, morphology, and aqueous stability and the chemical properties of DS-NNEMs were evaluated. High drug entrapment efficiency and concentration-dependent drug release patterns were investigated for up to 14 days. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of the DS-NNEMs was tested with NIH 3T3 cells. The physicochemical characterization results showed that the DS drug is a key contributing factor in the generation of nanonet-nanofiber networks during electrospinning. DS-NNEMs also enhanced 3T3 cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation in the nanonet-nano fiber network through the controlled release of DS. The presented EN technology-based biodegradable NNEM material is not only limited for the controlled release of hydrophilic anti-inflammatory drugs, but also can be a suitable platform for loading and release of antiviral drugs.

The Roles of Inflammation in Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

The underlying mechanisms of wound healing are complex but inflammation is one of the determining factors. Besides its traditional role in combating against infection upon injury, the characteristics and magnitude of inflammation have dramatic impacts on the pathogenesis of scar. Keloids and hypertrophic scars are pathological scars that result from aberrant wound healing. They are characterized by continuous local inflammation and excessive collagen deposition. In this review, we aim at discussing how dysregulated inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of scar formation. Immune cells, soluble inflammatory mediators, and the related intracellular signal transduction pathways are our three subtopics encompassing the events occurring in inflammation associated with scar formation. In the end, we enumerate the current and potential medicines and therapeutics for suppressing inflammation and limiting progression to scar. Understanding the initiation, progression, and resolution of inflammation will provide insights into the mechanisms of scar formation and is useful for developing effective treatments.

Targeting Mitochondrial Singlet Oxygen Dynamics Offers New Perspectives for Effective Metabolic Therapies of Cancer

The occurrence of mitochondrial respiration has allowed evolution toward more complex and advanced life forms. However, its dysfunction is now also seen as the most probable cause of one of the biggest scourges in human health, cancer. Conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, which mainly focus on disrupting the cell division process, have shown being effective in the attenuation of various cancers but also showing significant limits as well as serious sides effects. Indeed, the idea that cancer is a metabolic disease with mitochondria as the central site of the pathology is now emerging, and we provide here a review supporting this "novel" hypothesis re-actualizing past century Otto Warburg's thoughts. Our conclusion, while integrating literature, is that mitochondrial activity and, in particular, the activity of cytochrome c oxidase, complex IV of the ETC, plays a fundamental role in the effectiveness or non-effectiveness of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and probably radiotherapy treatments. We therefore propose that cancer cells mitochondrial singlet oxygen (¹O₂) dynamics may be an efficient target for metabolic therapy development.

Diclofenac Embedded in Silk Fibroin Fibers as a Drug Delivery System

Silk fibroin is a biocompatible, non-toxic, mechanically robust protein, and it is commonly used and studied as a material for biomedical applications. Silk fibroin also gained particular interest as a drug carrier vehicle, and numerous silk formats have been investigated for this purpose. Herein, we have prepared electrospun nanofibers from pure silk fibroin and blended silk fibroin/casein, followed by the incorporation of an anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac. Casein serves as an excipient in pharmaceutical products and has a positive effect on the gradual release of drugs. The characteristics of the investigated composites were estimated by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, and a lifetime of diclofenac by electron paramagnetic resonance analysis. The cumulative release in vitro of diclofenac sodium salt, together with the antiproliferative effect of diclofenac sodium salt-loaded silk nanofibers against the growth of two cancer cell lines, are presented and discussed.

Comparison of metamizole and paracetamol effects on colonic anastomosis and fibroblast activities in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Leakage following colorectal anastomosis surgery causes various complications associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially in pediatric patients. It might be caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as postoperative analgesics. This study aimed to compare the effect of metamizole and paracetamol on colonic anastomosis and fibroblast activities, including proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis, in Wistar rats.

METHODS

Rats were divided into control, paracetamol and metamizole groups. The colonic anastomosis was evaluated by determining the integrity of the muscle layers, the formation of granulation tissue, and mucosal anastomosis. Fibroblast activities were analyzed by measuring the proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis.

RESULTS

Metamizole caused more damage to muscle layer integrity, more inhibition of granulation tissue formation in the anastomosis area and lower mucosal anastomosis compared with paracetamol and control groups. Metamizole had a higher cytotoxic effect than paracetamol, which suppressed the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. Furthermore, both drugs did not affect the synthesis of collagen.

CONCLUSION

Metamizole shows worse effects on the integrity of muscle layers, inhibition of granulation tissue formation, mucosal anastomosis, fibroblast proliferation, and migration, but not collagen synthesis, than paracetamol in Wistar rat intestines following colonic anastomosis. These findings might indicate that paracetamol is safer than metamizole as analgesic following colonic anastomosis.

Evaluation of antitumor effects of aspirin and LGK974 drugs on cellular signaling pathways, cell cycle and apoptosis in colorectal cancer cell lines compared to oxaliplatin drug

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies. Despite recent advances in the treatment for CRC, resistance to chemotherapy drugs and recurrence of the tumor are among the main problems for treatment in this cancer. The MTT assay was performed to assess the cytotoxic effects of drugs on CRC cell lines (SW742 and SW480) and normal colon cells. Three-dimensional culture (spheroid) was also used to evaluate the effect of drugs on tumor cell masses. The rate of expression of genes was also evaluated using Real-Time PCR. The analysis of the results demonstrated that aspirin and LGK974 have cytotoxic effects on CRC cell lines, and in the IC50 dose, they disintegrate the cancerous cell masses. These drugs reduce the invasion and increase apoptosis in SW742 and SW480 cell lines. A decrease in the expression of WNT, AXIN, TCF and APC genes and an increase in the expression of β-catenin gene in the WNT signaling pathway were revealed. The genes involved in the MAPK signaling pathway such as ERK, JNK, KRAS and MEK showed a decrease in expression and a increase in expression of RAF gene. In the apoptotic pathway, increased expression of BAX and decreased expression of BCL-2 were reported. Also, decreased expression of P53, cyclin D1 and COX-2 was observed. This study demonstrates that aspirin and LGK974 could be effective in inhibiting the signaling pathways of WNT and MAPK, arresting cell cycle and inducing apoptosis in CRC cell lines.

Nano-hybrid electrospun non-woven mats made of wool keratin and hydrotalcites as potential bio-active wound dressings

In this work, nano-hybrid electrospun non-woven mats made of wool keratin combined with diclofenac loaded hydrotalcites (HTD) were prepared and characterized as potential drug delivery systems and scaffolds for fibroblast cell growth. Nano-hybrid electrospun non-woven mats showed a good adaptability to wet skin, effortlessly conforming to the three-dimensional topography of the tissue. Nanosized HTD exercised an overall reinforcing action on the electrospun non-woven mats since the nanohybrid samples displayed a reduced swelling ratio and a slower degradation profile compared to keratin-based nanofiber non-woven mats containing free diclofenac, without negative effects on drug release. The cell viability test indicated a decreased toxicity of the drug when loaded into nanofibers and confirmed the biocompatibility of keratin/HTD electrospun non-woven mats; moreover, a controlled diclofenac release within the first 24 hours does not compromise the fibroblast cell growth in a significant manner.

Controlled and tuneable drug release from electrospun fibers and a non-invasive approach for cytotoxicity testing

Electrospinning is an attractive method to generate drug releasing systems. In this work, we encapsulated the cell death-inducing drug Diclofenac (DCF) in an electrospun poly-L-lactide (PLA) scaffold. The scaffold offers a system for a sustained and controlled delivery of the cytotoxic DCF over time making it clinically favourable by achieving a prolonged therapeutic effect. We exposed human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) to the drug-eluting scaffold and employed multiphoton microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. These methods were suitable for non-invasive and marker-independent assessment of the cytotoxic effects. Released DCF induced changes in cell morphology and glycolytic activity. Furthermore, we showed that drug release can be influenced by adding dimethyl sulfoxide as a co-solvent for electrospinning. Interestingly, without affecting the drug diffusion mechanism, the resulting PLA scaffolds showed altered fibre morphology and enhanced initial DCF burst release. The here described model could represent an interesting way to control the diffusion of encapsulated bio-active molecules and test them using a marker-independent, non-invasive approach.

Metabolic therapies inhibit tumor growth in vivo and in silico

In the recent years, cancer research succeeded with sensitive detection methods, targeted drug delivery systems, and the identification of a large set of genes differently expressed. However, although most therapies are still based on antimitotic agents, which are causing wide secondary effects, there is an increasing interest for metabolic therapies that can minimize side effects. In the early 20th century, Otto Warburg revealed that cancer cells rely on the cytoplasmic fermentation of glucose to lactic acid for energy synthesis (called "Warburg effect"). Our investigations aim to reverse this effect in reprogramming cancer cells' metabolism. In this work, we present a metabolic therapy specifically targeting the activity of specific enzymes of central carbon metabolism, combining the METABLOC bi-therapeutic drugs combination (Alpha Lipoic Acid and Hydroxycitrate) to Metformin and Diclofenac, for treating tumors implanted in mice. Furthermore, a dynamic metabolic model describing central carbon metabolism as well as fluxes targeted by the drugs allowed to simulate tumors progression in both treated and non-treated mice, in addition to draw hypotheses on the effects of the drugs on tumor cells metabolism. Our model predicts metabolic therapies-induced reversed Warburg effect on tumor cells.

Side effects of frequently used oral antidiabetics on wound healing in vitro

Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and arteriosclerosis are rising in the increasingly aging society, and the number of patients with daily intake of glucose-lowering medication has also increased. Interestingly, knowledge about oral antidiabetics with regard to wound healing is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify possible (side) effects of the most frequently prescribed oral antidiabetics on skin cells and wound healing. Four oral antidiabetics of different substance classes (i.e., metformin, glibenclamide, sitagliptin, repaglinide) were investigated with regard to the promotion of cell metabolism and migration of human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes by XTT and scratch assays. In addition, histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed in a 3D wound model to address the impact of the antidiabetics on regeneration processes, such as cell migration, fibroblast activity, epidermal thickness, and cell apoptosis. In comparison to systemic application, metformin displayed the most adverse effects in vitro in nearly all analyses, interestingly at serum equivalent concentrations. In contrast, sitagliptin and glibenclamide had a slight but insignificant effect on fibroblasts compared with keratinocytes. Repaglinide tended to have a negative influence on keratinocyte metabolism. Interestingly, antidiabetics generally induced a significantly enhanced rate of apoptosis in fibroblasts, with the exception of repaglinide.Antidiabetics influenced key players in wound healing, namely, keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Particularly, metformin impaired human skin cells. These findings should be kept in mind in further studies because of their putative relevance in patients suffering from chronic wounds that do not respond to various wound therapies.

Diclofenac induced apoptosis via altering PI3K/Akt/MAPK signaling axis in HCT 116 more efficiently compared to SW480 colon cancer cells

Diclofenac is a preferential cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor (COX-2) and member of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Inflammation is one of the main reason of poor prognosis of colon cancer cases; thereby NSAIDs are potential therapeutic agents in colon cancer therapy. In this study, our aim to understand the potential molecular targets of diclofenac, which may propose new therapeutic targets in HCT 116 (wt p53) and SW480 (mutant p53R273H) colon cancer cells. For this purpose, we identified different response against diclofenac treatment through expression profiles of PI3K/Akt/MAPK signaling axis. Our hypothesis was diclofenac-mediated apoptosis is associated with inhibition of PI3K/Akt/MAPK signaling axis. We found that sub-cytotoxic concentration of diclofenac (400 µM) promoted further apoptosis in HCT 116 cells compared to SW480 colon cancer cells. Diclofenac triggered dephosphorylation of PTEN, PDK, Akt, which led to inhibition of PI3K/Akt survival axis in HCT 116 colon cancer cells. However, diclofenac showed lesser effect in SW480 colon cancer cells. In addition, diclofenac further activated p44/42, p38 and SAPK/JNK in HCT 116 cells compared to SW480 cells.

Natural remedies for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced toxicity

The liver is an important organ of the body, which has a vital role in metabolic functions. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac causes hepato-renal toxicity and gastric ulcers. NSAIDs are noted to be an agent for the toxicity of body organs. This review has elaborated various scientific perspectives of the toxicity caused by diclofenac and its mechanistic action in affecting the vital organ. This review suggests natural products are better remedies than current clinical drugs against the toxicity caused by NSAIDs. Natural products are known for their minimal side effects, low cost and availability. On the other hand, synthetic drugs pose the danger of adverse effects if used frequently or over a long period. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Aspirin in pancreatic cancer: chemopreventive effects and therapeutic potentials

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies with dismal prognosis. Recently, aspirin has been found to be an effective chemopreventive agent for many solid tumors. However, the function of aspirin use in pancreatic cancer largely remains unknown. We herein argued that aspirin could also lower the risk of pancreatic cancer. Importantly, aspirin assumes pleiotropic effects by targeting multiple molecules. It could further target the unique tumor biology of pancreatic cancer and modify the cancer microenvironment, thus showing remarkable therapeutic potentials. Besides, aspirin could reverse the chemoradiation resistance by repressing tumor repopulation and exert synergistic potentials with metformin on pancreatic cancer chemoprevention. Moreover, aspirin secondarily benefits pancreatic cancer patients through modestly reducing cancer pain and the risk of venous thromboembolism. Furthermore, new aspirin derivatives and delivery systems might help to improve risk-to-benefit ratio. In brief, aspirin is a promising chemopreventive agent and exerts significant therapeutic potentials in pancreatic cancer.

Finding New Tricks for Old Drugs: Tumoricidal Activity of Non-Traditional Antitumor Drugs

Chemotherapy, a traditional method, plays an important role in tumor therapy. Currently, common clinical antitumor drugs have several defects like poor efficacy, side effects, etc. Furthermore, developing new antitumor drugs takes a long time and requires many resources. Recent studies have found that oldies are newbies for the oncologist, such as flavonoid, metformin, aspirin, etc. These non-traditional antitumor drugs (NTADs) are widely used in management of non-cancer diseases, which gained FDA approval for treatment of patients. Increasingly, studies about antitumor action of NTADs have attracted many researchers' interests. A giant amount of studies showed a decrease in cancer incidence in NTAD-treated patients. Several reports outlined a direct inhibitory effect of NTADs on cancer cell growth and antitumoral actions. This review summarized the research progress on antitumor effects of ten NTADs. Retrospective and meta-analyses of trials also showed that these NTADs had preventive effects against cancer in vitro and in vivo. These drugs represent a promising option for cancer treatment, which have clear benefits including clinical safety, obvious curative effect, and saving medical and health resources. Judged from previous reports, future studies will yield valuable data about the profitable effects of these drugs. With a better understanding of its mechanisms of antitumor activity, NTADs may become available for combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapy in clinic.

Dual encapsulation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs in PLGA nanoparticles by a single-step method: drug delivery and cytotoxicity assays

Dual drug encapsulation in biodegradable nanoparticles is always challenging and often requires strenuous optimization of the synthesis–encapsulation processes.

Do Platelets Inhibit the Effect of Aspirin on Cancer Cells?

Both platelets and cancer cells display an intimate reciprocal crosstalk resulting in alteration of each other's properties. Although many past studies have tried to demonstrate effect of platelets on tumour cells, exact role of platelets in carcinogenesis is still not clear. In the above study, we explored the effect of different concentrations of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on viability, proliferation and adhesion of HeLa cells in culture conditions. The above parameters were found to be slightly increased on incubation with lower two concentrations of PRP (4.4 × 10(5) & 1 × 10(6) platelets/μl) while a reverse effect was seen at high PRP concentration (2 × 10(6) lac platelets/μl) especially at 24 h. To further validate that the above effects were due to platelets we repeated the experiments in the presence of antiplatelet drug aspirin (20 mM). On treatment with aspirin alone, the cell viability, proliferation and adhesion were seen to be decreased indicating cytotoxicity of aspirin towards HeLa cells. However, all of the above parameters were found to increase on addition of all PRP concentrations at 24 h. Overall, variations in the number of platelets produced different effects on the cancer cells. Use of aspirin reduced the viability of the cancer cells, but this effect was seen to be partially reversed by all the concentrations of PRP used.