Biochemical modulation of Cisplatin mechanisms of action: enhancement of antitumor activity and circumvention of drug resistance

In vitro study of HPV18-positive cervical cancer HeLa cells based on CRISPR/Cas13a system

The E6 protein is a known oncogene in cervical cancer and plays a key role in the development and progression of cervical cancer by reducing the expression level of the tumor suppressor protein P53 and ultimately leading to enhanced cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis. Therefore, antiviral agents that inhibit the expression of E6 oncoprotein are expected to be potential therapies for human cervical cancer. Here we developed CRISPR/Cas13a: crRNA dual plasmid system and demonstrated that CRISPR/Cas13a could effectively and specifically knock down human papillomavirus 18 E6 mRNA, downregulate the expression level of E6 protein, and restore the expression of the tumor suppressor gene P53 protein, thereby inhibiting the growth of cervical cancer cells and increasing their apoptosis, the E6-2, E6-3, and E6-5 groups resulted in apoptosis rates of 25.4%, 22.4%, and 22.2% in HeLa cells. Moreover, CRISPR/Cas13a enhances the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction of cisplatin in cervical cancer HeLa cells. The CRISPR/Cas13a system targeting HPV E6 mRNA may be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of human papillomavirus-associated cervical cancer.

Structural modification strategies of triazoles in anticancer drug development

The triazole functional group plays a pivotal role in the composition of biomolecules with potent anticancer activities, including numerous clinically approved drugs. The strategic utilization of the triazole fragment in the rational modification of lead compounds has demonstrated its ability to improve anticancer activities, enhance selectivity, optimize pharmacokinetic properties, and overcome resistance. There has been significant interest in triazole-containing hybrids in recent years due to their remarkable anticancer potential. However, previous reviews on triazoles in cancer treatment have failed to provide tailored design strategies specific to these compounds. Herein, we present an overview of design strategies encompassing a structure-modification approach for incorporating triazoles into hybrid molecules. This review offers valuable references and briefly introduces the synthesis of triazole derivatives, thereby paving the way for further research and advancements in the field of effective and targeted anticancer therapies.

An AIEgen and Iodine Double-Ornamented Platinum(II) Complex for Bimodal Imaging-Guided Chemo-Photodynamic Combination Therapy

Real-time biodistribution monitoring and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of platinum(II)-based anticancer drugs are urgently required to elevate their clinical performance. Herein, a tetraphenylethene derivative (TP) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties and an iodine atom are selected as ligands to endow platinum (II) complex TP-Pt-I with real-time in vivo self-tracking ability by fluorescence (FL) and computerized tomography (CT) imaging, and improved anticancer efficacy by the combination of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. Especially, benefiting from the formation of a donor-acceptor-donor structure between the AIE photosensitizer TP and Pt-I moiety, the heavy atom effects of Pt and I, and the presence of I, TP-Pt-I displayed red-shifted absorption and emission wavelengths, enhanced ROS generation efficiency, and improved CT imaging capacity compared with the pristine TP and the control agent TP-Pt-Cl. As a result, the enhanced intratumoral accumulation of TP-Pt-I loaded nanoparticles is readily revealed by dual-modal FL and CT imaging with high contrast. Meanwhile, the TP-Pt-I nanoparticles show significantly improved tumor growth-inhibiting effects on an MCF-7 xenograft murine model by combining the chemotherapeutic effects of platinum(II) and the photodynamic effects of TP. This self-tracking therapeutic complex thus provides a new strategy for improving the therapeutic outcomes of platinum(II)-based anticancer drugs.

Platinum (IV) drugs with cannabidiol inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and synergistically enhancing anti-tumor effects

Chemotherapy resistance is an insurmountable problem in clinical anticancer therapy. Although Oxaliplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), it still suffers from serious toxicities as well as drug resistance. In this work, three Oxaliplatin tetravalent platinum prodrugs(O1-O3) and three novel mixed ammine/amine analogs(C1-C3) were constructed, introducing cannabidiol with anti-tumor activity in their axial position. All Pt(IV) prodrugs exhibited potent antitumor effects in a variety of tumor cell lines, especially in HCT-116 cells, where complex O3 showed strong inhibitory effects with the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) value of 6.02 ± 0.69 μM and about 2.6 times higher than that of Oxaliplatin. Further studies revealed that complex O3 decreased cellular mitochondrial membrane potential in a concentration-dependent manner and enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation by decreasing the expression of catalase, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3). Complex O3 induces mitochondrial dysfunction and upregulates the pro-apoptotic protein Noxa, ultimately leading to severe DNA damage. The upregulation of Phosphorylated histone protein H2AX (γ-H2AX) expression is clear evidence. In addition, O3 inhibits the expression of RAD51 protein and prevents DNA damage repair, thus overcoming drug resistance. This strategy of combining bioactive molecules cannabidiol with platinum drugs to improve therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance has been proven to be very effective and deserves further investigation.

Recent advances of tryptanthrin and its derivatives as potential anticancer agents

Tryptanthrin is one of the well-known natural alkaloids with a broad spectrum of biological activities and can act as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitubercular, and other agents. Owing to its potent anticancer activity, tryptanthrin has been widely explored for the therapy of various cancers besides being effective against other diseases. Tryptanthrin with a pharmacological indoloquinazoline moiety can not only be modified by different functional groups to achieve various tryptanthrin derivatives, which may realize the improvement of anticancer activity, but also bind with different metal ions to obtain varied tryptanthrin metal complexes as potential anticancer agents, due to their higher anticancer activities in comparison with tryptanthrin (or its derivatives) and cisplatin. This review outlines the recent advances in the syntheses, structures, and anticancer activities of tryptanthrin derivatives and their metal complexes, trying to reveal their structure-activity relationships and to provide a helpful way for medicinal chemists in the development of new and effective tryptanthrin-based anticancer agents.

Nucleic Acid-based Electrochemical Sensors Facilitate the Study of DNA Binding by Platinum (II)-based Antineoplastics

DNA crosslinking agents such as cisplatin and related platinum(II) analogs are effective drugs to treat solid tumors. However, these therapeutics can cause high toxicity in the body, and tumors can develop resistance to them. To develop less toxic and more effective DNA crosslinkers, medicinal chemists have focused on tuning the ligands in square planar platinum(II) complexes to modulate their bioavailability, targeted cell penetration, and DNA binding rates. Unfortunately, linking in vitro DNA binding capacity of DNA crosslinkers with their in vivo efficacy has proven challenging. Here we report an electrochemical biosensor strategy that allows the study of platinum(II)-DNA binding in real time. Our biosensors contain a purine-rich deoxynucleotide sequence, T6 (AG)10 , modified with a 5' hexylthiol linker for easy self-assembly onto gold electrodes. The 3' terminus is functionalized with the redox reporter methylene blue. Electron transfer from methylene blue to the sensor is a function of platinum(II) compound concentration and reaction time. Using these biosensors, we resolve DNA binding mechanisms including monovalent and bivalent binding, as well as base stacking. Our approach can measure DNA binding kinetics in buffers and in 50 % serum, offering a single-step, real-time approach to screen therapeutic compounds during drug development.

Simvastatin mitigates diabetic nephropathy by upregulating farnesoid X receptor and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation in rats

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the complications of diabetes that affects the kidney and can result in renal failure. The cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin (SIM) has shown promising effects against diabetic nephropathy (DN). This study evaluated the protective role of SIM on DN, pointing to the involvement of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in attenuating inflammatory response, oxidative injury, and tissue damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. SIM was supplemented orally for 8 weeks, and samples were collected for analysis. SIM effectively ameliorated hyperglycemia, kidney hypertrophy, body weight loss, and tissue injury and fibrosis in diabetic animals. SIM mitigated oxidative stress (OS), inflammatory response, and cell death, as evidenced by the suppressed malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, myeloperoxidase, NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-1β, CD68, Bax, and caspase-3 in the diabetic kidney. These effects were linked to suppressed Keap1, upregulated FXR, Nrf2, and HO-1, and enhanced antioxidant defenses and Bcl-2. The in silico findings revealed the binding affinity of SIM with NF-kB, caspase-3, Keap1, HO-1, and FXR. In conclusion, SIM protects against DN by attenuating hyperglycemia, kidney injury, fibrosis, inflammation, and OS, and upregulating antioxidants, FXR, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.

Voltammetric sensor for an anti-cancer drug cisplatin based on bismuth nanoparticles/graphene modified glassy carbon electrode

A selective and sensitive voltammetric sensor for the measurement of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin was based on bismuth nanoparticles decorated on a graphene-modified glassy carbon electrode (BiNPs/Gr/GCE). The surface morphologies of electrode modifications were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical characteristics were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed to detect cisplatin oxidation. Under the optimal conditions, oxidation peak currents increased linearly with cisplatin concentration from 6.0 to 180 μM. The detection limit was calculated to be 4.4 μM and the limit of quantification was 14.7 μM. Analytical performance studies demonstrated the good electrode reproducibility and the selectivity of the BiNPs/Gr/GCE towards cisplatin detection. The developed cisplatin sensor was successfully utilized to measure cisplatin in samples of human serum. Recoveries ranged from 89 to 102% and the results from the developed sensor were concordant (P > 0.05) with the results of analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection.

Bioanalytical strategies to evaluate cisplatin nanodelivery systems: From synthesis to incorporation in individual cells and biological response

Cisplatin metallodrugs have been widely used in the treatment of multiple cancers over the last years. Nevertheless, its limited effectiveness, development of acquired drug resistances, and toxic effects decrease nowadays their application in clinical settings. Aiming at improving their features, investigations have been oriented towards the coupling of cisplatin to nanocarriers, like liposomes or inorganic nanoparticles. Moreover, these systems can be further developed to allow targeted co-delivery of drugs. In this review, we describe the major nanosystems and the optimal analytical strategies for their assessment. Finally, we describe the main biological effects of these metallodrug conjugates and the available approaches for their study.

Research Progress of Metal Anticancer Drugs

Cancer treatments, including traditional chemotherapy, have failed to cure human malignancies. The main reasons for the failure of these treatments are the inevitable drug resistance and serious side effects. In clinical treatment, only 5 percent of the 50 percent of cancer patients who are able to receive conventional chemotherapy survive. Because of these factors, being able to develop a drug and treatment that can target only cancer cells without affecting normal cells remains a big challenge. Since the special properties of cisplatin in the treatment of malignant tumors were accidentally discovered in the last century, metal anticancer drugs have become a research hotspot. Metal anticancer drugs have unique pharmaceutical properties, such as ruthenium metal drugs with their high selectivity, low toxicity, easy absorption by tumor tissue, excretion, and so on. In recent years, efficient and low-toxicity metal antitumor complexes have been synthesized. In this paper, the scientific literature on platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir), gold (Au), and other anticancer complexes was reviewed by referring to a large amount of relevant literature at home and abroad.

Unlocking the potential of platinum drugs: organelle-targeted small-molecule platinum complexes for improved anticancer performance

Platinum-based drugs have revolutionized cancer chemotherapy; however, their therapeutic efficacy has been limited by severe side effects and drug resistance. Recently, approaches that target specific organelles in cancer cells have emerged as attractive alternatives to overcome these challenges. Many studies have validated these strategies and highlighted that organelle-targeted platinum complexes demonstrate increased anticancer activity, the ability to overcome drug resistance, novel molecular mechanisms, or even lower toxicity. This review provides a brief summary of various organelle-targeting strategies that promote the accumulation of platinum complexes in certain intracellular areas, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and lysosomes. Moreover, the mechanisms through which these strategies improve anticancer performance, overcome drug resistance, and alter the action mode of conventional platinum drugs are discussed. By providing an extensive account of platinum complexes targeting different organelles, this review aims to assist researchers in understanding the design principles, identifying potential targets, and fostering innovative ideas for the development of platinum complexes.

IRMPD spectroscopy and quantum-chemical simulations of the reaction products of cisplatin with the dipeptide CysGly

The inorganic antineoplastic drug cisplatin was made to react in solution with the dipeptide cysteinylglycine (CysGly), chosen as a functional model of glutathione, and the reaction products were analyzed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Selected complexes, i.e., the primary substitution product cis-[PtCl(NH3)2(CysGly)]+ and the chelate cis-[PtCl(NH3)(CysGly)]+, were submitted to IR multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy obtaining their vibrational features. The experimental IR ion spectra were compared with the calculated IR absorptions of different plausible isomeric families, finding CysGly to bind preferentially platinum(II) via its deprotonated thiolic group in the monovalent complex, cis-[PtCl(NH3)2(CysGly)]+, and to evolve in the S,N-bound chelate structure cis-[PtCl(NH3)(CysGly)]+ through the SH and NH2 functionality of the cysteine residue. Moreover, our findings indicate that the platination reaction does not affect the CysGly peptide bond, which remains in its trans configuration. These results provide additional insights into the reactivity of Pt(II)-complexes with glutathione which is involved in cellular cisplatin resistance.

Tumor Cells Transmit Drug Resistance via Cisplatin-Induced Extracellular Vesicles

Cisplatin is a first-line clinical agent used for treating solid tumors. Cisplatin damages the DNA of tumor cells and induces the production of high levels of reactive oxygen species to achieve tumor killing. Tumor cells have evolved several ways to tolerate this damage. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an important mode of information transfer in tumor cells. EVs can be substantially activated under cisplatin treatment and mediate different responses of tumor cells under cisplatin treatment depending on their different cargoes. However, the mechanism of action of tumor-cell-derived EVs under cisplatin treatment and their potential cargoes are still unclear. This review considers recent advances in cisplatin-induced release of EVs from tumor cells, with the expectation of providing a new understanding of the mechanisms of cisplatin treatment and drug resistance, as well as strategies for the combined use of cisplatin and other drugs.

Recent Progress of Activity-Based Fluorescent Probes for Imaging Leucine Aminopeptidase

Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) is an important protease that can specifically hydrolyze Leucine residues. LAP occurs in microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans and is involved in a variety of physiological processes in the human body. In the physiological system, abnormal levels of LAP are associated with a variety of diseases and pathological processes, such as cancer and drug-induced liver injury; thus, LAP was chosen as the early biochemical marker for many physiological processes, including cancer. Considering the importance of LAP in physiological and pathological processes, it is critical that high-efficiency and dependable technology be developed to monitor LAP levels. Herein, we summarize the organic small molecule fluorescence/chemiluminescence probes used for LAP detection in recent years, which can image LAP in cancer, drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and bacteria. It can also reveal the role of LAP in tumors and differentiate the serum of cirrhotic, drug-induced liver injury and normal models.

Development of Zeise's Salt Derivatives Bearing Substituted Acetylsalicylic Acid Substructures as Cytotoxic COX Inhibitors

Zeise's salt derivatives of the potassium trichlorido[η2-((prop-2-en/but-3-en)-1-yl)-2-acetoxybenzoate]platinate(II) type (ASA-Prop-PtCl3/ASA-But-PtCl3 derivatives) were synthesized and characterized regarding their structure, stability, and biological activity. It is proposed that the leads ASA-Prop-PtCl3 and ASA-But-PtCl3 interfere with the arachidonic acid cascade as part of their mode of action to reduce the growth of COX-1/2-expressing tumor cells. With the aim to increase the antiproliferative activity by strengthening the inhibitory potency against COX-2, F, Cl, or CH3 substituents were introduced into the acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) moiety. Each structural modification improved COX-2 inhibition. Especially compounds with F substituents at ASA-But-PtCl3 reached the maximum achievable inhibition of about 70% already at 1 µM. The PGE2 formation in COX-1/2-positive HT-29 cells was suppressed by all F/Cl/CH3 derivatives, indicating COX inhibitory potency in cellular systems. The CH3-bearing complexes showed the highest cytotoxicity in COX-1/2-positive HT-29 cells with IC50 values of 16-27 µM. In COX-negative MCF-7 cells, they were 2-3-fold less active. These data clearly demonstrate that it is possible to increase the cytotoxicity of ASA-Prop-PtCl3 and ASA-But-PtCl3 derivatives by enhancing COX-2 inhibition.

Cisplatin in Ovarian Cancer Treatment-Known Limitations in Therapy Force New Solutions

Cisplatin is one of the most commonly used anticancer drugs worldwide. It is mainly used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, but also used in testicular, bladder and lung cancers. The significant advantage of this drug is the multidirectional mechanism of its anticancer action, with the most important direction being damaging the DNA of cancer cells. Unfortunately, cisplatin displays a number of serious disadvantages, including toxicity to the most important organs, such as kidneys, heart, liver and inner ear. Moreover, a significant problem among patients with ovarian cancer, treated with cisplatin, is the development of numerous resistance mechanisms during therapy, including changes in the processes of cellular drug import and export, changes in the DNA damage repair mechanisms, as well as numerous changes in the processes of apoptosis and autophagy. Due to all of the mentioned problems, strategies to increase the effectiveness of cisplatin in the treatment of ovarian cancer are intensively sought. The most important strategy includes the development of less toxic cisplatin analogs. Another important direction is combination therapy, involving the simultaneous use of cisplatin with different anticancer drugs, substances derived from plants, temperature or radiotherapy. Many years of observations accompanying the presence of cisplatin in the therapy made it possible to provide a series of verifiable, statistically significant data, but also to show how, over time, with the new information and scientific discoveries, it is possible to describe and understand the therapeutic problems observed in practice, such as the acquisition of drug resistance by tumor cells or induction of changes in the tumor microenvironment. According to the authors, confronting what we knew so far with what new trends offer has a profound meaning. This paper presents information on the history of cisplatin and describes the molecular mechanisms of its action and the development of resistance by cancer cells. In addition, our goal was to highlight a number of therapeutic strategies to increase the effectiveness of cisplatin in the treatment of ovarian cancer, as well as to identify methods to eliminate problems associated with the use of cisplatin.

Equilibrium Studies on Pd(II)-Amine Complexes with Bio-Relevant Ligands in Reference to Their Antitumor Activity

This review article presents an overview of the equilibrium studies on Pd-amine complexes with bio-relevant ligands in reference to their antitumor activity. Pd(II) complexes with amines of different functional groups, were synthesized and characterized in many studies. The complex formation equilibria of Pd(amine)²⁺ complexes with amino acids, peptides, dicarboxylic acids and DNA constituents, were extensively investigated. Such systems may be considered as one of the models for the possible reactions occurring with antitumor drugs in biological systems. The stability of the formed complexes depends on the structural parameters of the amines and the bio-relevant ligands. The evaluated speciation curves can help to provide a pictorial presentation of the reactions in solutions of different pH values. The stability data of complexes with sulfur donor ligands compared with those of DNA constituents, can reveal information regarding the deactivation caused by sulfur donors. The formation equilibria of binuclear complexes of Pd(II) with DNA constituents was investigated to support the biological significance of this class of complexes. Most of the Pd(amine)²⁺ complexes investigated were studied in a low dielectric constant medium, resembling that of a biological medium. Investigations of the thermodynamic parameters reveal that the formation of the Pd(amine)²⁺ complex species is exothermic.

Pescadillo ribosomal biogenesis factor 1 reduction suppresses tumour growth and renders chemosensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

As one of the most devastating cancers, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a short survival time and poor prognosis. Pescadillo ribosomal biogenesis factor 1 (PES1) plays a critical role in the progression of numerous cancers. However, its role and underlying mechanisms in HNSCC remain unclear.

METHODS

A variety of bioinformatic approaches were used to identify the expressions, prognostic and diagnostic value of PES1 in HNSCC. qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence (IF) assay, western blotting and immunohistochemical (IHC) were used to evaluate the expression of PES1 in HNSCC cell lines and clinical tissues. PES1 was knocked down in TU177 and FaDu cells which have high PES1 expression. The effects of PES1 on cell proliferation and tumour growth in HNSCC were elevated by colony formation, CCK8 assays and tumorigenicity assay in nude mice. The effects on cisplatin (CDDP) sensitivity upon silencing of PES1 were assessed using a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model.

RESULTS

PES1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for HNSCC and negatively associated with the overall survival rate. Silencing of PES1 reduces HNSCC cell proliferation and tumour growth. Moreover, PES1 inhibition significantly sensitises HNSCC cells to cisplatin. Furthermore, we found a PES1 has a high correlation with c-Myc and plays an essential role in the tumour immune microenvironment.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that PES1 is associated with tumour growth and drug resistance and served as a potential cancer marker for diagnosis and a putative therapeutic target for HNSCC.

Combined theoretical and experimental insights on DNA and BSA binding interactions of Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) complexes along with the DPPH method of antioxidant assay and cytotoxicity studies

This present study delineates the syntheses, detailed characterization and anti-proliferative potential against SiHa (cervical cancer cell) of two mononuclear complexes of Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) using a Schiff base ligand (L) derived from 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and N-methyl-propane 1,3-diamine. The crystallographic results show the centro-symmetric space group of orthorhombic nature (Pccn) for Cu(ii) complex (1) where the central Cu(ii) has an inversion center symmetry with six co-ordinations resulting in a distorted octahedral geometry. Whereas, in complex (2), the two independent Ni(ii) atoms present in the special position within version symmetry and form a distorted geometry of octahedral nature with six coordinations. Absorption spectral titrations with Calf Thymus (CT) DNA and the extent of the decrease in relative emission intensities of DNA-bound ethidium bromide (EB) upon adding the complexes reveal the parallel trend in DNA binding affinities for both the complexes but with a small extent of binding capabilities. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) interaction studies demonstrate that complex 1 exhibits more promiscuous binding with BSA as compared to complex 2 from the spectroscopic and theoretical approaches. α,α-Diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method shows a little antioxidant or free radical scavenging activity for both the studied complexes. Cytotoxicity studies against SiHa expressed that the percentage of cell viability was reduced with time whereas in the same concentration and conditions, the viability percentage was higher for 3T3-L1 (several normal cell lines of mouse). The fluorescence imaging obtained from acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EtBr) demonstrates that the colour of the cancer cells has changed gradually dictating the cell apoptosis from day 1 to day 3.

Syntheses, Structural Characterization, and Cytotoxicity Assessment of Novel Mn(II) and Zn(II) Complexes of Aroyl-Hydrazone Schiff Base Ligand

This work describes the syntheses, structural characterization, and biological profile of Mn(II)- and Zn(II)-based complexes 1 and 2 derived from the aroyl-hydrazone Schiff base ligand (L1). The synthesized compounds were thoroughly characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-vis, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (s-XRD). Density functional theory (DFT) studies of complexes 1 and 2 were performed to ascertain the structural and electronic properties. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to investigate different intermolecular interactions that define the stability of crystal lattice structures. To ascertain the therapeutic potential of complexes 1 and 2, in vitro interaction studies were carried out with ct-DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA) using analytical and multispectroscopic techniques, and the results showed more avid binding of complex 2 than complex 1 and L1. The antioxidant potential of complexes 1 and 2 was examined against the 2,2-diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, which revealed better antioxidant ability of the Mn(II) complex. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of synthesized complexes 1 and 2 was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in which complex 2 demonstrated more effective bactericidal activity than L1 and complex 1 toward Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxicity assessment of L1 and complexes 1 and 2 was carried out against MDA-MB-231 (triple negative breast cancer) and A549 (lung) cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic results revealed that the polymeric Zn(II) complex exhibited better and selective cytotoxicity against the A549 cancer cell line as was evidenced by its low IC₅₀ value.

Will the Interactions of Some Platinum (II)-Based Drugs with B-Vitamins Reduce Their Therapeutic Effect in Cancer Patients? Comparison of Chemotherapeutic Agents such as Cisplatin, Carboplatin and Oxaliplatin-A Review

Pt (II) derivatives show anti-cancer activity by interacting with nucleobases of DNA, thus causing some spontaneous and non-spontaneous reactions. As a result, mono- and diaqua products are formed which further undergo complexation with guanine or adenine. Consequently, many processes are triggered, which lead to the death of the cancer cell. The theoretical and experimental studies confirm that such types of interactions can also occur with other chemical compounds. The vitamins from B group have a similar structure to the nucleobases of DNA and have aromatic rings with single-pair orbitals. Theoretical and experimental studies were performed to describe the interactions of B vitamins with Pt (II) derivatives such as cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin. The obtained results were compared with the values for guanine. Two levels of simulations were implemented at the theoretical level, namely, B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) with LANL2DZ bases set for platinum atoms and MN15/def2-TZVP. The polarizable continuum model (IEF-PCM preparation) and water as a solvent were used. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to describe the drug-nucleobase and drug-B vitamin interactions. Values of the free energy (ΔG_r) show spontaneous reactions with mono- and diaqua derivatives of cisplatin and oxaliplatin; however, interactions with diaqua derivatives are more preferable. The strength of these interactions was also compared. Carboplatin products have the weakest interaction with the studied structures. The presence of non-covalent interactions was demonstrated in the tested complexes. A good agreement between theory and experiment was also demonstrated.

Insights of metal 8-hydroxylquinolinol complexes as the potential anticancer drugs

8-Hydroxyquinoline and its derivatives, which belong to a well-known class of quinoline based drugs with varied biological activities, have been extensively explored for the treatments of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, neurodegenerative diseases and other life-threatening diseases. In virtue of the existence of bicyclic heterocyclic scaffold, their bidentate chelators can further bind to metal ions via O- and N-donors from 8-hydroxylquinolinol skeletons to yield a variety of metal 8-hydroxylquinolinol complexes appealing as the anticancer drugs with low toxicity, due to their better biological effects and higher anticancer activities than free 8-hydroxylquinolinol ligands and cis-diammine-dichloro-platinum. The present review summarizes the recent developments in the syntheses, crystal structures, and anticancer activities of metal 8-hydroxylquinolinol complexes, attempting to discover a correlation between their structures and anticancer activities, and to provide an evidence for their potential application perspectives. It means to offer the helpful and meaningful guidance for the researchers in the future syntheses of new and highly efficient anticancer metal 8-hydroxylquinolinol complexes based drugs.

Nucleic Acid Aptamers Increase the Anticancer Efficiency and Reduce the Toxicity of Cisplatin-Arabinogalactan Conjugates In Vivo

Cisplatin is an effective drug for treating various cancer types. However, it is highly toxic for both healthy and tumor cells. Therefore, there is a need to reduce its therapeutic dose and increase targeted bioavailability. One of the ways to achieve this could be the coating of cisplatin with polysaccharides and specific carriers for targeted delivery. Nucleic acid aptamers could be used as carriers for the specific delivery of medicine to cancer cells. Cisplatin-arabinogalactan-aptamer (Cis-AG-Ap) conjugate was synthesized based on Cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum, Siberian larch arabinogalactan, and aptamer AS-42 specific to heat-shock proteins (HSP) 71 kDa (Hspa8) and HSP 90-beta (Hsp90ab1). The antitumor effect was estimated using ascites and metastatic Ehrlich tumor models. Cis-AG-Ap toxicity was assessed by blood biochemistry on healthy mice. Here, we demonstrated enhanced anticancer activity of Cis-AG-Ap and its specific accumulation in tumor foci. It was shown that targeted delivery allowed a 15-fold reduction in the therapeutic dose of cisplatin and its toxicity. Cis-AG-Ap sufficiently suppressed the growth of Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma, the mass and extent of tumor metastasis in vivo. Arabinogalactan and the aptamers promoted cisplatin efficiency by enhancing its bioavailability. The described strategy could be very promising for targeted anticancer therapy.

Elusive intermediates in cisplatin reaction with target amino acids: Platinum(II)-cysteine complexes assayed by IR ion spectroscopy and DFT calculations

The reactivity of a widely used metal based antineoplastic drug, cisplatin, cis-PtCl₂(NH₃)₂, with L-cysteine (Cys) has been investigated using a combination of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), IRMPD gas phase ion spectroscopy and DFT calculations. The cysteine lateral chain represents one of the main platination sites in proteins, which is believed to be related to the resistance mechanisms to cisplatin. The vibrational features of the mass-selected substitution product cis-[PtCl(NH₃)₂(Cys)]⁺ and the intercepted cis-[PtCl(NH₃)₂(H₂O)(Cys)]⁺ intermediate complex were compared to calculated IR spectra, enabling the assessment of the sampled ions structures. In cis-[PtCl(NH₃)₂(Cys)]⁺, cysteine was found to bind platinum through the sulfur atom as a thiolate zwitterion, highlighting the enhanced acidity of the cysteine thiol group upon metal coordination. The cis-[PtCl(NH₃)₂(H₂O)(Cys)]⁺ structure complies with the non-covalent encounter complex, formed by cis-[PtCl(NH₃)₂(H₂O)]⁺ and neutral cysteine. This species is able to undergo the substitution process to produce cis-[PtCl(NH₃)₂(Cys)]⁺ when activated as a mass-isolated ion suggesting its participation in the reaction mechanism of cisplatin with cysteine in solution. Finally, the DFT-calculated energy profile for the substitution reaction was correlated with the peculiar gas-phase reactivity of this non-covalent complex, resulting to be 10-fold less reactive toward substitution than the corresponding methionine complex.

7-hydroxycoumarin modulates Nrf2/HO-1 and microRNA-34a/SIRT1 signaling and prevents cisplatin-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and kidney injury in rats

The kidneys are vulnerable to toxicity and acute kidney injury (AKI) is the main adverse effect associated with the clinical use of the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (CIS). Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in CIS nephrotoxicity. In this study, the effect of the antioxidant 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) against CIS-induced renal intoxication was evaluated. Rats received 7-HC (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) orally for 14 days and CIS (7 mg/kg) at day 15, and samples were collected 3 days after CIS administration. CIS increased serum urea, creatinine and kidney injury molecule (Kim)-1, caused multiple histopathological changes and increased renal reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), NF-κB p65, iNOS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. 7-HC dose-dependently prevented kidney dysfunction and tissue injury and suppressed ROS and inflammatory mediators. 7-HC boosted renal antioxidants and Bcl-2 while decreased Bax and caspase-3 expression in CIS-administered rats. In addition, 7-HC downregulated Keap-1 and microRNA-34a and upregulated Nrf2, NQO-1, HO-1, and SIRT1. Molecular docking revealed the binding affinity of 7-HC towards NF-κB, Keap-1, and SIRT1. In Conclusion, 7-HC prevented CIS nephrotoxicity by attenuating tissue injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic cell death. The protective efficacy of 7-HC was associated with inhibiting NF-κB and Keap-1, and modulating Nrf2/HO-1 and microRNA34a/Sirt1 signaling.

Successes and failures of immunotherapy for gastric cancer

Many exploratory clinical studies have been conducted on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as new therapeutic approaches for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer. Despite varying interpretations of the successes and failures of this clinical research, most analyses have focused on the results from the perspective of exploring the superiority of immunotherapy. Consequently, the role of chemotherapy as an important partner of immunotherapy in first-line combination therapy regimens for gastric cancer has attracted less attention. Here, we explore and analyze first-line immunotherapies for gastric cancer from the perspective of chemotherapy, to understand reasons for the failure of studies and to indicate directions for future clinical research.

Red Blood Cell Membrane-Camouflaged Gold Nanoparticles for Treatment of Melanoma

Background

Patients with melanoma have poor response and low long-term survival to conventional cisplatin (CP). Recently, biomimetic nanoparticles have played a significant role in tumor therapy. The purpose of this study was to mechanistically evaluate the effect of red blood cell membrane camouflaged gold nanoparticles loaded with CP (RBCm@AuNPs-CP) on enhancing chemotherapy in melanoma.

Methods

Treated B16-F10 cells with RBCm@AuNPs-CP, the antimelanoma effect in vitro was explored by detecting cell viability, apoptosis rate, level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and singlet oxygen. RBCm@AuNPs-CP was injected into the melanoma-bearing mice via tail vein, and the target-ability, therapeutic effect, and toxicity were detected in melanoma tumor-bearing mice.

Results

RBCm@AuNPs-CP had an antiproliferation and apoptosis-inducing effect on B16-F10 cells, which might be mediated by oxidative stress of ROS, and its effect was significantly enhanced compared with the CP treatment group. In vivo experiments suggested the same outcome, with better target-ability of RBCm@AuNPs-CP.

Conclusion

The erythrocyte camouflage nanosystem RBCm@AuNPs-CP exhibited well passive tumor target-ability and promoted apoptosis of melanocytes by inducing ROS. RBCm@AuNPs-CP as a novel safe and effective targeted drug delivery system may provide a promising choice for the treatment of melanoma.

Is antitumor Pt(IV) complex containing two axial lonidamine ligands a true dual- or multi-action prodrug?

This work studied the mechanism of action of a Pt(IV) complex 2 bearing two axial lonidamine ligands, which are selective inhibitors of aerobic glycolysis. The presence of two lonidamine ligands in 2 compared to the parent Pt(II) complex increased its antiproliferative activity, cellular accumulation, and changed its cell cycle profile and mechanism of cell death. In 3D cell culture, 2 showed exceptional antiproliferative activity with IC50 values as low as 1.6 μM in MCF7 cells. The study on the influence of the lonidamine ligands in the Pt complex on glycolysis showed only low potency of ligands to affect metabolic processes in cancer cells, making the investigated complex, not a dual- or multi-action prodrug. However, the Pt(IV) prodrug effectively delivers the cytotoxic Pt(II) complex into cancer cells.

Effects of dihydroartemisinin combined with cisplatin on proliferation, apoptosis and migration of HepG2 cells

Cisplatin (DDP) is a potent and widely applied chemotherapeutic agent. However, its clinical efficacy for the treatment of liver cancer is limited by adverse effects and the development of resistance. Combinatorial therapy may alleviate these issues. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a first-generation derivative of artemisinin. The effects of DDP on liver cancer when applied in combination with DHA have not previously been studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of DHA combined with DDP on HepG2 cells and their potential underlying molecular mechanisms. HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of DHA and/or DDP. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to assess the cell viability. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were quantified using flow cytometry, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescent dual staining and the colony formation assay. Cell migration was quantified using the Transwell and wound healing assays. The HepG2 cell protein expression levels of Fas, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), procaspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, pro-caspase-8, cleaved caspase-8, Bax, Bcl-2, E-cadherin and N-cadherin, were detected via western blotting. Gelatin zymography was used to assess the levels of MMP-9 secreted by HepG2 cells into the supernatant. Following combined DHA and DDP treatment, the percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly increased, whereas cell proliferation and migration were significantly reduced, compared with cells treated with DDP only. DHA and DPP in combination significantly inhibited the expression of MMP-9, significantly increased the protein expression levels of Fas, FADD, Bax and E-cadherin, significantly increased the ratio of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-8 to their precursor proteins and significantly decreased the protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and N-cadherin. The findings of the present study suggested that, DHA may confer synergistic effects with DDP in potentially promoting apoptosis and inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition for the treatment of liver cancer.

Silibinin ameliorates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury via activating Nfe2l1-mediated antioxidative response to suppress the ROS/MAPK signaling pathway

Cisplatin, a first-line chemotherapeutic agent commonly used to treat various solid tumors, induce severe adverse effects, especially nephrotoxicity, which largely limits its clinical application. However, the currently used measures to prevent nephrotoxicity are not ideal owing to the mechanisms underlying cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity are not comprehensively understood. Herein, we examined the effects of silibinin on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and found that silibinin exerted cytoprotection effects during cisplatin treatment in HEK293 cells and in a cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) model. Mechanistically, silibinin ameliorated cisplatin-induced AKI via decreasing ROS-mediated MAPK signaling pathway activation, which was confirmed using the inhibitor N-acetylcysteine. Moreover, the protective effect of silibinin against cisplatin-induced ROS generation through the antioxidant transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 1 (Nfe2l1), rather than Nfe2l2, mediates HO1 expression. Furthermore, interference with the abundance of Nfe2l1 using siRNA or an overexpression plasmid enhanced or decreased the effect of cisplatin-induced apoptosis, respectively, in HEK293 cells. Interestingly, Nfe2l1 protein stability was more sensitive to cisplatin than that of Nfe2l2. More importantly, the mechanism that silibinin activates Nfe2l1-mediated antioxidant responses was confirmed in a cisplatin-induced AKI model. Silibinin rescued cisplatin-induced Nfe2l1 inhibition by regulating its transcription and post-translational modifications. Taken together, our results reveal a novel mechanism by which silibinin ameliorates cisplatin-induced AKI via activating Nfe2l1-mediated antioxidative response, which provides a new insights to protect patients receiving cisplatin-based cancer treatment against AKI.

Protective effects of berberine on various kidney diseases: Emphasis on the promising effects and the underlined molecular mechanisms

Berberine (BBR) is a pentacyclic benzylisoquinoline alkaloid that can be found in diversity of medicinal plants. BBR has a wide range of pharmacological bioactivities, in addition when administrated orally, it has a broad safety margin. It has been used as an antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic drug in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Several scholars have found that BBR has promising renoprotective effects against different renal illnesses, including diabetic nephropathy, renal fibrosis, renal ischemia, renal aging, and renal stones. Also, it has renoprotective effects against nephrotoxicity induced by chemotherapy, heavy metal, aminoglycosides, NSAID, and others. These effects imply that BBR has an evolving therapeutic potential against acute renal failure and chronic renal diseases. Hence, we report herein the beneficial therapeutic renoprotective properties of BBR, as well as the highlighted molecular mechanism. In conclusion, the studies discussed throughout this review will afford a comprehensive overview about renoprotective effect of BBR and its therapeutic impact on different renal diseases.

Gstm1/Gstt1 is essential for reducing cisplatin ototoxicity in CBA/CaJ mice

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent. However, its clinical utility is limited because of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) was found to play a vital role in reducing cisplatin ototoxicity in mice. Deletion polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1, members of the GST family, are common in humans and are presumed to be associated with cisplatin-induced hearing impairment. However, the specific roles of GSTM1 and GSTT1 in cisplatin ototoxicity are not completely clear. Here, under cisplatin treatment, simultaneous deletion of Gstm1 and Gstt1 lead to a more profound hearing loss in CBA/CaJ mice (Gstm1/Gstt1-DKO) than in wild-type mice. The Gstm1/Gstt1-DKO mice, in which phase II detoxification genes were upregulated, exhibited more severe oxidative stress and higher outer hair cell apoptosis in the cochleae than the control mice. Thus, our study revealed that Gstm1 and Gstt1 protect auditory hair cells from cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in the CBA/CaJ mice, and genetic screening for GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms could help determine a standard cisplatin dose for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Synthesis and In Vitro Studies of Photoactivatable Semisquaraine-type Pt(II) Complexes

The synthesis, full characterization, photochemical properties, and cytotoxic activity toward cisplatin-resistant cancer cell lines of new semisquaraine-type Pt(II) complexes are presented. The synthesis of eight semisquaraine-type ligands has been carried out by means of an innovative, straightforward methodology. A thorough structural NMR and X-ray diffraction analysis of the new ligands and complexes has been done. Density functional theory calculations have allowed to assign the trans configuration of the platinum center. Through the structural modification of the ligands, it has been possible to synthesize some complexes, which have turned out to be photoactive at wavelengths that allow their activation in cell cultures and, importantly, two of them show remarkable solubility in biological media. Photodegradation processes have been studied in depth, including the structural identification of photoproducts, thus justifying the changes observed after irradiation. From biological assessment, complexes C7 and C8 have been demonstrated to behave as promising photoactivatable compounds in the assayed cancer cell lines. Upon photoactivation, both complexes are capable of inducing a higher cytotoxic effect on the tested cells compared with nonphotoactivated compounds. Among the observed results, it is remarkable to note that C7 showed a PI > 50 in HeLa cells, and C8 showed a PI > 40 in A2780 cells, being also effective over cisplatin-resistant A2780cis cells (PI = 7 and PI = 4, respectively). The mechanism of action of these complexes has been studied, revealing that these photoactivated platinum complexes would actually present a combined mode of action, a therapeutically potential advantage.

The synthesis, full characterization, photochemical properties, and cytotoxic activity toward cisplatin-resistant cancer cell lines of new semisquaraine-type Pt(II) complexes are presented. Eight semisquaraine-type ligands and their corresponding Pt(II) complexes have been studied. These complexes have turned out to be photoactive at wavelengths that allow their activation in cell cultures. Two of them display remarkable solubility in biological media showing a promising behavior as photoactivatable compounds against several cancer cell lines.

Iridium(III)-Cp*-(imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)phenol analogues as hypoxia active, GSH-resistant cancer cytoselective and mitochondria-targeting cancer stem cell therapeutic agents

Herein, we have introduced a series of iridium(III)-Cp*-(imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)phenol complexes via a convenient synthetic methodology, which act as hypoxia active and glutathione-resistant anticancer metallotherapeutics. The [Ir^III(Cp*)(L5)(Cl)](PF₆) (IrL5) complex exhibited the best cytoselectivity, GSH resistance and hypoxia effectivity in HeLa and Caco-2 cells among the synthesized complexes. IrL5 also exhibited highly cytotoxic effects on the HCT-116 CSC cell line. This complex was localized in the mitochondria and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction was observed via MMP alteration and ROS generation on colorectal cancer stem cells. Cell cycle analysis also established the potential of this complex in mediating G2/M phase cell cycle arrest.

Synthesis and characterization of thiocarbonato-linked platinum(IV) complexes

Herein we show the formation of new oxaliplatin-based platinum(IV) complexes by reaction with DSC-activated thiols via thiocarbonate linkage. Three model complexes based on aliphatic and aromatic thiols, as well as one complex with N-acetylcysteine as biologically active thiol were synthesized. This synthetic strategy affords the expansion of biologically active compounds other than those containing carboxylic, amine or hydroxy groups for coupling to the platinum(IV) center. The complexes were characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹⁵Pt) and elemental analysis. Their biological behavior was evaluated against two ovarian carcinoma cell lines and their cisplatin-resistant analogues. Remarkably, the platinum(IV) samples show modest in vitro cytotoxicity against A2780 cells and comparable effects against A2780cis cells. Two complexes in particular demonstrate improved activity against SKOV3cis cells. The reduction experiment of complex 8, investigated by UHPLC-HRMS, provides evidence of interesting platinum-species formed during reaction with ascorbic acid.

Binuclear Heteroleptic Ru(III) Dithiocarbamate Complexes: A Step towards Tunable Antiproliferative Agents

Binuclear dithiocarbamate complexes of Ru(III) are promising candidates in the search for outstanding metal-based anticancer agents. While different dithiocarbamates have shown ligand-dependent cytotoxicity in homoleptic binuclear Ru(III) complexes, the properties of heteroleptic analogues with different dithiocarbamate (DTC) ligands have yet to be explored. We herein propose the introduction of heteroleptic ligands as tunable features for the development of improved ruthenium-based antiproliferative agents and report a synthetic strategy for their synthesis as well as the evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of a selection of binuclear heteroleptic Ru(III) compounds towards MDA-MB-231 and PC3 cells.

A combinatorial approach to protect sensory tissue against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity

Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) is a highly prevalent disorder involving permanent damage or loss to the inner ear's mechano-sensory hair cells and nerve fibers. Major contributing causes are ototoxic drugs, loud noises, and aging. Drug-induced hearing loss (DIHL), affects over 25% of patients treated with common therapeutics such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, loop diuretics or chemotherapeutics. A commonly used chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin, is very effective for treating malignant tumors, but results in a majority of patients experiencing irreversible hearing loss and/or tinnitus. Additionally, since there is currently no FDA-approved treatments for SNHL, attenuation of ototoxicity is a major area of investigation in oncology, otolaryngology and hearing research. Several potential otoprotective agents have been investigated at the clinical trial stage, but none have progressed to a full FDA-approval. In this study, we investigated a combinatorial approach comprised of an antioxidant, a p53 inhibitor and a neurotrophin, as a multifactorial otoprotective treatment for cisplatin exposure. In vitro, HEI-OC1 cells, an immortalized organ of Corti epithelial cell line, pre-treated with this biotherapeutic cocktail had significantly reduced cisplatin-induced cell death, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic activation. In an ex vivo study, rat pup D2-D3 organ of Corti explants, significant protection against cisplatin-based hair cell and neuronal loss was achieved by delivery of the same combinatorial pretreatment. Interestingly, the hair cell protection was localized to the basal and middle regions of the organ of Corti. Together, these findings highlight a novel approach to attenuate cisplatin ototoxicity and potentially prevent DIHL by addressing biological mechanisms of cisplatin ototoxicity.

Could Cisplatin Loading on Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Improve Its Therapeutic Efficacy on Human Prostate Cancer Cell Line and Reduce Its In Vivo Nephrotoxic Effects?

Nanotechnology is a possible solution to the drawbacks of cancer therapy because it decreases the clinical side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs and increases their clinical activity. Thus, this work compared the in vitro cytotoxic activity and in vivo side effects of cisplatin (CP) with those of CP-loaded green silver nanoparticles (CP-AgNPs). The cytotoxic activity of CP, green AgNPs, and CP-AgNPs against PC-3, a human prostate cancer cell line, was assessed using MTT assay. CP-AgNPs had a superior cytotoxic effect on PC-3 cells with a 50% inhibition of viability (IC50) of 27.05 μg/mL, followed by CP with an IC50 of 57.64 μg/mL and AgNPs with an IC50 125.4 μg/mL. To evaluate in vivo side effects, 40 male adult Wistar rats were assigned into four groups and intraperitoneally injected with normal saline (control), CP (2.5 mg/kg body weight), green AgNPs (0.1 mL/kg body weight), and CP-AgNPs (2.5 mg/kg body weight). Intraperitoneal CP injection caused a substantial reduction in erythrocyte and leukocyte counts and hemoglobin concentration and a marked increase in urea and creatinine levels and disturbed the renal oxidant/antioxidant status. Furthermore, it caused noticeable structural alterations and significant upregulation of renal Bax and caspase-3 mRNA along with a significant downregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 mRNA expressions. The loading of CP on green AgNPs significantly relieved the CP-induced pathological alterations and considerably enhanced its therapeutic effectiveness on PC-3 cells. These outcomes reflect the possible use of CP-AgNPs as a more efficient and safer anticancer agent than free CP.

Ovarian toxicity of carboplatin and paclitaxel in mouse carriers of mutation in BRIP1 tumor suppressor gene

More than 10% of women diagnosed with breast cancer during reproductive age carry hereditary germline pathogenic variants in high-penetrance BRCA genes or in others genes involved in DNA repair mechanisms such as PALB2, BRIP or ATM. Anticancer treatments may have an additional negative impact on the ovarian reserve and subsequently on the fertility of young patients carrying such mutations. Recently, the combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel is being recommended to these BRCA-mutated patients as neoadjuvant therapy. However, the impact on the ovary is unknown. Here, we investigated their effect of on the ovarian reserve using mice carriers of BRCA1-interacting protein C-terminal helicase-1 (BRIP1) mutation that plays an important role in BRCA1-dependent DNA repair. Results revealed that the administration of carboplatin or paclitaxel did not affect the ovarian reserve although increased DNA double-strand breaks were observed with carboplatin alone. Co-administration of carboplatin and paclitaxel resulted in a significant reduction of the ovarian reserve leading to a lower IVF performance, and an activation of the PI3K-Pten pathway, irrespective of the genetic background. This study suggests that co-administration of carboplatin and paclitaxel induces cumulative ovarian damage and infertility but a heterozygote genetic predisposition for DNA damage related to BRCA1 gene function does not increase this risk.

Controlled release nanoplatforms for three commonly used chemotherapeutics

In order to combat an evolving, multidimensional disease such as cancer, research has been aimed at synthesizing more efficient and effective versions of popular chemotherapeutic drugs. Despite these efforts, there remains a necessity for the development of suitable delivery vehicles that can both harness the chemotherapeutic effects meanwhile reducing some of the known issues when using these drugs such as unwanted side-effects, acquired drug resistance, and associated difficulties with drug delivery. Synthetic drug discovery approaches focusing on modification of the native structure of these chemotherapeutic drugs often face challenges such as loss of efficacy, as well as a potential worsening of side-effects. Synthetic chemists are then left with increasingly narrow choices for possible chemistry they could implement to achieve the desired therapy. The emergence of targeted therapies using controlled-release nanomaterials can provide many opportunities for conventional chemotherapeutic drugs to be delivered to specific target sites, ultimately leading to reduced side-effects and improved efficacy. Logically, it may prove advantageous to consider nano-delivery systems as a likely candidate for circumventing some of the barriers associated with creating viable drug therapies. In this review, we summarize controlled release nanoformulations of the three most widely used and approved chemotherapeutics, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and cisplatin as an alternative therapeutic approach against different cancer types.

Circ-CUL2/microRNA-888-5p/RB1CC1 axis participates in cisplatin resistance in NSCLC via repressing cell advancement

Elevated evidences manifest that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are vital in human tumor advancement and chemotherapy resistance. The study was to explore the character of Circ-CUL2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Firstly, the expression of circ-CUL2, microRNA (miR)-888-5p and RB1CC1 was detected in human NSCLC tissues and cell lines by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. Then, cell counting kit (CCK)-8, plate clone, Transwell assays, and flow cytometry were applied to separately detect the impacts of circ-CUL2 on proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and cisplatin (DDP) resistance of A549/DDP cells. In this study, exploration of the biological function of Circ-CUL2 was via the Circ-CUL2/miR-888-5p/RB1CC1 axis. The results manifested circ-CUL2 and RB1CC1 were down-regulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, while miR-888-5p was up-regulated. Elevated Circ-CUL2 or refrained miR-888-5p repressed A549/DDP cell progression with depressive DDP resistance. Circ-CUL2 curbed miR-888-5p, which targeted RB1CC1. Restrained RB1CC1 turned around the impacts of Circ-CUL2 on the cells. All in all, Circ-CUL2 is anti-NSCLC via miR-888-5p/RB1CC1 axis, enhancing the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to DDP. Hence, Circ-CUL2 is supposed to be a novel biomarker offering a brand-new strategy for NSCLC therapy.

Fluorescent ABC-Triblock Polymer Nanocarrier for Cisplatin Delivery to Cancer Cells

Monitoring intracellular administration of non-luminescent anticancer drugs like cisplatin is a very challenging task in cancer research. Perylenebisimide (PBI) chromophore tagged fluorescent ABC-triblock polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoscaffold was engineered having carboxylic acid blocks for the chemical conjugation of cisplatin at the core and hydrophilic PEG blocks at the periphery. The amphiphilic ABC triblock Pt-prodrug was self-assembled into < 200 nm nanoparticles and exhibited excellent shielding against drug detoxification by the glutathione (GSH) species in the cytosol. In vitro drug release studies confirmed that the Pt-prodrug was stable at extracellular conditions and the PCL block exclusively underwent lysosomal-enzymatic biodegradation at the intracellular level to release the cisplatin drug in the active-form for accomplishing more than 90% cell growth inhibition. Confocal microscopic imaging of the red-fluorescence signals from the perylene chromophores established the simultaneous monitoring and delivery aspects of Pt-prodrug, and the proof-of-concept was successfully demonstrated in breast and cervical cancer cell lines.

The protective impacts of Spirulina platensis against cisplatin-induced renal injury through the regulation of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines and Bax/Bcl2

One of the main antineoplastic chemotherapy medications is cisplatin, of which nephropathy is a major side effect. In this current study, we aim to investigate the molecular protective effect of Spirulina platensis (SP) on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. In total, 48 healthy male albino rats were allocated into 4 groups. Group 1 received saline intraperitoneally (IP) twice per week (normal rats). Group 2 received SP (100 mg/kg BW orally). Group 3 were injected with cisplatin (1.5 mg/kg IP) twice per week. Group 4 received SP and on the 4th day received cisplatin (1.5 mg/kg IP) for 21 days. After 3 weeks of experiment, blood and renal tissues were taken for serum analysis, gene expression using qRT-polymerase chain reaction, and renal histopathology. As per our findings, it was found that SP significantly ameliorated the alterations in body weight, relative kidney weight, and the disturbance in examined renal markers. Furthermore, SP recovered and restored cisplatin-induced oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA and NO) and antioxidant activity (SOD and GSH) and cisplatin-induced upregulation in the gene expression of TNF-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, TGF1-β, IL-1β, and IL-6. Interestingly, these gene expressions were ameliorated by the SP pre-administration. Furthermore, cisplatin upregulated pro-apoptotic gene Bax, whereas it downregulated anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2. Interestingly, SP mitigated this alteration in apoptosis and anti-apoptotic associated genes. Renal histopathology revealed the protective impacts of SP against cisplatin-induced severe glomerular congestion, hemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltration, degeneration, and severe necrosis in renal glomeruli and tubules. In conclusion, SP has a protective effect against cisplatin-induced renal damage through modulating oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory, anti-necrotic, and anti-apoptotic-associated genes.