Apoptosis signaling pathways and lymphocyte homeostasis

Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of BCL-2 Associated Protein Family: Exploring BCL-2 Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy

Apoptosis, programmed cell death pathway, is a vital physiological mechanism that ensures cellular homeostasis and overall cellular well-being. In the context of cancer, where evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark, the overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 has been documented. Consequently, these proteins have emerged as promising targets for therapeutic interventions. The BCL-2 protein family is central to apoptosis and plays a significant importance in determining cellular fate serving as a critical determinant in this biological process. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of the BCL-2 protein family, emphasizing its dual nature. Specifically, certain members of this family promote cell survival (known as anti-apoptotic proteins), while others are involved in facilitating cell death (referred to as pro-apoptotic and BH3-only proteins). The potential of directly targeting these proteins is examined, particularly due to their involvement in conferring resistance to traditional cancer therapies. The effectiveness of such targeting strategies is also discussed, considering the tumor's propensity for anti-apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, the review highlights emerging research on combination therapies, where BCL-2 inhibitors are used synergistically with other treatments to enhance therapeutic outcomes. By understanding and manipulating the BCL-2 family and its associated pathways, we open doors to innovative and more effective cancer treatments, offering hope for resistant and aggressive cases.

Interaction of the Immune System TIM-3 Protein with a Model Cellular Membrane Containing Phosphatidyl-Serine Lipids

T cell transmembrane, Immunoglobulin, and Mucin (TIM) are important immune system proteins which are especially present in T-cells and regulated the immune system by sensing cell engulfment and apoptotic processes. Their role is exerted by the capacity to detect the presence of phosphatidyl-serine lipid polar head in the outer leaflet of cellular membranes (correlated with apoptosis). In this contribution by using equilibrium and enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulation we unravel the molecular bases and the thermodynamics of TIM, and in particular TIM-3, interaction with phosphatidyl serine in a lipid bilayer. Since TIM-3 deregulation is an important factor of pro-oncogenic tumor micro-environment understanding its functioning at a molecular level may pave the way to the development of original immunotherapeutic approaches.

Sunitinib promotes apoptosis via p38 MAPK activation and STAT3 downregulation in oral keratinocytes

OBJECTIVE

Sunitinib, a targeted cancer drug, inhibits tyrosine kinases receptors and is widely used as first-line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Patients undergoing chemotherapy with sunitinib frequently have oral mucosal complications, such as oral stomatitis, though cytotoxic effects of the drug on oral keratinocytes remain unknown.

METHODS

The effects of sunitinib on immortalized oral keratinocytes, RT7 cells, in regard to cell injury and apoptosis, as well as apoptosis-mediated signaling pathways were investigated.

RESULTS

Sunitinib treatment caused a significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in RT7 cells and primary oral keratinocytes. Additionally, the drug induced apoptosis-related events, such as DNA fragmentation, decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression, and induction of cleaved PARP and caspase 3/9 in RT7 cells. Furthermore, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, but not of ERK or JNK, was increased. On the contrary, constitutive phosphorylated STAT3 was decreased by sunitinib treatment, which was recovered by exposure to SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Finally, SB203580 was found to reduce sunitinib-induced cell injury and apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

The present results indicate that sunitinib promotes cell injury and apoptosis in oral keratinocytes via p38 activation and STAT3 downregulation. Sunitinib-mediated oral complications may be associated with cytotoxic effects of the drug on oral keratinocytes.

Three-component contour dynamics model to simulate and analyze amoeboid cell motility in two dimensions

Amoeboid cell motility is relevant in a wide variety of biomedical processes such as wound healing, cancer metastasis, and embryonic morphogenesis. It is characterized by pronounced changes of the cell shape associated with expansions and retractions of the cell membrane, which result in a crawling kind of locomotion. Despite existing computational models of amoeboid motion, the inference of expansion and retraction components of individual cells, the corresponding classification of cells, and the a priori specification of the parameter regime to achieve a specific motility behavior remain challenging open problems. We propose a novel model of the spatio-temporal evolution of two-dimensional cell contours comprising three biophysiologically motivated components: a stochastic term accounting for membrane protrusions and two deterministic terms accounting for membrane retractions by regularizing the shape and area of the contour. Mathematically, these correspond to the intensity of a self-exciting Poisson point process, the area-preserving curve-shortening flow, and an area adjustment flow. The model is used to generate contour data for a variety of qualitatively different, e.g., polarized and non-polarized, cell tracks that visually resemble experimental data very closely. In application to experimental cell tracks, we inferred the protrusion component and examined its correlation to common biomarkers: the F-actin density close to the membrane and its local motion. Due to the low model complexity, parameter estimation is fast, straightforward, and offers a simple way to classify contour dynamics based on two locomotion types: the amoeboid and a so-called fan-shaped type. For both types, we use cell tracks segmented from fluorescence imaging data of the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum. An implementation of the model is provided within the open-source software package AmoePy, a Python-based toolbox for analyzing and simulating amoeboid cell motility.

Knockout of the Tnfa Gene Decreases Influenza Virus-Induced Histological Reactions in Laboratory Mice

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a cytokine that is responsible for many processes associated with immune response and inflammation. It is involved in the development of an antiviral response to many virus infections. This factor was shown to be activated in influenza A virus infection, which enhances production of other cytokines. The overexpression of these cytokines can lead to a cytokine storm. To study the role of TNF-α in the development of pathologies associated with viral infection, we generated a Tnfa knockout mouse strain. We demonstrated that these mice were characterized by a significant increase in the number of viral genomes compared to that in the parental strain, but the amount of live virus did not differ. A histopathology of the lungs in the genetically modified animals was significantly lower in terms of interalveolar septal infiltration. The generated model may be used to further study pathological processes in viral infections.

The role of PB1-F2 in adaptation of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H7N7 in chickens

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) of the H7N7 subtype are enzootic in the wild bird reservoir in Europe, cause infections in poultry, and have sporadically infected humans. The non-structural protein PB1-F2 is encoded in a second open frame in the polymerase segment PB1 and its sequence varies with the host of origin. While mammalian isolates predominantly carry truncated forms, avian isolates typically express full-length PB1-F2. PB1-F2 is a virulence factor of influenza viruses in mammals. It modulates the host immune response, causing immunopathology and increases pro-inflammatory responses. The role of full-length PB1-F2 in IAV pathogenesis as well as its impact on virus adaptation and virulence in poultry remains enigmatic. Here, we characterised recombinant high pathogenicity AIV (HPAIV) H7N7 expressing or lacking PB1-F2 in vitro and in vivo in chickens. In vitro, full-length PB1-F2 modulated viability of infected chicken fibroblasts by limiting apoptosis. In chickens, PB1-F2 promoted gastrointestinal tropism, as demonstrated by enhanced viral replication in the gut and increased cloacal shedding. PB1-F2's effects on cellular immunity however were marginal. Overall, chickens infected with full-length PB1-F2 virus survived for shorter periods, indicating that PB1-F2 is also a virulence factor in bird-adapted viruses.

Early transcriptomic host response signatures in the serum of dengue patients provides insights into clinical pathogenesis and disease severity

Dengue virus (DENV), known to cause viral infection, belongs to the family Flaviviridae, having four serotypes (DENV1-4) that spreads by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. India has been suffering from dengue outbreaks annually with widespread epidemics by prevalence of all the four DENV serotypes. The diverse spectrum of clinical manifestations in dengue infection, mild to severe forms, makes the need of timely diagnosis and prompt treatment an essence. The identification of a dengue host response signature in serum can increase the understanding of dengue pathogenesis since most dengue NS1 Ag tests have been developed and evaluated in serum samples. Here, to understand the same, we undertook a dual RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) based approach from the serum samples of dengue-infected patients. The results thus yield the early transcriptional signatures that discriminated the high viral reads patients from patients who had low dengue viral reads. We identified a significant upregulation of two sets of genes, key antiviral (IFIT3, RSAD2, SAT1) and vascular dysfunction (TNFS10, CXCL8) related genes in the high viral reads group. Deeper delving of this gene profile revealed a unique two-way response, where the antiviral genes can mediate the disease course to mild, contrarily the increased expression of the other gene set might act as pointers of severe disease course. Further, we explored the hematologic parameters from the complete blood count (CBC), which suggests that lymphocytes (low) and neutrophils (high) might serve as an early predictor of prognosis in dengue infection. Collectively, our findings give insights into the foundation for further investigation of the early host response using the RNA isolated from dengue patients' serum samples and opens the door for careful monitoring of the early clinical and transcriptome profiles for management of the dengue patients.

A Comprehensive Review of the Impact of Chromium Picolinate on Testicular Steroidogenesis and Antioxidant Balance

Low testosterone (T) levels are a major cause of male infertility, as this hormone is crucial for several processes throughout the entire male reproductive tract. Leydig cells (LC) produce T through testicular steroidogenesis. Disrupted LC function can hinder steroid production and fertility. Among the factors that affect steroidogenesis, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) raise concerns, as they disturb hormonal signaling. Chromium is classified as an EDC, and its main forms are hexavalent (Cr(VI)) and trivalent chromium (Cr(III)). While Cr(III) is controversially regarded as an essential metal, its compound Cr(III) picolinate (CrPic3) is used as a nutritional supplement due to its antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. This review aims to identify the possible effects of CrPic3 on testicular steroidogenesis and thus, on male fertility. The detriments caused by CrPic3 in LC include the inhibition of enzymes involved in steroidogenesis, and, as in other cells, the induction of mutagenesis and apoptosis. Remarkably, CrPic3 impacts male fertility through the alteration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), T levels, and sperm parameters (sperm motility and abnormal sperm count). However, gaps and inconsistencies exist in the literature concerning its effects on male fertility. Thus, further research is imperative to comprehend the underlying mechanisms of CrPic3 in the physiological processes relevant to male fertility, ensuring the supplement's safety for use by men.

Curcumin derived from medicinal homologous foods: its main signals in immunoregulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

It has been for thousands of years in China known medicinal homologous foods that can be employed both as foods and medicines to benefit human and animal health. These edible herbal materials perform divert roles in the regulation of metabolic disorders, cancers, and immune-related diseases. Curcumin, the primary component derived from medicinal homologous foods like curcuma longa rhizome, is reported to play vital actions in organic activities, such as the numerous pharmacological functions including anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation and anti/pro-apoptosis in treating various diseases. However, the potential mechanisms of curcumin-derived modulation still need to be developed and attract more attention worldwide. Given that these signal pathways are enrolled in important bioactive reactions, we collected curcumin's last achievements predominantly on the immune-regulation signals with the underlying targetable strategies in the last 10 years. This mini-review will be helpful to accelerate curcumin and other extracts from medicinal homologous foods use in future human clinical applications.

The natural chalcone cardamonin selectively induces apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial malignant tumor in childhood. Approximately 60% of all patients are classified as high-risk and require intensive treatment including non-selective chemotherapeutic agents leading to severe side effects. Recently, phytochemicals like the natural chalcone cardamonin (CD) have gained attention in cancer research. For the first time, we investigated the selective anti-cancer effects of CD in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells compared to healthy (normal) fibroblasts (NHDF). Our study revealed selective and dose-dependent cytotoxicity of CD in SH-SY5Y. The natural chalcone CD specifically altered the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), as an early marker of apoptosis, in human neuroblastoma cells. Caspase activity was also selectively induced and the amount of cleaved caspase substrates such as PARP was thus increased in human neuroblastoma cells. CD-mediated apoptotic cell death was rescued by pan caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. The natural chalcone CD selectively induced apoptosis, the programmed cell death, in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells whereas NHDF being a model for normal (healthy) cells were unaffected. Our data indicates a clinical potential of CD in the more selective and less harmful treatment of neuroblastoma.

Dual Targeted Delivery of Liposomal Hybrid Gold Nano-Assembly for Enhanced Photothermal Therapy against Lung Carcinomas

The delivery and accumulation of therapeutic drugs into cancer cells without affecting healthy cells are a major challenge for antitumor therapy. Here, we report the synthesis of a liposomal hybrid gold nano-assembly with enhanced photothermal activity for lung cancer treatment. The core components of the nano-assembly include gold nanorods coated with a mesoporous silica shell that offers an excellent drug-loading surface for encapsulation of doxorubicin. To enhance the photothermal capacity of nano-assembly, IR 780 dye was loaded inside a thermo-sensitive liposome, and then, the core nano-assembly was wrapped within the liposome, and GE-11 peptide and folic acid were conjugated onto the surface of the liposome to give the final nano-assembly [(GM@Dox) LI]-PF. The dual targeting approach of [(GM@Dox) LI]-PF leads to enhanced cellular uptake and improves the accumulation of nano-assemblies in cancer cells that overexpress the epidermal growth factor receptor and folate. The exposure of near-infrared laser irradiation can trigger photothermal-induced structural disruption of the nano-assembly, which allows for the precise and controllable release of Dox at targeted sites. Additionally, chemo-photothermal therapy was shown to be 11 times more effective in cancer cell treatment when compared to Dox alone. Our systematic study suggests that the nano-assemblies facilitate the cancer cells undergoing apoptosis via an intrinsic mitochondrial pathway that can be directly triggered by the chemo-photothermal treatment. This study offers an appealing candidate that holds great promise for synergistic cancer treatment.

Potential lifetime effects caused by cellular uptake of nanoplastics: A review

Plastics have been used for about 100 years, and daily-use products composed of plastics are now prevalent. As a result, humans are very easily exposed to the plastic particles generated from the daily-use plastics. However, studies on cellular uptake of nanoplastics in "human cells" have only recently begun to attract attention. In previous studies, definitions of nanoplastics and microplastics were vague, but recently, they have been considered to be different and are being studied separately. However, nanoplastics, unlike plastic particles of other sizes such as macro- and microplastics, can be absorbed by human cells, and thus can cause various risks such as cytotoxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and even diseases such as cancer^{82, 83.} and diabetes (Fan et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2023). Thus, in this review, we defined microplastics and nanoplastics to be different and described the potential risks of nanoplastics to human caused by cellular uptake according to their diverse factors. In addition, during and following plastic product usage a substantial number of fragments of different sizes can be generated, including nanoplastics. Fragmentation of microplastics into nanoplastics may also occur during ingestion and inhalation, which can potentially cause long-term hazards to human health. However, there are still few in vivo studies conducted on the health effect of nanoplastics ingestion and inhalation.

Neuroprotective potential of biochanin-A and review of the molecular mechanisms involved

Biochanin-A is a naturally occurring plant phytoestrogen, which mimics specific the agonistic activity of estrogens. Biochanin-A is known to possess numerous activities, including neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities, along with the anticancer activity. Neuroinflammation is thought to play a pivotal pathological role in neurodegenerative disease. Sustained neuroinflammatory processes lead to progressive neuronal damage in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Activation of PI3K/Akt cascade and inhibition of MAPK signaling cascade have been observed to be responsible for conferring protection against neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. An increased oxidative stress promotes neuronal apoptosis via potentiating the TLR-4/NF-κB and inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling mediated increase in pro-apoptotic and decreases in antiapoptotic proteins. Various authors have explored biochanin-A's neuroprotective effect by using various cell lines and animal models. Biochanin-A has been reported to mediate its neuroprotective via reducing the level of oxidants, inflammatory mediators, MAPK, TLR-4, NF-κB, NADPH oxidase, AchE, COX-2 and iNOS. Whereas, it has been observed to increase the level of anti-oxidants, along with phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt proteins. The current review has been designed to provide insights into the neuroprotective effect of biochanin-A and possible signaling pathways leading to protection against neuroinflammation and apoptosis in the central nervous system. This review will be helpful in guiding future researchers to further explore biochanin A at a mechanistic level to obtain useful lead molecules.

Structural characteristics of a low molecular weight velvet antler protein and the anti-tumor activity on S180 tumor-bearing mice

Velvet antler is a traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological values, which is an important raw material for traditional Chinese medicinal wine. Nevertheless, the chemical compositions and bioactivities of velvet antler residue used for making medicinal wine are rarely reported, leading to a waste of resources. In this study, a velvet antler protein (VA-pro) was extracted from velvet antler residue by simulating the gastrointestinal digestion, and its composition, structural characteristics and in vivo anti-tumor activities were determined and investigated. VA-pro possessed high purity with a relatively low molecular weight as 22.589 kDa under HPLC, one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis, and it contained high contents of Pro, Gly, Glu and Ala. Besides, the secondary structure of VA-pro was dominated by β-turn and β-sheet, and VA-pro possessed similar protein sequence, isoelectric point and amino acid compositions to hypothetical protein G4228_020061. The in vivo results substantiated that VA-pro could improve the body weights and immune organ indices, increase the expressions of sera cytokines and regulate the distributions of T and B lymphocytes subsets in peripheral blood of S180 tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, VA-pro could effectively inhibit solid S180 tumors growth by inducing S phase cell cycle arrest mediated through mitochondria. To summarize, our study provided theoretical support that VA-pro had the potential to be used as an immunopotentiator in immunocompromised or cancer-bearing hosts.

The FACT-targeted drug CBL0137 enhances the effects of rituximab to inhibit B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma tumor growth by promoting apoptosis and autophagy

BACKGROUND

Aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) patients often develop drug resistance and tumor recurrence after conventional immunochemotherapy, for which new treatments are needed.

METHODS

We investigated the antitumor effects of CBL0137. In vitro, cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell cycle progression, apoptosis, mitochondrial depolarization, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Autophagy was detected by transmission electron microscopy and mGFP-RFP-LC3 assay, while western blotting was employed to detect proteins involved in apoptosis and autophagy. RNA-sequencing was conducted to analyze the transcription perturbation after CBL0137 treatment in B-NHL cell lines. Finally, the efficacy and safety of CBL0137, rituximab, and their combination were tested in vivo.

RESULTS

CBL0137, a small molecule anticancer agent that has significant antitumor effects in B-NHL. CBL0137 sequesters the FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription) complex from chromatin to produce cytotoxic effects in B-NHL cells. In addition, we discovered novel anticancer mechanisms of CBL0137. CBL0137 inhibited human B-NHL cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in S phase via the c-MYC/p53/p21 pathway. Furthermore, CBL0137 triggers ROS generation and induces apoptosis and autophagy in B-NHL cells through the ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways. Notably, a combination of CBL0137 and rituximab significantly suppressed B-NHL tumor growth in subcutaneous models, consistent with results at the cellular level in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

CBL0137 has potential as a novel approach for aggressive B-NHL, and its combination with rituximab can provide new therapeutic options for patients with aggressive B-NHL. Video Abstract.

Linking Cell Health and Reactive Oxygen Species from Secondary Organic Aerosols Exposure

Oxidative stress is a possible mechanism by which ambient fine particulate matter (PM) exerts adverse biological effects. While multiple biological effects and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production have been observed upon PM exposure, whether the biological effects are ROS-mediated remains unclear. Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) constitute a major fraction of fine PM and can contribute substantially to its toxicity. In this work, we measured three types of cell responses (mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), caspase 3/7 activity, and ROS) and investigated their associations upon exposure to SOA formed from anthropogenic (naphthalene) and biogenic (α-pinene) precursors. MMP and caspase 3/7 activity (an early indicator of apoptosis) are key indicators of cell health, and changes of them could occur downstream of ROS-mediated pathways. We observed a significant increase in caspase 3/7 activity after SOA exposure, suggesting that apoptosis is an important pathway of cell death induced by SOA. We further found strong associations between a decrease in MMP and increase in caspase 3/7 activity with an increase in cellular ROS level. These results suggest that cell health is largely dependent on the cellular ROS level, highlighting oxidative stress as a key mechanism for biological effects from SOA exposure. Linear regression analyses reveal greater changes of the three cellular responses with increasing carbon oxidation state (OSc) of SOA, suggesting that SOA are more toxic when they are more oxidized. Overall, our work provides critical insights into the associations between cell health and ROS level upon SOA exposure and proposes that OSc could be a suitable proxy to assess the overall SOA toxicity.

The effects of physical activity on glutamate neurotransmission in neuropsychiatric disorders

Physical activity (PA) is an effective way of increasing cognitive and emotional health and counteracting many psychiatric conditions. Numerous neurobiological models for depression have emerged in the past 30 years but many struggle to incorporate the effects of exercise. The hippocampus and pre-frontal cortex (PFC) containing predominantly glutamate neurotransmission, are the centres of changes seen in depression. There is therefore increasing interest in glutamatergic systems which offers new paradigms of understanding mechanisms connecting physical activity, stress, inflammation and depression, not explained by the serotonin theories of depression. Similar hippocampal glutamate dysfunction is observed in many other neuropsychiatric conditions. Excitatory glutamate neurones have high functionality, but also high ATP requirements and are therefore vulnerable to glucocorticoid or pro-inflammatory stress that causes mitochondrial dysfunction, with synaptic loss, culminating in depressed mood and cognition. Exercise improves mitochondrial function, angiogenesis and synaptogenesis. Within the glutamate hypothesis of depression, the mechanisms of stress and inflammation have been extensively researched, but PA as a mitigator is less understood. This review examines the glutamatergic mechanisms underlying depression and the evidence of physical activity interventions within this framework. A dynamic glutamate-based homeostatic model is suggested whereby stress, neuroinflammation and PA form counterbalancing influences on hippocampal cell functionality, which manifests as depression and other neuropsychiatric conditions when homeostasis is disrupted.

Delivery of human natural killer cell-derived exosomes for liver cancer therapy: an in vivo study in subcutaneous and orthotopic animal models

Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles secreted by various cell types, including those of the immune system, such as natural killer (NK) cells. They play a role in intercellular communication by transporting signal molecules between the cells. Recent studies have reported that NK cell-derived exosomes (NK-exo) contain cytotoxic proteins-induced cell death. However, the characteristics and potential functions of NK-exo, especially for the liver cancer are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effects of NK-exo in the primary liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), using the orthotopic and subcutaneous tumor model. We found that NK-exo expressed both typical exosomal markers (e.g. CD63, CD81, and Alix) and cytotoxic proteins (e.g. perforin, granzyme B, FasL, and TRAIL). NK-exo were selectively taken up by HCC cells (e.g. Hep3B, HepG2, and Huh 7). Interestingly, Hep3B cells induced the highest cytotoxicity compared with HepG2 and Huh7 cells, and substantially enhanced the apoptosis by NK-exo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that NK-exo inhibited the phosphorylation of serine/threonine protein kinases (e.g. AKT and ERK1/2), and enhanced the activation of specific apoptosis markers (e.g. caspase-3, -7, -8, -9, and PARP) in Hep3B cells. NK-exo also exhibit the active targeting ability and potent therapeutic effects in both orthotopic and subcutaneous HCC mouse models. Overall, these results suggest that NK-exo indicate strong anti-tumor effects in HCC, which are mediated by novel regulatory mechanisms involved in serine/threonine kinase pathway-associated cell proliferation and caspase activation pathway-associated apoptosis.

Medicinal Herbs and Their Derived Ingredients Protect against Cognitive Decline in In Vivo Models of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has pathological hallmarks including amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque formation. Currently approved single-target drugs cannot effectively ameliorate AD. Medicinal herbs and their derived ingredients (MHDIs) have multitarget and multichannel properties, engendering exceptional AD treatment outcomes. This review delineates how in in vivo models MHDIs suppress Aβ deposition by downregulating β- and γ-secretase activities; inhibit oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant activities and reducing lipid peroxidation; prevent tau hyperphosphorylation by upregulating protein phosphatase 2A expression and downregulating glycogen synthase kinase-3β expression; reduce inflammatory mediators partly by upregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2-mediated signaling and downregulating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated signaling; attenuate synaptic dysfunction by increasing presynaptic protein, postsynaptic protein, and acetylcholine levels and preventing acetylcholinesterase activity; and protect against neuronal apoptosis mainly by upregulating Akt/cyclic AMP response element-binding protein/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-mediated anti-apoptotic signaling and downregulating p38 MAPK/JNK/Bcl-2-associated x protein (Bax)/caspase-3-, Bax/apoptosis-inducing factor-, C/EBP homologous protein/glucose-regulated protein 78-, and autophagy-mediated apoptotic signaling. Therefore, MHDIs listed in this review protect against Aβ-induced cognitive decline by inhibiting Aβ accumulation, oxidative stress, tau hyperphosphorylation, inflammation, synaptic damage, and neuronal apoptosis in the cortex and hippocampus during the early and late AD phases.

Chlorogenic acid suppresses miR-460a in the regulation of Bcl-2, causing interleukin-1β reduction in thiram exposed chondrocytes via caspase-3/caspase-7 pathway

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis is thought to be involved in all processes, including normal cell cycle, immune system, atrophy, embryonic development, and chemical-induced cellular damage. However, if the normal apoptotic process fails, the results might be disastrous, e.g., chondrocytes damage in tibial dyschondroplasia (TD). TD is a worldwide issue in the poultry sector due to thiram toxicity. Thiram (Tetramethyl thiuram disulfide) is a dithiocarbamate pesticide and fungicide commonly used in horticulture to treat grains meant for seed protection and preservation.

PURPOSE

According to prior studies, chlorogenic acid (CGA) is becoming essential for regulating apoptosis. But still, the specific role of CGA in chondrocyte cells remains unclear. The present study explored the molecular mechanism of CGA on chondrocytes' apoptosis with B-cell lymphoma 2 signaling under the effect of miR-460a.

METHODS

An in vivo and in vitro study was performed according to our previously developed methodology. Flow cytometry, western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence assay were used to investigate the involvement of apoptosis and inflammasome related pathways.

RESULTS

The CGA decreased the apoptosis rate with the deactivation of miR-460a, accompanied by the activation of Bcl-2. The high expression of miR-460a reduced the cell viability of chondrocytes in vitro and in vivo, that led to the interleukin-1β production. While the apoptotic executioners (caspase-3 and caspase-7) acted upstream in miR-460a overexpressing cells, and its depletion downgraded these executioners. The CGA administrated cells negatively regulated miR-460a expression and thus indicating the deactivation of the apoptotic and inflammasome related pathways.

CONCLUSION

Chlorogenic acid had a negative effect on miR-460a, setting off specific feedback to regulate apoptotic and inflammasome pathways, which might be a key feature for chondrocytes' survival.

Epitranscriptomics Changes the Play: m6A RNA Modifications in Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is essential for cellular and organismal homeostasis. Any irregularities that disturb the balance between apoptosis and cell survival have severe implications, such as improper development or life-threatening diseases. Thus, it is highly critical to maintain a proper rate of apoptosis throughout development. In fact, several complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms exist in eukaryotes to critically regulate the rate of apoptotic processes. Recent studies suggest that not only RNA sequences but also their modifications, such as m⁶A methylation, play a fundamental role in these transcriptional and posttranscriptional processes. A specific set of proteins, called writer, eraser, and reader of m⁶A marks, modulate the rate of apoptosis by determining the m⁶A repertoire and the fate of certain transcripts associated with apoptosis. In this Review, we will cover the dynamic m⁶A RNA modifications and their impact on modulation of apoptosis.

Molecular Signaling Pathway Targeted Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with rapid progression. Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is a nutraceutical that has been investigated as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for this disease due to its ability to prevent or retard the progression of neurodegeneration. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main bioactive compound isolated from the seeds of black cumin. Several reports have shown that it has promising potential in the prevention and treatment of AD due to its significant antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties along with several other mechanisms that target the altered signaling pathways due to the disease pathogenesis. In addition, it shows anticholinesterase activity and prevents α-synuclein induced synaptic damage. The aim of this review is to summarize the potential aspects and mechanisms by which TQ imparts its action in AD.

Shrimp peptide hydrolysate modulates the immune response in cyclophosphamide immunosuppressed mice model

Bioactive peptides are naturally found in various foods and were shown to have various distinct physiological as well as medicinal benefits. In this study shrimp peptide hydrolysate (SPH) was prepared to investigate its immunomodulatory effect against cyclophosphamide (CTX) induced immunosuppressed mice. The SPH effect was also analyzed on murine macrophage (RAW264.7 cells). The findings show that SPH stimulates macrophages to form multiple pseudopodia, has no cytotoxic effect, and increases phagocytic activity in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, the immunosuppressed in-vivo model illustrates the improvement in various aspects, that is body weight, escalation in immune organ index, and ameliorates histopathological transformation of thymus along with the spleen. SPH enhances cell-mediated immunity by facilitating splenocyte proliferation and inhibit excessive apoptosis. Moreover, the significant outcome had been observed with the upregulation of cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-ϒ), interleukin-2 (IL-2) level and simultaneously downregulate certain genes include interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Additionally, SPH expedites cellular immunity by enhancing the regulation of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM). However, these findings support the hypothesis that SPH is an effective immunomodulatory agent capable of preventing immune system hypofunction. It is necessary to investigate the detailed mechanism to rule out any unforeseen effects of SPH in future research. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Chemotherapy medications, despite their dominating detrimental effects of damaging immunological organs such as the spleen and thymus, extend the treatment process as well as the destruction of the self-immune system. This study found that SPH is an effective immunomodulatory agent capable of avoiding immune organ hypofunction and improving cell mediate immunity by enhancing macrophage activation, phagocytosis, spleenocyte proliferation, suppressing apoptosis, and elevating cytokines and antibodies. As a result, SPH can be utilized as a nutritional and functional dietary supplement to boost immunological modulation in combination with chemotherapy medications in order to lessen their adverse effects.

Oxime derivative TFOBO promotes cell death by modulating reactive oxygen species and regulating NADPH oxidase activity in myeloid leukemia

Several derivatives derived from the oxime structure have been reported as potential anticancer agents in various cancers. Here, we first tested a novel oxime-containing derivative of 2-((2,4,5-trifluorobenzyl)oxy)benzaldehyde oxime (TFOBO) to evaluate its anticancer effect in myeloid leukemic cells. Compared to (2-((2,4,5-trifluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)methanol (TFOPM), the oxime derivative TFOBO suppresses leukemic cell growth by significantly increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and cell death. Leukemic cells treated with TFOBO displayed apoptotic cell death, as indicated by nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, and annexin V staining. TFOBO increases Bax/Bcl2 levels, caspase9, and caspase3/7 activity and decreases mitochondrial membrane potential. ROS production was reduced by N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a ROS scavenger, diphenyleneiodonium chloride, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibitor, after exogenous TFOBO treatment. ROS inhibitors protect leukemic cells from TFOBO-induced cell death. Thus, our study findings suggest that TFOBO promotes apoptosis by modulating ROS and regulating NADPH oxidase activity. Collectively, the oxime-containing derivative TFOBO is a novel therapeutic drug for myeloid leukemia.

Immune Cells Characteristics and Their Prognostic Effects in Exertional Heatstroke Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Exertional heatstroke (EHS) remains a major problem for those who take strenuous physical activity. Inflammation and immune dysfunction were thought to be crucial to the pathophysiological process of heatstroke. The present study was aimed to investigate the dynamic changes of the immune cells in patients with EHS and determine their prognostic effects to provide the clinical evidence of the above process.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort study collected all patients with EHS admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of PLA from October 2008 to May 2019. The dynamic changes of the main immune cell count and ratio were collected, including white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLR) were calculated by the neutrophil count/lymphocyte count × 100%. The main outcome was 90-day mortality.

Results

A total of 189 patients were enrolled. For survivors, after 24 h, the WBC and neutrophil counts began to decrease, and they were back to normal in 72 h. In addition, the lymphocyte counts were within normal limits all the time. For non-survivors, the WBC and neutrophil counts were continuous over the normal range, while the lymphocyte count and the ratio began to decrease after 24 h and were continuously low in the following days. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis showed that increased neutrophils and decreased lymphocytes were associated with the poor prognosis of the patients. A prediction model based on immune cell counts and ratios was constructed, and the lymphocyte count was accounted for the maximum weight.

Conclusions

In patients with EHS, increased neutrophils and decreased lymphocytes were associated with the poor prognosis. The lymphocyte count at 72 h after admission was the most important prognostic factor.

Piperlongumine loaded PLGA nanoparticles inhibit cancer stem-like cells through modulation of STAT3 in mammosphere model of triple negative breast cancer

TNBC exhibits higher rate of chemoresistance, metastasis, and relapse among all subtypes of breast cancer. This malignant statein TNBC is due to self-renewing sub-population of cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs). They are major caveats in TNBC treatment and need to be obliterated. In this regard, we explored piperlongumine (PL) that has remarkable anti-cancerous property but poor pharmacokinetics limits its application. So, to enhance its biological activity we developed PLGA based nanoformulation for PL (PL-NPs) and examined anti-CSCs effects of PL and PL-NPs in mammospheres. Results indicated that PL-NPs have higher cellular uptake than PL in mammospheres. Further, we demonstrated that PL-NPs remarkably inhibit various characteristics of CSCs like expression of ALDH, self-renewability, chemoresistance, and EMT in mammopsheres. We next investigated the possible mechanism underlying these multi-modal effects, and found that inhibition of STAT3 might be the driving force. In order to confirm this, we used colivelin a potent synthetic peptide activator of STAT3 in combination with treatments and found that anti-CSCs effects of PL and PL-NPs were reversed. Taken together, our data indicates that PL-NPs show enhanced inhibition of CSCs through downregulation of STAT3 and provides insight into development of PL based nanomedicine for targeting CSCs in TNBC.

B Cell Immunity in Lung Transplant Rejection - Effector Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

Allograft rejection remains the major hurdle in lung transplantation despite modern immunosuppressive treatment. As part of the alloreactive process, B cells are increasingly recognized as modulators of alloimmunity and initiators of a donor-specific humoral response. In chronically rejected lung allografts, B cells contribute to the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures and promote local alloimmune responses. However, B cells are functionally heterogeneous and some B cell subsets may promote alloimmune tolerance. In this review, we describe the current understanding of B-cell-dependent mechanisms in pulmonary allograft rejection and highlight promising future strategies that employ B cell-targeted therapies.

Targeting Cell Death: Pyroptosis, Ferroptosis, Apoptosis and Necroptosis in Osteoarthritis

New research has shown that the development of osteoarthritis (OA) is regulated by different mechanisms of cell death and types of cytokines. Therefore, elucidating the mechanism of action among various cytokines, cell death processes and OA is important towards better understanding the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. This paper reviews the pathogenesis of OA in relation to different types of cytokine-triggered cell death. We describe the cell morphological features and molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis, and summarize the current research findings defining the molecular mechanisms of action between different cell death types and OA.

Phytochemical analysis and anticancer activity of Falcaria vulgaris Bernh growing in Moghan plain, northwest of Iran

Background

Falcaria vulgaris Bernh among the most important member of Apiaceae family has been used for medical investigation in Iran and some regions in the world. This plant possesses a range of coumarin and flavonoids compounds that have many therapeutic properties such as gastrointestinal and liver diseases, skin ulcers, gastric ulcers, and intestinal inflammation. It has also been found that these compounds lead to cytotoxic effects.

Objective

This study contains concentrates on the cytotoxic effect and induction of apoptosis on cancerous cells (SW-872) through various extracts and essential oil of Falcaria vulgaris Bernh. It considers the volatile compounds of effective samples.

Methods

The shoot of the plant was extracted by the Soxhlet apparatus and its essential oil was taken by the Clevenger apparatus. The cytotoxicity of the samples was evaluated by the MTT method and the mechanism of cancer cell death by flow cytometry and finally, the volatile compounds of essential oils and effective extracts were identified by GC-MS.

Results

The results demonstrated that n-Hexane extract and 40% VLC fraction had the greatest cytotoxic effect on SW-872 cells. While, the most abundant volatile compounds in essential oil and 40% VLC fraction of n-Hexane extract were terpenoid compounds like (+) spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide, in n-Hexane extract tetradecan, and spathulenol were the most, respectively.

Conclusion

The fraction of 40% n-Hexane was in a concentration-dependent manner and significantly with controlling cells inhibited the growth of cancer cells. A plausible explanation could be made to account for this effect. This inhibition was made through induction of apoptosis and due to the presence of effective volatile compounds such as terpenoids and non-terpenoids which could be considered as valuable natural sources for the isolation of anti-cancer compounds.

Protein cysteine palmitoylation in immunity and inflammation

Protein cysteine palmitoylation, or S-palmitoylation, has been known for about 40 years, and thousands of proteins in humans are known to be modified. Because of the large number of proteins modified, the importance and physiological functions of S-palmitoylation are enormous. However, most of the known physiological functions of S-palmitoylation can be broadly classified into two categories, neurological or immunological. This review provides a summary on the function of S-palmitoylation from the immunological perspective. Several important immune signaling pathways are discussed, including STING, NOD1/2, JAK-STAT in cytokine signaling, T-cell receptor signaling, chemotactic GPCR signaling, apoptosis, phagocytosis, and endothelial and epithelial integrity. This review is not meant to be comprehensive, but rather focuses on specific examples to highlight the versatility of palmitoylation in regulating immune signaling, as well as the potential and challenges of targeting palmitoylation to treat immune diseases.

Combined exposure to environmentally relevant copper and 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine induces significant reproductive toxicity in male guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Metal pyrithiones (MePTs), the most widely used biocides in antifouling paints (AFs) coated on the hulls, are usually used in combination with Cu-containing substances. In the aquatic environment, 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine ((PS)₂), the main degradation product of MePTs, and Cu usually coexist. However, their combined impacts on aquatic organisms are unclear. This study exposed male guppy (Poecilia reticulata) to an environmentally realistic concentration of Cu (10 μg/L) alone or Cu (10 μg/L) combined with 20, 200, and 2000 ng/L (PS)₂ to explore their combined reproductive toxicity. The results showed that co-exposure to Cu and (PS)₂ increased Cu accumulation in the fish body in a dose-dependent manner and induced obvious spermatozoon apoptosis and necrosis, which was mediated by the peroxidation and caspase activation. Compared to Cu alone, co-exposure to Cu and 200, 2000 ng/L (PS)₂ significantly decreased the testosterone level and collapsed spermatogenesis, and depressed male's sexual interest and mating behavior were observed in three co-exposure groups. Moreover, co-exposure to Cu and (PS)₂ increased the disturbance on cyp19a and cyp19b transcription and suppressed the "display" reproductive behavior. Eventually, co-exposure to Cu and (PS)₂ caused male reproductive failure. Therefore, the concurrence of Cu and (PS)₂ induced significant reproductive toxicity in male guppies and would threaten the sustainability of fish populations. Considering the extensive usage of MePTs products in the AFs, their ecological risk warrants more evaluation.

Personalised Medicine for Colorectal Cancer Using Mechanism-Based Machine Learning Models

Gaining insight into the mechanisms of signal transduction networks (STNs) by using critical features from patient-specific mathematical models can improve patient stratification and help to identify potential drug targets. To achieve this, these models should focus on the critical STNs for each cancer, include prognostic genes and proteins, and correctly predict patient-specific differences in STN activity. Focussing on colorectal cancer and the WNT STN, we used mechanism-based machine learning models to identify genes and proteins with significant associations to event-free patient survival and predictive power for explaining patient-specific differences of STN activity. First, we identified the WNT pathway as the most significant pathway associated with event-free survival. Second, we built linear-regression models that incorporated both genes and proteins from established mechanistic models in the literature and novel genes with significant associations to event-free patient survival. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Clinical Proteomic Tumour Analysis Consortium were used, and patient-specific STN activity scores were computed using PROGENy. Three linear regression models were built, based on; (1) the gene-set of a state-of-the-art mechanistic model in the literature, (2) novel genes identified, and (3) novel proteins identified. The novel genes and proteins were genes and proteins of the extant WNT pathway whose expression was significantly associated with event-free survival. The results show that the predictive power of a model that incorporated novel event-free associated genes is better compared to a model focussing on the genes of a current state-of-the-art mechanistic model. Several significant genes that should be integrated into future mechanistic models of the WNT pathway are DVL3, FZD5, RAC1, ROCK2, GSK3B, CTB2, CBT1, and PRKCA. Thus, the study demonstrates that using mechanistic information in combination with machine learning can identify novel features (genes and proteins) that are important for explaining the STN heterogeneity between patients and their association to clinical outcomes.

Explorations of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters and Apoptosis Signal Pathways of 2-Hydroxyanthraquinone Substituted Cyclotriphosphazenes in MCF-7 and DLD-1 Cell Lines

BACKGROUND

As a class with biological properties, such as anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-HIV, and various physical effects, phosphazene derivatives constitute the most striking part of inorganic compounds. Anthraquinones, on the other hand, are a broad family of compounds with a wide variety of biological properties; the biologically active anthraquinones have been used as valuable tool compounds for biochemical and pharmacological research.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the anthraquinone substituted cyclotriphosphazene compounds on apoptosis and drug resistance in MCF-7 and DLD-1 cells.

METHODS

In breast and colon cells, mRNA levels of multi-drug resistance genes (ABCB1, ABCC3, ABCC10, ABCC11, and ABCG2), apoptotic genes (BAX, BCL-2, p53, and PARP), heat shock (HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP90α) and endoplasmic reticulum chaperone genes (GRP78, and GRP94) were determined by the qPCR method. The amount of proteins of the cell cycle, HSPs, apoptosis, and related signaling pathways were measured by the membrane array kits.

RESULTS

Compounds 2, 3, 4, and 7 showed the most potent results on the ATP-binding cassette genes in both breast and colon cancer cells. These compounds have a remarkable effect on apoptotic, heat shock, and ER chaperone genes in cancer cells. Besides, these compounds induced protein levels of pro-apoptotic pathways, leading to apoptosis by inhibiting anti-apoptotic pathways. Also, these compounds decreased HSPs.

CONCLUSION

These compounds have potential properties that eliminate drug resistance, suppress heat shock and ER chaperone genes, and drag cells to apoptotic cell death and are notable for drug studies.

Characterization of the differential expressed genes and transcriptomic pathway analysis in the liver of sub-adult red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) exposed to Deepwater Horizon chemically dispersed oil

The Deepwater Horizon blowout resulted in the second-largest quantity of chemical dispersants used as a countermeasure for an open water oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Of which, the efficacy of dispersant as a mitigation strategy and its toxic effects on aquatic fauna remains controversial. To enhance our understanding of potential sub-lethal effects of exposure to chemically dispersed-oil, sub-adult red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) were continuously exposed to a Corexit 9500: DWH crude oil chemically enhanced water accommodated fraction (CEWAF) for 3-days and transcriptomic responses were assessed in the liver. Differential expressed gene (DEG) analysis demonstrated that 63 genes were significantly impacted in the CEWAF exposed fish. Of these, 37 were upregulated and 26 downregulated. The upregulated genes were primarily involved in metabolism and oxidative stress, whereas several immune genes were downregulated. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR further confirmed upregulation of cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase, along with downregulation of fucolectin 2 and chemokine C-C motif ligand 20. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) predicted 120 pathways significantly altered in the CEWAF exposed red drum. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway was significantly activated, while pathways associated with immune and cellular homeostasis were primarily suppressed. The results of this study indicate that CEWAF exposure significantly affects gene expression and alters signaling of biological pathways important in detoxification, immunity, and normal cellular physiology, which can have potential consequences on organismal fitness.

Connection of BANK1, Tolerance, Regulatory B cells, and Apoptosis: Perspectives of a Reductionist Investigation

BANK1 transcript is upregulated in whole blood after kidney transplantation in tolerant patients. In comparison to patients with rejection, tolerant patients display higher level of regulatory B cells (Bregs) expressing granzyme B (GZMB⁺) that have the capability to prevent effector T cells proliferation. However, BANK1 was found to be decreased in these GZMB⁺ Bregs. In this article, we investigated seven different transcriptomic studies and mined the literature in order to make link between BANK1, tolerance and Bregs. As for GZMB⁺ Bregs, we found that BANK1 was decreased in other subtypes of Bregs, including IL10⁺ and CD24^hiCD38^hi transitional regulatory B cells, along with BANK1 was down-regulated in activated/differentiated B cells, as in CD40-activated B cells, in leukemia and plasma cells. Following a reductionist approach, biological concepts were extracted from BANK1 literature and allowed us to infer association between BANK1 and immune signaling pathways, as STAT1, FcγRIIB, TNFAIP3, TRAF6, and TLR7. Based on B cell signaling literature and expression data, we proposed a role of BANK1 in B cells of tolerant patients that involved BCR, IP3R, and PLCG2, and a link with the apoptosis pathways. We confronted these data with our experiments on apoptosis in total B cells and Bregs, and this suggests different involvement for BANK1 in these two cells. Finally, we put in perspective our own data with other published data to hypothesize two different roles for BANK1 in B cells and in Bregs.

Auto-antibodies against apolipoprotein A-1 block cancer cells proliferation and induce apoptosis

Auto-antibodies against apoA-1 (anti-apoA-1 IgGs) have been identified as important actors of atherosclerosis development through pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic properties and to also induce apoptosis in tumoral neuronal and lymphocyte derived cell lines through unknown mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to explore the cellular pathways involved in tumoral cell survival modulated by anti-apoA-1 antibodies. We observed that anti-apoA-1 antibodies induce growth arrest (in G2/M phase) and cell apoptosis through caspase 3 activation, accompanied by a selective p53 phosphorylation on serine 15. RNA sequencing indicated that anti-apoA-1 IgGs affect the expression of more than 950 genes belonging to five major groups of genes and respectively involved in i) cell proliferation inhibition, ii) p53 stabilisation and regulation, iii) apoptosis regulation, iv) inflammation regulation, and v) oxidative stress. In conclusion, anti-apoA-1 antibodies seem to have a role in blocking tumoral cell proliferation and survival, by activating a major tumor suppressor protein and by modulating the inflammatory and oxidative stress response. Further investigations are needed to explore a possible anti-cancer therapeutic approach of these antibodies in very specific and circumscribed conditions.

Inhibition of Caspases Improves Non-Viral T Cell Receptor Editing

T cell receptor (TCR) knockout is a critical step in producing universal chimeric antigen receptor T cells for cancer immunotherapy. A promising approach to achieving the knockout is to deliver the CRISPR/Cas9 system into cells using electrotransfer technology. However, clinical applications of the technology are currently limited by the low cell viability. In this study, we attempt to solve the problem by screening small molecule drugs with an immortalized human T cell line, Jurkat clone E6-1, for inhibition of apoptosis. The study identifies a few caspase inhibitors that could be used to simultaneously enhance the cell viability and the efficiency of plasmid DNA electrotransfer. Additionally, we show that the enhancement could be achieved through knockdown of caspase 3 expression in siRNA treated cells, suggesting that the cell death in electrotransfer experiments was caused mainly by caspase 3-dependent apoptosis. Finally, we investigated if the caspase inhibitors could improve TCR gene-editing with electrotransferred ribonucleoprotein, a complex of Cas9 protein and a T cell receptor-α constant (TRAC)-targeting single guide RNA (sgRNA). Our data showed that inhibition of caspases post electrotransfer could significantly increase cell viability without compromising the TCR disruption efficiency. These new findings can be used to improve non-viral T cell engineering.

Tetrandrine: a review of its anticancer potentials, clinical settings, pharmacokinetics and drug delivery systems

OBJECTIVES

Tetrandrine, a natural bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, possesses promising anticancer activities on diverse tumours. This review provides systematically organized information on cancers of tetrandrine in vivo and in vitro, discuss the related molecular mechanisms and put forward some new insights for the future investigations.

KEY FINDINGS

Anticancer activities of tetrandrine have been reported comprehensively, including lung cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer and liver cancer. The potential molecular mechanisms corresponding to the anticancer activities of tetrandrine might be related to induce cancer cell apoptosis, autophagy and cell cycle arrest, inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion, ameliorate metastasis and suppress tumour cell growth. Pharmaceutical applications of tetrandrine combined with nanoparticle delivery system including liposomes, microspheres and nanoparticles with better therapeutic efficiency have been designed and applied encapsulate tetrandrine to enhance its stability and efficacy in cancer treatment.

SUMMARY

Tetrandrine was proven to have definite antitumour activities. However, the safety, bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameter studies on tetrandrine are very limited in animal models, especially in clinical settings. Our present review on anticancer potentials of tetrandrine would be necessary and highly beneficial for providing guidelines and directions for further research of tetrandrine.

Bovine Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract IMMUNEPOTENT-CRP Induces Selective ROS-Dependent Apoptosis in T-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Lines

Immunotherapies strengthen the immune system to fight multiple diseases such as infections, immunodeficiencies, and autoimmune diseases, and recently, they are being used as an adjuvant in cancer treatment. IMMUNEPOTENT-CRP (I-CRP) is an immunotherapy made of bovine dialyzable leukocyte extract (bDLE) that has chemoprotective and immunomodulatory effects in different cellular populations of the immune system and antitumor activity in different cancer cell lines. Our recent results suggest that the antineoplastic effect of I-CRP is due to the characteristics of cancer cells. To confirm, we evaluated whether the selectivity is due to cell lineage or characteristics of cancer cells, testing cytotoxicity in T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells and their cell death mechanism. Here, we assessed the effect of I-CRP on cell viability and cell death. To determine the mechanism of cell death, we tested cell cycle, mitochondrial and nuclear alterations, and caspases and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their role in cell death mechanism. Our results show that I-CRP does not affect cell viability in noncancer cells and induces selective cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner in leukemic cell lines. I-CRP also induces mitochondrial damage through proapoptotic and antiapoptotic protein modulation (Bax and Bcl-2) and ROS production, nuclear alterations including DNA damage (γ-H2Ax), overexpression of p53, cell cycle arrest, and DNA degradation. I-CRP induced ROS-dependent apoptosis in leukemic cells. Overall, here, we show that I-CRP cytotoxicity is selective to leukemic cells, inducing ROS-dependent apoptosis. This research opens the door to further exploration of their role in the immune system and the cell death mechanism that could potentially work in conjunction with other therapies including hematological malignances.

Pananx notoginseng saponins attenuate CCL2-induced cognitive deficits in rats via anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis effects that involve suppressing over-activation of NMDA receptors

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are characterized by synaptic damage and neuronal loss in the brain, ultimately leading to progressive decline of cognitive abilities and memory. Chemokine CC motif ligand 2 (CCL2) is elevated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and has been believed to contribute to HAND. Previous studies by our research team have shown that CCL2 enhances N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and causes nerve cell damage. However, there are few drugs currently available to treat nerve damage that is caused by CCL2. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are isolated from Panax notoginseng and benefit the human body in various ways, including the neuroprotective effect. However, the protective effect of PNS on CCL2-induced neurotoxicity remains unknown. In this study, we found that PNS improved CCL2-induced learning and memory impairment, and inhibited CCL2-induced cell death. These effects may be due to inhibiting over-activation of NMDA receptors by alleviating the dysfunction of glutamate metabolism. Furthermore, PNS-modulated CCL2-inducd intracellular oxidative stress was found to attenuate cell inflammation. Additionally, PNS pretreatment evidently inhibited apoptotic pathways by reducing the Bax/BCL-2 ratio and caspase-3, 8, 9 expressions. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that PNS provides substantial neuroprotection against CCL2-induced neurotoxicity, and may be a novel therapeutic agent in CCL2-induced HAND or other neurodegenerative diseases.

β2 adrenergic receptor-mediated signaling regulates the immunosuppressive potential of myeloid-derived suppressor cells

Catecholamines released by sympathetic nerves can activate adrenergic receptors present on nearly every cell type, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Using in vitro systems, murine tumor models in wild-type and genetically modified (β2-AR-/-) mice, and adoptive transfer approaches, we found that the degree of β2-AR signaling significantly influences MDSC frequency and survival in tumors and other tissues. It also modulates their expression of immunosuppressive molecules such as arginase-I and PD-L1 and alters their ability to suppress the proliferation of T cells. The regulatory functions of β2-AR signaling in MDSCs were also found to be dependent upon STAT3 phosphorylation. Moreover, we observed that the β2-AR-mediated increase in MDSC survival is dependent upon Fas-FasL interactions, and this is consistent with gene expression analyses, which reveal a greater expression of apoptosis-related genes in β2-AR-/- MDSCs. Our data reveal the potential of β2-AR signaling to increase the generation of MDSCs from both murine and human peripheral blood cells and that the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs can be mitigated by treatment with β-AR antagonists, or enhanced by β-AR agonists. This strongly supports the possibility that reducing stress-induced activation of β2-ARs could help to overcome immune suppression and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy and other cancer therapies.

Apoptosis contributes to the cytotoxicity induced by amodiaquine and its major metabolite N-desethylamodiaquine in hepatic cells

Amodiaquine (ADQ), an antimalarial drug used in endemic areas, has been reported to be associated with liver toxicity; however, the mechanism underlying its hepatoxicity remains unclear. In this study, we examined the cytotoxicity of ADQ and its major metabolite N-desethylamodiaquine (NADQ) and the effect of cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated metabolism on ADQ-induced cytotoxicity. After a 48-h treatment, ADQ and NADQ caused cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells; NADQ was slightly more toxic than ADQ. ADQ treatment decreased the levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, which was accompanied by an increase in the levels of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, indicating that ADQ-induced apoptosis was mediated by the Bcl-2 family. NADQ treatment markedly increased the phosphorylation of JNK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), and p38, indicating that NADQ-induced apoptosis was mediated by MAPK signaling pathways. Metabolic studies using microsomes obtained from HepG2 cell lines overexpressing human CYPs demonstrated that CYP1A1, 2C8, and 3A4 were the major enzymes that metabolized ADQ to NADQ and that CYP1A2, 1B1, 2C19, and 3A5 also metabolized ADQ, but to a lesser extent. The cytotoxicity of ADQ was increased in CYP2C8 and 3A4 overexpressing HepG2 cells compared to HepG2/CYP vector cells, confirming that NADQ was more toxic than ADQ. Moreover, treatment of CYP2C8 and 3A4 overexpressing HepG2 cells with ADQ increased the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK1/2, and p38, but not the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins. Our findings indicate that ADQ and its major metabolite NADQ induce apoptosis, which is mediated by members of the Bcl-2 family and the activation of MAPK signaling pathways, respectively.

Ethanolic Extract of Senna velutina Roots: Chemical Composition, In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Effects, and B16F10-Nex2 Melanoma Cell Death Mechanisms

Cutaneous melanoma is among the most aggressive types of cancer, and its rate of occurrence increases every year. Current pharmacological treatments for melanoma are not completely effective, requiring the identification of new drugs. As an alternative, plant-derived natural compounds are described as promising sources of new anticancer drugs. In this context, the objectives of this study were to identify the chemical composition of the ethanolic extract of Senna velutina roots (ESVR), to assess its in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects on melanoma cells, and to characterize its mechanisms of action. For these purposes, the chemical constituents were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. The in vitro activity of the extract was assessed in the B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cell line using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and based on the apoptotic cell count; DNA fragmentation; necrostatin-1 inhibition; intracellular calcium, pan-caspase, and caspase-3 activation; reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels; and cell cycle arrest. The in vivo activity of the extract was assessed in models of tumor volume progression and pulmonary nodule formation in C57Bl/6 mice. The chemical composition results showed that ESVR contains flavonoid derivatives of the catechin, anthraquinone, and piceatannol groups. The extract reduced B16F10-Nex2 cell viability and promoted apoptotic cell death as well as caspase-3 activation, with increased intracellular calcium and ROS levels as well as cell cycle arrest at the sub-G0/G1 phase. In vivo, the tumor volume progression and pulmonary metastasis of ESVR-treated mice decreased over 50%. Combined, these results show that ESVR had in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects, predominantly by apoptosis, thus demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of melanoma and other types of cancer.

Apoptosis regulation in adrenocortical carcinoma

Apoptosis evading is a hallmark of cancer. Tumor cells are characterized by having an impaired apoptosis signaling, a fact that deregulates the balance between cell death and survival, leading to tumor development, invasion and resistance to treatment. In general, patients with adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) have an extremely bad prognosis, which is related to disease progression and significant resistance to treatments. In this report, we performed an integrative review about the disruption of apoptosis in ACC that may underlie the characteristic poor prognosis in these patients. Although the apoptosis has been scarcely studied in ACC, the majority of the deregulation phenomena already described are anti-apoptotic. Most importantly, in a near future, targeting apoptosis modulation in ACC patients may become a promising therapeutic.

Hedychium coronarium extract arrests cell cycle progression, induces apoptosis, and impairs migration and invasion in HeLa cervical cancer cells

Background

Hedychium coronarium Koen. (Zingiberaceae) is traditionally used as medicine in countries such as India, China, and Vietnam for treatment of various ailments including cancer. However, in spite of its implied significance in cancer treatment regimes, there are no reports so far involving the anticancerous attributes of H, coronarium ethanol extract (HCEE) on cancer cells and a more comprehensive study on its mechanism is still lacking.

Materials and methods

The cytotoxicity of HCEE was evaluated by MTT and clonogenic survival assay. Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI), Hoechst 33342 staining, and TUNEL assay were performed to detect apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis was performed using PI staining. JC-1 and 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay were used to check the levels of MMP and ROS, respectively. Western blot analysis was carried out to measure the expression levels of proteins. Migration and invasion activity were assessed by wound healing and Transwell membrane assay, respectively.

Results

Antiproliferative effect of HCEE was investigated in various cancerous and normal cell lines. Among these, HCEE significantly inhibited the survival of HeLa cells without affecting the viability of normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Annexin V/PI, Hoechst staining, and TUNEL assay showed HCEE induced apoptosis in HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. HCEE promoted cell cycle arrest at G1 phase in HeLa cells by upregulating the levels of p53 and p21 and downregulating the levels of cyclin D1, CDK-4, and CDK-6. Moreover, HCEE treatment upregulated the expression of Bax and downregulated the expression of Bcl-2. Additionally, HCEE activated the caspase cascade by increasing the activities of caspase-9, caspase-8, and caspase-3. The expression levels of Fas ligand and Fas were also upregulated. Further, HCEE inhibited the migratory potential of HeLa cells by downregulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression levels.

Conclusion

Our results indicate H. coronarium exerts antiproliferative and apoptotic effects against HeLa cells, and therefore may be used for treatment against cervical cancer.

Regulatory B cells and advances in transplantation

The effects of B cell subsets with regulatory activity on the immune response to an allograft have evoked increasing interest. Here, we summarize the function and signaling of regulatory B cells (Bregs) and their potential effects on transplantation. These cells are able to suppress the immune system directly via ligand-receptor interactions and indirectly by secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, particularly IL-10. In experimental animal models, the extensively studied IL-10-producing B cells have shown unique therapeutic advantages in the transplant field. In addition, adoptive transfer of B cell subsets with regulatory activity may reveal a new approach to prolonging allograft survival. Recent clinical observations on currently available therapies targeting B cells have revealed that Bregs play an important role in immune tolerance and that these cells are expected to become a new target of immunotherapy for transplant-related diseases.