The CBS-H(2)S axis promotes liver metastasis of colon cancer by upregulating VEGF through AP-1 activation

Jun/Fos promotes migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by enhancing BORIS promoter activity

The Brother of the Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS), as a specific indicator of hepatocellular carcinoma, exhibits a significant increase in expression. However, its upstream regulatory network remains enigmatic. Previous research has indicated a strong correlation between the Hippo pathway and the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. It is well established that the Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) frequently engages in interactions with the Hippo pathway. Thus, we attempt to prove whether Jun and Fos, a major member of the AP-1 family, are involved in the regulation of BORIS expression. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the existence of binding sites for Jun and Fos within the BORIS promoter. Through a series of overexpression and knockdown experiments, we corroborated that Jun and Fos have the capacity to augment BORIS expression, thereby fostering the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Moreover, Methylation-Specific PCR and Bisulfite Sequencing PCR assays revealed that Jun and Fos do not have a significant impact on the demethylation of the BORIS promoter. However, luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments substantiated that Jun and Fos could directly bind to the BORIS promoter, thereby enhancing its transcription. In conclusion, these results suggest that Jun and Fos can promote the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by directly regulating the expression of BORIS. These findings may provide experimental evidence positioning BORIS as a novel target for the clinical intervention of hepatocellular carcinoma.

H2S-Releasing Versatile Montmorillonite Nanoformulation Trilogically Renovates the Gut Microenvironment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Modulation

Abnormal activation of the intestinal mucosal immune system, resulting from damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier and extensive invasion by pathogens, contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Current first-line treatments for IBD have limited efficacy and significant side effects. An innovative H2S-releasing montmorillonite nanoformulation (DPs@MMT) capable of remodeling intestinal mucosal immune homeostasis, repairing the mucosal barrier, and modulating gut microbiota is developed by electrostatically adsorbing diallyl trisulfide-loaded peptide dendrimer nanogels (DATS@PDNs, abbreviated as DPs) onto the montmorillonite (MMT) surface. Upon rectal administration, DPs@MMT specifically binds to and covers the damaged mucosa, promoting the accumulation and subsequent internalization of DPs by activated immune cells in the IBD site. DPs release H2S intracellularly in response to glutathione, initiating multiple therapeutic effects. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that DPs@MMT effectively alleviates colitis by eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibiting inflammation, repairing the mucosal barrier, and eradicating pathogens. RNA sequencing revealed that DPs@MMT exerts significant immunoregulatory and mucosal barrier repair effects, by activating pathways such as Nrf2/HO-1, PI3K-AKT, and RAS/MAPK/AP-1, and inhibiting the p38/ERK MAPK, p65 NF-κB, and JAK-STAT3 pathways, as well as glycolysis. 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that DPs@MMT remodels the gut microbiota by eliminating pathogens and increasing probiotics. This study develops a promising nanoformulation for IBD management.

Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Oncological and Non-Oncological Disorders and Its Regulation by Non-Coding RNAs: A Comprehensive Review

Recently, myriad studies have defined the versatile abilities of gasotransmitters and their synthesizing enzymes to play a "Maestro" role in orchestrating several oncological and non-oncological circuits and, thus, nominated them as possible therapeutic targets. Although a significant amount of work has been conducted on the role of nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) and their inter-relationship in the field of oncology, research about hydrogen sulfide (H2S) remains in its infancy. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been reported to play a dominating role in the regulation of the endogenous machinery system of H2S in several pathological contexts. A growing list of microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are leading the way as upstream regulators for H2S biosynthesis in different mammalian cells during the development and progression of human diseases; therefore, their targeting can be of great therapeutic benefit. In the current review, the authors shed the light onto the biosynthetic pathways of H2S and their regulation by miRNAs and lncRNAs in various oncological and non-oncological disorders.

Heat shock factor 1 directly regulates transsulfuration pathway to promote prostate cancer proliferation and survival

There are limited therapeutic options for patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa). We previously found that heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) expression is increased in PCa and is an actionable target. In this manuscript, we identify that HSF1 regulates the conversion of homocysteine to cystathionine in the transsulfuration pathway by altering levels of cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS). We find that HSF1 directly binds the CBS gene and upregulates CBS mRNA levels. Targeting CBS decreases PCa growth and induces tumor cell death while benign prostate cells are largely unaffected. Combined inhibition of HSF1 and CBS results in more pronounced inhibition of PCa cell proliferation and reduction of transsulfuration pathway metabolites. Combination of HSF1 and CBS knockout decreases tumor size for a small cell PCa xenograft mouse model. Our study thus provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of HSF1 function and an effective therapeutic strategy against advanced PCa.

Identification of the function of FOSB in cholangiocarcinoma using bioinformatics analysis

Background

Exploring the potential mechanism of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) metabolic reprogramming is significant for guiding clinical treatment. However, related research and exploration are still lacking. Therefore, we aimed to identify a reliable metabolism-related gene or biomarker of CCA using bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

The GSE26566, GSE45001, and GSE132305 datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differently expressed genes (DEGs) between CCA tissues and adjacent tissues were screened out. The key gene was identified through enrichment and functional analysis, and its immune and clinical correlation was investigated utilizing the Tumor Immune Evaluation Resource (TIMER2.0), the Tumor-Immune System Interactions Database (TISIDB), the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA2), and the Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to validate the results.

Results

By analysis, the expression of FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB) was significantly downregulated in CCA tissues when compared with adjacent tissues. Moreover, the expression levels of FOSB positively correlated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in most tumors, and patients with high FOSB expression tended to have a better prognosis. The FOSB and SIRT3/HIF1A axes have similar expression trends and metabolic functions in CCA cells, and the correlation between of them was preliminarily explored by IHC experiments.

Conclusions

The expression levels of FOSB are closely related to the prognosis of CCA patients, which may be a predictive indicator for prognosis and immunotherapy.

Reactive Sulfur Species in Human Diseases

Significance: Reactive sulfur species (RSS) have been recently recognized as redox molecules no less important than reactive oxygen species or reactive nitrogen species. They possess regulatory and protective properties and are involved in various metabolic processes, thereby contributing to the maintenance of human health. It has been documented that many disorders, including neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus (DM), and cancer, are related to the disruption of RSS homeostasis. Recent Advances: There is still a growing interest in the role of RSS in human diseases. Since a decrease in hydrogen sulfide or other RSS has been reported in many disorders, safe and efficient RSS donors have been developed and tested under in vitro conditions or on animal models. Critical Issues: Cardiovascular diseases and DM are currently the most common chronic diseases worldwide due to stressful and unhealthy lifestyles. In addition, because of high prevalence and aging of the population, neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease as well as respiratory diseases are a formidable challenge for health care systems. From this point of view, the knowledge of the role of RSS in these disorders and RSS modulation options are important and could be useful in therapeutic strategies. Future Directions: Improvement and standardization of analytical methods used for RSS estimation are crucial for the use of RSS as diagnostic biomarkers. Finding good, safe RSS donors applicable for therapeutic purposes could be useful as primary or adjunctive therapy in many common diseases. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 1000-1023.

Application and value of hydrogen sulfide modulated autophagy in sepsis

Sepsis is is anabnormalhost immune responsecausedbyinfection. Antibiotics, anti-viral drugs, and vasoactive drugs have always been used in the traditional treatment of sepsis, but there are no specific and effective drugs in clinical practice. Autophagy is a highly conservative process in biological evolution, and plays an important role in maintaining intracellular homeostasis and cellular self-renewal. Autophagy can remove and degrade misfolding proteins and damaged organelles in cells, providing materials for cell repair and self-renewal. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless gas that smells likerotteneggs. It is the third endogenous gas signal molecule discovered after nitric oxide and carbon monoxide and has become a research hotspot in recent years. H2S has a variety of biological functions and plays an important role in various physiological and pathological processes. Thereisgrowingevidencethat H2S can regulate autophagy. The intervention of autophagy is a promising therapeutic strategy to improve sepsis organ damage. This article reviews the organ protection of autophagy in sepsis and the role of H2S in regulating autophagy in sepsis, revealing that H2S intervention with autophagy may be a a worthy target in sepsis treatment.

Recent advances in the role of endogenous hydrogen sulphide in cancer cells

Hydrogen sulphide (H2 S) is a gaseous neurotransmitter that can be self-synthesized by living organisms. With the deepening of research, the pathophysiological mechanisms of endogenous H2 S in cancer have been increasingly elucidated: (1) promote angiogenesis, (2) stimulate cell bioenergetics, (3) promote migration and proliferation thereby invasion, (4) inhibit apoptosis and (5) activate abnormal cell cycle. However, the increasing H2 S levels via exogenous sources show the opposite trend. This phenomenon can be explained by the bell-shaped pharmacological model of H2 S, that is, the production of endogenous (low concentration) H2 S promotes tumour growth while the exogenous (high concentration) H2 S inhibits tumour growth. Here, we review the impact of endogenous H2 S synthesis and metabolism on tumour progression, summarize the mechanism of action of H2 S in tumour growth, and discuss the possibility of H2 S as a potential target for tumour treatment.

Establishment of a nomogram model for prediction of postoperative heterochronous liver metastasis in young and middle-aged patients with rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The incidence of rectal cancer is increasing year by year. Radical surgery is often used for the treatment of rectal cancer in clinical practice, but postoperative liver metastasis has become an important reason for the increase in mortality. Therefore, establishing a model to predict the trend of metachronous liver metastasis has become a research focus. Nomogram model has been widely used in the medical field, but there has been no widely accepted nomogram model available for prediction of metachronous liver metastasis after rectal cancer surgery.

AIM

To constuct a nomogram model based on the risk factors for postoperative metachronous liver metastasis in young and middle-aged patients with rectal cancer, and to evaluate the performance of the model for predicting the risk of postoperative metachronous liver metastasis, so as to provide some guidance for clinical prevention and treatment.

METHODS

A total of 120 young and middle-aged patients with rectal cancer admitted to our hospital from March 2019 to February 2022 were selected as research subjects to observe the incidence of postoperative heterochronous liver metastasis. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for postoperative heterochronous liver metastasis and to construct a nomogram model. ROC curve, decision curve, and correction curve analyses were used to verify the value of nomogram model for the prediction of postoperative heterochronous liver metastasis.

RESULTS

The incidence of anomalous liver metastasis 1 year after surgery was 23.33% in 120 young and middle-aged patients with rectal cancer. Low differentiation, lymph node metastasis, depth of invasion (T3/T4), margin width of primary cancer < 2 cm, high expression of peripheral blood telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), and elevated serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), lemur tyrosine kinase-3 (LMTK3), squamous cell carcinoma-associated antigen (SCC-Ag), and axon-guided factor-1 (Netrin-1) were identified to be risk factor for postoperative hetero-chronic liver metastasis (P < 0.05). The C-index and area under the curve of the nomogram model were 0.860 and 0.957, respectively, and the net benefit value was high (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Low differentiation, lymph node metastasis, depth of invasion (T3/T4), margin width of primary cancer < 2 cm, high expression of hTERT in peripheral blood, and elevated levels of serum CEA, VEGF, LMTK3, SC-AG and Netrin-1 are risk factors for postoperative xenotemporal liver metastasis in young and middle-aged patients with rectal cancer. Based on the above risk factors, a nomogram model has been established to predict postoperative heterochronous liver metastasis in such patients.

Curcumin induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by decreasing the expression of STAT3/VEGF/HIF-1α signaling

Curcumin is the most abundant derivative of turmeric rhizome. Although studies have proved that curcumin could inhibit the growth of tumors, its specific molecular mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. This study aims to systematically elaborate the mechanisms of curcumin against hepatocellular carcinoma. The anti-tumor effect of curcumin was determined by the cell viability test. Flow cytometry was applied to examine the cell cycle and the apoptosis of cancer cells, and the cancer cell migration was detected by wound healing experiments. The expressions of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in cancer cells were examined by immunostaining and analyzed by the Image J analysis system. After treatment with curcumin, the apoptosis ratio of HepG2 cells increased significantly (P < 0.05). The proliferation of cancer cells was arrested at the S-phase cell cycle, and the migration of cancer cells was inhibited by the increasing concentration of curcumin, together with the decreasing expressions of STAT3, VEGF, and HIF-1α signaling pathways. The results indicate that curcumin could effectively inhibit the growth and migration of hepatocarcinoma cells by inducing cancer cell apoptosis, blocking the cancer cell cycle in the S phase, and reducing the expression of STAT3, VEGF, and HIF-1α signaling pathways.

The Role of Microbiota-Derived Metabolites in Colorectal Cancer

The impact of bacterial members of the microbiota on the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) has become clear in recent years. However, exactly how bacteria contribute to the development of cancer is often still up for debate. The impact of bacteria-derived metabolites, which can influence the development of CRC either in a promoting or inhibiting manner, is undeniable. Here, we discuss the effects of the most well-studied bacteria-derived metabolites associated with CRC, including secondary bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide and indoles. We show that the effects of individual metabolites on CRC development are often nuanced and dose- and location-dependent. In the coming years, the array of metabolites involved in CRC development will undoubtedly increase further, which will emphasize the need to focus on causation and mechanisms and the clearly defined roles of bacterial species within the microbiota.

Sulfur Metabolism of the Gut Microbiome and Colorectal Cancer: The Threat to the Younger Generation

Colorectal cancer diagnosed in individuals under 50 years old is called early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), and its incidence has been rising worldwide. Simultaneously occurring with increasing obesity, this worrisome trend is partly explained by the strong influence of dietary elements, particularly fatty, meaty, and sugary food. An animal-based diet, the so-called Western diet, causes a shift in dominant microbiota and their metabolic activity, which may disrupt the homeostasis of hydrogen sulfide concentration. Bacterial sulfur metabolism is recognized as a critical mechanism of EOCRC pathogenesis. This review evaluates the pathophysiology of how a diet-associated shift in gut microbiota, so-called the microbial sulfur diet, provokes injuries and inflammation to the colonic mucosa and contributes to the development of CRC.

Inhibitory effect of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis on colon cancer liver metastasis

BACKGROUND

The incidence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is dramatically increasing, but the effect of NASH on colon cancer liver metastasis (CLM) is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact and mechanism of action of NASH on CLM using a western diet (WD)-fed mouse model.

METHODS

Six-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were used. They were divided into the WD group and control group with normal diet. MC38 colon cancer cells were injected into the spleen at 2, 6, 8 and 16 weeks, and mice were killed at 2 weeks after injection to evaluate hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, metastasis and mRNA/protein expression in the liver.

RESULTS

Only mice fed a WD for 16 weeks showed hepatic fibrosis. These mice showed significantly higher alanine aminotransferase and total cholesterol levels compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The WD group showed significantly lower tumor number and smaller tumor diameter (p < 0.05). In the WD group, expression of SAA1, IL6, STAT3 and MMP9 mRNA in the liver was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). Serum amyloid A1 protein expression was also lower in the WD group.

CONCLUSIONS

The WD-fed NASH mouse model showed an inhibitory effect on CLM. Suppressed interleukin-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling and serum amyloid A/matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression may affect this phenomenon.

Implications of hydrogen sulfide in colorectal cancer: Mechanistic insights and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an important signaling molecule in colorectal cancer (CRC). It is produced in the colon by the catalytic synthesis of the colonocytes' enzymatic systems and the release of intestinal microbes, and is oxidatively metabolized in the colonocytes' mitochondria. Both endogenous H₂S in colonic epithelial cells and exogenous H₂S in intestinal lumen contribute to the onset and progression of CRC. The up-regulation of endogenous synthetases is thought to be the cause of the elevated H₂S levels in CRC cells. Different diagnostic probes and combination therapies, as well as tumor treatment approaches through H₂S modulation, have been developed in recent years and have become active area of investigation for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC. In this review, we focus on the specific mechanisms of H₂S production and oxidative metabolism as well as the function of H₂S in the occurrence, progression, diagnosis, and treatment of CRC. We also discuss the present challenges and provide insights into the future research of this burgeoning field.

Application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in basic research, diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer

Colon cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and its progression is accompanied by a complex array of genetic variations. CRISPR/Cas9 can identify new drug-resistant or sensitive mutations in colon cancer, and can use gene editing technology to develop new therapeutic targets and provide personalized treatments, thereby significantly improving the treatment of colon cancer patients. CRISPR/Cas9 systems are driving advances in biotechnology. RNA-directed Cas enzymes have accelerated the pace of basic research and led to clinical breakthroughs. This article reviews the rapid development of CRISPR/Cas in colon cancer, from gene editing to transcription regulation, gene knockout, genome-wide CRISPR tools, therapeutic targets, stem cell genomics, immunotherapy, metabolism-related genes and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the limitations and future development of CRISPR/Cas9 in colon cancer studies are reviewed. In conclusion, this article reviews the application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in basic research, diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.

Cystathionine β-synthase overexpression drives metastatic dissemination in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation of cancer cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest of all cancer types with a constant rise in global incidence. Therefore, better understanding of PDAC biology, in order to design more efficient diagnostic and treatment modalities, is a priority. Here we found that the expression levels of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), a transsulfuration enzyme, is markedly elevated in metastatic PDAC cells compared to cell lines isolated from non-metastatic primary tumors. On human immunohistochemical samples from PDAC patients we also found higher CBS staining in cancerous ductal cells compared to in non-tumor tissue, which was further elevated in the lymph node metastasis of the same patients. In mice, orthotopically injected CBS-silenced T3M4 cells induced fewer liver metastases compared to control cells indicating important roles for CBS in PDAC cancer cell invasion and malignant transformation. Wound healing and colony formation assays in cell culture confirmed that CBS-deficient metastatic T3M4 and non-metastatic BxPC3 primary tumor cells migrate slower and have impaired anchorage-independent growth capacities compared to control T3M4 cells. CBS silencing in T3M4 cells lowered WNT5a and SNAI1 gene expression down to levels that were observed in BxPC3 cells as well as resulted in an increase in E-cadherin and a decrease in Vimentin signals in mouse tumors when injected orthotopically. These observations suggested a primary role for the epithelial to mesenchymal transformation of cancer cells in CBS-mediated tumor aggressiveness. Under normal conditions, STAT3, an upstream regulator of Wnt signaling pathways, was less phosphorylated and more oxidized in shCBS T3M4 and BxPC3 compared to control T3M4 cells, which is consistent with decreased transcriptional activity at lower CBS levels due to less protection against oxidation. Sulfur metabolome analyses suggested that this CBS-mediated protection against oxidative modifications is likely to be related to persulfide/sulfide producing activities of the enzyme rather than its canonical function to produce cystathionine for cysteine synthesis. Taken together, CBS overexpression through regulation of the EMT plays a significant role in PDAC cancer cell invasion and metastasis.

Sequential Accumulation of ‘Driver’ Pathway Mutations Induces the Upregulation of Hydrogen-Sulfide-Producing Enzymes in Human Colonic Epithelial Cell Organoids

Recently, a CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing system was developed with introduced sequential ‘driver’ mutations in the WNT, MAPK, TGF-β, TP53 and PI3K pathways into organoids derived from normal human intestinal epithelial cells. Prior studies have demonstrated that isogenic organoids harboring mutations in the tumor suppressor genes APC, SMAD4 and TP53, as well as the oncogene KRAS, assumed more proliferative and invasive properties in vitro and in vivo. A separate body of studies implicates the role of various hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-producing enzymes in the pathogenesis of colon cancer. The current study was designed to determine if the sequential mutations in the above pathway affect the expression of various H2S producing enzymes. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the H2S-producing enzymes cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST), as well as several key enzymes involved in H2S degradation such as thiosulfate sulfurtransferase/rhodanese (TST), ethylmalonic encephalopathy 1 protein/persulfide dioxygenase (ETHE1) and sulfide-quinone oxidoreductase (SQR). H2S levels were detected by live-cell imaging using a fluorescent H2S probe. Bioenergetic parameters were assessed by Extracellular Flux Analysis; markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were assessed by Western blotting. The results show that the consecutive mutations produced gradual upregulations in CBS expression—in particular in its truncated (45 kDa) form—as well as in CSE and 3-MST expression. In more advanced organoids, when the upregulation of H2S-producing enzymes coincided with the downregulation of the H2S-degrading enzyme SQR, increased H2S generation was also detected. This effect coincided with the upregulation of cellular bioenergetics (mitochondrial respiration and/or glycolysis) and an upregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, a key effector of EMT. Thus sequential mutations in colon epithelial cells according to the Vogelstein sequence are associated with a gradual upregulation of multiple H2S generating pathways, which, in turn, translates into functional changes in cellular bioenergetics and dedifferentiation, producing more aggressive and more invasive colon cancer phenotypes.

Programmable Drug Release from a Dual-Stimuli Responsive Magnetic Metal-Organic Framework

Along with the increasing incidence of cancer and drawbacks of traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs), developing novel nanocarriers for sustained targeted-drug release has become urgent. In this regard, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as potential candidates due to their structural flexibility, defined porosity, lower toxicity, and biodegradability. Herein, a FeMn-based ferromagnetic MOF was synthesized from a preassembled Fe₂Mn(μ₃-O) cluster. The introduction of the Mn provided the ferromagnetic character to FeMn-MIL-88B. 5-Fluoruracil (5-FU) was encapsulated as a model drug in the MOFs, and its pH and H₂S dual-stimuli responsive controlled release was realized. FeMn-MIL-88B presented a higher 5-FU loading capacity of 43.8 wt % and rapid drug release behavior in a tumor microenvironment (TME) simulated medium. The carriers can rapidly release loaded drug of 70% and 26% in PBS solution (pH = 5.4) and NaHS solution (500 μM) within 24 h. The application of mathematical release models indicated 5-FU release from carriers can be precisely fitted to the first-order, second-order, and Higuchi models of release. Moreover, the cytotoxicity profile of the carrier against human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) suggests no adverse effects up to 100 μg/mL. The lesser toxic effect on cell viability can be attributed to the low toxicity values [LD₅₀ (Fe) = 30 g·kg^-1, (Mn) = 1.5 g·kg^-1, and (terephthalic acid) = 5 g·kg^-1] of the MOFs structural components. Together with dual-stimuli responsiveness, ferromagnetic nature, and low toxicity, FeMn-MIL-88B MOFs can emerge as promising carriers for drug delivery applications.

Re-thinking the possible interaction between proton pump inhibitors and capecitabine

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) rank within the top ten most prescribed medications in Europe and USA. A high frequency of PPI use has been reported amongst patients undergoing chemotherapy, to mitigate treatment-induced gastritis or gastro-oesophageal reflux. Several recent, mostly retrospective, observational studies have reported inferior survival outcomes among patients on capecitabine who concomitantly use PPI. Whilst this association is yet to be definitively established, given the prominence of capecitabine as an anti-cancer treatment with multiple indications, these reports have raised concern within the oncological community and drug regulatory bodies worldwide. Currently, the leading mechanism of interaction postulated in these reports has focussed on the pH altering effects of PPI and how this could diminish capecitabine absorption, leading to a decrease in its bioavailability. In this discourse, we endeavour to summarise plausible pharmacokinetic interactions between PPI and capecitabine. We provide a basis for our argument against the currently proposed mechanism of interaction. We also highlight the long-term effects of PPI on health outcomes, and how PPI use itself could lead to poorer outcomes, independent of capecitabine.

Emerging roles of cystathionine β-synthase in various forms of cancer

The expression of the reverse transsulfuration enzyme cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) is markedly increased in many forms of cancer, including colorectal, ovarian, lung, breast and kidney, while in other cancers (liver cancer and glioma) it becomes downregulated. According to the clinical database data in high-CBS-expressor cancers (e.g. colon or ovarian cancer), high CBS expression typically predicts lower survival, while in the low-CBS-expressor cancers (e.g. liver cancer), low CBS expression is associated with lower survival. In the high-CBS expressing tumor cells, CBS, and its product hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) serves as a bioenergetic, proliferative, cytoprotective and stemness factor; it also supports angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the cancer microenvironment. The current article reviews the various tumor-cell-supporting roles of the CBS/H₂S axis in high-CBS expressor cancers and overviews the anticancer effects of CBS silencing and pharmacological CBS inhibition in various cancer models in vitro and in vivo; it also outlines potential approaches for biomarker identification, to support future targeted cancer therapies based on pharmacological CBS inhibition.