Curcumin mediates oxaliplatin-acquired resistance reversion in colorectal cancer cell lines through modulation of CXC-Chemokine/NF-κB signalling pathway

Synergistic Mechanisms of Selected Polyphenols in Overcoming Chemoresistance and Enhancing Chemosensitivity in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite significant advances in medical treatment, chemotherapy as monotherapy can lead to substantial side effects and chemoresistance. This underscores the need for therapeutic approaches that are not only pharmacologically safe but also modulate multiple potent signaling pathways and sensitize cancer cells to overcome resistance to standard drugs. In recent years, scientists have been searching for natural compounds that can be used as chemosensitizers in addition to conventional medications for the synergistic treatment of CRC. Polyphenols represent a diverse group of natural compounds that can target multiple signaling pathways in cancer cells to induce anti-cancer effects. Additionally, polyphenols have been shown to work synergistically with chemotherapeutics and other natural compounds in cancer cells. This review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the synergistic mechanisms of selected polyphenols as chemosensitizers in CRC cells. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully harness the synergistic mechanisms of selected polyphenols combined with chemotherapy or natural compounds in improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Curcumin and its anti-colorectal cancer potential: From mechanisms of action to autophagy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression, one of the most common cancers globally, is supported by specific mechanisms to escape cell death despite chemotherapy, including cellular autophagy. Autophagy is an evolutionarily highly conserved degradation pathway involved in a variety of cellular processes, such as the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and clearance of foreign bodies, and its imbalance is associated with many diseases. However, the role of autophagy in CRC progression remains controversial, as it has a dual function, affecting either cell death or survival, and is associated with cellular senescence in tumor therapy. Indeed, numerous data have been presented that autophagy in cancers serves as an alternative to cell apoptosis when the latter is ineffective or in apoptosis-resistant cells, which is why it is also referred to as programmed cell death type II. Curcumin, one of the active constituents of Curcuma longa, has great potential to combat CRC by influencing various cellular signaling pathways and epigenetic regulation in a safe and cost-effective approach. This review discusses the efficacy of curcumin against CRC in vitro and in vivo, particularly its modulation of autophagy and apoptosis in various cellular pathways. While clinical studies have assessed the potential of curcumin in cancer prevention and treatment, none have specifically examined its role in autophagy. Nonetheless, we offer an overview of potential correlations to support the use of this polyphenol as a prophylactic or co-therapeutic agent in CRC.

Changes In Serum CXCL13 Levels Are Associated With Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing First-Line Oxaliplatin-Based Treatment

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) currently lacks reliable biomarkers for precision medicine, particularly for chemotherapy-based treatments. This study examines the behavior of 11 CXC chemokines in the blood of 104 mCRC patients undergoing first-line oxaliplatin-based treatment to pinpoint predictive and prognostic markers. Serum samples were collected before treatment, at response evaluation (EVAR), and at disease progression or last follow-up. Chemokines were assessed in all samples using a Luminex® custom panel. CXCL13 levels increased at EVAR in responders, while in non-responders it decreased. Increasing levels of CXCL13 at EVAR, independently correlated with improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Nanostring® analysis in primary tumor samples showed CXCL13 gene expression's positive correlation not only with gene profiles related to an immunogenic tumor microenvironment, increased B cells and T cells (mainly CD8+) but also with extended OS. In silico analysis using RNAseq data from liver metastases treated or not with neoadjuvant oxaliplatin-based combinations, and deconvolution analysis using the MCP-counter algorithm, confirmed CXCL13 gene expression's association with increased immune infiltration, improved OS, and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLSs) gene signatures, especially in neoadjuvant-treated patients. CXCL13 analysis in serum from 36 oxaliplatin-treated patients from the METIMMOX study control arm, reported similar findings. In conclusion, the increase of CXCL13 levels in peripheral blood and its association with the formation of TLSs within the metastatic lesions, emerges as a potential biomarker indicative of the therapeutic efficacy in mCRC patients undergoing oxaliplatin-based treatment.

Curcumin reduces myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, by increasing endogenous H2S levels and further modulating m6A

BACKGROUND

Our previous research shows that Curcumin (CUR) attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) by reducing intracellular total RNA m6A levels. However, the mechanism remains unknown.

METHODS

For ischemia-reperfusion (IR), H9c2 cells were cultured for 6 h in serum-free low-glycemic (1 g/L) medium and a gas environment without oxygen, and then cultured for 6 h in high-glycemic (4.5 g/L) medium supplemented with 10% FBS and a 21% oxygen environment. The effects of different concentrations of CUR (5, 10, and 20 µM) treatments on signaling molecules in conventionally cultured and IR-treated H9c2 cells were examined.

RESULTS

CUR treatment significantly up-regulated the H2S levels, and the mRNA and protein expression of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and down-regulated the mRNAs and proteins levels of thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (TST) and ethylmalonic encephalopathy 1 (ETHE1) in H9c2 cells conventionally cultured and subjected to IR. Exogenous H2S supply (NaHS and GYY4137) significantly reduced intracellular total RNA m6A levels, and the expression of RNA m6A "writers" METTL3 and METTL14, and increased the expression of RNA m6A "eraser" FTO in H9c2 cells conventionally cultured and subjected to IR. CSE knockdown counteracted the inhibitory effect of CUR treatment on ROS production, promotion on cell viability, and inhibition on apoptosis of H9c2 cells subjected to IR.

CONCLUSION

CUR attenuates MIRI by regulating the expression of H2S level-regulating enzymes and increasing the endogenous H2S levels. Increased H2S levels could regulate the m6A-related proteins expression and intracellular total RNA m6A levels.

Dual inhibition of MEK and PI3Kβ/δ-a potential therapeutic strategy in PTEN-wild-type docetaxel-resistant metastatic prostate cancer

Background: Docetaxel remains the standard treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, resistance frequently emerges as a result of hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT and the MEK/ERK pathways. Therefore, the inhibition of these pathways presents a potential therapeutic approach. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of simultaneous inhibition of the PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways in docetaxel-resistant mCRPC, both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Docetaxel-sensitive and docetaxel-resistant mCRPC cells were treated with selumetinib (MEK1/2 inhibitor), AZD8186 (PI3Kβ/δ inhibitor) and capivasertib (pan-AKT inhibitor) alone and in combination. Efficacy and toxicity of selumetinib+AZD8186 were tested in docetaxel-resistant xenograft mice. CRISPR-Cas9 generated a PTEN-knockdown docetaxel-resistant cell model. Changes in phosphorylation of AKT, ERK and downstream targets were analyzed by Western blot. Antiapoptotic adaptations after treatments were detected by dynamic BH3 profiling. Results: PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways were hyperactivated in PTEN-wild-type (wt) docetaxel-resistant cells. Selumetinib+AZD8186 decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in PTEN-wt docetaxel-resistant cells. This observation was further confirmed in vivo, where docetaxel-resistant xenograft mice treated with selumetinib+AZD8186 exhibited reduced tumor growth without additional toxicity. Conclusion: Our findings on the activity of selumetinib+AZD8186 in PTEN-wt cells and in docetaxel-resistant xenograft mice provide an excellent rationale for a novel therapeutic strategy for PTEN-wt mCRPC patients resistant to docetaxel, in whom, unlike PTEN-loss patients, a clinical benefit of treatment with single-agent PI3K and AKT inhibitors has not been demonstrated. A phase I-II trial of this promising combination is warranted.

Curcumin as a hepatoprotective agent against chemotherapy-induced liver injury

Despite significant advances in cancer therapeutics, chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment for many tumors. Importantly, however, chemotherapy-induced toxicity, including hepatotoxicity, can lead to the interruption or discontinuation of potentially effective therapy. In recent years, special attention has been paid to the search for complementary therapies to mitigate chemotherapy-induced toxicity. Although there is currently a lack of specific interventions to mitigate or prevent hepatotoxicity in chemotherapy-treated patients, the polyphenol compound curcumin has emerged as a potential strategy to overcome this adverse effect. Here we review, firstly, the molecular and physiological mechanisms and major risk factors of chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity. We then present an overview of how curcumin has the potential to mitigate hepatotoxicity by targeting specific molecular mechanisms. Hepatotoxicity is a well-described side effect of cytotoxic drugs that can limit their clinical application. Inflammation and oxidative stress are the most common mechanisms involved in hepatotoxicity. Several studies have shown that curcumin could prevent and/or palliate chemotherapy-induced liver injury, mainly due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic and hypolipidemic properties. Further clinical investigation using bioavailable curcumin formulations is warranted to demonstrate its efficacy as an hepatoprotective agent in cancer patients.

Oxaliplatin related lncRNAs prognostic models predict the prognosis of patients given oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in chemotherapy sensitivity. This study aimed to identify lncRNAs related to oxaliplatin sensitivity and predict the prognosis of CRC patients underwent oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

METHODS

Data from the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) was used to screen for lncRNAs related to oxaliplatin sensitivity. Four machine learning algorithms (LASSO, Decision tree, Random-forest, and support vector machine) were applied to identify the key lncRNAs. A predictive model for oxaliplatin sensitivity and a prognostic model based on key lncRNAs were established. The published datasets, and cell experiments were used to verify the predictive value.

RESULTS

A total of 805 tumor cell lines from GDSC were divided into oxaliplatin sensitive (top 1/3) and resistant (bottom 1/3) groups based on their IC50 values, and 113 lncRNAs, which were differentially expressed between the two groups, were selected and incorporated into four machine learning algorithms, and seven key lncRNAs were identified. The predictive model exhibited good predictions for oxaliplatin sensitivity. The prognostic model exhibited high performance in patients with CRC who underwent oxaliplatin-based chemotherapies. Four lncRNAs, including C20orf197, UCA1, MIR17HG, and MIR22HG, displayed consistent responses to oxaliplatin treatment in the validation analysis.

CONCLUSION

Certain lncRNAs were associated with oxaliplatin sensitivity and predicted the response to oxaliplatin treatment. The prognostic models established based on the key lncRNAs could predict the prognosis of patients given oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

Involvement in Tumorigenesis and Clinical Significance of CXCL1 in Reproductive Cancers: Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Ovarian Cancer and Prostate Cancer

C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) is a member of the CXC chemokine subfamily and a ligand for CXCR2. Its main function in the immune system is the chemoattraction of neutrophils. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews summarizing the significance of CXCL1 in cancer processes. To fill this gap, this work describes the clinical significance and participation of CXCL1 in cancer processes in the most important reproductive cancers: breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer. The focus is on both clinical aspects and the significance of CXCL1 in molecular cancer processes. We describe the association of CXCL1 with clinical features of tumors, including prognosis, ER, PR and HER2 status, and TNM stage. We present the molecular contribution of CXCL1 to chemoresistance and radioresistance in selected tumors and its influence on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells. Additionally, we present the impact of CXCL1 on the microenvironment of reproductive cancers, including its effect on angiogenesis, recruitment, and function of cancer-associated cells (macrophages, neutrophils, MDSC, and T_reg). The article concludes by summarizing the significance of introducing drugs targeting CXCL1. This paper also discusses the significance of ACKR1/DARC in reproductive cancers.

Curcumin, calebin A and chemosensitization: How are they linked to colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading malignant diseases worldwide with a high rate of metastasis and poor prognosis. Treatment options include surgery, which is usually followed by chemotherapy in advanced CRC. With treatment, cancer cells could become resistant to classical cytostatic drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), oxaliplatin, cisplatin, and irinotecan, resulting in chemotherapeutic failure. For this reason, there is a high demand for health-preserving re-sensitization mechanisms including the complementary use of natural plant compounds. Calebin A and curcumin, two polyphenolic turmeric ingredients derived from the Asian Curcuma longa plant, demonstrate versatile anti-inflammatory and cancer-reducing abilities, including CRC-combating capacity. After an insight into their epigenetics-modifying holistic health-promoting effects, this review compares functional anti-CRC mechanisms of multi-targeting turmeric-derived compounds with mono-target classical chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, the reversal of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs was presented by focusing on calebin A's and curcumin's capabilities to chemosensitize or re-sensitize CRC cells to 5-FU, oxaliplatin, cisplatin, and irinotecan. Both polyphenols enhance the receptiveness of CRC cells to standard cytostatic drugs converting them from chemoresistant into non-chemoresistant CRC cells by modulating inflammation, proliferation, cell cycle, cancer stem cells, and apoptotic signaling. Therefore, calebin A and curcumin can be tested for their ability to overcome cancer chemoresistance in preclinical and clinical trials. The future perspective of involving turmeric-ingredients curcumin or calebin A as an additive treatment to chemotherapy for patients with advanced metastasized CRC is explained.

Curcumin and chemokines: mechanism of action and therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases

Chemokines belong to the family of cytokines with chemoattractant properties that regulate chemotaxis and leukocyte migration, as well as the induction of angiogenesis and maintenance of hemostasis. Curcumin, the major component of the Curcuma longa rhizome, has various pharmacological actions, including anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, anti-oxidative, and lipid-modifying properties. Chemokines and chemokine receptors are influenced/modulated by curcumin. Thus, the current review focuses on the molecular mechanisms associated with curcumin's effects on chemoattractant cytokines, as well as putting into context the many studies that have reported curcumin-mediated regulatory effects on inflammatory conditions in the organs/systems of the body (e.g., the central nervous system, liver, and cardiovascular system). Curcumin's effects on viral and bacterial infections, cancer, and adverse pregnancy outcomes are also reviewed.

In silico analysis to identify miR-1271-5p/PLCB4 (phospholipase C Beta 4) axis mediated oxaliplatin resistance in metastatic colorectal cancer

Oxaliplatin (OXA) is the first-line chemotherapy drug for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), and the emergence of drug resistance is a major clinical challenge. Although there have been numerous studies on OXA resistance, but its underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. This study aims to identify key regulatory genes and pathways associated with OXA resistance. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) GSE42387 dataset containing gene expression profiles of parental and OXA-resistant LoVo cells was applied to explore potential targets. GEO2R, STRING, CytoNCA (a plug-in of Cytoscape), and DAVID were used to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs), protein-protein interactions (PPIs), hub genes in PPIs, and gene ontology (GO)/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. R2 online platform was used to run a survival analysis of validated hub genes enriched in KEGG pathways. The ENCORI database predicted microRNAs for candidate genes. A survival analysis of those genes was performed, and validated using the OncoLnc database. In addition, the 'clusterProfiler' package in R was used to perform gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We identified 395 DEGs, among which 155 were upregulated and 240 were downregulated. In total, 95 DEGs were screened as hub genes after constructing the PPI networks. Twelve GO terms and three KEGG pathways (steroid hormone biosynthesis, malaria, and pathways in cancer) were identified as being significant in the enrichment analysis of hub genes. Twenty-one hub genes enriched in KEGG pathways were defined as key genes. Among them AKT3, phospholipase C Beta 4 (PLCB4), and TGFB1 were identified as OXA-resistance genes through the survival analysis. High expressions of AKT3 and TGFB1 were each associated with a poor prognosis, and lower expression of PLCB4 was correlated with worse survival. Further, high levels of hsa-miR-1271-5p, which potentially targets PLCB4, were associated with poor overall survival in patients with CRC. Finally, we found that PLCB4 low expression was associated with MAPK signaling pathway and VEGF signaling pathway in CRC. Our results demonstrated that hsa-miR-1271-5p/PLCB4 in the pathway in cancer could be a new potential therapeutic target for mCRC with OXA resistance.

Natural Polyphenols for Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent and serious gastrointestinal malignancy with high mortality and morbidity. Chemoprevention refers to a newly emerged strategy that uses drugs with chemopreventive properties to promote antioxidation, regulate cancer cell cycle, suppress proliferation, and induce cellular apoptosis, so as to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Natural polyphenols are currently recognized as a class of chemopreventive agents that have shown remarkable anticarcinogenic properties. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have elucidated the anti-CRC mechanisms of natural polyphenols, such as regulation of various molecular and signaling pathways. Natural polyphenols are also reportedly capable of modulating the gut microbiota and cancer stem cells (CSCs) to suppress tumor formation and progression. Combined use of different natural polyphenols is recommended due to their low bioavailability and instability, and combination treatment can exert synergistical effects, reduce side effects, and avoid drug resistance in CRC treatment. In summary, the application of polyphenols in the chemoprevention and treatment of CRC is promising. Further clinical evaluation of their effectiveness is warranted and anticipated.

Anti-lung cancer effect of paclitaxel solid lipid nanoparticles delivery system with curcumin as co-loading partner in vitro and in vivo

The main aim of this study was to improve the therapeutic potential of a paclitaxel (PTX) and curcumin (CU) combination regimen using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). PTX and CU were successfully co-encapsulated at a predetermined ratio in SLNs (PC-SLNs) with high encapsulation efficiency (CU: 97.6%, PTX: 95.8%), appropriate particle size (121.8 ± 1.69 nm), small PDI (0.267 ± 0.023), and negative zeta potential (–30.4 ± 1.25 mV). Compared with PTX or the combination of CU and PTX (CU + PTX), PC-SLNs can greatly reduce the dose of PTX while still achieving the same therapeutic effect on four cancer cell lines, among which the inhibitory effect on A549 lung cancer cells was the strongest. PC-SLNs improved the area under the curve (CU: 1.40-fold; PTX: 2.88-fold), prolonged the residence time (CU: 6.94-fold; PTX: 2.51-fold), and increased the half-life (CU: 5.62-fold; PTX: 6.46-fold), achieving long circulation. PC-SLNs were used to treat lung cancer in a nude mouse xenograft tumor model and the tumor suppression rate reached 78.42%, while those of PTX and (CU + PTX) were 40.53% and 51.56%, respectively. As PC-SLNs can prevent P-glycoprotein efflux, reverse MDR and downregulate the NF-κB pathway. PC-SLNs are a potential antineoplastic agent that is more effective and less toxic in treating lung cancer.

Resveratrol pre-treatment alleviated caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in high-fat diet-feeding mice via suppressing the NF-κB proinflammatory signaling and improving the gut microbiota

Background

hyperlipidemia acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) is a major hidden danger affecting human health, however, whether there is a protective effect of resveratrol on HTG-AP is unclear. Therefore our study was aimed to investigate the preventive effect and the underlying mechanism of resveratrol in the HTG-AP mice model.

Methods

This research was divided into two parts. In the first part, mice were adaptively fed with normal chow or HFD for 6 weeks. From the second week, resveratrol-treated mice were in intragastric administration with resveratrol (45 mg/kg/d) for 4 weeks. In the second part, the procedures were the same as the first part. After the last intragastric administration with resveratrol, all mice were intraperitoneal injections of cerulean.

Results

We found resveratrol effectively inhibited pancreatic pathological injury in the HFD, AP, and HTG-AP mice. Resveratrol reduced the LPS, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 expressions in the HFD mice. Resveratrol also reduced TNF-α, MDA, and MCP-1 expressions and increased SOD and T-AOC expressions in the AP and HTG-AP mice. Furthermore, resveratrol suppressed the NF-κB pro-inflammatory signaling pathway in pancreatic tissues in the AP and HTG-AP mice. Moreover, resveratrol improved the gut microbiota in the HFD mice.

Conclusion

The resveratrol pre-treatment could attenuate pancreas injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the HTG-AP mice, via restraining the NF-κB signaling pathway and regulating gut microbiota. Therefore, Our study proved that the resveratrol pre-treatment had a preventive effect on HTG-AP.

Integrated Analysis of Gene Expression and Metabolite Data Reveals Candidate Molecular Markers in Colorectal Carcinoma

Background: This study investigated potential gene targets and metabolite markers associated with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Materials & Methods: Gene expression data (GSE110224) related with CRC were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus, including 17 tumor tissues and 17 normal colon ones. The gene differential analysis, functional analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and metabolite network construction were performed to identify key genes related to CRC. Moreover, an external dataset was used to validate genes of interest in CRC, and corresponding survival analysis was also conducted. Results: The authors extracted 197 differentially expressed genes (75 upregulated and 122 downregulated genes). Moreover, upregulated genes were closely associated with rheumatoid arthritis and amoebiasis pathways. The downregulated genes were mainly related to bile secretion and proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation pathway. Combined with PPI network and metabolite prediction, the overlapped nine genes (CXCL1, CXCL8, CXCL10, HDS1782, IL18, PCK1, PTGS2, SERPINB2, TMP1) were found to be critical in CRC. Similar gene expression profiles of nine critical genes were validated by an external dataset, except for SERPINB2. In addition, the expressions of TIMP1, IL1B, and PTGS2 were closely related with prognosis. Finally, the metabolite network analysis revealed that there were close associations between prostaglandin E2 and three pathways (rheumatoid arthritis, amoebiasis, and leishmaniasis). Conclusion: CXCL1/CXCL8/IL1B/PTGS2-prostaglandin E2 axes were the potential signatures involved in CRC progression, which could provide new insights to understand the molecular mechanisms of CRC.

Curcumin: A Novel Way to Improve Quality of Life for Colorectal Cancer Patients?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common in women. Treatment of metastatic CRC consists of highly toxic chemotherapeutic drug combinations that often negatively affect patient quality of life (QoL). Moreover, chemotherapy-induced toxicity and chemotherapy resistance are among the most important factors limiting cancer treatment and can lead to the interruption or discontinuation of potentially effective therapy. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that curcumin acts through multiple cellular pathways and possesses both anti-cancer properties against CRC and the capacity to mitigate chemotherapy-related side effects and overcome drug resistance. In this review article, we suggest that the addition of curcumin to the standard chemotherapeutic treatment for metastatic CRC could reduce associated side-effects and overcome chemotherapy resistance, thereby improving patient QoL.

Ethnomedicinal uses of Indian spices used for cancer treatment: A treatise on structure-activity relationship and signaling pathways

Cancer is among the major cause of demise worldwide. Though the array of anticancer chemical medications is available but unfortunately, they are also associated with negative health effects. The invaluable therapeutic potential of spices makes them an integral part of our daily diet. Therefore, the present work focuses on the traditional uses of 46 spices and the phytochemical analysis of 31 spices. Out of them, only 29 spices are explored for their cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines. The pre-clinical and clinical anticancer studies of spices along with their toxicity, mechanism of actions like Wnt/β-catenin, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), JAK/STAT, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Notch-mediated pathways and Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies were also focused. Curcumin was found as one of the most explored bioactive in every aspect such as in-vitro, in-vivo, clinical as well as SAR anticancer studies while some other bioactive such as 1,8-Cineole, trans-Anethole, Diosgenin, Trigonelline are either unexplored or least explored for their clinical and SAR studies. In fact, traditional medicinal uses of spices also provide solid shreds of evidence for the new leads towards the invention of novel anticancer agents. Therefore, further research can be designed for the anticancer marketed formulation from spices after having their placebo and related toxicological data.

Curcumin against gastrointestinal cancer: A review of the pharmacological mechanisms underlying its antitumor activity

Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) poses a serious threat to human health globally. Curcumin (CUR), a hydrophobic polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has shown reliable anticancer function and low toxicity, thereby offering broad research prospects. Numerous studies have demonstrated the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of CUR against GIC, including the induction of apoptosis and autophagy, arrest of the cell cycle, inhibition of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes, inhibition of cell invasion and migration, regulation of multiple signaling pathways, sensitization to chemotherapy and reversal of resistance to such treatments, and regulation of the tumor survival environment. It has been confirmed that CUR exerts its antitumor effects on GIC through these mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, treatment with CUR is safe and tolerable. Newly discovered types of regulated cell death (RCD), such as pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis, may provide a new direction for research on the efficacy of CUR against GIC. In this review, we discuss the recently found pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effects of CUR against GIC (gastric and colorectal cancers). The objective is to provide a reference for further research on treatments against GIC.

ICAT promotes colorectal cancer metastasis via binding to JUP and activating the NF-κB signaling pathway

Background

The inhibitor of β‐catenin and T‐cell factor (ICAT) is a direct negative regulator of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, which is an attractive therapeutic target for colorectal cancer (CRC). Accumulating evidence suggests that ICAT interacts with other proteins to exert additional functions, which are not yet fully elucidated.

Methods

The overexpression of ICAT of CRC cells was conducted by lentivirus infection and plasmids transfection and verified by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (real‐time RT‐PCR) and Western blotting. The effect of ICAT on the mobility of CRC cells was assessed by wound healing assay and transwell assay in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. New candidate ICAT‐interacting proteins were explored and verified using the STRING database, silver staining, co‐immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry analysis (Co‐IP/MS), and immunofluorescence (IF) staining analysis.

Result

Inhibitor of β‐catenin and T‐cell factor overexpression promoted in vitro cell migration and invasion and tumor metastasis in vivo. Co‐IP/MS analysis and STRING database analyses revealed that junction plakoglobin (JUP), a homolog of β‐catenin, was involved in a novel protein interaction with ICAT. Furthermore, JUP downregulation impaired ICAT‐induced migration and invasion of CRC cells. In addition, ICAT overexpression activated the NF‐κB signaling pathway, which led to enhanced CRC cell migration and invasion.

Conclusion

Inhibitor of β‐catenin and T‐cell factor promoted CRC cell migration and invasion by interacting with JUP and the NF‐κB signaling pathway. Thus, ICAT could be considered a protein diagnostic biomarker for predicting the metastatic ability of CRC.

Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Colorectal Cancer: Insights from Combined Regimens with Conventional Chemotherapy to Overcome Drug-Resistance

Acquired drug resistance represents a major clinical problem and one of the biggest limitations of chemotherapeutic regimens in colorectal cancer. Combination regimens using standard chemotherapeutic agents, together with bioactive natural compounds derived from diet or plants, may be one of the most valuable strategies to overcome drug resistance and re-sensitize chemoresistant cells. In this review, we highlight the effect of combined regimens based on conventional chemotherapeutics in conjunction with well-tolerated plant-derived bioactive compounds, mainly curcumin, resveratrol, and EGCG, with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms associated with the acquired drug resistance.

A Comprehensive Review on the Benefits and Problems of Curcumin with Respect to Human Health

Curcumin is the most important active component in turmeric extracts. Curcumin, a natural monomer from plants has received a considerable attention as a dietary supplement, exhibiting evident activity in a wide range of human pathological conditions. In general, curcumin is beneficial to human health, demonstrating pharmacological activities of anti-inflammation and antioxidation, as well as antitumor and immune regulation activities. Curcumin also presents therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In this review article, we summarize the advancements made in recent years with respect to curcumin as a biologically active agent in malignant tumors, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), hematological diseases and viral infectious diseases. We also focus on problems associated with curcumin from basic research to clinical translation, such as its low solubility, leading to poor bioavailability, as well as the controversy surrounding the association between curcumin purity and effect. Through a review and summary of the clinical research on curcumin and case reports of adverse effects, we found that the clinical transformation of curcumin is not successful, and excessive intake of curcumin may have adverse effects on the kidneys, heart, liver, blood and immune system, which leads us to warn that curcumin has a long way to go from basic research to application transformation.

Curcuminoids as Modulators of EMT in Invasive Cancers: A Review of Molecular Targets With the Contribution of Malignant Mesothelioma Studies

Curcuminoids, which include natural acyclic diarylheptanoids and the synthetic analogs of curcumin, have considerable potential for fighting against all the characteristics of invasive cancers. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process for embryonic morphogenesis, however, the last decade has confirmed it orchestrates many features of cancer invasiveness, such as tumor cell stemness, metabolic rewiring, and drug resistance. A wealth of studies has revealed EMT in cancer is in fact driven by an increasing number of parameters, and thus understanding its complexity has now become a cornerstone for defining future therapeutic strategies dealing with cancer progression and metastasis. A specificity of curcuminoids is their ability to target multiple molecular targets, modulate several signaling pathways, modify tumor microenvironments and enhance the host’s immune response. Although the effects of curcumin on these various parameters have been the subject of many reviews, the role of curcuminoids against EMT in the context of cancer have never been reviewed so far. This review first provides an updated overview of all EMT drivers, including signaling pathways, transcription factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and tumor microenvironment components, with a special focus on the most recent findings. Secondly, for each of these drivers the effects of curcumin/curcuminoids on specific molecular targets are analyzed. Finally, we address some common findings observed between data reported in the literature and the results of investigations we conducted on experimental malignant mesothelioma, a model of invasive cancer representing a useful tool for studies on EMT and cancer.

Curcumin: reclaiming the lost ground against cancer resistance

Curcumin, a polyphenol, has a wide range of biological properties such as anticancer, antibacterial, antitubercular, cardioprotective and neuroprotective. Moreover, the anti-proliferative activities of Curcumin have been widely studied against several types of cancers due to its ability to target multiple pathways in cancer. Although Curcumin exhibited potent anticancer activity, its clinical use is limited due to its poor water solubility and faster metabolism. Hence, there is an immense interest among researchers to develop potent, water-soluble, and metabolically stable Curcumin analogs for cancer treatment. While drug resistance remains a major problem in cancer therapy that renders current chemotherapy ineffective, curcumin has shown promise to overcome the resistance and re-sensitize cancer to chemotherapeutic drugs in many studies. In the present review, we are summarizing the role of curcumin in controlling the proliferation of drug-resistant cancers and development of curcumin-based therapeutic applications from cell culture studies up to clinical trials.

In Silico and In Vitro Screening of 50 Curcumin Compounds as EGFR and NF-κB Inhibitors

The improvement of cancer chemotherapy remains a major challenge, and thus new drugs are urgently required to develop new treatment regimes. Curcumin, a polyphenolic antioxidant derived from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), has undergone extensive preclinical investigations and, thereby, displayed remarkable efficacy in vitro and in vivo against cancer and other disorders. However, pharmacological limitations of curcumin stimulated the synthesis of numerous novel curcumin analogs, which need to be evaluated for their therapeutic potential. In the present study, we calculated the binding affinities of 50 curcumin derivatives to known cancer-related target proteins of curcumin, i.e., epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) by using a molecular docking approach. The binding energies for EGFR were in a range of −12.12 (±0.21) to −7.34 (±0.07) kcal/mol and those for NF-κB ranged from −12.97 (±0.47) to −6.24 (±0.06) kcal/mol, indicating similar binding affinities of the curcumin compounds for both target proteins. The predicted receptor-ligand binding constants for EGFR and curcumin derivatives were in a range of 0.00013 (±0.00006) to 3.45 (±0.10) µM and for NF-κB in a range of 0.0004 (±0.0003) to 10.05 (±4.03) µM, indicating that the receptor-ligand binding was more stable for EGFR than for NF-κB. Twenty out of 50 curcumin compounds showed binding energies to NF-κB smaller than −10 kcal/mol, while curcumin as a lead compound revealed free binding energies of >−10 kcal/mol. Comparable data were obtained for EGFR: 15 out of 50 curcumin compounds were bound to EGFR with free binding energies of <−10 kcal/mol, while the binding affinity of curcumin itself was >−10 kcal/mol. This indicates that the derivatization of curcumin may indeed be a promising strategy to improve targe specificity and to obtain more effective anticancer drug candidates. The in silico results have been exemplarily validated using microscale thermophoresis. The bioactivity has been further investigated by using resazurin cell viability assay, lactate dehydrogenase assay, flow cytometric measurement of reactive oxygen species, and annexin V/propidium iodide assay. In conclusion, molecular docking represents a valuable approach to facilitate and speed up the identification of novel targeted curcumin-based drugs to treat cancer.

Modulation of TLR/NF-κB/NLRP Signaling by Bioactive Phytocompounds: A Promising Strategy to Augment Cancer Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Background

Tumors often progress to a more aggressive phenotype to resist drugs. Multiple dysregulated pathways are behind this tumor behavior which is known as cancer chemoresistance. Thus, there is an emerging need to discover pivotal signaling pathways involved in the resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and cancer immunotherapy. Reports indicate the critical role of the toll-like receptor (TLR)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing (NLRP) pathway in cancer initiation, progression, and development. Therefore, targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling is a promising strategy to augment cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy and to combat chemoresistance. Considering the potential of phytochemicals in the regulation of multiple dysregulated pathways during cancer initiation, promotion, and progression, such compounds could be suitable candidates against cancer chemoresistance.

Objectives

This is the first comprehensive and systematic review regarding the role of phytochemicals in the mitigation of chemoresistance by regulating the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway in chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Methods

A comprehensive and systematic review was designed based on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane electronic databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to include papers on TLR/NF-κB/NLRP and chemotherapy/immunotherapy/chemoresistance by phytochemicals.

Results

Phytochemicals are promising multi-targeting candidates against the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway and interconnected mediators. Employing phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, and sulfur compounds could be a promising strategy for managing cancer chemoresistance through the modulation of the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway. Novel delivery systems of phytochemicals in cancer chemotherapy/immunotherapy are also highlighted.

Conclusion

Targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling with bioactive phytocompounds reverses chemoresistance and improves the outcome for chemotherapy and immunotherapy in both preclinical and clinical stages.

Hyaluronic Acid-Zein Core-Shell Nanoparticles Improve the Anticancer Effect of Curcumin Alone or in Combination with Oxaliplatin against Colorectal Cancer via CD44-Mediated Cellular Uptake

Curcumin (CUR) has been reported to enhance the chemotherapeutic efficacy of oxaliplatin (OXA) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and inhibit OXA-induced side effects. However, shortcomings, including poor solubility and sensitivity to metabolic transformation, have greatly undermined its value in clinical applications. In this study, the potential of CUR-encapsulated hyaluronic acid (HA)-zein composite nanoparticles (HZ-CUR) as an oral adjuvant for OXA-based chemotherapy was assessed in representative CRC models in mice. Cell viability and colony formation assays in three human CRC cell lines showed that HZ-CUR had a stronger anti-CRC effect than free CUR when given alone and a stronger synergistic effect when combined with OXA, especially in HCT116 and HT29 cell lines. Western blotting, cellular uptake, and RNA interference assays revealed that OXA-induced upregulation of CD44 likely contributed to enhanced cellular uptake of HZ-CUR and thus the enhanced anticancer effect. The significantly improved anti-CRC effects and potential underlying mechanism of HZ-CUR alone and in combination with OXA were further validated in a subcutaneous xenograft and an in situ CRC model in mice. These findings support that HZ-CUR may be an effective oral adjuvant for OXA-based CRC chemotherapy that would not only improve its efficacy but also help reduce the associated side effects.

Microsatellite Status and IκBα Expression Levels Predict Sensitivity to Pharmaceutical Curcumin in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Simple Summary

The global burden of colorectal cancer is high. Chemotherapy has been the backbone of colorectal cancer therapy for decades. Toxic side effects and frequently occurring drug resistances remain challenging problems. Therefore, exploring natural compounds with low or even no toxicity holds great potential. However, natural curcumin is poorly absorbed, limiting its clinical use. Therefore, our focus was to screen different molecular types of colorectal cancer to find the ones with the highest sensitivity to curcumin. We observed very individual responses to curcumin for various colorectal cancer cell lines. Most curcumin-sensitive cell lines were of the microsatellite-stable molecular type, and expressed high baseline levels of the IκBα protein. Contrarily, curcumin-resistant lines were mainly microsatellite instable, with low baseline IκBα levels. Considering all of the data obtained, we conclude that patients with microsatellite-stable tumors and high baseline IκBα protein expression would benefit from treatment with novel curcumin formulations and derivatives.

Abstract

Clinical utilization of curcumin in colorectal cancer (CRC) was revived as a result of the development of novel curcumin formulations with improved bioavailability. Additionally, identification of biomarkers for curcumin sensitivity would also promote successful clinical applications. Here, we wanted to identify such biomarkers in order to establish a predictive model for curcumin sensitivity. Thirty-two low-passage CRC cell lines with specified tumor characteristics were included. Curcumin suppressed cell proliferation, yet sensitivity levels were distinct. Most curcumin-sensitive CRC cell lines were microsatellite stable and expressed high levels of IκBα. The predictive capacity of this biomarker combination possessed a statistical significance of 72% probability to distinguish correctly between curcumin-sensitive and -resistant CRC cell lines. Detailed functional analyses were performed with three sensitive and three resistant CRC cell lines. As curcumin’s mode of action, inhibition of NF-κB p65 activation via IκBα was identified. In consequence, we hypothesize that novel curcumin formulations—either alone or, more likely, in combination with standard therapeutics—can be expected to prove clinically beneficial for CRC patients with high IκBα expression levels.

Curcumin Loaded Nanocarriers with Varying Charges Augmented with Electroporation Designed for Colon Cancer Therapy

(1) Background: The size and surface charge are the most significant parameters of nanocarriers that determine their efficiency and potential application. The poor cell uptake of encapsulated drugs is the main limitation in anticancer treatment. The well-defined properties of nanocarriers will enable to target specific tissue and deliver an active cargo. (2) Methods: In the current study, poly(D,L -lactide) (PLA) nanocarriers loaded with curcumin (CUR) and differing surface charge were evaluated for transport efficacy in combination with electroporation (EP) in dependence on the type of cells. The obtained CUR-loaded nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 195 to 334 nm (derived from dynamic light scattering (DLS)) were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) (morphology and shape) and Doppler electrophoresis (ζ-potential) as well as UV-vis spectroscopy (CUR encapsulation efficiency (about 90%) and photobleaching rate). The drug delivery properties of the obtained PLA nanocarriers enhanced by electroporation were assessed in human colon cancer cells (LoVo), excitable normal rat muscle cells (L6), and free of voltage-gated ion channels cells (CHO-K1). CLSM studies, viability, and ROS release were performed to determine the biological effects of nanocarriers. (3) Results: The highest photodynamic activity indicated anionic nanocarriers (1a) stabilized by C₁₂(COONa)₂ surfactant. Nanocarriers were cytotoxic for LoVo cells and less cytotoxic for normal cells. ROS release increased in cancer cells with the increasing electric field intensity, irradiation, and time after EP. Muscle L6 cells were less sensitive to electric pulses. (4) Conclusions: EP stimulation for CUR-PLA nanocarriers transport was considered to improve the regulated and more effective delivery of nanosystems differing in surface charge.

Diet-derived small molecules (nutraceuticals) inhibit cellular proliferation by interfering with key oncogenic pathways: an overview of experimental evidence in cancer chemoprevention

Discouraging statistics of cancer disease has projected an increase in the global cancer burden from 19.3 to 28.4 million incidences annually within the next two decades. Currently, there has been a revival of interest in nutraceuticals with evidence of pharmacological properties against human diseases including cancer. Diet is an integral part of lifestyle, and it has been proposed that an estimated one-third of human cancers can be prevented through appropriate lifestyle modification including dietary habits; hence, it is considered significant to explore the pharmacological benefits of these agents, which are easily accessible and have higher safety index. Accordingly, an impressive embodiment of evidence supports the concept that the dietary factors are critical modulators to prevent, retard, block, or reverse carcinogenesis. Such an action reflects the ability of these molecules to interfere with multitude of pathways to subdue and neutralize several oncogenic factors and thereby keep a restraint on neoplastic transformations. This review provides a series of experimental evidence based on the current literature to highlight the translational potential of nutraceuticals for the prevention of the disease through consumption of enriched diets and its efficacious management by means of novel interventions. Specifically, this review provides the current understanding of the chemopreventive pharmacology of nutraceuticals such as cucurbitacins, morin, fisetin, curcumin, luteolin and garcinol toward their potential as anticancer agents.

Therapeutic Applications of Curcumin and Derivatives in Colorectal Cancer

Curcumin (CUR), a natural phenolic compound, has been increasingly investigated in several malignancies due to its safe profile and ability to affect a wide range of oncogenic targets. With the ability to affect metastasis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its tolerability at high doses, CUR is an attractive target for study. However, poor bioavailability and unfavorable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have hampered CUR's efficacy in clinical trials. Development of its derivatives and alternative delivery methods have shown the potential to overcome its inherent bioavailability issues. Recent analyses of various derivatives and nanoparticle encapsulation of CUR have demonstrated increased effectiveness in CRC studies. A major advantage of CUR has been its synergistic effects when used in combination with various chemotherapeutic agents. CUR offers a unique treatment option in terms of patient safety and its ability to be used in combination with current treatments for CRC. Further development of its derivatives and alternative delivery options offer potential new avenues of treatment that could outperform previous efforts to establish CUR as a CRC therapy.

Chemotherapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Current scenario and future perspectives

Taxanes - docetaxel and cabazitaxel - are the most active chemotherapy drugs currently used for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, despite a good initial response and survival benefit, nearly all patients eventually develop resistance, which is an important barrier to long-term survival. Resistance to taxanes is also associated with cross-resistance to androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs). Unfortunately, other than platinum-based treatments, which have demonstrated some benefit in a subset of patients with Aggressive Variant Prostate Cancer (AVPC), few therapeutic options are available to patients progressing to taxanes. Hence, more research is required to determine whether platinum-based chemotherapy will confer a survival benefit in mCRPC, and the identification of predictive biomarkers and the clinical evaluation of platinum compounds in molecularly selected patients is an urgent but unmet clinical need. The present review focuses on the current status of chemotherapy treatments in mCRPC, interactions with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and novel ARSIs, and the main mechanisms of resistance. We will examine the impact of platinum-based treatments in mCRPC and summarize the known predictive biomarkers of platinum response. Finally, future approaches and avenues will be discussed.

Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Mediates Resistance to Maintenance Therapy with Vinflunine in Advanced Urothelial Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary

Platinum-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for advanced urothelial cell carcinoma (aUCC). After first-line treatment, we previously showed that maintenance therapy with vinflunine improves progression-free survival. However, some patients are resistant to vinflunine and the specific mechanisms of resistance in aUCC are unclear. We analyzed the genomic landscape and the biological processes potentially related to vinflunine activity and found that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role as a resistance mechanism. In experiments with cell lines, curcumin reversed EMT and sensitized cells to vinflunine. We suggest that EMT mediates resistance to vinflunine and that the reversion of this process could enhance the effect of vinflunine in aUCC patients.

Abstract

In the phase II MAJA trial, maintenance therapy with vinflunine resulted in longer progression-free survival compared to best supportive care in advanced urothelial cell carcinoma (aUCC) patients who did not progress after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. However, despite an initial benefit observed in some patients, unequivocal resistance appears which underlying mechanisms are presently unknown. We have performed gene expression and functional enrichment analyses to shed light on the discovery of these underlying resistance mechanisms. Differential gene expression profile of eight patients with poor outcome and nine with good outcome to vinflunine administered in the MAJA trial were analyzed. RNA was isolated from tumor tissue and gene expression was assessed by microarray. Differential expression was determined with linear models for microarray data. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used for the functional classification of the genes. In vitro functional studies were performed using UCC cell lines. Hierarchical clustering showed a differential gene expression pattern between patients with good and poor outcome to vinflunine treatment. GSEA identified epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as the top negatively enriched hallmark in patients with good outcome. In vitro analyses showed that the polyphenol curcumin downregulated EMT markers and sensitized UCC cells to vinflunine. We conclude that EMT mediates resistance to vinflunine and suggest that the reversion of this process could enhance the effect of vinflunine in aUCC patients.

Overexpression of CXCL8 gene in Saudi colon cancer patients

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of death in Saudi Arabia. CRC mostly affects older age groups, but now a days it also appears frequently at a young age. However, the complete genetic etiology of CRC remains unknown. To identify the genetic factors responsible for this cancer type and to search for biomarkers for early diagnosis and prevention, we collected sixteen CRC tumor tissue samples and six normal colon tissues and extracted mRNA and synthesized cDNA. We then performed microarray transcriptomic profiling of Saudi patients with colon cancer. Gene expression was analyzed using Partek Genomics Suite, and principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to separate the different clusters of colon cancer and healthy tissues. Distinct differences in gene expression profiles were observed between colon cancer and normal tissue samples. Subsequently, we validated gene expression using real-time PCR. We found that the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) gene was expressed most in CRC samples. CXCL8 expressed 25.6 folds more in CRC tissues than in healthy tissues. In conclusion, we found that CXCL8 is the chief biomarker gene that is expressed most in CRC and plays an important role in tumor progression and metastasis.

The effect of COVID-19 derived cytokine storm on cancer cells progression: double-edged sword

OBJECTIVE

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) was first detected in Wuhan, China in December, 2019. The emerging virus causes a respiratory illness, that can trigger a cytokine storm in the body.

METHOD

Cytokine storm in patient's body is associated with severe forms of disease. It is one of the main complications of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), in which immune cells play a major role. Studies have shown immune cells in the tumor environment can be effective to induce resistance to chemotherapy in cancer patients.

RESULT

Therefore, considering the role of immune cells to induce cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients, and their role to cause resistance to chemotherapy, they are effective on disease progression and creation of severe form of disease.

CONCLUSION

By examining the signaling pathways and inducing resistance to chemotherapy in tumor cells and the cells affect them, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of severe forms of the disease in cancer patients with COVID-19; it is applicable using target therapy and other subsequent treatment strategies.

Targeting of cancer cell death mechanisms by curcumin: Implications to cancer therapy

Cancer is known as a second major cause of death globally. Nowadays, several modalities have been developed for the treatment of cancer. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the most common modalities in most countries. However, newer modalities such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy drugs can kill cancer cells with minimal side effects. All anticancer agents work based on the killing of cancer cells. Numerous studies are ongoing to kill cancer cells more effectively without increasing side effects to normal tissues. The combination modalities with low toxic agents are interesting for this aim. Curcumin is one of the most common herbal agents that has shown several anticancer properties. It can regulate immune system responses against cancer. Furthermore, curcumin has been shown to potentiate cell death signalling pathways and attenuate survival signalling pathways in cancer cells. The knowledge of how curcumin induces cell death in cancers can improve therapeutic efficiency. In this review, the regulatory effects of curcumin on different cell death mechanisms and their signalling pathways will be discussed. Furthermore, we explain how curcumin may potentiate the anticancer effects of other drugs or radiotherapy through modulation of apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, senescence, autophagy and ferroptosis.

Oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer enhances TRAIL sensitivity via death receptor 4 upregulation and lipid raft localization

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer death, and its mortality is associated with metastasis and chemoresistance. We demonstrate that oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cells are sensitized to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Oxaliplatin-resistant cells exhibited transcriptional downregulation of caspase-10, but this had minimal effects on TRAIL sensitivity following CRISPR-Cas9 deletion of caspase-10 in parental cells. Sensitization effects in oxaliplatin-resistant cells were found to be a result of increased DR4, as well as significantly enhanced DR4 palmitoylation and translocation into lipid rafts. Raft perturbation via nystatin and resveratrol significantly altered DR4/raft colocalization and TRAIL sensitivity. Blood samples from metastatic CRC patients were treated with TRAIL liposomes, and a 57% reduction of viable circulating tumor cells (CTCs) was observed. Increased DR4/lipid raft colocalization in CTCs was found to correspond with increased oxaliplatin resistance and increased efficacy of TRAIL liposomes. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the role of lipid rafts in primary CTCs.

Therapeutic effect of curcumin in gastrointestinal cancers: A comprehensive review

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers with a high global prevalence are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, there is a great need to develop efficient therapeutic approaches. Curcumin, a naturally occurring agent, is a promising compound with documented safety and anticancer activities. Recent studies have demonstrated the activity of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of different cancers. According to systematic studies on curcumin use in various diseases, it can be particularly effective in GI cancers because of its high bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, the clinical applications of curcumin are largely limited because of its low solubility and low chemical stability in water. These limitations may be addressed by the use of relevant analogues or novel delivery systems. Herein, we summarize the pharmacological effects of curcumin against GI cancers. Moreover, we highlight the application of curcumin's analogues and novel delivery systems in the treatment of GI cancers.

Identification and analysis of key genes associated with acute myocardial infarction by integrated bioinformatics methods

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common disease leading threat to human health around the world. Here we aimed to explore new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in AMI through adopting integrated bioinformatics tools.

METHODS

The gene expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain genes data of AMI and no-AMI whole blood. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the "Limma" package in R 3.6.1 software. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed via "Bioconductor" and "GOplot" package in R 3.6.1 software. In order to screen hub DEGs, the STRING version 11.0 database, Cytoscape and molecular complex detection (MCODE) were applied. Correlation among the hub DEGs was evaluated using Pearson's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

By performing DEGs analysis, 289 upregulated and 62 downregulated DEGs were successfully identified from GSE66360, respectively. And they were mainly enriched in the terms of neutrophil activation, immune response, cytokine, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway. Based on the data of protein-protein interaction (PPI), the top 10 hub genes were ranked, including interleukin-8 (CXCL8), TNF, N-formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), growth-regulated alpha protein (CXCL1), transcription factor AP-1 (JUN), interleukin-1 beta (IL1B), platelet basic protein (PPBP), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), and high affinity immunoglobulin epsilon receptor subunit gamma (FCER1G). What's more, the results of correlation analysis demonstrated that there was positive correlation between the 10 hub DEGs.

CONCLUSION

Ten DEGs were identified as potential candidate diagnostic biomarkers for patients with AMI in present study. However, further experiments are needed to confirm the functional pathways and hub genes associated with AMI.

Focus on Multi-targeted Role of Curcumin: a Boon in Therapeutic Paradigm

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound that exhibited good anticancer potential against different types of cancers through its multi-targeted effect like the termination of cell proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, thereby acting as antiproliferative and cytotoxic in nature. The present review surveys the various drug combination tried with curcumin or its synthetic analogues and also the mechanism by which curcumin potentiates the effect of almost every drug. In addition, this article also focuses on aromatherapy which is gaining much popularity in cancer patients. After thoroughly studying several articles on combination therapy of curcumin through authenticated book chapters, websites, research, and review articles available at PubMed, ScienceDirect, etc., it has been observed that multi-targeted curcumin possess enormous anticancer potential and, with whatever drug it is given in combination, has always resulted in enhanced effect with reduced dose as well as side effects. It is also capable enough in overcoming the problem of chemoresistance. Besides this, aromatherapy also proved its potency in reducing cancer-related side effects. Combining all the factors together, we can conclude that combination therapy of drugs with curcumin should be explored extensively. In addition, aromatherapy can be used as an adjuvant or supplementary therapy to reduce the cancer complications in patients.

Updated Review on the Role of Curcumin in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs of digestion, including the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus, are referred to as gastrointestinal cancers. Curcumin is a natural compound derived from turmeric with a wide range of biological activities. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have investigated the effects of curcumin on gastrointestinal cancers. In the current review, we aimed to provide an updated summary on the recent findings regarding the beneficial effects of curcumin on different gastrointestinal cancers in the recent decade. For this purpose, ScienceDirect," "Google Scholar," "PubMed," "ISI Web of Knowledge," and "Wiley Online Library" databases were searched using "curcumin", "cancer", and "gastrointestinal organs" as keywords. In vitro studies performed on different gastrointestinal cancerous cell lines have shown that curcumin can inhibit cell growth through cycle arrest at the G2/M and G1 phases, as well as stimulated apoptosis and autophagy by interacting with multiple molecular targets. In vivo studies performed in various animal models have confirmed mainly the chemopreventive effects of curcumin. Several nano-formulations have been proposed to improve the bioavailability of curcumin and increase its absorption. Moreover, curcumin has been used in combinations with many anti-tumor drugs to increase their anticarcinogenic properties. Taken together, curcumin falls within the category of plant-derived substances capable of preventing or treating gastrointestinal cancers. Further studies, particularly clinical trials, on the efficacy and safety of curcumin are suggested in this regard.

Taxane-induced Attenuation of the CXCR2/BCL-2 Axis Sensitizes Prostate Cancer to Platinum-based Treatment

BACKGROUND

Taxanes are the most active chemotherapy agents in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients; yet, resistance occurs almost invariably, representing an important clinical challenge. Taxane-platinum combinations have shown clinical benefit in a subset of patients, but the mechanistic basis and biomarkers remain elusive.

OBJECTIVE

To identify mechanisms and response indicators for the antitumor efficacy of taxane-platinum combinations in mCRPC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Transcriptomic data from a publicly available mCRPC dataset of taxane-exposed and taxane-naïve patients were analyzed to identify response indicators and emerging vulnerabilities. Functional and preclinical validation was performed in taxane-resistant mCRPC cell lines and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs).

INTERVENTION

Metastatic CRPC cells were treated with docetaxel, cisplatin, carboplatin, the CXCR2 antagonist SB265610, and the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax. Gain and loss of function in culture of CXCR2 and BCL-2 were achieved by overexpression or siRNA silencing. Preclinical assays in GEMM mice tested the antitumor efficacy of taxane-platinum combinations.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Proliferation, apoptosis, and colony assays measured drug activity in vitro. Preclinical endpoints in mice included growth, survival, and histopathology. Changes in CXCR2, BCL-2, and chemokines were analyzed by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Human expression data were analyzed using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, hierarchical clustering, and correlation studies. GraphPad Prism software and R-studio were used for statistical and data analyses.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Transcriptomic data from taxane-exposed human mCRPC tumors correlate with a marked negative enrichment of apoptosis and inflammatory response pathways accompanied by a marked downregulation of CXCR2 and BCL-2. Mechanistically, we show that docetaxel inhibits CXCR2 and that BCL-2 downregulation occurs as a downstream effect. Further, we demonstrated in experimental models that the sensitivity to cisplatin is dependent on CXCR2 and BCL-2, and that targeting them sensitizes prostate cancer (PC) cells to cisplatin. In vivo taxane-platinum combinations are highly synergistic, and previous exposure to taxanes sensitizes mCRPC tumors to second-line cisplatin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The hitherto unappreciated attenuation of the CXCR2/BCL-2 axis in taxane-treated mCRPC patients is an acquired vulnerability with potential predictive activity for platinum-based treatments.

PATIENT SUMMARY

A subset of patients with aggressive and therapy-resistant prostate cancer benefits from taxane-platinum combination chemotherapy; however, we lack the mechanistic understanding of how that synergistic effect occurs. Here, using patient data and preclinical models, we found that taxanes reduce cancer cell escape mechanisms to chemotherapy-induced cell death, hence making these cells more vulnerable to additional platinum treatment.

Chemokines-What Is Their Role in Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. It is the second most frequently diagnosed malignancy in Europe and third worldwide. Colorectal malignancies diagnosed at an early stage offer a promising survival rate. However, advanced tumors often present distant metastases even after the complete resection of a primary tumor. Therefore, novel biomarkers of CRC are sorely needed in the diagnosis and prognosis of this common malignancy. A family of chemokines are composed of small, secreted proteins. They are best known for their ability to stimulate the migration of several cell types. Some investigations have indicated that chemokines are involved in cancer development, including CRC. This article presents current knowledge regarding chemokines and their specific receptors in CRC progression. Moreover, the prime aim of this review is to summarize the potential role of these proteins as biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC.

Curcumin Regulates ERCC1 Expression and Enhances Oxaliplatin Sensitivity in Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells through Its Effects on miR-409-3p

Background

Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) resistance is a major obstacle to the effective treatment of colorectal cancer. The resistance mechanism(s) of colorectal tumors to L-OHP may be related to the regulation of ERCC1 by cancer-expressed miRNAs, but no in-depth studies on the miRNAs that affect drug resistance have been performed. Curcumin (Cur) can reverse the drug resistance of cancer cells, but its effects on ERCC1 expression and miRNA profiles in colorectal cancer have not been studied.

Methods

To study the regulation effect of curcumin on ERCC1 expression and its effects on miRNAs, the L-OHP-resistant colorectal cancer cell line HCT116/L-OHP was established. MTT assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to investigate apoptotic induction. Western blot and RT-PCR analysis were used to evaluate the expression of drug-associated ERCC1, Bcl-2, GST-π, MRP, P-gp, and survivin.

Results

HCT116//L-OHP cell lines were successfully established. The combination of L-OHP and curcumin could reduce L-OHP resistance in vitro. In addition, combination therapy inhibited the expression of ERCC1, Bcl-2, GST-π, MRP, P-gp, and survivin at the mRNA and protein level. Curcumin was found to inhibit ERCC1 through its ability to modulate miR-409-3p.

Conclusion

Curcumin can overcome L-OHP resistance in colorectal cancer cells through its effects on miR-409-3p mediated ERCC1 expression.

The Significance of CXCL1 and CXCL8 as Well as Their Specific Receptors in Colorectal Cancer

Every year, almost 2 million people develop colorectal cancer (CRC), which makes it the fourth most common malignancy worldwide. It is also estimated that approximately 48% of CRC patients will die from the disease. Thus, noninvasive and accurate methods for early detection and prevention of CRC are sorely needed. It is suggested that C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) and C-X-C motif ligand 8 (CXCL8) as well as their cognate receptors can mediate tumor growth, proliferation, survival, neoangiogenesis and metastasis of malignant cells, including CRC. However, little is known about the clinical significance of these proteins as potential biomarkers for CRC. Therefore, in our review, we performed a comprehensive literature search using the PubMed database to identify original articles that investigated whether CXCL1 and CXCL8 and their receptors play a role in CRC pathogenesis. In summary, our review highlighted the potential significance of CXCL1/CXCR2 and CXCL8/CXCR1,-2 in the diagnosis and progression of CRC as well as indicated their potential therapeutic significance. However, given the non-specific nature of analyzed chemokines and a small number of studies concerning the assessment of blood concentration of these proteins in CRC patients, investigations need to be continued in the future before selected chemokines could be established as biomarkers for CRC.

Curcumin: A therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second cause of cancer death worldwide. The metastatic disease is mainly treated with aggressive therapies consisting on combinations of cytotoxic chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR or anti-VEGF drugs. In spite of the improvements in clinical outcomes achieved in the last decade, these are the result of multiple new combinations using the existing therapeutic options and the introduction of regorafenib and TAS-102 in second or later lines of treatment. As immunotherapies are limited to less than 5% of CRC patients harboring tumors with deficient mismatch repair, there is an urgent need of finding new drugs to increase our patients' survival opportunities. Among all the natural products that are candidates to be used for the treatment of CRC cancer, curcumin (the golden spice) is in the spotlight. Used for centuries in the Ayurveda medicine, its demonstrated anticancer properties and low toxicity profile made it the focus of hundreds of preclinical and clinical investigations. So far we know that it can be combined with most of the aforementioned drugs in a safe and synergistic way. Regretfully, its poor bioavailability has been one of the main issues for its successful introduction in the clinic. Nevertheless, a plethora of new formulations with a huge increase in bioavailability are under study with promising results. In this review we discuss the possibility of incorporating curcumin in the treatment of CRC; specifically, we review preclinical and clinical data supporting its possible combination with current therapies as well as new formulations under clinical study. It is time for the golden spice revolution.

Demethoxycurcumin increases the sensitivity of cisplatin-resistant non-small lung cancer cells to cisplatin and induces apoptosis by activating the caspase signaling pathway

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can develop strong drug resistance following long-term treatment with platinum-based drugs. Increasing doses of chemotherapeutic drugs fail to obtain better results, and serious complications occur. It has been demonstrated that upregulation of excision repair cross-complementary 1 (ERCC1) in lung cancer cells is closely associated with cell resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. In addition, curcumin (CMN) enhances antitumor effects in NSCLC by downregulating ERCC1. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of demethoxycurcumin (DMC), a curcuminoid, on the reversal of resistance of NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. The present study demonstrated that DMC significantly increased the sensitivity of DDP in DDP-resistant A549 (A549/DDP) cells. The results from an MTT assay demonstrated that DMC combined with DDP significantly attenuated the proliferation of A549/DDP cells. Furthermore, DMC exhibited decreased toxicity in normal lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. In addition, following treatment of A549/DDP cells with a combination of DMC and DDP, the expression of ERCC1 was reduced, the protein levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were decreased and increased, respectively, whereas caspase-3 was activated, according to results from western blotting. Finally, DDP combined with DMC significantly attenuated A549/DDP cell-derived tumor growth in vivo. Taken together, the findings from the present study suggested that DMC in combination with DDP may be considered as a novel combination regimen for restoring DDP sensitivity in DDP-resistant NSCLC cells.