Allicin Reduces 5-fluorouracil-resistance in Gastric Cancer Cells through Modulating MDR1, DKK1, and WNT5A Expression

The interplay between microRNAs and Nrf2 signaling in human cancers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as a class of nonprotein-coding RNAs, post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of target genes by base pairing to 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTRs). Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has been identified as a critical component of the antioxidant defense mechanism. Dysregulation is associated with chemoresistance and radioresistance in cancerous cells. MiRNA-mediated regulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway has been shown to have important implications for the development of various cancers. In this article, we review the roles of miRNAs as regulators of the Nrf2 pathway in different human cancers. Ras-associated binding (Rab) proteins have an essential role regulation of vesicle transport, as well as oncogenic functions in preventing chemotherapy efficacy and cancer development. More importantly, increased evidence indicated that the interaction between miRNAs and Rabs has been determined to play critical roles in cancer therapy. However, the significant limitations in using miRNAs for therapeutic applications include cross-targeting and instability of miRNAs. The detailed aspect of the interaction of miRNAs and Rabs is not clearly understood. In the current review, we highlighted the involvement of these molecules as regulators of the Nrf2 pathway in cancer pathogenesis. Potential methods and several obstacles in developing miRNAs as an anticancer therapy are also mentioned.

Empowering the Battle: Bioenhancers as Allies Against Cancer Drug Resistance

BACKGROUND

Drug resistance has been a great hindrance in the path of counteracting diseases like cancer and is driven by drugs misuse and overuse. In terms of cancer, resistance has been developed due to cellular changes, altered growth activation pathways, increased expression of efflux proteins, and changes in the local physiology of cancer (blood supply, tissue hydrodynamics, increased mutation rate/epigenetics, tumor cell heterogeneity). One of the approaches to address these challenges is the use of bioenhancers, which can overcome drug resistance, thereby improving bioavailability (BA).

CONCLUSION

Bioenhancers when combined with drugs can elicit pharmacological activity. They are generally combined with therapeutic agents at low doses, which increase the BA or therapeutic activity of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). This review sheds light on the synthesis and classification of bio-enhancers. It also discusses different applications of bio-enhancers like piperine, ginger, quercetin, curcumin, etc. in the treatment of cancer. The review also presents some of the recent advancements in terms of nanocarriers for delivering API combined with bioenhancers.

Propofol-Induced miR-493-3p Inhibits Growth and Invasion of Gastric Cancer through Suppression of DKK1-Mediated Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Activation

Purpose

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and also one of the most deadly tumors. In recent years, studies have shown that propofol can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of many tumor cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of propofol inhibition of the growth and invasion of GC cells.

Methods

Human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 and human normal gastric epithelial cell GES-1 were cultured in high-glucose Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum at 37°C with 5% CO₂. Propofol of different concentrations (0, 2, 5, and 10 μg/mL) was used to treat SGC-7901, and miR-493-3p inhibitor was transfected into SGC-7901. The cell proliferation of SGC-7901 was analyzed by MTT as well as colony formation assay. The qRT-PCR was used to assess the expression of mRNA for key genes. We examined the protein expression of DKK1 and relative markers with western blot. Putative binding places of miR-493-3p on the 3'-untranslated area of DKK1 were predicted using bioinformatics and dual-luciferase method.

Results

Propofol prohibited phenotypic features of GC, according to our findings. Furthermore, research into the underlying mechanisms of propofol's suppressive effects in GC cell proved that propofol therapy improved the degrees of expression of the potential tumor suppressor miR-493-3p. The inhibiting properties of propofol on GC cell development, migration, and invasion were abolished when propofol-induced miR493-3p was silenced with anti-miR-493-3p. We also found that this drug reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in SGC-7901 cells via inducing miR-493-3p. Propofol-induced miR-493-3p decreases GC cell development via targeting DKK1 and hence inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling, according to these findings.

Conclusion

Propofol-induced miR-493-3p decreased GC cell development via targeting DKK1 and hence inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling, according to these findings.

Combination Anticancer Therapies Using Selected Phytochemicals

Cancer is still one of the most widespread diseases globally, it is considered a vital health challenge worldwide and one of the main barriers to long life expectancy. Due to the potential toxicity and lack of selectivity of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, discovering alternative treatments is a top priority. Plant-derived natural products have high potential in cancer treatment due to their multiple mechanisms of action, diversity in structure, availability in nature, and relatively low toxicity. In this review, the anticancer mechanisms of the most common phytochemicals were analyzed. Furthermore, a detailed discussion of the anticancer effect of combinations consisting of natural product or natural products with chemotherapeutic drugs was provided. This review should provide a strong platform for researchers and clinicians to improve basic and clinical research in the development of alternative anticancer medicines.

Plants as a Source of Anticancer Agents: From Bench to Bedside

Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Conventional anticancer therapies are associated with lack of selectivity and serious side effects. Cancer hallmarks are biological capabilities acquired by cancer cells during neoplastic transformation. Targeting multiple cancer hallmarks is a promising strategy to treat cancer. The diversity in chemical structure and the relatively low toxicity make plant-derived natural products a promising source for the development of new and more effective anticancer therapies that have the capacity to target multiple hallmarks in cancer. In this review, we discussed the anticancer activities of ten natural products extracted from plants. The majority of these products inhibit cancer by targeting multiple cancer hallmarks, and many of these chemicals have reached clinical applications. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers and physicians to design more effective combination anticancer therapies using plant-derived natural products.