Quercetin inhibits proliferation of and induces apoptosis in non-small-cell lung carcinoma via the lncRNA SNHG7/miR-34a-5p pathway

Exploring the therapeutic potential of quercetin in cancer treatment: Targeting long non-coding RNAs

The escalating global incidence of cancer, which results in millions of fatalities annually, underscores the pressing need for effective pharmacological interventions across diverse cancer types. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of RNA molecules that lack protein-coding capacity but profoundly impact gene expression regulation, have emerged as pivotal players in key cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, cellular metabolism, and drug resistance. Among natural compounds, quercetin, a phenolic compound abundantly present in fruits and vegetables has garnered attention due to its significant anticancer properties. Quercetin demonstrates the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis-a process often impaired in malignant cells. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the therapeutic potential of quercetin in cancer treatment, with a specific focus on its intricate interactions with lncRNAs. We explore how quercetin modulates lncRNA expression and function to exert its anticancer effects. Notably, quercetin suppresses oncogenic lncRNAs that drive cancer development and progression while enhancing tumor-suppressive lncRNAs that impede cancer growth and dissemination. Additionally, we discuss quercetin's role as a chemopreventive agent, which plays a crucial role in mitigating cancer risk. We address research challenges and future directions, emphasizing the necessity for in-depth mechanistic studies and strategies to enhance quercetin's bioavailability and target specificity. By synthesizing existing knowledge, this review underscores quercetin's promising potential as a novel therapeutic strategy in the ongoing battle against cancer, offering fresh insights and avenues for further investigation in this critical field.

MicroRNAs and the Mediterranean diet: a nutri-omics perspective for lung cancer

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer type worldwide with ~ 1.8 million deaths per-year. Smoking accounts for ~ 85% of all cases, with a described joint effect with unhealthy diet in lung cancer risk increase. Public health policies to prevent carcinogens exposure, promote smoking cessation and advocacy for healthy nutrition, are therefore highly recommended. Here we have examined the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) in protecting against some non-communicable diseases including lung cancer, highlighting the epidemiological and biomolecular aspects of MedDiet anti-inflammatory effect and its interaction with smoking habits closely linked to risk of lung cancer. Considering the high incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer, we discussed also about the global impact that a Planeterranean extension of the benefits of MedDiet could have on controlling lung cancer risk. We also debated the impact of personalized nutrition on lung cancer prevention, considering individual heterogeneity in response to diet plans as well as recent advancements on nutri-omics in lung cancer research, with a specific focus on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as a promising nutritional molecular hub for lung cancer prevention. We strongly believe that a deep understanding of the molecular link between food components and genetic/epigenetics factors can expand effective intervention strategies.

Modulation of long noncoding RNAs by polyphenols as a novel potential therapeutic approach in lung cancer: A comprehensive review

Lung cancer stands as a formidable global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Polyphenols, bioactive compounds synthesized by plants, have garnered attention for their diverse health benefits, particularly in combating various cancers, including lung cancer. The advent of whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing technologies has illuminated the pivotal roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), operating at epigenetic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional levels, in cancer progression. This review comprehensively explores the impact of polyphenols on both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive lncRNAs in lung cancer, elucidating on their intricate regulatory mechanisms. The comprehensive examination extends to the potential synergies when combining polyphenols with conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Recognizing the heterogeneity of lung cancer subtypes, the review emphasizes the need for the integration of nanotechnology for optimized polyphenol delivery and personalized therapeutic approaches. In conclusion, we collect the latest research, offering a holistic overview of the evolving landscape of polyphenol-mediated modulation of lncRNAs in lung cancer therapy. The integration of polyphenols and lncRNAs into multidimensional treatment strategies holds promise for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and navigating the challenges associated with lung cancer treatment.

Research Progress of Baihe Gujin Decoction in the Treatment of Lung Cancer

Baihe Gujin decoction is one of the most commonly used decoction in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of lung cancer. It can nourish yin and moisten the lung as well as prevent phlegm from forming and stop coughing. On the one hand, Baihe Gujin decoction is characterized with extensive application, proven efficacy, a long history, and high safety. On the other hand, Baihe Gujin decoction can induce apoptosis of tumor cells, improve immune function and inhibit inflammation. The main anti-tumor components of this include kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, glycyrrhizin and β-sitosterol. Clinically, Baihe Gujin decoction can improve the adverse reactions caused by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy for lung cancer, enhance the quality of life of patients, and prolong their survival time. At present, there are a large number of clinical and basic researches on the treatment of lung cancer with Baihe Gujin decoction. In this paper, we mainly discussed the treatment of lung cancer with Baihe Gujin decoction through analyzing basic and clinical researches at home and abroad in the past 20 years. Through the discussion, we aimed to probe deeper into Baihe Gujin decoction for the treatment of lung cancer, thereby providing a broader idea for clinical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Selected Flavonols Targeting Cell Death Pathways in Cancer Therapy: The Latest Achievements in Research on Apoptosis, Autophagy, Necroptosis, Pyroptosis, Ferroptosis, and Cuproptosis

The complex and multi-stage processes of carcinogenesis are accompanied by a number of phenomena related to the potential involvement of various chemopreventive factors, which include, among others, compounds of natural origin such as flavonols. The use of flavonols is not only promising but also a recognized strategy for cancer treatment. The chemopreventive impact of flavonols on cancer arises from their ability to act as antioxidants, impede proliferation, promote cell death, inhibit angiogenesis, and regulate the immune system through involvement in diverse forms of cellular death. So far, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis occurring with the participation of flavonols have remained incompletely elucidated, and the results of the studies carried out so far are ambiguous. For this reason, one of the therapeutic goals is to initiate the death of altered cells through the use of quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, isorhamnetin, galangin, fisetin, and morin. This article offers an extensive overview of recent research on these compounds, focusing particularly on their role in combating cancer and elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis. Assessment of the mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of compounds in therapy targeting various types of cell death pathways may prove useful in developing new therapeutic regimens and counteracting resistance to previously used treatments.

Dietary Epigenetic Modulators: Unravelling the Still-Controversial Benefits of miRNAs in Nutrition and Disease

In the context of nutrient-driven epigenetic alterations, food-derived miRNAs can be absorbed into the circulatory system and organs of recipients, especially humans, and potentially contribute to modulating health and diseases. Evidence suggests that food uptake, by carrying exogenous miRNAs (xenomiRNAs), regulates the individual miRNA profile, modifying the redox homeostasis and inflammatory conditions underlying pathological processes, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. The capacity of diet to control miRNA levels and the comprehension of the unique characteristics of dietary miRNAs in terms of gene expression regulation show important perspectives as a strategy to control disease susceptibility via epigenetic modifications and refine the clinical outcomes. However, the absorption, stability, availability, and epigenetic roles of dietary miRNAs are intriguing and currently the subject of intense debate; additionally, there is restricted knowledge of their physiological and potential side effects. Within this framework, we provided up-to-date and comprehensive knowledge on dietary miRNAs' potential, discussing the latest advances and controversial issues related to the role of miRNAs in human health and disease as modulators of chronic syndromes.

Epigenetic-based antioxidant effect of an ethanolic extract of Corylus avellana L. on THLE-2 human primary hepatocytes

The ethanolic extract of Corylus avellana L hazelnut, prepared in our laboratories, has been previously characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. We here aimed at testing the antioxidant effect of such extract in H2O2-challenged THLE-2 human primary hepatocytes and verified whether it might be based on microRNA-34b/c expression changes. We here demonstrate that miR-34b/miR-34c undergo significant stimulation (≥2-fold change, p < 0.05) in THLE-2 when treated for 72h with not-toxic hazelnut concentrations (0.04-0.4 mg/ml), when compared with 0.06% ethanol control. When administered with H2O2 (1000-2000 µM, 24h), THLE-2 are significantly protected from oxidative stress if pre-treated with hazelnut, the H2O2-driven cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species generation being recovered by hazelnut extract, through miR-34b/c stimulation. Although preliminary, our findings pave the way for further preclinical studies aimed at validating the possible health-related application of hazelnut matrix, and/or its metabolites, as powerful epigenetic-based drugs, food supplements or nutraceuticals.

Integrating network pharmacology with molecular docking for elucidation of molecular biological mechanisms of Jiedu Qingjin formula for non-small cell lung cancer

Traditional Chinese medicine is an important part of complementary alternative medicine. Jiedu Qingjin formula (JDQJF) is an effective national invention patent for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated the molecular biological mechanisms based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Compounds of JDQJF were screened through the TCMSP, ETCM, and literature. Targets were searched by DrugBank and predicted by SwissTargetPrediction. GEO database was applied for screening differentially expressed genes between cancerous tissues and healthy tissues of NSCLC. Subsequently, the protein-protein interaction between JDQJF and NSCLC were obtained by Cytoscape. Visual analyses were carried out to extract candidate genes, then subjected to Metascape for enrichment analyses. Finally, molecular docking was performed by AutoDock, and the best complexes were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation and binding energy calculations by MMPBSA. A total of 273 compounds, 390 targets, 3146 GO terms, and 174 KEGG pathways were obtained. Five potential compounds (quercetin, adenosine, apigenin, heptadecanoic acid, and luteolin) were notably modulated by key targets AKT1, MAPK3, and RAF1. Enrichment results included cell cycle process, growth transduction factor, immune response-activating transduction, and involved PI3K/AKT, MAPK, NF-κB and VEGF pathway. RAF1-quercetin showed the highest binding affinity (-9.1 kcal/mol), revealed stable interactions during the simulation, and the highest estimated relative binding energy of the RAF1-Heptadecanoic was -184.277 kcal/mol. This study suggested that EMT-related, inflammation-related, immune-related, and angiogenesis-related pathways may be associated with JDQJF, and involved in the advancement of NSCLC, which points out the research direction for subsequent utility mechanism validation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Quercetin inhibits DNA damage responses to induce apoptosis via SIRT5/PI3K/AKT pathway in non-small cell lung cancer

SIRT5 is a mitochondrial NAD+ -dependent lysine deacylase. Downregulation of SIRT5 has been linked to several primary cancers and DNA damage. In clinical therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the Feiyiliu Mixture (FYLM) is an experience and effective Chinese herb prescription. And we found that quercetin is an important ingredient in the FYLM. However, whether quercetin regulates DNA damage repair (DDR) and induces apoptosis through SIRT5 in NSCLC remains unknown. The present study revealed that quercetin directly binds to SIRT5 and inhibits the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT through the interaction between SIRT5 and PI3K, thus inhibiting the repair process of homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) in NSCLC, which raise mitotic catastrophe and apoptosis. Our study provided a novel mechanism of action of quercetin in the treatment of NSCLC.

The effectiveness of blood-activating and stasis-transforming traditional Chinese medicines (BAST) in lung cancer progression-a comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Blood-activating and stasis-transforming traditional Chinese medicines (BAST) are a class of herbs that have the effect of dilating blood vessels and dispersing stagnation. Modern pharmaceutical research has demonstrated that they are capable of improving hemodynamics and micro-flow, resist thrombosis and promote blood flow. BAST contain numerous active ingredients, which can theoretically regulate multiple targets at the same time and have a wide range of pharmacological effects in the treatment of diseases including human cancers. Clinically, BAST have minimal side effects and can be used in combination with Western medicine to improve patients' quality of life, lessen adverse effects and minimize the risk of recurrence and metastasis of cancers.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

We aimed to summarize the research progression of BAST on lung cancer in the past five years and present a prospect for the future. Particularly, this review further analyzes the effects and molecular mechanisms that BAST inhibit the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant studies about BSAT were collected from PubMed and Web of science.

RESULTS

Lung cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the highest mortality rate. Most patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage and are highly susceptible to metastasis. Recent studies have shown that BAST, a class of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the function of opening veins and dispersing blood stasis, significantly improve hemodynamics and microcirculation, prevent thrombosis and promote blood flow, and thereby inhibiting the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer. In the current review, we analyzed 51 active ingredients extracted from BAST. It was found that BAST and their active ingredients contribute to the prevention of invasion and metastasis of lung cancer through multiple mechanisms, such as regulation of EMT process, specific signaling pathway and metastasis-related genes, tumor blood vessel formation, immune microenvironment and inflammatory response of tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

BSAT and its active ingredients have showed promising anticancer activity and significantly inhibit the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer. A growing number of studies have realized their potential clinical significance in the therapy of lung cancer, which will provide substantial evidences for the development of new TCM for lung cancer therapy.

Quercetin modulates signal transductions and targets non-coding RNAs against cancer development

In recent decades, various investigations have indicated that natural compounds have great potential in the prevention and treatment of different chronic disorders including different types of cancer. As a bioactive flavonoid, Quercetin (Qu) is a dietary ingredient enjoying high pharmacological values and health-promoting effects due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characterization. Conclusive in vitro and in vivo evidence has revealed that Qu has great potential in cancer prevention and development. Qu exerts its anticancer influences by altering various cellular processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, metastasis, cell cycle, and proliferation. In this way, Qu by targeting numerous signaling pathways as well as non-coding RNAs regulates several cellular mechanisms to suppress cancer occurrence and promotion. This review aimed to summarize the impact of Qu on the molecular pathways and non-coding RNAs in modulating various cancer-associated cellular mechanisms.

Natural flavonoids alleviate glioblastoma multiforme by regulating long non-coding RNA

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common primary malignant brain tumors in adults. Due to the poor prognosis of patients, the median survival time of GBM is often less than 1 year. Therefore, it is very necessary to find novel treatment options with a good prognosis for the treatment or prevention of GBM. In recent years, flavonoids are frequently used to treat cancer. It is a new attractive molecule that may achieve this promising treatment option. Flavonoids have been proved to have many biological functions, such as antioxidation, prevention of angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, and protection of nerve cells. It has also shown the ability to regulate long non-coding RNA (LncRNA). Studies have confirmed that flavonoids can regulate epigenetic modification, transcription, and change microRNA (miRNA) expression of GBM through lncRNA at the gene level. It also found that flavonoids can induce apoptosis and autophagy of GBM cells by regulating lncRNA. Moreover, it can improve the metabolic abnormalities of GBM, interfere with the tumor microenvironment and related signaling pathways, and inhibit the angiogenesis of GBM cells. Eventually, flavonoids can block the tumor initiation, growth, proliferation, differentiation, invasion, and metastasis. In this review, we highlight the role of lncRNA in GBM cancer progression and the influence of flavonoids on lncRNA regulation. And emphasize their expected role in the prevention and treatment of GBM.

The mechanism of Bai He Gu Jin Tang against non-small cell lung cancer revealed by network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related burden and deaths, thus effective treatment strategies with lower side effects for NSCLC are urgently needed. To systematically analyze the mechanism of Bai He Gu Jin Tang (BHGJT) against NSCLC by network pharmacology and molecular docking.

METHODS

The active compounds of BHGJT were obtained by searching the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Encyclopaedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Search tool for interactions of chemicals was used for acquiring the targets of BHGJT. The component-target network was mapped by Cytoscape. NSCLC-related genes were obtained by searching Genecards, DrugBank and Therapeutic Target Database. The protein-protein interaction network of intersection targets was established based on Search Tool for Recurring Instances of Neighboring Genes (STRING), and further, the therapeutic core targets were selected by topological parameters. The hub targets were transmitted to Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Finally, AutoDock Vina and MglTools were employed for molecular docking validation.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-six compounds and 237 putative targets of BHGJT-related active compounds as well as 1721potential targets of NSCLC were retrieved. Network analysis showed that 8 active compounds of BHGJT including kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin, isorhamnetin, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, mairin and liquiritigenin as well as 15 hub targets such as AKR1B10 and AKR1C2 contribute to the treatment of BHGJT against NSCLC. GO functional enrichment analysis shows that BHGJT could regulate many biological processes, such as apoptotic process. Three modules of the endocrine related pathways including the inflammation, hypoxia related pathways as well as the other cancer related pathways based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis might explain the biological mechanisms of BHGJT in treating BHGJT. The results of molecular docking verified that AKR1B10 and AKR1C2 had the strongest binding activity with the 8 key compounds of NSCLC.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals the mechanism of BHGJT in treating NSCLC involving multiple components, multiple targets and multiple pathways. The present study laid an initial foundation for the subsequent research and clinical application of BHGJT and its active compounds against NSCLC.

Natural flavonoids exhibit potent anticancer activity by targeting microRNAs in cancer: A signature step hinting towards clinical perfection

Cancer prevalence and its rate of incidence are constantly rising since the past few decades. Owing to the toxicity of present-day antineoplastic drugs, it is imperative to explore safer and more effective molecules to combat and/or prevent this dreaded disease. Flavonoids, a class of polyphenols, have exhibited multifaceted implications against several diseases including cancer, without showing significant toxicity towards the normal cells. Shredded pieces of evidence suggest that flavonoids can enhance drug sensitivity and suppress proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis of cancer cells by modulating several oncogenic or oncosuppressor microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs). They play pivotal roles in regulation of various biological and pathological processes, including various cancers. In the present review, the structure, chemistry and miR targeting efficacy of quercetin, luteolin, silibinin, genistein, epigallocatechin gallate, and cyanidin against several cancer types are comprehensively discussed. miRs are considered as next-generation medicine of recent times, and their targeting by naturally occurring flavonoids in cancer cells could be deemed as a signature step. We anticipate that our compilations related to miRNA-mediated regulation of cancer cells by flavonoids might catapult the clinical investigations and affirmation in the future.

Contribution of Non-Coding RNAs to Anticancer Effects of Dietary Polyphenols: Chlorogenic Acid, Curcumin, Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate, Genistein, Quercetin and Resveratrol

Growing evidence has been accumulated to show the anticancer effects of daily consumption of polyphenols. These dietary polyphenols include chlorogenic acid, curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, genistein, quercetin, and resveratrol. These polyphenols have similar chemical and biological properties in that they can act as antioxidants and exert the anticancer effects via cell signaling pathways involving their reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging activity. These polyphenols may also act as pro-oxidants under certain conditions, especially at high concentrations. Epigenetic modifications, including dysregulation of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs are now known to be involved in the anticancer effects of polyphenols. These polyphenols can modulate the expression/activity of the component molecules in ROS-scavenger-triggered anticancer pathways (RSTAPs) by increasing the expression of tumor-suppressive ncRNAs and decreasing the expression of oncogenic ncRNAs in general. Multiple ncRNAs are similarly modulated by multiple polyphenols. Many of the targets of ncRNAs affected by these polyphenols are components of RSTAPs. Therefore, ncRNA modulation may enhance the anticancer effects of polyphenols via RSTAPs in an additive or synergistic manner, although other mechanisms may be operating as well.

The crucial roles of long noncoding RNA SNHGs in lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors with growing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several treatments are used to manage lung cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as molecular-targeted therapy. However, the current measures are still far from satisfactory. Therefore, the current research should focus on exploring the molecular mechanism and then finding an effective treatment. Interestingly, we and others have embarked on a line of investigations focused on the mechanism of lung cancer. Specifically, lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene has been shown to be associated with biological characteristics and therapeutic resistance of lung cancer. In addition, small nucleolar RNA host genes may be used as diagnostic biomarker in the future. Herein, we will provide a brief review demonstrating the importance of small nucleolar RNA host genes in lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer. Although lncRNA has shown a crucial role in tumor-related research, a large number of studies are needed to validate its clinical application in the future.

Using ncRNAs as Tools in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment-The Way towards Personalized Medicine to Improve Patients' Health

Although the first discovery of a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) dates back to 1958, only in recent years has the complexity of the transcriptome started to be elucidated. However, its components are still under investigation and their identification is one of the challenges that scientists are presently facing. In addition, their function is still far from being fully understood. The non-coding portion of the genome is indeed the largest, both quantitatively and qualitatively. A large fraction of these ncRNAs have a regulatory role either in coding mRNAs or in other ncRNAs, creating an intracellular network of crossed interactions (competing endogenous RNA networks, or ceRNET) that fine-tune the gene expression in both health and disease. The alteration of the equilibrium among such interactions can be enough to cause a transition from health to disease, but the opposite is equally true, leading to the possibility of intervening based on these mechanisms to cure human conditions. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge on these mechanisms, illustrating how they can be used for disease treatment, the current challenges and pitfalls, and the roles of environmental and lifestyle-related contributing factors, in addition to the ethical, legal, and social issues arising from their (improper) use.

Bioinformatics and System Biology Approach to Reveal the Interaction Network and the Therapeutic Implications for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients With COVID-19

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the leading cause of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), is an emerging global health crisis. Lung cancer patients are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. With the increasing number of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with COVID-19, there is an urgent need of efficacious drugs for the treatment of COVID-19/NSCLC.

Methods: Based on a comprehensive bioinformatic and systemic biological analysis, this study investigated COVID-19/NSCLC interactional hub genes, detected common pathways and molecular biomarkers, and predicted potential agents for COVID-19 and NSCLC.

Results: A total of 122 COVID-19/NSCLC interactional genes and 21 interactional hub genes were identified. The enrichment analysis indicated that COVID-19 and NSCLC shared common signaling pathways, including cell cycle, viral carcinogenesis, and p53 signaling pathway. In total, 10 important transcription factors (TFs) and 44 microRNAs (miRNAs) participated in regulations of 21 interactional hub genes. In addition, 23 potential candidates were predicted for the treatment of COVID-19 and NSCLC.

Conclusion: This study increased our understanding of pathophysiology and screened potential drugs for COVID-19 and NSCLC.

The Core Mechanism of Yiqi Yangjing Decoction Inhibiting Nonsmall-Cell Lung Cancer

Background

Yiqi Yangjing prescription (YQYJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription used for treating lung cancer. It has a significant effect on enhancing efficacy, reducing toxic symptoms, and improving patients' physical well-being. The effective inhibitory effect on nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanism of action and the material basis still remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we explored this mechanism using network pharmacology, after which we explored the pharmacodynamics and the action mechanism of YQYJ using cell viability evaluation, plate clone formation assay, flow cytometry, real-time quantitative PCR, and Western blot.

Results

The enrichment results showed that there were 50 active components and 68 core targets related to YQYJ inhibiting NSCLC, including quercetin, luteolin, gamatin, kaempferol, heat shock protein HSP 90-alpha (HSP90AA1), cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and others. Among them, quercetin and kaempferol revealed the best binding effect with core targets. Most importantly, YQYJ promoted A549 cells from the quiescent phase into the proliferative phase to enhance the sensitivity of A549 cells to YQYJ and inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells significantly (P < 0.05). The A549 cells were blocked in both S and G2/M phases while the apoptosis ratio was increased. The proliferation score of A549 cells treated with YQYJ was significantly reduced compared to A549 cells in the proliferative phase (P < 0.05). This regulatory effect was related to the expression regulation of HSP90AA1, CDK2, STAT3, and phosphor-STAT3 (p-STAT3) by YQYJ, kaempferol, and quercetin.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that the inhibition of NSCLC via YQYJ had multicomponent and multitarget characteristics. Its core mechanism is related to the regulation of the cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis of NSCLC. This study provides a direction and scientific basis for exploring the future mechanism of YQYJ for the treatment of NSCLC.

LncRNA FOXP4-AS promotes the progression of non-small cell lung cancer by regulating the miR-3184-5p/EIF5A axis

Long non coding RNA FOXP4-AS1 exerted crucial functions in various human cancers, while its role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. A total of 30 pairs of NSCLC tissues and matched adjacent normal tissues were used to evaluate the expression of FOXP4-AS1 and miR-3184-5p. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay were performed to determine the regulatory relationship among FOXP4-AS1, miR-3184-5p and EIF5A. The xenograft tumor model was constructed to confirm the function of FOXP4-AS1 in NSCLC progression. The results showed that FOXP4-AS1 was upregulated and miR-3184-5p was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Downregulation of FOXP4-AS1 significantly reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of NSCLC cells in vitro. FOXP4-AS1 could regulated the expression of EIF5A by binding to miR-3184-5p. Rescue experiments showed that downregulation of miR-3184-5p or overexpression of EIF5A obviously attenuated the inhibitory effects of si-FOXP4-AS1 on cell proliferation, as well as the stimulating effects on cell apoptosis. Moreover, knockdown of FOXP4-AS1 could efficiently inhibited tumor development of NSCLC in vivo. Downregulation of FOXP4-AS1 attenuated the progression of NSCLC by regulating miR-3184-5p and EIF5A.

Oncogenic Roles of Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 7 (SNHG7) Long Noncoding RNA in Human Cancers and Potentials

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of noncoding transcripts characterized with more than 200 nucleotides of length. Unlike their names, some short open reading frames are recognized for them encoding small proteins. LncRNAs are found to play regulatory roles in essential cellular processes such as cell growth and apoptosis. Therefore, an increasing number of lncRNAs are identified with dysregulation in a wide variety of human cancers. SNHG7 is an lncRNA with upregulation in cancer cells and tissues. It is frequently reported with potency of promoting malignant cell behaviors in vitro and in vivo. Like oncogenic/tumor suppressor lncRNAs, SNHG7 is found to exert its tumorigenic functions through interaction with other biological substances. These include sponging target miRNAs (various numbers are identified), regulation of several signaling pathways, transcription factors, and effector proteins. Importantly, clinical studies demonstrate association between high SNHG7 expression and clinicopathological features in cancerous patients, worse prognosis, and enhanced chemoresistance. In this review, we summarize recent studies in three eras of cell, animal, and human experiments to bold the prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic potentials.