Natural borneol sensitizes human glioma cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis by triggering ROS-mediated oxidative damage and regulation of MAPKs and PI3K/AKT pathway

Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-secreted CCL22 confers cisplatin resistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells via regulating the activity of diacylglycerol kinase α (DGKα)/NOX4 axis

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are often associated with chemoresistance and resultant poor clinical outcome in solid tumors. Here, we demonstrated that TAMs-released chemokine-C-C motif chemokine 22 (CCL22) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) stroma was tightly correlated with the chemoresistance of ESCC patients. TAMs-secreted CCL22 was able to block the growth inhibitory and apoptosis-promoting effects of cisplatin on ESCC cells. Mechanistically, CCL22 stimulated intratumoral diacylglycerol kinase α (DGKα) to produce phosphatidic acid (PA), which suppressed the activity of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and then blocked the overproduction of intratumoral reactive species oxygen (ROS) induced by cisplatin. CCL22 activated DGKα/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) axis to upregulate the level of several members of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily, including ABC sub-family G member 4 (ABCG4), ABC sub-family A member 3 (ABCA3), and ABC sub-family A member 5 (ABCA5), to lower the intratumoral concentration of cisplatin. Consequently, these processes induced the cisplatin resistance in ESCC cells. In xenografted models, targeting DGKα with 5'-cholesterol-conjugated small-interfering (si) RNA enhanced the chemosensitivity of cisplatin in ESCC treatment, especially in the context of TAMs. Our data establish the correlation between the TAMs-induced intratumoral metabolic product/ROS axis and chemotherapy efficacy in ESCC treatment and reveal relevant molecular mechanisms.

Tomatidine activates autophagy to improve lung injury and inflammation in sepsis by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK pathways

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening medical condition with high mortality and morbidity. Autophagy is involved in the pathophysiological process of sepsis-induced ALI, including inflammation, which indicates that regulating autophagy may be beneficial for this disease. Tomatidine, a natural compound abundant in unripe tomatoes, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and lipid-lowering effects. However, the biological functions and mechanisms of tomatidine in sepsis-induced ALI remain unknown. The principal objective of this study was to investigate the effect of tomatidine on sepsis-induced ALI. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used to induce septic lung injury in mice, and 10 mg/kg tomatidine was intraperitoneally injected into mice 2 h after the operation. The results of hematoxylin and eosin staining and assessment of lung edema and total protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) demonstrated that tomatidine alleviated CLP-induced severe lung injuries such as hemorrhage, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and interstitial and alveolar edema in mice. Additionally, the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in BALF and lung tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the results showed that tomatidine inhibited CLP-induced inflammatory damage to lungs. Moreover, the results of western blotting showed that tomatidine promoted autophagy during CLP-induced ALI. Mechanistically, immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used to measure the protein levels of TLR4, phosphorylated NF-κB, phosphorylated IκBα, and phosphorylated MAPKs, showing that tomatidine inactivated NF-κB and MAPK signaling in lung tissues of CLP-induced ALI mice. In conclusion, tomatidine exerts protective effects against sepsis-induced severe damage to the lungs by inhibiting inflammation and activating autophagy in CLP-treated mice through inactivating the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, which may be an effective candidate for treating septic ALI.

Multi-omics revealed the mechanisms of Codonopsis pilosula aqueous extract in improving UC through blocking abnormal activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICALRELEVANCE

Codonopsis pilosula (DS), a traditional Chinese medicine, had been used to regulate the immune, digestive and circulatory systems of the human, as well as protect the gastrointestinal tract, improve lung function.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of study was to explore the effects and mechanism of Codonopsis pilosula aqueous extract (DS) intervention in improving ulcerative colitis (UC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UC model rats were established using combination of TNBS and ethanol. Tissue samples were collected for transcriptome and metabolomics analysis. Network pharmacology was performed on DS to identify bioactive compounds. Western blot was used to detect the key proteins involved in UC pathogenesis and PI3K/AKT pathways.

RESULTS

DS exerted the preventive and therapeutic effects in improving UC via inhibiting abnormal inflammatory responses and promoting antioxidant capacity. Levels of intestinal barrier, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators were improved to nearly normal level in vivo by DS. Metabolome profiles showed that DS could restore the metabolic disorders associated with the UC pathogenesis. Further transcriptome results showed that DS mainly alleviate UC through inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and various related genes that dramatically expressed in UC Model rats were downregulated by DS. Typically, network pharmacology analysis identified that Glycitein was the hub compounds that involved in the mechanism of DS in improving UC.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that Codonopsis pilosula (DS) was an potential excellent material in treating of UC depending on its suitable concentration. Possible therapeutic mechanisms of the DS involved in mitigating colonal inflammation, restoring metabolic disorders, promoting antioxidant capacity, and especially blocking the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway.

Borneol promotes autophagic degradation of HIF-1α and enhances chemotherapy sensitivity in malignant glioma

Background

Gliomas are characterized by high mortality rates and resistance. Even with conventional chemotherapy the prognosis of glioblastoma remains poor. Many medications are not optimally effective due to limited bioavailability. The bioavailability of medicine can be enhanced by borneol, a monoterpenoid substance. In this study, we investigated the effect of borneol, a commonly used Chinese medicine, on chemosensitivity in C6 glioma and U251 human glioma cell lines and elucidated its therapeutic molecular targets.

Methods

The chemosensitivity-inducing effects of borneol in C6 and U251 cells were examined using CCK8 and clonal formation assays. The mechanism underlying the effect of borneol was evaluated through immunohistochemistry and western blotting assays. Further, the number of autophagosomes was determined via transmission electron microscopy. Finally, the chemical sensitization effect of borneol was evaluated in SD rats after C6 orthotopic tumor transplantation.

Results

Borneol increased cytotoxicity in C6 and U251 cells in response to temozolomide (TMZ). In addition, through transmission electron microscopy, western blotting, and immunohistochemical tests, we found that borneol combined with TMZ significantly increased the level of autophagy and that hypoxia inducible factor-1(HIF-1α) is a candidate target through which borneol enhances the cytotoxic effect of TMZ. Borneol's ability to enhance HIF-1α degradation was counteracted following the administration of autophagy inhibitors. In vivo, borneol treatment was found to enhance the anticancer effect of TMZ and delay tumor progression, and this effect was closely related to its ability to promote the autophagic degradation of HIF-1α.

Conclusions

HIF-1α might be a valid therapeutic target of borneol, which can be potentially applied as a chemosensitizing drug used for glioma treatment.

LCZ696 attenuates sepsis-induced liver dysfunction in rats; the role of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and JNK1/2-P38 signaling pathways

AIM

Sepsis is a serious inflammatory response to infection with an annual incidence rate of >48 million cases and 11 million fatalities worldwide. Furthermore, sepsis remains the world's fifth-greatest cause of death. For the first time, the current study aims to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective benefits of LCZ696, a combination of an angiotensin receptor blocker (valsartan) and a neprilysin inhibitor prodrug (sacubitril), on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in rats.

MAIN METHODS

CLP was employed to induce sepsis. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and caspase 3 were assessed using ELISA. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were also measured. Western blot assay was used to determine the expression of JNK1/2 and P38 proteins. The histology of liver tissues was also examined.

KEY FINDINGS

CLP resulted in significant elevation of AST, ALT, MDA, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and caspase 3 levels, and up-regulation of p/t JNK1/2, and p/t P38 proteins, as compared to the sham group. However, level of GSH, and SOD activity were reduced in CLP group. LCZ696 significantly improved all the previously mentioned biochemical and histological abnormalities better than using valsartan alone.

SIGNIFICANCE

LCZ696 substantially ameliorated CLP-induced liver damage, compared to valsartan, by reducing proinflammatory mediators, inhibiting the JNK1/2 and P38 signaling pathway, and attenuating apoptosis.

Precise Construction of Dual-Promising Anticancer Drugs Associated with Gold Nanomaterials on Glioma Cancer Cells

Multiple chemodrugs with nanotechnology have proven to be an effective cancer treatment technique. When taken combined, cabazitaxel (CTX) and cisplatin (PT) have more excellent cytotoxic effects than drugs used alone in the chemotherapy of several different cancers. However, several severe side effects are associated with using these chemotherapy drugs in cancer patients. Gold nanomaterials (AuNMs) are promising as drug carriers because of their small diameter, easy surface modifications, good biocompatibility, and strong cell penetration. This work aimed to determine the CTX and PT encapsulated with AuNMs against human glioma U87 cancer cells. The fabrication of the AuNMs achieved a negative surface charge, polydispersity index, and the mean sizes. The combined cytotoxic effect of CTX and PT bound to AuNMs was greater than that of either drug alone when tested on U87 cells. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for free PT were 54.7 μg/mL (at 24 h) and 4.8 g μg/mL (at 72 h). Results acquired from the MTT assay show cell growth decreases time- and concentration-dependent AuNMs, free CTX, free PT, and AuNMs@CTX/PT-induced cytotoxicity and, ultimately, the cell death of U87 cells via apoptosis. The biochemical apoptosis staining techniques investigated the cells' morphological changes of the cells (acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO-EB) and nuclear staining (DAPI) techniques). The AO-EB and nuclear staining results reveal that the NPs effectively killed cancer cells. Furthermore, the flow cytometry analysis examined the mode of cell death. Therefore, AuNMs@CTX/PT has excellent potential in the cancer therapy of different cancer cells.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction based on response surface methodology using HPLC-DAD for the analysis of red clover (Trifolium pretense L.) isoflavones and its anti-inflammatory activities on LPS-induced 3D4/2 cell

Introduction

Trifolium pratense L. has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardiovascular disease prevention, and estrogen-like effects. The existing method for the assay of effective components is commonly based on a spectrophotometer, which could not meet the requirement of quality control. Furthermore, although there have been many studies on the anti-inflammation effect of red clover, a few have been reported on the regulatory effect of red clover isoflavones (RCI) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in porcine alveolar macrophages (3D4/2 cells), and its mechanism of action is still unclear.

Methods

The main components of RCI including daidzein, genistein, and biochanin A were accurately quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) after optimizing the extraction process through response surface methodology. The anti-inflammatory potential of RCI was carried out by detecting the level of inflammatory cytokines and mRNA expression of related genes. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory mechanism was explored by investigating two signaling pathways (NF-κB and MAPK).

Results

The optimal extraction conditions of RCI were as follows: the concentration of ethanol is 86% and the solid-liquid ratio is 1:29, with the herb particle size of 40 mesh sieve. Under the optimal conditions, the total extraction of target components of RCI was 2,641.469 μg/g. The RCI could significantly suppress the production and expression of many pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results of the Western blot revealed that RCI dramatically reduced the expression of p65, p-p65, IκB-α, p38, and p-p38. These results are associated with the suppression of the signal pathway of p38 MAPK, and on the contrary, activating the NF-κB pathway. Collectively, our data demonstrated that RCI reversed the transcription of inflammatory factors and inhibited the expression of p65, p-p65, IκB-α, and p38, indicating that RCI had excellent anti-inflammatory properties through disturbing the activation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

Conclusion

The extraction conditions of RCI were optimized by HPLC-DAD combined with response surface methodology, which will contribute to the quality control of RCI. RCI had anti-inflammatory effects on the LPS-induced 3D4/2 cells. Its mechanism is to control the activation of NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathways, thereby reducing the expression of inflammatory-related genes and suppressing the release of cytokines.

Enhancement of cisplatin-induced apoptosis by saffron in human lung cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin is a prevalent chemotherapeutic agent, and it has been used extensively to treat lung cancer. However, its clinical efficacy is hampered by its safety profile and dose-limiting toxicity. Saffron is a natural product that has shown significant anticancer effects. The combination treatment of saffron with chemotherapeutic agents has been considered a new strategy.

METHODS

Herein, saffron extract as a natural anticancer substance was combined with cisplatin to assess their combined efficacy against tumor development in vitro. In A549 and QU-DB cell lines, the combined effect of the saffron extract with cisplatin led to a significant reduction in cell viability as compared to cisplatin alone.

RESULTS

After 48 h incubation a considerable reduction in ROS levels in the QU-DB cell line upon treatment with cisplatin in the presence of saffron extract in comparison with cells treated with cisplatin alone. Furthermore, apoptosis increased significantly when in cells treated with cisplatin in combination with saffron extract compared to cisplatin alone.

CONCLUSION

Our data establish that the combination of saffron extract as a natural anticancer substance with cisplatin leads to improved cell toxicity of cisplatin as an anticancer agent. Therefore, the saffron extract could be potentially used as an additive to enable a reduction in cisplatin dosages and its side effects.

Natural and synthetic compounds for glioma treatment based on ROS-mediated strategy

Glioma is the most frequent and most malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS)，accounting for about 50% of all CNS tumor and approximately 80% of the malignant primary tumors in the CNS. Patients with glioma benefit from surgical resection, chemo- and radio-therapy. However these therapeutical strategies do not significantly improve the prognosis, nor increase survival rates owing to restricted drug contribution in the CNS and to the malignant characteristics of glioma. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important oxygen-containing molecules that regulate tumorigenesis and tumor progression. When ROS accumulates to cytotoxic levels, this can lead to anti-tumor effects. Multiple chemicals used as therapeutic strategies are based on this mechanism. They regulate intracellular ROS levels directly or indirectly, resulting in the inability of glioma cells to adapt to the damage induced by these substances. In the current review, we summarize the natural products, synthetic compounds and interdisciplinary techniques used for the treatment of glioma. Their possible molecular mechanisms are also presented. Some of them are also used as sensitizers: they modulate ROS levels to improve the outcomes of chemo- and radio-therapy. In addition, we summarize some new targets upstream or downstream of ROS to provide ideas for developing new anti-glioma therapies.

Effects of Dietary Phytochemicals on DNA Damage in Cancer Cells

With the increasing incidence of cancer worldwide, the prevention and treatment of cancer have garnered considerable scientific attention. Traditional chemotherapeutic drugs are highly toxic and associated with substantial side effects; therefore, there is an urgent need for developing new therapeutic agents. Dietary phytochemicals are important in tumor prevention and treatment because of their low toxicity and side effects at low concentrations; however, their exact mechanisms of action remain obscure. DNA damage is mainly caused by physical or chemical factors in the environment, such as ultraviolet light, alkylating agents and reactive oxygen species that cause changes in the DNA structure of cells. Several phytochemicals have been shown inhibit the occurrence and development of tumors by inducing DNA damage. This article reviews the advances in phytochemical research; particularly regarding the mechanisms related to DNA damage and provide a theoretical basis for future chemoprophylaxis research.

Kaempferide Prevents Photoaging of Ultraviolet-B Irradiated NIH-3T3 Cells and Mouse Skin via Regulating the Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Signalings

Kaempferide (KFD) is a naturally occurring flavonoid that exists in various medicinal plants. The pharmaceutical properties of KFD, including its anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects, have been noted, but the effects of KFD on photoaging and their underlying molecular mechanism have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of KFD on Ultraviolet-B (UVB)-mediated photoaging processes using in vitro and in vivo photoaging model systems. The topical administration of KFD on mouse dorsal areas suppressed UVB-mediated wrinkle formation and epidermal thickening. In addition, the UVB-mediated reduction of dermal collagen content, which was estimated by Masson's trichrome staining, was recovered through KFD treatments. Furthermore, we found that UVB-induced abnormal values of procollagen type-1 (COL1A1), metalloproteinases (MMP-1a and MMP-3) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-8, MCP-3 and IL-6) on mouse skin tissue as well as NIH-3T3 cells was recovered through KFD treatment. The administration of KFD to NIH-3T3 cells suppressed the UVB-mediated upregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and AKT phosphorylation. Furthermore, the treatment of ROS inhibitor restored the UVB-induced MAPKs and AKT phosphorylation as well as the abnormal expression of photoaging related genes. These findings indicate that KFD can attenuate UVB-induced ROS elevation to elicit anti-photoaging activity. Taken together, our data suggest that KFD could be developed as a potential natural anti-photoaging agent.

Protective role of crocin against sepsis-induced injury in the liver, kidney and lungs via inhibition of p38 MAPK/NF-κB and Bax/Bcl-2 signalling pathways

CONTEXT

Crocin has been reported to have multiple bioactivities. However, the effect of crocin administration on caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effects of crocin on CLP-induced sepsis in mice and the underlying mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five experimental groups (n = 10) of BALB/c mice were used: control, CLP (normal saline) and CLP + crocin (50, 100 and 250 mg/kg, 30 min prior to CLP). Mice were sacrificed 24 h after CLP. Liver, kidney and lung histopathology, indicator levels, apoptotic status, pro-inflammatory cytokines and relative protein levels were evaluated.

RESULTS

Compared to the CLP group, crocin treatment significantly increased the survival rate (70%, 80%, 90% vs. 30%). Crocin groups exhibited protection against liver, kidney and lung damage with mild-to-moderate morphological changes and lower indicator levels: liver (2.80 ± 0.45, 2.60 ± 0.55, 1.60 ± 0.55 vs. 5.60 ± 0.55), kidney (3.00 ± 0.71, 2.60 ± 0.55, 1.40 ± 0.55 vs. 6.20 ± 0.84) and lungs (8.00 ± 1.59, 6.80 ± 1.64, 2.80 ± 0.84 vs. 14.80 ± 1.79). The proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 levels in the crocin groups) were distinctly lower and the apoptotic index showed a significant decrease. Crocin administration significantly suppressed p38 MAPK phosphorylation and inhibited NF-κB/IκBα and Bcl-2/Bax activation.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Pre-treatment with crocin confers protective effects against CLP-induced liver, kidney and lung injury, implying it to be a potential therapeutic agent.

d-Borneol enhances cisplatin sensitivity via autophagy dependent EMT signaling and NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy

BACKGROUND

d-Borneol has been widely used as a drug absorption enhancer, but there are few studies on the anti-resistance ability of d-borneol combined with cisplatin in cisplatin-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells. Ferroptosis, autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have been reported to be associated with drug resistance.

PURPOSE

To investigate the molecular mechanisms and sensitizing effects of d-borneol combined with cisplatin to against drug cisplatin resistance from the perspective of ferroptosis, autophagy and EMT resistance.

METHODS

H460/CDDP xenograft tumor model was established to verify the antitumor activity and safety in vivo. RNA sequencing was used to predict target molecules and signaling pathways. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were used as marker of ferroptosis, and its level was determined by a dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescent probe and flow cytometry. Levels of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and thioredoxin (Trx) involved in the balance of oxidative stress were measured by an assay kit or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to assess the regulatory mechanism of EMT markers, autophagy, and ferroptosis signaling pathways.

RESULTS

d-Borneol in combination with cisplatin reduced tumor volume and weight, enhanced tumor-inhibiting effects, and alleviated cisplatin-induced damage to the liver and kidney in vivo. RNA-sequencing showed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in ferroptosis. d-Borneol in combination with cisplatin promoted ROS accumulation, increased the content of MDA levels, and decreased GSH, SOD, Trx, and heme oxygenase-1 expression to induce oxidative damage. d-Borneol combination with cisplatin induced ferroptosis by promoting nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-mediated ferritinophagy and regulating intracellular iron ion transport via upregulating PRNP and downregulating PCBP2. In addition, d-borneol combined with cisplatin promoted autophagy by upregulating expression of LC3II/ATG5/Beclin-1 and inhibited the EMT by increasing the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin and decreasing mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin and vimentin) and transcription factors (Snail and ZEB1).

CONCLUSION

For the first time, our study implies that d-borneol enhanced cisplatin sensitivity by inducing ferroptosis, promoting autophagy and inhibiting EMT progression, thereby enhancing antitumor activity. It suggests that d-borneol could be developed as a novel chemosensitizers.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Dual-Target COX-2/CYP51 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Fungal Infectious Diseases

The design of novel dual-target (COX-2/CYP51) inhibitors was proposed in the study, and three series of compounds were constructed though the pathway of skeleton screening and combination; their molecular structures were synthesized and evaluated. Most of the compounds exhibited significant antifungal ability. Among them, potential compounds (10a-2, 16b-3) with excellent antifungal and anti-drug-resistant fungal ability (MIC₅₀, 0.125-2.0 μg/mL) were selected for the subsequent mechanistic study. On the one hand, these compounds could block the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway by inhibiting CYP51 and influence the internal physiological function of fungal cells, which included the increase of the ROS level, the anomaly of ΔΨ_m, and the emergence of an apoptotic state. On the other hand, these compounds also effectively showed COX-2 inhibition ability, eliminated the inflammatory reaction of the infected region, and activated the body's immune function. In summary, this study not only provided a novel antifungal drug design pathway but also discovered excellent target compounds.

Icariin exhibits protective effects on cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity via ROS-mediated oxidative stress injury in vivo and in vitro

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity severely limits its clinical application as an antitumor drug and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Icariin (ICA), the main flavonoid isolated from Epimedii Folium, has been demonstrated to have various beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. However, the protective effect of ICA against cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity remains unclear.

PURPOSE

In present study, we explored the protective action of ICA against cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity and its possible molecular mechanisms in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Mice were intraperitoneally injected with cisplatin 4 mg/kg every other day for 7 times to establish myocardial injury model. ICA (15, 30 mg/kg) was administered to mice by gavage for 21 days. H9c2 cells were treated with ICA (3, 6, 12 µM) in the presence or absence of cisplatin (40 µM), and then cell viability, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function were evaluated.

RESULTS

Biochemical index detection and histopathological staining analysis showed that ICA had a good protective effect on cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity. Cellular experiments showed that ICA inhibited cisplatin-induced oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner by regulating the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). ICA could inhibit the expression of NF-κB and the secretion of inflammatory factors, thereby alleviating the inflammatory injury caused by cisplatin. In addition, ICA could alleviate cisplatin-induced myocardial injury by activating SIRT1 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and inhibiting MAPKs signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that ICA could attenuate cisplatin-induced cardiac injury by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, laying a foundation for ICA to reduce chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in clinical practice.

LCS-1 inhibition of superoxide dismutase 1 induces ROS-dependent death of glioma cells and degradates PARP and BRCA1

Gliomas are characterized by high morbidity and mortality, and have only slightly increased survival with recent considerable improvements for treatment. An innovative therapeutic strategy had been developed via inducing ROS-dependent cell death by targeting antioxidant proteins. In this study, we found that glioma tissues expressed high levels of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). The expression of SOD1 was upregulated in glioma grade III and V tissues compared with that in normal brain tissues or glioma grade I tissues. U251 and U87 glioma cells expressed high levels of SOD1, low levels of SOD2 and very low levels of SOD3. LCS-1, an inhibitor of SOD1, increased the expression SOD1 at both mRNA and protein levels slightly but significantly. As expected, LCS-1 caused ROS production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. SOD1 inhibition also induced the gene expression of HO-1, GCLC, GCLM and NQO1 which are targeting genes of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, suggesting the activation of ROS signal pathway. Importantly, LCS-1 induced death of U251 and U87 cells dose- and time-dependently. The cell death was reversed by the pretreatment of cells with ROS scavenges NAC or GSH. Furthermore, LCS-1 decreased the growth of xenograft tumors formed by U87 glioma cells in nude mice. Mechanistically, the inhibition of P53, caspases did not reverse LCS-1-induced cell death, indicating the failure of these molecules involving in cell death. Moreover, we found that LCS-1 treatment induced the degradation of both PARP and BRCA1 simultaneously, suggesting that LCS-1-induced cell death may be associated with the failure of DNA damage repair. Taking together, these results suggest that the degradation of both PARP and BRCA1 may contribute to cell death induced by SOD1 inhibition, and SOD1 may be a target for glioma therapy.

d-Borneol enhances cisplatin sensitivity via p21/p27-mediated S-phase arrest and cell apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells and a murine xenograft model

Background

Cisplatin (CDDP) is commonly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the appearance of drug resistance greatly hinders its efficacy. Borneol may promote drug absorption; however, synergism between borneol and CDDP in suppressing NSCLC is not clearly understood. Hence, we investigated borneol as a novel chemosensitizer to support chemotherapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects.

Methods

We compared viability after exposure to d-borneol, l-borneol, and synthetic borneol in two NSCLC cell lines, A549 and H460, and selected the most sensitive cells. We then assessed synergy between borneol forms and CDDP in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells, H460/CDDP. Next, we identified effective concentrations and exposure times. Subsequently, we evaluated cell migration via wound healing and cell proliferation via clone formation assay. Then, we focused on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) function, cell cycle, apoptosis, and RNA sequencing to elucidate underlying molecular mechanisms for synergy. Finally, we used an H460/CDDP xenograft tumor model to verify antitumor activity and safety in vivo. Data were examined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for multiple datasets or t-test for comparisons between two variables.

Results

d-Borneol was more effective in H460 than A549 cells. d-Borneol combined with CDDP showed greater inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and clone formation in H460/CDDP cells than CDDP alone. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis identified differentially expressed genes enriched in cell cycle pathways. The impact of d-borneol on CDDP chemosensitivity involved arrest of the cell cycle at S phase via p27/p21-mediated cyclinA2/D3-CDK2/6 signaling and activation of intrinsic apoptosis via p21-mediated Bax/Bcl-2/caspase3 signaling. Further, d-borneol ameliorated drug resistance by suppressing levels and activity of P-gp. Cotreatment with d-borneol and CDDP inhibited tumor growth in vivo and reduced CDDP-caused liver and kidney toxicity.

Conclusions

d-Borneol increased the efficacy of cisplatin and reduced its toxicity. This compound has the potential to become a useful chemosensitizer for drug-resistance NSCLC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-022-00362-4.

Cirsilineol Inhibits the Proliferation of Human Prostate Cancer Cells by Inducing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Mediated Apoptosis

Cirsilineol has been reported to exhibit anticancer effects against several human cancer cell lines. The present study was designed to evaluate the anticancer effects of cirsilineol against the human DU-145 prostate cancer cells. The results showed that cirsilineol suppressed the proliferation of DU-145 cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner with minimal cytotoxic effects against the normal cells. The IC₅₀ of cirsilineol was found to be 7 μM and 110 μM against prostate cancer DU-145 and normal HPrEC prostate cells, respectively. Acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining showed that cirsilineol induced apoptosis in DU-145 prostate cancer cells. The Annexin V/PI staining further confirmed the induction of apoptosis in DU-145 cells. The western blot analysis showed that cirsilineol suppressed the expression of Bax and upregulated the expression of Bcl-2 in prostate cancer DU-145 cells. Moreover, cirsilineol caused a dose-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in prostate cancer. Wound healing and Transwell assays showed that cirsilineol inhibits migration and invasion of DU-145 prostate cancer cells. Summing up, the results suggest that cirsilineol suppresses the proliferation of prostate cancer cells and may prove to be a beneficial lead molecule for the development of chemotherapy for prostate cancer.

Meta analysis of bioactive compounds, miRNA, siRNA and cell death regulators as sensitizers to doxorubicin induced chemoresistance

Cancer has presented to be the most challenging disease, contributing to one in six mortalities worldwide. The current treatment regimen involves multiple rounds of chemotherapy administration, alone or in combination. The treatment has adverse effects including cardiomyopathy, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. In addition, the development of resistance to chemo has been attributed to cancer relapse and low patient overall survivability. Multiple drug resistance development may be through numerous factors such as up-regulation of drug transporters, drug inactivation, alteration of drug targets and drug degradation. Doxorubicin is a widely used first line chemotherapeutic drug for a myriad of cancers. It has multiple intracellular targets, DNA intercalation, adduct formation, topoisomerase inhibition, iron chelation, reactive oxygen species generation and promotes immune mediated clearance of the tumor. Agents that can sensitize the resistant cancer cells to the chemotherapeutic drug are currently the focus to improve the clinical efficiency of cancer therapy. This review summarizes the recent 10-year research on the use of natural phytochemicals, inhibitors of apoptosis and autophagy, miRNAs, siRNAs and nanoformulations being investigated for doxorubicin chemosensitization.

A Narrative Review of the Antitumor Activity of Monoterpenes from Essential Oils: An Update

Monoterpenes are a group of natural products that have been widely studied due to their therapeutic potential against various pathologies. These compounds are abundant in the chemical composition of essential oils. Cancer is a term that covers more than 100 different types of malignant diseases and is among the leading causes of death in the world. Therefore, the search for new pharmacotherapeutic options applicable to cancer is urgent. In this review, studies on the antitumor activity of monoterpenes found in essential oils were selected, and botanical, chemical, and pharmacological aspects were discussed. The most investigated monoterpenes were carvacrol and linalool with highly significant in vitro and in vivo tumor inhibition in several types of cancers. The action mechanisms of these natural products are also presented and are wildly varied being apoptosis the most prevalent followed by cell cycle impairment, ROS production, autophagy, necroptosis, and others. The studies reported here confirm the antitumor properties of monoterpenes and their anticancer potential against various types of tumors, as demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo studies using various types of cancer cells and tumors in animal models. The data described serve as a reference for the advancement in the mechanistic studies of these compounds and in the preparation of synthetic derivatives or analogues with a better antitumor profile.

Borneol and Tetrandrine Modulate the Blood-Brain Barrier and Blood-Tumor Barrier to Improve the Therapeutic Efficacy of 5-Fluorouracil in Brain Metastasis

The efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of brain metastasis may be compromised by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–tumor barrier (BTB). P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a multidrug resistance protein that potentially limits the penetration of chemotherapeutics through the BBB and BTB. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used to treat cancer. Bioactive constituents of medicinal herbs, such as borneol and tetrandrine, potentially improve drug penetration through the BBB and BTB. We hypothesized that borneol and tetrandrine might modulate the BBB and BTB to enhance 5-FU penetration into the brain. To investigate this, in vitro and in vivo models were developed to explore the modulatory effects of borneol and tetrandrine on 5-FU penetration through the BBB and BTB. In the in vitro models, barrier integrity, cell viability, barrier penetration, P-gp activity, and NF-κB expression were assessed. In the in vivo brain metastasis models, cancer cells were injected into the internal carotid artery to evaluate tumor growth. The experimental results demonstrated that borneol and borneol + tetrandrine reduced BBB integrity. The efflux pump function of P-gp was partially inhibited by tetrandrine and borneol + tetrandrine. In the in vivo experiment, borneol + tetrandrine effectively prolonged survival without compromising body weight. In conclusion, BBB and BTB integrity was modulated by borneol and borneol + tetrandrine. The combination of borneol and tetrandrine could be used to improve the chemotherapeutic control of brain metastasis.

Harnessing oxidative stress for anti-glioma therapy

Glioma cells use intermediate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) for growth and invasion, and suppressing these reactive molecules thus may compromise processes that are vital for glioma survival. Increased oxidative stress has been identified in glioma cells, in particular in glioma stem-like cells. Studies have shown that these cells harbor potent antioxidant defenses, although endogenous protection against nitrosative stress remains understudied. The enhancement of oxidative or nitrosative stress offers a potential target for triggering glioma cell death, but whether oxidative and nitrosative stresses can be combined for therapeutic effects requires further research. The optimal approach of harnessing oxidative stress for anti-glioma therapy should include the induction of free radical-induced oxidative damage and the suppression of antioxidant defense mechanisms selectively in glioma cells. However, selective induction of oxidative/nitrosative stress in glioma cells remains a therapeutic challenge, and research into selective drug delivery systems is ongoing. Because of multifactorial mechanisms of glioma growth, progression, and invasion, prospective oncological therapies may include not only therapeutic oxidative/nitrosative stress but also inhibition of oncogenic kinases, antioxidant molecules, and programmed cell death mediators.

Lanthanum Chloride Sensitizes Cisplatin Resistance of Ovarian Cancer Cells via PI3K/Akt Pathway

Our previous study manifested that lanthanum chloride (LaCl₃) can enhance the anticancer ability of cisplatin (DDP) in ovarian cancer cells. Here, ovarian cancer cells SKOV3 and SKOV3/DDP were subjected to DDP and LaCl₃. Cell viability, apoptosis, DNA repair, and PI3K/Akt pathway were detected. LaCl₃ induced more cell death and apoptosis caused by DDP in two cell lines, accompanied by upregulation of Bax and Cleaved caspase 3 proteins, and downregulation of Bcl-2 protein. LaCl₃ also could decrease RAD51 protein by inactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. These data indicated that LaCl₃ could be a potential drug to modulate DDP resistance by inactivating of PI3K/Akt pathway and attenuating DNA repair in ovarian cancer.

Lycopene ameliorates skin aging by regulating the insulin resistance pathway and activating SIRT1

Lycopene could reverse insulin resistance through SIRT1 during skin aging and promotes microcirculation via the improvement of microvascular neovascularization to protect aging skin.

Ketoprofen and Loxoprofen Platinum(IV) Complexes Displaying Antimetastatic Activities by Inducing DNA Damage, Inflammation Suppression, and Enhanced Immune Response

Metastasis is a major contributor of death in cancer patients, and there is an urgent need for effective treatments of metastatic malignancies. Herein, ketoprofen (KP) and loxoprofen (LP) platinum(IV) complexes with antiproliferative and antimetastatic properties were designed and prepared by integrating chemotherapy and immunotherapy targeting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), besides DNA. A mono-KP platinum(IV) complex with a cisplatin core is screened out as a candidate possessing potent anti-proliferative and anti-metastasis activities both in vitro and in vivo. It induces serious DNA damage and further leads to high expression of γ-H2AX and p53. Moreover, it promotes apoptosis of tumor cells through mitochondrial apoptotic pathway Bcl-2/Bax/caspase3. Then, COX-2, MMP-9, NLRP3, and caspase1 as pivotal enzymes igniting inflammation and metastasis are obviously inhibited. Notably, it significantly improves immune response through restraining the expression of PD-L1 to increase CD3⁺ and CD8⁺ T infiltrating cells in tumor tissues.

Recent Progress on the Synergistic Antitumor Effect of a Borneol-Modified Nanocarrier Drug Delivery System

Borneol, a traditional Chinese medicine, can enhance therapeutic efficacy by guiding the active ingredients to the target site. Reportedly, borneol improves the penetration capacity of the nasal, cornea, transdermal, intestinal, and blood-brain barriers. Although nanotechnology dramatically changed the face of oncology by targeting tumor sites, the efficiency of nanoparticles delivered to tumor sites is very low, with only 0.7% of the total particles delivered. Thus, based on the penetration ability and the inhibition drug efflux of borneol, it was expected to increase the targeting and detention efficacy of drugs into tumor sites in nanocarriers with borneol modification. Borneol modified nanocarriers used to improve drug-targeting has become a research focus in recent years, but few studies in this area, especially in the antitumor application. Hence, this review summarizes the recent development of nanocarriers with borneol modification. We focus on the updated works of improving therapeutic efficacy, reducing toxicity, inhibiting tumor metastasis, reversing multidrug resistance, and enhancing brain targeting to expand their application and provide a reference for further exploration of targeting drug delivery systems for solid tumor treatment.

Salvianolic Acid C Protects against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury through Attenuation of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Apoptotic Effects and Activation of the CaMKK-AMPK-Sirt1-Associated Signaling Pathway in Mouse Models

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden reduction in kidney activity and has a high mortality rate. Salvianolic acid C (SAC), one of the main polyphenolic components of Salvia miltiorrhiza, displays significant pharmacologically active effects. An animal model of cisplatin-induced kidney injury was used to study the potential of SAC to improve AKI. First, SAC was administered intraperitoneally in mice for 10 consecutive days, and then cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally on day 7 to establish a nephrotoxicity mouse model. SAC mitigated renal histological changes, blood creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) production and the levels of inflammatory mediators in the cisplatin-induced AKI. Furthermore, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were reduced and glutathione (GSH) was increased after intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) administration of SAC. In addition, based on Western blot data, SAC reduced the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in mouse renal tissues. Finally, SAC diminished the level of TLR-4 expression and enhanced the production of several antioxidative enzymes (superoxidase dismutase (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx3), catalase, nuclear-factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1)), Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), p-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and p-Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK). In addition, Sirt1 inhibition (EX 527) inverted the effect of SAC against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Collectively, SAC provides a therapeutic target with promising clinical potential after cisplatin treatment by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation.

An NIR-II Responsive Nanoplatform for Cancer Photothermal and Oxidative Stress Therapy

Chemodynamic therapy as an emerging therapeutic strategy has been implemented for oncotherapy. However, the reactive oxygen species can be counteracted by the exorbitant glutathione (GSH) produced by the tumor cells before exerting the antitumor effect. Herein, borneol (NB) serving as a monoterpenoid sensitizer, and copper sulfide (CuS NPs) as an NIR-II photothermal agent were loaded in a thermo-responsive vehicle (NB/CuS@PCM NPs). Under 1,060-nm laser irradiation, the hyperthermia produced by CuS NPs can be used for photothermal therapy and melt the phase change material for drug delivery. In the acidity microenvironment, the CuS NPs released from NB/CuS@PCM NPs could degrade to Cu2+, then Cu2+ was reduced to Cu+ during the depletion of GSH. As Fenton-like catalyst, the copper ion could convert hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals for chemodynamic therapy. Moreover, the NB originated from NB/CuS@PCM NPs could increase the intracellular ROS content to improve the treatment outcome of chemodynamic therapy. The animal experimental results indicated that the NB/CuS@PCM NPs could accumulate at the tumor site and exhibit an excellent antitumor effect. This work confirmed that the combination of oxidative stress-induced damage and photothermal therapy is a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase: An Emerging Protagonist in Cancer Macro(r)evolution

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) has progressed from being considered merely a Phase II metabolic enzyme to one with a central role in cell function and energy metabolism. Over the last three decades, a significant body of evidence has accumulated which clearly demonstrates a central role for NNMT in cancer survival, metastasis, and drug resistance. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting a role for NNMT in the progression of the cancer phenotype and how it achieves this by driving the activity of pro-oncogenic NAD+-consuming enzymes. We also describe how increased NNMT activity supports the Warburg effect and how it promotes oncogenic changes in gene expression. We discuss the regulation of NNMT activity in cancer cells by both post-translational modification of the enzyme and transcription factor binding to the NNMT gene, and describe for the first time three long non-coding RNAs which may play a role in the regulation of NNMT transcription. We complete the review by discussing the development of novel anti-cancer therapeutics which target NNMT and provide insight into how NNMT-based therapies may be best employed clinically.

Knockdown of DNA polymerase ζ relieved the chemoresistance of glioma via inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Previous reports suggest that DNA polymerase ζ is highly expressed in glioma tissues. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of the REV7 subunit of DNA polymerase ζ in glioma cell chemoresistance and its underlying mechanisms. The bioinformatics method was used to compare the expression of REV7 in glioma and normal tissues. The expression of REV7 in glioma tumor samples and the adjacent tissue was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, an in vitro analysis using glioma cells was used to test the effects of REV7 siRNA on the proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cell line U251 cells, and the effect of REV7 siRNA on the sensitivity of the U251 cells to cisplatin was also explored. The expression of REV7 in glioma tumors was significantly increased. Moreover, the knockdown of REV7 in glioma cells decreased the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of U251 cells; moreover, REV7 siRNA also increased the sensitivity of U251 cells to cisplatin. Finally, REV7 may regulate the proliferation, apoptosis, and chemosensitivity of U251 cells by affecting phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling. Our data suggest that REV7 is involved in the chemosensitivity of glioma cells and provides a theoretical basis for targeting DNA polymerase ζ to improve the sensitivity of glioma cells to chemotherapy.

Morphine Deteriorates Cisplatin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats and Induces Dose-Dependent Cisplatin Chemoresistance in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Morphine (MOR) is a strong analgesic that is often used in treatment of severe pains during cancer treatment, and thus might be concomitantly used with anticancer drugs as cisplatin (CP). The aim of the current study was to investigate the mechanisms by which MOR can affect CP-induced cardiotoxicity and to explore effects of MOR on the cytotoxic efficacy of CP. MOR (10 mg/kg/day i.p.) was administered to rats for 10 days, with or without 7.5 mg/kg CP single i.p. dose at day 5 of the experiment. In addition, MOR and/or CP were administered to MCF-7 cells to test their cytotoxicity. Compared to control, CP caused cardiotoxic effects manifested by significant increase in serum enzymatic markers; creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase, with histopathological cardiac damage. In addition, CP caused cardiac oxidative stress, manifested by significant increased tissue lipid peroxidation product; malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, with significant decrease in tissue antioxidants as reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase compared to control. Furthermore, CP significantly increased tissue proinflammatory cytokines; TNF-α and IL-6, as well as upregulated the apoptotic marker; caspase 3 compared to control. MOR/CP combination significantly deteriorated all tested parameters compared to CP alone. In MCF-7 breast cancer cells, administration of MOR in concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10 or 30 μM concomitantly with 1 or 10 μM CP caused dose-dependent reduction in CP-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. In conclusion, MOR administration might deteriorate CP-induced cardiotoxicity during cancer chemotherapy through oxidant, pro-inflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms, and might reduce CP chemotherapeutic efficacy.

Elucidating Role of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Cisplatin Chemotherapy: A Focus on Molecular Pathways and Possible Therapeutic Strategies

The failure of chemotherapy is a major challenge nowadays, and in order to ensure effective treatment of cancer patients, it is of great importance to reveal the molecular pathways and mechanisms involved in chemoresistance. Cisplatin (CP) is a platinum-containing drug with anti-tumor activity against different cancers in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. However, drug resistance has restricted its potential in the treatment of cancer patients. CP can promote levels of free radicals, particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce cell death. Due to the double-edged sword role of ROS in cancer as a pro-survival or pro-death mechanism, ROS can result in CP resistance. In the present review, association of ROS with CP sensitivity/resistance is discussed, and in particular, how molecular pathways, both upstream and downstream targets, can affect the response of cancer cells to CP chemotherapy. Furthermore, anti-tumor compounds, such as curcumin, emodin, chloroquine that regulate ROS and related molecular pathways in increasing CP sensitivity are described. Nanoparticles can provide co-delivery of CP with anti-tumor agents and by mediating photodynamic therapy, and induce ROS overgeneration to trigger CP sensitivity. Genetic tools, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) can down-regulate molecular pathways such as HIF-1α and Nrf2 to promote ROS levels, leading to CP sensitivity. Considering the relationship between ROS and CP chemotherapy, and translating these findings to clinic can pave the way for effective treatment of cancer patients.

circCCND1 Regulates Oxidative Stress and FGF9 to Enhance Chemoresistance of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via Sponging miR-187-3p

Circular RNAs have been shown to regulate cancer tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Recently, circCCND1 is reported to promote laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma; however, whether circCCND1 is implicated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. In this research, The Cancer Genome Atlas data of lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed to show gene expression and overall survival. 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide assay and cell colony formation assay were utilized to measure cell viability and proliferation of A549 and HCC827. Apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling assay. Besides, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to examine gene expression. We observed that circCCND1 was significantly upregulated in lung cancer cells and patients. circCCND1 knockdown attenuated cell proliferation and induced apoptosis under cisplatin treatment. Mechanistically, circCCND1 interacted with miR-187-3p to regulate reactive oxygen species and FGF9 in NSCLC cells. Finally, miR-187-3p was demonstrated to rescue circCCND1 knockdown-modulated chemoresistance of NSCLC cells. In this study, our conclusions facilitate the understanding of NSCLC drug resistance to cisplatin.

l-Borneol Exerted the Neuroprotective Effect by Promoting Angiogenesis Coupled With Neurogenesis via Ang1-VEGF-BDNF Pathway

At present, Stroke is still one of the leading causes of population death worldwide and leads to disability. Traditional Chinese medicine plays an important role in the prevention or treatment of stroke. l-borneol, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used in China to treat stroke for thousands of years. However, its mechanism of action is unclear. After cerebral ischemia, promoting angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia and providing nutrition for the infarct area is an important strategy to improve the damage in the ischemic area, but it is also essential to promote neurogenesis and replenish new neurons. Here, our research shows that l-borneol can significantly improve the neurological deficits of pMCAO model rats, reduce cerebral infarction, and improve the pathological damage of cerebral ischemia. and significantly increase serum level of Ang-1 and VEGF, and significantly decrease level of ACE and Tie2 to promote angiogenesis. PCR and WB showed the same results. Immunohistochemistry also showed that l-borneol can increase the number of CD34 positive cells, further verifying that l-borneol can play a neuroprotective effect by promoting angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia injury. In addition, l-borneol can significantly promote the expression level of VEGF, BDNF and inhibit the expression levels of TGF-β1 and MMP9 to promote neurogenesis. The above suggests that l-borneol can promote angiogenesis coupled neurogenesis by regulating Ang1-VEGF-BDNF to play a neuroprotective effect. Molecular docking also shows that l-borneol has a very high binding rate with the above target, which further confirmed the target of l-borneol to improve cerebral ischemic injury. These results provide strong evidence for the treatment of cerebral ischemia with l-borneol and provide reference for future research.

siRNA-Inhibition of TIGAR Hypersensitizes Human Papillomavirus-Transformed Cells to Apoptosis Induced by Chemotherapy Drugs that Cause Oxidative Stress

The high-risk subtype Human Papillomaviruses (hrHPVs), including HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, HPV33, and HPV45, infect and oncogenically transform epithelial cells and cause squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas associated with the development of cervical cancer and subsets of vulvar, vaginal, penile, and anogenital cancers, as well as head-and-neck oropharyngeal carcinomas which often have poor clinical prognoses. Many cancers have been shown to contain elevated levels of the TP53-Induced Glycolysis and Apoptosis Regulator (TIGAR)-a glycolytic enzyme and antioxidant effector which frequently correlates with an aggressive tumor phenotype and serves as a determinant of therapy-resistance. We therefore tested whether siRNA-inhibition of TIGAR protein expression could sensitize HPV18-transformed HeLa cells to genotoxic chemotherapy agents (i.e., cisplatin, etoposide, doxorubicin, and 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide) that induce oxidative stress and DNA-damage. Here we demonstrate that the siRNA-knockdown of TIGAR hypersensitized HeLa cells to low, otherwise sub-inhibitory concentrations of these drugs and markedly induced cellular apoptosis, as compared to a scrambled RNA (scrRNA) oligonucleotide negative control or a non-transformed immortalized human fibroblast cell-line, HFL1. Importantly, these findings suggest that therapeutically inhibiting TIGAR could hypersensitize hrHPV+ cervical tumor cells to low-dosage concentrations of chemotherapy drugs that induce oxidative DNA-damage, which could potentially lead to more favorable clinical outcomes by reducing the adverse side-effects of these anticancer medications and making them more tolerable for patients. Our studies have further shown that siRNA-inhibition of TIGAR sensitizes HPV18+ HeLa cells to apoptosis induced by 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide-a DNA-alkylating agent these cells were reported to have resistance to, alluding to another possible benefit of targeting TIGAR in combinatorial treatment strategies against virus-induced cancers.

Improved photothermal therapy of brain cancer cells and photogeneration of reactive oxygen species by biotin conjugated gold photoactive nanoparticles

Herein, we report on the design and development of functionalized acrylic polymeric nanoparticles with Spiropyrans (SPs) and imidazole moieties via superficial polymerizations. Then, Au³⁺ ions were immobilized and reduced on their surface to obtain photoresponsive gold-decorated polymer nanoparticles(Au-NPs). The synthesized Au-NPs were surface adapted with biotin as specific targeting tumor penetration cells and enhance the intercellular uptake through the endocytosis. FT-IR (Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy), UV-Vis (Ultra Violet-Visible Spectrophotometer), EDS (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and HR-TEM (High-resolution transmission electron microscopy) descriptions were engaged to illustrate their spectral analysis and morphological examinations of Bt@Au-NPs. Fluorescence microscopy images of cellular uptake descriptions and ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) investigation established the cell lines labeling ability and enhanced targetting efficacy of biotin-conjugated Au-NPs (Bt@Au-NPs) toward C6 glioma cells (brain cancer cells) with 72.5% cellular uptake relative to 30.2% for non-conjugated lone. These were further established through intracellular ROS examinations and in vitro cytotoxicity investigation on the C6 glioma cell line. The solid surface plasmon absorptions of the Au-NPs and Bt@Au-NPs providing raised photothermal therapy under UV irradiation. The synthesized multifunctional Bt@Au-NPs with an inclusive combination of potential resources presented encouraging nanoprobe with targeting capability, improved photodynamic and photothermal cancer therapy.

Rutaecarpine Ameliorates Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Mice by Modulating Genes Related to Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

Background: Rutaecarpine (RUT), a major quinazolino carboline alkaloid compound from the dry unripe fruit Tetradium ruticarpum (A. Juss.) T. G. Hartley, has various pharmacological effects. The aim of this present study was to investigate the potential gastroprotective effect of rutaecarpine on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in mice and associated molecular mechanisms, such as activating Nrf2 and Bcl-2 via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inhibiting NF-κB.

Methods: Gastric ulcer index and histopathology was carried out to determine the efficacy of RUT in gastric ulceration, and the content of SOD, GSH in serum and CAT, MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β in tissue were measured by kits. Besides, in order to illustrate the potential inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic perturbations, the mRNA levels of NF-κB p65, PI3K, AKT, Nrf2, Nqo1, HO-1, Bcl-2 and Bax were analyzed. In addition, the protein expression of NF-κB p65 and Nrf2 in cytoplasm and nucleus, AKT, p-AKT, Bcl-2 Bax and Caspase 3 were analyzed for further verification. Finally, immunofluorescence analysis was performed to further verify nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65.

Results: Current data strongly demonstrated that RUT alleviated the gross gastric damage, ulcer index and the histopathology damage caused by ethanol. RUT inhibited the expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and the expression of its downstream signals, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and MPO. Immunofluorescence analysis also verifies the result. In the context of oxidative stress, RUT improved the antioxidant milieu by remarkably upregulating the expression Nqo1 and HO-1 with activating Nrf2, and could remarkably upregulate antioxidant SOD, GSH, CAT and downregulate levels of MDA. Additionally, RUT activate the expression of Bcl-2 and inhibited the expression of downstream signals Bax and Caspase 3 to promote gastric cellular survival. These were confirmed by RUT activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway manifested by enhanced expression of PI3K and promotion of AKT phosphorylation.

Conclusion: Taken together, these results strongly demonstrated that RUT exerted a gastroprotective effect against gastric mucosal injury induced by ethanol. The underlying mechanism might be associated with the improvement of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis system.

Engineering EHD1-Targeted Natural Borneol Nanoemulsion Potentiates Therapeutic Efficacy of Gefitinib against Nonsmall Lung Cancer

Despite the effective targeting of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the use of gefitinib (GFT) for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment meets a failure because of the insufficient drug accumulation in the tumor region. Therefore, developing chemosensitizers of GFT with synergistic therapeutic effects is urgently needed for advanced cancer therapy. Herein, a natural chemosensitizer, natural borneol (NB), is reformulated as an oil-in-water nanoemulsion to enhance its solubility, distribution, and to ultimately increase the therapeutic index with GFT. The nanolization of NB (NBNPs) displays stronger targeted delivery and cytotoxicity than NB by selectively identifying eight specific protein targets in A549 NSCLC cells as revealed by the proteomic studies. Consistently, NBNPs realize stronger chemosensitization effects than NB with GFT by effectively regulating EGFR/EHD1-mediated apoptosis in A549 NSCLC cells. Owing to the satisfying synergistic effect between NBNPs and GFT, the combined therapy not only enhances the anticancer ability of GFT against NSCLC proliferation but also avoids heavy double toxicity in vivo. This finding demonstrates the effective synergism between NBNPs and GFT with clear mechanistic investigation and is expected to extend the application of NBNPs as a novel chemosensitizer for advanced cancer chemotherapy.

Platycodin D suppresses cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity by suppressing ROS-mediated oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation in HEK-293 cells

Cisplatin, a proven effective chemotherapeutic agent, has been used clinically to treat malignant solid tumors, whereas its clinical use is limited by serious side effect including nephrotoxicity. Platycodin D (PD), the major and marked saponin isolated from Platycodon grandiflorum, possesses many pharmacological effects. In this study, we evaluated its protective effect against cisplatin-induced human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293) cells injury and elucidated the related mechanisms. Our results showed that PD (0.25, 0.5, and 1 μM) can dose-dependently alleviate oxidative stress by decreasing malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species, while increasing the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Moreover, the elevation of apoptosis including Bax, Bad, cleaved caspase-3,-9, and decreased protein levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL induced by cisplatin were reversed after PD treatment. Importantly, PD pretreatment can also regulate PI3K/Akt and ERK/JNK/p38 signaling pathways. Furthermore, PD was found to reduce NF-κB-mediated inflammatory relative proteins. Our finding indicated that PD exerted significant effects on cisplatin induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammatory, which will provide evidence for the development of PD to attenuate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Polysaccharide extracted from Huperzia serrata using response surface methodology and its biological activity

In this study, Huperzia serrata polysaccharide (HSP) fraction was isolated using response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design (BBD). The extraction time, temperature and ratio of water to raw material were employed effects. And properties of four polysaccharide (60%-HSP, 70%-HSP, 80%-HSP and 90%-HSP) were evaluated. The results indicated that the optimal extraction conditions were the following: 3.07 h, 49.46 °C and a liquid material ratio of 20.73:1. The four HSP presented irregular aggregation of shape. And all HSP exhibited antioxidant and anticancer activities.