Cannabidiol inhibits human glioma by induction of lethal mitophagy through activating TRPV4

Autophagy in glioblastoma: A mechanistic perspective

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most lethal malignancies in humans. Even after surgical resection and aggressive radio- or chemotherapies, patients with GBM can survive for less than 14 months. Extreme inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity of GBM poses a challenge for resolving recalcitrant GBM pathophysiology. GBM tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibits diverse heterogeneity in cellular composition and processes contributing to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Autophagy is such a cellular process; that demonstrates a cell-specific and TME context-dependent role in GBM progression, leading to either the promotion or suppression of GBM progression. Autophagy can regulate GBM cell function directly via regulation of survival, migration, and invasion, or indirectly by affecting GBM TME composition such as immune cell population, tumor metabolism, and glioma stem cells. This review comprehensively investigates the role of autophagy in GBM pathophysiology.

Plant-derived bioactive compounds and their novel role in central nervous system disorder treatment via ATF4 targeting: A systematic literature review

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders exhibit exceedingly intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Pragmatic and effective solutions remain elusive, significantly compromising human life and health. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) participates in the regulation of multiple pathophysiological processes, including CNS disorders. Considering the widespread involvement of ATF4 in the pathological process of CNS disorders, the targeted regulation of ATF4 by plant-derived bioactive compounds (PDBCs) may become a viable strategy for the treatment of CNS disorders. However, the regulatory relationship between PDBCs and ATF4 remains incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to comprehensively review the studies on PDBCs targeting ATF4 to ameliorate CNS disorders, thereby offering novel directions and insights for the treatment of CNS disorders. A computerized search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to identify preclinical experiments related to PDBCs targeting ATF4 for the treatment of CNS disorders. The search timeframe was from the inception of the databases to December 2023. Two assessors conducted searches using the keywords "ATF4," "Central Nervous System," "Neurological," "Alzheimer's disease," "Parkinson's Disease," "Stroke," "Spinal Cord Injury," "Glioblastoma," "Traumatic Brain Injury," and "Spinal Cord Injury." Overall, 31 studies were included, encompassing assessments of 27 PDBCs. Combining results from in vivo and in vitro studies, we observed that these PDBCs, via ATF4 modulation, prevent the deposition of amyloid-like fibers such as Aβ, tau, and α-synuclein. They regulate ERS, reduce the release of inflammatory factors, restore mitochondrial membrane integrity to prevent oxidative stress, regulate synaptic plasticity, modulate autophagy, and engage anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Consequently, they exert neuroprotective effects in CNS disorders. Numerous PDBCs targeting ATF4 have shown potential in facilitating the restoration of CNS functionality, thereby presenting expansive prospects for the treatment of such disorders. However, future endeavors necessitate high-quality, large-scale, and comprehensive preclinical and clinical studies to further validate this therapeutic potential.

Eukaryotic Initiation Translation Factor 2A activation by cannabidiolic acid alters the protein homeostasis balance in glioblastoma cells

Eukaryotic Initiation Translation Factor 2A (EIF2A) is considered to be primarily responsible for the initiation of translation when a cell is subjected to stressful conditions. However, information regarding this protein is still incomplete. Using a combination of proteomic approaches, we demonstrated that EIF2A is the molecular target of the naturally occurring bioactive compound cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) within human glioblastoma cells. This finding allowed us to undertake a study aimed at obtaining further information on the functions that EIF2A plays in tumor cells. Indeed, our data showed that CBDA is able to activate EIF2A when the cells are in no-stress conditions. It induces conformational changes in the protein structure, thus increasing EIF2A affinity towards the proteins participating in the Eukaryotic Translation Machinery. Consequently, following glioblastoma cells incubation with CBDA we observed an enhanced neosynthesis of proteins involved in the stress response, nucleic acid translation and organization, and protein catabolism. These changes in gene expression resulted in increased levels of ubiquitinated proteins and accumulation of the autophagosome. Our results, in addition to shedding light on the molecular mechanism underlying the biological effect of a phytocannabinoid in cancer cells, demonstrated that EIF2A plays a critical role in regulation of protein homeostasis.

Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Effect of Cannabidiol Against Enveloped and Nonenveloped Viruses

Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychoactive cannabinoid of the Cannabis sativa plant, is a powerful antioxidant compound that in recent years has increased interest due to causes effects in a wide range of biological functions. Zika virus (ZIKV) is a virus transmitted mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which causes neurological diseases, such as microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Although the frequency of viral outbreaks has increased recently, no vaccinations or particular chemotherapeutic treatments are available for ZIKV infection. Objectives: The major aim of this study was to explore the in vitro antiviral activity of CBD against ZIKV, expanding also to other dissimilar viruses. Materials and Methods: Cell cultures were infected with enveloped and nonenveloped viruses and treated with non-cytotoxic concentrations of CBD and then, viral titers were determined. Additionally, the mechanism of action of the compound during ZIKV in vitro infections was studied. To study the possible immunomodulatory role of CBD, infected and uninfected Huh-7 cells were exposed to 10 μM CBD during 48 h and levels of interleukins 6 and 8 and interferon-beta (IFN-β) expression levels were measured. On the other hand, the effect of CBD on cellular membranes was studied. For this, an immunofluorescence assay was performed, in which cell membranes were labeled with wheat germ agglutinin. Finally, intracellular cholesterol levels were measured. Results: CBD exhibited a potent antiviral activity against all the tested viruses in different cell lines with half maximal effective concentration values (CE50) ranging from 0.87 to 8.55 μM. Regarding the immunomodulatory effect of CBD during ZIKV in vitro infections, CBD-treated cells exhibited significantly IFN-β increased levels, meanwhile, interleukins 6 and 8 were not induced. Furthermore, it was determined that CBD affects cellular membranes due to the higher fluorescence intensity that was observed in CBD-treated cells and lowers intracellular cholesterol levels, thus affecting the multiplication of ZIKV and other viruses. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that CBD inhibits structurally dissimilar viruses, suggesting that this phytochemical has broad-spectrum antiviral effect, representing a valuable alternative in emergency situations during viral outbreaks, like the one caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in 2020.

A novel DDIT3 activator dehydroevodiamine effectively inhibits tumor growth and tumor cell stemness in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

The existence of pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) results in limited survival benefits from current treatment options. There is a scarcity of effective agents for treating pancreatic cancer patients. Dehydroevodiamine (DeHE), a quinazoline alkaloid isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Evodiae fructus, exhibited potent inhibition of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell proliferation and tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

The cytotoxic effect of DeHE on PDAC cells was assessed using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. The antitumor efficacy of DeHE were appraised in human PANC-1 xenograft mouse model. Sphere formation assay and flow cytometry were employed to quantify the tumor stemness. RNA-Seq analysis, drug affinity responsive target stability assay (DARTS), and RNA interference transfection were conducted to elucidate potential signaling pathways. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were utilized to assess protein expression levels.

RESULTS

DeHE effectively inhibited PDAC cell proliferation and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, and exhibited a better safety profile compared to the clinical drug gemcitabine (GEM). DeHE inhibited PCSCs, as evidenced by its suppression of self-renewal capabilities of PCSCs, reduced the proportion of ALDH+ cells and downregulated stemness-associated proteins (Nanog, Sox-2, and Oct-4) both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, there is potential involvement of DDIT3 and its downstream DDIT3/TRIB3/AKT/mTOR pathway in the suppression of stemness characteristics within DeHE-treated PDAC cells. Additionally, results from the DARTS assay indicated that DeHE interacts with DDIT3, safeguarding it against degradation mediated by pronase. Notably, the inhibitory capabilities of DeHE on PDAC cell proliferation and tumor stemness were partially restored by siDDIT3 or the AKT activator SC-79.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our study has identified DeHE, a novel antitumor natural product, as an activator of DDIT3 with the ability to suppress the AKT/mTOR pathway. This pathway is intricately linked to tumor cell proliferation and stemness characteristics in PDAC. These findings suggest that DeHE holds potential as a promising candidate for the development of innovative anticancer therapeutics.

p52-ZER6/IGF1R axis maintains cancer stem cell population to promote cancer progression by enhancing pro-survival mitophagy

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are distinct subpopulations of tumor cells, have a substantially higher tumor-initiating capacity and are closely related to poor clinical outcomes. Damage to organelles can trigger CSC pool exhaustion; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. ZER6 is a zinc-finger protein with two isoforms possessing different amino termini: p52-ZER6 and p71-ZER6. Since their discovery, almost no study reported on their biological and pathological functions. Herein, we found that p52-ZER6 was crucial for CSC population maintenance; p52-ZER6-knocking down almost abolished the tumor initiation capability. Through transcriptomic analyses together with in vitro and in vivo studies, we identified insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) as the transcriptional target of p52-ZER6 that mediated p52-ZER6 regulation of CSC by promoting pro-survival mitophagy. Moreover, this regulation of mitophagy-mediated CSC population maintenance is specific to p52-ZER6, as p71-ZER6 failed to exert the same effect, most possibly due to the presence of the HUB1 domain at its N-terminus. These results provide a new perspective on the regulatory pathway of pro-survival mitophagy in tumor cells and the molecular mechanism underlying p52-ZER6 oncogenic activity, suggesting that targeting p52-ZER6/IGF1R axis to induce CSC pool exhaustion may be a promising anti-tumor therapeutic strategy.

Targeting selective autophagy and beyond: From underlying mechanisms to potential therapies

BACKGROUND

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved turnover process for intracellular substances in eukaryotes, relying on lysosomal (in animals) or vacuolar (in yeast and plants) mechanisms. In the past two decades, emerging evidence suggests that, under specific conditions, autophagy can target particular macromolecules or organelles for degradation, a process termed selective autophagy. Recently, accumulating studies have demonstrated that the abnormality of selective autophagy is closely associated with the occurrence and progression of many human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review aims at systematically and comprehensively introducing selective autophagy and its role in various diseases, while unravelling the molecular mechanisms of selective autophagy. By providing a theoretical basis for the development of related small-molecule drugs as well as treating related human diseases, this review seeks to contribute to the understanding of selective autophagy and its therapeutic potential.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

In this review, we systematically introduce and dissect the major categories of selective autophagy that have been discovered. We also focus on recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying both classical and non-classical selective autophagy. Moreover, the current situation of small-molecule drugs targeting different types of selective autophagy is further summarized, providing valuable insights into the discovery of more candidate small-molecule drugs targeting selective autophagy in the future. On the other hand, we also reveal clinically relevant implementations that are potentially related to selective autophagy, such as predictive approaches and treatments tailored to individual patients.

Delta opioid peptide [D-ala2, D-leu5]-Enkephalin's ability to enhance mitophagy via TRPV4 to relieve ischemia/reperfusion injury in brain microvascular endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

Local brain tissue can suffer from ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, which lead to vascular endothelial damage. The peptide δ opioid receptor (δOR) agonist [D-ala2, D-leu5]-Enkephalin (DADLE) can reduce apoptosis caused by acute I/R injury in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs).

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the mechanism by which DADLE enhances the level of mitophagy in BMECs by upregulating the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 4 (TRPV4).

METHODS

BMECs were extracted and made to undergo oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) accompanied by DADLE. RNA-seq analysis revealed that DADLE induced increased TRPV4 expression. The CCK-8 method was used to assess the cellular viability; quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to determine the mRNA expression of Drp1; western blot was used to determine the expression of TRPV4 and autophagy-related proteins; and calcium imaging was used to detect the calcium influx. Autophagosomes in in the cells' mitochondria were observed by using transmission electron microscopy. ELISA was used to measure ATP content, and a JC-1 fluorescent probe was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential.

RESULTS

When compared with the OGD/R group, OGD/R+DADLE group showed significantly enhanced cellular viability; increased expression of TRPV4, Beclin-1, LC3-II/I, PINK1 and Parkin; decreased p62 expression; a marked rise in calcium influx; further increases in mitophagy, an increase in ATP synthesis and an elevation of mitochondrial membrane potential. These protective effects of DADLE can be blocked by a TRPV4 inhibitor HC067047 or RNAi of TRPV4.

CONCLUSION

DADLE can promote mitophagy in BMECs through TRPV4, improving mitochondrial function and relieving I/R injury.

Cannabidiol induces ERK activation and ROS production to promote autophagy and ferroptosis in glioblastoma cells

Small molecule-driven ERK activation is known to induce autophagy and ferroptosis in cancer cells. Herein the effect of cannabidiol (CBD), a phytochemical derived from Cannabis sativa, on ERK-driven autophagy and ferroptosis has been demonstrated in glioblastoma (GBM) cells (U87 and U373 cells). CBD imparted significant cytotoxicity in GBM cells, induced activation of ERK (not JNK and p38), and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. It increased the autophagy-related proteins such as LC3 II, Atg7, and Beclin-1 and modulated the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins such as glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), SLC7A11, and TFRC. CBD significantly elevated the endoplasmic reticulum stress, ROS, and iron load, and decreased GSH levels. Inhibitors of autophagy (3-MA) and ferroptosis (Fer-1) had a marginal effect on CBD-induced autophagy/ferroptosis. Treatment with N-acetyl-cysteine (antioxidant) or PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) partly reverted the CBD-induced autophagy/ferroptosis by decreasing the activation of ERK and the production of ROS. Overall, CBD induced autophagy and ferroptosis through the activation of ERK and generation of ROS in GBM cells.

Research Progress on the Mechanism of the Antitumor Effects of Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive ingredient extracted from the hemp plant, has shown therapeutic effects in a variety of diseases, including anxiety, nervous system disorders, inflammation, and tumors. CBD can exert its antitumor effect by regulating the cell cycle, inducing tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibiting tumor cell invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. This article reviews the proposed antitumor mechanisms of CBD, aiming to provide references for the clinical treatment of tumor diseases and the rational use of CBD.

New Avenues and Major Achievements in Phytocompounds Research for Glioblastoma Therapy

Phytocompounds have been evaluated for their anti-glioblastoma actions for decades, with promising results from preclinical studies but only limited translation into clinics. Indeed, by targeting multiple signaling pathways deregulated in cancer, they often show high efficacy in the in vitro studies, but their poor bioavailability, low tumor accumulation, and rapid clearance compromise their efficacy in vivo. Here, we present the new avenues in phytocompound research for the improvement of glioblastoma therapy, including the ways to enhance the response to temozolomide using phytochemicals, the current focus on phytocompound-based immunotherapy, or the use of phytocompounds as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. Moreover, we present new, intensively evaluated approaches, such as chemical modifications of phytochemicals or encapsulation into numerous types of nanoformulations, to improve their bioavailability and delivery to the brain. Finally, we present the clinical trials evaluating the role of phytocompounds or phytocompound-derived drugs in glioblastoma therapy and the less studied phytocompounds or plant extracts that have only recently been found to possess promising anti-glioblastoma properties. Overall, recent advancements in phytocompound research are encouraging; however, only with more 3D glioblastoma models, in vivo studies, and clinical trials it is possible to upgrade the role of phytocompounds in glioblastoma treatment to a satisfactory level.

The surface morphology of Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide and its inhibitory effect on PCV2 replication

BACKGROUND

Porcine infection with Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) causes immunosuppression, which is easy to cause concurrent or secondary infection, making the disease complicated and difficult to treat, and causing huge economic losses to the pig industry. Total polysaccharide from the rhizoma of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (PAMK) is outstanding in enhancing non-specific immunity and cellular immunity, and effectively improving the body's disease resistance, indicating its potential role in antiviral immunotherapy.

RESULTS

PAMK had the characteristics of compact, polyporous and agglomerated morphology, but does not have triple helix conformation. PCV2 infection led to the increase in LC3-II, degradation of p62 and the increase of viral Cap protein expression and viral copy number. PAMK treatment significantly alleviated PCV2-induced autophagy and inhibited PCV2 replication. Moreover, PAMK treatment significantly attenuated the increase of PINK1 protein expression and the decrease of TOMM20 protein expression caused by PCV2 infection, alleviated Parkin recruitment from cytoplasm to mitochondria and intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, restored mitochondrial membrane charge, alleviated viral Cap protein expression.

CONCLUSION

PAMK alleviates PCV2-induced mitophagy to suppress PCV2 replication by inhibiting the Pink 1/Parkin pathway. These findings may provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of PCV2. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cannabinoids in the treatment of glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent primary malignant tumor of the nervous system. While the treatment of other neoplasms is increasingly more efficacious the median survival rate of GBM patients remains low and equals about 14 months. Due to this fact, there are intensive efforts to find drugs that would help combat GBM. Nowadays cannabinoids are becoming more and more important in the field of cancer and not only because of their properties of antiemetic drugs during chemotherapy. These compounds may have a direct cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Studies indicate GBM has disturbances in the endocannabinoid system-changes in cannabinoid metabolism as well as in the cannabinoid receptor expression. The GBM cells show expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1R and CB2R), which mediate various actions of cannabinoids. Through these receptors, cannabinoids inhibit the proliferation and invasion of GBM cells, along with changing their morphology. Cannabinoids also induce an intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in the tumor. Hence the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of GBM may be beneficial to the patients. So far, studies focusing on using cannabinoids in GBM therapy are mainly preclinical and involve cell lines and mice. The results are promising and show cannabinoids inhibit GBM growth. Several clinical studies are also being carried out. The preliminary results show good tolerance of cannabinoids and prolonged survival after administration of these drugs. In this review, we describe the impact of cannabinoids on GBM and glioma cells in vitro and in animal studies. We also provide overview of clinical trials on using cannabinoids in the treatment of GBM.

Identification of HSPD1 as a novel invasive biomarker associated with mitophagy in pituitary adenomas

BACKGROUND

The crucial role of mitophagy in tumor progression has been recognized. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between pituitary adenoma invasiveness and the mitophagy processes.

METHODS

In this study, we used transcriptomics of postoperative tissue from 32 patients and quantitative proteomics of 19 patients to screen for mitophagy-related invasion genes in pituitary adenomas. The invasive predictive value of target genes was analyzed by Lasso regression model, CytoHubba plugin and expression validation. Co-expression correlation analysis was used to identify paired proteins for target genes, and a predictive model for pituitary adenoma invasiveness was constructed by target genes and paired proteins and assessed using ROC analysis, calibration curves and DCA. GO function, pathway (GSEA or GSVA) and immune cell analysis (ssGSEA or CIBERSORT) were further utilized to explore the action mechanism of target gene. Finally, immunohistochemistry and cell function experiments were used to detect the differential expression and key roles of the target genes in pituitary adenomas.

RESULTS

Finally, Heat shock protein family D member 1 (HSPD1) was identified as a target gene. The quality of a predictive model for pituitary adenoma invasiveness consisting of HSPD1 and its paired protein expression profiles was satisfactory. Moreover, the expression of HSPD1 was significantly lower in invasive pituitary adenomas than in non-invasive pituitary adenomas. Downregulation of HSPD1 may be significantly related to invasion process, mitochondria-related pathway and immune cell regulation in pituitary adenomas.

CONCLUSION

The downregulation of HSPD1 may serve as a predictive indicator for identifying invasive pituitary adenomas.

Establishing an ANO1-Based Cell Model for High-Throughput Screening Targeting TRPV4 Regulators

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a widely expressed cation channel that plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. However, most TRPV4 drugs carry a risk of side effects. Moreover, existing screening methods are not suitable for the high-throughput screening (HTS) of drugs. In this study, a cell model and HTS method for targeting TRPV4 channel drugs were established based on a calcium-activated chloride channel protein 1 Anoctamin 1 (ANO1) and a double mutant (YFP-H148Q/I152L) of the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). Patch-clamp experiments and fluorescence quenching kinetic experiments were used to verify that the model could sensitively detect changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The functionality of the TRPV4 cell model was examined through temperature variations and different concentrations of TRPV4 modulators, and the performance of the model in HTS was also evaluated. The model was able to sensitively detect changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and also excelled at screening TRPV4 drugs, and the model was more suitable for HTS. We successfully constructed a drug cell screening model targeting the TRPV4 channel, which provides a tool to study the pathophysiological functions of TRPV4 in vitro.

Cannabigerol Induces Autophagic Cell Death by Inhibiting EGFR-RAS Pathways in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most frequent infiltrating type of pancreatic cancer. The poor prognosis associated with this cancer is due to the absence of specific biomarkers, aggressiveness, and treatment resistance. PDAC is a deadly malignancy bearing distinct genetic alterations, the most common being those that result in cancer-causing versions of the KRAS gene. Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychomimetic cannabinoid with anti-inflammatory properties. Regarding the anticancer effect of CBG, up to now, there is only limited evidence in human cancers. To fill this gap, we investigated the effects of CBG on the PDAC cell lines, PANC-1 and MIAPaCa-2. The effect of CBG activity on cell viability, cell death, and EGFR-RAS-associated signaling was investigated. Moreover, the potential synergistic effect of CBG in combination with gemcitabine (GEM) and paclitaxel (PTX) was investigated. MTT was applied to investigate the effect of CBG on PDAC cell line viabilities. Annexin-V and Acridine orange staining, followed by cytofluorimetric analysis and Western blotting, were used to evaluate CBG's effect on cell death. The modulation of EGFR-RAS-associated pathways was determined by Western blot analysis and a Milliplex multiplex assay. Moreover, by employing the MTT data and SynergyFinder Plus software analysis, the effect of the combination of CBG and chemotherapeutic drugs was determined.

The role of TRPV4 in programmed cell deaths

Programmed cell death is a major life activity of both normal development and disease. Necroptosis is early recognized as a caspase-independent form of programmed cell death followed obviously inflammation. Apoptosis is a gradually recognized mode of cell death that is characterized by a special morphological changes and unique caspase-dependent biological process. Ferroptosis, pyroptosis and autophagy are recently identified non-apoptotic regulated cell death that each has its own characteristics. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a kind of nonselective calcium-permeable cation channel, which is received more and more attention in biology studies. It is widely expressed in human tissues and mainly located on the membrane of cells. Several researchers have identified that the influx Ca2+ from TRPV4 acts as a key role in the loss of cells by apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis and autophagy via mediating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, oxidative stress and inflammation. This effect is bad for the normal function of organs on the one hand, on the other hand, it is benefit for anticancer activities. In this review, we will summarize the current discovery on the role and impact of TRPV4 in these programmed cell death pathological mechanisms to provide a new prospect of gene therapeutic target of related diseases.

Anthelmintic Effect of Cannabidiol against Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto

Cystic echinococcosis is a global parasitic zoonosis caused by infection with the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Cystic echinococcosis affects more than 1 million people worldwide, causing important economic costs in terms of management and livestock associated losses. Albendazole is the main drug used in treating human cystic echinococcosis. In spite of this, its low aqueous solubility, poor absorption, and consequently erratic bioavailability are the cause of its chemotherapeutic failures. Based on the described problem, new treatment alternatives urgently need to be developed. The aim of the present research was to study the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD), the second most abundant component of the Cannabis sativa plant, was demonstrated against E. granulosus sensu stricto. CBD (50 µg/mL) caused a decrease in protoscoleces viability of 80 % after 24 h of treatment which was consistent with the observed tegumental alterations. Detachment of the germinal layer was observed in 50 ± 10% of cysts treated with 50 µg/mL of CBD during 24 h. In the clinical efficacy study, all treatments reduced the weight of cysts recovered from mice compared with the control group. However, this reduction was only significant with ABZ suspension and the CBD + ABZ combination. As we could observe by the SEM study, the co-administration of CBD with ABZ suspension caused greater ultrastructural alteration of the germinal layer in comparison with that provoked with the monotherapy. Further in vivo research will be conducted by changing the dose and frequency of CBD and CBD + ABZ treatments and new available CBD delivery systems will also be assayed to improve bioavailability in vivo.

Matrix stiffness affects tumor-associated macrophage functional polarization and its potential in tumor therapy

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays critical roles in cytoskeletal support, biomechanical transduction and biochemical signal transformation. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) function is regulated by matrix stiffness in solid tumors and is often associated with poor prognosis. ECM stiffness-induced mechanical cues can activate cell membrane mechanoreceptors and corresponding mechanotransducers in the cytoplasm, modulating the phenotype of TAMs. Currently, tuning TAM polarization through matrix stiffness-induced mechanical stimulation has received increasing attention, whereas its effect on TAM fate has rarely been summarized. A better understanding of the relationship between matrix stiffness and macrophage function will contribute to the development of new strategies for cancer therapy. In this review, we first introduced the overall relationship between macrophage polarization and matrix stiffness, analyzed the changes in mechanoreceptors and mechanotransducers mediated by matrix stiffness on macrophage function and tumor progression, and finally summarized the effects of targeting ECM stiffness on tumor prognosis to provide insight into this new field.

Dishevelled-associated antagonist of β-catenin homolog 3 (DACT3) suppresses glioma progression though Notch1 signaling pathway in β-catenin-dependent manner

The disheveled-associated antagonist of β-catenin homolog 3 (DACT3) has been recognized as a tumor suppressor in various cancers. However, the function of DACT3 on glioma malignant progression along with potential molecular mechanisms is poorly clarified. This research aimed to investigate how DACT3 contributes to suppressing the progression of glioma. In our investigation, a pronounced decrease in DACT3 expression was observed in glioma tissues. Through the overexpression of DACT3, we noted a significant suppression in the proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma cells, while concurrently observing an increase in cell adhesion. Our exploration into the molecular mechanisms revealed that DACT3 executes its tumor-suppressive role by impeding the expression of notch 1 intracellular domain (NICD) and translocating into the nucleus by downregulating the expression of β-catenin. Consequently, this process leads to the suppression of Notch1 signaling. To summarize, our findings reveal the function of DACT3 to inhibit glioma progression via the Notch1 signaling pathway in β-catenin dependent manner. This study stands as the pioneer in examining the role of DACT3 in glioma progression and comprehensively elucidating its molecular mechanisms in glioma development. Therefore, our results suggest that DACT3 holds promise as both a prognostic factor and a potential biomarker for guiding treatment strategies in glioma patients (Graphical Abstract).

Soy isoflavones induces mitophagy to inhibit the progression of osteosarcoma by blocking the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Soy isoflavones (SI) is a natural bioactive substance exhibiting beneficial effects on human health. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic potential of SI in the treatment of osteosarcoma (OS) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms, particularly focusing on mitophagy.

METHODS

The effects of SI on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of U2OS cells were analyzed. Mitophagy was assessed through multiple parameters: mitochondrial autophagosomes, mitochondrial membrane potential, autophagy-related proteins, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Protein levels related to apoptosis, autophagy, and the AKT/mTOR pathway were analyzed using western blot. The therapeutic efficacy of SI was further identified using a mouse tumor xenograft model. Cell apoptosis and proliferation in tumor xenografts were detected by TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively.

RESULTS

SI dose-dependently suppressed the viability, colony formation, migration, and invasion of U2OS cells, and enhanced the apoptosis. SI also dose-dependently induced mitophagy in OS cells, evidenced by an increase in autophagosomes and ROS levels, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and OCR, and concomitant changes in autophagy-related proteins. Mdivi-1, an inhibitor of mitophagy, reversed the anti-tumor effects of SI on U2OS cells. In addition, SI blocked the AKT/mTOR pathway in U2OS cells. SC-79, an AKT agonist, reversed the effect of SI on inducing mitophagy. Moreover, SI also promoted cell apoptosis and mitophagy in tumor xenografts in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

SI induces mitophagy in OS cells by blocking the AKT/mTOR pathway, contributing to the inhibition of OS.

Cellular stress responses as modulators of drug cytotoxicity in pharmacotherapy of glioblastoma

Despite the extensive efforts to find effective therapeutic strategies, glioblastoma (GBM) remains a therapeutic challenge with dismal prognosis of survival. Over the last decade the role of stress responses in GBM therapy has gained a great deal of attention, since depending on the duration and intensity of these cellular programs they can be cytoprotective or promote cancer cell death. As such, initiation of the UPR, autophagy or oxidative stress may either impede or facilitate drug-mediated cell killing. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms that regulate ER stress, autophagy, and oxidative stress during GBM development and progression to later discuss the involvement of these stress pathways in the response to different treatments. We also discuss how a precise understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating stress responses evoked by different pharmacological agents could decisively contribute to the design of novel and more effective combinational treatments against brain malignancies.

Transient receptor potential-related risk model predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) protein family shape oncogenic development, but the specific relevance of TRP-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has yet to be defined.

AIM

To investigate the role of TRP genes in HCC, their association with HCC development and treatment was examined.

METHODS

HCC patient gene expression and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression models were employed to explore the TRP-related risk spectrum. Based on these analyses, clinically relevant TRP family genes were selected, and the association between the key TRP canonical type 1 (TRPC1) gene and HCC patient prognosis was evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 28 TRP family genes were screened for clinical relevance, with multivariate analyses ultimately revealing three of these genes (TRPC1, TRP cation channel subfamily M member 2, and TRP cation channel subfamily M member 6) to be significantly associated with HCC patient prognosis (P < 0.05). These genes were utilized to establish a TRP-related risk model. Patients were separated into low- and high-risk groups based on the expression of these genes, and high-risk patients exhibited a significantly poorer prognosis (P = 0.001). Functional analyses highlighted pronounced differences in the immune status of patients in these two groups and associated enriched immune pathways. TRPC1 was identified as a candidate gene in this family worthy of further study, with HCC patients expressing higher TRPC1 levels exhibiting poorer survival outcomes. Consistently, quantitative, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analyses revealed increased TRPC1 expression in HCC.

CONCLUSION

These three TRP genes help determine HCC patient prognosis, providing insight into tumor immune status and immunological composition. These findings will help design combination therapies including immunotherapeutic and anti-TRP agents.

Cell death induction and intracellular vesicle formation in human colorectal cancer cells treated with Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol

BACKGROUND

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is a principal psychoactive extract of Cannabis sativa and has been traditionally used as palliative medicine for neuropathic pain. Cannabidiol (CBD), an extract of hemp species, has recently attracted increased attention as a cancer treatment, but Δ9-THC is also requiring explored pharmacological application.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the pharmacological effects of Δ9-THC in two human colorectal cancer cell lines. We investigated whether Δ9-THC treatment induces cell death in human colorectal cancer cells.

METHODS

We performed an MTT assay to determine the pharmacological concentration of Δ9-THC. Annxein V and Western blot analysis confirmed that Δ9-THC induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Metabolic activity was evaluated using MitoTracker staining and ATP determination. We investigated vesicle formation by Δ9-THC treatment using GW9662, known as a PPARγ inhibitor.

RESULTS

The MTT assay showed that treatment with 40 μM Δ9-THC and above inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. Multiple intracytoplasmic vesicles were detected upon microscopic observation, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis showed cell death via G1 arrest. Δ9-THC treatment increased the expression of cell death marker proteins, including p53, cleaved PARP-1, RIP1, and RIP3, suggesting that Δ9-THC induced the death of colorectal cancer cells. Δ9-THC treatment also reduced ATP production via changes in Bax and Bcl-2. Δ9-THC regulated intracytoplasmic vesicle formation by modulating the expression of PPARγ and clathrin, adding that antiproliferative activity of Δ9-THC was also affected.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Δ9-THC regulated two functional mechanisms, intracellular vesicle formation and cell death. These findings can help to determine how cannabinoids can be used most effectively to improve the efficacy of cancer treatment.

Targeting Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Cancer Prevention and Treatment: The Role of Cannabis Compounds

The development and progression of cancer are associated with the dysregulation of multiple pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival, as well as dysfunction in redox balance, immune response, and inflammation. The master antioxidant pathway, known as the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, regulates the cellular defense against oxidative stress and inflammation, making it a promising cancer prevention and treatment target. Cannabinoids have demonstrated anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties, affecting signaling pathways, including Nrf2. Increased oxidative stress following exposure to anti-cancer therapy prompts cancer cells to activate antioxidant mechanisms. This indicates the dual effect of Nrf2 in cancer cells-influencing proliferation and apoptotic processes and protecting against the toxicity of anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, understanding the complex role of cannabinoids in modulating Nrf2 might shed light on its potential implementation as an anti-cancer support. In this review, we aim to highlight the impact of cannabinoids on Nrf2-related factors, with a focus on cancer prevention and treatment. Additionally, we have presented the results of several research studies that combined cannabidiol (CBD) with other compounds targeting Nrf2. Further studies should be directed toward exploring the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids in the context of cancer prevention and therapy.

Molecular Targeted Therapies in Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Systematic Overview of Global Trends and Findings

This systematic review assesses current molecular targeted therapies for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a challenging condition with limited treatment options. Using PRISMA methodology, 166 eligible studies, involving 2526 patients (61.49% male, 38.51% female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.59/1), were analyzed. In laboratory studies, 52.52% primarily used human glioblastoma cell cultures (HCC), and 43.17% employed animal samples (mainly mice). Clinical participants ranged from 18 to 100 years, with 60.2% using combined therapies and 39.8% monotherapies. Mechanistic categories included Protein Kinase Phosphorylation (41.6%), Cell Cycle-Related Mechanisms (18.1%), Microenvironmental Targets (19.9%), Immunological Targets (4.2%), and Other Mechanisms (16.3%). Key molecular targets included Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) (10.8%), Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) (7.2%), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) (6.6%), and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MEK) (5.4%). This review provides a comprehensive assessment of molecular therapies for GBM, highlighting their varied efficacy in clinical and laboratory settings, ultimately impacting overall and progression-free survival in GBM management.

Upstream open reading frame-encoded MP31 disrupts the mitochondrial quality control process and inhibits tumorigenesis in glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial hyperpolarization achieved by the elevation of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) activity is a hallmark of glioblastoma (GBM). Therefore, targeting the MQC process to disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis should be a promising approach for GBM therapy.

METHODS

We used 2-photon fluorescence microscopy, Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting, and confocal microscopy with specific fluorescent dyes to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial structures. Mitophagic flux was measured with mKeima.

RESULTS

MP31, a phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) uORF-translated and mitochondria-localized micropeptide, disrupted the MQC process and inhibited GBM tumorigenesis. Re-expression of MP31 in patient-derived GBM cells induced MMP loss to trigger mitochondrial fission but blocked mitophagic flux, leading to the accumulation of damaged mitochondria in cells, followed by reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage. Mechanistically, MP31 inhibited lysosome function and blocked lysosome fusion with mitophagosomes by competing with V-ATPase A1 for lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) binding to induce lysosomal alkalinization. Furthermore, MP31 enhanced the sensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ by suppressing protective mitophay in vitro and in vivo, but showed no side effects on normal human astrocytes or microglia cells (MG).

CONCLUSIONS

MP31 disrupts cancerous mitochondrial homeostasis and sensitizes GBM cells to current chemotherapy, without inducing toxicity in normal human astrocytes and MG. MP31 is a promising candidate for GBM treatment.

Miriplatin-loaded liposome, as a novel mitophagy inducer, suppresses pancreatic cancer proliferation through blocking POLG and TFAM-mediated mtDNA replication

Pancreatic cancer is a more aggressive and refractory malignancy. Resistance and toxicity limit drug efficacy. Herein, we report a lower toxic and higher effective miriplatin (MPt)-loaded liposome, LMPt, exhibiting totally different anti-cancer mechanism from previously reported platinum agents. Both in gemcitabine (GEM)-resistant/sensitive (GEM-R/S) pancreatic cancer cells, LMPt exhibits prominent anti-cancer activity, led by faster cellular entry-induced larger accumulation of MPt. The level of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) determines entry rate and switch of entry pathways of LMPt, indicating a novel role of Cav-1 in nanoparticle entry. After endosome-lysosome processing, in unchanged metabolite, MPt is released and targets mitochondria to enhance binding of mitochondria protease LONP1 with POLG and TFAM, to degrade POLG and TFAM. Then, via PINK1-Parkin axis, mitophagy is induced by POLG and TFAM degradation-initiated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication blocking. Additionally, POLG and TFAM are identified as novel prognostic markers of pancreatic cancer, and mtDNA replication-induced mitophagy blocking mediates their pro-cancer activity. Our findings reveal that the target of this liposomal platinum agent is mitochondria but not DNA (target of most platinum agents), and totally distinct mechanism of MPt and other formulations of MPt. Self-assembly offers LMPt special efficacy and mechanisms. Prominent action and characteristic mechanism make LMPt a promising cancer candidate.

Cell-specific NFIA upregulation promotes epileptogenesis by TRPV4-mediated astrocyte reactivity

BACKGROUND

The astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) exhibit morphological and functional diversity in brain region-specific pattern. Functional alterations of reactive astrocytes are commonly present in human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) cases, meanwhile the neuroinflammation mediated by reactive astrocytes may advance the development of hippocampal epilepsy in animal models. Nuclear factor I-A (NFIA) may regulate astrocyte diversity in the adult brain. However, whether NFIA endows the astrocytes with regional specificity to be involved in epileptogenesis remains elusive.

METHODS

Here, we utilize an interference RNA targeting NFIA to explore the characteristics of NFIA expression and its role in astrocyte reactivity in a 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-induced seizure model in vivo and in vitro. Combined with the employment of a HA-tagged plasmid overexpressing NFIA, we further investigate the precise mechanisms how NIFA facilitates epileptogenesis.

RESULTS

4-AP-induced NFIA upregulation in hippocampal region is astrocyte-specific, and primarily promotes detrimental actions of reactive astrocyte. In line with this phenomenon, both NFIA and vanilloid transient receptor potential 4 (TRPV4) are upregulated in hippocampal astrocytes in human samples from the TLE surgical patients and mouse samples with intraperitoneal 4-AP. NFIA directly regulates mouse astrocytic TRPV4 expression while the quantity and the functional activity of TRPV4 are required for 4-AP-induced astrocyte reactivity and release of proinflammatory cytokines in the charge of NFIA upregulation. NFIA deficiency efficiently inhibits 4-AP-induced TRPV4 upregulation, weakens astrocytic calcium activity and specific astrocyte reactivity, thereby mitigating aberrant neuronal discharges and neuronal damage, and suppressing epileptic seizure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results uncover the critical role of NFIA in astrocyte reactivity and illustrate how epileptogenic brain injury initiates cell-specific signaling pathway to dictate the astrocyte responses.

Ion Channels and Ionotropic Receptors in Astrocytes: Physiological Functions and Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease and Glioblastoma

The human brain is composed of nearly one hundred billion neurons and an equal number of glial cells, including macroglia, i.e., astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain. In the last few decades, compelling evidence has revealed that glial cells are far more active and complex than previously thought. In particular, astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell population, not only take part in brain development, metabolism, and defense against pathogens and insults, but they also affect sensory, motor, and cognitive functions by constantly modulating synaptic activity. Not surprisingly, astrocytes are actively involved in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and other neurological disorders like brain tumors, in which they rapidly become reactive and mediate neuroinflammation. Reactive astrocytes acquire or lose specific functions that differently modulate disease progression and symptoms, including cognitive impairments. Astrocytes express several types of ion channels, including K+, Na+, and Ca2+ channels, transient receptor potential channels (TRP), aquaporins, mechanoreceptors, and anion channels, whose properties and functions are only partially understood, particularly in small processes that contact synapses. In addition, astrocytes express ionotropic receptors for several neurotransmitters. Here, we provide an extensive and up-to-date review of the roles of ion channels and ionotropic receptors in astrocyte physiology and pathology. As examples of two different brain pathologies, we focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most diffuse neurodegenerative disorders, and glioblastoma (GBM), the most common brain tumor. Understanding how ion channels and ionotropic receptors in astrocytes participate in NDs and tumors is necessary for developing new therapeutic tools for these increasingly common neurological conditions.

Xinmaikang-mediated mitophagy attenuates atherosclerosis via the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The Chinese herbal compound Xinmaikang (XMK) is effective in treating atherosclerosis (AS), although the associated mechanisms of action remain unclear. We hypothesize that XMK increases mitophagy via the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway and decreases reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus treating AS.

PURPOSE

To explore the above-mentioned mechanisms of action of XMK in AS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography assay was performed to clarify the composition of XMK. A 16-week high-fat diet was fed to APOE-/- mice to form an AS model. Next, mice were given XMK(0.95 g/kg/d, 1.99 g/kg/d, 3.98 g/kg/d, i.g.) or Atorvastatin(3 mg/kg/d, i.g.) or Rapamycin(4 mg/kg/d, i.p.) or XMK with Mdivi-1(40 mg/kg/d, i.p.) or an equivalent amount of normal saline for 4 weeks. Then mice were examined for AS plaque area, lesion area, collagen fiber, pro-inflammatory cytokines, lipid level, ROS level and mitophagy level. We assessed AS using Oil Red O, hematoxylin and eosin, and Sirius red staining, as well as ROS measurements. Mitophagy was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot, single-cell Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. In vitro, by oxidizing low-density lipoprotein, formation of RAW264.7 macrophage-derived foam cells induced. we induced foam cell formation in RAW264.7 macrophages. Then cells were incubated with XMK-medicated serum with or without Mdivi-1. We examined foam cell formation, ROS level, mitophagy level in cells. Finally, we knocked down the PINK1, and examined foam cell formation and PINK1/Parkin level in RAW264.7 macrophages.

RESULTS

UPLC analysis revealed 102 main ingredients in XMK. In vivo, XMK at medium-dose or high-dose significantly reduced AS plaques, lipids, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and ROS and increased mitophagy. In further study, Single-cell western blot showed that mitophagy level in macrophages sorted from AS mice was lower than the control mice. While XMK improved mitophagy level. In vitro, XMK reduced foam cell formation and ROS and increased mitophagy. When PINK1 was knocked down, XMK's effects on foam cell formation and PINK1/Parkin pathway activation were reduced.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that XMK is effective against AS by mediating macrophage mitophagy via the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. For the treatment of AS and drug discovery, it provides an experimental basis and target.

Inhalant Cannabidiol Inhibits Glioblastoma Progression Through Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment

Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common invasive brain tumor composed of diverse cell types with poor prognosis. The highly complex tumor microenvironment (TME) and its interaction with tumor cells play important roles in the development, progression, and durability of GBM. Angiogenic and immune factors are two major components of TME of GBM; their interplay is a major determinant of tumor vascularization, immune profile, as well as immune unresponsiveness of GBM. Given the ineffectiveness of current standard therapies (surgery, radiotherapy, and concomitant chemotherapy) in managing patients with GBM, it is necessary to develop new ways of treating these lethal brain tumors. Targeting TME, altering tumor ecosystem may be a viable therapeutic strategy with beneficial effects for patients in their fight against GBM. Materials and Methods: Given the potential therapeutic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in a wide spectrum of diseases, including malignancies, we tested, for the first time, whether inhalant CBD can inhibit GBM tumor growth using a well-established orthotopic murine model. Optical imaging, histology, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry were employed to describe the outcomes such as tumor progression, cancer cell signaling pathways, and the TME. Results: Our findings showed that inhalation of CBD was able to not only limit the tumor growth but also to alter the dynamics of TME by repressing P-selectin, apelin, and interleukin (IL)-8, as well as blocking a key immune checkpoint-indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). In addition, CBD enhanced the cluster of differentiation (CD) 103 expression, indicating improved antigen presentation, promoted CD8 immune responses, and reduced innate Lymphoid Cells within the tumor. Conclusion: Overall, our novel findings support the possible therapeutic role of inhaled CBD as an effective, relatively safe, and easy to administer treatment adjunct for GBM with significant impacts on the cellular and molecular signaling of TME, warranting further research.

Kuwanon H Inhibits Melanoma Growth through Cytotoxic Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Impaired Autophagy Flux

Although great progress has been made recently in targeted and immune-based therapies, additional treatments are needed for most melanoma patients due to acquired chemoresistance, recurrence, or metastasis. Elevated autophagy is required for the pathogenesis of melanoma to attenuate metabolic stress, protecting cancer cells from chemotherapeutics or radiation. Thus, intervention with autophagy is a promising strategy for melanoma treatment. Here, we examined a novel antimelanoma natural compound named kuwanon H (KuH), which significantly inhibited melanoma cell growth in vitro/vivo. Mechanistically, KuH induced cytotoxic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis. Meanwhile, KuH-induced ER stress mediated autophagysome formation through the ATF4-DDIT3-TRIB3-AKT-MTOR axis. Importantly, KuH impaired autophagy flux, which contributed to the anticancer effects of KuH. Finally, our results showed that KuH enhanced the sensitivity of melanoma cells to cisplatin, both in vitro and in vivo, by impairing autophagy degradation of reactive oxygen species and damaged mitochondria. Our findings indicate that KuH is a promising candidate anticancer natural product for melanoma therapy.

The role of cannabidiol in aging

Aging is usually considered a key risk factor associated with multiple diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Furthermore, the burden of age-related diseases has become a global challenge. It is of great significance to search for drugs to extend lifespan and healthspan. Cannabidiol (CBD), a natural nontoxic phytocannabinoid, has been regarded as a potential candidate drug for antiaging. An increasing number of studies have suggested that CBD could benefit healthy longevity. Herein, we summarized the effect of CBD on aging and analyzed the possible mechanism. All these conclusions may provide a perspective for further study of CBD on aging.

Hypoxia-induced GPCPD1 depalmitoylation triggers mitophagy via regulating PRKN-mediated ubiquitination of VDAC1

Mitophagy, which selectively eliminates the dysfunctional and excess mitochondria by autophagy, is crucial for cellular homeostasis under stresses such as hypoxia. Dysregulation of mitophagy has been increasingly linked to many disorders including neurodegenerative disease and cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype, is reported to be characterized by hypoxia. However, the role of mitophagy in hypoxic TNBC as well as the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unexplored. Here, we identified GPCPD1 (glycerophosphocholine phosphodiesterase 1), a key enzyme in choline metabolism, as an essential mediator in hypoxia-induced mitophagy. Under the hypoxic condition, we found that GPCPD1 was depalmitoylated by LYPLA1, which facilitated the relocating of GPCPD1 to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). Mitochondria-localized GPCPD1 could bind to VDAC1, the substrate for PRKN/PARKIN-dependent ubiquitination, thus interfering with the oligomerization of VDAC1. The increased monomer of VDAC1 provided more anchor sites to recruit PRKN-mediated polyubiquitination, which consequently triggered mitophagy. In addition, we found that GPCPD1-mediated mitophagy exerted a promotive effect on tumor growth and metastasis in TNBC both in vitro and in vivo. We further determined that GPCPD1 could serve as an independent prognostic indicator in TNBC. In conclusion, our study provides important insights into a mechanistic understanding of hypoxia-induced mitophagy and elucidates that GPCPD1 could act as a potential target for the future development of novel therapy for TNBC patients.Abbreviations: ACTB: actin beta; 5-aza: 5-azacytidine; BNIP3: BCL2 interacting protein 3; BNIP3L: BCL2 interacting protein 3 like; CCCP: carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone; ChIP: chromatin immunoprecipitation; co-IP: co-immunoprecipitation; CQ: chloroquine; CsA: cyclosporine; DOX: doxorubicin; FIS1: fission, mitochondrial 1; FUNDC1: FUN14 domain containing 1; GPCPD1: glycerophosphocholine phosphodiesterase 1; HAM: hydroxylamine; HIF1A: hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha; HRE: hypoxia response element; IF: immunofluorescence; LB: lysis buffer; LC3B/MAP1LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; LC-MS: liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; LYPLA1: lysophospholipase 1; LYPLA2: lysophospholipase 2; MDA231: MDA-MB-231; MDA468: MDA-MB-468; MFN1: mitofusin 1; MFN2: mitofusin 2; MKI67: marker of proliferation Ki-67; OCR: oxygen consumption rate; OMM: outer mitochondrial membrane; OS: overall survival; PalmB: palmostatin B; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PINK1: PTEN induced kinase 1; PRKN: parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase; SDS: sodium dodecyl sulfate; TOMM20: translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20; TNBC: triple-negative breast cancer; VBIT-4: VDAC inhibitor; VDAC1: voltage dependent anion channel 1; WT: wild type.

TRPM2 protects against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury and mitochondrial dysfunction via modulating autophagy

Background: Cisplatin is a widely used anti-tumor agent but its use is frequently limited by nephrotoxicity. Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a non-selective cation channel which is generally viewed as a sensor of oxidative stress, and increasing evidence supports its link with autophagy, a critical process for organelle homeostasis. Methods: Cisplatin-induced cell injury and mitochondrial damage were both assessed in WT and Trpm2-knockout mice and primary cells. RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblotting and flowcytometry were applied to interpret the mechanism of TRPM2 in cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Results: Knockout of TRPM2 exacerbates renal dysfunction, tubular injury and cell apoptosis in a model of acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by treatment with cisplatin. Cisplatin-caused tubular mitochondrial damage is aggravated in TRPM2-deficient mice and cells and, conversely, alleviated by treatment with Mito-TEMPO, a mitochondrial ROS scavenger. TRPM2 deficiency hinders cisplatin-induced autophagy via blockage of Ca2+ influx and subsequent up-regulation of AKT-mTOR signaling. Consistently, cisplatin-induced tubular mitochondrial damage, cell apoptosis and renal dysfunction in TRPM2-deficient mice are mitigated by treatment with a mTOR inhibitor. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the TRPM2 channel plays a protective role in cisplatin-induced AKI via modulating the Ca2+-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy, providing novel insights into the pathogenesis of kidney injury.

Should oncologists trust cannabinoids?

Cannabis enjoyed a "golden age" as a medicinal product in the late 19th, early 20th century, but the increased risk of overdose and abuse led to its criminalization. However, the 21st century have witnessed a resurgence of interest and a large body of literature regarding the benefits of cannabinoids have emerged. As legalization and decriminalization have spread around the world, cancer patients are increasingly interested in the potential utility of cannabinoids. Although eager to discuss cannabis use with their oncologist, patients often find them to be reluctant, mainly because clinicians are still not convinced by the existing evidence-based data to guide their treatment plans. Physicians should prescribe cannabis only if a careful explanation can be provided and follow up response evaluation ensured, making it mandatory for them to be up to date with the positive and also negative aspects of the cannabis in the case of cancer patients. Consequently, this article aims to bring some clarifications to clinicians regarding the sometimes-confusing various nomenclature under which this plant is mentioned, current legislation and the existing evidence (both preclinical and clinical) for the utility of cannabinoids in cancer patients, for either palliation of the associated symptoms or even the potential antitumor effects that cannabinoids may have.

Adult IDH Wild-Type Glioblastoma Ultrastructural Investigation Suggests a Possible Correlation between Morphological Biomarkers and Ki-67 Index

Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor with an average life expectancy between 14 and 16 months after diagnosis. The Ki-67 labeling index (LI), a measure of cellular proliferation, is emerging as a prognostic marker in GBM. In this study, we investigated the ultrastructure of glioblastoma tissue from 9 patients with the same molecular profile (adult IDH wild-type glioblastoma, wild-type ATRX, and positive for TP53 expression, GFAP expression, and EGFR overexpression) to find possible ultrastructural features to be used as biomarkers and correlated with the only parameter that differs among our samples, the Ki-67 LI. Our main results were the visualization of the anatomical basis of astrocyte-endothelial cells crosstalk; the ultrastructural in situ imaging of clusters of hyperactivated microglia cells (MsEVs); the ultrastructural in situ imaging of microglia cells storing lipid vesicles (MsLVs); the ultrastructural in situ imaging of neoplastic cells mitophagy (NCsM). The statistical analysis of our data indicated that MsEVs and MsLVs correlate with the Ki-67 LI value. We can thus assume they are good candidates to be considered morphological biomarkers correlating to Ki-67 LI. The role of NCsM instead must be further evaluated. Our study findings demonstrate that by combining ultrastructural characteristics with molecular information, we can discover biomarkers that have the potential to enhance diagnostic precision, aid in treatment decision-making, identify targets for therapy, and enable personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient. However, further research with larger sample sizes is needed to validate these findings and fully utilize the potential of ultrastructural analysis in managing glioblastoma.

Exosomal delivery of cannabinoids against cancer

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) originating from endosomes that play a role in cellular communication. These vesicles which mimic the parental cells that release them are promising candidates for targeted drug delivery and therapeutic applications against cancer because of their favorable biocompatibility, specific targeting, low toxicity, and immunogenicity. Currently, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids (e.g., CBG, THCV, CBC), are being explored for their anticancer and anti-proliferative properties. Several mechanisms, including cell cycle arrest, proliferation inhibition, activation of autophagy and apoptosis, inhibition of adhesion, metastasis, and angiogenesis have been proposed for their anticancer activity. EVs could be engineered as cannabinoid delivery systems for tumor-specificity leading to superior anticancer effects. This review discusses current techniques for EV isolation from various sources, characterization and strategies to load them with cannabinoids. More extensively, we culminate information available on different sources of EVs that have anticancer activity, mechanism of action of cannabinoids against various wild type and resistant tumors and role of CBD in histone modifications and cancer epigenetics. We have also enumerated the role of EVs containing cannabinoids against various tumors and in chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain.

Chloride intracellular channel gene knockdown induces insect cell lines death and level increases of intracellular calcium ions

Chloride intracellular channel (CLIC) is a member of the chloride channel protein family for which growing evidence supports a pivotal role in fundamental cellular events. However, the physiological function of CLIC in insects is still rarely uncovered. The ovary-derived High Five (Hi-5) cell line isolated from the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni) is widely used in laboratories. Here, we studied both characteristics and functions of CLIC in Hi-5 cells (TnCLIC). We identified the TnCLIC gene in Hi-5 cells and annotated highly conserved CLIC proteins in most insect species. After RNA interference of TnCLIC, the phenomenon of significantly increased cell death suggests that the TnCLIC protein is essential for the survival of Hi-5 cells. The same lethal effect was also observed in Spodoptera frugiperda 9 and Drosophila melanogaster Schneider 2 cells after CLIC knockdown. Furthermore, we found that this kind of cell death was accompanied by increases in intracellular calcium ions after TnCLIC knockdown with the transcriptomic analyses and the detection of calcium levels. Our results provide insights into insect CLIC as a key factor for cell survival and lay the foundation for the cell death mechanism.

Antitumor mechanism of cannabidiol hidden behind cancer hallmarks

Cannabinoids have been utilized for recreational and therapeutic purposes for over 4,000 years. As the primary ingredient in exogenous cannabinoids, Cannabidiol (CBD) has drawn a lot of interest from researchers due to its negligible psychotropic side effects and potential tumor-suppressing properties. However, the obscure mechanisms that underlie them remain a mystery. Complex biological mechanisms are involved in the progression of cancer, and malignancies have a variety of acquired biological capabilities, including sustained proliferation, death evasion, neovascularization, tissue invasion and metastasis, immune escape, metabolic reprogramming, induction of tumor-associated inflammation, cancerous stemness and genomic instability. Nowadays, the role of CBD hidden in these hallmarks is gradually revealed. Nevertheless, flaws or inconsistencies in the recent studies addressing the anti-cancer effects of CBD still exist. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential mechanisms underlying the role of CBD in a range of tumor-acquired biological capabilities. We propose potential drugs that may have a synergistic effect with CBD and provide optional directions for future research.

Single-cell analyses reveal cannabidiol rewires tumor microenvironment via inhibiting alternative activation of macrophage and synergizes with anti-PD-1 in colon cancer

Colorectal tumors often create an immunosuppressive microenvironment that prevents them from responding to immunotherapy. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive natural active ingredient from the cannabis plant that has various pharmacological effects, including neuroprotective, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic activities. This study aimed to elucidate the specific anticancer mechanism of CBD by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell ATAC sequencing (scATAC-seq) technologies. Here, we report that CBD inhibits colorectal cancer progression by modulating the suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Our single-cell transcriptome and ATAC sequencing results showed that CBD suppressed M2-like macrophages and promoted M1-like macrophages in tumors both in strength and quantity. Furthermore, CBD significantly enhanced the interaction between M1-like macrophages and tumor cells and restored the intrinsic anti-tumor properties of macrophages, thereby preventing tumor progression. Mechanistically, CBD altered the metabolic pattern of macrophages and related anti-tumor signaling pathways. We found that CBD inhibited the alternative activation of macrophages and shifted the metabolic process from oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation to glycolysis by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B signaling pathway and related downstream target genes. Furthermore, CBD-mediated macrophage plasticity enhanced the response to anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy in xenografted mice. Taken together, we provide new insights into the anti-tumor effects of CBD.

Advances in mitophagy and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway-related drugs in glioblastoma treatment

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). It is a leading cause of death among patients with intracranial malignant tumors. GBM exhibits intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity, leading to drug resistance and eventual tumor recurrence. Conventional treatments for GBM include maximum surgical resection of glioma tissue, temozolomide administration, and radiotherapy, but these methods do not effectively halt cancer progression. Therefore, development of novel methods for the treatment of GBM and identification of new therapeutic targets are urgently required. In recent years, studies have shown that drugs related to mitophagy and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways can promote the death of glioblastoma cells by inducing mitochondrial damage, impairing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, and depleting large amounts of ATP. Some studies have also shown that modern nano-drug delivery technology targeting mitochondria can achieve better drug release and deeper tissue penetration, suggesting that mitochondria could be a new target for intervention and therapy. The combination of drugs targeting mitochondrial apoptosis and autophagy pathways with nanotechnology is a promising novel approach for treating GBM.This article reviews the current status of drug therapy for GBM, drugs targeting mitophagy and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways, the potential of mitochondria as a new target for GBM treatment, the latest developments pertaining to GBM treatment, and promising directions for future research.

Bushen-Yizhi formula exerts neuroprotective effect via inhibiting excessive mitophagy in rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bushen-Yizhi formula (BSYZ), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription widely used in treating mental retardation and neurodegenerative diseases with kidney deficiency, has been reported to attenuate oxidative stress-related neuronal apoptosis. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is considered to be related to cognitive and emotional disorders. However, it remains to be clarified that the effect of BSYZ on CCH and its underlying mechanism.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of BSYZ on CCH- injured rats based on the domination of oxidative stress balance and mitochondrial homeostasis through inhibiting abnormal excessive mitophagy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vivo rat model of CCH was established by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAo), while the in vitro PC12 cell model was exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) condition, and a mitophagy inhibitor (chloroquine) by decreasing autophagosome-lysosome fusion was used as reverse validation in vitro. The protective role of BSYZ on CCH-injured rats was measured by open field test, morris water maze test, analysis of amyloid fibrils and apoptosis, and oxidative stress kit. The expression of mitochondria-related and mitophagy-related proteins was evaluated by Western blot, immunofluorescence, JC-1 staining assay and Mito-Tracker Red CMXRos assay. The components of BSYZ extracts were identified by HPLC-MS. The molecular docking studies were used to investigate the potential interactions of characteristic compounds in BSYZ with lysosomal membrane protein 1 (LAMP1).

RESULTS

Our result indicated that BSYZ improved the cognition and memory abilities of the BCCAo rats by diminishing the occurrence of apoptosis and abnormal amyloid deposition accumulation, suppressing oxidative stress damage for abnormal excessive mitophagy activation in the hippocampus. Moreover, in OGD/R-damaged PC12 cells, BSYZ drug serum treatment substantially enhanced the PC12 cell viability and suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation for protecting against oxidative stress, along with the improvement of mitochondrial membrane activity and lysosomal proteins. Our studies also showed that inhibiting of autophagosome-lysosome fusion to generate autolysosomes by using chloroquine abrogated the neuroprotective effects of BSYZ on PC12 cells regarding the modulation of antioxidant defence and mitochondrial membrane activity. Furthermore, the molecular docking studies supported the direct bindings between lysosomal associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) and compounds in BSYZ extract to inhibit excessive mitophagy.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that BSYZ played a neuroprotective role in rats with CCH and reduced neuronal oxidative stress via promoting the formation of autolysosomes to inhibit abnormal excessive mitophagy.

Systematic Review of Molecular Targeted Therapies for Adult-Type Diffuse Glioma: An Analysis of Clinical and Laboratory Studies

Gliomas are the most common brain tumor in adults, and molecularly targeted therapies to treat gliomas are becoming a frequent topic of investigation. The current state of molecular targeted therapy research for adult-type diffuse gliomas has yet to be characterized, particularly following the 2021 WHO guideline changes for classifying gliomas using molecular subtypes. This systematic review sought to characterize the current state of molecular target therapy research for adult-type diffuse glioma to better inform scientific progress and guide next steps in this field of study. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were queried for study design, subject (patients, human cell lines, mice, etc.), type of tumor studied, molecular target, respective molecular pathway, and details pertaining to the molecular targeted therapy-namely the modality, dose, and duration of treatment. A total of 350 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 52 of these were clinical studies, 190 were laboratory studies investigating existing molecular therapies, and 108 were laboratory studies investigating new molecular targets. Further, a total of 119 ongoing clinical trials are also underway, per a detailed query on clinicaltrials.gov. GBM was the predominant tumor studied in both ongoing and published clinical studies as well as in laboratory analyses. A few studies mentioned IDH-mutant astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas. The most common molecular targets in published clinical studies and clinical trials were protein kinase pathways, followed by microenvironmental targets, immunotherapy, and cell cycle/apoptosis pathways. The most common molecular targets in laboratory studies were also protein kinase pathways; however, cell cycle/apoptosis pathways were the next most frequent target, followed by microenvironmental targets, then immunotherapy pathways, with the wnt/β-catenin pathway arising in the cohort of novel targets. In this systematic review, we examined the current evidence on molecular targeted therapy for adult-type diffuse glioma and discussed its implications for clinical practice and future research. Ultimately, published research falls broadly into three categories-clinical studies, laboratory testing of existing therapies, and laboratory identification of novel targets-and heavily centers on GBM rather than IDH-mutant astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma. Ongoing clinical trials are numerous in this area of research as well and follow a similar pattern in tumor type and targeted pathways as published clinical studies. The most common molecular targets in all study types were protein kinase pathways. Microenvironmental targets were more numerous in clinical studies, whereas cell cycle/apoptosis were more numerous in laboratory studies. Immunotherapy pathways are on the rise in all study types, and the wnt/β-catenin pathway is increasingly identified as a novel target.

Sitagliptin inhibits the survival, stemness and autophagy of glioma cells, and enhances temozolomide cytotoxicity

The standard regimen treatment has improved GBM outcomes, but the survival rate of patients is still unsatisfactory. Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is one of main reasons limiting the therapeutic efficacy of GBM. However, there are currently no TMZ-sensitizing drugs available in the clinic. Here we aimed to study whether the antidiabetic drug Sitagliptin can inhibit the survival, stemness and autophagy of GBM cells, and thus enhance TMZ cytotoxicity. We used CCK-8, EdU, colony formation, TUNEL and flow cytometry assays to assess cell proliferation and apoptosis; sphere formation and limiting dilution assays to measure self-renewal and stemness of glioma stem cells (GSCs); Western blot, qRT-PCR or immunohistochemical analysis to measure the expression of proliferation or stem cell markers; Western blot/fluorescent analysis of LC3 and other molecules to evaluate autophagy formation and degradation in glioma cells. We found that Sitagliptin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in GBM cells and suppressed self-renewal and stemness of GSCs. The in vitro findings were further confirmed in glioma intracranial xenograft models. Sitagliptin administration prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. Sitagliptin could inhibit TMZ-induced protective autophagy and enhance the cytotoxicity of TMZ in glioma cells. In addition, Sitagliptin acted as a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor in glioma as well as in diabetes, but it did not affect the blood glucose level and body weight of mice. These findings suggest that Sitagliptin with established pharmacologic and safety profiles could be repurposed as an antiglioma drug to overcome TMZ resistance, providing a new option for GBM therapy.

Therapeutic targeting of the tumor microenvironments with cannabinoids and their analogs: Update on clinical trials

Cancer is a major global public health concern that affects both industrialized and developing nations. Current cancer chemotherapeutic options are limited by side effects, but plant-derived alternatives and their derivatives offer the possibilities of enhanced treatment response and reduced side effects. A plethora of recently published articles have focused on treatments based on cannabinoids and cannabinoid analogs and reported that they positively affect healthy cell growth and reverse cancer-related abnormalities by targeting aberrant tumor microenvironments (TMEs), lowering tumorigenesis, preventing metastasis, and/or boosting the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Furthermore, TME modulating systems are receiving much interest in the cancer immunotherapy field because it has been shown that TMEs have significant impacts on tumor progression, angiogenesis, invasion, migration, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, metastasis and development of drug resistance. Here, we have reviewed the effective role of cannabinoids, their analogs and cannabinoid nano formulations on the cellular components of TME (endothelial cells, pericytes, fibroblast and immune cells) and how efficiently it retards the progression of carcinogenesis is discussed. The article summarizes the existing research on the molecular mechanisms of cannabinoids regulation of the TME and finally highlights the human studies on cannabinoids' active interventional clinical trials. The conclusion outlines the need for future research involving clinical trials of cannabinoids to demonstrate their efficacy and activity as a treatment/prevention for various types of human malignancies.

The physiological metabolite α-ketoglutarate ameliorates osteoarthritis by regulating mitophagy and oxidative stress

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related metabolic disease. Low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress are the last common pathway of OA. α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) is an essential physiological metabolite from the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, with multiple functions, including anti-inflammation and antioxidation, and exhibits decreased serum levels with age. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of α-KG on OA. We first quantified the α-KG levels in human cartilage tissue and osteoarthritic chondrocytes induced by IL-1β. Besides, IL-1β-induced osteoarthritic chondrocytes were treated with different concentrations of α-KG. Chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis, synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix, and inflammation mediators were analyzed. RNA sequencing was used to explore the mechanism of α-KG, and mitophagy and oxidative stress levels were further detected. These results were verified in an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) induced age-related OA rat model. We found that α-KG content decreased by 31.32% in damaged medial cartilage than in normal lateral cartilage and by 36.85% in IL-1β-induced human osteoarthritic chondrocytes compared to control. α-KG supplementation reversed IL-1β-induced chondrocyte proliferation inhibition and apoptosis, increased the transcriptomic and proteinic expression of ACAN and COL2A1 in vivo and in vitro, but inhibited the expression of MMP13, ADAMTS5, IL-6, and TNF-α. In mechanism, α-KG promoted mitophagy and inhibited ROS generation, and these effects could be prevented by Mdivi-1 (a mitophagy inhibitor). Overall, α-KG content decreased in human OA cartilage and IL-1β-induced osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Moreover, α-KG supplementation could alleviate osteoarthritic phenotype by regulating mitophagy and oxidative stress, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target to ameliorate OA.

Cannabidiol inhibits lung proliferation in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a safe and well-tolerated plant-derived drug with anti-proliferative properties. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rapidly progressive and still incurable disease. CBD diminishes monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH, including reduced right ventricular systolic pressure, pulmonary vascular hypertrophy, and right ventricular remodeling. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of chronic administration of CBD (10 mg/kg once daily for 21 days) on selected remodeling parameters in the lung of MCT-induced PH rats. In MCT-induced PH, we found an increase in profibrotic parameters, e.g., transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), galectin-3 (Gal-3), procollagen I, collagen I, C-propeptide, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and an increased number of mast cells. In our study, we observed that the TGF-β1, Gal-3, procollagen I, collagen I, C-propeptide, and mast cell levels in lung tissue were decreased after CBD administration to MCT-treated rats. In summary, CBD treatment has an anti-proliferative effect on MCT-induced PH. Given the beneficial multidirectional effects of CBD on PH, we believe that CBD can be used as an adjuvant PH therapy, but this argument needs to be confirmed by clinical trials.

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4: a Double-Edged Sword in the Central Nervous System

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a nonselective cation channel that can be activated by diverse stimuli, such as heat, mechanical force, hypo-osmolarity, and arachidonic acid metabolites. TRPV4 is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and participates in many significant physiological processes. However, accumulative evidence has suggested that deficiency, abnormal expression or distribution, and overactivation of TRPV4 are involved in pathological processes of multiple neurological diseases. Here, we review the latest studies concerning the known features of this channel, including its expression, structure, and its physiological and pathological roles in the CNS, proposing an emerging therapeutic strategy for CNS diseases.