The next generation therapy for lung cancer: taking medicine by inhalation

Daurisoline inhibits glycolysis of lung cancer by targeting the AKT-HK2 axis

Lung cancer, one of the most prevalent tumors, remains a clinical challenge with a poor five-year survival rate. Daurisoline, a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived from the traditional Chinese herb Menispermum dauricum, is known to suppress tumor growth effectively. However, its precise mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that Daurisoline targets glycolysis and reduces the protein level of HK2, thereby inhibiting lung cancer progression. Mechanistic investigations reveal that Daurisoline directly binds to AKT and antagonizes the AKT-GSK3β-c-Myc-HK2 signaling axis. Furthermore, in an animal model, we validate the in vivo anti-tumor effect of Daurisoline without any observable side effects. Overall, our findings suggest that Daurisoline holds potential as an anti-tumor agent through its targeting of glycolysis.

CD-MOFs: From preparation to drug delivery and therapeutic application

Cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOFs) show considerable advantages of edibility, degradability, low toxicity, and high drug loading, which have attracted enormous interest, especially in drug delivery. This review summarizes the typical synthesis approaches of CD-MOFs, the drug loading methods, and the mechanism of encapsulation and release. The influence of the structure of CD-MOFs on their drug encapsulation and release is highlighted. Finally, the challenges CD-MOFs face are discussed regarding biosafety assessment systems, stability in aqueous solution, and metal ion effect.

Endocytosis, Distribution, and Exocytosis of Polystyrene Nanoparticles in Human Lung Cells

Nanoplastics, one component of plastic pollution, can enter human bodies via inhalation and thus threaten human health. However, the knowledge about the uptake and exocytosis of nanoplastics in cells of human lung organs is still very limited. Herein, we investigated the endocytosis, distribution, and exocytosis of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) of 50 nm (G50PS) and 100 nm (R100PS) in A549 cells and BEAS-2B cells. We found that both the cellular uptake of PS NPs increased positively with exposure time and dose, and A549 cells ingested more PS NPs than BEAS-2B cells did. In addition, the intracellular content of G50PS was higher than that of R100PS except at a higher dose and longer time. The ingested PS NPs were distributed mainly in lysosomes, while many G50PS appeared around the cell membrane, and R100PS also accumulated in mitochondria in BEAS-2B cells. As for the exocytosis, R100PS was more difficult to excrete than G50PS. Lysosomes in A549 cells and actin and microtubule in BEAS-2B cells were involved in the exocytosis of the PS NPs. These findings provide detailed information about the translocation of nanoplastics in lung cells, which is valuable for the safety assessment of nanoplastics in the environment.

A comprehensive review on methotrexate containing nanoparticles; an appropriate tool for cancer treatment

For more than seven decades, methotrexate has been used all over the world for treatment of different diseases such as: cancer, autoimmune diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. Several studies have addressed its formula, efficacy, and delivery methods in recent years. These studies have been focused on the effectiveness of different nanoparticles on drug delivery, delivery of the drug to the target cells, and attenuation of harm to the host cell. Whereas, the main usages of methotrexate are in cancer treatment field, this review provided a brief perspective into using different nanoparticles and their role in the treatment of different cancers.

Air pollution: A culprit of lung cancer

Air pollution is a global health problem, especially in the context of rapid economic development and the expansion of urbanization. Herein, we discuss the harmful effects of outdoor and indoor pollution on the lungs. Ambient particulate matters (PMs) from industrial and vehicle exhausts is associated with lung cancer. Workers exposed to asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and toxic metals are also likely to develop lung cancer. Indoors, cooking fumes, second-hand smoke, and radioactive products from house decoration materials play roles in the development of lung cancer. Bacteria and viruses can also be detrimental to health and are important risk factors in lung inflammation and cancer. Specific effects of lung cancer caused by air pollution are discussed in detail, including inflammation, DNA damage, and epigenetic regulation. In addition, advanced materials for personal protection, as well as the current government policies to prevent air pollution, are summarized. This review provides a basis for future research on the relationship between lung cancer and air pollution.

Financial toxicity in patients with lung cancer: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer has the second-ranked morbidity rate and the first-ranked mortality rate worldwide. With the progression of the cancer condition and the advancement of new treatments, the corresponding medical expenses have risen sharply. Nowadays, financial toxicity has become one of the most common concerns in patients with cancer. However, by far, the full landscape of studies on financial toxicity is unclear in patients with lung cancer. Thus, this scoping review aims to summarise the degree, affecting factors, outcomes and intervention strategies of financial toxicity in patients with lung cancer.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This scoping review will be developed following the methodology described in the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis on scoping review protocol, which was based on Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework, Levac et al's recommendations for applying this framework and Peters et al's enhancements of the framework. From the day of database building to 31 December 2021, 10 English databases will be searched in the 'Abstract' field with three key search terms: "Lung", "Cancer" and "Financial toxicity". The studies' screening and data extraction will be independently performed by two reviewers (MZ and RZ). Any disagreements between the two reviewers (MZ and RZ) will be resolved by consensus, and a third reviewer (BW) will be invited if necessary. The results will be analysed and presented using tables and figures. This scoping review will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

An ethical approval is not required for this scoping review protocol, nor for the scoping review. The results of this scoping review will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal or presentation at conferences.

REGISTRATION

This scoping review protocol has been registered in the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/ub45n/?view_only=bb93eb94e1434a0f8196b3b61cffcec2).