Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as anticancer agents: mechanistic, pharmacologic, and clinical issues

An In Vitro Investigation of the Antiproliferative and Antimetastatic Effects of Levosimendan: Potential Drug Repurposing for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer presents a significant challenge to the global health of women. Despite substantial advances in human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cervical cancer vaccines, non-HPV-related cervical cancer is still waiting novel therapeutic options. Drug repurposing has provided a promising approach to improve cancer therapy in recent years. Our study aimed to explore the potential in vitro antineoplastic effects of levosimendan on cervical cancer cells. The antiproliferative effects of levosimendan were investigated on cervical cancer cells using a standard MTT assay. Fluorescent double staining was performed to identify its ability to induce apoptosis and necrosis. The possible mechanism of action of levosimendan was explored using cell-cycle analysis. Furthermore, antimetastatic effects were investigated using a wound-healing assay and a Boyden chamber assay. Our results revealed that levosimendan exhibited the highest growth-inhibitory effect in the HPV-negative C33A cell line. However, the effects were modest compared to the standard agent, cisplatin. Cell-cycle analysis detected that levosimendan can induce cell-cycle arrest in C33A cells by increasing the G1 and G2/M phases, decreasing the S phase, and enhancing the hypodiploid subG1 population. Levosimendan inhibited cell migration and invasion in a concentration-dependent manner. As levosimendan showed antimetastatic efficacy, it could be considered for repurposing to contribute to overcoming resistance to therapy in cervical cancer.

Discovery of novel pyrazole based Urea/Thiourea derivatives as multiple targeting VEGFR-2, EGFRWT, EGFRT790M tyrosine kinases and COX-2 Inhibitors, with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities

A novel series of pyrazole derivatives with urea/thiourea scaffolds 16a-l as hybrid sorafenib/erlotinib/celecoxib analogs was designed, synthesized and tested for its VEGFR-2, EGFRWT, EGFRT790M tyrosine kinases and COX-2, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 inhibitory activities. All the tested compounds showed excellent COX-2 selectivity index in range of 18.04-47.87 compared to celecoxib (S.I. = 26.17) and TNF-α and IL-6 inhibitory activities (IC50 = 5.0-7.50, 6.23-8.93 respectively, compared to celecoxib IC50 = 8.40 and 8.50, respectively). Screening was carried out against 60 human cancer cell lines by National Cancer Institute (NCI), compounds 16a, 16c, 16d and 16 g were the most potent inhibitors with GI% ranges of 100 %, 99.63-87.02 %, 98.98-43.10 % and 98.68-23.62 % respectively, and with GI50 values of 1.76-15.50 µM, 1.60-5.38 µM, 1.68-7.39 µM and 1.81-11.0 µM respectively, in addition, of showing good safety profile against normal cell line (F180). Moreover, compounds 16a, 16c, 16d and 16 g had cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase with induced necrotic percentage compared to sorafenib of 2.06 %, 2.47 %, 1.57 %, 0.88 % and 1.83 % respectively. Amusingly, compounds 16a, 16c, 16d and 16 g inhibited VEGFR-2 with IC50 of 25 nM, 52 nM, 324 nM and 110 nM respectively, compared to sorafenib (IC50 = 85 nM), and had excellent EGFRWT and EGFRT790M kinase inhibitory activities (IC50 = 94 nM, 128 nM, 160 nM, 297 nM), (10 nM, 25 nM, 36 nM and 48 nM) respectively, compared to both erlotinib and osimertinib (IC50 = 114 nM, 56 nM) and (70 nM, 37 nM) respectively and showed (EGFRwt/EGFRT790M S.I.) of (range: 4.44-9.40) compared to erlotinib (2.03) and osmertinib (1.89).

Effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin and naproxen) on inflammation-associated proteomic profiles in mouse plasma and prostate during TMPRSS2-ERG (fusion)-driven prostate carcinogenesis

Recent preclinical studies have shown that the intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aspirin and naproxen could be an effective intervention strategy against TMPRSS2-ERG fusion-driven prostate tumorigenesis. Herein, as a follow-up mechanistic study, employing TMPRSS2-ERG (fusion) positive tumors and plasma from TMPRSS2-ERG. Ptenflox/flox mice, we profiled the stage specific proteomic changes (focused on inflammatory circulating and prostate tissue/tumor-specific cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors/growth signaling-associated molecules) that contribute to prostate cancer (PCa) growth and progression in the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion-driven mouse model of tumorigenesis. In addition, the association of the protective effects of NSAIDs (aspirin 1400 ppm and naproxen 400 ppm) with the modulation of these specific molecular pathways was determined. A sandwich Elisa based membrane array-proteome profiler identifying 111 distinct signaling molecules was employed. Overall, the plasma and prostate tissue sample analyses identified 54 significant and differentially expressed cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors/growth signaling-associated molecules between PCa afflicted mice (TMPRSS2-ERG. Ptenflox/flox, age-matched noncancerous controls, NSAIDs-supplemented and no-drug controls). Bioinformatic analysis of the array outcomes indicated that the protective effect of NSAIDs was associated with reduced expression of (a) tumor promoting inflammatory molecules (M-CSF, IL-33, CCL22, CCL12, CX3CL1, CHI3L1, and CD93), (b) growth factors- growth signaling-associated molecules (Chemerin, FGF acidic, Flt-3 ligand, IGFBP-5, and PEDF), and (c) tumor microenvironment/stromal remodeling proteins MMP2 and MMP9. Overall, our findings corroborate the pathological findings that protective effects of NSAIDs in TMPSS2-ERG fusion-driven prostate tumorigenesis are associated with antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects and possible modulation of the immune cell enriched microenvironment.

Identifying alkaline phosphatase inhibitory potential of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors: Insights from molecular docking, MD simulations, molecular expression analysis in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and in vitro investigations

Alkaline phosphatases (APs, EC 3.1.3.1) belong to a superfamily of biological macromolecules that dephosphorylate many phosphometabolites and phosphoproteins and their overexpression is intricated in the spread of cancer to liver and bones, neuronal disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), inflammation and others. It was hypothesized that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors may possess anti-APs potential and may be involved in anticancer proceedings. Three COX-2 inhibitors including nimesulide, piroxicam and lornoxicam were evaluated for the inhibition of APs using in silico and in vitro methods. Molecular docking studies against tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) offered the best binding affinities for nimesulide (-11.14 kcal/mol) supported with conventional hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. MD simulations against TNAP for 200 ns and principal component analysis (PCA) reiterated the stability of ligand-receptor complexes. Molecular expression analysis of TNAP enzyme in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 exhibited 0.24-fold downregulation with 5 μM nimesulide as compared with 0.26-fold standard 10 μM levamisole. In vitro assays against human placental AP (hPAP) displayed potent inhibitions of these drugs with IC50 values of 0.52 ± 0.02 μM to 3.46 ± 0.13 μM and similar results were obtained for bovine intestinal AP (bIAP). The data when generalized collectively emphasizes that the inhibition of APs by COX-2 inhibitors provides another target to work on the development of anticancer drugs.

Deep Learning Insights into the Dynamic Effects of Photodynamic Therapy on Cancer Cells

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promise in tumor treatment, particularly when combined with nanotechnology. This study examines the impact of deep learning, particularly the Cellpose algorithm, on the comprehension of cancer cell responses to PDT. The Cellpose algorithm enables robust morphological analysis of cancer cells, while logistic growth modelling predicts cellular behavior post-PDT. Rigorous model validation ensures the accuracy of the findings. Cellpose demonstrates significant morphological changes after PDT, affecting cellular proliferation and survival. The reliability of the findings is confirmed by model validation. This deep learning tool enhances our understanding of cancer cell dynamics after PDT. Advanced analytical techniques, such as morphological analysis and growth modeling, provide insights into the effects of PDT on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, which could potentially improve cancer treatment efficacy. In summary, the research examines the role of deep learning in optimizing PDT parameters to personalize oncology treatment and improve efficacy.

Targeting cyclooxygenase-2 for chemoprevention of inflammation-associated intestinal carcinogenesis: An update

Mounting evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggests that persistent inflammation functions as a driving force in the journey to cancer. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a key enzyme involved in inflammatory signaling. While being transiently upregulated upon inflammatory stimuli, COX-2 has been found to be consistently overexpressed in human colorectal cancer and several other malignancies. The association between chronic inflammation and cancer has been revisited: cancer can arise when inflammation fails to resolve. Besides its proinflammatory functions, COX-2 also catalyzes the production of pro-resolving as well as anti-inflammatory metabolites from polyunsaturated fatty acids. This may account for the side effects caused by long term use of some COX-2 inhibitory drugs during the cancer chemopreventive trials. This review summarizes the latest findings highlighting the dual functions of COX-2 in the context of its implications in the development, maintenance, and progression of cancer.

Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: The Conjoined Twins

Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the two most common causes of death worldwide. As the fields of cardiovascular medicine and oncology continue to expand, the area of overlap is becoming more prominent demanding dedicated attention and individualized patient care. We have come to realize that both fields are inextricably intertwined in several aspects, so much so that the mere presence of one, with its resultant downstream implications, has an impact on the other. Nonetheless, cardiovascular disease and cancer are generally approached independently. The focus that is granted to the predominant pathological entity (either cardiovascular disease or cancer), does not allow for optimal medical care for the other. As a result, ample opportunities for improvement in overall health care are being overlooked. Herein, we hope to shed light on the interconnected relationship between cardiovascular disease and cancer and uncover some of the unintentionally neglected intricacies of common cardiovascular therapeutics from an oncologic standpoint.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated profiles and subsequent site-specific risk of obesity-related cancers among Chinese patients with diabetes: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To compare metabolic dysfunction-associated profiles between patients with diabetes who developed different obesity-related site-specific cancers and those who remained free of cancer during follow-up.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Public general outpatient clinics in Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with diabetes without a history of malignancy (n=391 921).

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcomes of interest were diagnosis of site-specific cancers (colon and rectum, liver, pancreas, bladder, kidney and stomach) during follow-up. Cox proportional hazards regression was applied to assess the associations between metabolic dysfunction and other clinical factors with each site-specific cancer.

RESULTS

Each 0.1 increase in waist-to-hip ratio was associated with an 11%-35% elevated risk of colorectal, bladder and liver cancers. Each 1% increase in glycated haemoglobin was linked to a 4%-9% higher risk of liver and pancreatic cancers. While low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were inversely associated with the risk of liver and pancreatic cancers, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was negatively associated with pancreatic, gastric and kidney cancers, but positively associated with liver cancer. Furthermore, liver cirrhosis was linked to a 56% increased risk of pancreatic cancer. No significant association between hypertension and cancer risk was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic dysfunction-associated profiles contribute to different obesity-related cancer outcomes differentially among patients with diabetes. This study may provide evidence to help identify cancer prevention targets during routine diabetes care.

Insights into the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment: current and emerging therapeutic approaches

Glioblastoma (GB) is an intrusive and recurrent primary brain tumor with low survivability. The heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the stemness and proliferation of GB. The tumor microenvironment induces tumor heterogeneity of cancer cells by facilitating clonal evolution and promoting multidrug resistance, leading to cancer cell progression and metastasis. It also plays an important role in angiogenesis to nourish the hypoxic tumor environment. There is a strong interaction of neoplastic cells with their surrounding microenvironment that comprise several immune and non-immune cellular components. The tumor microenvironment is a complex network of immune components like microglia, macrophages, T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and non-immune components such as extracellular matrix, endothelial cells, astrocytes and neurons. The prognosis of GB is thus challenging, making it a difficult target for therapeutic interventions. The current therapeutic approaches target these regulators of tumor micro-environment through both generalized and personalized approaches. The review provides a summary of important milestones in GB research, factors regulating tumor microenvironment and promoting angiogenesis and potential therapeutic agents widely used for the treatment of GB patients.

Butyric acid and prospects for creation of new medicines based on its derivatives: a literature review

The widespread use of antimicrobials causes antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The use of butyric acid and its derivatives is an alternative tactic. This review summarizes the literature on the role of butyric acid in the body and provides further prospects for the clinical use of its derivatives and delivery methods to the animal body. Thus far, there is evidence confirming the vital role of butyric acid in the body and the effectiveness of its derivatives when used as animal medicines and growth stimulants. Butyric acid salts stimulate immunomodulatory activity by reducing microbial colonization of the intestine and suppressing inflammation. Extraintestinal effects occur against the background of hemoglobinopathy, hypercholesterolemia, insulin resistance, and cerebral ischemia. Butyric acid derivatives inhibit histone deacetylase. Aberrant histone deacetylase activity is associated with the development of certain types of cancer in humans. Feed additives containing butyric acid salts or tributyrin are used widely in animal husbandry. They improve the functional status of the intestine and accelerate animal growth and development. On the other hand, high concentrations of butyric acid stimulate the apoptosis of epithelial cells and disrupt the intestinal barrier function. This review highlights the biological activity and the mechanism of action of butyric acid, its salts, and esters, revealing their role in the treatment of various animal and human diseases. This paper also discussed the possibility of using butyric acid and its derivatives as surface modifiers of enterosorbents to obtain new drugs with bifunctional action.

The Killer's Web: Interconnection between Inflammation, Epigenetics and Nutrition in Cancer

Inflammation is a key contributor to both the initiation and progression of tumors, and it can be triggered by genetic instability within tumors, as well as by lifestyle and dietary factors. The inflammatory response plays a critical role in the genetic and epigenetic reprogramming of tumor cells, as well as in the cells that comprise the tumor microenvironment. Cells in the microenvironment acquire a phenotype that promotes immune evasion, progression, and metastasis. We will review the mechanisms and pathways involved in the interaction between tumors, inflammation, and nutrition, the limitations of current therapies, and discuss potential future therapeutic approaches.

A dual role of lysophosphatidic acid type 2 receptor (LPAR2) in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced mouse enteropathy

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid mediator that has been found to ameliorate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric injury by acting on lysophosphatidic acid type 2 receptor (LPAR2). In this study, we investigated whether LPAR2 signaling was implicated in the development of NSAID-induced small intestinal injury (enteropathy), another major complication of NSAID use. Wild-type (WT) and Lpar2 deficient (Lpar2-/-) mice were treated with a single, large dose (20 or 30 mg/kg, i.g.) of indomethacin (IND). The mice were euthanized at 6 or 24 h after IND treatment. We showed that IND-induced mucosal enteropathy and neutrophil recruitment occurred much earlier (at 6 h after IND treatment) in Lpar2-/- mice compared to WT mice, but the tissue levels of inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, inducible COX-2, CAMP) remained at much lower levels. Administration of a selective LPAR2 agonist DBIBB (1, 10 mg/kg, i.g., twice at 24 h and 30 min before IND treatment) dose-dependently reduced mucosal injury and neutrophil activation in enteropathy, but it also enhanced IND-induced elevation of several proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines. By assessing caspase-3 activation, we found significantly increased intestinal apoptosis in IND-treated Lpar2-/- mice, but it was attenuated after DBIBB administration, especially in non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice. Finally, we showed that IND treatment reduced the plasma activity and expression of autotaxin (ATX), the main LPA-producing enzyme, and also reduced the intestinal expression of Lpar2 mRNA, which preceded the development of mucosal damage. We conclude that LPAR2 has a dual role in NSAID enteropathy, as it contributes to the maintenance of mucosal integrity after NSAID exposure, but also orchestrates the inflammatory responses associated with ulceration. Our study suggests that IND-induced inhibition of the ATX-LPAR2 axis is an early event in the pathogenesis of enteropathy.

Why Pharmacovigilance of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs is Important in India?

BACKGROUND

Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are among the drugs that are most regularly administered to manage inflammation and pain. Over-the-Counter (OTC) NSAIDs are widely accessible, particularly in developing countries like India. This casual approach to using NSAIDs may operate as a magnet for NSAID-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among patients.

OBJECTIVES

As patients in India are less informed about the appropriate use of NSAIDs and consumption patttern, adverse drug reactions, and the importance of reporting ADRs, the current study's objective is to promote patient safety by using pharmacovigilance as a tool to educate patients.

METHODS

A targeted literature methodology was utilized to gather the data pertaining to NSAIDs, their ADRs and their pharmacovigilance. Different scientific databases, such as Science Direct, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Springer, and Google Scholar, along with authentic textbooks, were explored as reference literature.

RESULTS

In general, NSAIDs consumption pattern depends upon the different age groups. Around 1.6 billion tablets of NSAIDs are consumed in India for ailments, such as headaches, arthritis, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, tendinitis, cancer pain and chronic pain. Common ADRs of NSAIDs include nausea, vomiting, headache, gastritis, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. Also, they can cause renal damage and cardiovascular problems if not consumed in a dose-dependent manner. However, Diclofenac and Ibuprofen have both been linked to depression and dementia. There have been reports of aplastic anaemia, agranulocytosis linked to phenylbutazone, Stevens-Johnson, and Lyell's syndrome linked to isoxicam and piroxicam, as well as the vulnerability of new-borns to Reye's syndrome after aspirin use. Lack of awareness, time constraints and unpredictability, poor training in ADRs identification, etc., are some of the reasons for the under-reporting of ADR of NSAIDs in India.

CONCLUSION

In order to rationally prescribe NSAIDs, it is essential to be aware of probable ADR's and establish prescription guidelines. Prescribers' behaviour can be changed toward excellent prescribing practices by conducting routine prescription assessments dealing with NSAIDs and providing feedback. In the near future, it will be critical to strengthen ADR data management and expand the reach of pharmacovigilance programs, ADR monitoring centers, and healthcare professionals' especially pharmacists' training in rural locations.

Biooriented Synthesis of Ibuprofen-Clubbed Novel Bis-Schiff Base Derivatives as Potential Hits for Malignant Glioma: In Vitro Anticancer Activity and In Silico Approach

This research work is based on the synthesis of bis-Schiff base derivatives of the commercially available ibuprofen drug in outstanding yields through multistep reactions. Structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by the help of modern spectroscopic techniques including high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity using a normal human embryonic kidney HEK293 cell and U87-malignant glioma (ATCC-HTB-14) as a cancer cell line. All of the synthesized compounds among the series exhibited excellent to less antiproliferative activity having IC50 values ranging from 5.75 ± 0.43 to 150.45 ± 0.20 μM. Among them, compound 5e (IC50 = 5.75 ± 0.43 μM) was found as the most potent antiprolifarative agent, while 5f, 5b, 5a, 5n, 5r, 5s, 5g, 5q, 5i, and 5j exhibited good activity with IC50 values from 24.17 ± 0.46 to 43.71 ± 0.07 μM. These findings suggest that these cells (HEK293) are less cytotoxic to the activities of compounds and increase the cancer cell death in brain, while the lower cytotoxicity of the potent compounds in noncancerous cells suggests that these derivatives will provide promising treatment for patients suffering from brain cancer. The results of the docking study exposed a promising affinity of the active compounds toward casein kinase-2 enzyme, which shows green signal for cancer treatment.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of ursodeoxycholic acid-cinnamic acid hybrids as potential anti-inflammatory agents by inhibiting Akt/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways

A series of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)-cinnamic acid hybrids were designed and synthesized. The anti-inflammatory activity of these derivatives was screened through evaluating their inhibitory effects of LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 macrophages. The preliminary structure-activity relationship was concluded. Among them, 2m showed the best inhibitory activity against NO (IC50 = 7.70 μM) with no significant toxicity. Further study revealed that 2m significantly decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and PGE2, down-regulated the expression of iNOS and COX-2. Preliminary mechanism study indicated that the anti-inflammatory activity of 2m was related to the inhibition of the Akt/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, 2m reduced inflammation by a mouse model of LPS-induced inflammatory disease in vivo. In brief, our findings indicated that 2m might serve as a new lead compound for further development of anti-inflammatory agents.

Sulindac sulfide as a non-immune suppressive γ-secretase modulator to target triple-negative breast cancer

Introduction

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises a heterogeneous group of clinically aggressive tumors with high risk of recurrence and metastasis. Current pharmacological treatment options remain largely limited to chemotherapy. Despite promising results, the efficacy of immunotherapy and chemo-immunotherapy in TNBC remains limited. There is strong evidence supporting the involvement of Notch signaling in TNBC progression. Expression of Notch1 and its ligand Jagged1 correlate with poor prognosis. Notch inhibitors, including g-secretase inhibitors (GSIs), are quite effective in preclinical models of TNBC. However, the success of GSIs in clinical trials has been limited by their intestinal toxicity and potential for adverse immunological effects, since Notch plays key roles in T-cell activation, including CD8 T-cells in tumors. Our overarching goal is to replace GSIs with agents that lack their systemic toxicity and ideally, do not affect tumor immunity. We identified sulindac sulfide (SS), the active metabolite of FDA-approved NSAID sulindac, as a potential candidate to replace GSIs.

Methods

We investigated the pharmacological and immunotherapeutic properties of SS in TNBC models in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo.

Results

We confirmed that SS, a known γ-secretase modulator (GSM), inhibits Notch1 cleavage in TNBC cells. SS significantly inhibited mammosphere growth in all human and murine TNBC models tested. In a transplantable mouse TNBC tumor model (C0321), SS had remarkable single-agent anti-tumor activity and eliminated Notch1 protein expression in tumors. Importantly, SS did not inhibit Notch cleavage in T- cells, and the anti-tumor effects of SS were significantly enhanced when combined with a-PD1 immunotherapy in our TNBC organoids and in vivo.

Discussion

Our data support further investigation of SS for the treatment of TNBC, in conjunction with chemo- or -chemo-immunotherapy. Repurposing an FDA-approved, safe agent for the treatment of TNBC may be a cost-effective, rapidly deployable therapeutic option for a patient population in need of more effective therapies.

DNA Methylation in Cancer: Epigenetic View of Dietary and Lifestyle Factors

Background

Alterations in DNA methylation play an important role in cancer development and progression. Dietary nutrients and lifestyle behaviors can influence DNA methylation patterns and thereby modulate cancer risk.

Introduction

To comprehensively review available evidence on how dietary and lifestyle factors impact DNA methylation and contribute to carcinogenesis through epigenetic mechanisms.

Materials and methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify relevant studies published between 2005 and 2022 that examined relationships between dietary/lifestyle factors and DNA methylation in cancer. Studies investigating the effects of dietary components (eg, micronutrients, phytochemicals), physical activity, smoking, and obesity on global and gene-specific DNA methylation changes in animal and human cancer models were included. Data on specific dietary/lifestyle exposures, cancer types, DNA methylation targets and underlying mechanisms were extracted.

Results

Multiple dietary and lifestyle factors were found to influence DNA methylation patterns through effects on DNA methyltransferase activity, methyl donor availability, and generation of oxidative stress. Altered methylation of specific genes regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation were linked to cancer development and progression.

Conclusion

Dietary and lifestyle interventions aimed at modulating DNA methylation have potential for both cancer prevention and treatment through epigenetic mechanisms. Further research is needed to identify actionable targets for nutrition and lifestyle-based epigenetic therapies.

Investigation of Gold Nanoparticle Naproxen-Derived Conjugations in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer, which is one of the most diagnosed cancer types among women, maintains its significance as a global health problem. Several drug candidates have been investigated for the potential treatment of ovarian cancer. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) demonstrated anti-cancer activity through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and by inhibiting COX-2-dependent prostaglandin (PG) production. Naproxen is one of the most used NSAIDs and Naproxen-derived compounds (NDCs) may show potential treatment effects on cancer as chemotherapeutic drugs. Although there are successful drug development studies, the lack of solubility of these drug candidates in aqueous media results in limited bioavailability and high variability of patient responses during treatment. Low aqueous solubility is one of the main problems in the pharmaceutical industry in terms of drug development. Nanotechnology-based strategies provide solutions to hydrophobic drug limitations by increasing dispersion and improving internalization. In this study, two different NDCs (NDC-1 and NDC-2) bearing a thiosemicarbazide/1,2,4-triazole moiety were synthesized and tested for chemotherapeutic effects on ovarian cancer cells, which have a high COX-2 expression. To overcome the limited dispersion of these hydrophobic drugs, the drug molecules were conjugated to the surface of 13 nm AuNPs. Conjugation of drugs to AuNPs increased the distribution of drugs in aqueous media, and NDC@AuNP conjugates exhibited excellent colloidal stability for up to 8 weeks. The proposed system demonstrated an increased chemotherapeutic effect than the free drug counterparts with at least 5 times lower IC50 values. NDC@AuNP nanosystems induced higher apoptosis rates, which established a simple and novel way to investigate activity of prospective drugs in drug discovery research.

Prevention of aspirin-mediated secondary toxicity by combined treatment of carotenoids in macrophages

Upon understanding the boosting role of carotenoids on the endogenous anti-inflammatory system, it is vital to explore their role in reducing the use of high doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), and their mediated secondary toxicity during the treatment of chronic diseases. The current study investigates the carotenoids potential on inhibition of secondary complications induced by NSAIDs, aspirin (ASA) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated inflammation. Initially, this study evaluated a minimal cytotoxic dose of ASA and carotenoids (β-carotene, BC/lutein, LUT/astaxanthin, AST/fucoxanthin FUCO) in Raw 264.7, U937, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In all three cells, carotenoids + ASA treatment reduced the LDH release, NO, and PGE2 efficiently than an equivalent dose of carotenoid or ASA treated alone. Based on cytotoxicity and sensitivity results, RAW 264.7 cells were selected for further cell-based assay. Among carotenoids, FUCO + ASA exhibited an efficient reduction of LDH release, NO, and PGE2 than the other carotenoids (BC + ASA, LUT + ASA, and AST + ASA) treatment. FUCO + ASA combination decreased LPS/ASA induced oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, and NF-κB), and cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) efficiently. Further, apoptosis was inhibited by 69.2% in FUCO + ASA, and 46.7% in ASA than LPS treated cells. A drastic decrease in intracellular ROS generation with the increase in GSH was observed in FUCO + ASA compared to LPS/ASA groups. The results documented on the low dose of ASA with a relative physiological concentration of FUCO suggested greater importance for alleviating secondary complications and optimize prolonged chronic disease treatments with NSAID's associated side effects.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03632-w.

Versatile Platinum(IV) Prodrugs of Naproxen and Acemetacin as Chemo-Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Developing new and versatile platinum(IV) complexes that incorporate bioactive moieties is a rapidly evolving research strategy for cancer drug discovery. In this study, six platinum(IV) complexes (1-6) that are mono-substituted in the axial position with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory molecule, naproxen or acemetacin, were synthesised. A combination of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques confirmed the composition and homogeneity of 1-6. The antitumour potential of the resultant complexes was assessed on multiple cell lines and proved to be significantly improved compared with cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin. The platinum(IV) derivatives conjugated with acemetacin (5 and 6) were determined to be the most biologically potent, demonstrating GI₅₀ values ranging between 0.22 and 250 nM. Remarkably, in the Du145 prostate cell line, 6 elicited a GI₅₀ value of 0.22 nM, which is 5450-fold more potent than cisplatin. A progressive decrease in reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial activity was observed for 1-6 in the HT29 colon cell line, up to 72 h. The inhibition of the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme was also demonstrated by the complexes, confirming that these platinum(IV) complexes may reduce COX-2-dependent inflammation and cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy.

Celecoxib, a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug, Exerts a Toxic Effect on Human Melanoma Cells Grown as 2D and 3D Cell Cultures

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) remains one of the leading causes of tumor mortality due to its high metastatic spread. CM growth is influenced by inflammation regulated by prostaglandins (PGs) whose synthesis is catalyzed by cyclooxygenases (COXs). COX inhibitors, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can inhibit tumor development and growth. In particular, in vitro experiments have shown that celecoxib, a NSAID, inhibits the growth of some tumor cell lines. However, two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, used in traditional in vitro anticancer assays, often show poor efficacy due to a lack of an in vivo like cellular environment. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, such as spheroids, are better models because they can mimic the common features displayed by human solid tumors. Hence, in this study, we evaluated the anti-neoplastic potential of celecoxib, in both 2D and 3D cell cultures of A2058 and SAN melanoma cell lines. In particular, celecoxib reduced the cell viability and migratory capability and triggered the apoptosis of melanoma cells grown as 2D cultures. When celecoxib was tested on 3D melanoma cell cultures, the drug exerted an inhibitory effect on cell outgrowth from spheroids and reduced the invasiveness of melanoma cell spheroids into the hydrogel matrix. This work suggests that celecoxib could represent a new potential therapeutic approach in melanoma therapy.

The research progress of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in colorectal cancer

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is highly conservative. β-catenin is the key molecule in this pathway. The β-catenin target genes regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis. Since Wnt pathway proteins are distributed on the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, inhibiting or activating these pathway proteins presents a novel target for cancer treatment via the Wnt signaling pathway. Studies have found that this pathway plays a significant role in the formation and progression of cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. We summarised the activation and inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway in tumors, its relationship with the microenvironment and crosstalk with other pathways, and the effect of targeting abnormal Wnt signaling in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Here is to review future targeted therapeutics in colorectal cancer research and implementation.

Carborane Analogues of Fenoprofen Exhibit Improved Antitumor Activity

Fenoprofen is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) against rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint disease, ankylosing spondylitis and gout. Like other NSAIDs, fenoprofen inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins by blocking both cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms, COX-1 the "house-keeping" enzyme and COX-2 the induced isoform from pathological stimuli. Unselective inhibition of both COX isoforms results in many side effects, but off-target effects have also been reported. The steric modifications of the drugs could afford the desired COX-2 selectivity. Furthermore, NSAIDs have shown promising cytotoxic properties. The structural modification of fenoprofen using bulky dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12) (carborane) clusters and the biological evaluation of the carborane analogues for COX inhibition and antitumor potential showed that the carborane analogues exhibit stronger antitumor potential compared to their respective aryl-based compounds.

Perspectives of the Application of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Cancer Therapy: Attempts to Overcome Their Unfavorable Side Effects

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) express anti-tumoral activity mainly by blocking cyclooxygenase-2 involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Therefore, in the last few decades, many have attempted to explore the possibilities of applying this group of drugs as effective agents for the inhibition of neoplastic processes. This review summarizes the evidence presented in the literature regarding the anti-tumoral actions of NSAIDs used as monotherapies as well as in combination with conventional chemotherapeutics and natural products. In several clinical trials, it was proven that combinations of NSAIDs and chemotherapeutic drugs (CTDs) were able to obtain suitable results. The combination with phospholipids may resolve the adverse effects of NSAIDs and deliver derivatives with increased antitumor activity, whereas hybrids with terpenoids exhibit superior activity against their parent drugs or physical mixtures. Therefore, the application of NSAIDs in cancer therapy seems to be still an open chapter and requires deep and careful evaluation. The literature's data indicate the possibilities of re-purposing anti-inflammatory drugs currently approved for cancer treatments.

Fifty years with aspirin and platelets

In 2021, we reached the 50th anniversary of the publication of Sir John Vane's seminal paper in Nature New Biology describing the experiments supporting his mechanistic hypothesis that inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis might explain the main pharmacological effects of aspirin and aspirin-like drugs, that is, reduction in pain, fever and inflammation. Bengt Samuelsson's subsequent discoveries elucidating the cyclooxygenase pathway of platelet arachidonic acid metabolism motivated my research interest towards measuring platelet thromboxane A₂ biosynthesis as a tool to investigate the clinical pharmacology of cyclooxygenase inhibition by aspirin in health and disease. What followed was a long, winding road of clinical research leading to the characterization of low-dose aspirin as a life-saving antiplatelet drug that still represents the cornerstone of antithrombotic therapy. Having witnessed and participated in these 50 years of aspirin research, I thought of providing a personal testimony of how things developed and eventually led to a remarkable success story of independent research.

Prognostic value of systemic immune inflammation index and geriatric nutrition risk index in early-onset colorectal cancer

Background

Systemic nutritional and inflammatory markers, which are easy to measure are associated with the progression and prognosis of many cancers. Nevertheless, among the various available indicators, optimal prognostic indicators for patients with early-onset colorectal cancer have not been identified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify optimal nutritional and inflammatory markers for early-onset colorectal cancer and examine the relationship between systemic nutritional and inflammatory markers before treatment and survival in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from 236 eligible patients with early-onset colorectal cancer. Area under the prognostic curve (AUC) and concordance index (C-index) were used to compare seven systemic nutritional and inflammatory markers to identify the optimal inflammatory immune markers. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic value of indicators in the total study population and different subgroups.

Results

The AUC and C-index showed that the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and geriatric nutrition risk index (GNRI) had higher prognostic values than other systemic nutritional and inflammatory indicators. Compared with patients in the low SII group, those in the high SII group had lower overall survival (HR, 4.42, 95% CI, 2.36-8.27, p = 0.000). Compared with patients in the high GNRI group, those in the low GNRI group had lower overall survival (HR, 0.33, 95% CI, 0.19-0.56, p = 0.000). SII was negatively associated with GNRI (R = -0.3, p < 0.001), and both were correlated with the tumor stage.

Conclusion

SII and GNRI are suitable nutritional and inflammatory factors for predicting OS in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer; high SII and low GNRI were correlated with worse prognoses. Identifying the high inflammatory state and low nutritional state of patients before surgery and conducting active and timely therapeutic interventions could improve patient prognosis.

Novel mucoadhesive celecoxib-loaded cubosomal sponges: Anticancer potential and regulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a widespread health problem. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are major tumor microenvironment (TME) population that govern many carcinogenesis aspects by establishing immunosuppressive milieu favoring tumor aggressiveness and treatment resistance. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) regulates MDSCs activity, hence, COX-2-selective inhibition by celecoxib (CXB) showed good anticancer effect at relatively high doses with possible subsequent cardiovascular complications. Therefore, targeted CXB delivery to MDSCs may represent a promising OSCC treatment strategy. Novel mucoadhesive-cubosomal buccal sponges were prepared for MDSCs targeting and were evaluated for their in-vitro quality attributes, ex-vivo mucoadhesion using buccal chicken-mucosa. Optimally-selected formulation showed considerable uptake by CD33⁺/11b⁺MDSCs in human OSCC cell-line (SCC-4) when quantitatively analyzed by flow-cytometry and examined using confocal-laser microscope. Optimum formulations loaded with low CXB doses (12 mg) were promoted to in-vivo studies via local application, using 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide-induced OSCC in rats, and compared to their corresponding CXB gels. SP16 revealed the highest ability to decrease MDSC activation, recruitment and TME-immunosuppression in the isolated tumors. Consequently, SP16 exerted the greatest capacity to reduce histologic tumor grade, the OSCC-specific serum tumor markers levels, cancer hallmarks and stemness markers. CXB-loaded cubosomal sponges preferentially target MDSCs with noticeable anticancer potential and may exemplify novel mucoadhesive nanocarriers for OSCC treatment.

Characterization of the acetylation of cyclooxygenase-isozymes and targeted lipidomics of eicosanoids in serum and colon cancer cells by the new aspirin formulation IP1867B versus aspirin in vitro

Background: Aspirin(acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) is recommended for the secondary prevention of atherothrombotic events and has shown anticancer effects. The current enteric-coated drug formulation may reduce aspirin bioavailability. Liquid formulations could improve aspirin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. IP1867B is a liquid-aspirin formulation that combines three ingredients, ASA/triacetin/saccharin. Methods: ASA and IP1867B(L-ASA) were assessed in human serum(obtained by allowing to clot human whole blood at 37 °C for 1h), washed platelets, and colonic adenocarcinoma HCA7 cells on eicosanoid generation and COX-isozyme acetylation at Serine529 and 516 by LC-MS/MS. Results: In serum, ASA and L-ASA acted by selectively affecting COX-1-derived eicosanoids, including thromboxane(TX)B2. L-ASA was more potent in inhibiting serum TXB2, a known biomarker of aspirin antiplatelet effect, than ASA. However, ASA and L-ASA were equipotent to acetylate COX-1 in washed platelets and COX-2 in HCA7 cells. In HCA7 cells, ASA and L-ASA acted by inhibiting prostaglandin(PG)E2(the most abundant prostanoid) and TXB2 biosynthesis. In the presence of a high arachidonic acid concentration(100 μM), 15R-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid(HETE) was generated at baseline by cancer cell COX-2 and was only slightly enhanced by supratherapeutic concentrations of ASA(1 mM). In whole blood and HCA7 cells treated with ASA or L-ASA, 15-epi-lipoxin(LX)A4 were undetectable. Conclusion: IP1867B was more potent in affecting serum TXB2 generation than ASA. The relevance of this finding deserves evaluation in vivo in humans. In cancer cells, ASA and IP1867B acted by inhibiting PGE2 and TXB2 generation via the acetylation of COX-2. ASA and IP867B at clinically relevant concentrations did not substantially induce the biosynthesis of 15R-HETE and 15-epi-LXA4.

Protective potential of piroxicam on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells against the suppressive capacity of glioblastoma cell lines

Dexamethasone, a common medication used in the treatment regimen of glioblastoma, has broad inhibitory effects on the immune responses. Here, in an in vitro study, we examined the effects of piroxicam, a potent substitute for dexamethasone, on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) co-cultured with two glioblastoma cell lines, U-87 MG and A-172 cells. MTT assay was used to determine the proliferation of PBMCs treated with piroxicam, or dexamethasone. In addition, to evaluate the effects of drugs on the cell cycle distribution, DNA content per cell was analyzed in PBMCs and A-172 cell lines using flow cytometry. Oxidative parameters, including superoxide dismutase-3 (SOD3) activity and total anti-antioxidant capacity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, as well as IFN-γ and TGF-β levels were measured in PBMCs alone or in the presence of cell lines using ELISA. Unlike dexamethasone, piroxicam showed a protective effect on PBMCs against both glioblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, while dexamethasone reduced the proliferation of PBMCs, piroxicam had no adverse effect on the proliferation. Cell cycle analysis showed a reduction in the G2/M phase in piroxicam-treated A-172 cells. Additionally, dexamethasone limited the cell cycle progression by increasing the fraction of PBMCs in G0/G1. Interestingly, after co-culturing piroxicam-treated PBMCs with cell lines, a remarkable rise in the LDH activity was observed. Although not significant, piroxicam partially decreased TGF-β levels in both cell lines. Our findings suggested a protective effect of piroxicam, but not dexamethasone, on PBMCs against inhibitory mechanisms of two glioblastoma cell lines, U-87 and A-172 cells.

The specific deletion of cyclooxygenase-1 in megakaryocytes/platelets reduces intestinal polyposis in ApcMin/+ mice

Clinical and experimental evidence sustain the role of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 in intestinal tumorigenesis. However, the cell type expressing the enzyme involved and molecular mechanism(s) have not been clarified yet. We aimed to elucidate the role of platelet COX-1 (the target of low-dose aspirin in humans) in intestinal tumorigenesis of ApcMin/+ mice, considered a clinically relevant model. To realize this objective, we generated an ApcMin/+ mouse with a specific deletion of Ptgs1(COX-1 gene name) in megakaryocytes/platelets (ApcMin/+;pPtgs1-/-mice) characterized by profound inhibition of thromboxane(TX)A2 biosynthesis ex vivo (serum TXB2; by 99%) and in vivo [urinary 2,3-dinor-TXB2(TXM), by 79%]. ApcMin/+ mice with the deletion of platelet COX-1 showed a significantly reduced number (67%) and size (32%) of tumors in the small intestine. The intestinal adenomas of these mice had decreased proliferative index associated with reduced COX-2 expression and systemic prostaglandin(PG)E2 biosynthesis (urinary PGEM) vs. ApcMin/+mice. Extravasated platelets were detected in the intestine of ApcMin/+mice. Thus, we explored their contribution to COX-2 induction in fibroblasts, considered the primary polyp cell type expressing the protein. In the coculture of human platelets and myofibroblasts, platelet-derived TXA2 was involved in the induction of COX-2-dependent PGE2 in myofibroblasts since it was prevented by the selective inhibition of platelet COX-1 by aspirin or by a specific antagonist of TXA2 receptors. In conclusion, our results support the platelet hypothesis of intestinal tumorigenesis and provide experimental evidence that selective inhibition of platelet COX-1 can mitigate early events of intestinal tumorigenesis by restraining COX-2 induction.

Enabling the drug combination of celecoxib through a spherical co-agglomeration strategy with controllable and stable drug content and good powder properties

Combining celecoxib with other chemopreventive drugs is a promising method of chemoprevention for cancer, especially for colorectal cancer. However, the traditional drug combination approaches are restricted with high-cost apparatus, complex and numerous unit operations. This work aims to develop an efficient spherical co-agglomeration strategy for celecoxib in combination with lovastatin, which can achieve drug combination in a single crystallization unit. The ternary solvent system was determined based on molecular simulation, and then a stable spherical agglomeration process was developed through the design of molar fraction of anti-solvent (MFA) and stirring rate to produce spherical agglomerates with high sphericity (84.2-89.9 %) and narrow size distribution. On this basis, celecoxib-benzoic acid spherical co-agglomerates were designed to form a complete spherical co-agglomeration strategy, which includes solvent system selection, spherical agglomeration and spherical co-agglomeration. Finally, celecoxib-lovastatin spherical co-agglomerates with synergistic efficacy were successfully produced by this strategy, with controllable and stable drug content (fluctuation < 2.7 %), good powder properties, and improved tabletability.

Occurrence of comorbidity with colorectal cancer and variations by age and stage at diagnosis

BACKGROUND

While age and stage at diagnosis are known to affect treatment choices and survival from colorectal cancer (CRC), few studies have investigated the extent to which these effects are influenced by comorbidity. In this study, we describe the occurrence of comorbidity in CRC cases in South Australia and associations of comorbidity with age, stage and the age-stage relationship. Furthermore, we report on the association of individual comorbidities with age and stage at diagnosis.

METHODS

The South Australian Cancer Registry (SACR) provided CRC data (C18-C20, ICD-10) for 2004-2013 diagnoses. CRC data were linked with comorbidity data drawn from hospital records and health insurance claims. Logistic regression was used to model associations of comorbidity with age and stage.

RESULTS

For the 8462 CRC cases in this study, diabetes, peptic ulcer disease, and previous cancers were the most commonly recorded co-existing conditions. Most comorbidities were associated with older age, although some presented more frequently in younger people. Patients at both ends of the age spectrum (<50 and 80 + years) had an increased likelihood of CRC diagnosis at an advanced stage compared with other ages (50-79 years old). Adjusting for comorbidities moderated the association of older age with advanced stage. Conditions associated with advanced stage included dementia (OR = 1.25 (1.01-1.55)), severe liver disease (OR = 1.68 (1.04-2.70)), and a previous cancer (OR = 1.18 (1.08-1.28)).

CONCLUSION

Comorbidities are prevalent with CRC, especially in older people. These comorbidities differ in their associations with age at diagnosis and stage. Dementia and chronic heart failure were associated with older age whereas inflammatory bowel disease and alcohol access were associated with younger onset of the disease. Severe liver disease and dementia were associated with more advanced stage and rheumatic disease with less advanced stage. Comorbidities also interact with age at diagnosis and appear to vary the likelihood of advanced-stage disease. CRC patient have different association of age with stage depending on their comorbidity status.

Drug repurposing-an emerging strategy in cancer therapeutics

Cancer is a complex disease affecting millions of people around the world. Despite advances in surgical and radiation therapy, chemotherapy continues to be an important therapeutic option for the treatment of cancer. The current treatment is expensive and has several side effects. Also, over time, cancer cells develop resistance to chemotherapy, due to which there is a demand for new drugs. Drug repurposing is a novel approach that focuses on finding new applications for the old clinically approved drugs. Current advances in the high-dimensional multiomics landscape, especially proteomics, genomics, and computational omics-data analysis, have facilitated drug repurposing. The drug repurposing approach provides cheaper, effective, and safe drugs with fewer side effects and fastens the process of drug development. The review further delineates each repurposed drug's original indication and mechanism of action in cancer. Along with this, the article also provides insight upon artificial intelligence and its application in drug repurposing. Clinical trials are vital for determining medication safety and effectiveness, and hence the clinical studies for each repurposed medicine in cancer, including their stages, status, and National Clinical Trial (NCT) identification, are reported in this review article. Various emerging evidences imply that repurposing drugs is critical for the faster and more affordable discovery of anti-cancerous drugs, and the advent of artificial intelligence-based computational tools can accelerate the translational cancer-targeting pipeline.

Therapeutic Potential of a Water-Soluble Silver-Diclofenac Coordination Polymer on 3D Pancreatic Cancer Spheroids

This work describes the traditional wet and green synthetic approaches, structural features, and extensive bioactivity study for a new coordination polymer [Ag(μ-PTA)(Df)(H₂O)]_n·3nH₂O (1) that bears a silver(I) center, a 1,3,5-triaza-phosphaadamantane (PTA) linker, and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac (Df^-). Compared to cisplatin, compound 1 exhibits both anti-inflammatory properties and very remarkable cytotoxicity toward various cancer cell lines with a high value of selectivity index. Additionally, the 3D model representing human pancreas/duct carcinoma (PANC-1) and human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) was designed and applied as a clear proof of the remarkable therapeutic potential of 1. The obtained experimental data indicate that 1 induces an apoptotic pathway via reactive oxygen species generation, targeting mitochondria due to their membrane depolarization. This study broadens a group of bioactive metal-organic networks and highlights the significant potential of such compounds in developing advanced therapeutic solutions.

Carboranyl Analogues of Mefenamic Acid and Their Biological Evaluation

Mefenamic acid represents a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to treat the pain of postoperative surgery and heavy menstrual bleeding. Like other NSAIDs, mefenamic acid inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins by nonselectively blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms COX-1 and COX-2. For the improved selectivity of the drug and, therefore, reduced related side effects, the carborane analogues of mefenamic acid were evaluated. The ortho-, meta-, and para-carborane derivatives were synthesized in three steps: halogenation of the respective cluster, followed by a Pd-catalyzed B-N coupling and hydrolysis of the nitrile derivatives under acidic conditions. The COX inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity for different cancer cell lines revealed that the carborane analogues have stronger antitumor potential compared to their parent organic compound.

Enzymatic Synthesis of Peptide Nanofibers for Self-Delivery of Indomethacin and Tyroservatide in Cancer Therapy

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have drawn considerable attention in the field of cancer treatment, yet these drugs display limited potency and selectivity against cancer cells. To address these problems, we designed a peptide-based self-delivery system [Indomethacin-Phe-Phe-Tyr (H₂PO₃)-Ser-Val, IDM-FFpYSV] that combines an NSAID molecule (indomethacin, or IDM) and a segment of anticancer tripeptide (tyroservatide, or YSV). IDM-FFpYSV is capable of self-assembling in an aqueous solution to afford nanofibrillar hydrogels under the catalysis of alkaline phosphatases (ALPs), which are overexpressed on the plasma membrane of cancer cells. The IDM-FFpYSV + ALP hydrogel displays a continuous release profile of peptide drugs, whereas a solution mixture of pure drugs (IDM-OH + pYSV + ALP) shows burst release of drug moieties. The treatment of IDM-FFpYSV selectively inhibits the proliferation of HeLa cells in vitro, with precise regulations of intracellular targeting proteins (COX-2 and AC-H3). The enhanced potency and selectivity of IDM-FFpYSV are found to be attributed to enhanced cellular uptake of peptide drugs, which involves a caveolae-mediated endocytosis pathway. Furthermore, intravenous administration of the IDM-FFpYSV formulation significantly inhibits the tumor growth in a HeLa-xenografted mouse model, whereas treatment of solution mixtures of pure drugs (IDM-OH + pYSV) fails to do so. Taken together, the study provides a viable strategy to augment anticancer efficacies of self-delivery system through molecular integration of multiple anticancer elements with an enzyme-instructed self-assembly process.

Withania somnifera - a magic plant targeting multiple pathways in cancer related inflammation

BACKGROUND

Deregulated inflammatory responses are known to play a pivotal role in cancer initiation and progression. Tumor microenvironment is associated with the presence of a diverse array of inflammatory reactions, which further help tumor growth, metastasis and drug resistance. Withania somnifera is known to curb proliferation of cancer cells and lower inflammatory responses.

PURPOSE

In order to minimize the inflammation, cancer treatments often include immunomodulatory drugs. However, given the side effects of both of the cytotoxic cancer drugs and synthetic immunomodulatory agents, there is a need to develop novel anti-inflammatory agents for improved cancer therapy. A number of reports indicate that bioactive phytochemicals derived from W. somnifera exhibit anti-inflammatory capabilities in cancer. A deeper look into the underlying molecular mechanisms implicated in W. somnifera mediated anti inflammation is lacking, which is essential to fully understand the potential of this magical plant in cancer. Therefore, in the present review we are summarizing various reports, which describe mechanistic understanding of W. somnifera in cancer related inflammation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

In order to gather information on the molecular pathways affected by W. somnifera in cancer related inflammation, 'PubMed' and 'Science Direct' databases were searched using keywords Withania, cancer inflammation, and Withaferin A. Selected literature was analyzed to cover the role of inflammation in cancer, usage and side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs, W. somnifera as an immunomodulatory agent in cancer, molecular pathways modulated by W. somnifera in various preclinical models, and clinical trials using W. somnifera as an anti-inflammatory agent.

RESULTS

Upon literature survey we found that both W. somnifera extracts and Withaferin-A, exhibit anti inflammatory activities in various preclinical cancer models. W. somnifera modulates a number of signaling pathways such as NF-kB, JAK-STAT and AP1 to reduce cancer related inflammation. Anti inflammatory properties of W. somnifera might be effective in the treatment of drug resistance in cancers. Based on its promising effects against cancer associated inflammation in preclinical studies, W. somnifera derived products are being tested in clinical trials.

CONCLUSION

Several preclinical studies demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential of W. somnifera in a variety of cancers. While a few clinical trials are investigating the role of W. somnifera in various diseases, focused studies on its role in cancer related inflammation are lacking. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects offer targeting of senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which is speculated to play a critical role in chemoresistance. Apart from targeting cancer cell proliferation, anti-inflammatory effects of Withania provide double advantage in cancer management. Therefore, clinical trials to target cancer related inflammation using W. somnifera as a drug, should be performed to validate its advantages in cancer therapy.

Discovery of Phenylcarbamoylazinane-1,2,4-Triazole Amides Derivatives as the Potential Inhibitors of Aldo-Keto Reductases (AKR1B1 & AKRB10): Potential Lead Molecules for Treatment of Colon Cancer

Both members of the aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) family, AKR1B1 and AKR1B10, are over-expressed in various type of cancer, making them potential targets for inflammation-mediated cancers such as colon, lung, breast, and prostate cancers. This is the first comprehensive study which focused on the identification of phenylcarbamoylazinane-1, 2,4-triazole amides (7a−o) as the inhibitors of aldo-keto reductases (AKR1B1, AKR1B10) via detailed computational analysis. Firstly, the stability and reactivity of compounds were determined by using the Guassian09 programme in which the density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed by using the B3LYP/SVP level. Among all the derivatives, the 7d, 7e, 7f, 7h, 7j, 7k, and 7m were found chemically reactive. Then the binding interactions of the optimized compounds within the active pocket of the selected targets were carried out by using molecular docking software: AutoDock tools and Molecular operation environment (MOE) software, and during analysis, the Autodock (academic software) results were found to be reproducible, suggesting this software is best over the MOE (commercial software). The results were found in correlation with the DFT results, suggesting 7d as the best inhibitor of AKR1B1 with the energy value of −49.40 kJ/mol and 7f as the best inhibitor of AKR1B10 with the energy value of −52.84 kJ/mol. The other potent compounds also showed comparable binding energies. The best inhibitors of both targets were validated by the molecular dynamics simulation studies where the root mean square value of <2 along with the other physicochemical properties, hydrogen bond interactions, and binding energies were observed. Furthermore, the anticancer potential of the potent compounds was confirmed by cell viability (MTT) assay. The studied compounds fall into the category of drug-like properties and also supported by physicochemical and pharmacological ADMET properties. It can be suggested that the further synthesis of derivatives of 7d and 7f may lead to the potential drug-like molecules for the treatment of colon cancer associated with the aberrant expression of either AKR1B1 or AKR1B10 and other associated malignancies.

Diclofenac: A Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Inducing Cancer Cell Death by Inhibiting Microtubule Polymerization and Autophagy Flux

Diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat inflammatory diseases induces cellular toxicity by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairing autophagic flux. In this study, we investigated whether diclofenac induces cancer cell death and the mechanism by which diclofenac causes cell death. We observed that diclofenac induces mitotic arrest with a half-maximal effective concentration of 170 μM and cell death with a half-maximal lethal dose of 200 µM during 18-h incubation in HeLa cells. Cellular microtubule imaging and in vitro tubulin polymerization assays demonstrated that treatment with diclofenac elicits microtubule destabilization. Autophagy relies on microtubule-mediated transport and the fusion of autophagic vesicles. We observed that diclofenac inhibits both phagophore movement, an early step of autophagy, and the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes, a late step of autophagy. Diclofenac also induces the fragmentation of mitochondria and the Golgi during cell death. We found that diclofenac induces cell death further in combination with 5-fuorouracil, a DNA replication inhibitor than in single treatment in cancer cells. Pancreatic cancer cells, which have high basal autophagy, are particularly sensitive to cell death by diclofenac. Our study suggests that microtubule destabilization by diclofenac induces cancer cell death via compromised spindle assembly checkpoints and increased ROS through impaired autophagy flux. Diclofenac may be a candidate therapeutic drug in certain type of cancers by inhibiting microtubule-mediated cellular events in combination with clinically utilized nucleoside metabolic inhibitors, including 5-fluorouracil, to block cancer cell proliferation.

Targeting Angiogenic Factors for the Treatment of Medulloblastoma

OPINION STATEMENT

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most frequent pediatric brain tumor. Despite conventional therapy, MB patients have high mortality and morbidity rates mainly due to the incomplete understanding of the molecular and cellular processes involved in development of this cancer. Similar to other solid tumors, MB demonstrated high endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenic activity, wherein new blood vessels arise from the pre-existing vasculature, a process named angiogenesis. MB angiogenesis is considered a hallmark for MB development, progression, and metastasis emphasizing its potential target for antitumor therapy. However, angiogenesis is tightly regulated by a set of angiogenic factors making it a complex process to be targeted. Although agents targeting these factors and their receptors are early in development, the potential for their targeting may translate into improvement in the clinical care for MB patients. In this review, we focus on the most potent angiogenic factors and their corresponding receptors, highlighting their basic properties and expression in MB. We describe their contribution to MB tumorigenesis and angiogenesis and the potential therapeutic targeting of these factors.

NFκB (RelA) mediates transactivation of hnRNPD in oral cancer cells

Heterogeneous Ribonucleoprotein D (hnRNPD) is an RNA binding protein involved in post-transcriptional regulation of multiple mediators of carcinogenesis. We previously demonstrated a strong association of hnRNPD over expression with poor outcome in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). However, hitherto the precise molecular mechanism of its overexpression in oral cancer was not clear. Therefore, in an attempt to elucidate the transcriptional regulation of hnRNPD expression, we cloned 1406 bp of 5ʹ flanking region of human hnRNPD gene along with 257 bp of its first exon upstream to promoterless luciferase reporter gene in pGL3-Basic. Transfection of the resulting construct in SCC-4 cells yielded 1271 fold higher luciferase activity over parent vector. By promoter deletion analysis, we identified a canonical TATA box containing 126 bp core promoter region that retained ~ 58% activity of the full length promoter. In silico analysis revealed the presence of four putative NFκB binding motifs in the promoter. Sequential deletion of these motifs from the full-length promoter reporter construct coupled with luciferase assays revealed an 82% decrease in promoter activity after deletion of the first (−1358/−1347) motif and 99% reduction after the deletion of second motif (−1052/−1041). In-vivo binding of NFκB (RelA) to these two motifs in SCC-4 cells was confirmed by ChIP assays. Site directed mutagenesis of even one of these two motifs completely abolished promoter activity, while mutagenesis of the remaining two motifs had marginal effect on the same. Consistent with these findings, treatment of SCC-4 cells with PDTC, a known inhibitor of NFκB dramatically reduced the levels hnRNPD mRNA and protein. Finally, the expression of hnRNPD and NFκB in clinical specimen from 37 oral cancer patients was assessed and subjected to Spearmen’s Correlation analysis which revealed a strong positive correlation between the two. Thus, results of the present study for the first time convincingly demonstrate NFκB (RelA) mediated transcriptional upregulation of hnRNPD expression in oral cancer.

Inflammation and Cancer: From the Development of Personalized Indicators to Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Colorectal (CRC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are associated with chronic inflammation, which plays a role in tumor development and malignant progression. An unmet medical need in these settings is the availability of sensitive and specific noninvasive biomarkers. Their use will allow surveillance of high-risk populations, early detection, and monitoring of disease progression. Moreover, the characterization of specific fingerprints of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) without or with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) at the early stages of liver fibrosis is necessary. Some lines of evidence show the contribution of platelets to intestinal and liver inflammation. Thus, low-dose Aspirin, an antiplatelet agent, reduces CRC and liver cancer incidence and mortality. Aspirin also produces antifibrotic effects in NAFLD. Activated platelets can trigger chronic inflammation and tissue fibrosis via the release of soluble mediators, such as thromboxane (TX) A2 and tumor growth factor (TGF)-β, and vesicles containing genetic material (including microRNA). These platelet-derived products contribute to cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression and prostaglandin (PG)E2 biosynthesis by tumor microenvironment cells, such as immune and endothelial cells and fibroblasts, alongside cancer cells. Enhanced COX-2-dependent PGE2 plays a crucial role in chronic inflammation and promotes tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Antiplatelet agents can indirectly prevent the induction of COX-2 in target cells by inhibiting platelet activation. Differently, selective COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs) block the activity of COX-2 expressed in the tumor microenvironment and cancer cells. However, coxib chemopreventive effects are hampered by the interference with cardiovascular homeostasis via the coincident inhibition of vascular COX-2-dependent prostacyclin biosynthesis, resulting in enhanced risk of atherothrombosis. A strategy to improve anti-inflammatory agents' use in cancer prevention could be to develop tissue-specific drug delivery systems. Platelet ability to interact with tumor cells and transfer their molecular cargo can be employed to design platelet-mediated drug delivery systems to enhance the efficacy and reduce toxicity associated with anti-inflammatory agents in these settings. Another peculiarity of platelets is their capability to uptake proteins and transcripts from the circulation. Thus, cancer patient platelets show specific proteomic and transcriptomic expression profiles that could be used as biomarkers for early cancer detection and disease monitoring.

Methoxybenzamide derivative of nimesulide from anti-fever to anti-cancer: chemical characterization and cytotoxicity

The repurposing strategy of converting nimesulide from an anti-fever drug to an anti-cancer agent by modifying its main structure targeting HSP27 is gaining great attention these days. The goal of this study focuses on synthesizing a new nimesulide derivative with new ligands that have biological anti-cancer activities in different cancer models using the in-vitro assay. Nimesulide derivative L1 was synthesized, characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, melting point, mass spectra, and TGA analysis. A single crystal was diffracted and showed colorless block group P-1. The results revealed that L1 demonstrates potent anti-cancer activity with lung (H292), ovarian (SKOV3), and breast (SKBR3) cancer cell lines in-vitro models with IC₅₀ values below 8.8 µM.

NSAIDs and Cancer Resolution: New Paradigms beyond Cyclooxygenase

Acute inflammation or resolved inflammation is an adaptive host defense mechanism and is self-limiting, which returns the body to a state of homeostasis. However, unresolved, uncontrolled, or chronic inflammation may lead to various maladies, including cancer. Important evidence that links inflammation and cancer is that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, reduce the risk and mortality from many cancers. The fact that NSAIDs inhibit the eicosanoid pathway prompted mechanistic drug developmental work focusing on cyclooxygenase (COX) and its products. The increased prostaglandin E2 levels and the overexpression of COX-2 in the colon and many other cancers provided the rationale for clinical trials with COX-2 inhibitors for cancer prevention or treatment. However, NSAIDs do not require the presence of COX-2 to prevent cancer. In this review, we highlight the effects of NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors (COXIBs) on targets beyond COX-2 that have shown to be important against many cancers. Finally, we hone in on specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) that are biosynthesized locally and, in a time, -dependent manner to promote the resolution of inflammation and subsequent tissue healing. Different classes of SPMs are reviewed, highlighting aspirin's potential in triggering the production of these resolution-promoting mediators (resolvins, lipoxins, protectins, and maresins), which show promise in inhibiting cancer growth and metastasis.

Dual target inhibitors based on EGFR: Promising anticancer agents for the treatment of cancers (2017-)

The EGFR family play a significant role in cell signal transduction and their overexpression is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous human solid cancers. Inhibition of the EGFR-mediated signaling pathways by EGFR inhibitors is a widely used strategy for the treatment of cancers. In most cases, the EGFR inhibitors used in clinic were only effective when the cancer cells harbored specific activating EGFR mutations which appeared to preserve the ligand-dependency of receptor activation but altered the pattern of downstream signaling pathways. Moreover, cancer is a kind of multifactorial disease, and therefore manipulating a single target may result in treatment failure. Although drug combinations for the treatment of cancers proved to be successful, the use of two or more drugs concurrently still was a challenge in clinical therapy owing to various dose-limiting toxicities and drug-drug interactions caused by pharmacokinetic profiles changed. Therefore, a single drug targeting two or multiple targets could serve as an effective strategy for the treatment of cancers. In recent, drugs with diverse pharmacological effects have been shown to be more advantageous than combination therapies due to their lower incidences of side effects and more resilient therapies. Accordingly, dual target-single-agent strategy has become a popular field for cancer treatment, and researchers became more and more interest in the development of novel dual-target drugs in recent years. In this review, we briefly introduce the EGFR family proteins and synergisms between EGFR and other anticancer targets, and summarizes the development of potential dual target inhibitors based on wild-type and/or mutant EGFR for the treatment of solid cancers in the past five years. Additionally, the rational design and SARs of these dual target agents are also presented in detailed, which will lay a significant foundation for the further development of novel EGFR-based dual inhibitors with excellent druggability.