MicroRNA-126 regulates the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway in SLK cells in vitro and the expression of its pathway members in Kaposi's sarcoma tissue

Targeting the PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/NF-κB/FOXO3a signaling pathway for suppressing the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in rats: Role of the natural remedic Suaeda vermiculata forssk

Liver malignancy is well recognized as a prominent health concern, with numerous treatment options available. Natural products are considered a renewable source, providing inspiring chemical moieties that could be used for cancer treatment. Suaeda vermiculata Forssk has traditionally been employed for management of hepatic conditions, including liver inflammation, and liver cirrhosis, as well as to improve general liver function. The findings of our earlier study demonstrated encouraging in vivo hepatoprotective benefits against liver injury generated by paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride. Additionally, Suaeda vermiculata Forssk exhibited cytotoxic activities in vitro against Hep-G2 cell lines and cell lines resistant to doxorubicin. The present investigation aimed to examine the potential in vivo hepatoprotective efficacy of Suaeda vermiculata Forssk extract (SVE) against hepatocellular carcinoma induced by diethylnitrosamine (DENA) in rats. The potential involvement of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB pathway was addressed. Sixty adult male albino rats were allocated into five groups randomly (n = 10). First group received a buffer, whereas second group received SVE only, third group received DENA only, and fourth and fifth groups received high and low doses of SVE, respectively, in the presence of DENA. Liver toxicity and tumor markers (HGFR, p-AKT, PI3K, mTOR, NF-κB, FOXO3a), apoptosis markers, and histopathological changes were analyzed. The current results demonstrated that SVE inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB pathway as well as increased expression of apoptotic parameters and FOXO3a levels, which were deteriorated by DENA treatment. Furthermore, SVE improved liver toxicity markers and histopathological changes induced by DENA administration. This study provided evidence for the conventional hepatoprotective properties attributed to SV and investigated the underlying mechanism by which its extract, SVE, could potentially serve as a novel option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment derived from a natural source.

Aberrant expression of PI3K/AKT signaling is involved in apoptosis resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling is a crucial pathway for cell survival and proliferation, which are regulated by several growth factors and activated receptors. Upregulated PI3K/AKT signaling molecules were reported in several cancers and they are associated with altered cellular functions, leading to oncogenesis. Here, we have examined the implications of elevated PI3K/AKT expression in the apoptosis resistance of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Huh7 cells. We showed that PI3K/AKT signaling is significantly upregulated in Huh7 cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and protein expression analysis. Also, perversely upregulated PI3K/AKT signaling Huh7 cells are highly resistant to treatment with chemotherapy drugs (docetaxel and sorafenib) and acquired apoptosis resistance through downregulation of tumor suppressor protein PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten). Hence, we have investigated the effect of PTEN overexpression on apoptosis induction in Huh7 cells. We showed that PTEN overexpressed Huh7 cells became more sensitive toward the aforesaid drugs and induced apoptotic cell death due to intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Concurrently, the overexpression of PTEN leads to the activation of mitochondria facilitated intrinsic apoptosis, evidenced by upregulated cytochrome C, caspase 3, and caspase 9. Collectively, our data suggest that the aberrant expression of PI3K/AKT signaling contributes to apoptosis resistance in HCC.

Clinical application of non-coding RNAs in sepsis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Studies indicating that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a regulatory role in sepsis are increasing rapidly. This present review summarizes recent publications on the role of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in sepsis.

RECENT FINDINGS

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and lncRNAs are being identified as potential sepsis biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Experimental studies have examined the biological mechanisms that might underpin the regulatory role of these ncRNAs in sepsis.

SUMMARY

Clinical applications of miRNAs and lncRNAs in sepsis are on the horizon. These data could lead to the identification of novel treatments or indeed support the repurposing of existing drugs for sepsis. Validation of the findings from these preliminary studies and crucially integration of multiomics datasets will undoubtedly revolutionize the clinical management of sepsis.