Sulforaphane Modulates AQP8-Linked Redox Signalling in Leukemia Cells

The emerging role of oxidative stress in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated condition that affects the digestive system and includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Although the exact etiology of IBD remains uncertain, dysfunctional immunoregulation of the gut is believed to be the main culprit. Amongst the immunoregulatory factors, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), components of the oxidative stress event, are produced at abnormally high levels in IBD. Their destructive effects may contribute to the disease's initiation and propagation, as they damage the gut lining and activate inflammatory signaling pathways, further exacerbating the inflammation. Oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and serum-free thiols (R-SH), can be measured in the blood and stool of patients with IBD. These markers are elevated in patients with IBD, and their levels correlate with the severity of the disease. Thus, oxidative stress markers can be used not only in IBD diagnosis but also in monitoring the response to treatment. It can also be targeted in IBD treatment through the use of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and N-acetylcysteine. In this review, we summarize the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of IBD, its diagnostic targets, and the potential application of antioxidant therapies to manage and treat IBD.

Investigation of Gene Networks in Three Components of Immune System Provides Novel Insights into Immune Response Mechanisms against Edwardsiella tarda Infection in Paralichthys olivaceus

As a quintessential marine teleost, Paralichthys olivaceus demonstrates vulnerability to a range of pathogens. Long-term infection with Edwardsiella tarda significantly inhibits fish growth and even induces death. Gills, blood, and kidneys, pivotal components of the immune system in teleosts, elicit vital regulatory roles in immune response processes including immune cell differentiation, diseased cell clearance, and other immunity-related mechanisms. This study entailed infecting P. olivaceus with E. tarda for 48 h and examining transcriptome data from the three components at 0, 8, and 48 h post-infection employing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Network analyses revealed a series of immune response processes after infection and identified multiple key modules and key, core, and hub genes including xpo1, src, tlr13, stat1, and mefv. By innovatively amalgamating WGCNA and PPI network methodologies, our investigation facilitated an in-depth examination of immune response mechanisms within three significant P. olivaceus components post-E. tarda infection. Our results provided valuable genetic resources for understanding immunity in P. olivaceus immune-related components and assisted us in further exploring the molecular mechanisms of E. tarda infection in teleosts.

AQP8 promotes glioma proliferation and growth, possibly through the ROS/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The aquaporin (AQP) family of proteins has been implicated in the proliferation and growth of gliomas. Expression of AQP8 is higher in human glioma tissues than in normal brain tissues and is positively correlated with the pathological grade of glioma, suggesting that this protein is also involved in the proliferation and growth of glioma. However, the mechanism by which AQP8 promotes the proliferation and growth of glioma remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism and role of abnormal AQP8 expression in glioma development.

METHODS

The dCas9-SAM and CRISPR/Cas9 techniques were used to construct viruses with overexpressed and knocked down AQP8, respectively, and infect A172 and U251 cell lines. The effects of AQP8 on the proliferation and growth of glioma and its mechanism via the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were observed using cell clone, transwell, flow cytometry, Hoechst, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. A nude mouse tumor model was also established.

RESULTS

Overexpression of AQP8 resulted in an increased number of cell clones and cell proliferation, enhanced cell invasion and migration, decreased apoptosis and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression, and increased phosphorylated serine/threonine protein kinase (p-AKT) expression and ROS level, whereas the AQP8 knockdown groups showed opposite results. In the animal experiments, the AQP8 overexpression group had higher tumor volume and weight, whereas the AQP8 knockdown group had lower tumor volume and weight compared with those parameters measured in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results preliminary suggest that AQP8 overexpression alters the ROS/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway, promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gliomas. Therefore, AQP8 may be a potential therapeutic target in gliomas.

6-(Methylsulfonyl) Hexyl Isothiocyanate: A Chemopreventive Agent Inducing Autophagy in Leukemia Cell Lines

Autophagy is a fundamental catabolic process of cellular survival. The role of autophagy in cancer is highly complex: in the early stages of neoplastic transformation, it can act as a tumor suppressor avoiding the accumulation of proteins, damaged organelles, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), while during the advanced stages of cancer, autophagy is exploited by cancer cells to survive under starvation. 6-(Methylsulfonyl) hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MITC) is the most interesting compound in the Wasabia Japonica rizhome. Recently, we proved its ability to induce cytotoxic, cytostatic, and cell differentiation effects on leukemic cell lines and its antimutagenic activity on TK6 cells. In the current study, to further define its chemopreventive profile, Jurkat and HL-60 cells were treated with 6-MITC for 24 h. The modulation of the autophagic process and the involvement of ROS levels as a possible trigger mechanisms were analyzed by flow cytometry. We found that 6-MITC induced autophagy in Jurkat and HL-60 cells at the highest concentration tested and increased ROS intracellular levels in a dose-dependent manner. Our results implement available data to support 6-MITC as an attractive potential chemopreventive agent.

Comprehensive exploration of the expression and prognostic value of AQPs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of membrane water channels that facilitate the passive transport of water across the plasma membrane of cells in response to osmotic gradients created by the active transport of solutes. Water-selective AQPs are involved in tumor angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis and growth. However, the polytype expression patterns and prognostic values of eleven AQPs in clear cell Renal Cell Cancer (ccRCC) have yet to be filled. We preliminarily investigated the transcriptional expression, survival data and immune infiltration of AQPs in patients with renal cell cancer via the Oncomine database, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, UALCAN cancer database, and cBioPortal databases. The ethical approval was waived by the local ethics committee of Peking University People's Hospital for the natural feature of mine into databases. The mRNA expression of AQP1/2/3/4/5/6/7/11 was significantly decreased in ccRCC patients. Meanwhile, MIP and AQP1/2/4/6/7/8/9/11 are notably related to the clinical stage or pathological grade of ccRCC. Lower levels of AQP1/3/4/5/7/10 expression were related to worse overall survival (OS) in patients diagnosed with ccRCC. The AQP mutation rate was 25% in ccRCC patients, but genetic alterations in AQPs were unlikely to be associated with OS and disease free survival in ccRCC patients. In addition, the expression of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4 and AQP10 was positively correlated with immune cells, and the expression of AQP6, AQP7 and AQP11 was negatively correlated with immune cells. AQP9 had a strong and significantly positive correlation with multiple immune cells. Abnormal expression of AQPs in ccRCC indicated the prognosis and immunomodulatory state of ccRCC. Further study needs to be performed to explore AQPs as new biomarkers for ccRCC.

Critical Role of Aquaporins in Cancer: Focus on Hematological Malignancies

Simple Summary

Aquaporins are proteins able to regulate the transfer of water and other small substances such as ions, glycerol, urea, and hydrogen peroxide across cellular membranes. AQPs provide for a huge variety of physiological phenomena; their alteration provokes several types of pathologies including cancer and hematological malignancies. Our review presents data revealing the possibility of employing aquaporins as biomarkers in patients with hematological malignancies and evaluates the possibility that interfering with the expression of aquaporins could represent an effective treatment for hematological malignancies.

Abstract

Aquaporins are transmembrane molecules regulating the transfer of water and other compounds such as ions, glycerol, urea, and hydrogen peroxide. Their alteration has been reported in several conditions such as cancer. Tumor progression might be enhanced by aquaporins in modifying tumor angiogenesis, cell volume adaptation, proteases activity, cell–matrix adhesions, actin cytoskeleton, epithelial–mesenchymal transitions, and acting on several signaling pathways facilitating cancer progression. Close connections have also been identified between the aquaporins and hematological malignancies. However, it is difficult to identify a unique action exerted by aquaporins in different hemopathies, and each aquaporin has specific effects that vary according to the class of aquaporin examined and to the different neoplastic cells. However, the expression of aquaporins is altered in cell cultures and in patients with acute and chronic myeloid leukemia, in lymphoproliferative diseases and in multiple myeloma, and the different expression of aquaporins seems to be able to influence the efficacy of treatment and could have a prognostic significance, as greater expression of aquaporins is correlated to improved overall survival in leukemia patients. Finally, we assessed the possibility that modifying the aquaporin expression using aquaporin-targeting regulators, specific monoclonal antibodies, and even aquaporin gene transfer could represent an effective therapy of hematological malignancies.

Sulforaphane: A Broccoli Bioactive Phytocompound with Cancer Preventive Potential

Simple Summary

As of the past decade, phytochemicals have become a major target of interest in cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic research. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a metabolite of the phytochemical glucoraphanin, which is found in high abundance in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, watercress, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. In both distant and recent research, SFN has been shown to have a multitude of anticancer effects, increasing the need for a comprehensive review of the literature. In this review, we critically evaluate SFN as an anticancer agent and its mechanisms of action based on an impressive number of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.

Abstract

There is substantial and promising evidence on the health benefits of consuming broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. The most important compound in broccoli, glucoraphanin, is metabolized to SFN by the thioglucosidase enzyme myrosinase. SFN is the major mediator of the health benefits that have been recognized for broccoli consumption. SFN represents a phytochemical of high interest as it may be useful in preventing the occurrence and/or mitigating the progression of cancer. Although several prior publications provide an excellent overview of the effect of SFN in cancer, these reports represent narrative reviews that focused mainly on SFN’s source, biosynthesis, and mechanisms of action in modulating specific pathways involved in cancer without a comprehensive review of SFN’s role or value for prevention of various human malignancies. This review evaluates the most recent state of knowledge concerning SFN’s efficacy in preventing or reversing a variety of neoplasms. In this work, we have analyzed published reports based on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies to determine SFN’s potential as a chemopreventive agent. Furthermore, we have discussed the current limitations and challenges associated with SFN research and suggested future research directions before broccoli-derived products, especially SFN, can be used for human cancer prevention and intervention.

Sulforaphane as a potential remedy against cancer: Comprehensive mechanistic review

Sulforaphane belongs to the active class of isothiocyanates capable of delivering various biological benefits for health promotion and disease prevention. This compound is considered vital to curtail numerous metabolic disorders. Various studies have proven its beneficial effects against cancer prevention and its possible utilization as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment. Understanding the mechanistic pathways and possible interactions at cellular and subcellular levels is key to design and develop cancer therapeutics for humans. In this respect, a number of mechanisms such as modulation of carcinogen metabolism & phase II enzymatic activities, cell cycle arrest, activation of Nrf2, cytotoxic, proapoptotic and apoptotic pathways have been reported to be involved in cancer prevention. This article provides sufficient information by critical analysis to understand the mechanisms involved in cancer prevention attributed to sulforaphane. Furthermore, various clinical studies have also been included for design and development of novel therapies for cancer prevention and cure. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diet and dietary components are potential tools to address various lifestyle-related disorders. Due to plenty of environmental and cellular toxicants, the chances of cancer prevalence are quite large which are worsen by adopting unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer can be treated with various therapies but those are acquiring side effects causing the patients to suffer the treatment regime. Nutraceuticals and functional foods provide safer options to prevent or delay the onset of cancer. In this regard, sulforaphane is a pivotal compound to be targeted as a potential agent for cancer treatment both in preventive and therapeutic regimes. This article provides sufficient evidence via discussing the underlying mechanisms of positive effects of sulforaphane to further the research for developing anticancer drugs that will help assuage this lethal morbidity.

NADPH Oxidases: Redox Regulators of Stem Cell Fate and Function

One of the major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated within stem cells is the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase family of enzymes (NOXs), which are critical determinants of the redox state beside antioxidant defense mechanisms. This balance is involved in another one that regulates stem cell fate: indeed, self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation are decisive steps for stem cells during embryo development, adult tissue renovation, and cell therapy application. Ex vivo culture-expanded stem cells are being investigated for tissue repair and immune modulation, but events such as aging, senescence, and oxidative stress reduce their ex vivo proliferation, which is crucial for their clinical applications. Here, we review the role of NOX-derived ROS in stem cell biology and functions, focusing on positive and negative effects triggered by the activity of different NOX isoforms. We report recent findings on downstream molecular targets of NOX-ROS signaling that can modulate stem cell homeostasis and lineage commitment and discuss the implications in ex vivo expansion and in vivo engraftment, function, and longevity. This review highlights the role of NOX as a pivotal regulator of several stem cell populations, and we conclude that these aspects have important implications in the clinical utility of stem cells, but further studies on the effects of pharmacological modulation of NOX in human stem cells are imperative.

AQP8 participates in oestrogen-mediated buffalo follicular development by regulating apoptosis of granulosa cells

Aquaporins (AQPs), a family of small membrane-spanning proteins, are involved in fluid transport, cell signalling and reproduction. Regulating AQP8 expression influences apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs), ovarian folliculogenesis, oogenesis and early embryonic development in mice, but its role has never been investigated in other species. The aim of the present study was to characterize the AQP8 function in buffalo follicular development. The expression pattern of AQP8 in buffalo follicle was analysed by immunohistochemistry method. 17β-Estradiol (E2) or oestrogen receptor antagonist ICI182780 was used to treat GCs cultured in vitro, and the expression of AQP8 was detected using qRT-PCR. Its roles in apoptosis of buffalo GCs were investigated by shRNA technology. AQP8 was found to be expressed higher in secondary follicles (p < .05), and its mRNA level in GCs was upregulated by E2 via receptor-mediated mechanism in a dose-dependent manner. A 732-bp buffalo AQP8 coding region was obtained, which was highly conserved at the amino acid level among different species. AQP8-shRNA2 had more effective inhibition on target gene than AQP8-shRNA1 (66.49% vs. 58.31%) (p < .05). Knockdown of AQP8 induced GCs arrested at G2/M stage and occurred apoptosis. Compared with the control group, higher Caspase9 expression were observed in AQP8-shRNA2 lentivirus infected GCs (p < .05), while Bcl-2 and Bax expression levels had no obvious change (p > .05). Altogether, the above results indicate that AQP8 is involved in oestrogen-mediated regulation of buffalo follicular development by regulating cell cycle progression and apoptosis of GCs.

Amniotic Fluid Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Counteract Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis In Vitro

Background—Osteoporosis is characterized by defects in both quality and quantity of bone tissue, which imply high susceptibility to fractures with limitations of autonomy. Current therapies for osteoporosis are mostly concentrated on how to inhibit bone resorption but give serious adverse effects. Therefore, more effective and safer therapies are needed that even encourage bone formation. Here we examined the effect of extracellular vesicles secreted by human amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC) (AFSC-EV) on a model of osteoporosis in vitro. Methods—human AFSC-EV were added to the culture medium of a human pre-osteoblast cell line (HOB) induced to differentiate, and then treated with dexamethasone as osteoporosis inducer. Aspects of differentiation and viability were assessed by immunofluorescence, Western blot, mass spectrometry, and histological assays. Since steroids induce oxidative stress, the levels of reactive oxygen species and of redox related proteins were evaluated. Results—AFSC-EV were able to ameliorate the differentiation ability of HOB both in the case of pre-osteoblasts and when the differentiation process was affected by dexamethasone. Moreover, the viability was increased and parallelly apoptotic markers were reduced. The presence of EV positively modulated the redox unbalance due to dexamethasone. Conclusion—these findings demonstrated that EV from hAFSC have the ability to recover precursor cell potential and delay local bone loss in steroid-related osteoporosis.

Brassica Bioactives Could Ameliorate the Chronic Inflammatory Condition of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory, hormone-dependent disease characterized by histological lesions produced by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Despite the fact that an estimated 176 million women are affected worldwide by this gynecological disorder, risk factors that cause endometriosis have not been properly defined and current treatments are not efficient. Although the interaction between diet and human health has been the focus of many studies, little information about the correlation of foods and their bioactive derivates with endometriosis is available. In this framework, Brassica crops have emerged as potential candidates for ameliorating the chronic inflammatory condition of endometriosis, due to their abundant content of health-promoting compounds such as glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products, isothiocyanates. Several inflammation-related signaling pathways have been included among the known targets of isothiocyanates, but those involving aquaporin water channels have an important role in endometriosis. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight the promising effects of the phytochemicals present in Brassica spp. as major candidates for inclusion in a dietary approach aiming to improve the inflammatory condition of women affected with endometriosis. This review points out the potential roles of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates from Brassicas as anti-inflammatory compounds, which might contribute to a reduction in endometriosis symptoms. In view of these promising results, further investigation of the effect of glucosinolates on chronic inflammatory diseases, either as diet coadjuvants or as therapeutic molecules, should be performed. In addition, we highlight the involvement of aquaporins in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. In brief, glucosinolates and the modulation of cellular water by aquaporins could shed light on new approaches to improve the quality of life for women with endometriosis.

Combined Systematic Review and Transcriptomic Analyses of Mammalian Aquaporin Classes 1 to 10 as Biomarkers and Prognostic Indicators in Diverse Cancers

Aquaporin (AQP) channels enable regulated transport of water and solutes essential for fluid homeostasis, but they are gaining attention as targets for anticancer therapies. Patterns of AQP expression and survival rates for patients were evaluated by systematic review (PubMed and Embase) and transcriptomic analyses of RNAseq data (Human Protein Atlas database). Meta-analyses confirmed predominantly negative associations between AQP protein and RNA expression levels and patient survival times, most notably for AQP1 in lung, breast and prostate cancers; AQP3 in esophageal, liver and breast cancers; and AQP9 in liver cancer. Patterns of AQP expression were clustered for groups of cancers and associated with risk of death. A quantitative transcriptomic analysis of AQP1-10 in human cancer biopsies similarly showed that increased transcript levels of AQPs 1, 3, 5 and 9 were most frequently associated with poor survival. Unexpectedly, increased AQP7 and AQP8 levels were associated with better survival times in glioma, ovarian and endometrial cancers, and increased AQP11 with better survival in colorectal and breast cancers. Although molecular mechanisms of aquaporins in pathology or protection remain to be fully defined, results here support the hypothesis that overexpression of selected classes of AQPs differentially augments cancer progression. Beyond fluid homeostasis, potential roles for AQPs in cancers (suggested from an expanding appreciation of their functions in normal tissues) include cell motility, membrane process extension, transport of signaling molecules, control of proliferation and apoptosis, increased mechanical compliance, and gas exchange. AQP expression also has been linked to differences in sensitivity to chemotherapy treatments, suggesting possible roles as biomarkers for personalized treatments. Development of AQP pharmacological modulators, administered in cancer-specific combinations, might inspire new interventions for controlling malignant carcinomas.

The Glucosinolates: A Sulphur Glucoside Family of Mustard Anti-Tumour and Antimicrobial Phytochemicals of Potential Therapeutic Application

This study reviewed aspects of the biology of two members of the glucosinolate family, namely sinigrin and glucoraphanin and their anti-tumour and antimicrobial properties. Sinigrin and glucoraphanin are converted by the β-sulphoglucosidase myrosinase or the gut microbiota into their bioactive forms, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and sulphoraphanin (SFN) which constitute part of a sophisticated defence system plants developed over several hundred million years of evolution to protect them from parasitic attack from aphids, ticks, bacteria or nematodes. Delivery of these components from consumption of cruciferous vegetables rich in the glucosinolates also delivers many other members of the glucosinolate family so the dietary AITCs and SFN do not act in isolation. In vitro experiments with purified AITC and SFN have demonstrated their therapeutic utility as antimicrobials against a range of clinically important bacteria and fungi. AITC and SFN are as potent as Vancomycin in the treatment of bacteria listed by the World Health Organisation as antibiotic-resistant “priority pathogens” and also act as anti-cancer agents through the induction of phase II antioxidant enzymes which inactivate potential carcinogens. Glucosinolates may be useful in the treatment of biofilms formed on medical implants and catheters by problematic pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and are potent antimicrobials against a range of clinically important bacteria and fungi. The glucosinolates have also been applied in the prevention of bacterial and fungal spoilage of food products in advanced atmospheric packaging technology which improves the shelf-life of these products.

Human Aquaporin-5 Facilitates Hydrogen Peroxide Permeation Affecting Adaption to Oxidative Stress and Cancer Cell Migration

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), including H₂O₂, contribute to oxidative stress and may cause cancer initiation and progression. However, at low concentrations, H₂O₂ can regulate signaling pathways modulating cell growth, differentiation, and migration. A few mammalian aquaporins (AQPs) facilitate H₂O₂ diffusion across membranes and participate in tumorigenesis. AQP3 and AQP5 are strongly expressed in cancer tissues and AQP3-mediated H₂O₂ transport has been related to breast cancer cell migration, but studies with human AQP5 are lacking. Here, we report that, in addition to its established water permeation capacity, human AQP5 facilitates transmembrane H₂O₂ diffusion and modulates cell growth of AQP5-transformed yeast cells in response to oxidative stress. Mutagenesis studies revealed that residue His173 located in the selective filter is crucial for AQP5 permeability, and interactions with phosphorylated Ser183 may regulate permeation through pore blockage. Moreover, in human pancreatic cancer cells, the measured AQP5-mediated H₂O₂ influx rate indicates the presence of a highly efficient peroxiporin activity. Cell migration was similarly suppressed by AQP3 or AQP5 gene silencing and could be recovered by external oxidative stimuli. Altogether, these results unveiled a major role for AQP5 in dynamic fine-tuning of the intracellular H₂O₂ concentration, and consequently in activating signaling networks related to cell survival and cancer progression, highlighting AQP5 as a promising drug target for cancer therapies.

Peroxiporins in Cancer

The transport of H₂O₂ across membranes by specific aquaporins (AQPs) has been considered the last milestone in the timeline of hydrogen peroxide discoveries in biochemistry. According to its concentration and localization, H₂O₂ can be dangerous or acts as a signaling molecule in various cellular processes as either a paracrine (intercellular) and/or an autocrine (intracellular) signal. In this review, we investigate and critically examine the available information on AQP isoforms able to facilitate H₂O₂ across biological membranes (“peroxiporins”), focusing in particular on their role in cancer. Moreover, the ability of natural compounds to modulate expression and/or activity of peroxiporins is schematically reported and discussed.