Aspirin Suppresses the Growth and Metastasis of Osteosarcoma through the NF-κB Pathway

NF-κB in biology and targeted therapy: new insights and translational implications

NF-κB signaling has been discovered for nearly 40 years. Initially, NF-κB signaling was identified as a pivotal pathway in mediating inflammatory responses. However, with extensive and in-depth investigations, researchers have discovered that its role can be expanded to a variety of signaling mechanisms, biological processes, human diseases, and treatment options. In this review, we first scrutinize the research process of NF-κB signaling, and summarize the composition, activation, and regulatory mechanism of NF-κB signaling. We investigate the interaction of NF-κB signaling with other important pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK, JAK-STAT, TGF-β, Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, and TLR signaling. The physiological and pathological states of NF-κB signaling, as well as its intricate involvement in inflammation, immune regulation, and tumor microenvironment, are also explicated. Additionally, we illustrate how NF-κB signaling is involved in a variety of human diseases, including cancers, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and COVID-19. Further, we discuss the therapeutic approaches targeting NF-κB signaling, including IKK inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, proteasome inhibitors, nuclear translocation inhibitors, DNA binding inhibitors, TKIs, non-coding RNAs, immunotherapy, and CAR-T. Finally, we provide an outlook for research in the field of NF-κB signaling. We hope to present a stereoscopic, comprehensive NF-κB signaling that will inform future research and clinical practice.

Augmenting L3MBTL2-induced condensates suppresses tumor growth in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive cancer and lacks effective therapeutic targets. We found that L3MBTL2 acts as a tumor suppressor by transcriptionally repressing IFIT2 in osteosarcoma. L3MBTL2 recruits the components of Polycomb repressive complex 1.6 to form condensates via both Pho-binding pockets and polybasic regions within carboxyl-terminal intrinsically disordered regions; the L3MBTL2-induced condensates are required for its tumor suppression. Multi-monoubiquitination of L3MBTL2 by UBE2O results in its proteasomal degradation, and the UBE2O/L3MBTL2 axis was crucial for osteosarcoma growth. There is a reverse correlation between L3MBTL2 and UBE2O in osteosarcoma tissues, and higher UBE2O and lower L3MBTL2 are associated with poorer prognosis in osteosarcoma. Pharmacological blockage of UBE2O by arsenic trioxide can enhance L3MBTL2-induced condensates and consequently suppress osteosarcoma growth. Our findings unveil a crucial biological function of L3MBTL2-induced condensates in mediating tumor suppression, proposing the UBE2O-L3MBTL2 axis as a potential cancer therapeutic target in osteosarcoma.

A novel circular RNA circRBMS3 regulates proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma by targeting miR-424-eIF4B/YRDC axis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to have critical regulatory roles in tumorigenesis. However, the contribution of circRNAs to OS (osteosarcoma) remains largely unknown. circRNA deep sequencing was performed to the expression of circRNAs between OS and chondroma tissues. The regulatory and functional role of circRBMS3 (a circRNA derived from exons 7 to 10 of the RBMS3 gene, hsa_circ_0064644) upregulation was examined in OS and was validated in vitro and in vivo, upstream regulator and downstream target of circRBMS3 were both explored. RNA pull down, a luciferase reporter assay, biotin-coupled microRNA capture and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to evaluate the interaction between circRBMS3 and micro (mi)-R-424-5p. For in vivo tumorigenesis experiments, Subcutaneous and Orthotopic xenograft OS mouse models were built. Expression of circRBMS3 was higher in OS tissues due to the regulation of adenosine deaminase 1-acting on RNA (ADAR1), an abundant RNA editing enzyme. Our in vitro data indicated that ShcircRBMS3 inhibits the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells. Mechanistically, we showed that circRBMS3 could regulate eIF4B and YRDC, through 'sponging' miR-424-5p. Furthermore, knockdown of circRBMS3 inhibited malignant phenotypes and bone destruction of OS in vivo. Our results reveal an important role for a novel circRBMS3 in the growth and metastasis of malignant tumor cells and offer a fresh perspective on circRNAs in OS progression.

Aspirin triggers ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through restricting NF-κB p65-activated SLC7A11 transcription

A number of studies have shown that aspirin, as commonly prescribed drug, prevents the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ferroptosis as a dynamic tumor suppressor plays a vital role in hepatocarcinogenesis. In this study we investigated whether aspirin affected ferroptosis in liver cancer cells. RNA-seq analysis revealed that aspirin up-regulated 4 ferroptosis-related drivers and down-regulated 5 ferroptosis-related suppressors in aspirin-treated HepG2 cells. Treatment with aspirin (4 mM) induced remarkable ferroptosis in HepG2 and Huh7 cells, which was enhanced by the ferroptosis inducer erastin (10 μM). We demonstrated that NF-κB p65 restricted ferroptosis in HepG2 and Huh7 cells through directly binding to the core region of SLC7A11 promoter and activating the transcription of ferroptosis inhibitor SLC7A11, whereas aspirin induced ferroptosis through inhibiting NF-κB p65-activated SLC7A11 transcription. Overexpression of p65 rescued HepG2 and Huh7 cells from aspirin-induced ferroptosis. HCC patients with high expression levels of SLC7A11 and p65 presented lower survival rate. Functionally, NF-κB p65 blocked the aspirin-induced ferroptosis in vitro and in vivo, which was attenuated by erastin. We conclude that aspirin triggers ferroptosis by restricting NF-κB-activated SLC7A11 transcription to suppress the growth of HCC. These results provide a new insight into the mechanism by which aspirin regulates ferroptosis in hepatocarcinogenesis. A combination of aspirin and ferroptosis inducer may provide a potential strategy for the treatment of HCC in clinic.

Targeting the Lysosomal Degradation of Rab22a-NeoF1 Fusion Protein for Osteosarcoma Lung Metastasis

Rab22a-NeoF fusion protein has recently been reported as a promising target for osteosarcoma lung metastasis. However, how this fusion protein is regulated in cells remains unknown. Here, using multiple screenings, it is reported that Rab22a-NeoF1 fusion protein is degraded by an E3 ligase STUB1 via the autophagy receptor NDP52-mediated lysosome pathway, which is facilitated by PINK1 kinase. Mechanistically, STUB1 catalyzes the K63-linked ubiquitin chains on lysine112 of Rab22a-NeoF1, which is responsible for the binding of Rab22a-NeoF1 to NDP52, resulting in lysosomal degradation of Rab22a-NeoF1. PINK1 is able to phosphorylate Rab22a-NeoF1 at serine120, which promotes ubiquitination and degradation of Rab22a-NeoF1. Consistently, by upregulating PINK1, Sorafenib and Regorafenib can inhibit osteosarcoma lung metastasis induced by Rab22a-NeoF1. These findings reveal that the lysosomal degradation of Rab22a-NeoF1 fusion protein is targetable for osteosarcoma lung metastasis, proposing that Sorafenib and Regorafenib may benefit cancer patients who are positive for the RAB22A-NeoF1 fusion gene.

Effect of aspirin on the TNF-α-mediated cell survival and death pathways in breast cancer

OBJECTIVES

Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug commonly used as an analgesic and in cardiovascular disorders. However, many studies have highlighted its anti-cancer properties, especially in colorectal, lung, head and neck, and breast cancers. In this work, we tried to study the effect of aspirin on the TNF-α-mediated cell survival and death pathways in two cell lines representing two different subtypes of breast cancer. TNF-α-mediated stimulation of a cell can result in its proliferation via the NF-κB pathway or its death via either apoptosis or a programmed form of necrosis called necroptosis. The latter is believed to come into the picture only when apoptosis is inhibited.

METHODS

In this work, we studied the effect of aspirin on the TNF-α-mediated cell survival pathway and observed a decrease in expression of the NF-κB pathway regulators, its nuclear translocation, and phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of aspirin on the TNF-α-mediated cell death showed significant cytotoxicity at the higher doses (5-20 mM) of aspirin in both the breast cancer cell lines. The effect of aspirin on necroptosis was investigated after stimulating the cells with TNF-α and inhibiting apoptosis using Z-VAD-FMK.

RESULTS

Though no significant effect was noted in breast cancer cell lines, the above protocol successfully induced necroptosis in L929, i.e., a positive control cell line for necroptosis having an intact necroptosis machinery. Even when combined with the chemotherapeutic drugs, the above regime failed to induce any significant necroptosis in breast cancer cells but was found effective in L929.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the findings show that while aspirin has the potential to inhibit the TNF-α-mediated cell survival pathway, it does not help sensitize breast cancer cells to necroptotic cell death induction.

Aspirin modulates succinylation of PGAM1K99 to restrict the glycolysis through NF-κB/HAT1/PGAM1 signaling in liver cancer

Aspirin as a chemopreventive agent is able to restrict the tumor growth. Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) is a key enzyme of glycolysis, playing an important role in the development of cancer. However, the underlying mechanism by which aspirin inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells is poorly understood. This study aims to identify the effects of aspirin on modulating PGAM1 enzymatic activities in liver cancer. Here, we found that aspirin attenuated the PGAM1 succinylation to suppress the PGAM1 enzymatic activities and glycolysis in hepatoma cells. Mechanically, aspirin remarkably reduced the global succinylation levels of hepatoma cells, including the PGAM1 succinylation, which led to the block of conversion from 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PG) to 2-phosphoglycerate (2-PG) in cells. Interestingly, RNA-seq analysis identified that aspirin could significantly decrease the levels of histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1), a writer of PGAM1 succinylation, in liver cancer. As a target of aspirin, NF-κB p65 could effectively up-regulate the expression of HAT1 in the system, resulting in the increase of PGAM1 enzymatic activities. Moreover, we observed that the PGAM1-K99R mutant failed to rescue the aspirin-induced inhibition of PGAM1 activities, glycolysis, and proliferation of hepatoma cells relative to PGAM1-WT. Functionally, aspirin down-regulated HAT1 and decreased the PGAM1 succinylation levels in the tumor tissues from mice treated with aspirin in vivo. Thus, we conclude that aspirin modulates PGAM1K99 succinylation to restrict the PGAM1 activities and glycolysis through NF-κB p65/HAT1/PGAM1 signaling in liver cancer. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism by which aspirin inhibits glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

The Osteosarcoma Stem Cell Activity of a Gallium(III)-Phenanthroline Complex Appended to Salicylate

We report the synthesis, characterisation, and anti-osteosarcoma properties of a gallium(III) complex (1) comprising of two 1,10-phenanthroline ligands and salicylate, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The gallium(III) complex 1 displays micromolar potency towards bulk osteosarcoma cells and osteosarcoma stem cells (OSCs). Notably, the gallium(III) complex 1 exhibits significantly higher toxicity towards OSCs grown in monolayer and three-dimensional cultures than cisplatin, a frontline anti-osteosarcoma drug. Nuclei isolation and immunoblotting studies show that the gallium(III) complex 1 enters osteosarcoma cell nuclei and induces DNA damage. Flow cytometry and cytotoxicity studies (in the presence of prostaglandin E2) indicate that the gallium(III) complex 1 downregulates cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and kills osteosarcoma cells in a COX-2-dependent manner. Further, the mode of osteosarcoma cell death evoked by the gallium(III) complex 1 is characterised as caspase-dependent apoptosis.

Targeting cancer-related inflammation with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Perspectives in pharmacogenomics

Inflammatory processes are essential for innate immunity and contribute to carcinogenesis in various malignancies, such as colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer and lung cancer. Pharmacotherapies targeting inflammation have the potential to reduce the risk of carcinogenesis and improve therapeutic efficacy of existing anti-cancer treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), comprising a variety of structurally different chemicals that can inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and other COX-independent pathways, are originally used to treat inflammatory diseases, but their preventive and therapeutic potential for cancers have also attracted researchers' attention. Pharmacogenomic variability, including distinct genetic characteristics among different patients, can significantly affect pharmacokinetics and effectiveness of NSAIDs, which might determine the preventive or therapeutic success for cancer patients. Hence, a more comprehensive understanding in pharmacogenomic characteristics of NSAIDs and cancer-related inflammation would provide new insights into this appealing strategy. In this review, the up-to-date advances in clinical and experimental researches targeting cancer-related inflammation with NSAIDs are presented, and the potential of pharmacogenomics are discussed as well.

Secretory SERPINE1 Expression Is Increased by Antiplatelet Therapy, Inducing MMP1 Expression and Increasing Colon Cancer Metastasis

Contrary to many reports that antiplatelet agents inhibit cancer growth and metastasis, new solid tumors have been reported in patients receiving long-term antiplatelet therapy. We investigated the effects of these agents directly on cancer cells in the absence of platelets to mimic the effects of long-term therapy. When four antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor) were administered to colon cancer cells, cancer cell proliferation was inhibited similarly to a previous study. However, surprisingly, when cells were treated with a purinergic P2Y12 inhibitor (purinergic antiplatelet agent), the motility of the cancer cells was significantly increased. Therefore, gene expression profiles were identified to investigate the effect of P2Y12 inhibitors on cell mobility, and Serpin family 1 (SERPINE1) was identified as a common gene associated with cell migration and cell death in three groups. Antiplatelet treatment increased the level of SERPINE1 in cancer cells and also promoted the secretion of SERPINE1 into the medium. Increased SERPINE1 was found to induce MMP1 and, thus, increase cell motility. In addition, an increase in SERPINE1 was confirmed using the serum of patients who received these antiplatelet drugs. With these results, we propose that SERPINE1 could be used as a new target gene to prevent the onset and metastasis of cancer in patients with long-term antiplatelet therapy.

Origin and Therapies of Osteosarcoma

Simple Summary

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in children, with a 5-year survival rate ranging from 70% to 20% depending on the aggressiveness of the disease. The current treatments have not evolved over the past four decades due in part to the genetic complexity of the disease and its heterogeneity. This review will summarize the current knowledge of OS origin, diagnosis and therapies.

Abstract

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary bone tumor, mainly affecting children and young adults. Despite therapeutic advances, the 5-year survival rate is 70% but drastically decreases to 20–30% for poor responders to therapies or for patients with metastasis. No real evolution of the survival rates has been observed for four decades, explained by poor knowledge of the origin, difficulties related to diagnosis and the lack of targeted therapies for this pediatric tumor. This review will describe a non-exhaustive overview of osteosarcoma disease from a clinical and biological point of view, describing the origin, diagnosis and therapies.

Aspirin inhibits stem cell proliferation during freshwater Dugesia japonica regeneration by STAT3/SOX2/OCT4 signaling pathway

As a widely used drug in clinical practice, aspirin has a large number of residual drugs and metabolites discharged into the environment during the pharmaceutical process or after taking the drug. Aspirin content and its metabolite, salicylic acid, have been reported and detected in several river water samples and municipal wastewaters. However, little is known about the toxicity mechanisms of this drug in aquatic invertebrates. In this study, we examine the toxic effect and investigate the toxicity mechanism of aspirin in planarian, which own the excellent regeneration and sensitive toxicity detection ability. Planarian is treated with 0.7 mM aspirin for 6 h, 48 h, 3 d and 5 d, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of the stem cells markers, in parallel with the target genes of the signaling pathway are analyzed by RT-qPCR, whole-mount immunofluorescence, and Western blot. The results show that aspirin strongly inhibits stem cell proliferation and causes retarded blastemas growth in planarians. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression levels of stem cells markers and the target genes dramatically decrease after the aspirin treatment. Meanwhile, the expression level of apoptotic cells also shows a downward trend. Their significant and coincident downregulations after the aspirin treatment suggest that aspirin regulates planarian regeneration via STAT3/SOX2/OCT4 signaling pathway. Our work reveals the toxicological effect and the mechanism of aspirin to the planarian, and provides basic data for therapeutic applications of aspirin in regeneration and warns about the ecological damage of aspirin abuse.

The Targeting of Nuclear Factor Kappa B by Drugs Adopted for the Prevention and Treatment of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterised by high levels and activity of the transcription factor Nuclear Factor kappa B (NFĸB) in the maternal blood and placental cells. This factor is responsible for the regulation of over 400 genes known to influence processes related to inflammation, apoptosis and angiogenesis, and cellular responses to oxidative stress and hypoxia. Although high NFĸB activity induces hypoxia and inflammation, which are beneficial for the process of implantation, NFĸB level should be reduced in the later stages of physiological pregnancy to favour maternal immunosuppression and maintain gestation. It is believed that the downregulation of NFĸB activity by pharmacotherapy might be a promising way to treat preeclampsia. Interestingly, many of the drugs adopted for the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia have been found to regulate NFĸB activity. Despite this, further innovation is urgently needed to ensure treatment safety and efficacy. The present article summarizes the current state of knowledge about the drugs recommended by cardiology, obstetrics, and gynaecology societies for the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia with regard to their impact on the cellular regulation of NFĸB pathways.

M6A demethylase FTO-mediated downregulation of DACT1 mRNA stability promotes Wnt signaling to facilitate osteosarcoma progression

Despite advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma (OS) remains poor, and the treatment efficacy has plateaued. Therefore, it is important to identify new therapeutic targets for OS. N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification has been reported to participate in tumor malignancy. In this study, functional screening showed that the m⁶A demethylase FTO could be a candidate therapeutic target for OS. Upregulated FTO in OS could predict a poorer prognosis. FTO promoted the growth and metastasis of OS in vitro and in vivo. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were performed to identify DACT1 as a potential target of FTO. In vitro assays demonstrated that FTO could reduce the mRNA stability of DACT1 via m⁶A demethylation, which decreased DACT1 expression and further activated the Wnt signaling pathway. The oncogenic effect of FTO on OS was dependent on DACT1. In addition, the m⁶A reader IGF2BP1 was validated to participate in the regulation of DACT1. Entacapone, a conventional drug for Parkinson's disease, was confirmed to suppress OS via m⁶A-mediated regulation through the FTO/DACT1 axis. Our findings demonstrate that FTO may be a novel therapeutic target and that entacapone has preclinical value to be repurposed for OS.

Destabilization of macrophage migration inhibitory factor by 4-IPP reduces NF-κB/P-TEFb complex-mediated c-Myb transcription to suppress osteosarcoma tumourigenesis

BACKGROUND

As an inflammatory factor and oncogenic driver protein, the pleiotropic cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a crucial role in the osteosarcoma microenvironment. Although 4-iodo-6-phenylpyrimidine (4-IPP) can inactivate MIF biological functions, its anti-osteosarcoma effect and molecular mechanisms have not been investigated. In this study, we identified the MIF inhibitor 4-IPP as a specific double-effector drug for osteosarcoma with both anti-tumour and anti-osteoclastogenic functions.

METHODS

The anti-cancer effects of 4-IPP were evaluated by wound healing assay, cell cycle analysis, colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, apoptosis analysis, and Transwell migration/invasion assays. Through the application of a luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, and immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation analyses, the transcriptional regulation of the NF-κB/P-TEFb complex on c-Myb- and STUB1-mediated proteasome-dependent MIF protein degradation was confirmed. The effect of 4-IPP on tumour growth and metastasis was assessed using an HOS-derived tail vein metastasis model and subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft tumour models.

RESULTS

In vitro, 4-IPP significantly reduced the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells by suppressing the NF-κB pathway. 4-IPP hindered the binding between MIF and CD74 as well as p65. Moreover, 4-IPP inhibited MIF to interrupt the formation of downstream NF-κB/P-TEFb complexes, leading to the down-regulation of c-Myb transcription. Interestingly, the implementation of 4-IPP can mediate small molecule-induced MIF protein proteasomal degradation via the STUB1 E3 ligand. However, 4-IPP still interrupted MIF-mediated communication between osteosarcoma cells and osteoclasts, thus promoting osteoclastogenesis. Remarkably, 4-IPP strongly reduced HOS-derived xenograft osteosarcoma tumourigenesis and metastasis in an in vivo mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that the small molecule 4-IPP targeting the MIF protein exerts an anti-osteosarcoma effect by simultaneously inactivating the biological functions of MIF and promoting its proteasomal degradation. Direct destabilization of the MIF protein with 4-IPP may be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating osteosarcoma.

Aspirin Inhibition of Group VI Phospholipase A2 Induces Synthetic Lethality in AAM Pathway Down-Regulated Gingivobuccal Squamous Carcinoma

Background: To elucidate the role of iPLA2/PLA2G6 in gingivobuccal squamous cell carcinoma (GB-SCC) and to ascertain the synthetic lethality-based chemoprevention role of aspirin in arachidonic acid metabolism (AAM) pathway down-regulated GB-SCC. Methods: The in vitro efficacy of aspirin on GB-SCC cells (ITOC-03 and ITOC-04) was assessed by cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis, cell migration, cell cycle assay and RNA-seq, while inhibition of PLA2G6 and AAM pathway components was affirmed by qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The in vivo effect of aspirin was evaluated using NOD-SCID mice xenografts and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: We found that aspirin, which has been reported to act through the COX pathway, is inhibiting PLA2G6, and thereby the COX and LOX components of the AAM pathway. The findings were validated using PLA2G6 siRNA and immunohistochemical marker panel. Moreover, a pronounced effect in ITOC-04 cells and xenografts implied aspirin-induced synthetic lethality in the AAM pathway down-regulated GB-SCC. Conclusions: This study reveals that aspirin induces the anti-tumor effect by a previously unrecognized mechanism of PLA2G6 inhibition. In addition, the effect of aspirin is influenced by the baseline AAM pathway status and could guide precision prevention clinical trials of AAM pathway inhibitors.

Interactions of Analgesics with Cisplatin: Modulation of Anticancer Efficacy and Potential Organ Toxicity

Cisplatin (CDDP), one of the most eminent cancer chemotherapeutic agents, has been successfully used to treat more than half of all known cancers worldwide. Despite its effectiveness, CDDP might cause severe toxic adverse effects on multiple body organs during cancer chemotherapy, including the kidneys, heart, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and auditory system, as well as peripheral nerves causing severely painful neuropathy. The latter, among other pains patients feel during chemotherapy, is an indication for the use of analgesics during treatment with CDDP. Different types of analgesics, such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and narcotic analgesics, could be used according to the severity of pain. Administered analgesics might modulate CDDP’s efficacy as an anticancer drug. NSAIDS, on one hand, might have cytotoxic effects on their own and few of them can potentiate CDDP’s anticancer effects via inhibiting the CDDP-induced cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, or through COX-independent mechanisms. On the other hand, some narcotic analgesics might ameliorate CDDP’s anti-neoplastic effects, causing chemotherapy to fail. Concerning safety, some analgesics share the same adverse effects on normal tissues as CDDP, augmenting its potentially hazardous effects on organ impairment. This article offers an overview of the reported literature on the interactions between analgesics and CDDP, paying special attention to possible mechanisms that modulate CDDP’s cytotoxic efficacy and potential adverse reactions.

The NF-κB pathway is critically implicated in the oncogenic phenotype of human osteosarcoma cells

NF-κB is activated in a variety of human cancers. However, its role in osteosarcoma (OS) remains unknown. Here, we have elucidated the implication of NF-κB in the oncogenic phenotype of OS tumor cells. We reported that activation of NF-κB was a common event in the human OS. Inhibition of NF-κB using inhibitor Bay 11-7085 repressed proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion but increased apoptosis in 143B and MG63 OS cells, indicating that NF-κB is critically implicated in the oncogenesis of OS. Notably, Bay 11-7085 not only inactivated NF-κB but also reduced the phosphorylation of AKT via its induction of PTEN, suggesting the existence of a novel NF-κB/PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis. In vivo, Bay 11-7085 suppressed tumor growth in the bone by targeting NF-κB and AKT. Interestingly, combined treatment with Bay 11-7085 and the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, triggered an augmented antitumor effect. Our results demonstrate that NF-κB potentiates the growth and aggressiveness of OS. Pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB represents a promising therapy for the treatment of OS.

Whole blood viscosity is associated with extrahepatic metastases and survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Whole blood viscosity (WBV) is increased in cancer patients and associated with the advanced stage with systemic metastases. However, relevance of WBV in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This pilot study included a discovery cohort of 148 treatment-naïve HCC patients with preserved liver function, and a validation cohort of 33 treatment-experienced HCC patients with nivolumab. Systolic and diastolic WBV was measured using an automated scanning capillary tube viscometer at diagnosis or before the nivolumab treatment. Extrahepatic metastases were observed in 15 treatment-naïve patients (11.3%) at diagnosis. Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT), tumor size, number of tumors, and systolic/diastolic WBV were factors associated with extrahepatic metastases. Systolic WBV and diastolic WBV were significantly increased in patients with metastases compared with patients without metastases. Multivariate logistic regression showed that high diastolic WBV > 16 cP was an independent factor associated with metastases. Notably, patients who developed extrahepatic metastases during the observation period among patients without metastases at diagnosis had higher diastolic WBV initially. Patients with high diastolic WBV had poor survival, and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed high diastolic WBV was an independent risk factor for poor survival with the Child-Pugh B7 and PVTT. High diastolic WBV also predicted poor survival in patients with low alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and proteins induced by vitamin K antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) levels. In 33 nivolumab-treated patients, high diastolic WBV before the treatment was also tended to be associated with overall and progression-free survival. Our study is the first in which high WBV is associated with the distant metastases and survival in patients with HCC, but future prospective, large cohort studies are necessary to validate the results.

LINC00852 promotes the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by competitively binding with miR-140-3p to regulate AGTR1 expression

Background

Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been identified in ovarian cancer. However, the expression and biological functions of LINC00852 in ovarian cancer are not understood.

Methods

The expressions of LINC00852, miR-140-3p and AGTR1 mRNA in ovarian cancer tissues and cells were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed to explore the biological functions of LINC00852 and miR-140-3p in the progression of ovarian cancer in vitro. The bindings between LINC00852 and miR-140-3p were confirmed by luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and RNA pull-down assay.

Results

We found that LINC00852 expression was significantly up-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cells, whereas miR-140-3p expression was significantly down-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues. Functionally, LINC00852 knockdown inhibited the viability, proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, and promoted the apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. Further investigation showed that LINC00852 interacted with miR-140-3p, and miR-140-3p overexpression suppressed the viability, proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. In addition, miR-140-3p interacted with AGTR1 and negatively regulated its level in ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, we found that LINC00852 acted as a ceRNA of miR-140-3p to promote AGTR1 expression and activate MEK/ERK/STAT3 pathway. Finally, LINC00852 knockdown inhibited the growth and invasion ovarian cancer in vivo.

Conclusion

LINC00852/miR-140-3p/AGTR1 is an important pathway to promote the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer.

Serglycin promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion via the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common disease in the world, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. This study aims to identify the key genes that promote the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells.

METHOD

GSE124768 and GSE126209 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The gene ontology and enrichment pathway were analyzed by FunRich software. qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the gene expression. After gene knockdown, Transwell and wound healing assays were conducted on osteosarcoma cells to detect whether the genes were defined before enhancing the invasion of osteosarcoma.

RESULTS

Totally, 341 mRNAs were found to be regulated differentially in osteosarcoma cells compared to osteoblasts. In addition, the expression level of Serglycin (SRGN) in osteosarcoma cells was higher than that in human osteoblasts. The invasion and proliferation ability of osteosarcoma cells with upregulated Serglycin was significantly increased, and on the contrary, decreased after Serglycin knockdown. Moreover, we preliminarily found that Serglycin may associate with the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

By using microarray and bioinformatics analyses, differently expressed mRNAs were identified and a complete gene network was constructed. To our knowledge, we describe for the first time Serglycin as a potential biomarker.

Reinforcing the Induction of Immunogenic Cell Death Via Artificial Engineered Cascade Bioreactor-Enhanced Chemo-Immunotherapy for Optimizing Cancer Immunotherapy

Traditional chemo-immunotherapy can elicit T cell immune response by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), however, insufficient ICD limits the lasting antitumor immunotherapeutic efficacy. Herein, tadpole-ovoid manganese-doped hollow mesoporous silica coated gold nanoparticles (Au@HMnMSNs) as biodegradable catalytic cascade nanoreactors are constructed to generate intratumoral high-toxic hydroxyl radicals combined with DOX and Aspirin (ASA) for enhancing the induction of ICD and maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). The released Mn²⁺ can catalyze endogenous H₂ O₂ to hydroxyl radicals, while internal gold nanoparticles mimetic glucose oxidase (GOx) converted glucose into H₂ O₂ to accelerate the generation of hydroxyl radicals. On the other hand, tadpole oval-structured Au@HMnMSNs can avoid the inactivation of gold nanoparticles due to strong protein adsorption. The introduction of ASA is to recruit DCs and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to tumor sites and restrain the intratumoral infiltration of immunosuppressive cells by decreasing the expression of prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂ ). Accordingly, this work presents a novel insight to introduce GOx-like catalytic cascade ICD nano-inducer into antitumor immunotherapy for synergistic tumor therapy.

Current Studies of Aspirin as an Anticancer Agent and Strategies to Strengthen its Therapeutic Application in Cancer

Aspirin has emerged as a promising intervention in cancer in the past decade. However, there are existing controversies regarding the anticancer properties of aspirin as its mechanism of action has not been clearly defined. In addition, the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract from aspirin is another consideration that requires medical and pharmaceutical scientists to work together to develop more potent and safe aspirin therapy in cancer. This review presents the most recent studies of aspirin with regard to its role in cancer prevention and treatment demonstrated by highlighted clinical trials, mechanisms of action as well as approaches to develop aspirin therapy best beneficial to cancer patients. Hence, this review provides readers with an overview of aspirin research in cancer that covers not only the unique features of aspirin, which differentiate aspirin from other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but also strategies that can be used in the development of drug delivery systems carrying aspirin for cancer management. These studies convey optimistic messages on the continuing efforts of the scientist on the way of developing an effective therapy for patients with a low response to current cancer treatments.

Low-dose aspirin use and cancer-specific mortality: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

BACKGROUND

Considering the increased risk of bleeding caused by aspirin, and the observed benefit in all-cause mortality may be due to an improvement in cardiovascular-related mortality. We carried out this meta-analysis to estimate the association of low-dose aspirin use and risk of cancer-specific mortality.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for all articles within a range of published years from 1980 to 2018.

RESULTS

Finally, 13 published cohort studies with 65 768 patients were available for estimating overall risk of cancer-specific mortality associating with post-diagnosis low-dose aspirin use, and 4 cohort studies were available for pre-diagnosis low-dose aspirin use with 16 654 patients. Overall, statistical evidence of significantly decreased cancer-specific mortality was found to be associated with post-diagnosis low-dose aspirin use (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.75-0.93), but not with pre-diagnosis low-dose aspirin use. In terms of subgroup analyses by cancer type, post-diagnosis low-dose aspirin use was significantly with decreased cancer-specific mortality for digestive tract cancer including colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer and gastric cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis indicated that post-diagnosis but not pre-diagnosis low-dose aspirin use may reduce cancer-specific mortality.

A Novel Six Metastasis-Related Prognostic Gene Signature for Patients With Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor, and although there has been significant progress in its management, metastases often herald incurable disease. Here we defined genes differentially expressed between primary and metastatic osteosarcoma as metastasis-related genes (MRGs) and used them to construct a novel six-MRG prognostic signature for overall survival of patients with osteosarcoma. Validation in internal and external datasets confirmed satisfactory accuracy and generalizability of the prognostic model, and a nomogram based on the signature and clinical variables was constructed to aid clinical decision-making. Of the six MRGs, FHIT is a well-documented tumor suppressor gene that is poorly defined in osteosarcoma. Consistent with tumor suppressor function, FHIT was downregulated in osteosarcoma cells and human osteosarcoma samples. FHIT overexpression inhibited osteosarcoma proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FHIT overexpression upregulate the epithelial marker E-cadherin while repressing the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and vimentin. Our six-MRG signature represents a novel and clinically useful prognostic biomarker for patients with osteosarcoma, and FHIT might represent a therapeutic target by reversing epithelial to mesenchymal transition.

Pleiotropic Effects of Acetylsalicylic Acid after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting-Beyond Platelet Inhibition

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is one of the most frequently used medications worldwide. Yet, the main indications for ASA are the atherosclerosis-based cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite the increasing number of percutaneous procedures to treat CAD, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains the treatment of choice in patients with multivessel CAD and intermediate or high anatomical lesion complexity. Taking into account that CABG is a potent activator of inflammation, ASA is an important part in the postoperative therapy, not only due to ASA antiplatelet action, but also as an anti-inflammatory agent. Additional benefits of ASA after CABG include anticancerogenic, hypotensive, antiproliferative, anti-osteoporotic, and neuroprotective effects, which are especially important in patients after CABG, prone to hypertension, graft occlusion, atherosclerosis progression, and cognitive impairment. Here, we discuss the pleiotropic effects of ASA after CABG and provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the benefits of treatment with ASA, beyond platelet inhibition. Since some of ASA pleiotropic effects seem to increase the risk of bleeding, it could be considered a starting point to investigate whether the increase of the intensity of the treatment with ASA after CABG is beneficial for the CABG group of patients.

Aspirin modulates 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation of ENO1K281 to attenuate the glycolysis and proliferation of hepatoma cells

Aspirin can efficiently inhibit the glycolysis and proliferation of cancer cells, however, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we report that aspirin attenuates the glycolysis and proliferation of hepatoma cells through modulating the levels of lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation (Khib) of enolase 1 (ENO1). We found that aspirin decreased the levels of glucose consumption and lactate production in hepatoma cells. Moreover, 4 mM aspirin reduced the activities of ENO1, a key enzyme of glycolysis, and decreased the levels of ENO1 Khib in the cells. Interestingly, we identified that 4 mM aspirin could decrease the levels of Khib on many proteins by using pan Khib antibody in the cells. Interestingly, the activities of ENO1 could be rescued by the transient overexpression of ENO1, but not by ENO1 mutant (K281R). Moreover, we identified that the C646, an inhibitor of p300 which is a writer of Khib, could reduce the levels of ENO1 Khib, resulting in the decrease of ENO1 activities. The treatment with PDTC, an inhibitor of NF-κB which is a target of aspirin, could work well as C646 in the cells. Both of aspirin and C646 (or PDTC) displayed a stronger effect than the single treatment in the system. Functionally, ENO1, but not ENO1 mutant (K281R), could rescue the aspirin-induced inhibition of proliferation of liver cancer cells in vitro, suggesting that ENO1K281 is involved in the aspirin-mediated inhibition of liver cancer. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism by which aspirin attenuates the glycolysis and proliferation of hepatoma cells.

HDAC6 inhibitor WT161 performs anti-tumor effect on osteosarcoma and synergistically interacts with 5-FU

BACKGROUND

WT161, as a selective HDAC6 inhibitor, has been shown to play anti-tumor effects on several kinds of cancers. The aim of the present study is to explore the roles of WT161 in osteosarcoma and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The anti-proliferative effect of WT161 on osteosarcoma cells was examined using MTT assay and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometer. The synergistic effect was evaluated by isobologram analysis using CompuSyn software. The osteosarcoma xenograft models were established to evaluate the anti-proliferative effect of WT161 in vivo.

RESULTS

WT161 suppressed the cell growth and induced apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mechanistically, we found that WT161 treatment obviously increased the protein level of PTEN and decreased the phosphorylation level of protein kinase-B (AKT). More importantly, WT161 showed synergistic inhibition with 5-FU on osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that WT161 inhibits the growth of osteosarcoma through PTEN and has a synergistic efficiency with 5-FU.

The Influence of UV Light on Photodegradation of Acetylsalicylic Acid

Photodegradation of the aqueous solutions of acetylsalicylic acid, in the absence (ASA) and the presence of excipients (ASE), is demonstrated by the photoluminescence (PL). A shift of the PL bands from 342 and 338 nm to 358 and 361-397 nm for ASA and ASE in solid state and as aqueous solutions was reported. By exposure of the solution of ASA 0.3 M to UV light, a decrease in the PL band intensity was highlighted. This behavior was revealed for ASA in the presence of phosphate buffer (PB) having the pH equal to 6.4, 7, and 8 or by the interaction with NaOH 0.3 M. A different behavior was reported in the case of ASE. In the presence of PB, an increase in the intensity of the PL band of ASE simultaneously with a change of the ratio between the intensities of the bands at 361-364 and 394-397 nm was highlighted. The differences between PL spectra of ASA and ASE have their origin in the presence of salicylic acid (SAL). The interaction of ASE with NaOH induces a shift of the PL band at 405-407 nm. Arguments for the reaction of ASA with NaOH are shown by Raman scattering and FTIR spectroscopy.

Rab22a-NeoF1 fusion protein promotes osteosarcoma lung metastasis through its secretion into exosomes

It remains unknown for decades how some of the therapeutic fusion proteins positive in a small percentage of cancer cells account for patient outcome. Here, we report that osteosarcoma Rab22a-NeoF1 fusion protein, together with its binding partner PYK2, is sorted into exosomes by HSP90 via its KFERQ-like motif (RVLFLN¹⁴²). The exosomal Rab22a-NeoF1 fusion protein facilitates the pulmonary pre-metastatic niche formation by recruiting bone marrow-derived macrophages. The exosomal PYK2 activates RhoA in its negative recipient osteosarcoma cells and induces signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation in its recipient macrophages to increase M2 phenotype. Consequently, lung metastases of its recipient osteosarcoma cells are promoted by this exosomal Rab22a-NeoF1 fusion protein, and this event can be targeted by disrupting its interaction with PYK2 using a designed internalizing RGD peptide.

Preventing the development of severe COVID-19 by modifying immunothrombosis

BACKGROUND

COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with significant morbidity and high levels of mortality. This paper describes the processes involved in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 from the initial infection and subsequent destruction of type II alveolar epithelial cells by SARS-CoV-2 and culminating in the development of ARDS.

MAIN BODY

The activation of alveolar cells and alveolar macrophages leads to the release of large quantities of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and their translocation into the pulmonary vasculature. The presence of these inflammatory mediators in the vascular compartment leads to the activation of vascular endothelial cells platelets and neutrophils and the subsequent formation of platelet neutrophil complexes. These complexes in concert with activated endothelial cells interact to create a state of immunothrombosis. The consequence of immunothrombosis include hypercoagulation, accelerating inflammation, fibrin deposition, migration of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) producing neutrophils into the alveolar apace, activation of the NLRP3 inflammazome, increased alveolar macrophage destruction and massive tissue damage by pyroptosis and necroptosis Therapeutic combinations aimed at ameliorating immunothrombosis and preventing the development of severe COVID-19 are discussed in detail.

High Expression of N-Acetylgalactosaminyl-transferase 1 (GALNT1) Associated with Invasion, Metastasis, and Proliferation in Osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma (OS) is very common worldwide, and the mechanisms underlying its development remain unclear. This study aims to identify key genes promoting the reproduction, invasion, and transfer of osteosarcoma cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS Gene expression profile data (GSE42352 and GSE42572) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes were calculated using R software. Gene ontology and enriched pathway analysis of mRNAs were analyzed by using FunRich. Verification of the genes was conducted by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses to measure gene expression. Transwell and wound-healing assays were performed on osteosarcoma cells after knockdown to detect whether the genes enhanced the aggressiveness of osteosarcoma. RESULTS In total, 34 genes were selected after filtering. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis demonstrated that the genes were enriched in multiple tumor pathways. N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1 (GALNT1) was identified for further study, and its expression was higher in osteosarcoma cells than in human osteoblasts. The invasion ability of cells was significantly decreased after gene knockdown. CONCLUSIONS Through the use of microarray and bioinformatics analysis, differentially expressed genes were selected and a complete gene network was constructed. Our findings provide new biomarkers for the treatment and prognosis of osteosarcoma. These biomarkers may contribute to the discovery of new therapeutic targets for clinical application.

LncRNA GSEC promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion by sponging miR-588/ EIF5A2 axis in osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) show dysregulation in a variety of cancers. However, the function and specific mechanism of LncRNA GSEC in the progression of osteosarcoma remain mostly unknown. In this study, we sought to elucidate the role and mechanism of LncRNA GSEC in the occurrence and progression of osteosarcoma.

METHODS

we examined the expression of LncRNA GSEC in osteosarcoma cell lines by quantitative real time PCR. In vitro experiments, including transwell assays, cck8 assays, and flow cytometry analysis have biologically demonstrated the effect of LncRNA GSEC on the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cell lines. Furthermore, the regulation of miR-588 by LncRNA GSEC was determined by luciferase reporter assay and quantitative real time PCR. What's more, subcutaneous tumor formation was performed in nude mice to monitor the growth of the tumor in vivo.

RESULTS

We found that the expression of LncRNA GSEC was up-regulated in osteosarcoma cell lines. Overexpression of LncRNA GSEC promoted the proliferating and migratory capacity, and inhibited the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Conversely, knockdown of LncRNA GSEC resulted in the opposite effect. Mechanistically, we identified LncRNA GSEC functioned as the sponge of miR-588, thus inhibiting the miR-588/EIF5A2 signal pathway. In addition, the expression of miR-588 was negatively correlated with LncRNA GSEC, and the effect by silencing or overexpressing LncRNA GSEC could be rescued by the introduction of miR-588 mimics or inhibitors, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this study shows that LncRNA GSEC promotes the proliferation and invasion of OS through the regulation of miR-588/EIF5A2 pathway, which might provide a new strategy for the treatment of osteosarcoma in the future.

SMAR1 repression by pluripotency factors and consequent chemoresistance in breast cancer stem-like cells is reversed by aspirin

The high abundance of drug efflux pumps in cancer stem cells (CSCs) contributes to chemotherapy resistance. The transcriptional regulator SMAR1 suppresses CSC expansion in colorectal cancer, and increased abundance of SMAR1 is associated with better prognosis. Here, we found in breast tumors that the expression of SMAR1 was decreased in CSCs through the cooperative interaction of the pluripotency factors Oct4 and Sox2 with the histone deacetylase HDAC1. Overexpressing SMAR1 sensitized CSCs to chemotherapy through SMAR1-dependent recruitment of HDAC2 to the promoter of the gene encoding the drug efflux pump ABCG2. Treating cultured CSCs or 4T1 tumor-bearing mice with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug aspirin restored SMAR1 expression and ABCG2 repression and enhanced tumor sensitivity to doxorubicin. Our findings reveal transcriptional mechanisms regulating SMAR1 that also regulate cancer stemness and chemoresistance and suggest that, by restoring SMAR1 expression, aspirin might enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy in patients with stem-like tumors.

The pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2: A suggested model and therapeutic approach

In this paper, a model is proposed of the pathophysiological processes of COVID-19 starting from the infection of human type II alveolar epithelial cells (pneumocytes) by SARS-CoV-2 and culminating in the development of ARDS. The innate immune response to infection of type II alveolar epithelial cells leads both to their death by apoptosis and pyroptosis and to alveolar macrophage activation. Activated macrophages secrete proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and tend to polarise into the inflammatory M1 phenotype. These changes are associated with activation of vascular endothelial cells and thence the recruitment of highly toxic neutrophils and inflammatory activated platelets into the alveolar space. Activated vascular endothelial cells become a source of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and contribute to the development of coagulopathy, systemic sepsis, a cytokine storm and ARDS. Pulmonary activated platelets are also an important source of proinflammatory cytokines and ROS, as well as exacerbating pulmonary neutrophil-mediated inflammatory responses and contributing to systemic sepsis by binding to neutrophils to form platelet-neutrophil complexes (PNCs). PNC formation increases neutrophil recruitment, activation priming and extraversion of these immune cells into inflamed pulmonary tissue, thereby contributing to ARDS. Sequestered PNCs cause the development of a procoagulant and proinflammatory environment. The contribution to ARDS of increased extracellular histone levels, circulating mitochondrial DNA, the chromatin protein HMGB1, decreased neutrophil apoptosis, impaired macrophage efferocytosis, the cytokine storm, the toll-like receptor radical cycle, pyroptosis, necroinflammation, lymphopenia and a high Th17 to regulatory T lymphocyte ratio are detailed.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of <i>Etlingera elatior</i> (Jack) R.M. Smith Flower on Gastric Ulceration-induced Wistar Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Smith rhizome, which has been traditionally used to reduce stomach discomfort, was reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity, however, there is a lack of such a study on the flower.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the E. elatior flower extract on gastric ulceration-induced Wistar rats. The Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups. Group 1 was the normal control, group 2 was the negative control (Arabic gum suspension 2%), group 3 was the positive control (quercetin), group 4-6 were treated with E. elatior flower extract dose of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg kg-1 of b.wt., respectively. The rats were conditioned to gastric ulceration. The stomach weight, microscopic and macroscopic evaluation of gastric mucosal damage was examined. Subsequently, the nuclear factor-kappaB-p65 (NF-kappaB-p65) expression in the fundus was Western-blotted by employing β-actin and GAPDH as the loading controls.

RESULTS

Etlingera elatior flower extract dose of 1000 mg kg-1 b.wt., reduces the ulceration index and the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Western blot analysis showed inhibition of NF-kappaB-p65 expression by E. elatior flower extract dose of 1000 mg kg-1 of b.wt.

CONCLUSION

Etlingera elatior flower might possess anti-inflammatory activity by downregulating the expression of NF-kappaB-p65 in the fundus of gastric ulceration-induced Wistar rats.

The improved targeting of an aspirin prodrug albumin-based nanosystem for visualizing and inhibiting lung metastasis of breast cancer

Lung metastasis is the principal reason for the majority of deaths from breast cancer. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug aspirin can prevent lung metastasis in breast tumors via inhibiting heparanase. However, the lack of specific targets and limited accumulation at the site of the tumor have thus far hindered the use of aspirin in oncotherapy. In this study, we developed the nanoplatform FA-BSA@DA and loaded it with the versatile aspirin prodrug DA to visualize and inhibit breast cancer metastasis via targeting heparanase. This nanosystem can be effectively targeted to folic acid (FA)-positive tumor cells, and would then subsequently release a high dose of DA, whose ester bond is specifically ruptured by H₂O₂ in the tumor microenvironment to afford the therapeutic drug aspirin and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent reporter DCM. The released aspirin can effectively prevent breast cancer lung metastasis through the inhibition of heparanase activity, and the NIR fluorescent signals emitted from DCM can be used to monitor and evaluate the metastasis levels of breast cancer. Our results showed that the expression of heparanase was significantly decreased, and lung metastasis from breast cancer was effectively monitored and inhibited after treatment with FA-BSA@DA. Furthermore, the collaborative therapy nanoplatform FA-BSA@DA/DOX exhibited strong therapeutic effects in the treatment of breast cancer in vitro and in vivo via the introduction of doxorubicin (DOX) to the system, which resulted in an even stronger result due to its synergistic effects with aspirin. This heparanase-reliant strategy has profound significance for the extended development of nanoplatforms based on versatile aspirin prodrugs, which may offer a solution to clinically prevent breast cancer recurrence and lung metastasis.

ROS-Mediated Therapeutic Strategy in Chemo-/Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is a highly genetic and metabolic heterogeneous collection of malignancies of the lip, oral cavity, salivary glands, pharynx, esophagus, paranasal sinuses, and larynx with five-year survival rates ranging from 12% to 93%. Patients with head and neck cancer typically present with advanced stage III, IVa, or IVb disease and are treated with comprehensive modality including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Despite advancements in treatment modality and technique, noisome recurrence, invasiveness, and resistance as well as posttreatment complications severely influence survival rate and quality of life. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed that offer enhanced efficacy with less toxicity. ROS in cancer cells plays a vital role in regulating cell death, DNA repair, stemness maintenance, metabolic reprogramming, and tumor microenvironment, all of which have been implicated in resistance to chemo-/radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. Adjusting ROS generation and elimination to reverse the resistance of cancer cells without impairing normal cells show great hope in improving the therapeutic efficacy of chemo-/radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. In the current review, we discuss the pivotal and targetable redox-regulating system including superoxide dismutases (SODs), tripeptide glutathione (GSH), thioredoxin (Trxs), peroxiredoxins (PRXs), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2/keap1), and mitochondria electron transporter chain (ETC) complexes and their roles in regulating ROS levels and their clinical significance implicated in chemo-/radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. We also summarize several old drugs (referred to as the non-anti-cancer drugs used in other diseases for a long time) and small molecular compounds as well as natural herbs which effectively modulate cellular ROS of head and neck cancer to synergize the efficacy of conventional chemo-/radiotherapy. Emerging interdisciplinary techniques including photodynamic, nanoparticle system, and Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER) therapy are promising measures to broaden the potency of ROS modulation for the benefit of chemo-/radiotherapy in head and neck cancer.

Chromosomal translocation-derived aberrant Rab22a drives metastasis of osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a type of aggressive malignant bone tumour that frequently metastasizes to lungs, resulting in poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms of lung metastasis of osteosarcoma remain poorly understood. Here we identify exon-intron fusion genes in osteosarcoma cell lines and tissues. These fusion genes are derived from chromosomal translocations that juxtapose the coding region for amino acids 1-38 of Rab22a (Rab22a1-38) with multiple inverted introns and untranslated regions of chromosome 20. The resulting translation products, designated Rab22a-NeoFs, acquire the ability to drive lung metastasis of osteosarcoma. The Rab22a1-38 moiety governs the function of Rab22a-NeoFs by binding to SmgGDS-607, a GTP-GDP exchange factor of RhoA. This association facilitates the release of GTP-bound RhoA from SmgGDS-607, which induces increased activity of RhoA and promotes metastasis. Disrupting the interaction between Rab22a-NeoF1 and SmgGDS-607 with a synthetic peptide prevents lung metastasis in an orthotopic model of osteosarcoma. Our findings may provide a promising strategy for a subset of osteosarcoma patients with lung metastases.

Aspirin enhances trophoblast invasion and represses soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 production: a putative mechanism for preventing preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies suggested that prophylactic aspirin prior to 16 weeks of gestation in high-risk patients may reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia; however, the exact mechanism of aspirin's effect on the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not clear. This study was designed to investigate the effect of aspirin on trophoblast cell function and its effect on soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) production to elucidate the preventive mechanisms for preeclampsia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used two human trophoblastic cell lines (HTR-8/SVneo and JAR) and freshly isolated cytotrophoblasts from normal and preeclamptic placenta at term to determine the effect of aspirin on trophoblast cell function. Trophoblasts were pretreated with aspirin, and then cell functions and sFlt-1 expression were assessed. Our results showed that aspirin promoted trophoblast invasion not only in HTR-8/SVneo and JAR cells, but also in isolated cytotrophoblasts. sFlt-1 production was repressed by aspirin in a dose-dependent manner. By adding Flt-1 recombinant protein, the trophoblast invasion ability was inhibited in HTR-8/SVneo cells, which was reversed by Flt-1 small interfering ribonucleic acid knockdown. In addition, metalloproteinase 2/9 expression and activity were activated by aspirin but inhibited by sFlt-1. Aspirin also downregulated Akt phosphorylation, and trophoblast invasiveness was facilitated under Akt inhibitor treatment.

CONCLUSION

Aspirin enhances cell invasiveness and inhibits sFlt-1 production in trophoblasts. Moreover, sFlt-1 itself also inhibits trophoblast invasion. Our novel findings suggest that the preeclampsia prevention effect of aspirin may be exerted through these two mechanisms.

Aspirin sensitizes osimertinib-resistant NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo via Bim-dependent apoptosis induction

Osimertinib, a third-generation irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), provides marked clinical benefit for patients with EGFR-activating mutations. Unfortunately, limited treatments exist for patients who acquire osimertinib resistance. We observed two 'special' patients who regained an antitumor response with osimertinib plus aspirin treatment. As previous data indicate that aspirin induces antiproliferative effects in tumor cells, we designed a preclinical study to explore whether aspirin combined with osimertinib could synergistically sensitize osimertinib-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The effects of combined treatment with osimertinib and aspirin on osimertinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines were examined in vitro and in vivo. The combination of osimertinib and aspirin induced strong antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in osimertinib-resistant NSCLC cells through inhibition of Akt/FoxO3a signaling component phosphorylation and increased Bim expression. Furthermore, Bim knockdown by siRNA significantly attenuated osimertinib resensitization by aspirin. In vivo, combination of aspirin and osimertinib significantly decreased tumor growth of PC-9GROR cell xenografts. Data of patients with NSCLC who received osimertinib treatment at Daping Hospital between January 2015 and January 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. According to clinical data for 45 patients with NSCLC, retrospective analysis showed that the median progression-free survival was significantly longer in the osimertinib plus aspirin group than in the osimertinib group. In summary, aspirin synergistically enhances the antitumor activity of osimertinib in osimertinib-resistant lung cancer cells through promoting Bim-dependent apoptosis. This combination therapy may be effective in overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib and prolonging survival in patients with NSCLC.

Repurposing of drugs: An attractive pharmacological strategy for cancer therapeutics

Human malignancies are one of the major health-related issues though out the world and anticipated to rise in the future. The development of novel drugs/agents requires a huge amount of cost and time that represents a major challenge for drug discovery. In the last three decades, the number of FDA approved drugs has dropped down and this led to increasing interest in drug reposition or repurposing. The present review focuses on recent concepts and therapeutic opportunities for the utilization of antidiabetics, antibiotics, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, PDE inhibitors and estrogen receptor antagonist, Antabuse, antiparasitic and cardiovascular agents/drugs as an alternative approach against human malignancies. The repurposing of approved non-cancerous drugs is an effective strategy to develop new therapeutic options for the treatment of cancer patients at an affordable cost in clinics. In the current scenario, most of the countries throughout the globe are unable to meet the medical needs of cancer patients because of the high cost of the available cancerous drugs. Some of these drugs displayed potential anti-cancer activity in preclinic and clinical studies by regulating several key molecular mechanisms and oncogenic pathways in human malignancies. The emerging pieces of evidence indicate that repurposing of drugs is crucial to the faster and cheaper discovery of anti-cancerous drugs.

Salicylate suppresses the oncogenic hyaluronan network in metastatic breast cancer cells

The oncogenic role of hyaluronan in several aspects of tumor biology has been well established. Recent studies by us and others suggest that inhibition of hyaluronan synthesis could represent an emerging therapeutic approach with significant clinical relevance in controlling different breast cancer subtypes, including triple-negative breast cancer. Epidemiological and preclinical studies have revealed the therapeutic potential of aspirin (acetyl salicylate), a classical anti-inflammatory drug, in patients with cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. The present study demonstrates that salicylate, a break down product of aspirin in vivo, alters the organization of hyaluronan matrices by affecting the expression levels of hyaluronan synthesizing (HAS1, 2, 3) and degrading (HYAL-1, -2) enzymes, and that of hyaluronan receptor CD44. In particular, salicylate was found to potently activate AMPK, a kinase known to inhibit HAS2 activity, and caused a dose-dependent decrease of cell associated (intracellular and membrane-bound) as well as secreted hyaluronan, followed by the down-regulation of HAS2 and the induction of HYAL-2 and CD44 in metastatic breast cancer cells. These salicylate-mediated effects were associated with the redistribution of CD44 and actin cytoskeleton that resulted in a less motile cell phenotype. Interestingly, salicylate inhibited metastatic breast cancer cell proliferation and growth by inducing cell growth arrest without signs of apoptosis as evidenced by the substantial decrease of cyclin D1 protein and the absence of cleaved caspase-3, respectively. Collectively, our study offers a possible direction for the development of new matrix-based targeted treatments of metastatic breast cancer subtypes via inhibition of hyaluronan, a pro-angiogenic, pro-inflammatory and tumor promoting glycosaminoglycan.

Effects of chronic low-dose aspirin treatment on tumor prevention in three mouse models of intestinal tumorigenesis

Although early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) have improved, it remains a significant health-care problem with high morbidity and mortality. Data indicate that long-term intake of low-dose aspirin reduces the risk of CRC; however, the mechanisms underlying this chemopreventive effect are still unclear. Different mouse models for inflammation-associated, sporadic, and hereditary CRC were applied to assess the efficacy and mechanism of low-dose aspirin on tumor prevention. An initial dosing study performed in healthy mice indicates that aspirin at a dose of 25 mg/kg/d has a similar pharmacodynamic effect as low-dose aspirin treatment in human subjects (100 mg/d). Chronic low-dose aspirin treatment suppresses colitis-associated and to a lesser extent spontaneous tumorigenesis in mice. Aspirin's antitumor effect is most pronounced in a preventive approach when aspirin administration starts before the tumor-initiating genotoxic event and continues for the duration of the experiment. These effects are not associated with alterations in cell proliferation, apoptosis, or activation of signaling pathways involved in CRC. Aspirin-induced reduction in tumor burden is accompanied by inhibition of thromboxane B₂ formation, indicating reduced platelet activation. Aspirin treatment also results in decreased colonic prostaglandin E₂ formation and tumor angiogenesis. With respect to colitis-triggered tumorigenesis, aspirin administration is associated with a reduction in inflammatory activity in the colon, as indicated by decreased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, and tumor-associated iNOS-positive macrophages. Our results suggest that low-dose aspirin represents an effective antitumor agent in the context of colon tumorigenesis primarily due to its well-established cyclooxygenase inhibition effects.

Aspirin enhances the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to cisplatin by abrogating the binding of NF-κB to the COX-2 promoter

Cisplatin is one of the most potent chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of colon cancer. Nevertheless, the unavoidability of the notable toxicity and the development of the acquired resistance severely restricted its clinical application. Aspirin and some other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been used to prevent colon tumorigenesis as chemopreventive agents. Here, we explored the possibility of aspirin as an adjuvant drug to boost the anti-cancer effect of cisplatin for colon cancer. We found that aspirin significantly enhanced the cisplatin-mediated inhibitions of cell proliferation, migration and invasion and the induction of apoptosis in colon cancer cells. The combined treatment of aspirin and cisplatin suppressed the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the EMT-related proteins, up-regulated the levels of the cleaved PARP and Bax, and blocked the PI3K/AKT and RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. In addition, we demonstrated that the enhanced effect of aspirin on the cisplatin-induced inhibition of tumor cell growth was also mediated through the suppression of the binding activity of NF-κB to the COX-2 promoter. The combination of aspirin and cisplatin effectively attenuated the translocation of NF-κB p65/p50 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and abrogated the binding of NF-κB p65/p50 to the COX-2 promoter, thereby down-regulating COX-2 expression and PGE₂ synthesis. Moreover, the in vivo study also verified the enhanced anti-tumor activity of such combined therapy in colon cancer by targeting the NF-κB/COX-2 signaling. Our results provided new insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms of aspirin in sensitizing cisplatin-mediated chemotherapeutic effect in colon cancer and indicated a great potential of this combined therapy for cancer treatment.

Aspirin suppresses chemoresistance and enhances antitumor activity of 5-Fu in 5-Fu-resistant colorectal cancer by abolishing 5-Fu-induced NF-κB activation

Chemoresistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu)-based chemotherapy is a leading obstacle in achieving effective treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). Typically, NF-κB activation induced by the chemotherapeutics themselves is an important cause resulting in chemoresistance. Specifically, NF-κB activation can inhibit tumor cell apoptosis and induce chemoresistance. Drugs that can prevent NF-κB activation induced by chemotherapeutics are urgently needed to overcome chemoresistance. Obviously, aspirin is one of these agents, which has been demonstrated to possess antitumor activities and as an inhibitor of NF-κB. The current study aimed to investigate whether aspirin was able to overcome the chemoresistance to 5-Fu in CRC, together with the potential synergistic mechanisms. Our results suggested that aspirin remarkably potentiated the inhibitory effect of 5-Fu on the growth and invasion of resistant cells in vitro. In vivo, aspirin markedly enhanced the antitumor activity of 5-Fu in suppressing tumor growth and metastasis, and down-regulating the expression of NF-κB-regulated genes in the 5-Fu-resistant cells. Obviously, aspirin completely eradicated the 5-Fu-induced NF-κB activation, without inducing pronounced adverse effects. Taken together, findings in this study suggest that aspirin can reverse chemoresistance and potentiate the antitumor effect of 5-Fu, which is achieved through abolishing the 5-Fu-induced NF-κB activation, suggesting that aspirin may be a promising adjuvant therapeutic agent for CRC.

In Vivo Environment-Adaptive Nanocomplex with Tumor Cell-Specific Cytotoxicity Enhances T Cells Infiltration and Improves Cancer Therapy

Drug delivery strategies possessing selectivity for cancer cells are eagerly needed in therapy of metastatic breast cancer. In this study, the chemotherapeutic agent, docetaxel (DTX), is conjugated onto heparan sulfate (HS). Aspirin (ASP), which has the activity of anti-metastasis and enhancing T cells infiltration in tumors, is encapsulated into the HS-DTX micelle. Then the cationic polyethyleneimine (PEI)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) copolymer binds to HS via electrostatic force, forming the ASP-loaded HS-DTX micelle (AHD)/PEI-PEG nanocomplex (PAHD). PAHD displays long circulation behavior in blood due to the PEG shell. Under the tumor microenvironment with weakly acidic pH, PEI-PEG separates from AHD, and the free cationic PEI-PEG facilitates the cellular uptake of AHD by increasing permeability of cell membranes. Then the overexpressed heparanase degrades HS, releasing ASP and DTX. PAHD shows specific toxicity toward tumor cells but not normal cells, with advanced activity of inhibiting tumor growth and lung metastasis in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. The number of CD8⁺ T cells in tumor tissues is also increased. Therefore, PAHD can become an efficient drug delivery system for breast cancer treatment.

MALT1 is a critical mediator of PAR1-driven NF-κB activation and metastasis in multiple tumor types

Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), a thrombin-responsive G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is implicated in promoting metastasis in multiple tumor types, including both sarcomas and carcinomas, but the molecular mechanisms responsible remain largely unknown. We previously discovered that PAR1 stimulation in endothelial cells leads to activation of NF-κB, mediated by a protein complex comprised of CARMA3, Bcl10, and the MALT1 effector protein (CBM complex). Given the strong association between NF-κB and metastasis, we hypothesized that this CBM complex could play a critical role in the PAR1-driven metastatic progression of specific solid tumors. In support of our hypothesis, we demonstrate that PAR1 stimulation results in NF-κB activation in both osteosarcoma and breast cancer, which is suppressed by siRNA-mediated MALT1 knockdown, suggesting that an intact CBM complex is required for the response in both tumor cell types. We identify several metastasis-associated genes that are upregulated in a MALT1-dependent manner after PAR1 stimulation in cancer cells, including those encoding the matrix remodeling protein, MMP9, and the cytokines, IL-1β and IL-8. Further, exogenous expression of PAR1 in MCF7 breast cancer cells confers highly invasive and metastatic behavior which can be blocked by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated MALT1 knockout. Importantly, we find that PAR1 stimulation induces MALT1 protease activity in both osteosarcoma and breast cancer cells, an activity that is mechanistically linked to NF-κB activation and potentially other responses associated with aggressive phenotype. Several small molecule MALT1 protease inhibitors have recently been described that could therefore represent promising new therapeutics for the prevention and/or treatment of PAR1-driven tumor metastasis.