Quince peel polyphenolic extract blocks human colon adenocarcinoma LS174 cell growth and potentiates 5-fluorouracil efficacy

Exploring the impact of circRNAs on cancer glycolysis: Insights into tumor progression and therapeutic strategies

Cancer cells exhibit altered metabolic pathways, prominently featuring enhanced glycolytic activity to sustain their rapid growth and proliferation. Dysregulation of glycolysis is a well-established hallmark of cancer and contributes to tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Increased glycolysis supplies the energy necessary for increased proliferation and creates an acidic milieu, which in turn encourages tumor cells' infiltration, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as pivotal players in diverse biological processes, including cancer development and metabolic reprogramming. The interplay between circRNAs and glycolysis is explored, illuminating how circRNAs regulate key glycolysis-associated genes and enzymes, thereby influencing tumor metabolic profiles. In this overview, we highlight the mechanisms by which circRNAs regulate glycolytic enzymes and modulate glycolysis. In addition, we discuss the clinical implications of dysregulated circRNAs in cancer glycolysis, including their potential use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. All in all, in this overview, we provide the most recent findings on how circRNAs operate at the molecular level to control glycolysis in various types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), prostate cancer (PCa), colorectal cancer (CRC), cervical cancer (CC), glioma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, and gastric cancer (GC). In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the significance of circRNAs in cancer glycolysis, shedding light on their intricate roles in tumor development and presenting innovative therapeutic avenues.

Long noncoding RNA MALAT-1: A versatile regulator in cancer progression, metastasis, immunity, and therapeutic resistance

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that do not code for proteins but have been linked to cancer development and metastasis. Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT-1) influences crucial cancer hallmarks through intricate molecular mechanisms, including proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The current article highlights the involvement of MALAT-1 in drug resistance, making it a potential target to overcome chemotherapy refractoriness. It discusses the impact of MALAT-1 on immunomodulatory molecules, such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins and PD-L1, leading to immune evasion and hindering anti-tumor immune responses. MALAT-1 also plays a significant role in cancer immunology by regulating diverse immune cell populations. In summary, MALAT-1 is a versatile cancer regulator, influencing tumorigenesis, chemoresistance, and immunotherapy responses. Understanding its precise molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies, and therapeutic strategies targeting MALAT-1 show promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes. However, further research is needed to fully uncover the role of MALAT-1 in cancer biology and translate these findings into clinical applications.

Comprehensive DNA methylation profiling by MeDIP-NGS identifies potential genes and pathways for epithelial ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer, among all gynecologic malignancies, exhibits the highest incidence and mortality rate, primarily because it is often presents with non-specific or no symptoms during its early stages. For the advancement of Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis, it is crucial to identify the potential molecular signatures that could significantly differentiate between healthy and ovarian cancerous tissues and can be used further as a diagnostic biomarker for detecting ovarian cancer. In this study, we investigated the genome-wide methylation patterns in ovarian cancer patients using Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation (MeDIP-Seq) followed by NGS. Identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were further validated by targeted bisulfite sequencing for CpG site-specific methylation profiles. Furthermore, expression validation of six genes by Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase-PCR was also performed. Out of total 120 differentially methylated genes (DMGs), 68 genes were hypermethylated, and 52 were hypomethylated in their promoter region. After analysis, we identified the top 6 hub genes, namely POLR3B, PLXND1, GIGYF2, STK4, BMP2 and CRKL. Interestingly we observed Non-CpG site methylation in the case of POLR3B and CRKL which was statistically significant in discriminating ovarian cancer samples from normal controls. The most significant pathways identified were focal adhesion, the MAPK signaling pathway, and the Ras signaling pathway. Expression analysis of hypermethylated genes was correlated with the downregulation of the genes. POLR3B and GIGYF2 turned out to be the novel genes associated with the carcinogenesis of EOC. Our study demonstrated that methylation profiling through MeDIP-sequencing has effectively identified six potential hub genes and pathways that might exacerbate our understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms of ovarian carcinogenesis.

Pulp or Peel? Comparative Analysis of the Phytochemical Content and Selected Cosmetic-Related Properties of Annona cherimola L., Diospyros kaki Thumb., Cydonia oblonga Mill. and Fortunella margarita Swingle Pulp and Peel Extracts

Fruit peels might be a valuable source of active ingredients for cosmetics, leading to more sustainable usage of plant by-products. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical content and selected biological properties of hydroglycolic extracts from peels and pulps of Annona cherimola, Diospyros kaki, Cydonia oblonga, and Fortunella margarita as potential cosmetic ingredients. Peel and pulp extracts were compared for their antiradical activity (using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays), skin-lightening potential (tyrosinase inhibitory assay), sun protection factor (SPF), and cytotoxicity toward human fibroblast, keratinocyte, and melanoma cell lines. The total content of polyphenols and/or flavonoids was significantly higher in peel than in pulp extracts, and the composition of particular active compounds was also markedly different. The HPLC-MS fingerprinting revealed the presence of catechin, epicatechin and rutoside in the peel of D. kaki, whereas kaempferol glucoside and procyanidin A were present only in the pulp. In A. cherimola, catechin, epicatechin and rutoside were identified only in the peel of the fruit, whereas procyanidins were traced only in the pulp extracts. Quercetin and luteolinidin were found to be characteristic compounds of F. margarita peel extract. Naringenin and hesperidin were found only in the pulp of F. margarita. The most significant compositional variety between the peel and pulp extracts was observed for C. oblonga: Peel extracts contained a higher number of active components (e.g., vicenin-2, kaempferol rutinoside, or kaempferol galactoside) than pulp extract. The radical scavenging potential of peel extracts was higher than of the pulp extracts. D. kaki and F. margarita peel and pulp extracts inhibited mushroom and murine tyrosinases at comparable levels. The C. oblonga pulp extract was a more potent mushroom tyrosinase inhibitor than the peel extract. Peel extract of A. cherimola inhibited mushroom tyrosinase but activated the murine enzyme. F. margarita pulp and peel extracts showed the highest in vitro SPF. A. cherimola, D. kaki, and F. margarita extracts were not cytotoxic for fibroblasts and keratinocytes up to a concentration of 2% (v/v) and the peel extracts were cytotoxic for A375 melanoma cells. To summarize, peel extracts from all analyzed fruit showed comparable or better cosmetic-related properties than pulp extracts and might be considered multifunctional active ingredients of skin lightening, anti-aging, and protective cosmetics.

Design, synthesis, molecular docking, and in vitro studies of 2-mercaptoquinazolin-4(3H)-ones as potential anti-breast cancer agents

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises 10 % to 20 % of breast cancer, however, it is more dangerous than other types of breast cancer, because it lacks druggable targets, such as the estrogen receptors (ER) and the progesterone receptor (PR), and has under expressed receptor tyrosine kinase, ErbB2. Present targeted therapies are not very effective and other choices include invasive procedures like surgery or less invasive ones like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This study investigated the potential anticancer activity of some novel quinazolinone derivatives that were designed on the structural framework of two approved anticancer drugs, Ispinesib (KSP inhibitor) and Idelalisib (PI3Kδ inhibitor), to find out solutions for TNBC. All the designed derivatives (3a-l) were subjected to extra precision molecular docking and were synthesized and spectrally characterized. In vitro enzyme inhibition assay of compounds (3a, 3b, 3e, 3 g and 3 h) revealed their nanomolar inhibitory potential against the anticancer targets, KSP and PI3Kδ. Using MTT assay, the cytotoxic potential of compounds 3a, 3b and 3e were found highest against MDA-MB-231 cells with an IC50 of 14.51 µM, 16.27 µM, and 9.97 µM, respectively. Remarkably, these compounds were recorded safe against the oral epithelial normal cells with an IC50 values of 293.60 µM, 261.43 µM, and 222 µM, respectively. The anticancer potential of these compounds against MDA-MB-231 cells was revealed to be associated with their apoptotic activity. This was established by examination with the inverted microscope that revealed the appearance of various apoptotic features like cell shrinkage, apoptotic bodies, and membrane blebbing. Using flow cytometry, the Annexin V/PI-stained cancer cells showed an increase in early and late apoptotic cells. In addition, DNA fragmentation was revealed to occur after treatment with the tested compounds by gel electrophoresis. The relative gene expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes revealed an overexpression of the P53 and BAX genes and a downregulation of the BCL-2 gene by real-time PCR. So, this work proved that compounds 3a, 3b, and 3e could be developed as anticancer candidates, via their P53-dependent apoptotic activity.

Quinces (Cydonia oblonga, Chaenomeles sp., and Pseudocydonia sinensis) as Medicinal Fruits of the Rosaceae Family: Current State of Knowledge on Properties and Use

In recent years, the evaluation of many plant-derived compounds as potential new drugs or functional foods has become an active research topic. The morphological characteristics of quinces of the genera Cydonia sp., Chaenomeles sp., and Pseuocydonia sp. are largely similar, which is why these fruits are often confused. Although they have been appreciated in Asia for centuries as a valuable component of local ethnomedicine, they are less known in Western countries, and scientific knowledge about their health benefits remains fragmentary. This literature review summarizes studies on the content of chemical compounds responsible for the health-promoting and functional properties of the quince fruit. It focuses on the content of carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, and carboxylic acids, although the main emphasis is on the content and diversity of bioactive polyphenols, which are extremely abundant in these fruits. The quince fruits are rich in antioxidants and compounds with proven anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiallergic, and immunomodulatory effects. Their phytochemicals effectively regulate glycemia and improve the blood lipid profile, suggesting potential antidiabetic and cardioprotective benefits. Analysis of chemical characteristics showed that the Chaenomeles fruits. are underestimated as functional food ingredients. Studies on the molecular effects of their bioactive compounds and species-specific genomic analyses are sorely lacking in the scientific literature.

The efficacy of applying some plants and herbs in cancer therapy for humans and animals – a comperhensive review

Cancer is a challenging ailment and represents the main reason for death worldwide for humans and animals. Although great developments have hindered cancer progression, several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy. Natural remedies, such as the usage of medicinal plant or their products in cancer treatment, may decrease prejudicial side properties. Recently, the modern research scheme and innovative screening practices for herbs or plants have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of cancer. This criticism highlights herbs such as acacia, basil, black seeds, cedar, castus, ficus, garlic, ginger, indigo, onion, pomegranate, quince, and thyme, promising anticancer effects. The present review also revealed the mode of action of each herb as anticancer effects at level in vitro and in vivo studies. The item also totalizes the vital mechanisms and signaling molecules involved in preventing cancer diseases. This will fill the investigate gap in the exploration of using natural molecules and encourage researchers in clinical trials of anticancer agents from herbs for humans and animals.

Cell cycle associated miRNAs as target and therapeutics in lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Limited therapeutic options and resistance to existing drugs are the major hindrances to the clinical success of this cancer. In the past decade, several studies showed the role of microRNA (miRNA) driven cell cycle regulation in lung cancer progression. Therefore, these small nucleotide molecules could be utilized as promising tools in lung cancer therapy. In this review, we highlighted the recent advancements in lung cancer therapy using cell cycle linked miRNAs. By highlighting the roles of the specific cell cycle core regulators affiliated miRNAs in lung cancer, we further outlined how these miRNAs can be explored in early diagnosis and treatment strategies to prevent lung cancer. With the provided information from our review, more medical efforts can ensure a potential breakthrough in miRNA-based lung cancer therapy.

The Phenolic compound Kaempferol overcomes 5-fluorouracil resistance in human resistant LS174 colon cancer cells

Resistance to 5-Fluorouracil chemotherapy is a major cause of therapeutic failure in colon cancer cure. Development of combined therapies constitutes an effective strategy to inhibit cancer cells and prevent the emergence of drug resistance. For this purpose, we investigated the anti-tumoral effect of thirteen phenolic compounds, from the Tunisian quince Cydonia oblonga Miller, alone or combined to 5-FU, on the human 5-FU-resistant LS174-R colon cancer cells in comparison to parental cells. Our results showed that only Kaempferol was able to chemo-sensitize 5-FU-resistant LS174-R cells. This phenolic compound combined with 5-FU exerted synergistic inhibitory effect on cell viability. This combination enhanced the apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest of both chemo-resistant and sensitive cells through impacting the expression levels of different cellular effectors. Kaempferol also blocked the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulated the expression of JAK/STAT3, MAPK, PI3K/AKT and NF-κB. In silico docking analysis suggested that the potent anti-tumoral effect of Kaempferol, compared to its two analogs (Kaempferol 3-O-glucoside and Kampferol 3-O-rutinoside), can be explained by the absence of glucosyl groups. Overall, our data propose Kaempferol as a potential chemotherapeutic agent to be used alone or in combination with 5-FU to overcome colon cancer drug resistance.