Nuclear factor-kappa B inhibition can enhance apoptosis of differentiated thyroid cancer cells induced by 131I

Therapeutic potentials and targeting strategies of quercetin on cancer cells: Challenges and future prospects

BACKGROUND

Every cell in the human body is vital because it maintains equilibrium and carries out a variety of tasks, including growth and development. These activities are carried out by a set of instructions carried by many different genes and organized into DNA. It is well recognized that some lifestyle decisions, like using tobacco, alcohol, UV, or multiple sexual partners, might increase one's risk of developing cancer. The advantages of natural products for any health issue are well known, and researchers are making attempts to separate flavonoid-containing substances from plants. Various parts of plants contain a phenolic compound called flavonoid. Quercetin, which belongs to the class of compounds known as flavones with chromone skeletal structure, has anti-cancer activity.

PURPOSE

The study was aimed at investigating the therapeutic action of the flavonoid quercetin on various cancer cells.

METHODS

The phrases quercetin, anti-cancer, nanoparticles, and cell line were used to search the data using online resources such as PubMed, and Google Scholar. Several critical previous studies have been included.

RESULTS

Quercetin inhibits various dysregulated signaling pathways that cause cancer cells to undergo apoptosis to exercise its anticancer effects. Numerous signaling pathways are impacted by quercetin, such as the Hedgehog system, Akt, NF-κB pathway, downregulated mutant p53, JAK/STAT, G1 phase arrest, Wnt/β-Catenin, and MAPK. There are downsides to quercetin, like hydrophobicity, first-pass effect, instability in the gastrointestinal tract, etc., because of which it is not well-established in the pharmaceutical industry. The solution to these drawbacks in the future is using bio-nanomaterials like chitosan, PLGA, liposomes, and silk fibroin as carriers, which can enhance the target specificity of quercetin. The first section of this review covers the specifics of flavonoids and quercetin; the second section covers the anti-cancer activity of quercetin; and the third section explains the drawbacks and conjugation of quercetin with nanoparticles for drug delivery by overcoming quercetin's drawback.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this review presented details about quercetin, which is a plant derivative with a promising molecular mechanism of action. They inhibit cancer by various mechanisms with little or no side effects. It is anticipated that plant-based materials will become increasingly relevant in the treatment of cancer.

Consistent analysis of differentially expressed genes across 7 cell types in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides a higher resolution of cellular differences than bulk RNA-seq, enabling the dissection of cell-type-specific responses to perturbations in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, cellular genomic features are highly heterogeneous and have a large number of genes without any expression signals, which hinders the statistical power to identify differentially expressed genes and may generate many false-positive results. To overcome this challenge, we conducted an integrative analysis on two PTC scRNA-seq datasets and cross-validated consistent differential expression. By combining results from 32 common cell types in the two studies, we identified 31 consistently differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across seven cell types, including B cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, monocytes, NK cells, smooth muscle cells, and T cells. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are important for the adaptive immune response and autoimmune thyroid diseases. The additional disease-free survival analysis also confirmed that these 31 genes significantly affected patient survival time in large scale thyroid cancer cohort. Furthermore, we experimentally validated one of the top consistent DEGs as a potential biomarker gene of PTC epithelial cells, KRT7, which may be a upstream gene for the NF-κB signaling pathway. The result shows that KRT7 may promote thyroid cancer metastasis through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and NF-κB signaling pathway. In summary, our single-cell transcriptome integration-based approach may provide insights into the important role of NF-κB in the underlying biology of the PTC.

Bile reflux and hypopharyngeal cancer (Review)

Laryngopharyngeal reflux, a variant of gastroesophageal reflux disease, has been considered a risk factor in the development of hypopharyngeal cancer. Bile acids are frequently present in the gastroesophageal refluxate and their effect has been associated with inflammatory and neoplastic changes in the upper aerodigestive tract. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have provided direct evidence of the role of acidic bile refluxate in hypopharyngeal carcinogenesis and documented the crucial role of NF-κB as a key mediator of early oncogenic molecular events in this process and also suggested a contribution of STAT3. Acidic bile can cause premalignant changes and invasive squamous cell cancer in the affected hypopharynx accompanied by DNA damage, elevated p53 expression and oncogenic mRNA and microRNA alterations, previously linked to head and neck cancer. Weakly acidic bile can also increase the risk for hypopharyngeal carcinogenesis by inducing DNA damage, exerting anti-apoptotic effects and causing precancerous lesions. The most important findings that strongly support bile reflux as an independent risk factor for hypopharyngeal cancer are presented in the current review and the underlying mechanisms are provided.

Molecular mechanisms of radioactive iodine refractoriness in differentiated thyroid cancer: Impaired sodium iodide symporter (NIS) expression owing to altered signaling pathway activity and intracellular localization of NIS

The advanced, metastatic differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) have a poor prognosis mainly owing to radioactive iodine (RAI) refractoriness caused by decreased expression of sodium iodide symporter (NIS), diminished targeting of NIS to the cell membrane, or both, thereby decreasing the efficacy of RAI therapy. Genetic aberrations (such as BRAF, RAS, and RET/PTC rearrangements) have been reported to be prominently responsible for the onset, progression, and dedifferentiation of DTCs, mainly through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathways. Eventually, these alterations result in a lack of NIS and disabling of RAI uptake, leading to the development of resistance to RAI therapy. Over the past decade, promising approaches with various targets have been reported to restore NIS expression and RAI uptake in preclinical studies. In this review, we summarized comprehensive molecular mechanisms underlying the dedifferentiation in RAI-refractory DTCs and reviews strategies for restoring RAI avidity by tackling the mechanisms.

Naringin Combined with NF-κB Inhibition and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Induces Apoptotic Cell Death via Oxidative Stress and the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP Axis in HT29 Colon Cancer Cells

Currently, combination therapy is considered the most effective solution for a selective chemotherapeutic effect in the treatment of colon cancer. This study investigated the death of both colon cancer HT29 cells and healthy vascular smooth muscle TG-Ha-VSMC cells (VSMCs) induced by naringin combined with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and NF-κB inhibition. Naringin combined with tunicamycin and BAY 11-7082 suppressed the proliferation of HT29 cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced particularly apoptotic death without significantly affecting healthy VSMCs according to Annexin V/PI staining and AO/EB staining analyses. Insufficient antioxidant defense and heat shock response as well as excessive ROS generation were observed in HT29 cells following combination therapy. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that drug combination-induced mitochondrial apoptosis was activated through the ROS-mediated PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pathway. Additionally, naringin combination significantly reduced the sXBP expression induced by tunicamycin+BAY 11-7082 in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, this study found that naringin combined with tunicamycin+BAY 11-7082 efficiently induced apoptotic cell death in HT29 colon cancer cells via oxidative stress and the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pathway, suggesting that naringin combined with tunicamycin plus BAY 11-7082 could be a new combination therapy strategy for effective colon cancer treatment with minimal side effects on healthy cells.

The Effect of Resveratrol on Radioiodine Therapy-Associated Lacrimal Gland Damage

PURPOSE

We have evaluated the potential radioprotective, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of resveratrol (RSV) against high-dose radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy associated damage of the lacrimal glands by biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into three groups; the control group received no treatment or medication, the RAI group received RAI but no medication and the RSV group received oral RAI and intraperitoneal RSV. RSV was started at day one, before RAI administration, and continued for 8 days. Bilateral intraorbital (IG), extraorbital (EG), and Harderian (HG) lacrimal glands were evaluated in all rats for histopathological, immunohistochemical, tissue cytokine and oxidant and antioxidant level assessment.

RESULTS

RSV group restored inflammation, fibrosis, vacuolization, change in nucleus characteristics, lipofuscin-like accumulation and cellular morphologic patterns were statistically significant in all lacrimal gland types, compared to the RAI group (p < .05 for all variables). Similarly, elevated Caspase-3 and TUNEL levels in the RAI group were significantly alleviated in the RSV group in all lacrimal gland types (p < .05 for all variables). RAI administration significantly elevated TNF-α, IL-6, NF-кb levels, and decreased IL-10 levels (p < .05 for all parameters) whereas TOS levels significantly increased and TAS levels were significantly decreased. However, RSV significantly diminished TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, and NF-кb levels. Furthermore, RSV significantly decreased TOS and increased TAS levels (p < .05 for all variables).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that with its anti-cancer effect as well as its antioxidant effect RSV has protected the histopathological pattern of the lacrimal glands from the damage, decreased inflammation in histopathologic assessments, and decreased tissue cytokine levels, apoptosis and DNA fragmentation on the lacrimal glands after RAI.

NF-κB-Activated miR-574 Promotes Multiple Malignant and Metastatic Phenotypes by Targeting BNIP3 in Thyroid Carcinoma

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, and miR-574 is significantly upregulated in thyroid cancer. However, the role and underlying mechanism of miR-574 in thyroid cancer development are poorly understood. In this study, we showed that NF-κB/p65 signaling pathway was activated and miR-574 was upregulated in thyroid cancer cells. p65 directly bound to the promoter of miR-574 and activated miR-574 transcription. Functionally, miR-574 inhibited apoptosis, promoted proliferation and migration of thyroid cancer cells, and stimulated thyroid cancer-induced tube formation of endothelial cells. On the molecular level, miR-574 inhibited the expression of BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) by binding to 3'-UTR of BNIP3. miR-574 also downregulated the expression of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), while elevated the levels of MMP2, MMP9, and VEGFA. In vivo, miR-574 promoted xenograft growth, which was associated with reduced apoptosis and enhanced angiogenesis. NF-κB/miR-574 signaling presents multiple oncogenic activities on thyroid cancer development by directly regulating the BNIP3/AIF pathway. Therefore, targeting NF-κB/miR-574 signaling may reduce the aggressiveness of thyroid cancer. IMPLICATIONS: miR-574, directly regulated by NF-κB/p65, promotes tumorigenesis of thyroid cancer via inhibiting BNIP3/AIF pathway.

Temporal characteristics of NF-κB inhibition in blocking bile-induced oncogenic molecular events in hypopharyngeal cells

Biliary esophageal reflux at acidic pH is considered a risk factor in laryngopharyngeal cancer. We previously showed the key role NF-κB in mediating acidic bile-induced pre-neoplastic events in hypopharyngeal cells, and that co-administration of specific NF-κB inhibitor, BAY 11-7082, together with acidic bile, can effectively prevent its related oncogenic molecular effects. We hypothesize that the addition of BAY 11-7082 (10μM) either before or after application of acidic bile (400μM conjugated bile acids; pH 4.0), is capable of comparably blocking acidic bile-induced oncogenic molecular phenotypes in murine hypopharyngeal primary cells. We performed immunofluorescence, luciferase assay, western blot and qPCR analysis, demonstrating that 15-min of pre- or post-application of BAY 11-7082 effectively inhibits acidic bile-induced NF-κB activation, transcriptional activation of RELA(p65), STAT3, EGFR, IL-6, bcl-2, WNT5A, "upregulation" of "oncomirs" miR-21, miR-155, miR-192 and "downregulation" of "tumor suppressor" miR-34a, miR-375, miR-451a. Our observations support the understanding that acidic bile-induced deregulation of anti-apoptotic or oncogenic factors, bcl-2, STAT3, EGFR, IL-6, WNT5A, miR-21, miR-155, miR-375, is highly NF-κB-dependent, showing that even post-application of inhibitor can suppress their deregulation. In conclusion, application of specific NF-κB inhibitor, has the capability of adequately blocking the early oncogenic molecular events produced by acidic bile whether it is applied pre or post exposure. In addition to therapeutic implications these findings provide a window of observation into the complex kinetics characterizing the mechanistic link between acidic bile and early neoplasia. Although BAY 11-7082 itself may not be suitable for clinical use, the application of other NF-κB inhibitors merits exploration.

The Role of the Nuclear Factor κB Pathway in the Cellular Response to Low and High Linear Energy Transfer Radiation

Astronauts are exposed to considerable doses of space radiation during long-term space missions. As complete shielding of the highly energetic particles is impracticable, the cellular response to space-relevant radiation qualities has to be understood in order to develop countermeasures and to reduce radiation risk uncertainties. The transcription factor Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κB) plays a fundamental role in the immune response and in the pathogenesis of many diseases. We have previously shown that heavy ions with a linear energy transfer (LET) of 100–300 keV/µm have a nine times higher potential to activate NF-κB compared to low-LET X-rays. Here, chemical inhibitor studies using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK) showed that the DNA damage sensor Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and the proteasome were essential for NF-κB activation in response to X-rays and heavy ions. NF-κB’s role in cellular radiation response was determined by stable knock-down of the NF-κB subunit RelA. Transfection of a RelA short-hairpin RNA plasmid resulted in higher sensitivity towards X-rays, but not towards heavy ions. Reverse Transcriptase real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) showed that after exposure to X-rays and heavy ions, NF-κB predominantly upregulates genes involved in intercellular communication processes. This process is strictly NF-κB dependent as the response is completely absent in RelA knock-down cells. NF-κB’s role in the cellular radiation response depends on the radiation quality.

In Vivo Short-Term Topical Application of BAY 11-7082 Prevents the Acidic Bile-Induced mRNA and miRNA Oncogenic Phenotypes in Exposed Murine Hypopharyngeal Mucosa

PURPOSE: Bile-containing gastroesophageal reflux may promote cancer at extraesophageal sites. Acidic bile can accelerate NF-κB activation and molecular events, linked to premalignant changes in murine hypopharyngeal mucosa (HM). We hypothesize that short-term in vivo topical application of NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 can prevent acidic bile–induced early preneoplastic molecular events, suggesting its potential role in disease prevention. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We topically exposed HM (C57Bl/6j wild-type) to a mixture of bile acids at pH 3.0 with and without BAY 11-7082 3 times/day for 7 days. We used immunofluorescence, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and polymerase chain reaction microarrays to identify NF-κB activation and its associated oncogenic mRNA and miRNA phenotypes, in murine hypopharyngeal cells in vitro and in murine HM in vivo. RESULTS: Short-term exposure of HM to acidic bile is a potent stimulus accelerating the expression of NF-κB signaling (70 out of 84 genes) and oncogenic molecules. Topical application of BAY 11-7082 sufficiently blocks the effect of acidic bile. BAY 11-7082 eliminates NF-κB activation in regenerating basal cells of acidic bile–treated HM and prevents overexpression of molecules central to head and neck cancer, including bcl-2, STAT3, EGFR, TNF-α, and WNT5A. NF-κB inhibitor reverses the upregulated “oncomirs” miR-155 and miR-192 and the downregulated “tumor suppressors” miR-451a and miR-375 phenotypes in HM affected by acidic bile. CONCLUSION: There is novel evidence that acidic bile–induced NF-κB–related oncogenic mRNA and miRNA phenotypes are generated after short-term 7-day mucosal exposure and that topical mucosal application of BAY 11-7082 can prevent the acidic bile–induced molecular alterations associated with unregulated cell growth and proliferation of hypopharyngeal cells.

NF-κB inhibition reverses acidic bile-induced miR-21, miR-155, miR-192, miR-34a, miR-375 and miR-451a deregulations in human hypopharyngeal cells

We previously demonstrated that acidic bile activates NF-κB, deregulating the expression of oncogenic miRNA markers, in pre-malignant murine laryngopharyngeal mucosa. Here, we hypothesize that the in vitro exposure of human hypopharyngeal cells to acidic bile deregulates cancer-related miRNA markers that can be reversed by BAY 11-7082, a pharmacologic NF-κB inhibitor. We repetitively exposed normal human hypopharyngeal primary cells and human hypopharyngeal keratinocytes to bile fluid (400 μmol/L), at pH 4.0 and 7.0, with/without BAY 11-7082 (20 μmol/L). We centred our study on the transcriptional activation of oncogenic miR-21, miR-155, miR-192, miR-34a, miR-375, miR-451a and NF-κB-related genes, previously linked to acidic bile-induced pre-neoplastic events. Our novel findings in vitro are consistent with our hypothesis demonstrating that BAY 11-7082 significantly reverses the acidic bile-induced oncogenic miRNA phenotype, in normal hypopharyngeal cells. BAY 11-7082 strongly inhibits the acidic bile-induced up-regulation of miR-192 and down-regulation of miR-451a and significantly decreases the miR-21/375 ratios, previously related to poor prognosis in hypopharyngeal cancer. This is the first in vitro report that NF-κB inhibition reverses acidic bile-induced miR-21, miR-155, miR-192, miR-34a, miR-375 and miR-451a deregulations in normal human hypopharyngeal cells, suggesting that acidic bile-induced events are directly or indirectly dependent on NF-κB signalling.

Melatonin suppresses thyroid cancer growth and overcomes radioresistance via inhibition of p65 phosphorylation and induction of ROS

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine carcinoma with increasing incidence worldwide and anaplastic subtypes are frequently associated with cancer related death. Radioresistance of thyroid cancer often leads to therapy failure and cancer-related death. In this study, we found that melatonin showed potent suppressive roles on NF-κB signaling via inhibition of p65 phosphorylation and generated redox stress in thyroid cancer including the anaplastic subtypes. Our data showed that melatonin significantly decreased cell viability, suppressed cell migration and induced apoptosis in thyroid cancer cell lines in vitro and impaired tumor growth in the subcutaneous mouse model in vivo. By contrast, irradiation of thyroid cancer cells resulted in elevated level of phosphorylated p65, which could be reversed by cotreatment with melatonin. Consequently, melatonin synergized with irradiation to induce cytotoxicity to thyroid cancer, especially in the undifferentiated subgroups. Taken together, our results suggest that melatonin may exert anti-tumor activities against thyroid carcinoma by inhibition of p65 phosphorylation and induction of reactive oxygen species. Radio-sensitization by melatonin may have clinical benefits in thyroid cancer.

Inhibition of NF-κB prevents the acidic bile-induced oncogenic mRNA phenotype, in human hypopharyngeal cells

Bile-containing gastro-duodenal reflux has been clinically considered an independent risk factor in hypopharyngeal carcinogenesis. We recently showed that the chronic effect of acidic bile, at pH 4.0, selectively induces NF-κB activation and accelerates the transcriptional levels of genes, linked to head and neck cancer, in normal hypopharyngeal epithelial cells. Here, we hypothesize that NF-κB inhibition is capable of preventing the acidic bile-induced and cancer-related mRNA phenotype, in treated normal human hypopharyngeal cells. In this setting we used BAY 11-7082, a specific and well documented pharmacologic inhibitor of NF-κB, and we observed that BAY 11-7082 effectively inhibits the acidic bile-induced gene expression profiling of the NF-κB signaling pathway (down-regulation of 72 out of 84 analyzed genes). NF-κB inhibition significantly prevents the acidic bile-induced transcriptional activation of NF-κB transcriptional factors, RELA (p65) and c-REL, as well as genes related to and commonly found in established HNSCC cell lines. These include anti-apoptotic bcl-2, oncogenic STAT3, EGFR, ∆Np63, TNF-α and WNT5A, as well as cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. Our findings are consistent with our hypothesis demonstrating that NF-κB inhibition effectively prevents the acidic bile-induced cancer-related mRNA phenotype in normal human hypopharyngeal epithelial cells supporting an understanding that NF-κB may be a critical link between acidic bile and early preneoplastic events in this setting.

Coenzyme Q10 for the Protection of Lacrimal Gland against High-Dose Radioiodine Therapy-Associated Oxidative Damage: Histopathologic and Tissue Cytokine Level Assessments in an Animal Model

PURPOSE

To evaluate protective effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in lacrimal glands against high-dose radioactive iodine (RAI)-associated oxidative damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 received 3 mCi/kg RAI via gastric gavage but no medication. Group 3 received 3 mCi/kg RAI via gastric gavage and 30 mg/kg/day CoQ10 intraperitoneally. CoQ10 was started at day one just before RAI administration and continued for five days. Seven days after RAI therapy, the animals were anesthetized and decapitated. Intraorbital (IG), extraorbital (EG), and Harderian (HG) lacrimal glands were removed bilaterally for histopathological and tissue cytokine level assessments.

RESULTS

Abnormal lobular pattern, acinar fibrosis, lipofuscin-like accumulations, perivascular infiltration, cell size variation, abnormal cell outlines, irregular nucleus shapes in all lacrimal gland types (p < 0.05 for each), periductal fibrosis, periductal and periacinar fibrosis in EG (p = 0.01, 0.044, respectively) and in HG (p = 0.036, 0.044, respectively), periductal infiltration in HG (p = 0.039) and IG (p = 0.029), acinar atrophy in EG (p = 0.044), and cell shape variation in IG (p = 0.036) were observed more frequently in group 2 than in other groups. RAI caused significant increase in TNF-α, IL-6, nuclear factor kappa B, and total oxidant status, and decrease in IL-2, IL-10, and total antioxidant status levels (p < 0.05 for each). Addition of CoQ10 decreased all cytokine levels, increased nuclear factor kappa B levels more, and increased total antioxidant status levels significantly (p < 0.05 for each).

CONCLUSIONS

RAI administration causes prominent inflammatory response in lacrimal glands. Addition of CoQ10 ameliorates the oxidative damage and protects lacrimal glands both in histopathological and tissue cytokine level assessments. Protection of lacrimal glands against oxidative damage may become a new era of CoQ10 use in the future.

Association of NF-κB polymorphisms with clinical outcome of non-medullary thyroid carcinoma

The NF-κB inflammatory pathway plays a major role in cancer development and clinical progression. Activation of NF-κB signaling is promoted by NFKB1 and inhibited by NFKBIA. The present study aimed to determine the relevance of NFKB1 rs4648068 and NFKBIA rs2233406 genetic variants for non-medullary thyroid cancer (NMTC) susceptibility, progression and clinical outcome. This case-control and cohort study consists of a Romanian discovery cohort (157 patients and 258 controls) and a Dutch validation cohort (138 patients and 188 controls). In addition, patient cohorts were analyzed further for the association of genetic variants with clinical parameters. Functional studies were performed on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. No associations were observed between the studied genetic variants and TC susceptibility. Although no statistically significant associations with clinical parameters were observed for NFKB1 rs4648068, the heterozygous genotype of NFKBIA rs2233406 was correlated with decreased radioactive iodide sensitivity requiring higher cumulative dosages to achieve clinical response. These findings were discovered in the Romanian cohort (P < 0.001) and confirmed in the Dutch cohort (P = 0.01). Functional studies revealed that this NFKBIA rs2233406 genotype was associated with elevated TLR4-mediated IL-1β production. In conclusion, genetic variation in NFKBIA, an inhibitor of NF-κB signaling, is associated with clinical response to RAI therapy and with increased production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, providing a potential mechanism for the observed clinical associations. These data suggest that NF-κB signaling is involved in NMTC pathogenesis and that the inflammatory tumor microenvironment could contribute to RAI resistance.

Curcumin induces cell death of human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress

Curcumin induced cell death of BCPAP cells via ER stress with activation of the ATF6/XBP-1 signaling pathway and Ca²⁺ release.

Goniothalamin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in H400 human oral squamous cell carcinoma: A caspase-dependent mitochondrial-mediated pathway with downregulation of NF-κβ

Goniothalamin is a natural occurring styryl-lactone compound isolated from Goniothalamus macrophyllus. It had been demonstrated to process promising anticancer activity on various cancer cell lines. However, little study has been carried out on oral cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic effects of goniothalamin against H400 oral cancer cells and its underlying molecular pathways. Results from MTT assay demonstrated that goniothalamin exhibited selective cytotoxicity as well as inhibited cells growth of H400 in dose and time-dependent manner. This was achieved primarily via apoptosis where apoptotic bodies and membrane blebbing were observed using AO/PI and DAPI/Annexin V-FITC fluorescence double staining. In order to understand the apoptosis mechanisms induced by goniothalamin, apoptosis assessment based on mitochondrial membrane potential assay and cytochrome c enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were carried out. Results demonstrated that the depolarization of mitochondrial transmembrane potential facilitated the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into cytosol. Caspases assays revealed the activation of initiator caspase-9 and executioner caspase-3/7 in dose-dependent manners. This form of apoptosis was closely associated with the regulation on Bcl-2 family proteins, cell cycle arrest at S phase and inhibition of NF-κβ translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus. Conclusion, goniothalamin has the potential to act as an anticancer agent against human oral squamous cell carcinoma (H400 cells).

Effect of 131I 'clear residual thyroid tissue' after surgery on the function of parathyroid gland in differentiated thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is a common malignant tumor of the endocrine glands. Although surgery is the optimal treatment utilized, the disease is characterized by recurrence and metastasis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of iodine-131 (¹³¹I) ‘clear residual thyroid tissue’ following surgery on the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and its effect on the function of the parathyroid gland. A total of 160 patients diagnosed with DTC, who were consecutively admitted to our Hospital between June 2012 and June 2014 and underwent total thyroidectomy or subtotal resection, were included in the present study. After three months, the patients were administered ¹³¹I ‘clear residual thyroid tissue’ treatment and underwent a whole body scan after 1 week to determine whether ‘clear residual thyroid tissue’ treatment was successful or not. The treatment was repeated within 3 months if not successful. Of the 160 patients, 24 patients had cancer metastasis (15.0%). The average dose of ¹³¹I used for the first time was 6.4+1.2 GBq and the treatment was successful in 66 cases (41.3%). The average treatment time was 2.8±0.6 therapy sessions. The results showed that, prior to and following the first treatment and at the end of the follow up, levels of the parathyroid hormone, serum calcium and phosphorus were compared, and no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) was observed. There were 5 patients with persistent hypothyroidism and 8 patients with transient hypothyroidism. The levels of thyroglobulin were significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). A total of 48 patients (30%) with hypothyroidism were identified. In conclusion, the results have shown that DTC resection and ¹³¹I ‘clear residual thyroid tissue’ treatment did not significantly impair the parathyroid function, thereby improving the treatment effect.

Synergistic Effects of Combining Anti-Midkine and Hepatocyte Growth Factor Therapies Against Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess whether synergism could be achieved when combining midkine (MK) antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (anti-MK ODN) and recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rat models.

METHODS

Rats were randomized into 6 groups: control, DN rats without treatment, DN rats treated with scrambled ODN, DN rats treated with anti-MK ODN, DN rats treated with HGF and DN rats treated with anti-MK ODN plus HGF. DN models were created by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Two weeks later, treatments commenced. ODN (1 mg/kg) was intravenously injected weekly for 4 weeks. HGF (500 μg/kg) was subcutaneously injected daily for 4 weeks. Eight weeks later, rats were euthanized. Serum and urine parameters, kidney histopathological injury scores, immunohistochemistry and protein expressions were measured.

RESULTS

Blood glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and urine albumin were significantly elevated in DN rats. Any single treatment markedly reduced their levels, yet combined treatment decreased them significantly further. Any monotherapy could decrease renal injury score and immunohistochemistry positive percentage, although the most prominent change was displayed in combinational therapy. Western blot showed the expression of MK was significantly elevated in DN rats. Anti-MK ODN suppressed MK significantly. The protein expressions and serum concentrations of transforming growth factor-β1 and connective tissue growth factor between monotherapy and the combined therapy were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that combining MK gene suppressing ODN and HGF protein synergistically attenuates renal injury in DN rats. This study may provide a novel avenue for designing future therapeutic regimens against DN.

Targeting the NF-κB Pathway as a Combination Therapy for Advanced Thyroid Cancer

NF-κB signaling plays an important role in tumor cell proliferation, cell survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis and drug/radiation resistance. Combination therapy involving NF-κB pathway inhibition is an attractive strategy for the treatment of advanced forms of thyroid cancer. This study was designed to test the efficacy of NF-κB pathway inhibition in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy, using docetaxel and ionizing radiation in in vitro models of thyroid cancer. We found that while both docetaxel and ionizing radiation activated NF-κB signaling in thyroid cancer cells, there was no synergistic effect on cell proliferation and/or programmed cell death with either genetic (transduction of a dominant negative mutant form of IκBα) or pharmacologic (proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and IKKβ inhibitor GO-Y030) inhibition of the NF-κB pathway in thyroid cancer cell lines BCPAP, 8505C, THJ16T and SW1736. Docetaxel plus bortezomib synergistically decreased in vitro invasion of 8505C cells, but not in the other cell lines. Screening of a panel of clinically relevant targeted therapies for synergy with genetic NF-κB inhibition in a proliferation/cytotoxicity assay identified the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) as a potential candidate. However, the synergistic effect was confirmed only in the BCPAP cells. These results indicate that NF-κB inhibitors are unlikely to be beneficial as combination therapy with taxane cytotoxic chemotherapy, external radiation therapy or radioiodine therapy. There may be unique circumstances where NF-κB inhibitors may be considered in combination with docetaxel to reduce tumor invasion or in combination with HDAC inhibitors to reduce tumor growth, but this does not appear to be a combination therapy that could be broadly applied to patients with advanced thyroid cancer. Further research may identify which subsets of patients/tumors may respond to this therapeutic approach.

Sleep Quality of Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Objective

We aimed to measure prevalence of sleep disturbance in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) by calculating Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and compare these data with patients with benign thyroid nodules or normal participants.

Methods

Three groups of patients participated in this cross-sectional study. In the first group, 162 patients with DTC received total thyroidectomy, and then ¹³¹I therapy. The second group consisted of 84 patients with benign thyroid nodules, who received partial thyroidectomy. The third group was 78 normal healthy control cases. PSQI was used to assess the sleep quality. Inter-group differences were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test or independent samples T test. χ² test was also used to check prevalence differences of poor sleep quality among the groups. Differences of PSQI score and poor sleep quality prevalence before and after ¹³¹I therapy in the same group of DTC participants were analyzed by paired T test and Mcnemar's test.

Results

Higher PSQI score (7.59 ± 4.21) and higher rate of poor sleep quality (54.32%) were shown in DTC patients than in any other group. After ¹³¹I therapy, PSQI score and prevalence of poor sleep quality in DTC patients increased significantly to 8.78 ± 4.72 and 70.99%. Then DTC patients were divided into two subgroups based on their metastatic status. DTC patients with metastasis (87/162 cases, 53.70%) had significantly higher PSQI score (10.87 ± 5.18) and higher prevalence of poor sleep quality (79.31%).

Conclusion

DTC patients suffer from sleep disturbance, ¹³¹I therapy and awareness of metastatic status could worsen sleep problem. Psychological fear of cancer, nuclear medicine therapy and metastasis could be one major underlying reason. Longitude and interventional studies are necessary for further investigations.

Quercetin induces human colon cancer cells apoptosis by inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B Pathway

Quercetin can inhibit the growth of cancer cells with the ability to act as chemopreventers. Its cancer-preventive effect has been attributed to various mechanisms, including the induction of cell-cycle arrest and/or apoptosis as well as the antioxidant functions. Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) is a signaling pathway that controls transcriptional activation of genes important for tight regulation of many cellular processes and is aberrantly expressed in many types of cancer. Inhibitors of NF-κB pathway have shown potential anti-tumor activities. However, it is not fully elucidated in colon cancer. In this study, we demonstrate that quercetin induces apoptosis in human colon cancer CACO-2 and SW-620 cells through inhibiting NF-κB pathway, as well as down-regulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 and up-regulation of Bax, thus providing basis for clinical application of quercetin in colon cancer cases.

Inhibition of Foxp3 in cancer cells induces apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells

Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in lymphocytes facilitate the thyroid tumor growth and invasion. Very limited information is available on Foxp3 expression in thyroid cancer cells and its function is totally unknown. This study demonstrated that Foxp3 expression was increased in thyroid cancer cells. Inhibition of Foxp3 decreased cell proliferation and migration, but increased apoptosis, suggesting a positive role of Foxp3 in cancer growth. Interestingly, Foxp3 inhibition enhanced PPARγ expression and activity. In addition, Foxp3 inhibition downregulated NF-κB subunit p65 and cyclin D1 but upregulated caspase-3 levels. These molecular changes are in line with Foxp3 shRNA-mediated alteration of cell functions. Collectively, our study demonstrates that thyroid cancer cells express a high level of functional Foxp3 and that the inhibition of the Foxp3 suppresses the proliferation and migration but promotes apoptosis, suggesting that targeting Foxp3 in thyroid cancer cells may offer a novel therapeutic option for thyroid cancer.

Novel approaches in anaplastic thyroid cancer therapy

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), accounting for less than 2% of all thyroid cancer, is responsible for the majority of death from all thyroid malignancies and has a median survival of 6 months. The resistance of ATC to conventional thyroid cancer therapies, including radioiodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression, contributes to the very poor prognosis of this malignancy. This review will cover several cellular signaling pathways and mechanisms, including RET/PTC, RAS, BRAF, Notch, p53, and histone deacetylase, which are identified to play roles in the transformation and dedifferentiation process, and therapies that target these pathways. Lastly, novel approaches and agents involving the Notch1 pathway, nuclear factor κB, Trk-fused gene, cancer stem-like cells, mitochondrial mutation, and tumor immune microenvironment are discussed. With a better understanding of the biological process and treatment modality, the hope is to improve ATC outcome in the future.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of midkine and nuclear factor-kappa B as diagnostic biomarkers for papillary thyroid cancer and synchronous metastasis

AIMS

Midkine (MK) is a multifunctional cytokine identified to be a promising cancer biomarker. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is an important transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis. We aimed to investigate values of MK and NF-κB as markers for diagnosis and synchronous metastasis prediction in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

MAIN METHODS

76 cases of PTC and 70 cases of multi-nodular goiter (MNG) were retrieved. The PTC group was further divided into subgroup 1 (16 cases with synchronous metastases) and subgroup 2 (60 cases without metastases). A retrospective review of demographic and clinical information was performed. Immunohistochemistry of MK, NF-κB p65 and Ki-67 was performed on paraffin-embedded specimens and results were quantified. Diagnostic values of the parameters were conducted by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Protein levels of MK and NF-κB p65 were then confirmed by Western blot.

KEY FINDINGS

Immunoreactivities of MK, NF-κB p65 and Ki-67 were significantly higher in the PTC group than in the MNG group with good differential diagnostic capabilities. Moreover, immunoreactivities of all three parameters were significantly higher in subgroup 1 than in subgroup 2 with good synchronous metastasis predictive efficacies. Western blot showed that MK and NF-κB p65 protein levels in lesions from subgroup 1 were significantly higher than those from subgroup 2, both of which were significantly higher than in MNG lesions.

SIGNIFICANCE

We discovered that MK and NF-κB immunohistochemistries can potentially be used for differential diagnosis between PTC and MNG, and for prediction of synchronous metastases.

Aberrant expression of NF-κB in liver fluke associated cholangiocarcinoma: implications for targeted therapy

Background

Up-regulation and association of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) with carcinogenesis and tumor progression has been reported in several malignancies. In the current study, expression of NF-κB in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patient tissues and its clinical significance were determined. The possibility of using NF-κB as the therapeutic target of CCA was demonstrated.

Methodology

Expression of NF-κB in CCA patient tissues was determined using immunohistochemistry. Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ), a specific NF-κB inhibitor, was used to inhibit NF-κB action. Cell growth was determined using an MTT assay, and cell apoptosis was shown by DNA fragmentation, flow cytometry and immunocytofluorescent staining. Effects of DHMEQ on growth and apoptosis were demonstrated in CCA cell lines and CCA-inoculated mice. DHMEQ-induced apoptosis in patient tissues using a histoculture drug response assay was quantified by TUNEL assay.

Principal Findings

Normal bile duct epithelia rarely expressed NF-κB (subunits p50, p52 and p65), whereas all CCA patient tissues (n  =  48) over-expressed all NF-κB subunits. Inhibiting NF-κB action by DHMEQ significantly inhibited growth of human CCA cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. DHMEQ increased cell apoptosis by decreasing the anti-apoptotic protein expressions–Bcl-2, XIAP–and activating caspase pathway. DHMEQ effectively reduced tumor size in CCA-inoculated mice and induced cell apoptosis in primary histocultures of CCA patient tissues.

Conclusions

NF-κB was over-expressed in CCA tissues. Inhibition of NF-κB action significantly reduced cell growth and enhanced cell apoptosis. This study highlights NF-κB as a molecular target for CCA therapy.

Apoptotic effect of genistein on human colon cancer cells via inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway

Genistein possesses a wide variety of biological activities, and it is best known for its ability to inhibit cancer progression. Its cancer-preventive effect has been attributed to various mechanisms, including the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis as well as the antioxidant functions. Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) is a signaling pathway that controls transcriptional activation of genes important for the tight regulation of many cellular processes and is aberrantly expressed in many types of cancer. Inhibitors of NF-κB pathway have shown potential anti-tumor activities. However, it is not fully elucidated in colon cancer. In the present study, we demonstrated that genistein could induce apoptosis in human colon cancer LoVo and HT-29 cells through inhibiting NF-κB pathway, as well as downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax, thus providing basis for clinical application of genistein in colon cancer cases.

BAY 11-7082, a nuclear factor-κB inhibitor, induces apoptosis and S phase arrest in gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Inhibitors of nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway have shown potential anti-tumor activities. However, it is not fully elucidated in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Firstly, we screened the inhibitory effect of pharmacologic NF-κB inhibitors on cell viability of human gastric cancer cells via CCK-8 assay. Next, cell apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and mitochondrial membrane potential after BAY 11-7082 treatment were detected by annexin V staining, propidium iodide staining, TUNEL, and JC-1 assays in human gastric cancer HGC-27 cells. Expression of regulatory factors for apoptosis and cell cycle were measured by western blot. Finally, human gastric cancer xenograft model was established to verify the anti-tumor effects of BAY 11-7082 in vivo. Cellular apoptosis and growth inhibition in subcutaneous tumor section were detected by TUNEL and immunohistochemistry assays.

RESULTS

BAY 11-7082 exhibited rapid and potent anti-tumor effects on gastric cancer cells in vitro within a panel of NF-κB inhibitors. BAY 11-7082 induced rapid apoptosis in HGC-27 cells through activating the mitochondrial pathway, as well as down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax. BAY 11-7082 also induced S phase arrest through suppressing Cyclin A and CDK-2 expression. Xenograft model confirmed the anti-tumor effects of BAY 11-7082 on apoptosis induction and growth inhibition in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that BAY 11-7082 presented the most rapid and potent anti-tumor effects within a panel of NF-κB inhibitors, and could induce cellular apoptosis and block cell cycle progression both in vitro and in vivo, thus providing basis for clinical application of BAY 11-7082 in gastric cancer cases.

Rugulactone derivatives act as inhibitors of NF-κB activation and modulates the transcription of NF-κB dependent genes in MDA-MB-231cells

Rugulactone and its analogues were synthesized following Horners-Wadsworth-Emmons and ring-closing metathesis as the key reactions. A library of new rugulactone analogues were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity in breast cancer cells. All analogues have shown anti-proliferative activity, while some of them exhibited significant cytotoxicity. In assays related to cell-cycle distribution, these conjugates induced G1 cell-cycle arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells. The cell cycle arrest nature was further confirmed by examining the effect on Cyclin E and Cdk2 proteins that acts at G1-S phase transition. Immunocytochemistry assay revealed that these compounds inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-κB protein, thereby activation of NF-κB was inhibited. The expression of NF-κB target genes such as Cyclin D1 and Bcl-xL were severely affected. Apart from acting on NF-κB, these compounds also regulate class I Histone deacetylase proteins such as (HDAC-3 and 8) that have a crucial and regulatory role in cell-proliferation. Simultaneously, the apoptotic inducing nature of these compounds was confirmed by activation of PARP protein, a protein that plays a key role in DNA damage and repair pathways. Among all compounds of this series 3g is the most potent compound and can be used for further studies.

Gain of 20q11.21 in human embryonic stem cells improves cell survival by increased expression of Bcl-xL

Gain of 20q11.21 is a chromosomal abnormality that is recurrently found in human pluripotent stem cells and cancers, strongly suggesting that this mutation confers a proliferative or survival advantage to these cells. In this work we studied three human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines that acquired a gain of 20q11.21 during in vitro culture. The study of the mRNA gene expression levels of the loci located in the common region of duplication showed that HM13, ID1, BCL2L1, KIF3B and the immature form of the micro-RNA miR-1825 were up-regulated in mutant cells. ID1 and BCL2L1 were further studied as potential drivers of the phenotype of hESC with a 20q11.21 gain. We found no increase in the protein levels of ID1, nor the downstream effects expected from over-expression of this gene. On the other hand, hESC with a gain of 20q11.21 had on average a 3-fold increase of Bcl-xL (the anti-apoptotic isoform of BCL2L1) protein levels. The mutant hESC underwent 2- to 3-fold less apoptosis upon loss of cell-to-cell contact and were ∼2-fold more efficient in forming colonies from a single cell. The key role of BCL2L1 in this mutation was further confirmed by transgenic over-expression of BCL2L1 in the wild-type cells, leading to apoptosis-resistant cells, and BCL2L1-knock-down in the mutant hESC, resulting in a restoration of the wild-type phenotype. This resistance to apoptosis supposes a significant advantage for the mutant cells, explaining the high frequency of gains of 20q11.21 in human pluripotent stem cells.

Ozonated oils as functional dermatological matrices: effects on the wound healing process using SKH1 mice

Wound tissue repair is a complex and dynamic process of restoring cellular structures and tissue layers. Improvement of this process is crucial for several pathologies characterized by chronic delayed wound closure such as diabetes, and the investigation of new approaches aimed to ameliorate the wound healing process is under continuous evolution. Recently, the usage of vegetable matrices in the form of ozonated oils has been proposed and several researchers have shown a positive effect in the wound, based on their bactericidal, antiviral, and antifungal properties. The present study was undertaken to compare the effect that different ozonated oils (olive, sesame and linseed) with the same level of ozonation have on wound healing rate in SKH1 mice. Several histological parameters and the level of key proteins such as VEGF and PCNA have been analyzed. Only treatment with ozonated sesame oil shows a faster wound closure in the first 7 days. This effect paralleled with the increased VEGF and PCNA levels, NFκB nuclear translocation and 4-HNE formation. The present study shows that not only the ozonation grade is of importance for the improvement of wound healing process but also the typical composition of the oil.