Genetic Polymorphisms in the Apoptosis-Associated Gene CASP3 and the Risk of Lung Cancer in Chinese Population

Identification of peanut skin components for treating hepatocellular carcinoma via network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

Peanut skin (PS) contains various flavonoids and phenols that have antitumor and antioxidant effects. However, no research has been conducted on PS and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, this study sought to explore the potential mechanism of PS in treating HCC. PS was searched for in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and SYMMAP databases. HCC targets were searched for in five major databases. Protein-protein interaction network, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used for verification. Furthermore, in vitro experiments were used to verify the regulation of PS on human HCC (HepG2) cells. Ten ingredients and 95 common targets were identified for PS and HCC, respectively. The key targets of ingredients mainly relate to pathways such as hepatitis B, lipid and atherosclerosis, advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-AGE receptors (RAGEs) signaling pathway in diabetic complications, interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway, mitogen activated kinase-like protein (MAPK) signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In addition, the molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation analysis indicated the ingredients had strong binding ability with the targets. Moreover, in vitro experiments confirmed that luteolin can promote the apoptosis of HepG2 cells by controlling the expression of phosphorylated protein-tyrosine kinase (p-AKT). This study provides preliminary evidence that PS produces a marked effect in regulating multiple signaling pathways in HCC through multiple ingredients acting on multiple core genes, including AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), MYC, caspase 3 (CASP3), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), jun proto-oncogene(JUN), and provides the basis for follow-up research to verify the mechanism of action of PS in treating HCC.

Bioactive components and the molecular mechanism of Shengxian Decoction against lung adenocarcinoma based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the active components of Shengxian Decoction (SXT) and to elucidate the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway regulatory mechanisms underlying the efficacy of SXT in treating lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

METHODS

The effects of SXT extract on proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of human LUAD cells were determined through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), wound healing, and Transwell assays. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed to pinpoint the primary active constituents of SXT. The SXT-active component-target-pathway network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed based on network pharmacology. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed using DAVID. The clinical significance of key targets was assessed using several external databases, and molecular docking confirmed the binding affinities between key targets and SXT active components.

RESULTS

SXT significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of human LUAD cells. HPLC identified and quantified seven active SXT components. Network pharmacology yielded 197 targets, 128 signaling pathways, and 448 GO terms. The PPI network and external validation underscored 13 key targets significantly associated with the influence of SXT on LUAD progression. Molecular docking demonstrated strong interactions between SXT active components and key targets.

CONCLUSION

SXT treats LUAD through a multifaceted approach involving various components, targets, and pathways. This research offers novel insights into the constituents and molecular mechanisms of SXT in LUAD therapy.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis on Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of Aidi Injection Treating of Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer

Background. Aidi injection (ADI) is a compound preparation injection of Chinese herbs used to treat patients of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in China. This study aimed to reveal the mechanism of ADI in the treatment of NSCLC by using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods. The related targets of ADI and NSCLC were obtained from multiple databases. The network diagram of disease-drug-components-targets (DDCT) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) was constructed to screen key targets. Then, the key targets and main signaling pathways were screened by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Next, in order to validate the results of network pharmacology, expression analysis and survival analysis of key genes were performed. Finally, we carried out the technology of molecular docking to further validate the accuracy of the above results. Results. A total of 207 targets of ADI and 5282 targets of NSCLC were obtained finally. Through the construction of DDCT and PPI network diagrams, 28 key targets were finally obtained. The results of the KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that multiple signaling pathways were associated with NSCLC, which included the MAPK signaling pathway, the IL-17 signaling pathway, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The key genes in the signaling pathway mainly include TP53, CASP3, MMP9, AKT1, PTGS2, and MAPK1. The results of differently expressed analysis of key genes showed that TP53, CASP3, MMP9, AKT1, PTGS2, and MAPK1 had statistical differences in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) compared with normal tissue $\left(p<0.001\right)$ . In lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the expression of TP53, CASP3, MMP9, AKT1, and PTGS2 had statistical differences compared with normal tissue $\left(p<0.001\right)$ , while the expression of MAPK1 had no statistical difference $\left(p>0.05\right)$ . The results of survival analysis of key genes showed that AKT1, MAPK1, CASP3, MMP9, TP53, and PTGS2 had statistical differences in the OS or RFS of NSCLC patients $\left(p<0.05\right)$ . In addition, the results of molecular docking indicated that the key genes and the main components have good docking activity. Conclusions. This study revealed the potential mechanism of ADI in the treatment of NSCLC with multipathways and multitargets and provided a scientific basis for the in-depth study of ADI in the treatment of NSCLC.

Synthesis and biological impacts of pollen shells/Fe3O4 nanoparticles composites on human MG-63 osteosarcoma cells

INTRODUCTION

Cell-adhesive surfaces play a pivotal role in biomedical engineering, as most biological reactions take place on surfaces. Pollen shell (PSh) ofPistacia vera L., as a new medical device, has previously been reported to cause cytotoxicity and apoptosis in MG-63 bone cancer cells.

METHODS

Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) were synthesized and their reaction to PShs was gauged at different concentrations, and then characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersion X-ray spectrometer, X-ray diffraction spectra, dynamic light scattering, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Then, the biological impacts of PShs/Fe3O4NPs composites on MG-63 cells were investigated in-vitro using MTT assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Annexin V/propidium iodide, FESEM, and DAPI staining.

RESULTS

Fe3O4NPs with a size range of 24-40 nm and a zeta potential value of -37.4 mV were successfully assembled on the PShs. The viability of MG-63 cells was significantly decreased when cultured on the magnetic PShs as compared to non-magnetic PShs, in Fe3O4 concentration and time-dependent manner. In contrast, magnetic PShs had a positive effect on the viability of normal human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). The analysis of apoptosis-related genes in cancer cells revealed that loading Fe3O4NPs on PShs increased expression of BAX/BCL2 and caspase-3 genes. The increased apoptotic activity of combined PShs/Fe3O4NPs was further confirmed by flow cytometric measurement, morphological analysis, and DAPI staining.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of Fe3O4NPs into PShs could effectively increase anticancer effects on MG-63 cells via the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway, evident by upregulation of BAX/BCL2 ratio and caspase-3.

The apoptosis mechanisms of HepG2 cells induced by bitter melon seed

Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Bitter melon seed (BMS) is well known for anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. MicroRNA-421 (miR-421) is considered as a regulator of cancer initiation, tumor metastasis, and progression, interfering with transcription of the mRNAs responsible for the cancer pathogenesis. HepG2 cells were treated with BMS water extract (BMSW) for 24 hr, and the IC₅₀ was 586.27 ± 0.07 µg/ml. The ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, the protein expression, and the nuclear fragmentation after the treatment of BMSW were respectively detected. The increase of ROS resulted in the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, which induced the apoptosis of cells subsequently. BMSW inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells by blocking cell cycle in the S phase and influenced the nuclei and the expression of protein, leading to cellular laxity and apoptosis. The expression level of miR-421 in HepG2 was distinctly down-regulated by 13.74 fold with 600 µg/ml of BMSW. Comprehensive microarray and RT-PCR analysis identified six putative target genes of miR-421 (GADD45B, DUSP6, DUSP3, DUSP10, CASP3, and CAPN2). The relationships of DUSP6, CASP3, and miR-421 were further confirmed by miR-421 mimics/inhibitor transfection by RT-PCR and western blot. The CASP3 was identified as target gene of miR-421. BMSW induced the apoptosis of HepG2 cell by regulating miR-421 and CASP3. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumour with the fourth highest mortality rate in the world. Bitter melon seed (BMS) as edible and medical food has significant anticancer activity. Our study indicated the anticancer mechanisms of BMS and provided the scientific basis for the application of BMS in healthy or novel functional foods. BMS can be used as dietary supplements or nutritional fortifiers to improve the survival status of patients with liver cancer due to safety and effectiveness.

Determining Pharmacological Mechanisms of Chinese Incompatible Herbs Fuzi and Banxia in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systems Pharmacology-Based Study

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) and Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia) are among the 18 incompatible medications that are forbidden from use in one formulation. However, there is increasing evidence implying that this prohibition is not entirely correct. According to the theory of Chinese traditional medicine, they can be used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thus, we analyzed the possible approaches for the treatment of COPD using network pharmacology. The active compounds of Fuzi and Banxia (FB) were collected, and their targets were identified. COPD-related targets were obtained by analyzing the differentially expressed genes between COPD patients and healthy individuals, which were expressed using a Venn diagram of COPD and FB. Protein-protein interaction data and network regarding COPD and drugs used were obtained. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were conducted. The gene-pathway network was constructed to screen the key target genes. In total, 34 active compounds and 47 targets of FB were identified; moreover, 7,153 differentially expressed genes were identified between COPD patients and healthy individuals. The functional annotations of target genes were found to be related to mechanisms such as transcription, cytosol, and protein binding; furthermore, 68 pathways including neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection, apoptosis, and measles were significantly enriched. FOS CASP3, VEGFA, ESR1, and PTGS2 were the core genes in the gene-pathway network of FB for the treatment of COPD. Our results indicated that the effect of FB against COPD may involve the regulation of immunological function through several specific biological processes and their corresponding pathways. This study demonstrates the application of network pharmacology in evaluating mechanisms of action and molecular targets of herb-opponents FB.

The effect of CASP3 rs4647610 and rs4647602 polymorphisms on tumour size and cancer stage in papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent form of thyroid cancer whose incidence has increased in recent years. Dysregulated apoptosis is known in the pathogenesis of various cancers. Caspase-3 is an important apoptotic component and its abnormal function may play a key role in cancer pathogenesis. We tested the hypothesis of a link between CASP3 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs4647610 and rs4647602 on PTC and its clinical outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 134 PTC patients and 151 healthy controls were genotyped for CASP3 rs4647610 and rs4647602 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS

Allele and genotype frequencies of both SNPs were not different between cases and controls. The combined genotypes and haplotypes were not linked to PTC. However, the frequencies of CASP3 rs4647610 GA and AA genotypes were higher in PTC patients with larger tumour size (≥1 cm), and the rs4647610 SNP was associated with increased tumour size in the dominant model (OR 3.4 [95% CI, 1.1-11], P = 0.04). The CASP3 rs4647602CA and AA genotypes were higher in PTC patients with lower TNM stage (I-II) compared to higher stages (III-IV). No association was observed between CASP3 polymorphisms and other PTC outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Although CASP3 rs4647610 and rs4647602 SNPs are not associated with PTC, rs4647610 is linked to larger tumour size, and rs4647602 to lower stage of cancer.

Staphylococcus aureus Exploits the Host Apoptotic Pathway To Persist during Infection

Staphylococcus aureus is a deadly pathogen that causes fatal diseases in humans. During infection, S. aureus secretes nuclease (Nuc) and adenosine synthase A (AdsA) to generate cytotoxic deoxyadenosine (dAdo) from neutrophil extracellular traps which triggers noninflammatory apoptosis in macrophages. In this manner, replicating staphylococci escape phagocytic killing without alerting the immune system. Here, we show that mice lacking caspase-3 in immune cells exhibit increased resistance toward S. aureus Caspase-3-deficient macrophages are resistant to staphylococcal dAdo and gain access to abscess lesions to promote bacterial clearance in infected animals. We identify specific single nucleotide polymorphisms in CASP3 as candidate human resistance alleles that protect macrophages from S. aureus-derived dAdo, raising the possibility that the allelic repertoire of caspase-3 may contribute to the outcome of S. aureus infections in humans.IMPORTANCE Caspase-3 controls the apoptotic pathway, a form of programmed cell death designed to be immunologically silent. Polymorphisms leading to reduced caspase-3 activity are associated with variable effects on tumorigenesis and yet arise frequently. Staphylococcus aureus is a human commensal and a frequent cause of soft tissue and bloodstream infections. Successful commensalism and virulence can be explained by the secretion of a plethora of immune evasion factors. One such factor, AdsA, destroys phagocytic cells by exploiting the apoptotic pathway. However, human CASP3 variants with loss-of-function alleles shield phagocytes from AdsA-mediated killing. This finding raises the possibility that some caspase-3 alleles may arise from exposure to S. aureus and other human pathogens that exploit the apoptotic pathway for infection.

Association between CASP3 polymorphisms and overall cancer risk: A meta-analysis of case-control studies

Several studies inspected the relationship between caspase-3 (CASP3) polymorphisms and the risk of several human cancers, but the findings remain controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis aiming to inspect the association between CASP3 rs1049216 T>C, rs12108497 C>T, rs4647603 G>A, rs4647602 C>A, rs6948 T>G, rs2705897 A>C, and rs113420705 G>A polymorphisms and cancer risk. Eligible studies were recognized by searching the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to quantitatively evaluate the association between each polymorphism of CASP3 and cancer risk. The rs4647603 variant significantly increased the risk of cancer in an overdominant (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.03-2.01; P = 0.03; AG vs AA+GG) inheritance model. Regarding the rs4647602 variant, the findings revealed that this variant was associated with protection against cancer in homozygous codominant (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.56-0.80; P < 0.00001; AA vs CC), dominant (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.96; P = 0.009; AC+AA vs CC), recessive (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.61-0.79; P < 0.00001; AA vs AC+CC), and allele (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.75-0.88; P = 0.00001; A vs C) models. The findings suggested that the rs2705897 variant significantly decreased the risk of cancer in heterozygous codominant (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67-0.94; P = 0.009; AC vs AA), dominant (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.95; P = 0.009; AC+CC vs AA), overdominant (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.68-0.95; P = 0.01; AC vs CC+AA), and allele (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.97; P = 0.02; C vs A) models. The results did not support an association between CASP3 rs1049216 and rs6948 polymorphisms and cancer risk. In summary, the findings of this meta-analysis support an association between CASP3 polymorphisms and cancer risk. Larger and well-designed studies are desired to evaluate these associations in detail.

Association Study of the Caspase Gene Family and Psoriasis Vulgaris Susceptibility in Northeastern China

Background

Abnormal apoptosis of keratinocytes is one of the pathological changes of psoriasis. Caspases (CASPs) are the central engines of apoptosis. Studies to date have shown that some SNPs alter the expression of related genes and lead to changes in disease risk. However, no studies have investigated the associations between gene polymorphisms and the risk of psoriasis in Han population in northeast China. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study to explore this question in Han population of northeastern China.

Methods

540 patients with PsV and 612 healthy age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in this study. We determined the genotypes of 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 11 genes of caspase family by the improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) method. A model-based single SNP frequentist test and haplotype association studies were performed to evaluate the association between SNPs and PsV.

Results

In the single SNP tests, rs6704688 in CASP8 was significantly associated with psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) in Han population of northeastern China (P = 0.0169, P' = 0.0179 under the additive model; P = 0.0126, P' = 0.0149 under the heterozygous model). In haplotype analyses, the CASP7 haplotype GC was found to be associated with PsV risk (case group versus control group, 47.2% versus 54.4%, respectively, p = 0.0149).

Conclusions

Our study presented that the gene polymorphisms of CASP7 and CASP8 were significantly associated with PsV in Han population of northeastern China, which implied the functional relationship between PsV and caspase genes. CASP8 and CASP7 SNPs could be new potential biomarkers for risk stratification and prevention of PsV.

Caspase polymorphisms and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

The aim of our study was to determine the impact of genetic polymorphisms in the caspase (CASP) genes on prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We genotyped 7 potentially functional polymorphisms in CASP3, CASP7, CASP8, CASP9, CASP10 genes in 362 HCC patients of receiving surgical resection of HCC tumor. The associations of genotype and haplotype with overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were analyzed by using the Cox proportional hazards model. We found that the CASP9 rs4645981 C allele was significantly associated with positive effect on DFS (P = 0.011 and 0.016 for CT+CC vs. TT in univariate and multivariate analysis, respectively), CT genotype was associated with a better OS of HCC than the TT genotype both in univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.048 and 0.041, respectively). Moreover, the CASP3 rs2705897 GT genotype showed marginally significant association with decreased OS and DFS, compared with the GG genotype. One haplotype TT/TG in CASP3 (constructed by rs12108497 T>C and rs2705897 T>G) was significantly associated with decreased OS and DFS, compared to the common haplotype TT/TT both in univariate analysis (P = 0.021 and 0.026, respectively) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.025 and 0.030, respectively). The haplotype GT/GT in CASP9 (constructed by rs4645978 A>G and rs4645981 C>T) was significantly associated with decreased DFS both in univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.012 and 0.010, respectively). In conclusion, the CASP9 rs4645981 polymorphism, CASP3 and CASP9 haplotypes may be useful prognosis markers for HCC patients with surgical resection of tumor.