Oxidative and nitrative DNA damage in animals and patients with inflammatory diseases in relation to inflammation-related carcinogenesis

RNF8-mediated multi-ubiquitination of MCM7: Linking disassembly of the CMG helicase with DNA damage response in human cells

DNA damage causes genomic instability. To maintain genome integrity, cells have evolved DNA damage response, which is involved in replication fork disassembly and DNA replication termination. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of replication fork disassembly and its connection with DNA damage repair remain elusive. The CMG-MCM7 subunit ubiquitination functions on the eukaryotic replication fork disassembly at replication termination. Until now, only ubiquitin ligases CUL2LRR1 have been reported catalyzing MCM7 ubiquitination in human cells. This study discovered that in human cells, the ubiquitin ligase RNF8 catalyzes K63-linked multi-ubiquitination of MCM7 at K145 both in vivo and in vitro. The multi-ubiquitination of MCM7 is dynamically regulated during the cell cycle, primarily presenting on chromatin during the late S phase. Additionally, MCM7 polyubiquitylation is promoted by RNF168 and BRCA1 during DNA replication termination. Upon DNA damage, the RNF8-mediated polyubiquitination of MCM7 decreased significantly during the late S phase. This study highlights the novel role of RNF8-catalyzed polyubiquitination of MCM7 in the regulation of replication fork disassembly in human cells and linking it to DNA damage response.

Curcumin synergistically enhances the efficacy of gemcitabine against gemcitabine-resistant cholangiocarcinoma via the targeting LAT2/glutamine pathway

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is often diagnosed late, leading to incomplete tumor removal, drug resistance and reduced chemotherapy efficacy. Curcumin has the potential for anti-cancer activity through various therapeutic properties and can improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. We aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of a combination of curcumin and gemcitabine against CCA, targeting the LAT2/glutamine pathway. This combination synergistically suppressed proliferation in gemcitabine-resistant CCA cells (KKU-213BGemR). It also resulted in a remarkable degree of CCA cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, characterized by a high proportion of cells in the S and G2/M phases. Knockdown of SLC7A8 decreased the expressions of glutaminase and glutamine synthetase, resulting in inhibited cell proliferation and sensitized CCA cells to gemcitabine treatment. Moreover, in vivo experiments showed that a combination curcumin and gemcitabine significantly reduced tumor size, tumor growth rate and LAT2 expression in a gemcitabine-resistant CCA xenograft mouse model. Suppression of tumor progression in an orthotopic CCA hamster model provided strong support for clinical application. In conclusion, curcumin synergistically enhances gemcitabine efficacy against gemcitabine-resistant CCA by induction of apoptosis, partly via inhibiting LAT2/glutamine pathway. This approach may be an alternative strategy for the treatment of gemcitabine-resistant in CCA patients.

Quantitative Factors Introduced in the Feasibility Analysis of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Sensitive Triggers

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical for cellular signaling. Various pathophysiological conditions are also associated with elevated levels of ROS. Hence, ROS-sensitive triggers have been extensively used for selective payload delivery. Such applications are predicated on two key functions: (1) a sufficient magnitude of concentration difference for the interested ROS between normal tissue/cells and intended sites and (2) appropriate reaction kinetics to ensure a sufficient level of selectivity for payload release. Further, ROS refers to a group of species with varying reactivity, which should not be viewed as a uniform group. In this review, we critically analyze data on the concentrations of different ROS species under various pathophysiological conditions and examine how reaction kinetics affect the success of ROS-sensitive linker chemistry. Further, we discuss different ROS linker chemistry in the context of their applications in drug delivery and imaging. This review brings new insights into research in ROS-triggered delivery, highlights factors to consider in maximizing the chance for success and discusses pitfalls to avoid.

Microcystin-leucine arginine induces the proliferation of cholangiocytes and cholangiocarcinoma cells through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Background

Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) is a cyanobacterial hepatotoxic toxin found in water sources worldwide, including in northeastern Thailand, where opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is most prevalent. MC-LR is a potential carcinogen; however, its involvement in liver fluke-associated CCA remains ambiguous. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of MC-LR on the progression of CCA via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vitro.

Methods

Cell division, migration, cell cycle transition, and MC-LR transporter expression were evaluated in vitro through MTT assay, wound healing assay, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Following a 24-h treatment of cultured cells with 1, 10, 100, and 1,000 nM of MC-LR, the proliferative effect of MC-LR on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was investigated using immunoblotting and qRT-PCR analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine β-catenin expression in CCA tissue compared to adjacent tissue.

Results

Human immortalized cholangiocyte cells (MMNK-1) and a human cell line established from opisthorchiasis-associated CCA (KKU-213B) expressed the MC-LR transporter and internalized MC-LR. Exposure to 10 nM and 100 nM of MC-LR notably enhanced cells division and migration in both cell lines (P < 0.05) and markedly elevated the percentage of S phase cells (P < 0.05). MC-LR elevated PP2A expression by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and suppressing phosphatase activity. Inhibition of the β-catenin destruction complex genes (Axin1 and APC) led to the upregulation of β-catenin and its downstream target genes (Cyclin D1 and c-Jun). Inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by MSAB confirmed these results. Additionally, β-catenin was significantly expressed in cancerous tissue compared to adjacent areas (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that MC-LR promotes cell proliferation and progression of CCA through Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Further evaluation using invivo experiments is needed to confirm this observation. This finding could promote health awareness regarding MC-LR intake and risk of CCA.

When DNA-damage responses meet innate and adaptive immunity

When cells proliferate, stress on DNA replication or exposure to endogenous or external insults frequently results in DNA damage. DNA-Damage Response (DDR) networks are complex signaling pathways used by multicellular organisms to prevent DNA damage. Depending on the type of broken DNA, the various pathways, Base-Excision Repair (BER), Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER), Mismatch Repair (MMR), Homologous Recombination (HR), Non-Homologous End-Joining (NHEJ), Interstrand Crosslink (ICL) repair, and other direct repair pathways, can be activated separately or in combination to repair DNA damage. To preserve homeostasis, innate and adaptive immune responses are effective defenses against endogenous mutation or invasion by external pathogens. It is interesting to note that new research keeps showing how closely DDR components and the immune system are related. DDR and immunological response are linked by immune effectors such as the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway. These effectors act as sensors of DNA damage-caused immune response. Furthermore, DDR components themselves function in immune responses to trigger the generation of inflammatory cytokines in a cascade or even trigger programmed cell death. Defective DDR components are known to disrupt genomic stability and compromise immunological responses, aggravating immune imbalance and leading to serious diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. This study examines the most recent developments in the interaction between DDR elements and immunological responses. The DDR network's immune modulators' dual roles may offer new perspectives on treating infectious disorders linked to DNA damage, including cancer, and on the development of target immunotherapy.

Targeting Mitochondria for Cancer Treatment

There is an increasing accumulation of data on the exceptional importance of mitochondria in the occurrence and treatment of cancer, and in all lines of evidence for such participation, there are both energetic and non-bioenergetic functional features of mitochondria. This analytical review examines three specific features of adaptive mitochondrial changes in several malignant tumors. The first feature is characteristic of solid tumors, whose cells are forced to rebuild their energetics due to the absence of oxygen, namely, to activate the fumarate reductase pathway instead of the traditional succinate oxidase pathway that exists in aerobic conditions. For such a restructuring, the presence of a low-potential quinone is necessary, which cannot ensure the conventional conversion of succinate into fumarate but rather enables the reverse reaction, that is, the conversion of fumarate into succinate. In this scenario, complex I becomes the only generator of energy in mitochondria. The second feature is the increased proliferation in aggressive tumors of the so-called mitochondrial (peripheral) benzodiazepine receptor, also called translocator protein (TSPO) residing in the outer mitochondrial membrane, the function of which in oncogenic transformation stays mysterious. The third feature of tumor cells is the enhanced retention of certain molecules, in particular mitochondrially directed cations similar to rhodamine 123, which allows for the selective accumulation of anticancer drugs in mitochondria. These three features of mitochondria can be targets for the development of an anti-cancer strategy.

Allyl isothiocyanate induces DNA damage and inhibits DNA repair-associated proteins in a human gastric cancer cells in vitro

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is abundant in cruciferous vegetables and it present pharmacological activity including anticancer activity in many types of human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Currently, no available information to show AITC affecting DNA damage and repair-associated protein expression in human gastric cancer cells. Therefore, in the present studies, we investigated AITC-induced cytotoxic effects on human gastric cancer in AGS and SNU-1 cells whether or not via the induction of DNA damage and affected DNA damage and repair associated poteins expressions in vitro. Cell viability and morphological changes were assayed by flow cytometer and phase contrast microscopy, respectively, the results indicated AITC induced cell morphological changes and decreased total viable cells in AGS and SNU-1 cells in a dose-dependently. AITC induced DNA condensation and damage in a dose-dependently which based on the cell nuclei was stained by 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole present in AGS and SNU-1 cells. DNA damage and repair associated proteins expression in AGS and SNU-1 cells were measured by Western blotting. The results indicated AITC decreased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione, and catalase, but increased superoxide dismutase (SOD (Cu/Zn)), and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in AGS cells, however, in SNU-1 cells are increased HO-1. AITC increased DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), phosphorylation of gamma H2A histone family member X on Ser139 (γH2AXpSer139 ), and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in AGS cells. AITC increased DNA-PK, mediator of DNA damage checkpoint protein 1 (MDC1), γH2AXpSer139 , topoisomerase II alpha (TOPIIα), topoisomerase II beta (TOPIIβ), HSP90, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in SNU-1 cells. AITC increased p53, p53pSer15 , and p21 but decreased murine double minute 2 (MDM2)pSer166 and O6 -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) in AGS cells; however, it has a similar effect of AITC except increased ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 -related protein (ATR)pSer428 , checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1), and checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2) in SNU-1 cells. Apparently, both cell responses to AITC are different, nonetheless, all of these observations suggest that AITC inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells may through induction off DNA damage in vitro.

Impact of amino acid substitutions in hepatitis C virus core region on the severe oxidative stress

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease, leading to liver steatosis, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the accumulation of clinical data showing the impact of amino acid substitutions at positions 70 (R70Q/H) and/or 91 (L91M) in the HCV core protein in progressive liver diseases, including HCC, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. We analyzed 72 liver biopsy specimens from patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b (HCV-1b) infection prior to antiviral treatment. Levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in the nucleus were quantified using liver tissue immunohistochemistry. The effects of amino acid substitutions in the HCV core region on hepatocellular oxidative stress were investigated using wild-type or double-mutant (R70Q/H+L91M) HCV-1b core transfection and stable expression in human hepatoma HuH-7 cells. Overall, 24, 19, 11, and 18 patients had the wild-type, R70Q/H, L91M, and R70Q/H+L91M genotypes, respectively, in the HCV core. A significantly higher accumulation of hepatocellular 8-OHdG and a lower NRF2/8-OHdG ratio were observed in patients with R70Q/H+L91M than in those with the wild-type disease. Increased levels of intracellular superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in the cytoplasm and mitochondria, mRNA expression of enzymes generating oxidative stress, and nuclear expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 were augmented in cells treated with R70Q+L91M. HCV core proteins harboring either or both substitutions of R70Q/H or L91M enhanced hepatocellular oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. These amino acid substitutions may affect HCC development by enhancing hepatic oxidative stress in patients with chronic HCV-1b infection.

New sights of immunometabolism and agent progress in colitis associated colorectal cancer

Colitis associated colorectal cancer is a disease with a high incidence and complex course that develops from chronic inflammation and deteriorates after various immune responses and inflammation-induced attacks. Colitis associated colorectal cancer has the characteristics of both immune diseases and cancer, and the similarity of treatment models contributes to the similar treatment dilemma. Immunometabolism contributes to the basis of life and is the core of many immune diseases. Manipulating metabolic signal transduction can be an effective way to control the immune process, which is expected to become a new target for colitis associated colorectal cancer therapy. Immune cells participate in the whole process of colitis associated colorectal cancer development by transforming their functional condition via changing their metabolic ways, such as glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. The same immune and metabolic processes may play different roles in inflammation, dysplasia, and carcinoma, so anti-inflammation agents, immunomodulators, and agents targeting special metabolism should be used in combination to prevent and inhibit the development of colitis associated colorectal cancer.

Astrocyte DNA damage and response upon acute exposure to ethanol and corticosterone

Introduction: Astrocytes are the glial cells responsible for brain homeostasis, but if injured, they could damage neural cells even deadly. Genetic damage, DNA damage response (DDR), and its downstream cascades are dramatic events poorly studied in astrocytes. Hypothesis and methods: We propose that 1 h of 400 mmol/L ethanol and/or 1 μmol/L corticosterone exposure of cultured hippocampal astrocytes damages DNA, activating the DDR and eliciting functional changes. Immunolabeling against γH2AX (chromatin DNA damage sites), cyclin D1 (cell cycle control), nuclear (base excision repair, BER), and cytoplasmic (anti-inflammatory functions) APE1, ribosomal nucleolus proteins together with GFAP and S100β plus scanning electron microscopy studies of the astrocyte surface were carried out. Results: Data obtained indicate significant DNA damage, immediate cell cycle arrest, and BER activation. Changes in the cytoplasmic signals of cyclin D1 and APE1, nucleolus number, and membrane-attached vesicles strongly suggest a reactivity like astrocyte response without significant morphological changes. Discussion: Obtained results uncover astrocyte genome immediate vulnerability and DDR activation, plus a functional response that might in part, be signaled through extracellular vesicles, evidencing the complex influence that astrocytes may have on the CNS even upon short-term aggressions.

Sulforaphane Is Protective against Warm Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Partial Hepatectomy in Rats

Sulforaphane (SFN) has various beneficial effects on organ metabolism. However, whether SFN affects inflammatory mediators induced by warm hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) is unclear. To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of SFN using an in vivo model of HIRI and partial hepatectomy (HIRI + PH), rats were subjected to 15 min of hepatic ischemia with blood inflow occlusion, followed by 70% hepatectomy and release of the inflow occlusion. SFN (5 mg/kg) or saline was randomly injected intraperitoneally 1 and 24 h before ischemia. Alternatively, ischemia was prolonged for 30 min to evaluate the effect on mortality. The influence of SFN on the associated signaling pathways was analyzed using the interleukin 1β (IL-1β)-treated primary cultured rat hepatocytes. In the HIRI + PH-treated rats, SFN reduced serum liver enzyme activities and the frequency of pathological liver injury, such as apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration. SFN suppressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA expression and inhibited nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation by HIRI + PH. Mortality was significantly reduced by SFN. In IL-1β-treated hepatocytes, SFN suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation. Taken together, SFN may have hepatoprotective effects in HIRI + PH in part by inhibiting the induction of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, via the suppression of NF-κB in hepatocytes.

Fish and Food-Fatale: Food-borne Trematode Opisthorchis viverrini and Cholangiocarcinoma

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of communicable diseases with a long history with human beings. NTDs are the proxy of poverty since they affect those in low-income and extreme-poverty populations, as those populations lack access to proper health care, clean water, sanitary conditions, and hygiene. NTDs create losses for a nation that come from the health and the economic sectors as well since the costs of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strain the national purse strings. One of the 20 different forms of NTDs on the list is food-borne trematodes, comprises of Fasciola, Paragonimus, Clonorchis, and Opisthorchis. Currently, it is estimated that food-borne trematodes can cause a devastating effect on mortality and morbidity. All of them are zoonotic, as humans become infected by ingestion of a second intermediate host, such as freshwater snails, fish, or water vegetables. Opisthorchis viverrini, one of the food-borne trematodes that can be found mostly in South East Asia regions, especially in the Mekong basin, is regarded as a group 1 carcinogen leading to cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). This study aims to present the updated review of Opisthorchis viverrini and CCA.

Curcumin-loaded nanocomplexes alleviate the progression of fluke-related cholangiocarcinoma in hamsters

Background

Curcumin-loaded nanocomplexes (CNCs) previously demonstrated lower toxicity and extended release better than is the case for free curcumin. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of CNCs against opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in hamsters.

Method

Dose optimization (dose and frequency) was performed over a 1-month period using hamsters, a model that is widely used for study of opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma. In the main experimental study, CCA was induced by a combination of fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini (OV), infection and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) treatment. Either blank (empty) nanocomplexes (BNCs) or different concentrations of CNCs (equivalent to 10 and 20 mg cur/kg bw) were given to hamsters thrice a week for 5 months. The histopathological changes, biochemical parameters, and the expression of inflammatory/oncogenic transcription factors were investigated. In addition, the role of CNCs in attenuating CCA genesis, as seen in an animal model, was also confirmed in vitro using CCA cell lines.

Results

The optimization study revealed that treatment with CNCs at a dose equivalent to 10 mg cur/kg bw, thrice a week for 1 month, led to a greater reduction of inflammation and liver injury induced in hamsters by OV + NDMA than did treatments at other dose rates. Oral administration with CNCs (10 mg cur/kg bw), thrice a week for 5 months, significantly increased survival rate, reduced CCA incidence, extent of tumor development, cholangitis, bile duct injury and cholangiofibroma. In addition, this treatment decreased serum ALP and ALT activities and suppressed expression of NF-κB, FOXM1, HMGB1, PCNA and formation of 8-nitroguanine. Treatment of CCA cell lines with CNCs also reduced cell proliferation and colony formation, similar to those treated with NF-κB and/or FOXM1 inhibitors.

Conclusion

CNCs (10 mg cur/kg bw) attenuate the progression of fluke-related CCA in hamsters partly via a NF-κB and FOXM1-mediated pathway.

Thyroid tuberculosis associated with papillary microcarcinoma: case report and review of literature

Introduction

Thyroid tuberculosis (TB) is extremely rare. Infection may first occur in the thyroid gland or may be secondary to TB in other parts of the body. The diagnosis is rarely made clinically because the disease's variable presentation often resembles that of a malignancy or an euthyroid nodular goiter.

Case report

We present the case of a 40-year-old woman, who presented multiple thyroid nodules in both lobes. Two of these nodules were classified as EU-TIRADS V (European Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System). The ultrasound also found an adenopathy of the inferior part of the jugular lymphatic chain, in favor of malignancy. The histopathological examination after total thyroidectomy showed thyroid TB, associated to a papillary microcarcinoma of the right thyroid lobe, and the final examination of the adenopathy showed similar granulomas with caseous necrosis, and no signs of metastasis.

Clinical discussion

Thyroid TB is very rare. Its diagnosis is difficult due to a lack of specific signs and symptoms, which is why the diagnosis is most commonly made on pathological examination after thyroid surgery. It is well known that mycobacterial infection creates an environment of chronic and persistent inflammation, with possible DNA damage. This can create a microenvironment that is highly conductive to carcinogenesis, which could explain the discovery of papillary microcarcinoma in addition to thyroid TB in our patient.

Conclusion

This report presents a rare case of malicious growth development of thyroid nodules and thyroid TB. Therefore, physicians must always be vigilant when managing thyroid nodules, as there is always the possibility of malignant lesions associated to an inflammatory or infectious cause.

Chemical Insights into Oxidative and Nitrative Modifications of DNA

This review focuses on DNA damage caused by a variety of oxidizing, alkylating, and nitrating species, and it may play an important role in the pathophysiology of inflammation, cancer, and degenerative diseases. Infection and chronic inflammation have been recognized as important factors in carcinogenesis. Under inflammatory conditions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are generated from inflammatory and epithelial cells, and result in the formation of oxidative and nitrative DNA lesions, such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8-nitroguanine. Cellular DNA is continuously exposed to a very high level of genotoxic stress caused by physical, chemical, and biological agents, with an estimated 10,000 modifications occurring every hour in the genetic material of each of our cells. This review highlights recent developments in the chemical biology and toxicology of 2'-deoxyribose oxidation products in DNA.

A Novel Platform of MOF for Sonodynamic Therapy Advanced Therapies

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) combined with sonodynamic therapy (SDT) have been introduced as a new and efficient treatment method. The critical advantage of SDT is its ability to penetrate deep tissues and concentrate energy on the tumor site to achieve a non-invasive or minimally invasive effect. Using a sonosensitizer to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under ultrasound is the primary SDT-related method of killing tumor cells. In the presence of a sonosensitizer, SDT exhibits a more lethal effect on tumors. The fast development of micro/nanotechnology has effectively improved the efficiency of SDT, and MOFs have been broadly evaluated in SDT due to their easy synthesis, easy surface functionalization, high porosity, and high biocompatibility. This article reviews the main mechanism of action of sonodynamic therapy in cancer treatment, and also reviews the applications of MOFs in recent years. The application of MOFs in sonodynamic therapy can effectively improve the targeting ability of SDT and the conversion ability of reactive oxygen species, thus improving their killing ability on cancer cells. This provides new ideas for the application of micro/nano particles in SDT and cancer therapy.

Elucidation of Increased Cervical Cancer Risk Due to Polymorphisms in XRCC1 (R399Q and R194W), ERCC5 (D1104H), and NQO1 (P187S)

Genetic variations like single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with cervical carcinogenesis. In this study, SNPs have been identified that contribute toward changes in the function and stability of the proteins and show association with cervical cancer. Initially, literature mining identified 114 protein-coding polymorphisms with population-based evidence in cervical cancer. Subsequently, the functional assessment was performed using sequence-dependent tools, and thereafter, protein stability was analyzed using sequence and structural data. Twenty-three non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) found to be damaging and destabilizing were then analyzed to check their risk association at the population level. The meta-analysis indicated that polymorphisms in DNA damage repair genes XRCC1 (rs25487 and rs1799782), ERCC5 (rs17655), and oxidative stress-related gene NQO1 (rs1800566) are significantly associated with increased cervical cancer risk. The XRCC1 rs25487 and rs1799782 polymorphisms showed the highest risk of cervical cancer in the homozygous model having odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.17-2.92, p = 0.01, and recessive model with OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.01-3.24, and p = 0.04 respectively. Similarly, rs17655 polymorphism of ERCC5 and rs1800566 polymorphism of NQO1 showed the highest pooled OR in the homozygous (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.32-2.19, p = 0.00004) and heterozygous model (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.06-1.58, p = 0.01) respectively. Thus, in this study, a comprehensive collection of nsSNPs was collated and assessed, leading to the identification of polymorphisms in DNA damage repair and oxidative stress-related genes, that destabilize the protein and shows increased risk associated with cervical cancer.

Advanced bioactive nanomaterials for diagnosis and treatment of major chronic diseases

With the rapid innovation of nanoscience and technology, nanomaterials have also been deeply applied in the medical and health industry and become one of the innovative methods to treat many diseases. In recent years, bioactive nanomaterials have attracted extensive attention and have made some progress in the treatment of some major chronic diseases, such as nervous system diseases and various malignant tumors. Bioactive nanomaterials depend on their physical and chemical properties (crystal structure, surface charge, surface functional groups, morphology, and size, etc.) and direct produce biological activity and play to the role of the treatment of diseases, compared with the traditional nanometer pharmaceutical preparations, biological active nano materials don't exert effects through drug release, way more directly, also is expected to be more effective for the treatment of diseases. However, further studies are needed in the evaluation of biological effects, fate in vivo, structure-activity relationship and clinical transformation of bionanomaterials. Based on the latest research reports, this paper reviews the application of bioactive nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of major chronic diseases and analyzes the technical challenges and key scientific issues faced by bioactive nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, to provide suggestions for the future development of this field.

Helicobacter Species and Hepato-Biliary Tract Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Helicobacter species may cause chronic inflammation of the biliary tract, but its relationship with cancer is controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between Helicobacter species and hepatobiliary tract malignancies. Twenty-six studies (4083 patients) were included in qualitative synthesis, and 18 studies (n = 1895 qualified for meta-analysis. All studies were at high-intermediate risk of bias. Most studies combined several direct microbiological methods, mostly PCR (23 studies), culture (8 studies), and/or CLOtest (5 studies). Different specimens alone or in combination were investigated, most frequently bile (16 studies), serum (7 studies), liver/biliary tissue (8 studies), and gastric tissue (3 studies). Patients with Helicobacter species infection had an increased risk of hepatobiliary tract malignancies (OR = 3.61 [95% CI 2.18-6.00]; p < 0.0001), with high heterogeneity in the analysis (I² = 61%; p = 0.0003). This effect was consistent when Helicobacter was assessed in bile (OR = 3.57 [95% CI 1.73-7.39]; p = 0.0006), gastric tissue (OR = 42.63 [95% CI 5.25-346.24]; p = 0.0004), liver/biliary tissue (OR = 4.92 [95% CI 1.90-12.76]; p = 0.001) and serum (OR = 1.38 [95% CI 1.00-1.90]; p = 0.05). Heterogeneity was reduced in these sub-analyses (I² = 0-27%; p = ns), except for liver/biliary tissue (I² = 57%; p = 0.02). In conclusion, based on low-certainty data, Helicobacter species chronic infection is associated with a tripled risk of hepatobiliary tract malignancy. Prospective studies are required to delineate public health interventions.

The hybrid oncolytic peptide NTP-385 potently inhibits adherent cancer cells by targeting the nucleus

The use of oncolytic peptides with activity against a wide range of cancer entities as a new and promising cancer therapeutic strategy has drawn increasing attention. The oncolytic peptide LTX-315 derived from bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB) was found to be highly effective against suspension cancer cells, but not adherent cancer cells. In this study, we tactically fused LTX-315 with rhodamine B through a hybridization strategy to design and synthesize a series of nucleus-targeting hybrid peptides and evaluated their activity against adherent cancer cells. Thus, four hybrid peptides, NTP-212, NTP-217, NTP-223 and NTP-385, were synthesized. These hybrid peptides enhanced the anticancer activity of LTX-315 in a panel of adherent cancer cell lines by 2.4- to 37.5-fold. In model mice bearing B16-F10 melanoma xenografts, injection of NTP-385 (0.5 mg per mouse for 3 consecutive days) induced almost complete regression of melanoma, prolonged the median survival time and increased the overall survival. Notably, the administered dose of NTP-385 was only half the effective dose of LTX-315. We further revealed that unlike LTX-315, which targets the mitochondria, NTP-385 disrupted the nuclear membrane and accumulated in the nucleus, resulting in the transfer of a substantial amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus through the fragmented nuclear membrane. This ultimately led to DNA double-strand break (DSB)-mediated intrinsic apoptosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that hybrid peptides obtained from the fusion of LTX-315 and rhodamine B enhance anti-adherent cancer cell activity by targeting the nucleus and triggering DNA DSB-mediated intrinsic apoptosis. This study also provides an advantageous reference for nucleus-targeting peptide modification.

Dual Role of Fibroblasts Educated by Tumour in Cancer Behavior and Therapeutic Perspectives

Tumours are complex systems with dynamic interactions between tumour cells, non-tumour cells, and extracellular components that comprise the tumour microenvironment (TME). The majority of TME's cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are crucial in extracellular matrix (ECM) construction, tumour metabolism, immunology, adaptive chemoresistance, and tumour cell motility. CAF subtypes have been identified based on the expression of protein markers. CAFs may act as promoters or suppressors in tumour cells depending on a variety of factors, including cancer stage. Indeed, CAFs have been shown to promote tumour growth, survival and spread, and secretome changes, but they can also slow tumourigenesis at an early stage through mechanisms that are still poorly understood. Stromal-cancer interactions are governed by a variety of soluble factors that determine the outcome of the tumourigenic process. Cancer cells release factors that enhance the ability of fibroblasts to secrete multiple tumour-promoting chemokines, acting on malignant cells to promote proliferation, migration, and invasion. This crosstalk between CAFs and tumour cells has given new prominence to the stromal cells, from being considered as mere physical support to becoming key players in the tumour process. Here, we focus on the concept of cancer as a non-healing wound and the relevance of chronic inflammation to tumour initiation. In addition, we review CAFs heterogeneous origins and markers together with the potential therapeutic implications of CAFs "re-education" and/or targeting tumour progression inhibition.

A Nanomedicine Structure-Activity Framework for Research, Development, and Regulation of Future Cancer Therapies

Despite their clinical success in drug delivery applications, the potential of theranostic nanomedicines is hampered by mechanistic uncertainty and a lack of science-informed regulatory guidance. Both the therapeutic efficacy and the toxicity of nanoformulations are tightly controlled by the complex interplay of the nanoparticle's physicochemical properties and the individual patient/tumor biology; however, it can be difficult to correlate such information with observed outcomes. Additionally, as nanomedicine research attempts to gradually move away from large-scale animal testing, the need for computer-assisted solutions for evaluation will increase. Such models will depend on a clear understanding of structure-activity relationships. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the field of cancer nanomedicine and provides a knowledge framework and foundational interaction maps that can facilitate future research, assessments, and regulation. By forming three complementary maps profiling nanobio interactions and pathways at different levels of biological complexity, a clear picture of a nanoparticle's journey through the body and the therapeutic and adverse consequences of each potential interaction are presented.

N-acetyl-galactosamine modified metal-organic frameworks to inhibit the growth and pulmonary metastasis of liver cancer stem cells through targeted chemotherapy and starvation therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common high-mortality malignancy which still needs efficient treatments. HCC patients undergoing extrahepatic metastases are mostly with unsatisfactory prognosis. Therefore, specific attention has been paid to extrahepatic HCC metastasis. We integrated Sorafenib (Sor) and glucose oxidase (GOx) into a N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc) modified zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8), designated as SG@GR-ZIF-8, for targeted bimodal therapies of chemotherapy and starvation therapy against HCC. The hepatic delivery of SG@GR-ZIF was mediated by the specific recognition of GalNAc residues with asialoglycoprotein (ASGPR) on the liver cell surface. Sor is a clinically approved anti-proliferation and anti-angiogenesis drug for advanced HCC treatment. GOx can efficiently induce cell death and disturb malignant progression by suppressing glucose supply of cancer cells, which is highly associated with metabolic rewiring in metastasis. The nano-formulation exhibit significant anti-metastatic HCC activity against C5WN1 cells, a liver cancer stem cell-like cell line with tumorigenicity and pulmonary metastasis activity. In a subcutaneous C5WN1-tumor carrying mouse model, SG@GR-ZIF exhibits potent synergistic anti-tumor activity with a tumor inhibition rate of 89% and a prolonged survival status. The growth and pulmonary metastasis of HCC in an orthotopic mouse model of HCC was remarkably suppressed in SG@GR-ZIF treated group. The therapeutic strategy targeting energy supply combined with first-line treatment holds great promise for the future treatment of metastatic HCC. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : SG@GR-ZIF, a N-acetyl-galactosamine modified metal-organic framework carrying Sorafenib and glucose oxidase, was fabricated for treating metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sorafenib is an anti-proliferation and anti-angiogenesis drug for advanced HCC treatment. Glucose oxidase blocks energy demand in HCC metastasis by depleting glucose. C5WN1 was used for therapeutic evaluations as a liver cancer stem cell-like cell line with tumorigenicity and pulmonary metastasis activity. In subcutaneous C5WN1-tumor bearing mice, SG@GR-ZIF exhibited a tumor inhibition rate of 89% and prolonged survival period. In orthotopic C5WN1-tumor carrying mice, the growth and pulmonary metastasis of hepatocarcinoma was remarkably suppressed by SG@GR-ZIF. Together, this study suggests the great potential of synergistic chemo/starvation therapy mediated by SG@GR-ZIF for treating metastatic HCC.

Ethanolic Extract from Pteris wallichiana Alleviates DSS-Induced Intestinal Inflammation and Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction by Inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway and Regulating Tight Junction Proteins

The aim of the research was to determine the protective effect and mechanism of Pteris wallichiana J. Agardh extract (PWE) on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. In this research, PWE is rich in flavonoids and diterpenoids by UPLC-MS/MS analysis. In LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, PWE reduced the productions of inflammatory factors (i.e., NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β). In DSS-induced UC in mice, PWE improved disease activity index (DAI) score, attenuated oxidative stress by decreasing MPO and MDA activities and activating GSH and SOD levels, and inhibited TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β expressions in the colonic tissues. PWE also improved the intestinal barrier by upregulating the expressions of tight junction proteins, including occludin and ZO-1. Moreover, PWE extract alleviated intestinal inflammation by suppressing the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusion: PWE can alleviate DSS-induced UC in mice by increasing the expressions of intestinal tight junction proteins and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway.

Biodegradable MoSe2-polyvinylpyrrolidone nanoparticles with multi-enzyme activity for ameliorating acute pancreatitis

Exogenous antioxidant materials mimicking endogenous antioxidant systems are commonly used for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced injuries. Thus, artificial enzymes have emerged as promising candidates for balancing and treating the dysregulation of redox homeostasis in vivo. Herein, a one-pot hydrothermal strategy for the facile preparation of MoSe₂-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanoparticles (NPs) is reported. The synthesized NPs were biodegradable due to their exposure to oxygen and exhibited high stability. Moreover, they effectively mimicked various naturally occurring enzymes (including catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase) and scavenged free radicals, such as 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, ·OH, ·O²⁻, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical. Further apoptosis detection studies revealed that MoSe₂-PVP NPs significantly increased the cell survival probability in H₂O₂ in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytoprotective effect of MoSe₂-PVP NPs was explored for an animal model of acute pancreatitis, which confirmed its remarkable therapeutic efficacy. Owing to the biodegradable and biocompatible nature of MoSe₂-PVP NPs, the findings of this work can stimulate the development of other artificial nanoenzymes for antioxidant therapies.

Comprehensive chemical proteomics analyses reveal that the new TRi-1 and TRi-2 compounds are more specific thioredoxin reductase 1 inhibitors than auranofin

Anticancer drugs that target cellular antioxidant systems have recently attracted much attention. Auranofin (AF) is currently evaluated in several clinical trials as an anticancer agent that targets the cytosolic and mitochondrial forms of the selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase, TXNRD1 and TXNRD2. Recently, two novel TXNRD1 inhibitors (TRi-1 and TRi-2) have been developed that showed anticancer efficacy comparable to AF, but with lower mitochondrial toxicity. However, the cellular action mechanisms of these drugs have not yet been thoroughly studied. Here we used several proteomics approaches to determine the effects of AF, TRi-1 and TRi-2 when used at IC50 concentrations with the mouse B16 melanoma and LLC lung adenocarcinoma cells, as these are often used for preclinical mouse models in evaluation of anticancer drugs. The results demonstrate that TRi-1 and TRi-2 are more specific TXNRD1 inhibitors than AF and reveal additional AF-specific effects on the cellular proteome. Interestingly, AF triggered stronger Nrf2-driven antioxidant responses than the other two compounds. Furthermore, AF affected several additional proteins, including GSK3A, GSK3B, MCMBP and EEFSEC, implicating additional effects on glycogen metabolism, cellular differentiation, inflammatory pathways, DNA replication and selenoprotein synthesis processes. Our proteomics data provide a resource for researchers interested in the multidimensional analysis of proteome changes associated with oxidative stress in general, and the effects of TXNRD1 inhibitors and AF protein targets in particular.

Chronic Stress and Oxidative Stress as Common Factors of the Pathogenesis of Depression and Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of Antioxidants in Prevention and Treatment

There is a growing body of scientific research showing the link between depression and dementia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The chronic stress contributes to the formation of oxidative stress in the parts of the brain involved in the development of depression and AD. The scientific literature reports the significant role of antioxidants, which are highly effective in treating these diseases. In this review, we have summarized the relationship between chronic stress, oxidative stress, and the changes in the brain they cause occurring in the brain. Among all the compounds showing antioxidant properties, the most promising results in AD treatment were observed for Vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), melatonin, polyphenols, curcumin, and selenium. In case of depression treatment, the greatest potential was observed in curcumin, zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and saffron.

A fast and reliable method for monitoring genomic instability in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans

The identification of genotoxic agents and their potential for genotoxic alterations in an organism is crucial for risk assessment and approval procedures of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Classically, testing strategies for DNA or chromosomal damage focus on in vitro and in vivo (mainly rodent) investigations. In cell culture systems, the alkaline unwinding (AU) assay is one of the well-established methods for detecting the percentage of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). By establishing a reliable lysis protocol, and further optimization of the AU assay for the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), we provided a new tool for genotoxicity testing in the niche between in vitro and rodent experiments. The method is intended to complement existing testing strategies by a multicellular organism, which allows higher predictability of genotoxic potential compared to in vitro cell line or bacterial investigations, before utilizing in vivo (rodent) investigations. This also allows working within the 3R concept (reduction, refinement, and replacement of animal experiments), by reducing and possibly replacing animal testing. Validation with known genotoxic agents (bleomycin (BLM) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH)) proved the method to be meaningful, reproducible, and feasible for high-throughput genotoxicity testing, and especially preliminary screening.

A Signaling View into the Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment

The development of tumors requires an initiator event, usually exposure to DNA damaging agents that cause genetic alterations such as gene mutations or chromosomal abnormalities, leading to deregulated cell proliferation. Although the mere stochastic accumulation of further mutations may cause tumor progression, it is now clear that an inflammatory microenvironment has a major tumor-promoting influence on initiated cells, in particular when a chronic inflammatory reaction already existed before the initiated tumor cell was formed. Moreover, inflammatory cells become mobilized in response to signals emanating from tumor cells. In both cases, the microenvironment provides signals that initiated tumor cells perceive by membrane receptors and transduce via downstream kinase cascades to modulate multiple cellular processes and respond with changes in cell gene expression, metabolism, and morphology. Cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors are examples of major signals secreted by immune cells, fibroblast, and endothelial cells and mediate an intricate cell-cell crosstalk in an inflammatory microenvironment, which contributes to increased cancer cell survival, phenotypic plasticity and adaptation to surrounding tissue conditions. Eventually, consequent changes in extracellular matrix stiffness and architecture, coupled with additional genetic alterations, further fortify the malignant progression of tumor cells, priming them for invasion and metastasis. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the composition of the inflammatory tumor microenvironment, with an emphasis on the major signals and signal-transducing events mediating different aspects of stromal cell-tumor cell communication that ultimately lead to malignant progression.

Fucoxanthin and Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Simple Summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is suggested to be preventable by certain food intakes. Fucoxanthin (Fx) is an anticancer agent contained abundantly in edible brown algae. However, epidemiological studies, in vivo and in vitro experiments for CRC, using Fx and Fx-rich foods, have not been fully outlined. To date, it has been reported that Fx, its metabolite of fucoxanthinol (FxOH) and Fx-rich algal extracts exerted anticancer potentials in human CRC cell lines, their cancer stem-cells-like spheroids and CRC animal models through a number of molecular mechanisms. Moreover, many in vivo experiments and interventional human trials have demonstrated that Fx, Fx-rich algal extracts and brown alga itself may improve CRC and/or certain risks, such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, inflammation, oxidation, tumor microenvironment and/or gut microbiota. This review is the first report that summarizes the improving effects by Fx, FxOH and its rich brown algae for CRC and the risk factors.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC), which ranks among the top 10 most prevalent cancers, can obtain a good outcome with appropriate surgery and/or chemotherapy. However, the global numbers of both new cancer cases and death from CRC are expected to increase up to 2030. Diet-induced lifestyle modification is suggested to be effective in reducing the risk of human CRC; therefore, interventional studies using diets or diet-derived compounds have been conducted to explore the prevention of CRC. Fucoxanthin (Fx), a dietary carotenoid, is predominantly contained in edible brown algae, such as Undaria pinnatifida (wakame) and Himanthalia elongata (Sea spaghetti), which are consumed particularly frequently in Asian countries but also in some Western countries. Fx is responsible for a majority of the anticancer effects exerted by the lipophilic bioactive compounds in those algae. Interventional human trials have shown that Fx and brown algae mitigate certain risk factors for CRC; however, the direct mechanisms underlying the anti-CRC properties of Fx remain elusive. Fx and its deacetylated type “fucoxanthinol” (FxOH) have been reported to exert potential anticancer effects in preclinical cancer models through the suppression of many cancer-related signal pathways and the tumor microenvironment or alteration of the gut microbiota. We herein review the most recent studies on Fx as a potential candidate drug for CRC prevention.

Increased risk of secondary lung cancer in patients with tuberculosis: A nationwide, population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) presents a global threat in the world and the lung is the frequent site of metastatic focus. A previous study demonstrated that TB might increase primary lung cancer risk by two-fold for more than 20 years after the TB diagnosis. However, no large-scale study has evaluated the risk of TB and secondary lung cancer. Thus, we evaluated the risk of secondary lung cancer in patients with or without tuberculosis (TB) using a nationwide population-based dataset.

METHODS

In a cohort study of 1,936,512 individuals, we selected 6934 patients among patients with primary cancer and TB infection, based on the International Classification of Disease (ICD-p-CM) codes 010-011 from 2000 to 2015. The control cohort comprised 13,868 randomly selected, propensity-matched patients (by age, gender, and index date) without TB exposure. Using this adjusted date, a possible association between TB and the risk of developing secondary lung cancer was estimated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, secondary lung cancer was diagnosed in 761 (10.97%) patients with TB and 1263 (9.11%) patients without TB. After adjusting for covariates, the risk of secondary lung cancer was 1.67 times greater among primary cancer in the cohort with TB than in the cohort without TB. Stratification revealed that every comorbidity (including diabetes, hypertension, cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, cardiovascular accident, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) significantly increased the risk of secondary lung cancer when comparing the TB cohort with the non-TB cohort. Moreover, the primary cancer types (including head and neck, colorectal cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, breast, kidney, and thyroid cancer) had a more significant risk of becoming secondary lung cancer.

CONCLUSION

A significant association exists between TB and the subsequent risk for metastasis among primary cancers and comorbidities. Therefore, TB patients should be evaluated for the subsequent risk of secondary lung cancer.

Colonic Epithelial-Derived Selenoprotein P Is the Source for Antioxidant-Mediated Protection in Colitis-Associated Cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) demonstrate nutritional selenium deficiencies and are at greater risk of developing colon cancer. Previously, we determined that global reduction of the secreted antioxidant selenium-containing protein, selenoprotein P (SELENOP), substantially increased tumor development in an experimental colitis-associated cancer (CAC) model. We next sought to delineate tissue-specific contributions of SELENOP to intestinal inflammatory carcinogenesis and define clinical context.

METHODS

Selenop floxed mice crossed with Cre driver lines to delete Selenop from the liver, myeloid lineages, or intestinal epithelium were placed on an azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate experimental CAC protocol. SELENOP loss was assessed in human ulcerative colitis (UC) organoids, and expression was queried in human and adult UC samples.

RESULTS

Although large sources of SELENOP, both liver- and myeloid-specific Selenop deletion failed to modify azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate-mediated tumorigenesis. Instead, epithelial-specific deletion increased CAC tumorigenesis, likely due to elevated oxidative stress with a resulting increase in genomic instability and augmented tumor initiation. SELENOP was down-regulated in UC colon biopsies and levels were inversely correlated with endoscopic disease severity and tissue S100A8 (calprotectin) gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Although global selenium status is typically assessed by measuring liver-derived plasma SELENOP levels, our results indicate that the peripheral SELENOP pool is dispensable for CAC. Colonic epithelial SELENOP is the main contributor to local antioxidant capabilities. Thus, colonic SELENOP is the most informative means to assess selenium levels and activity in IBD patients and may serve as a novel biomarker for UC disease severity and identify patients most predisposed to CAC development.

Role of deubiquitinating enzymes in DNA double-strand break repair

DNA is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. It is essential for maintaining accurate transmission of genetic information. In the life cycle, DNA replication, cell division, or genome damage, including that caused by endogenous and exogenous agents, may cause DNA aberrations. Of all forms of DNA damage, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the most serious. If the repair function is defective, DNA damage may cause gene mutation, genome instability, and cell chromosome loss, which in turn can even lead to tumorigenesis. DNA damage can be repaired through multiple mechanisms. Homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) are the two main repair mechanisms for DNA DSBs. Increasing amounts of evidence reveal that protein modifications play an essential role in DNA damage repair. Protein deubiquitination is a vital post-translational modification which removes ubiquitin molecules or polyubiquitinated chains from substrates in order to reverse the ubiquitination reaction. This review discusses the role of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) in repairing DNA DSBs. Exploring the molecular mechanisms of DUB regulation in DSB repair will provide new insights to combat human diseases and develop novel therapeutic approaches.

Endoscopic molecular imaging in inflammatory bowel disease

Molecular imaging is a technique for imaging the processes occurring in a living body at a molecular level in real-time, combining molecular cell biology with advanced imaging technologies using molecular probes and fluorescence. Gastrointestinal endoscopic molecular imaging shows great promise for improving the identification of neoplasms, providing characterization for patient stratification and assessing the response to molecular targeted therapy. In inflammatory bowel disease, endoscopic molecular imaging can be used to assess disease severity and predict therapeutic response and prognosis. Endoscopic molecular imaging is also able to visualize dysplasia in the presence of background inflammation. Several preclinical and clinical trials have evaluated endoscopic molecular imaging; however, this area is just beginning to evolve, and many issues have not been solved yet. In the future, it is expected that endoscopic molecular imaging will be of increasing interest among clinicians as a new technology for the identification and evaluation of colorectal neoplasm and colitis-associated cancer.

A Panoramic Review on Lepidium sativum L. Bioactives as Prospective Therapeutics

BACKGROUND

Lepidium sativum (L. sativum), an annual herb belonging to family Brassicaceae is commonly known as Garden cress of Egyptian origin but now a day's cultivated worldwide. The plant material and its constituents are used in various traditional and folk medicines for the treatment of various liver diseases and other ailments.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to gather comprehensive information on L. sativum's bioactive constituents, and it's antioxidant, hepato-protective and anticancer activity.

METHOD

Systematic exploration for research evidences were carried out using well-structured and focused review question and presented data in the tabular form for readers' convenience.

RESULTS

The comprehensive literature survey was conducted, and we found that specific studies on L. Sativum and its bioactive compounds had been carried out to date. We explored the unique and selective effect of L. Sativum and its bioactive constituents to combat oxidative stress and hepatic carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

The present article appraised that L. sativum extract has a potential therapeutic effect against liver toxicity and hepato-carcinoma. Graphical Abstract.

Context-dependent responses of Drosophila intestinal stem cells to intracellular reactive oxygen species

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to cellular redox environment and serve as signaling molecules. Excessive ROS can lead to oxidative stress that are involved in a broad spectrum of physiological and pathological conditions. Stem cells have unique ROS regulation while cancer cells frequently show a constitutive oxidative stress that is associated with the invasive phenotype. Antioxidants have been proposed to forestall tumor progression while targeted oxidants have been used to destroy tumor cells. However, the delicate beneficial range of ROS levels for stem cells and tumor cells under distinct contexts remains elusive. Here, we used Drosophila midgut intestinal stem cell (ISCs) as an in vivo model system to tackle this question. The ROS levels of ISCs remained low in comparison to that of differentiated cells and increased with ageing, which was accompanied by elevated proliferation of ISCs in aged Drosophila. Neither upregulation nor downregulation of ROS levels significantly affected ISCs, implicating an intrinsic homeostatic range of ROS in ISCs. Interestingly, we observed similar moderately elevated ROS levels in both tumor-like ISCs induced by Notch (N) depletion and extracellular matrix (ECM)-deprived ISCs induced by β-integrin (mys) depletion. Elevated ROS levels further promoted the proliferation of tumor-like ISCs while reduced ROS levels suppressed the hyperproliferation phenotype; on the other hand, further increased ROS facilitated the survival of ECM-deprived ISCs while reduced ROS exacerbated the loss of ECM-deprived ISCs. However, N- and mys-depleted ISCs, which resembled metastatic tumor cells, harbored even higher ROS levels and were subjected to more severe cell loss, which could be partially prevented by ectopic supply of antioxidant enzymes, implicating a delicate pro-surviving and proliferating range of ROS levels for ISCs. Taken together, our results revealed stem cells can differentially respond to distinct ROS levels under various conditions and suggested that the antioxidant-based intervention of stem cells and tumors should be formulated with caution according to the specific situations.

Lactoferrin in the Prevention and Treatment of Intestinal Inflammatory Pathologies Associated with Colorectal Cancer Development

The connection between inflammation and cancer is well-established and supported by genetic, pharmacological and epidemiological data. The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, have been described as important promoters for colorectal cancer development. Risk factors include environmental and food-borne mutagens, dysbalance of intestinal microbiome composition and chronic intestinal inflammation, with loss of intestinal epithelial barrier and enhanced cell proliferation rate. Therapies aimed at shutting down mucosal inflammatory response represent the foundation for IBDs treatment. However, when applied for long periods, they can alter the immune system and promote microbiome dysbiosis and carcinogenesis. Therefore, it is imperative to find new safe substances acting as both potent anti-inflammatory and anti-pathogen agents. Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein essential in innate immunity, is generally recognized as safe and used as food supplement due to its multifunctionality. Lf possesses a wide range of immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties against different aseptic and septic inflammatory pathologies, including IBDs. Moreover, Lf exerts anti-adhesive, anti-invasive and anti-survival activities against several microbial pathogens that colonize intestinal mucosa of IBDs patients. This review focuses on those activities of Lf potentially useful for the prevention/treatment of intestinal inflammatory pathologies associated with colorectal cancer development.

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Its Counteractive Utility in Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

An altered redox status accompanied by an elevated generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) has been implicated in a number of diseases including colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC, being one of the most common cancers worldwide, has been reported to be associated with multiple environmental and lifestyle factors (e.g., dietary habits, obesity, and physical inactivity) and harboring heightened oxidative stress that results in genomic instability. Although under normal condition ROS regulate many signal transduction pathways including cell proliferation and survival, overwhelming of the antioxidant capacity due to metabolic abnormalities and oncogenic signaling leads to a redox adaptation response that imparts drug resistance. Nevertheless, excessive reliance on elevated production of ROS makes the tumor cells increasingly vulnerable to further ROS insults, and the abolition of such drug resistance through redox perturbation could be instrumental to preferentially eliminate them. The goal of this review is to demonstrate the evidence that links redox stress to the development of CRC and assimilate the most up-to-date information that would facilitate future investigation on CRC-associated redox biology. Concomitantly, we argue that the exploitation of this distinct biochemical property of CRC cells might offer a fresh avenue to effectively eradicate these cells.

Recent advances in ultrathin two-dimensional materials and biomedical applications for reactive oxygen species generation and scavenging

Graphene and graphene-like two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as black phosphorus (BP), transition metal carbides/carbonitrides (MXene) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), have been extensively studied in recent years due to their unique physical and chemical properties. With atomic-scale thickness, these 2D materials and their derivatives can react with ROS and even scavenge ROS in the dark. With excellent biocompatibility and biosafety, they show great application potential in the antioxidant field and ROS detection for diagnosis. They can also generate ROS under light and be applied in antibacterial, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and other biomedical fields. Understanding the degradation mechanism of 2D nanomaterials by ROS generated under ambient conditions is crucial to developing air stable devices and expanding their application ranges. In this review, we summarize recent advances in 2D materials with a focus on the relationship between their intrinsic structure and the ROS scavenging or generating ability. We have also highlighted important guidelines for the design and synthesis of highly efficient ROS scavenging or generating 2D materials along with their biomedical applications.

Pomegranate: Nutraceutical with Promising Benefits on Human Health

Pomegranate is an old plant made up by flowers, roots, fruits and leaves, native to Central Asia and principally cultivated in the Mediterranean and California (although now widespread almost all over the globe). The current use of this precious plant regards not only the exteriority of the fruit (employed also for ornamental purpose) but especially the nutritional and, still potential, health benefits that come out from the various parts composing this one (carpellary membranes, arils, seeds and bark). Indeed, the phytochemical composition of the fruit abounds in compounds (flavonoids, ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins, mineral salts, vitamins, lipids, organic acids) presenting a significant biological and nutraceutical value. For these reasons, pomegranate interest is increased over the years as the object of study for many research groups, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. Specifically, in-depth studies of its biological and functional properties and the research of new formulations could be applied to a wide spectrum of diseases including neoplastic, cardiovascular, viral, inflammatory, metabolic, microbial, intestinal, reproductive and skin diseases. In this review, considering the increasing scientific and commercial interest of nutraceuticals, we reported an update of the investigations concerning the health-promoting properties of pomegranate and its bioactive compounds against principal human pathologies.

Helminth infection-induced carcinogenesis: spectrometric insights from the liver flukes, Opisthorchis and Fasciola

Earlier reports revealed oxysterol metabolites of Opisthorchis spp. liver fluke origin conjugated with DNA bases, suggesting that the generation of these DNA-adducts may underlie the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of the infection with these food-borne pathogens. Here, we employed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to investigate, compare and contrast spectrograms of soluble extracts from Fasciola hepatica adult worms from bile ducts of cattle with those from O. viverrini and O.felineus from experimentally infected hamsters. F. hepatica and Opisthorchis spp. shared common compounds including oxysterol-like metabolites, bile acids and DNA-adducts, but the spectrometric profiles of F. hepatica included far fewer compounds than Opisthorchis species. These findings support the postulate that parasitic oxysterol-like metabolites could be related to carcinogenesis associated to infection and they point to a molecular basis for the differences among major groups of liver flukes concerning infection-induced malignancy.

Nitrative DNA damage in lung epithelial cells exposed to indium nanoparticles and indium ions

Indium compounds have been widely used in manufacturing displays of mobile phones, computers and televisions. However, inhalation exposure to indium compounds causes interstitial pneumonia in exposed workers and lung cancer in experimental animals. 8-Nitroguanine (8-nitroG) is a mutagenic DNA lesion formed under inflammatory conditions and may participate in indium-induced carcinogenesis. In this study, we examined 8-nitroG formation in A549 cultured human lung epithelial cells treated with indium compounds, including nanoparticles of indium oxide (In₂O₃) and indium-tin oxide (ITO), and indium chloride (InCl₃). We performed fluorescent immunocytochemistry to examine 8-nitroG formation in indium-exposed A549 cells. All indium compounds significantly increased 8-nitroG formation in A549 cells at 5 ng/ml after 4 h incubation. 8-NitroG formation was largely reduced by 1400 W, methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MBCD) and monodansylcadaverine (MDC), suggesting the involvement of nitric oxide synthase and endocytosis. 8-NitroG formation in A549 cells was also largely suppressed by small interfering RNA (siRNA) for high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), receptor for advanced glycation and end products (AGER, RAGE) and Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). These results suggest that indium compounds induce inflammation-mediated DNA damage in lung epithelial cells via the HMGB1-RAGE-TLR9 pathway. This mechanism may contribute to indium-induced genotoxicity in the respiratory system.

Agnostic Cys34-albumin adductomics and DNA methylation: Implication of N-acetylcysteine in lung carcinogenesis years before diagnosis

Although smoking and oxidative stress are known contributors to lung carcinogenesis, their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. To shed light into these mechanisms, we applied a novel approach using Cys34-adductomics in a lung cancer nested case-control study (n = 212). Adductomics profiles were integrated with DNA-methylation data at established smoking-related CpG sites measured in the same individuals. Our analysis identified 42 Cys34-albumin adducts, of which 2 were significantly differentially abundant in cases and controls: adduct of N-acetylcysteine (NAC, p = 4.15 × 10-3 ) and of cysteinyl-glycine (p = 7.89 × 10-3 ). Blood levels of the former were found associated to the methylation levels at 11 smoking-related CpG sites. We detect, for the first time in prospective blood samples, and irrespective of time to diagnosis, decreased levels of NAC adduct in lung cancer cases. Altogether, our results highlight the potential role of these adducts in the oxidative stress response contributing to lung carcinogenesis years before diagnosis.

Wine Consumption and Oral Cavity Cancer: Friend or Foe, Two Faces of Janus

The health benefits of moderate wine consumption have been extensively studied during the last few decades. Some studies have demonstrated protective associations between moderate drinking and several diseases including oral cavity cancer (OCC). However, due to the various adverse effects related to ethanol content, the recommendation of moderate wine consumption has been controversial. The polyphenolic components of wine contribute to its beneficial effects with different biological pathways, including antioxidant, lipid regulating and anti-inflammatory effects. On the other hand, in the oral cavity, ethanol is oxidized to form acetaldehyde, a metabolite with genotoxic properties. This review is a critical compilation of both the beneficial and the detrimental effects of wine consumption on OCC.

Pathways of 4-Hydroxy-2-Nonenal Detoxification in a Human Astrocytoma Cell Line

One of the consequences of the increased level of oxidative stress that often characterizes the cancer cell environment is the abnormal generation of lipid peroxidation products, above all 4-hydroxynonenal. The contribution of this aldehyde to the pathogenesis of several diseases is well known. In this study, we characterized the ADF astrocytoma cell line both in terms of its pattern of enzymatic activities devoted to 4-hydroxynonenal removal and its resistance to oxidative stress induced by exposure to hydrogen peroxide. A comparison with lens cell lines, which, due to the ocular function, are normally exposed to oxidative conditions is reported. Our results show that, overall, ADF cells counteract oxidative stress conditions better than normal cells, thus confirming the redox adaptation demonstrated for several cancer cells. In addition, the markedly high level of NADP⁺-dependent dehydrogenase activity acting on the glutahionyl-hydroxynonanal adduct detected in ADF cells may promote, at the same time, the detoxification and recovery of cell-reducing power in these cells.

Enzymatic Synthesis of Ricinoleyl Hydroxamic Acid Based on Commercial Castor Oil, Cytotoxicity Properties and Application as a New Anticancer Agent

BACKGROUND

New anticancer agents that rely on natural/healthy, not synthetic/toxic, components are very much needed.

METHODS

Ricinoleyl hydroxamic acid (RHA) was synthesized from castor oil and hydroxylamine using Lipozyme TL IM as a catalyst. To optimize the conversion, the effects of the following parameters were investigated: type of organic solvent, period of reaction, amount of enzyme, the molar ratio of reactants and temperature. The highest conversion was obtained when the reaction was carried out under the following conditions: hexane as a solvent; reaction period of 48 hours; 120 mg of Lipozyme TL IM/3 mmol oil; HA-oil ratio of 19 mmol HA/3 mmol oil; and temperature of 40°C. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized RHA was assessed using human dermal fibroblasts (HDF), and its application towards fighting cancer was assessed using melanoma and glioblastoma cancer cells over a duration of 24 and 48 hours.

RESULTS

RHA was successfully synthesized  and it demonstrated strong anticancer activity against glioblastoma and melanoma cells at as low as a 1 µg/mL concentration while it did not demonstrate any toxicity against HDF cells.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on the synthesis of RHA with great potential to be used as a new anticancer agent.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Biliary Tract Cancer-An Up-to-Date Review

The term long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) describes non protein-coding transcripts with a length greater than 200 base pairs. The ongoing discovery, characterization and functional categorization of lncRNAs has led to a better understanding of the involvement of lncRNAs in diverse biological and pathological processes including cancer. Aberrant expression of specific lncRNA species was demonstrated in various cancer types and associated with unfavorable clinical characteristics. Recent studies suggest that lncRNAs are also involved in the development and progression of biliary tract cancer, a rare disease with high mortality and limited therapeutic options. In this review, we summarize current findings regarding the manifold roles of lncRNAs in biliary tract cancer and give an overview of the clinical and molecular consequences of aberrant lncRNA expression as well as of underlying regulatory functions of selected lncRNA species in the context of biliary tract cancer.