Dexamethasone affects cell growth/apoptosis/chemosensitivity of colon cancer via glucocorticoid receptor α/NF-κB

Comparative In Vitro Study between Biocompatible Chitosan-Based Magnetic Nanocapsules and Liposome Formulations with Potential Application in Anti-Inflammatory Therapy

This study describes the comparison between the interaction of a series of peptide-functionalized chitosan-based nanocapsules and liposomes with two cell lines, i.e., mouse macrophages RAW 264.7 and human endothelial cells EA.hy926. Both types of nanocarriers are loaded with magnetic nanoparticles and designed for anti-inflammatory therapy. The choice of these magnetic nanostructures is argued based on their advantages in terms of size, morphology, chemical composition, and the multiple possibilities of modifying their surface. Moreover, active targeting might be ensured by using an external magnetic field. To explore the impact of chitosan-based nanocapsules and liposomes on cell cytophysiology, the cell viability, using the MTT assay, and cell morphology were investigated. The results revealed low to moderate cytotoxicity of free nanocapsules and significant cytotoxicity induced by chitosan-coated liposomes loaded with dexamethasone, confirming its release from the delivery system. Thus, after 48 h of treatment with nanocapsules, the viability of RAW 264.7 cells varied between 88.18% (OCNPM-1I, 3.125 µg/mL) and 76.37% (OCNPM-1, 25 µg/mL). In the same conditions, EA.hy926 cell viability was between 99.91% (OCNPM-3, 3.125 µg/mL) and 75.15% (OCNPM-3, 25 µg/mL) at the highest dose (25 µg/mL), the values being comparable for both cell lines. Referring to the cell reactivity after dexamethasone-loaded liposome application, the lowest viability of RAW 264.7 cells was 41.25% (CLDM5CP-1, 25 µg/mL) and 58.20% (CLDMM2CP-1 1.25 µg/mL) in the endothelial cell line, proving a selective character of action of nanocarriers. The cell morphology test, performed to support and confirm the results obtained by the MTT test, revealed a differentiated response for the two types of nano-carriers. As expected, an intense cytotoxic effect in the case of dexamethasone-loaded liposomes and a lack of cytotoxicity for drug-free nanocapsules were noticed. Therefore, our study demonstrated the biocompatible feature of the studied nanocarriers, which highlights them for future research as potential drug delivery systems for pharmacological applications, including anti-inflammatory therapy.

Mometasone furoate inhibits tumor progression and promotes apoptosis through activation of the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in adolescents. While treatments for osteosarcoma have improved, the overall survival has not changed for three decades, and thus, new targets for therapeutic development are needed. Recently, glucocorticoids have been reported to have antitumor effects. Mometasone furoate (MF), a synthetic glucocorticoid, is of great value in clinical application, but there are few reports on its antitumor effect. Here, we verified the effect of MF on osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis and cell metastasis were detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, flow cytometry, wound-healing and transwell assays, respectively. In vivo, we generated a xenograft mouse model. To examine the potential role of the AMPK pathway, an AMPK-specific inhibitor (dorsomorphin) was used. The expression levels of factors related to the cell cycle, apoptosis and activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway were assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. MF inhibited proliferation and metastasis and induced S phase arrest and apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, MF effectively inhibited osteosarcoma cell growth and pulmonary metastasis; however, it had no negative effect on the internal organs. Additionally, MF could activate the AMPK/mTOR pathway in osteosarcoma. Dorsomorphin significantly attenuated MF-induced antitumor activities. In summary, MF can inhibit osteosarcoma proliferation and metastasis and promote osteosarcoma cell apoptosis through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo, which can provide a new rationale for subsequent academic and clinical research on osteosarcoma treatment.

Mechanistic Understanding of Dexamethasone-Mediated Protection against Remdesivir-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Remdesivir (RDV), a broad-spectrum antiviral agent, is often used together with dexamethasone (DEX) for hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring respiratory support. Potential hepatic adverse drug reaction is a safety concern associated with the use of RDV. We previously reported that DEX cotreatment effectively mitigates RDV-induced hepatotoxicity and reduces elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in cultured human primary hepatocytes (HPH) and hospitalized COVID-19 patients, respectively. Yet, the precise mechanism behind this protective drug-drug interaction remains largely unknown. Here, we show that through the activation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) signaling, RDV induces apoptosis (cleavage of caspases 8, 9, and 3), autophagy (increased autophagosome and LC3-II), and mitochondrial damages (decreased membrane potential, respiration, ATP levels, and increased expression of Bax and the released cytosolic cytochrome C) in HPH. Importantly, cotreatment with DEX partially reversed RDV-induced apoptosis, autophagy, and cell death. Mechanistically, DEX deactivates/dephosphorylates p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 signaling by enhancing the expression of dual specificity protein phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase, in a glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-dependent manner. Knockdown of GR in HPH attenuates DEX-mediated DUSP1 induction, MAPK dephosphorylation, as well as protection against RDV-induced hepatotoxicity. Collectively, our findings suggest a molecular mechanism by which DEX modulates the GR-DUSP1-MAPK regulatory axis to alleviate the adverse actions of RDV in the liver. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The research uncovers the molecular mechanisms by which dexamethasone safeguards against remdesivir-associated liver damage in the context of COVID-19 treatment.

Deciphering Glioblastoma: Fundamental and Novel Insights into the Biology and Therapeutic Strategies of Gliomas

Gliomas constitute a diverse and complex array of tumors within the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by a wide range of prognostic outcomes and responses to therapeutic interventions. This literature review endeavors to conduct a thorough investigation of gliomas, with a particular emphasis on glioblastoma (GBM), beginning with their classification and epidemiological characteristics, evaluating their relative importance within the CNS tumor spectrum. We examine the immunological context of gliomas, unveiling the intricate immune environment and its ramifications for disease progression and therapeutic strategies. Moreover, we accentuate critical developments in understanding tumor behavior, focusing on recent research breakthroughs in treatment responses and the elucidation of cellular signaling pathways. Analyzing the most novel transcriptomic studies, we investigate the variations in gene expression patterns in glioma cells, assessing the prognostic and therapeutic implications of these genetic alterations. Furthermore, the role of epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of gliomas is underscored, suggesting that such changes are fundamental to tumor evolution and possible therapeutic advancements. In the end, this comparative oncological analysis situates GBM within the wider context of neoplasms, delineating both distinct and shared characteristics with other types of tumors.

Glucocorticoid receptor mediated sensitization of colon cancer to photodynamic therapy induced cell death

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved, non-invasive alternate cancer therapy. A synthetic glucocorticoid (GC), dexamethasone (Dex) has previously been demonstrated to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy. However, to the best of our knowledge, the sensitization effect of GCs on PDT has not yet been investigated. We hypothesized that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) targeting can selectively make cancer cells more sensitive to PDT treatment, as PDT induces hypoxia wherein GR-activity gets enhanced. In addition, Dex was reported to act against the PDT-induced cell survival pathways like HIF-1α, NRF2, NF-κB, STAT3 etc. Thus, both the treatments can complement each other and may result in increasing the effectiveness of combination therapy. Hence, in this study, we developed liposomal formulations of our previously reported PDT agent P-Nap, either alone (D1P-Nap) or in combination with Dex (D1XP-Nap) to elucidate the sensitization effect. Interestingly, our RT-PCR results in hypoxic conditions showed down-regulation of HIF-1α and over expression of GR-activated genes for glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and PEPCK enzymes, indicating prominent GR-transactivation. We also observed higher phototoxicity in CT26.WT cells treated with D1XP-Nap PDT under hypoxic conditions as compared to normoxic conditions. These effects were reversed when cells were pre-treated with RU486, a competitive inhibitor of GCs. Moreover, our in vivo findings of subcutaneous tumor model of Balb/C mice for colon cancer revealed a significant decrease in tumor volume as well as considerable enhancement in the survivability of PDT treated tumor-bearing mice when Dex was present in the formulation. A high Bax/Bcl-xL ratio, high p53 expression, enhanced E-cadherin expression and down-regulation of pro-tumorigenic transcription factors NF-κB and c-Myc were found in tumor lysates from mice treated with D1XP-Nap under PDT, indicating GR-mediated sensitization of the tumor to PDT-induced cell death and enhancement of life-span for tumor bearing mice.

Imatinib prevents dexamethasone-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis via decreased TRAIL and DR5

Prolonged administration of dexamethasone, a potent anti-inflammatory drug, can lead to steroid-induced diabetes. Imatinib, a medication commonly prescribed for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), has been shown to improve diabetes in CML patients. Our recent study demonstrated that dexamethasone induces pancreatic β-cell apoptosis by upregulating the expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its receptor, death receptor 5 (DR5). We hypothesized that imatinib may protect against dexamethasone-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis by reducing the expression of TRAIL and DR5, thereby favorably modulating downstream effectors in apoptotic pathways. We test this hypothesis by assessing the effects of imatinib on dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in rat insulinoma cell line cells. As anticipated, dexamethasone treatment led to increased TRAIL and DR5 expression, as well as an elevation in superoxide production. Conversely, expression of the TRAIL decoy receptor (DcR1) was decreased. Moreover, key effectors in the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) associated X (BAX), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κb), P73, caspase 8, and caspase 9, were upregulated, while the antiapoptotic protein BCL-2 was downregulated. Interestingly and importantly, imatinib at a concentration of 10 µM reversed the effect of dexamethasone on TRAIL, DR5, DcR1, superoxide production, BAX, BCL-2, NF-κB, P73, caspase 3, caspase 8, and caspase 9. Similar effects of imatinib on dexamethasone-induced TRAIL and DR5 expression were also observed in isolated mouse islets. Taken together, our findings suggest that imatinib protects against dexamethasone-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis by reducing TRAIL and DR5 expression and modulating downstream effectors in the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways.

Sex steroid hormones and DNA repair regulation: Implications on cancer treatment responses

The role of sex steroid hormones (SSHs) has been shown to modulate cancer cytotoxic treatment sensitivity. Dysregulation of DNA repair associated with genomic instability, abnormal cell survival and not only promotes cancer progression but also resistance to cancer treatment. The three major SSHs, androgen, estrogen, and progesterone, have been shown to interact with several essential DNA repair components. The presence of androgens directly regulates key molecules in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Estrogen can promote cell proliferation and DNA repair, allowing cancer cells to tolerate chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Information on the role of progesterone in DNA repair is limited: progesterone interaction with some DNA repair components has been identified, but the biological significance is still unknown. Here, we review the roles of how each SSH affects DNA repair regulation and modulates response to genotoxic therapies and discuss future research that can be beneficial when combining SSHs with cancer therapy. We also provide preliminary analysis from publicly available databases defining the link between progesterone/PR and DDRs & DNA repair regulation that plausibly contribute to chemotherapy response and breast cancer patient survival.

Reactive oxygen species as mediators of disease progression and therapeutic response in colorectal cancer

Significance Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical to normal cellular function with redox homeostasis achieved by balancing ROS production with removal through detoxification mechanisms. Many of the conventional chemotherapies used to treat colorectal cancer (CRC) derive a proportion of their cytotoxicity from ROS generation and resistance to chemotherapy is associated with elevated detoxification mechanisms. Furthermore, cancer stem cells demonstrate elevated detoxification mechanisms making definitive treatment with existing chemotherapy challenging. In this article we review the roles of ROS in normal and malignant colonic cell biology and how existing and emerging therapies might harness ROS for therapeutic benefit. Recent advances Recent publications have elucidated the contribution of ROS to the cytotoxicity of conventional chemotherapy alongside the emerging approaches of photodynamic therapy (PDT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and radiodynamic therapy (RDT) in which ROS are generated in response to excitatory light, sound or X-ray stimuli to promote cancer cell apoptosis. Critical issues The majority of patients with metastatic CRC have a very poor prognosis with 5-year survival of approximately 13% making the need for new or more effective treatments an imperative. Future Directions Modulation of ROS through a combination of new and emerging therapies may improve the efficacy of current chemotherapy providing novel approaches to treat otherwise resistant disease.

Advantages and drawbacks of dexamethasone in glioblastoma multiforme

The most widespread, malignant, and deadliest type of glial tumor is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Despite radiation, chemotherapy, and radical surgery, the median survival of afflicted individuals is about 12 months. Unfortunately, existing therapeutic interventions are abysmal. Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid, has been used for many years to treat brain edema and inflammation caused by GBM. Several investigations have recently shown that Dex also exerts antitumoral effects against GBM. On the other hand, more recent disputed findings have questioned the long-held dogma of Dex treatment for GBM. Unfortunately, steroids are associated with various undesirable side effects, including severe immunosuppression and metabolic changes like hyperglycemia, which may impair the survival of GBM patients. Current ideas and concerns about Dex's effects on GBM cerebral edema, cell proliferation, migration, and its clinical outcomes were investigated in this study.

Mice carrying an epithelial deletion of the glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1 develop a higher tumor load in experimental colitis-associated cancer

The glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1 is expressed in multiple cell types in the gut and elsewhere. Intestinal epithelial cells both produce and respond to glucocorticoids in different physiological and pathological contexts. In experimental colitis, glucocorticoids have been shown to exert a dual role, dampening inflammation while producing a deterioration in animal status, including death. Mice with tamoxifen-inducible, intestinal epithelial-specific deletion of NR3C1 (NR3C1^ΔIEC mice) are protected against experimental colitis, suggesting glucocorticoid epithelial actions are deleterious. Since glucocorticoids modulate epithelial proliferation, it follows that they may affect the development of colon cancer. In this study, we set out to test this hypothesis using the dextran sulfate sodium-azoxymethane model of colitis-associated cancer. Knockout (KO) mice were found to exhibit a twofold higher tumor load but similar incidence and tumor size. Tumors had a higher trend to extend close to the submucosal layer (36% vs. 0%) in NR3C1^ΔIEC mice, and overexpressed Lgr5, Egfr, and Myc, consistent with distinct expression of proliferative/stemness markers. Snai1 and Snai2 were upregulated specifically in tumors of NR3C1^ΔIEC mice, suggesting enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal transition in the absence of the intestinal epithelial glucocorticoid (GC) receptor. We conclude that endogenous GC epithelial signaling is involved in colitis-associated cancer.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mice carrying a tamoxifen-inducible deletion of the glucocorticoid receptor in intestinal epithelial cells (NR3C1^ΔIEC mice) and their corresponding controls were subjected to the azoxymethane-dextran sulfate sodium model of colitis-associated cancer. KO mice exhibit a twofold higher tumor load, with a higher trend to extend close to the submucosal layer (36% vs. 0%), but with similar incidence and tumor size. Colonic tumors in NR3C1^ΔIEC mice showed signs of increased neoplastic transformation and tumor-associated inflammation.

Dexamethasone Sensitizes Cancer Stem Cells to Gemcitabine and 5-Fluorouracil by Increasing Reactive Oxygen Species Production through NRF2 Reduction

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have high tumor-initiating capacity and are resistant to chemotherapeutic reagents; thus eliminating CSCs is essential to improving the prognosis. Recently, we reported that dexamethasone increases the effects of gemcitabine on pancreatic CSCs; however, the mechanism involved remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we explored the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the dexamethasone-induced chemosensitization of CSCs. Dexamethasone increased the growth-inhibitory effects of gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil, whereas N-acetyl-cysteine, a ROS scavenger, abolished this effect. Although dexamethasone alone did not increase ROS levels, dexamethasone promoted the increase in ROS levels induced by gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil. Dexamethasone treatment reduced the expression of NRF2, a key regulator of antioxidant responses, which was attenuated by siRNA-mediated knockdown of the glucocorticoid receptor. Furthermore, brusatol, a suppressor of NRF2, sensitized pancreatic CSCs to gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil. Of note, essentially, the same mechanism was functional in ovarian and colon CSCs treated by the combination of dexamethasone and chemotherapeutic agents. Our study suggests that dexamethasone can sensitize CSCs to chemotherapeutic agents by promoting chemotherapy-induced ROS production through suppressing NRF2 expression.

Novel Primary Human Cancer Stem-Like Cell Populations from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Inhibition of Cell Survival by Targeting NF-κB and MYC Signaling

There is growing evidence that cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subpopulation of self-renewal cancer cells, are responsible for tumor growth, treatment resistance, and cancer relapse and are thus of enormous clinical interest. Here, we aimed to isolate new CSC-like cells derived from human primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens and to analyze the influence of different inhibitors of NF-κB and MYC signaling on cell survival. CSC-like cells were established from three squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and three adenocarcinomas (AC) of the lung and were shown to express common CSC markers such as Prominin-1, CD44-antigen, and Nestin. Further, cells gave rise to spherical cancer organoids. Inhibition of MYC and NF-κB signaling using KJ-Pyr-9, dexamethasone, and pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate resulted in significant reductions in cell survival for SCC- and AC-derived cells. However, inhibition of the protein–protein interaction of MYC/NMYC proto-oncogenes with Myc-associated factor X (MAX) using KJ-Pyr-9 revealed the most promising survival-decreasing effects. Next to the establishment of six novel in vitro models for studying NSCLC-derived CSC-like populations, the presented investigations might provide new insights into potential novel therapies targeting NF-κB/MYC to improve clinical outcomes in NSCLC patients. Nevertheless, the full picture of downstream signaling still remains elusive.

Glucocorticoid receptor-targeted liposomal delivery system for delivering small molecule ESC8 and anti-miR-Hsp90 gene construct to combat colon cancer

High mortality rate in colon cancer patients is often attributed to late diagnosis. To overcome the conventional chemotherapy associated challenges, chemotherapeutic drugs (single or combination) or genetic drugs are often delivered using ligand-modified delivery systems that selectively target over expressed receptors or particular receptors that act abnormally in cancer cells. In the current investigation, first we assessed anti-colon cancer effect of a cationic estrogenic molecule, ESC8 which was earlier shown to act against estrogen receptor (ER) ± breast cancer cells. We found that against both colon and breast cancer cells the anticancer activity is intervened by AMPK-mTOR pathway and at the same time it acts as anti-angiogenic agent. It also showed enhancement of mesenchymal-to-epithelial (MET) transition as well as reduction of cyclin D in both cells. Earlier we demonstrated the use of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) targeted cationic liposomal delivery system carrying anti-Hsp90 plasmid and ESC8 to act as potent anti-skin cancer therapeutics. As ESC8 demonstrated anti-colon cancer effect in vitro, in here, we used the same GR-targeted liposomal formulation but carrying a more fusogenic cationic lipid D1 and used against colon tumor orthotopic model in mice. We show that GR targeted formulation (D1XE-Hsp90) exhibited efficient cellular uptake, transfection and selective cytotoxicity in colon cancer cells, tumor-targeted bio-distribution and enhanced survivability, reduced tumor size in orthotopic colon tumor-bearing mice. The tumor sections exhibited reduced tumor proliferation as well as neo-vascularization, thus supporting the holistic antitumor effect of the D1XE-Hsp90 formulation. Over all our results establish the GR-targeted D1XE-Hsp90 formulation as potent anti-colon cancer therapeutics.

Caged Dexamethasone/Quercetin Nanoparticles, Formed of the Morphogenetic Active Inorganic Polyphosphate, are Strong Inducers of MUC5AC

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a widely distributed polymer found from bacteria to animals, including marine species. This polymer exhibits morphogenetic as well as antiviral activity and releases metabolic energy after enzymatic hydrolysis also in human cells. In the pathogenesis of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the platelets are at the frontline of this syndrome. Platelets release a set of molecules, among them polyP. In addition, the production of airway mucus, the first line of body defense, is impaired in those patients. Therefore, in this study, amorphous nanoparticles of the magnesium salt of polyP (Mg-polyP-NP), matching the size of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, were prepared and loaded with the secondary plant metabolite quercetin or with dexamethasone to study their effects on the respiratory epithelium using human alveolar basal epithelial A549 cells as a model. The results revealed that both compounds embedded into the polyP nanoparticles significantly increased the steady-state-expression of the MUC5AC gene. This mucin species is the major mucus glycoprotein present in the secreted gel-forming mucus. The level of gene expression caused by quercetin or with dexamethasone, if caged into polyP NP, is significantly higher compared to the individual drugs alone. Both quercetin and dexamethasone did not impair the growth-supporting effect of polyP on A549 cells even at concentrations of quercetin which are cytotoxic for the cells. A possible mechanism of the effects of the two drugs together with polyP on mucin expression is proposed based on the scavenging of free oxygen species and the generation of ADP/ATP from the polyP, which is needed for the organization of the protective mucin-based mucus layer.

Harnessing hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles for combination therapy: A novel approach for suppressing systemic inflammation and to promote antitumor macrophage polarization

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as dexamethasone (DEX) are commonly administered to cancer patients along with anticancer drugs, however, the effect of DEX on human cancers is poorly understood. In this article, we have tailored self-assembled nanoparticles derived from hyaluronic acid (HA) wherein, anti-inflammatory DEX was used as a hydrophobic moiety for inducing amphiphilicity. The HA-DEX micelles were subsequently loaded with chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin (DOX) (HA-DEX-DOX) and was utilized to deliver drug cargo to human cancer cells expressing different levels of CD44 receptors. We found that DEX suppressed the cytotoxicity of DOX in HCT116, while it synergistically enhanced cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells. When we tested DOX and HA-DEX-DOX in an ex-vivo human whole blood, we found activation of complement and the coagulation cascade in one group of donors. Encapsulation of DOX within the nanoparticle core eliminated such deleterious side-effects. The HA-DEX-DOX also polarized bone-marrow-derived anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, to pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype with the upregulation of the cytokines TNF-α, iNOS and IL-1β.

Dexamethasone inhibits pancreatic tumor growth in preclinical models: Involvement of activating glucocorticoid receptor

Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulates extensive biological and pathological processes including tumor progression through diverse mechanisms. The regulatory effects of dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, as well as its interaction with GR have been recognized beyond hematologic cancers. In the present study, we investigated the anti-cancer efficacy of DEX and the correlation with GR in pancreatic cancer, a most aggressive malignancy threatening human health. The differential levels of GR expression were examined in two human pancreatic cancer cell lines, PANC-1 and SW1990, as well as in xenografts and patient tumor tissues. DEX significantly inhibited colony formation, migration, and tumor growth of PANC-1 cells expressing abundant GR. The underlying mechanisms involved suppression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) phosphorylation and down-regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The anti-cancer effects of DEX were partially reversed by GR silencing or combinational administration of GR antagonist, RU486. The dose-dependent efficacy of DEX in tumor growth inhibition was also demonstrated in a GR-positive patient-derived xenograft model along with safety in mice. DEX was less potent, however, in SW1990 cells with poor GR expression. Our findings suggest that DEX effectively inhibits pancreatic tumor growth partially through GR activation. The potential correlation between GR expression and anti-cancer efficacy of DEX may have some clinical implications.

Dexamethasone Loaded Liposomes by Thin-Film Hydration and Microfluidic Procedures: Formulation Challenges

Liposomes have been one of the most exploited drug delivery systems in recent decades. However, their large-scale production with low batch-to-batch differences is a challenge for industry, which ultimately delays the clinical translation of new products. We have investigated the effects of formulation parameters on the colloidal and biopharmaceutical properties of liposomes generated with a thin-film hydration approach and microfluidic procedure. Dexamethasone hemisuccinate was remotely loaded into liposomes using a calcium acetate gradient. The liposomes produced by microfluidic techniques showed a unilamellar structure, while the liposomes produced by thin-film hydration were multilamellar. Under the same remote loading conditions, a higher loading capacity and efficiency were observed for the liposomes obtained by microfluidics, with low batch-to-batch differences. Both formulations released the drug for almost one month with the liposomes prepared by microfluidics showing a slightly higher drug release in the first two days. This behavior was ascribed to the different structure of the two liposome formulations. In vitro studies showed that both formulations are non-toxic, associate to human Adult Retinal Pigment Epithelial cell line-19 (ARPE-19) cells, and efficiently reduce inflammation, with the liposomes obtained by the microfluidic technique slightly outperforming. The results demonstrated that the microfluidic technique offers advantages to generate liposomal formulations for drug-controlled release with an enhanced biopharmaceutical profile and with scalability.

Directed vertical cell migration via bifunctionalized nanomaterials in 3D step-gradient nanocomposite hydrogels

Step-gradient scaffolds promote healthy cell migration, while inhibit the migration of cancerous cells in the XZ plane of the ²GradNS.

Use of zebrafish larvae lateral line to study protection against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity: A scoping review

AIM

The present review aimed to consolidate and analyze the recent information about the use of zebrafish in studies concerning cisplatin-induced ototoxicity and otoprotection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databanks were searched using the following MESH terms: zebrafish, cisplatin, ototoxicity. The identified publications were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and the 26 qualifying manuscripts were included in the full-text analysis. The experimental protocols, including cisplatin concentrations, the exposure duration and the outcome measurements used in zebrafish larvae studies, were evaluated and the reported knowledge was summarized.

RESULTS

Twenty-six substances protecting from cisplatin-induced toxicity were identified with the use of zebrafish larvae. These substances include quinine, salvianolic acid B, berbamine 6, benzamil, quercetin, dexmedetomidine, dexamethsanone, quinoxaline, edaravone, apocynin, dimethyl sulfoxide, KR-22335, SRT1720, ORC-13661, 3-MA, D-methionine, mdivi-1, FUT-175, rapamycin, Z-LLF-CHO, ATX, NAC, CYM-5478, CHCP1, CHCP2 and leupeptin. The otoprotective effects of compounds were attributed to their anti-ROS, anti-apoptotic and cisplatin uptake-blocking properties. The broadest range of protection was achieved when the experimental flow used preconditioning with an otoprotective compound and later a co-incubation with cisplatin. Protection against a high concentration of cisplatin was observed only in protocols using short exposure times (4 and 6 h).

CONCLUSIONS

The data extracted from the selected papers confirm that despite the differences between the human and the zebra fish hearing thresholds (as affected by cisplatin), the sensory cells of zebrafish and larval zebrafish are a valuable tool which could be used: (i) for the discovery of novel otoprotective substances and compounds; (ii) to screen their side effects and (iii) to extend the knowledge on the mechanisms of cisplatin-induced inner ear damage. For future studies, the development of a consensus experimental protocol is highly recommended.

Protective effects of human umbilical cord blood‑derived mesenchymal stem cells against dexamethasone‑induced apoptotic cell death in hair follicles

Alopecia is a common and distressing condition, and developing new therapeutic agents to prevent hair loss is important. Human umbilical cord blood‑derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB‑MSCs) have been studied intensively in regenerative medicine. However, the therapeutic potential of these cells against hair loss and hair organ damage remains unclear, and the effects of hUCB‑MSC transplantation on hair loss require evaluation. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of hUCB‑MSCs on hair regression in vivo and restoration of anagen conduction on hair growth in vitro. The effects of hUCB‑MSCs were explored in mouse catagen induction models using a topical treatment of 0.1% dexamethasone to induce hair regression. Dexamethasone was also used to simulate a stress environment in vitro. The results demonstrated that hUCB‑MSCs significantly prevented hair regression induced by dexamethasone topical stimulation in vivo. Additionally, hUCB‑MSCs significantly increased the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and HaCaT cells, which are key constituent cells of the hair follicle. Stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor secretion and decreased expression of DKK‑1 by hUCB‑MSCs were also observed in hDPCs. Restoration of cell viability by hUCB‑MSCs suggested that these cells exerted a protective effect on glucocorticoid stress‑associated hair loss. In addition, anti‑apoptotic effects and regulation of the autophagic flux recovery were observed in HaCaT cells. The results of the present study indicated that hUCB‑MSCs may have the capacity to protect hair follicular dermal papilla cells and keratinocytes, thus preventing hair loss. Additionally, the protective effects of hUCB‑MSCs may be resistant to dysregulation of autophagy under harmful stress.

Synergistic effect of halofuginone and dexamethasone on LPS‑induced acute lung injury in type II alveolar epithelial cells and a rat model

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by neutrophilic infiltration, uncontrolled oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. Despite various therapeutic regimes having been performed, there remains no effective pharmacotherapy available to treat ALI. Halofuginone (HF), a ketone isolated from Dichroa febrifuga, exhibits significant anti‑inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. Dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, has been routinely used as an adjuvant therapy in treating inflammatory diseases, including ALI. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the combination of HF and DEX in the treatment of ALI. The present results suggested that the simultaneous administration of HF and DEX markedly decreased the level of pro‑inflammatory cytokines and increased the level of anti‑inflammatory cytokines, as assessed by western blot analysis. In addition, HF and DEX effectively decreased nuclear factor‑κB activity via suppressing the phosphorylation of P65 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiC) and lung tissues extracted from ALI rats, as determined by immunofluorescence. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that the combination of HF and DEX in LPS‑induced ALI rats defended against lung fibrosis, perivascular inflammation, congestion and edema of pulmonary alveoli, as assessed by histopathological analysis, TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry assay. Taken together, the present study indicated the synergistic effect of HF and DEX on LPS‑induced ALI in HPAEpiC cells and a rat model. These results offer a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of ALI.

Role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer

The NF-κB signaling pathway is a key regulator of CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, inflammation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Over-activation of the NF-κB pathway is a feature of colorectal cancer (CRC). While new combinatorial treatments have improved overall patient outcome; quality of life, cost of care, and patient survival rate have seen little improvement. Suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway using biological or specific pharmacological inhibitors is a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of colon cancer. This review summarizes the regulatory role of NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of CRC for a better understanding and hence a better management of the disease.

G1/S cell cycle regulators mediate effects of circadian dysregulation on tumor growth and provide targets for timed anticancer treatment

Circadian disruption has multiple pathological consequences, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. To address such mechanisms, we subjected transformed cultured cells to chronic circadian desynchrony (CCD), mimicking a chronic jet-lag scheme, and assayed a range of cellular functions. The results indicated a specific circadian clock–dependent increase in cell proliferation. Transcriptome analysis revealed up-regulation of G1/S phase transition genes (myelocytomatosis oncogene cellular homolog [Myc], cyclin D1/3, chromatin licensing and DNA replication factor 1 [Cdt1]), concomitant with increased phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma (RB) protein by cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 and increased G1-S progression. Phospho-RB (Ser807/811) was found to oscillate in a circadian fashion and exhibit phase-shifted rhythms in circadian desynchronized cells. Consistent with circadian regulation, a CDK4/6 inhibitor approved for cancer treatment reduced growth of cultured cells and mouse tumors in a time-of-day–specific manner. Our study identifies a mechanism that underlies effects of circadian disruption on tumor growth and underscores the use of treatment timed to endogenous circadian rhythms.

A study of “jet-lagged” cells reveals a specific molecular mechanism regulating cell proliferation that it impacted by circadian disruption, underscoring the importance of administering anti-cancer treatment at a specific time of day.

Circadian misalignment caused by altered sleep–wake cycles, shift work, or frequent jet lag increases susceptibility to several disorders, including cancer. However, the mechanisms by which circadian disruption contributes to disease are not well understood, and so we addressed this issue by investigating the molecular, cellular, and biochemical consequences of chronic circadian desynchronization. Our studies using cancer cell or tumor tissue models show that chronic circadian desynchronization induces multiple oncogenic pathways to promote cell proliferation. In particular, chronic circadian desynchronization promotes phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma (RB) protein, thereby favoring G1/S phase cell cycle progression. Consistent with these findings, the antiproliferative activity of a selective inhibitor of the enzyme that phosphorylates RB has time-of-day–specific effects on cancer cells and mouse tumors, but this time dependence is abrogated by chronic jet-lag conditions. These data suggest a circadian regulation of G1/S cell cycle progression and provide an important molecular rationale for time-of-day–specific treatment of cancer patients, also known as chronotherapy.

Novel Insights into MSK1 Phosphorylation by MRKβ in Intracerebral Hemorrhage-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis

Neuronal apoptosis is regarded as one of the most important pathophysiological changes of intracerebral hemorrhagic (ICH) stroke—a major public health problem that leads to high mortality rates and functional dependency. Mitogen-and stress-activated kinase (MSK) 1 is implicated in various biological functions in different cell types, including proliferation, tumorigenesis and responses to stress. Our previous study showed that MSK1 phosphorylation (p-MSK1) is related to the regulation of LPS-induced astrocytic inflammation, and possibly acts as a negative regulator of inflammation. In this study, we identified a specific interaction between MSK1 and MRKβ (MLK-related kinase)—a member of the MAPK pathway—during neuronal apoptosis. In an ICH rat model, western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that both MRKβ and phosphorylation of MSK1 (p-MSK1 Ser376) were significantly upregulated in cells surrounding the hematoma. Triple-immunofluorescent labeling demonstrated the co-localization of MRKβ and p-MSK1 in neurons, but not astrocytes. Furthermore, MRKβ was partially transported into the nucleus, and interacted with p-MSK1 in hemin-treated neurons. Immunoprecipitation showed that MRKβ and p-MSK1 exhibited an enhanced interaction during the pathophysiology process. Utilizing small interfering RNAs to knockdown MRKβ or MSK1, we verified that MSK1 Ser376 is a phosphorylation site targeted by MRKβ. We also observed that the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 at Ser276 was mediated by the MRKβ-p-MSK1 complex. Furthermore, it was found that the neuronal apoptosis marker, active caspase-3, was co-localized with MRKβ and p-MSK1. In addition, flow cytometry analysis revealed that knockdown of MRKβ or MSK1 specifically resulted in increased neuronal apoptosis, which suggested that the MRKβ-p-MSK1 complex might exert a neuroprotective function against ICH-induced neuronal apoptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that MRKβ translocated into the nucleus and phosphorylated MSK1 to protect neurons via phosphorylation of p65—a subunit of nuclear factor κB.

Signal interaction between the tumour and inflammatory cells in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: Implications for treatment

Over the last 15 years there has been a change in how we understand the impact of the interaction between the tumour and the host on cancer outcomes. From the simplistic view that the make-up of tumours cells largely determines their aggressiveness to a more complex view that the interaction between the products of tumour and host cell signal transduction pathways is crucial in determining whether the tumour cell is eliminated or survives in the host. Of the host cells, those with an immune/inflammatory function are most well documented to inhibit or promote tumour cell proliferation and dissemination. It is only in the last few years that there has been greater recognition of the impact of intracellular, cellular and systemic immune/inflammatory phenotypes on patient outcomes independent of current tumour staging and that these phenotypes are useful in informing oncological research and practice. In the present review we will examine the importance of inflammatory phenotypes at the intra-cellular, cellular and systemic levels on outcomes in patients with gastrointestinal cancer with focus on colorectal cancer. Based on these phenotypes we will examine and discuss the prospects for therapeutic intervention.