Aloin Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells by Regulating NOX2-ROS-Mediated Pro-Survival Signal Pathways

Novel thiosemicarbazide-based β-carboline derivatives as α-glucosidase inhibitors: Synthesis and biological evaluation

In the quest for potent α-glucosidase inhibitors to combat diabetes, a series of novel thiosemicarbazide-based β-carboline derivatives (CTL1∼36) were synthesized and evaluated. CTL1∼36 exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase, with IC50 values ranging from 2.81 to 12.40 μM, significantly surpassing the positive control acarbose (IC50 = 564.28 μM). Notably, CTL26 demonstrated the most potent inhibition (IC50 = 2.81 μM) and was characterized as a non-competitive inhibitor. Through a combination assay with fluorescence quenching, 3D fluorescence spectra, CD spectra, and molecular docking, we elucidated that CTL26 formed a complex with α-glucosidase via hydrogen bondings and hydrophobic interactions, leading to α-glucosidase conformation changes that impaired enzymatic activity. In vivo studies revealed that oral administration of CTL26 (25 and 50 mg/kg/d) reduced fasting blood glucose levels, enhanced glucose tolerance, and ameliorated lipid abnormalities in diabetic mice. These findings positioned CTL26 as a promising candidate for the development of α-glucosidase inhibitors with anti-diabetic potential.

Aloe vera-An Extensive Review Focused on Recent Studies

Since ancient times, Aloe vera L. (AV) has attracted scientific interest because of its multiple cosmetic and medicinal properties, attributable to compounds present in leaves and other parts of the plant. The collected literature data show that AV and its products have a beneficial influence on human health, both by topical and oral use, as juice or an extract. Several scientific studies demonstrated the numerous biological activities of AV, including, for instance, antiviral, antimicrobial, antitumor, and antifungal. Moreover, its important antidepressant activity in relation to several diseases, including skin disorders (psoriasis, acne, and so on) and prediabetes, is a growing field of research. This comprehensive review intends to present the most significant and recent studies regarding the plethora of AV's biological activities and an in-depth analysis exploring the component/s responsible for them. Moreover, its morphology and chemical composition are described, along with some studies regarding the single components of AV available in commerce. Finally, valorization studies and a discussion about the metabolism and toxicological aspects of this "Wonder Plant" are reported.

Access to Chiral β-Boryl δ-Lactones via NHC-Catalyzed [4 + 2] Annulation

We report a carbene-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation of activated esters and β-borate enones, providing an efficient method to build enantioenriched organoborones with two consecutive stereogenic centers. It is worth noting that this protocol represents a new organocatalytic manner to generate chiral β-C-B bonds. Moreover, it also greatly enriches the structural diversity of the chiral organoboron compounds.

Aloin Attenuates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice: Possible Role of TGF-β/Smad Signaling

Liver fibrosis refers to the excessive buildup of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in liver tissue. It is considered a pathological response to liver damage for which there is no effective treatment. Aloin, an anthraquinone compound isolated from the aloe plant, has shown good pharmacological effects in the treatment of gastric cancer, ulcerative colitis, myocardial hypertrophy, traumatic brain injury, and other diseases; however, its specific impact on liver fibrosis remains unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a study to explore the mechanisms underlying the potential antifibrotic effect of aloin. We constructed a mouse liver fibrosis model using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) dissolved in olive oil as a modeling drug. Additionally, a cellular model was developed by using transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) as a stimulus applied to hepatic stellate cells. After aloin intervention, serum alanine aminotransferase, hepatic hydroxyproline, and serum aspartate aminotransferase were reduced in mice after aloin intervention compared to CCl4-mediated liver injury without aloin intervention. Aloin relieved the oxidative stress caused by CCl4 via reducing hepatic malondialdehyde in liver tissue and increasing the level of superoxide dismutase. Aloin treatment decreased interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α and increased the expression of IL-10, which inhibited the inflammatory response in liver injury. In addition, aloin inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells and reduced the level of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I. In cell and animal experiments, aloin attenuated liver fibrosis, acting through the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, and mitigated CCl4- and TGF-β1-induced inflammation. Thus, the findings of this study provided theoretical data support and a new possible treatment strategy for liver fibrosis.

Comparison with gastric cancer-associated genes reveals the role of ferroptosis-related genes in eosinophils of asthma patients: A bioinformatic study

Ferroptosis-inducing agents (FIAs) induced lipid-peroxidation-independent ferroptosis in eosinophils, thus ameliorating airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. Differences in ferroptosis-related genes (FerrGs) between eosinophils and cells in which FIAs induce canonical ferroptosis are supposed to contribute to this noncanonical ferroptosis but remain unclear. This study aims to explore these differences. This study used gastric cancer cells (GCCs) in stomach adenocarcinoma as the representative of cells in which FIAs induce canonical ferroptosis. FerrGs in Ferroptosis Database V2 respectively intersected with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of eosinophils (E-MTAB-4660 dataset) and GCCs (GEPIA2 Stomach adenocarcinoma dataset) to obtain original ferroptosis DEGs (FerrDEGs). Then, they were subjected to Venn analysis to identify FerrDEGs shared by them and FerrDEGs exclusively expressed in eosinophils or GCCs. Identified genes were subjected to functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interactions analysis, Hub genes analysis, and construction of the LncRNA-mediated ceRNA network. Sixty-six original FerrDEGs in eosinophils and 110 original FerrDEGs in GCCs were obtained. Venn analysis identified that eosinophils and GCCs shared 19 FerrDEGs that presented opposite expression directions and were involved in the ferroptosis pathway. Four upregulated and 20 downregulated FerrDEGs were exclusively expressed in eosinophils and GCCs, respectively. The former were enriched only in glycerolipid metabolism, while the latter were not enriched in pathways. Forty downregulated and 68 upregulated FerrDEGs were solely expressed in eosinophils and GCCs, respectively. The former was associated with the FoxO signaling pathway; the latter was related to glutathione metabolism and they were all implicated in autophagy. PPI analysis shows that the top 10 Hub genes of 66 original FerrDEGs and 44 exclusive FerrDEGs in eosinophils shared 9 genes (STAT3, NFE2L2, MAPK8, PTEN, MAPK3, TLR4, SIRT1, BECN1, and PTGS2) and they were also involved in the FoxO signaling pathway and autophagy pathway. Among them, PTEN is involved in forming a ceRNA network containing 3 LncRNAs, 3 miRNAs and 3 mRNAs. In contrast to FerrGs in cells in which FIAs induce canonical ferroptosis, the FerrGs in eosinophils differ in expression and in the regulation of ferroptosis, FoxO signaling pathway, and autophagy. It lays the groundwork for targeted induction of eosinophils lipid-peroxidation-independent ferroptosis in asthma.

Extracellular matrix in synovium development, homeostasis and arthritis disease

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional network entity composed of extracellular macromolecules. ECM in synovium not only supports the structural integrity of synovium, but also plays a crucial role in regulating homeostasis and damage repair response in synovium. Obvious disorders in the composition, behavior and function of synovial ECM will lead to the occurrence and development of arthritis diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Based on the importance of synovial ECM, targeted regulation of the composition and structure of ECM is considered to be an effective measure for the treatment of arthritis disease. This paper reviews the current research status of synovial ECM biology, discusses the role and mechanism of synovial ECM in physiological status and arthritis disease, and summarizes the current strategies for targeting synovial ECM to provide information for the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of arthritis disease.

Mitochondrial ROS driven by NOX4 upregulation promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell survival after incomplete radiofrequency ablation by inducing of mitophagy via Nrf2/PINK1

BACKGROUND

The recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) remains a major clinical problem. Cells that survive the sublethal heat stress that is induced by incomplete RFA are the main source of HCC relapse. Heat stress has long been reported to increase intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Although ROS can induce apoptosis, a pro-survival effect of ROS has also been demonstrated. However, the role of ROS in HCC cells exposed to sublethal heat stress remains unclear.

METHODS

HepG2 and HuH7 cells were used for this experiment. Insufficient RFA was performed in cells and in a xenograft model. ROS and antioxidant levels were measured. Apoptosis was analyed by Annexin-V/PI staining and flow cytometry. Protein expression was measured using western blotting. Colocalization of lysosomes and mitochondria was analyzed to assess mitophagy. Corresponding activators or inhibitors were applied to verify the function of specific objectives.

RESULTS

Here,we showed that sublethal heat stress induced a ROS burst, which caused acute oxidative stress. This ROS burst was generated by mitochondria, and it was initiated by upregulated NOX4 expression in the mitochondria. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) decreased HCC cell survival under sublethal heat stress conditions in vivo and in vitro. NOX4 triggers the production of mitochondrial ROS (mtROS), and NOX4 inhibitors or siNOX4 also decreased HCC cell survival under sublethal heat stress conditions in vitro. Increased mtROS trigger PINK1-dependent mitophagy to eliminate the mitochondria that are damaged by sublethal heat stress and to protect cells from apoptosis. Nrf2 expression was elevated in response to this ROS burst and mediated the ROS burst-induced increase in PINK1 expression after sublethal heat stress.

CONCLUSION

These data confirmed that the ROS burst that occurs after iRFA exerted a pro-survival effect. NOX4 increased the generation of ROS by mitochondria. This short-term ROS burst induced PINK1-dependent mitophagy to eliminate damaged mitochondria by increasing Nrf2 expression.

Traditional Chinese medicine for transformation of gastric precancerous lesions to gastric cancer: A critical review

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common gastrointestinal tumor. Gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) are the last pathological stage before normal gastric mucosa transforms into GC. However, preventing the transformation from GPL to GC remains a challenge. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat gastric disease for millennia. A series of TCM formulas and active compounds have shown therapeutic effects in both GC and GPL. This article reviews recent progress on the herbal drugs and pharmacological mechanisms of TCM in preventing the transformation from GPL to GC, especially focusing on anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. This review may provide a meaningful reference for the prevention of the transformation from GPL to GC using TCM.

Epigenetic regulation of autophagy by non-coding RNAs in gastrointestinal tumors: Biological functions and therapeutic perspectives

Cancer is the manifestation of changes and mutations in genetic and epigenetic levels. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are commonly dysregulated in disease pathogenesis, and their role in cancer has been well-documented. The ncRNAs regulate various molecular pathways and mechanisms in cancer that can lead to induction/inhibition of carcinogenesis. Autophagy is a molecular "self-digestion" mechanism its function can be pro-survival or pro-death in tumor cells. The aim of the present review is to evaluate the role of ncRNAs in regulating autophagy in gastrointestinal tumors. The role of the ncRNA/autophagy axis in affecting the progression of gastric, liver, colorectal, pancreatic, esophageal, and gallbladder cancers is investigated. Both ncRNAs and autophagy mechanisms can function as oncogenic or onco-suppressor and this interaction can determine the growth, invasion, and therapy response of gastrointestinal tumors. ncRNA/autophagy axis can reduce/increase the proliferation of gastrointestinal tumors via the glycolysis mechanism. Furthermore, related molecular pathways of metastasis, such as EMT and MMPs, are affected by the ncRNA/autophagy axis. The response of gastrointestinal tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be suppressed by pro-survival autophagy, and ncRNAs are essential regulators of this mechanism. miRNAs can regulate related genes and proteins of autophagy, such as ATGs and Beclin-1. Furthermore, lncRNAs and circRNAs down-regulate miRNA expression via sponging to modulate the autophagy mechanism. Moreover, anti-cancer agents can affect the expression level of ncRNAs regulating autophagy in gastrointestinal tumors. Therefore, translating these findings into clinics can improve the prognosis of patients.

NADPH Oxidase 2 Has a Crucial Role in Cell Cycle Progression of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

NADPH oxidases (NOXs) are transmembrane proteins that generate reactive oxygen species. Recent studies have reported that NOXs are involved in tumor progression in various cancers. However, the expression and role of NOX2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the pathophysiologic role of NOX2 in patients with ESCC and cell lines.

METHODS

Two human ESCC cell lines (TE5 and KYSE170) were used for NOX2 transfection experiments, and the effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell motility, and cell survival were analyzed. An mRNA microarray analysis was also performed to assess gene expression profiles. Additionally, NOX2 immunohistochemistry was performed on 130 primary ESCC tumor samples to assess the prognostic value of NOX2 in patients with ESCC.

RESULTS

NOX2 depletion significantly inhibited cell proliferation with the G₀/G₁ arrest and resulted in apoptosis in two cell lines. Microarray analysis revealed a strong relationship between NOX2 gene expression and the signaling pathway of cell cycle regulation by the B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) family, including BTG2, CCNE2, E2F1, and CDK2 genes. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that high NOX2 protein expression was significantly associated with deeper tumor invasion and selected as one of the independent prognostic factors associated with the 5-year OS rate in patients with ESCC.

CONCLUSIONS

NOX2 expression in ESCC cells affects tumorigenesis, especially cell cycle progression via the BTG2-related signaling pathway, as well as the prognosis of patients with ESCC. NOX2 may be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC.

How Should the Worldwide Knowledge of Traditional Cancer Healing Be Integrated with Herbs and Mushrooms into Modern Molecular Pharmacology?

Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is a “core” from which modern medicine has evolved over time. Besides this, one third of people worldwide have no access to modern medicine and rely only on traditional medicine. To date, drugs of plant origin, or their derivates (paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, etoposide, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, and omacetaxine), are very important in the therapy of malignancies and they are included in most chemotherapeutic regimes. To date, 391,000 plant and 14,000 mushroom species exist. Their medical and biochemical capabilities have not been studied in detail. In this review, we systematized the information about plants and mushrooms, as well as their active compounds with antitumor properties. Plants and mushrooms are divided based on the regions where they are used in ethnomedicine to treat malignancies. The majority of their active compounds with antineoplastic properties and mechanisms of action are described. Furthermore, on the basis of the available information, we divided them into two priority groups for research and for their potential of use in antitumor therapy. As there are many prerequisites and some examples how THM helps and strengthens modern medicine, finally, we discuss the positive points of THM and the management required to transform and integrate THM into the modern medicine practice.

Reactive Oxygen Species Bridge the Gap between Chronic Inflammation and Tumor Development

According to numerous animal studies, adverse environmental stimuli, including physical, chemical, and biological factors, can cause low-grade chronic inflammation and subsequent tumor development. Human epidemiological evidence has confirmed the close relationship between chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms driving the development of persistent inflammation toward tumorigenesis remain unclear. In this study, we assess the potential role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and associated mechanisms in modulating inflammation-induced tumorigenesis. Recent reports have emphasized the cross-talk between oxidative stress and inflammation in many pathological processes. Exposure to carcinogenic environmental hazards may lead to oxidative damage, which further stimulates the infiltration of various types of inflammatory cells. In turn, increased cytokine and chemokine release from inflammatory cells promotes ROS production in chronic lesions, even in the absence of hazardous stimuli. Moreover, ROS not only cause DNA damage but also participate in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis by modulating several transcription factors and signaling pathways. We summarize how changes in the redox state can trigger the development of chronic inflammatory lesions into tumors. Generally, cancer cells require an appropriate inflammatory microenvironment to support their growth, spread, and metastasis, and ROS may provide the necessary catalyst for inflammation-driven cancer. In conclusion, ROS bridge the gap between chronic inflammation and tumor development; therefore, targeting ROS and inflammation represents a new avenue for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification to Explore the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Aloin Against Gastric Cancer

Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate the pharmacological mechanisms of Aloin against gastric cancer (GC) via network pharmacology analysis combined with experimental verification.

Methods

Using network pharmacology methods, the potential targets of Aloin and targets related to GC were screened from public databases. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed to predict the core targets and pathways of Aloin against GC. The expressions of major targets predicted by network pharmacology in normal stomach tissues and GC tissues and their relationships with overall survival of GC were searched in GEPIA, HPA and DriverDBv3 database. The results of network pharmacology analysis were verified by in vitro experiments.

Results

A total of 129 potential targets were retrieved by searching the intersection of Aloin and GC targets. PPI network analysis indicated that 10 targets, including AKT1 and CASP3, were hub genes. GO enrichment analysis involved 93 biological processes, 19 cellular components, and 37 molecular functions. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the anti-cancer effect of Aloin was mediated through multiple pathways, such as PI3K-AKT, FoxO and Ras signaling pathway. Among them, the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, which contained the largest number of enriched genes, may play a greater role in the treatment of GC. The validation of key targets in GEPIA, HPA and DriverDBv3 database showed that the verification results for most core genes were consistent with this study. Then, the results of in vitro experiment indicated that Aloin could inhibit proliferation of NCI-N87 cells and induce cell apoptosis. The results also showed that Aloin could decrease the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and AKT, suggesting that Aloin can treat GC by inducing cell apoptosis and regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusion

This study identified the potential targets of Aloin against GC using network pharmacology and in vitro verification, which provided a new understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms of Aloin in treatment of GC.

Downregulation of VAP-1 in OSCC suppresses tumor growth and metastasis via NF-κB/IL-8 signaling and reduces neutrophil infiltration

BACKGROUND

Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is believed to play a role in inflammation. Studies have suggested that VAP-1-mediated activation of inflammation is dependent on NF-κB, leading to secretion of the interleukin(IL)-8; however, no reports have addressed the association between VAP-1 and NF-κB/IL-8 signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aimed to investigate the role of VAP-1 in OSCC and further explore whether VAP-1 is involved in the regulation of neutrophil infiltration in the tumor microenvironment (TME).

METHODS

Immunochemistry staining was used to observe VAP-1 expression. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were used to measure cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. OSCC xenograft mouse models were used for in vivo verification of the VAP-1 function. The expression of NF-κB and IL-8 were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. ELISA for IL-8 was also conducted. The relationship between VAP-1 expression and neutrophil infiltration was analyzed by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

VAP-1 was overexpressed in human OSCC tissues. Downregulation of VAP-1 suppressed OSCC cells proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and inhibited tumor proliferation and metastasis in vivo. Additionally, downregulation of VAP-1 inhibited NF-κB/IL-8 signaling in vitro and in vivo. VAP-1 expression was positively correlated with neutrophil infiltration in human OSCC tissues. Moreover, blocking VAP-1 decreased neutrophil infiltration by reducing IL-8 production.

CONCLUSIONS

VAP-1 downregulation in OSCC suppresses tumor growth and metastasis by inhibiting NF-κB/IL-8 signaling and reducing neutrophil infiltration in the TME, suggesting that VAP-1 may be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.

Computational Screening for the Anticancer Potential of Seed-Derived Antioxidant Peptides: A Cheminformatic Approach

Some seed-derived antioxidant peptides are known to regulate cellular modulators of ROS production, including those proposed to be promising targets of anticancer therapy. Nevertheless, research in this direction is relatively slow owing to the inevitable time-consuming nature of wet-lab experimentations. To help expedite such explorations, we performed structure-based virtual screening on seed-derived antioxidant peptides in the literature for anticancer potential. The ability of the peptides to interact with myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, Keap1, and p47^phox was examined. We generated a virtual library of 677 peptides based on a database and literature search. Screening for anticancer potential, non-toxicity, non-allergenicity, non-hemolyticity narrowed down the collection to five candidates. Molecular docking found LYSPH as the most promising in targeting myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, and Keap1, whereas PSYLNTPLL was the best candidate to bind stably to key residues in p47^phox. Stability of the four peptide-target complexes was supported by molecular dynamics simulation. LYSPH and PSYLNTPLL were predicted to have cell- and blood-brain barrier penetrating potential, although intolerant to gastrointestinal digestion. Computational alanine scanning found tyrosine residues in both peptides as crucial to stable binding to the targets. Overall, LYSPH and PSYLNTPLL are two potential anticancer peptides that deserve deeper exploration in future.

[Aloin inhibits lactate-induced proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells by downregulating HMGB1 expression]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the inhibitory effects of aloin on lactate-induced gastric proliferation and migration of cancer cells and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Gastric cancer BGC-823 cells were treated with aloin, lactate or the combination of lactate and different doses of aloin. EdU assay was used to detect the proliferation of BGC-823 cells, and colony formation ability of the cells was evaluated with colony forming assay; wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect the changes in migration ability of the treated cells. The expression levels of cyclin D1, cyclin E1, PCNA, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and HMGB1 were determined using Western blotting, and ELISA was performed to detect HMGB1 release. HMGB1 expression was knocked down in BGC-823 cells using RNA interference technique, and the effects of HMGB1 knockdown on proliferation and migration of the cells stimulated with lactate for 24 h were examined using EdU and wound healing assays.

RESULTS

Aloin treatment significantly inhibited lactate-induced proliferation of gastric cancer cells, lowered the colony forming ability of lactate-treated cells, and suppressed lactate-induced migration of the cells. Treatment with lactate obviously up-regulated the expressions of cyclin D1, cyclin E1, PCNA, N-cadherin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and HMGB1, which were significantly inhibited by aloin; aloin significantly reversed inhibition of E-cadherin and blocked the release of HMGB1 in lactate-treated cells. BGC-823 cells with HMGB1 knockdown, as compared with the cells transfected with the negative control plasmid, showed significantly lowered proliferation and migration abilities following lactate treatment.

CONCLUSION

Aloin inhibits lactate-induced proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells by down-regulating the expression and release of HMGB1 and the expressions of proliferation- and migration-related proteins.

Screening of the Prime bioactive compounds from Aloe vera as potential anti-proliferative agents targeting DNA

BACKGROUND

Aloe vera extract and its bioactive compounds possess anti-proliferative properties against cancer cells. However, no detailed molecular mechanism of action studies has been reported. We have now employed a computational approach to scrutinize the molecular mechanism of lead bioactive compounds from Aloe vera that potentially inhibit DNA synthesis.

METHODS

Initially, the anti-proliferative activity of Aloe vera extract was examined in human breast cancer cells (in vitro/in vivo). Later on, computational screening of bioactive compounds from Aloe vera targeting DNA was performed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation.

RESULTS

In-vitro and in-vivo studies confirm that Aloe vera extract effectively suppresses the growth of breast cancer cells without significant cytotoxicity towards non-cancerous normal immortal cells. Computational screening predicts that growth suppression may be due to the presence of DNA intercalating bioactive compounds (riboflavin, daidzin, aloin, etc.) contained in Aloe vera. MM/PBSA calculation showed that riboflavin has a higher binding affinity at the DNA binding sites compared to standard drug daunorubicin.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations support the hypothesis that riboflavin may be exploited as an anti-proliferative DNA intercalating agent to prevent cancer and is worthy of testing for the management of cancer by performing more extensive pre-clinical and if validated clinical trials.

Aloin decelerates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through circ_0011385/miR-149-5p/WT1 axis

CircRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis has been reported to play crucial regulatory roles in multiple cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, recent investigations revealed that aloin exerted anti-tumor functions in HCC. However, the underlying mechanism of aloin on anti-tumor functions in HCC remained elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether circRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis medicated the anti-tumor effect of aloin in HCC. Cell viability, invasion, apoptosis and autophagy were accessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell invasion assay, flow cytometry, Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis, respectively. Expression levels of circ_0011385, miR-149-5p and WT1 mRNA were determined using qRT-PCR assay. Binding sites between miR-149-5p and circ_0011385 or WT1 were predicted in starBase database. The binding relationship among circ_0011385, miR-149-5p and WT1 were verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. Besides, the rescue experiments were performed by co-transfection with cric_0011385 overexpression plasmid, si-cric_0011385, miR-149-5p mimic and inhibitor, WT1 pDNA and si-WT1 in HCC cells. Furthermore, tumor growth was also investigated in the xenograft mouse model. Aloin inhibited HCC proliferation and invasion as well as promoted apoptosis and autophagy both in vitro and in vivo. Besides, aloin suppressed circ_0011385 expression. Overexpressed circ_0011385 partially reversed the anti-tumor effect of aloin on HCC. In addition, it was revealed that the circ_0011385, miR-149-5p and WT1 genes were abnormally expressed in HCC. Furthermore, the binding interactions between circ_0011385, miR-149-5p and WT1 were predicted and confirmed. Moreover, the effect of circ_0011385 on the anti-tumor role of aloin in HCC was rescued by miR-149-5p mimics. MiR-149-5p regulated HCC progression via modulating WT1. Aloin suppressed cell proliferation, invasion and tumor growth and promoted apoptosis and autophagy in HCC through regulating circ_0011385/miR-149-5p/WT1 axis. Aloin may be a potential candidate drug for HCC treatment.Abbrevations: HCC: Hepatocellular carcinoma; ceRNA: competing endogenous RNA; miRNA: microRNA; MREs: miRNA response elements; WT1: Wilms' tumor 1; MMP-2: Matrix metalloproteinase; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; GADPH: glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase; WT: wild type; MUT: mutant type; DMEM: dulbecco's modified eagle medium.

Molecular mechanisms and associated cell signalling pathways underlying the anticancer properties of phytochemical compounds from Aloe species (Review)

Naturally occurring components from various species of Aloe have been used as traditional folk medicine since the ancient times. Over the last few decades, the therapeutic effects of extracts and phytochemical compounds obtained from Aloe vera have been proven in preclinical and clinical studies. Recently, compounds from other Aloe species apart from Aloe vera have been investigated for the treatment of different diseases, with a particular focus on cancer. In the present review, the effects of phytochemical compounds obtained from different Aloe species are discussed, with a specific focus on the effects on cell signalling in cancer and normal cells, and their selectivity and efficacy. This information will be useful for the application of Aloe-derived compounds as therapeutic agents, either alone or in combination with other standard drugs for cancer treatment.

Calunduloside E inhibits HepG2 cell proliferation and migration via p38/JNK-HMGB1 signalling axis

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a highly conserved chromosome protein, is considered as a potential therapeutic target and novel biomarker because of its regulation in the proliferation and metastasis of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Calenduloside E (CE), a natural active product, has been reported to anti-cancer effect. However, the role and underlying molecular mechanism of CE in HCC is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of CE on the proliferation and migration of HCC, and then explore the possible underlying molecular mechanism. HepG2 cells were treated with CE or transfected with HMGB1 shRNA plasmids, EdU and colony formation assays were used to detect cell proliferation ability. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to determine the role of CE in cell migration. The expression of Cyclins, PCNA, MMPs, HMGB1, N-cadherin, E-cadherin and phosphorylation of p38, ERK and JNK were all detected using Western blotting. Our results showed that CE inhibited HepG2 cells proliferation and migration in a dose dependent manner; reduced the expression levels of Cycins, PCNA, HMGB1, MMPs and N-cadherin; up-regulated E-cadherin expression; enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK signalling pathways. Blocking the activation of p38 and JNK obviously reversed CE-mediated inhibitory effects on HepG2 cell proliferation and migration; reversed CE-induced down-regulation of Cyclins, PCNA, MMPs, N-cadherin and HMGB1, as well as E-cadherin up-regulation. In conclusion, our study suggested that CE reduces the expression levels of Cyclins, MMPs and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) through p38/JNK-HMGB1 signaling axis and then inhibits HepG2 cells proliferation and migration in HepG2 cells. This study provides a new perspective for the anti-tumour molecular mechanism of CE in HCC.

Up-regulation of DGAT1 in cancer tissues and tumor-infiltrating macrophages influenced survival of patients with gastric cancer

Background

Diacylglycerol-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) plays an important role in the energy storage and is involved in cancer progression. A growing number of evidences showed that elevated expression of DGAT1 in cancer tissue indicated a poor outcome in cancer patients. However, the relationship between DGAT1 and gastric cancer is still unclear. Thus, Transcriptomic analysis and in vitro experiments were performed to investigate the role of DGAT1 in gastric cancer, as well as the potential therapy target in gastric cancer treatment.

Methods

We screened the public cancer datasets to identify the expression and function of DGAT1 in gastric cancer and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Then we testified the DGAT1 expression and function after sodium oleate treatment in AGS and MKN45 cell line. Finally, we analyzed ration of apoptosis, necrosis in gastric cancer cells by using flow cytometry after administration of DGAT1 inhibitor.

Results

Our results showed a highly expression of DGAT1 in gastric cancer tissues (n = 5, p = 0.0004), and tumor-infiltrating macrophages with elevated DGAT1 expression is associated with poor overall survival in gastric cancer patients. In addition, gastric cell lines AGS (n = 3, p < 0.05) and MKN45 (n = 3, p < 0.01) expressed higher level of DGAT1 than human gastric mucosal epithelial cell line GES-1. Administration of DGAT1 inhibitor effectively suppressed functional factors expression and induced cell death in MKN45.

Conclusion

The findings of this research provide an in-depth insight into the potential role and influences involved in DGAT1 in the gastric cancer patients. And higher expression of DGAT1 leads to lower overall survival (OS) rate in patients with poorly differentiated gastric cancer. Our findings suggest a potential role for DGAT1 in the gastric cancer progression and inhibiting DGAT1 might be a promising strategy in gastric cancer treatment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-07976-5.

High mobility group box 1 regulates gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration via RAGE-mTOR/ERK feedback loop

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy tumour in China. Despite various therapeutic approaches to improve the survival rate of GC patients, the effectiveness of currently available treatments remains unsatisfactory. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is reported to play a role in tumour development. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in HMGB1-mediated regulation of proliferation and migration of GC cells remain unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that HMGB1 is highly expressed in GC cells and tissue. In HGC-27 GC cells, HMGB1 overexpression or HMGB1 RNA interference both demonstrated that HMGB1 could promote GC cell proliferation and migration. Investigation of the underlying molecular mechanisms revealed that HMGB1 enhanced cyclins expression, induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) expression and promoted RAGE expression as well as RAGE-mediated activation of Akt/mTOR/P70S6K and ERK/P90RSK/CREB signalling pathways. We also found that inhibition of ERK and mTOR using specific inhibitors reduced recombinant human HMGB1-induced RAGE expression, suggesting that the RAGE-mTOR/ERK positive feedback loop is involved in HMGB1-induced GC cell proliferation and migration. Our study highlights a novel mechanism by which HMGB1 promotes GC cell proliferation and migration via RAGE-mediated Akt-mTOR and ERK-CREB signalling pathways which also involves the RAGE-mTOR/ERK feedback loop. These findings indicate that HMGB1 is a potential therapeutic target for GC.

Salvianolic acid B suppresses EMT and apoptosis to lessen drug resistance through AKT/mTOR in gastric cancer cells

The drug resistance of tumor cells greatly reduces the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs in gastric cancer. Salvianolic acid B (Sal-B) is considered as a chemopreventive agent which suppresses oxidative stress and apoptosis. Therefore, the study aims to clarify the mechanism of Sal-B in drug-resistant gastric cancer cells. CCK8 assay analyzed cell viabilities after GES1, AGS and AGS/DDP cells were respectively treated by Sal-B of different concentration or after AGS/DDP cells were disposed by cisplatin (DDP) in different concentration. The colony formation, ROS generation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and EMT marker proteins were respectively analyzed through formation assay, ROS kits, TUNNEL staining, Wound healing, Transwell assays and Western blot. The results demonstrated that Sal-B acted alone or in synergy with DDP to reduce cell viabilities, initiate ROS generation, promote cell apoptosis, as well as decrease migration, invasion and EMT in AGS and AGS/DDP cells. AKT activator and mTOR activator significantly reversed the above effects of Sal-B. Collectively, Sal-B regulated proliferation, EMT and apoptosis to reduce the resistance to DDP via AKT/mTOR pathway in DDP-resistant gastric cancer cells. Sal-B could be a potential anti-drug resistance agent to chemotherapy in gastric cancer.

Inhibition of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling by Aloin for ameliorating the progression of osteoarthritis: In vitro and in vivo studies

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive and degenerative joint disease. Aloin is a bitter and yellow-brown-coloured compound from the Aloe plant and is allowed for use in foods as a "natural flavour". In our study, we examined the protective effects of Aloin on the inhibition of OA development as well as its underlying mechanism in both in vitro and vivo experiments. In in-vitro experiments, the protective effect of aloin on the anabolism and catabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM) induced by IL-1 β in chondrocytes by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, including TNF-α (p = 0.016), IL-6 (p = 0.006), iNOS (p = 0.001) and COX-2 (p = 0.006). Mechanistically, Aloin suppressed the IL-1β-induced activation of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signalling pathway cascades. Moreover, molecular docking studies demonstrated that Aloin bound strongly to PI3K. In vivo, Aloin ameliorated the OA process in the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model. In summary, our findings demonstrate that Aloin ameliorates the progression of OA via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signalling pathways, which supports Aloin as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA.

Eu(III)-coordination polymer: inhibitory activity on cervical cancer via inducing ROS mediated apoptosis

Under the hydrothermal reaction condition, we prepared a new 3D Eu(III)-based coordination polymer (CP) [Eu(H₂-DHBDC)_0.5(DHBDC)_0.5 (H₂O)₂] _n ·H₂O (1, H₄-DHBDC = 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-terephthalic acid). Furthermore, we assessed the inhibitory influence on cervical cancer cells of this compound. First, for testing the anti-viability of the compound against cervical cancer cells, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was carried out. Then, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection kit was used to determine the ROS accumulation in the cervical cancer cells. Finally, after the Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis assay was finished, it was used for apoptotic cervical cancer cells after treated with compound. From the results of the software of pose scoring and molecular docking, we can see that the compound may bind to p91 by the functional side-chain of the ligand, which provided potential regulatory mechanisms for the compound.

Dexmedetomidine Attenuates LPS-Induced Monocyte-Endothelial Adherence via Inhibiting Cx43/PKC-α/NOX2/ROS Signaling Pathway in Monocytes

Dexmedetomidine is widely used for sedating patients in operation rooms or intensive care units. Its protective functions against oxidative stress, inflammation reaction, and apoptosis have been widely reported. In present study, we explored the effects of dexmedetomidine on monocyte-endothelial adherence. We built lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced monocyte-endothelial adherence models with U937 monocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and observed the effects of dexmedetomidine on U937-HUVEC adhesion. Specific siRNA was designed to knock-down Connexin43 (Cx43) expression in U937 monocytes. Gö6976, GSK2795039, and NAC were used to inhibit PKC-α, NOX2, and ROS, respectively. Then, we detected whether dexmedetomidine could downregulate Cx43 expression and its downstream PKC-α/NOX2/ROS signaling pathway activation and ultimately result in the decrease of U937-HUVEC adhesion. The results showed that dexmedetomidine, at its clinically relevant concentrations (0.1 nM and 1 nM), could inhibit adhesion of molecule expression (VLA-4 and LFA-1) and U937-HUVEC adhesion. Simultaneously, it also attenuated Cx43 expression in U937 monocytes. With the downregulation of Cx43 expression, the activity of PKC-α and its related NOX2/ROS signaling pathway were reduced. Inhibiting PKC-α/NOX2/ROS signaling pathway with Gö6976, GSK2795039, and NAC, respectively, VLA-4, LFA-1 expression, and U937-HUVEC adhesion were all decreased. In summary, we concluded that dexmedetomidine, at its clinically relevant concentrations (0.1 nM and 1 nM), decreased Cx43 expression in U937 monocytes and PKC-α associated with carboxyl-terminal domain of Cx43 protein. With the downregulation of PKC-α, the NOX2/ROS signaling pathway was inhibited, resulting in the decrease of VLA-4 and LFA-1 expression. Ultimately, U937-HUVEC adhesion was reduced.