Brevilin A Inhibits STAT3 Signaling and Induces ROS-Dependent Apoptosis, Mitochondrial Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Targeting regulated cell death (RCD) with naturally derived sesquiterpene lactones in cancer therapy

Regulated cell death (RCD) is a type of cell death modulated by specific signal transduction pathways. Currently, known RCD types include apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, cuproptosis, pyroptosis, and NETosis. Mutations in cancer cells may prevent the RCD pathway; therefore, targeting RCD in tumors has become a promising therapeutic approach. Sesquiterpene lactones represent a diverse and extensive class of plant-derived phytochemicals that serve as potential sources for developing various drugs. Recent studies have shown that sesquiterpene lactones have promising potential in cancer treatment. This review systematically summarizes recent progress in the study of sesquiterpene lactones as antitumor agents, highlighting their role in targeting various RCD pathways, including those involved in apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and cuproptosis. The primary purpose of the present review is to provide a clear picture of the regulation of RCD by sesquiterpene lactones against different targets in various cancers, which will facilitate the development of new strategies for cancer therapy.

1,5- diaryl pyrazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as COX-2 inhibitors, mitigate neoplastic growth by regulating NF-κB pathway in-vivo zebrafish model

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been researched for their capacity to reduce cancer incidence, primarily due to their COX-2 inhibition properties. However, concerns have arisen regarding the precision of their targeting abilities. Nanoparticle approaches are revolutionizing cancer treatment by enabling targeted drug delivery, which enhances the efficacy and reduces the toxicity of chemotherapy. Particularly, chitosan-based nanoparticles are noteworthy for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to improve drug delivery. In this study, we synthesized folic acid-conjugated, 1,5-diaryl pyrazole-loaded chitosan (FA-CS-DP) nanoparticles using the ionic gelation method. The bioavailability and anti-neoplastic effects in a 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-exposed zebrafish model was investigated. MTT assay showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity of FA-CS-DP nanoparticles against MCF-7 breast cancer. The nanoparticles showed no toxicity to zebrafish embryos up to 100 μg/mL. The nanoparticle reduced oxidative stress and enhanced apoptosis in zebrafish exposed to DMBA. The morphological examination suggests that tumor growth was prevented in the zebrafish's surface and internal regions. The gene expression analysis confirmed the decrease in the expression of anti-inflammatory genes, such as cox-2 and nf-κb, and apoptosis inhibitor genes, such as bcl-2 and mdm2. By regulating the anti-inflammatory and apoptosis inhibitor genes, FA-CS-DP nanoparticle prevents neoplastic growth in the zebrafish model.

Rosa sterilis Juice Alleviated Breast Cancer by Triggering the Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway and Suppressing the Jak2/Stat3 Pathway

Rosa sterilis (RS) is a characteristic fruit in southwestern China that has numerous health benefits; however, its pharmacological effect needs further clarification, especially with respect to the exploration of its potential anti-breast-cancer effect, as there are still knowledge gaps in this regard. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Rosa sterilis juice (RSJ) on breast cancer (BC) through in vitro cellular experiments and by establishing mouse 4T1 breast xenograft tumors. This study also had the aim of elucidating RSJ's underlying mechanisms. RSJ can inhibit cell proliferation, affect cell morphology, and impact the clone formation ability of BC; furthermore, it can promote apoptosis by triggering the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. In mouse 4T1 breast xenograft tumors, RSJ markedly inhibited tumor growth, relieved the pathological lesions, lowered the expression of Ki67, and regulated the expression of the apoptosis-associated protein. Moreover, we observed that RSJ can inhibit the Jak2/Stat3 signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Overall, our research reveals that RSJ can alleviate BC by triggering the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and suppressing the Jak2/Stat3 pathway, providing new dietary intervention strategies for BC.

Beyond Death: Unmasking the Intricacies of Apoptosis Escape

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, maintains tissue homeostasis by eliminating damaged or unnecessary cells. However, cells can evade this process, contributing to conditions such as cancer. Escape mechanisms include anoikis, mitochondrial DNA depletion, cellular FLICE inhibitory protein (c-FLIP), endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT), mitotic slippage, anastasis, and blebbishield formation. Anoikis, triggered by cell detachment from the extracellular matrix, is pivotal in cancer research due to its role in cellular survival and metastasis. Mitochondrial DNA depletion, associated with cellular dysfunction and diseases such as breast and prostate cancer, links to apoptosis resistance. The c-FLIP protein family, notably CFLAR, regulates cell death processes as a truncated caspase-8 form. The ESCRT complex aids apoptosis evasion by repairing intracellular damage through increased Ca2+ levels. Antimitotic agents induce mitotic arrest in cancer treatment but can lead to mitotic slippage and tetraploid cell formation. Anastasis allows cells to resist apoptosis induced by various triggers. Blebbishield formation suppresses apoptosis indirectly in cancer stem cells by transforming apoptotic cells into blebbishields. In conclusion, the future of apoptosis research offers exciting possibilities for innovative therapeutic approaches, enhanced diagnostic tools, and a deeper understanding of the complex biological processes that govern cell fate. Collaborative efforts across disciplines, including molecular biology, genetics, immunology, and bioinformatics, will be essential to realize these prospects and improve patient outcomes in diverse disease contexts.

Protein kinase inhibitors in the management of cancer: therapeutic opportunities from natural compounds

Kinase is an enzyme that helps in the phosphorylation of the targeted molecules and can affect their ability to react with other molecules. So, kinase influences metabolic reactions like cell signaling, secretory processes, transport of molecules, etc. The increased activity of certain kinases may cause various types of cancer, i.e. leukemia, glioblastoma, and neuroblastomas. So, the growth of particular cancer cells can be prevented by the inhibition of the kinase responsible for those cancers. Natural products are the key resources for the development of new drugs where approximately 60% of anti-tumor drugs are being developed with the same including specific kinase dwellers. This study comprised molecular interactions of various molecules (obtained from natural sources) as kinase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer. It is expected that by analyzing the skeleton behavior, the process of action, and the body-related activity of these organic products, new cancer-avoiding molecules can be developed.

Sesquiterpene lactones as emerging biomolecules to cease cancer by targeting apoptosis

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death comprising two signaling cascades including the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. This process has been shown to be involved in the therapy response of different cancer types, making it an effective target for treating cancer. Cancer has been considered a challenging issue in global health. Cancer cells possess six biological characteristics during their developmental process known as cancer hallmarks. Hallmarks of cancer include continuous growth signals, unlimited proliferation, resistance to proliferation inhibitors, apoptosis escaping, active angiogenesis, and metastasis. Sesquiterpene lactones are one of the large and diverse groups of planet-derived phytochemicals that can be used as sources for a variety of drugs. Some sesquiterpene lactones possess many biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-malarial, anticancer, anti-diabetic, and analgesic. This review article briefly overviews the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis and the interactions between the modulators of both pathways. Also, the present review summarizes the potential effects of sesquiterpene lactones on different modulators of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis in a variety of cancer cell lines and animal models. The main purpose of the present review is to give a clear picture of the current knowledge about the pro-apoptotic effects of sesquiterpene lactones on various cancers to provide future direction in cancer therapeutics.

NADPH Oxidase 3: Beyond the Inner Ear

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were formerly known as mere byproducts of metabolism with damaging effects on cellular structures. The discovery and description of NADPH oxidases (Nox) as a whole enzyme family that only produce this harmful group of molecules was surprising. After intensive research, seven Nox isoforms were discovered, described and extensively studied. Among them, the NADPH oxidase 3 is the perhaps most underrated Nox isoform, since it was firstly discovered in the inner ear. This stigma of Nox3 as "being only expressed in the inner ear" was also used by me several times. Therefore, the question arose whether this sentence is still valid or even usable. To this end, this review solely focuses on Nox3 and summarizes its discovery, the structural components, the activating and regulating factors, the expression in cells, tissues and organs, as well as the beneficial and detrimental effects of Nox3-mediated ROS production on body functions. Furthermore, the involvement of Nox3-derived ROS in diseases progression and, accordingly, as a potential target for disease treatment, will be discussed.

Brevilin A exerts anti-colorectal cancer effects and potently inhibits STAT3 signaling invitro

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related morbidity worldwide, with an estimated of 1.85 million new cases and 850,000 deaths every year. Nevertheless, the current treatment regimens for CRC have many disadvantages, including toxicities and off-targeted side effects. STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) has been considered as a promising molecular target for CRC therapy. Brevilin A, a sesquiterpene lactone compound rich in Centipedae Herba has potent anticancer effects in nasopharyngeal, prostate and breast cancer cells by inhibiting the STAT3 signaling. However, the anti-CRC effect of brevilin A and the underlying mechanism of action have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of STAT3 signaling in the anti-CRC action of brevilin A. Here, HCT-116 and CT26 cell models were used to investigate the anti-CRC effects of brevilin A in vitro. HCT-116 cells overespressing with STAT3 were used to evaluate the involvement of STAT3 signaling in the anti-CRC effect of brevilin A. Screening of 49 phosphorylated tyrosine kinases in the HCT-116 cells after brevilin A treatment was performed by using the human phospho-receptor tyrosine kinase (phospho-RTK) array. Results showed that brevilin A inhibited cell proliferation and cell viability, induced apoptosis, reduced cell migration and invasion, inhibited angiogenesis, lowered the protein expression levels of phospho-Src (Tyr416), phospho-JAK2 (Y1007/1008) and phospho-STAT3 (Tyr705), and inhibited STAT3 activation and nuclear localization. Brevilin A also significantly reduced the protein expression levels of STAT3 target genes, such as MMP-2, VEGF and Bcl-xL. More importantly, over-activation of STAT3 diminished brevilin A's effects on cell viability. All these results suggest that brevilin A exerts potent anti-CRC effects, at least in part, by inhibiting STAT3 signaling. Our findings provide a strong pharmacological basis for the future exploration and development of brevilin A as a novel STAT3-targeting phytotherapeutic agent for CRC treatment.

Cancer Metabolism: The Role of ROS in DNA Damage and Induction of Apoptosis in Cancer Cells

Cancer is a huge challenge for people worldwide. High reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels are a recognized hallmark of cancer and an important aspect of cancer treatment research. Abnormally elevated ROS levels are often attributable to alterations in cellular metabolic activities and increased oxidative stress, which affects both the development and maintenance of cancer. Moderately high levels of ROS are beneficial to maintain tumor cell genesis and development, while toxic levels of ROS have been shown to be an important force in destroying cancer cells. ROS has become an important anticancer target based on the proapoptotic effect of toxic levels of ROS. Therefore, this review summarizes the role of increased ROS in DNA damage and the apoptosis of cancer cells caused by changes in cancer cell metabolism, as well as various anticancer therapies targeting ROS generation, in order to provide references for cancer therapies based on ROS generation.

Brevilin A inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption

Brevilin A (BA) is the primary component of Centipeda minima, which is widely used in Chinese traditional medicine. The anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties of BA have been established; however, its function in bone metabolism is not well understood. This study revealed that concentrations of BA below 1.0 µM did not inhibit the proliferation of bone marrow macrophages but did impede the differentiation and bone resorption activity of osteoclasts. Furthermore, BA suppressed the expression of osteoclast-specific genes Mmp9, Acp5, Dc-stamp, Ctsk, and Atp6v0d2. In addition, mTOR, ERK, and NFATc1 activation in bone marrow macrophages were suppressed by BA. As a whole, BA blocks the mTOR and ERK signaling pathways, which is responsible for the development and activity of osteoclasts, and the resorption of bone.

Ethyl Acetate Extract of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Promotes Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Fungal endophytes are known to be a paragon for producing bioactive compounds with a variety of pharmacological importance. The current study aims to elucidate the molecular alterations induced by the bioactive compounds produced by the fungal endophyte Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in the tumor microenvironment of human breast cancer cells. GC/MS analysis of the ethyl acetate (EA) extract of C. gloeosporioides revealed the presence of bioactive compounds with anticancer activity. The EA extract of C. gloeosporioides exerted potential plasmid DNA protective activity against hydroxyl radicals of Fenton's reagent. The cytotoxic activity further revealed that MDA-MB-231 cells exhibit more sensitivity toward the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides as compared to MCF-7 cells, whereas non-toxic to non-cancerous HEK293T cells. Furthermore, the anticancer activity demonstrated by the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides was studied by assessing nuclear morphometric analysis and induction of apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. The EA extract of C. gloeosporioides causes the alteration in cellular and nuclear morphologies, chromatin condensation, long-term colony inhibition, and inhibition of cell migration and proliferation ability of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. The study also revealed that the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides treated cells undergoes apoptosis by increased production of reactive oxygen species and significant deficit in mitochondrial membrane potential. Our study also showed that the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides causes upregulation of pro-apoptotic (BAX, PARP, CASPASE-8, and FADD), cell cycle arrest (P21), and tumor suppressor (P53) related genes. Additionally, the downregulation of antiapoptotic genes (BCL-2 and SURVIVIN) and increased Caspase-3 activity suggest the induction of apoptosis in the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides treated MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Overall, our findings suggest that the bioactive compounds present in the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides promotes apoptosis by altering the genes related to the extrinsic as well as the intrinsic pathway. Further in vivo study in breast cancer models is required to validate the in vitro observations.

Brevilin A Inhibits VEGF-Induced Angiogenesis through ROS-Dependent Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Brevilin A (BA), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Centipeda minima herb, has been identified to exhibit potent anticancer activity. However, the potential pharmacological effect and mechanism of BA in regulating endothelial cell (EC) angiogenesis, a key event in tumor growth, is poorly understood. In this study, BA was shown to significantly prevent vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced EC angiogenic capacities in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Subsequent functional assays revealed that BA dose dependently inhibited VEGF-stimulated survival, proliferation, migration, and triggered apoptosis activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as well as suppressed the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, increased the expression of proapoptotic protein caspase-3 and Bax, and suppressed PI3K/AKT pathway. Meanwhile, BA was also able to depolarize mitochondrial membranal permeability (MMP), accelerate mitochondrial superoxide accumulation, induce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and decreased intracellular glutathione (GSH) in HUVECs. Furthermore, both mitochondria-specific superoxide scavenger Mito-TEMPOL and broad-spectrum antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) dramatically abolished BA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial ROS production, causing the reversion of PI3K/AKT pathway and repression of apoptosis, eventually correcting the impaired endothelial behavior in survival, growth, migration, and angiogenesis. Collectively, our data for the first time identified a new mechanism for antiangiogenic effect of BA in vascular EC, one that is based on the regulation of mitochondrial-dependent ROS overproduction.

Promising anticancer activities and mechanisms of action of active compounds from the medicinal herb Centipeda minima (L.) A. Braun & Asch

BACKGROUND

Centipeda minima (L.) A. Braun & Asch (C. minima) has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine to treat multiple diseases, including sinusitis, rhinitis, headache, and allergy. To date, the anticancer properties of C. minima have drawn considerable attention owing to the anticancer potential of C. minima extracts, the identification of active components, and the elucidation of underlying molecular mechanisms. However, the anticancer properties and significance of active components in C. minima have rarely been summarized.

PURPOSE

This review presents a comprehensive summary of the anticancer properties exhibited by active components of C. minima.

METHODS

An extensive search for published articles on the anticancer activities and active components of C. minima was performed using Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

C. minima extracts exhibited both anticancer and chemosensitizing effects. Phytochemical studies have identified the active anticancer components of C. minima extracts. Sesquiterpene lactones, such as 6-O-angeloylplenolin (6-OAP, or brevilin A) and arnicolide D, have similar structures and anticancer mechanisms. As the most abundant sesquiterpene lactone in C. minima, 6-OAP exhibits anticancer activities mainly by targeting Skp1-Cullin1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Clinical trials have assessed the potential of 6-OAP in patients with vertex balding and alopecia areata, given its effect on JAK-STATs signaling. Chlorogenic acid, a representative organic acid in C. minima, reportedly possesses anticancer potential and inhibits tumor growth by affecting tumor microenvironment and has been approved for phase II clinical trials in patients with glioma in China.

CONCLUSION

In the present review, we highlight intriguing anticancer properties mediated by active compounds isolated from C. minima extracts, particularly sesquiterpene lactones, which might provide clues for developing novel anticancer drugs. Relevant clinical trials on chlorogenic acid and 6-OAP can promote anticancer clinical applications. Therefore, it is worth comprehensively elucidating underlying anticancer mechanisms and conducting clinical trials on C. minima and its active components.

Centipeda minima: An update on its phytochemistry, pharmacology and safety

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Centipeda minima (CM), the dried whole plant of Centipeda minima (L.) A. Braun and Aschers, has been used as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for thousands of years for the treatments of rhinitis, sinusitis, cough and asthmatic diseases. This review aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CM by summarizing its phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application and safety.

METHODS

This review summarizes the published studies on CM in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and literature databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Baidu Scholar, Wiley and China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), as well as the research articles on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application and safety of CM.

RESULTS

A total of 191 compounds have been isolated and identified from CM, including terpenes, flavonoids, sterols, phenols, organic acids and volatile oils. In addition, the pharmacological effects of CM, such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities, have also been evaluated by both in vitro and in vivo studies. The signaling pathways and mechanisms of action underlying the anti-cancer effects of CM have been revealed. Clinical applications of CM mainly include rhinitis and sinusitis, gynecological inflammation, cough, as well as asthma.

CONCLUSION

CM is a medicinal herb that possesses many therapeutic effects. Cutting-edge technology and system biology could provide us a more comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic effects, constituting components and toxicity of CM, which are the prerequisites for its translation into therapeutics for various disease treatments.

A Composite Deferoxamine/Black Phosphorus Nanosheet/Gelatin Hydrogel Scaffold for Ischemic Tibial Bone Repair

Introduction

Bone delay union is mostly caused by lack of blood supply. Although autografts, allografts and artificial bone have been widely used to treat bone delay union, the bone regeneration fails in the ischemic site accompanied by the bone donor site complications and disease transmission. Recently, there is a growing recognition of the importance of hydrogel scaffolds which are regarded as an eligible engineer tissue for bone repair. However, hydrogel is still limited in improving neovascularization.

Methods

In this work, black phosphorus nanosheet and deferoxamine (BPN-DFO) were loaded in the gelatin hydrogel to overcome the high risk of bone delay union and systemically investigated the regeneration capability of BPN-DFO hydrogel in vitro and vivo.

Results

The resulting BPN-DFO hydrogel scaffold showed superior swollen, degradation and release rate, as well as satisfied biocompatibility. BPN-DFO hydrogel shown the significant up-expression of mRNA related to bone regeneration and cell proliferation. In vivo, the proposed BPN-DFO hydrogel significantly improved osteogenesis and neovascularization in the ischemic tibial bone site of SD rats with acute femoral artery occlusion. Both macroscopic and histological evaluation of new regenerated bone showed newly formed blood vessel and collagen using BPN-DFO hydrogel. The immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR revealed that the bone regeneration could be improved via BMP/Runx2 pathway.

Conclusion

The BPN-DFO hydrogel possesses potential tissue engineer material for ischemic bone defect treatment. However, furthermore studies are needed to testify the safety and efficacy of BPN-DFO hydrogel.

Sesquiterpene Lactones Attenuate Paclitaxel Resistance Via Inhibiting MALAT1/STAT3/ FUT4 Axis and P-Glycoprotein Transporters in Lung Cancer Cells

Paclitaxel resistance is a challenging factor in chemotherapy resulting in poor prognosis and cancer recurrence. Signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3), a key transcription factor, performs a critical role in cancer development, cell survival and chemoresistance, while its inactivation overwhelms drug resistance in numerous cancer types including lung cancer. Additionally, the fucosyltransferase 4 (FUT4) is a crucial enzyme in post-translational modification of cell-surface proteins involved in various pathological conditions such as tumor multidrug resistance (MDR). The P-glycoprotein (P-GP) is the well-known ABC transporter member that imparts drug resistance in different cancer types, most notably paclitaxel resistance in lung cancer cells. LncRNA-MALAT1 exerts a functional role in the cancer development as well as the drug resistance and is linked with STAT3 activation and activity of FUT4. Moreover, STAT3-mediated induction of P-GP is well-documented. Natural compounds of Sesquiterpene Lactone (SL) family are well-known for their anticancer properties with particular emphasis over STAT3 inhibitory capabilities. In this study, we explored the positive correlation of MALAT1 with STAT3 and FUT4 activity in paclitaxel resistant A549 (A549/T) lung cancer cells. Additionally, we investigated the anticancer activity of two well-known members of SLs, alantolactone (ALT) and Brevilin A (Brv-A), in A549/T lung cancer cells. ALT and Brv-A induced apoptosis in A549/T cells. Furthermore, these two natural SLs suppressed MALAT1 expression, STAT3 activation, and FUT4 and P-GP expression which are the hallmarks for paclitaxel resistance in A549 lung cancer cells. The inhibition of MALAT1 enhanced the competence of these SLs members significantly, which accounted for the growth inhibition as well as anti-migratory and anti-invasive effects of ALT and Brv-A. These findings suggest SLs to be the promising agents for overcoming paclitaxel resistance in A549 lung cancer cells.

Cytotoxic cobalt (III) Schiff base complexes: in vitro anti-proliferative, oxidative stress and gene expression studies in human breast and lung cancer cells

Increasing cancer drug chemo-resistance, especially in the treatment of breast and lung cancers, alarms the immediate need of newer and effective anticancer drugs. Until now, chemotherapeutics based on metal complexes are considered the most effective treatment modality. In the present study, we have evaluated the cytotoxic effect of two cobalt (III) Schiff base complexes based on the leads from complex combinatorial chemistry. Cobalt (III) Schiff base complexes (Complex 3 = Co(Ph-acacen)(HA)₂](ClO₄) and Complex 4 =  [Co(Ph-acacen)(DA)₂](ClO₄)] (Ph-acacen, 1-phenylbutane-1,3-dione; DA, dodecyl amine; HA, heptylamine) were evaluated against human breast cancer cell MCF-7 and lung cancer cell A549 using MTT cell viability assay, cellular morphological changes studied by Acridine Orange and Ethidium Bromide (AO/EB), Dual fluorescent staining, Hoechst staining 33248, Comet assay, Annexin V-Cy3 and 6 CFDA assay, JC-1 staining, Reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, Immunofluorescence assay, and Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Treatment of cobalt (III) Schiff base complexes (Complex 3 & 4) affected the viability of the cancer cells. The cell death induced by the complexes was predominantly apoptosis, but necrosis also occurred to a certain extent. Complex 4 produced better cytotoxic effect than complex 3, and MCF-7 cell was more responsive than A549. In that order, the complexes were more selective to cancer cell than normal cell, and more effective in overall performance than the standard drug cisplatin. Therefore, we conclude that cobalt (III) Schiff base complexes, especially complex 4, have the potential to be developed as effective drugs for treatment of cancers in general, and breast and lung cancers in particular.

Synergistic effect of anethole and doxorubicin alleviates cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and ER stress and promotes ROS-mediated apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells

The heterogeneity and poor prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have limited the treatment options and made clinical management challenging. This has nurtured a major effort to discover druggable molecular targets. Currently, chemotherapy is the primary treatment strategy for this disease. Doxorubicin is the most frequently used chemotherapeutic drug for TNBC and due to the fact that chemotherapeutic drugs have a lot of side effects, we evaluated the synergistic effect of the phytocompound anethole and doxorubicin. The cytotoxic effect of anethole in combination with doxorubicin on MDA-MB-231 cells was evaluated by various parameters, including apoptosis, cell cycle analysis, DNA damage, and cell proliferation. Furthermore, mitochondrial membranepotential (MMP), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were also evaluated in the cells treated with/without anethole and doxorubicin. Expression of the apoptotic proteins was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Initial evaluation of cytotoxicity of anethole on MDA-MB-231 cells demonstrated preferential suppression of cell proliferation and when treated along with doxorubicin it showed enhanced cytotoxicity with a synergistic effect. Cell cycle analysis revealed arrest at different stages of the cell cycle, such as sub G0-G1, G0-G1, S, and G2M in various treatment groups and apoptotic cell death was subsequently evident with propidium iodide (PI) staining. The synergistic action of anethole and doxorubicin effectively induced mitochondrial membrane potential loss, which, in turn, led to a burst of ROS production, which eventually produced unfolded protein response by damaging the ER. Synergistic anticancer effect was observed on exposure of MDA-MB-231 cells to anethole and doxorubicin in inducing cell death.

Ginsenoside Rh1 Prevents Migration and Invasion through Mitochondrial ROS-Mediated Inhibition of STAT3/NF-κB Signaling in MDA-MB-231 Cells

Breast cancer (BC) a very common cancer in women worldwide. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been shown to have a poor prognosis with a high level of tumor metastatic spread. Here, the inhibitory effects of ginsenoside-Rh1 (Rh1) on BC metastasis, and its underlying signaling pathway in TNBC were investigated. Rh1-treated MDA-MB-231 cells were analyzed for metastasis using a wound healing assay, transwell migration and invasion assay, western blotting, and qRT-PCR. Rh1 treatment significantly inhibited BC metastasis by inhibiting the both protein and mRNA levels of MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF-A. Further, Rh1-mediated inhibitory effect on BC migration was associated with mitochondrial ROS generation. Rh1 treatment significantly eliminated STAT3 phosphorylation and NF-κB transactivation to downregulate metastatic factors, such as MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF-A. In addition, Mito-TEMPO treatment reversed Rh1 effects on the activation of STAT3, NF-κB, and their transcriptional targets. Rh1 further enhanced the inhibitory effects of STAT3 or NF-κB specific inhibitor, stattic or BAY 11-7082 on MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF-A expression, respectively. In summary, our results revealed the potent anticancer effect of Rh1 on TNBC migration and invasion through mtROS-mediated inhibition of STAT3 and NF-κB signaling.

Picrasma quassioides Extract Elevates the Cervical Cancer Cell Apoptosis Through ROS-Mitochondrial Axis Activated p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND/AIM

Picrasma quassioides (P. quassioides) is used in traditional Asian medicine widely for the treatment of anemopyretic cold, eczema, nausea, loss of appetite, diabetes mellitus, hypertension etc. In this study we aimed to understand the effect of P. quassioides ethanol extract on SiHa cervical cancer cell apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The P. quassioides extract-induced apoptosis was analyzed using the MTT assay, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and western blotting.

RESULTS

P. quassioides extract induced cellular apoptosis by increasing the accumulation of cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and inhibiting ATP synthesis. Pretreatment with N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), a classic antioxidant, decreased the intracellular ROS production and inhibited apoptosis. In addition, the P38 MAPK signaling pathway is a key in the apoptosis of SiHa cells induced by the P. quassioides extract.

CONCLUSION

The P. quassioides extract exerts its anti-cancer properties on SiHa cells through ROS-mitochondria axis and P38 MAPK signaling. Our data provide a new insight for P. quassioides as a therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer treatment.

Upregulation of V-ATPase by STAT3 Activation Promotes Anoikis Resistance and Tumor Metastasis

Most cancer mortality results from metastatic tumor cells and not the localized tumor. Overcoming anoikis is one of the most important steps for detached tumor cells to migrate and metastasize. However, the molecular mechanisms remain to be fully deciphered. Herein, our study revealed upregulation of vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) in cancer cells during ECM detachment plays a key role in anoikis evasion. V-ATPase is an enzyme complex that utilizes energy from ATP hydrolysis to maintain cellular homeostasis and had been reported to enhance cancer progression. In this study, V-ATPase inhibition sensitized human cervical cancer, breast cancer, and murine melanoma cells to anoikis via increased ROS production, accumulation of misfolded protein, and impaired pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Scavenging ROS restored anoikis resistance and clearance of misfolded protein accumulation in the tumor cells. Mechanistically, STAT3 upregulates V-ATPase expression while blockade of STAT3 activity repressed V-ATPase expression in these tumor cells as well as sensitized cells to anoikis, increased ROS production, and misfolded protein accumulation. Altogether, our data demonstrate an unreported role of STAT3 in mediating the upregulation of V-ATPase to promote anoikis resistance, thus provides an alternative option to target cancer metastasis.

Brevilin A inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vivo and in vitro by acting on the upstream of NLRP3-induced ASC oligomerization

Brevilin A (BA), is a natural biologically active ingredient derived from Centipeda minima with several reports of anti-cancer, while its anti-inflammatory activity is rarely reported. Current studies have found the dysregulated activation of NLRP3 inflammasome cause a variety of inflammatory diseases. Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the treatment of NLRP3-induced diseases. Here, we found that BA significantly attenuates the activation of caspase-1 and the subsequent secretion of the interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in mouse macrophages and human THP-1 cells, showing the inhibitory effect of BA on the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, BA specifically inhibits NLRs inflammasomes activation triggered by multi-stimuli, but it has no effect on the AIM2 inflammasome activation, indicating that BA is a specific inhibitor of the NLRs inflammasomes. Research on the mechanism found BA inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation by blocking the upstream of ASC oligomerization. Importantly, in vivo experiments showed that BA markedly reduces the secretion of IL-1β to suppress NLRP3 inflammasome in the LPS-induced inflammation and MSU-challenged peritonitis model. In conclusion, our experiments show that BA is an effective NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor and can be regarded as a drug candidate for NLRP3 inflammasome-driven diseases.

Ginsenoside Rh1 Induces MCF-7 Cell Apoptosis and Autophagic Cell Death through ROS-Mediated Akt Signaling

Simple Summary

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, and its incidence has been increasing. However, current therapeutic approaches, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy, have become increasingly ineffective because of their severe adverse effects and multidrug resistance. Therefore, the discovery of new potential candidates for BC therapy is essential. Here, we investigated whether ginsenoside Rh1 exhibits anticancer effects on BC. We found that this ginsenoside effectively inhibited the growth of BC cells in both cell cultures and mice. Therefore, ginsenoside Rh1 is a promising candidate for BC treatment.

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Ginsenosides exhibit anticancer activity against various cancer cells. However, the effects of ginsenoside Rh1 on BC and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we investigated the anticancer effects of Rh1 on human BC MCF-7 and HCC1428 cells and the underlying signaling pathways. The anticancer effects of Rh1 in vitro were evaluated using sulforhodamine B (SRB), 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), clonogenic assay, propidium iodide (PI)/Hoechst staining, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence analysis. The in vivo effects of Rh1 were determined using a xenograft model via hematoxylin and eosin and the immunohistochemistry staining of tumor tissues. We found that Rh1 exerted cytotoxicity in the cells by increasing cell apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest. These effects were further enhanced by a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor but were rescued by the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, enhanced ROS generation by Rh1 inhibited the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Consistently, Rh1 treatment significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo and increased the ROS production and protein expression of LC3B and cleaved caspase-3 but decreased the phosphorylation of Akt and retinoblastoma (Rb) in tumor tissues. Taken together, Rh1 exerted a potential anticancer effect on BC cells by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy via inhibition of the ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway.

Mechanisms for Modulating Anoikis Resistance in Cancer and the Relevance of Metabolic Reprogramming

The attachment of cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is the hallmark of structure–function stability and well-being. ECM detachment in localized tumors precedes abnormal dissemination of tumor cells culminating in metastasis. Programmed cell death (PCD) is activated during tumorigenesis to clear off ECM-detached cells through “anoikis.” However, cancer cells develop several mechanisms for abrogating anoikis, thus promoting their invasiveness and metastasis. Specific factors, such as growth proteins, pH, transcriptional signaling pathways, and oxidative stress, have been reported as drivers of anoikis resistance, thus enhancing cancer proliferation and metastasis. Recent studies highlighted the key contributions of metabolic pathways, enabling the cells to bypass anoikis. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms driving anoikis resistance could help to counteract tumor progression and prevent metastasis. This review elucidates the dynamics employed by cancer cells to impede anoikis, thus promoting proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, the authors have discussed other metabolic intermediates (especially amino acids and nucleotides) that are less explored, which could be crucial for anoikis resistance and metastasis.

Octopus vulgaris ink extracts exhibit antioxidant, antimutagenic, cytoprotective, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic effects in selected human cancer cell lines

Cancer is a noncommunicable disease of rising worldwide concern. Marine food products such as Octopus vulgaris ink (OI) could be sources of compounds addressing these concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the antimutagenic, cytoprotective, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antioxidant capacity of OI extracts on human cancer cell lines (22Rv1, HeLa, A549). The ARPE-19 cell line was used as a reference human cell line to evaluate the ink's cytotoxicity. The water extract exhibited the highest antimutagenic and cytoprotective effect, but the dichloromethane extract (DM) showed the lowest half lethal concentration against 22Rv1 cells. Structural elucidation of purified DM fractions (F1, F2, F3) identified an unreported compound, N-(2-ozoazepan-3-yl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (OPC). DM-F2 showed high antiproliferative effect (LC₅₀ = 27.6 µg/mL), reactive species modulation, early-apoptosis induction (42.9%), and nuclei disruption in 22Rv1 cells. In silico analysis predicted high OPC affinity with Cyclin D1 (-6.70 kcal/mol), suggesting its potential impact on cell cycle arrest. These results highlight the antimutagenic, cytoprotective, and antiproliferative potential health benefits derived from underutilized marine food products such as OI. Further investigations at in vitro or in vivo levels are required to elucidate mechanisms and health benefits from OI. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: O. vulgaris ink is an underutilized marine natural product that could be a source of biological compounds with potential health benefits such as antioxidant activity and cancer prevention.

Inhibition of RNF6 alleviates traumatic brain injury by suppressing STAT3 signaling in rats

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has ranked as one of the leading causes of disability and death in the world. The neuroinflammation mediated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling during the progression of TBI leads to long-term neurodegeneration. Ring finger protein 6 (RNF-6) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase and can regulate the activity of STAT3 signaling pathway by targeting its inhibitors. However, the mechanism underlying this process in TBI remains poorly understood.

METHODS

In this research, cortical impact injury was used to construct the TBI rat model. Western blot assay was performed to evaluate the protein levels of RNF6, Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1), and STAT3/pSTAT3. QRT-PCR assay was performed to assess the RNA levels of RNF6 and other cytokines. The neural function of TBI rats was estimated by modified Neurological Severity Scores test.

RESULTS

The expression of RNF-6 was up-regulated in the brain tissues of TBI rats. Down-regulation of RNF6 alleviated the symptoms and improved the neural recovery postinjury in TBI rats. Inhibition of RNF6 suppressed the cerebral inflammation by up-regulating the protein level of SHP-1 and down-regulating the phosphorylation level of STAT3.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of RNF6 alleviated TBI by suppressing the STAT3 signaling in TBI rats.

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in the Combination Therapy of HER2 Positive Breast Cancer

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC) accounts for about 20% to 30% of all BC subtypes and is characterized by invasive disease and poor prognosis. With the emergence of anti-HER2 target drugs, HER2-positive BC patient outcomes have changed dramatically. However, treatment failure is mostly due to drug resistance and the special treatment needs of different subgroups. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors can inhibit multiple targets of the human epidermal growth factor receptor family and activate PI3K/AKT, MAPK, PLC γ, ERK1/2, JAK/STAT, and other pathways affecting the expression of MDM2, mTOR, p27, and other transcription factors. This can help regulate the differentiation, apoptosis, migration, growth, and adhesion of normal cells and reverse drug resistance to a certain extent. These inhibitors can cross the blood-brain barrier and be administered orally. They have a good synergistic effect with effective drugs such as trastuzumab, pertuzumab, t-dm1, and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors. These advantages have resulted in small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors attracting attention. The new small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor was investigated in multi-target anti-HER2 therapy, showed a good effect in preclinical and clinical trials, and to some extent, improved the prognosis of HER2-positive BC patients. Its use could lead to a de-escalation of treatment in some patients, possibly preventing unnecessary procedures along with the associated side effects and costs.

Hair Growth Effect of Emulsion Extracted Brevilin A, a JAK3 Inhibitor, from Centipeda minima

Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) inhibitors have been used effectively in the treatment of several cases of alopecia universalis and its variants. Our study aims to evaluate whether the emulsion extract of brevilin A from Centipeda minima (CMX) stimulates hair regrowth in a clinical trial, as a JAK3 inhibitor, combined with network pharmacology-based analysis. CMX showed potent inhibition of JAK3 in a concentration-dependent manner. Significant differences in total hair count, terminal hair count, and anagen hair count from the baseline to 24 weeks were observed between the placebo and CMX subjects. The gene set enrichment analysis showed that the targets of CMX are mainly associated with the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions, and the MAPK signaling pathway. This study suggests that the medicinal herbal extract CMX is useful in the treatment of mild to moderate vertex balding that contribute to the visible improvements in hair growth observed in treated patients.

STAT3 Pathway in Gastric Cancer: Signaling, Therapeutic Targeting and Future Prospects

Molecular signaling pathways play a significant role in the regulation of biological mechanisms, and their abnormal expression can provide the conditions for cancer development. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a key member of the STAT proteins and its oncogene role in cancer has been shown. STAT3 is able to promote the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells and induces chemoresistance. Different downstream targets of STAT3 have been identified in cancer and it has also been shown that microRNA (miR), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and other molecular pathways are able to function as upstream mediators of STAT3 in cancer. In the present review, we focus on the role and regulation of STAT3 in gastric cancer (GC). miRs and lncRNAs are considered as potential upstream mediators of STAT3 and they are able to affect STAT3 expression in exerting their oncogene or onco-suppressor role in GC cells. Anti-tumor compounds suppress the STAT3 signaling pathway to restrict the proliferation and malignant behavior of GC cells. Other molecular pathways, such as sirtuin, stathmin and so on, can act as upstream mediators of STAT3 in GC. Notably, the components of the tumor microenvironment that are capable of targeting STAT3 in GC, such as fibroblasts and macrophages, are discussed in this review. Finally, we demonstrate that STAT3 can target oncogene factors to enhance the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells.