Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Key components in Cancer Therapies

Rationale design of novel substituted 1,3,5-triazine candidates as dual IDH1(R132H)/ IDH2(R140Q) inhibitors with high selectivity against acute myeloid leukemia: In vitro and in vivo preclinical investigations

In this study, novel substituted 1,3,5-triazine candidates (4a-d, 5a-j, and 6a-d) were designed as second-generation small molecules to act as dual IDH1 and IDH2 inhibitors according to the pharmacophoric features of both vorasidenib and enasidenib. Compounds 6a and 6b for leukemia cell lines showed from low to sub-micromolar GI50. Moreover, compounds 4c, 5f, and 6b described the frontier antitumor activity against THP1 and Kasumi Leukemia cancer cells with IC50 values of (10 and 12), (10.5 and 7), and (6.2 and 5.9) µg/mL, which were superior to those of cisplatin (25 and 28) µg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, compounds 4c, 6b, and 6d represented the best dual IDH1(R132H)/IDH2(R140Q) inhibitory potentials with IC50 values of (0.72 and 1.22), (0.12 and 0.93), and (0.50 and 1.28) µg/mL, respectively, compared to vorasidenib (0.02 and 0.08) µg/mL and enasidenib (0.33 and 1.80) µg/mL. Furthermore, the most active candidate (6b) has very promising inhibitory potentials towards HIF-1α, VEGF, and SDH, besides, a marked increase of ROS was observed as well. Besides, compound 6b induced the upregulation of P53, BAX, Caspases 3, 6, 8, and 9 proteins by 3.70, 1.99, 2.06, 1.73, 1.75, and 1.85-fold changes, respectively, and the downregulation for the BCL-2 protein by 0.55-fold change compared to the control. Besides, the in vivo behavior of compound 6b as an antitumor agent was evaluated in female mice bearing solid Ehrlich carcinoma tumors. Notably, compound 6b administration resulted in a prominent decrease in the weight and volume of the tumors, accompanied by improvements in biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters.

Marine-derived antimicrobial peptide piscidin-1 triggers extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma through reactive oxygen species production and inhibits angiogenesis

Cancer of the head and neck encompasses a wide range of cancers, including oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Oral cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages and has a dismal prognosis. Piscidin-1, a marine antimicrobial peptide (AMP) containing approximately 22 amino acids, also exhibits significant anticancer properties. We investigated the possible anti-oral cancer effects of piscidin-1 and clarified the mechanisms underlying these effects. We treated the oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines OC2 and SCC4 with piscidin-1. Cell viability and the expression of different hallmark apoptotic molecules, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), were tested using the appropriate MTT assay, flow cytometry and western blotting assays, and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) wound healing, migration, and tube formation (angiogenesis) assays. Piscidin-1 increases cleaved caspase 3 levels to induce apoptosis. Piscidin-1 also increases ROS levels and intensifies oxidative stress in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, it decreases the oxygen consumption rates and activity of mitochondrial complexes I-V. As expected, the antioxidants MitoTEMPOL and N-acetylcysteine reduce piscidin-1-induced ROS generation and intracellular calcium accumulation. Piscidin-1 also inhibits matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/-9 expression in HUVECs, affecting migration and tube formation angiogenesis. We demonstrated that piscidin-1 can promote apoptosis via both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways and findings indicate that piscidin-1 has anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties in oral cancer treatment. Our study on piscidin-1 thus provides a basis for future translational anti-oral cancer drug research and a new theoretical approach for anti-oral cancer clinical research.

Application of copper (I) selective ligands for PET imaging of reactive oxygen species through metabolic trapping

INTRODUCTION

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are attractive targets for clinical PET imaging. In this study, we hypothesized that PET imaging of ROS would be possible by using chelating ligands (L) that form stable complexes with copper (I) but not with copper (II), based on metabolic trapping. Namely, when [64Cu][CuI(L)2]+ is oxidized by ROS, the oxidized complex will release [64Cu]Cu2+. Then, the released [64Cu]Cu2+ will be trapped inside the cell, resulting in PET signal depending on the redox potential of ROS. To examine the potential of this novel molecular design for ROS imaging, we synthesized copper (I) complexes with bicinchoninic acid (BCA) disodium salt and bathocuproinedisulfonic acid (BCS) disodium salt and evaluated their reactivity with several kinds of ROS. In addition, the cellular uptake of [64Cu][CuI(BCS)2]3- and the stability of [64Cu][CuI(BCS)2]3- in a biological condition were also evaluated.

METHODS

[64Cu]Cu2+ was reduced to [64Cu]Cu+ by ascorbic acid and coordinated with BCA and BCS in the acetate buffer to synthesize [64Cu][CuI(BCA)2]3- and [64Cu][CuI(BCS)2]3-. The radiochemical yields were determined by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). After [64Cu][CuI(BCS)2]3- was incubated with hydroxyl radical, lipid peroxide, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide, the percentage of released [64Cu]Cu2+ from the parent complex was evaluated by TLC. HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells were treated with 0.1 % Dimethyl sulfoxide (control), imidazole ketone erastin (IKE), or IKE + ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). Then, the uptake of [64Cu][CuI(BCS)2]3- to HT-1080 cells in each group was evaluated as %Dose/mg protein. Lastly, [64Cu][CuI(BCS)2]3- was incubated in human plasma, and its intact ratio was determined by TLC.

RESULTS

The radiochemical yield of [64Cu][CuI(BCS)2]3- (86 ± 1 %) was higher than that of [64Cu][CuI(BCA)2]3- (44 ± 3 %). [64Cu][CuI(BCA)2]3- was unstable and partially decomposed on TLC. After [64Cu][CuI(BCS)2]3- was reacted with hydroxyl radical, lipid peroxide, and superoxide, 67 ± 2 %, 44 ± 13 %, and 22 ± 3 % of total radioactivity was detected as [64Cu]Cu2+, respectively. On the other hand, the reaction with hydrogen peroxide did not significantly increase the ratio of [64Cu]Cu2+ (4 ± 1 %). These results suggest that [64Cu][CuI(BCS)2]3- could be used for detecting high-redox-potential ROS such as hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxide with high selectivity. The cellular uptake values of [64Cu][CuI(BCS)2]3- in the control, IKE, and Fer-1 group were 42 ± 2, 54 ± 2, and 47 ± 5 %Dose/mg protein (n = 3), respectively, suggesting the ROS specific uptake of [64Cu][CuI(BCS)2]3-. On the other hand, the intact ratio after the incubation of [64Cu][CuI(BCS)2]3- in human plasma was 9 ± 5 %.

CONCLUSION

PET imaging of ROS would be possible by using a copper (I) selective ligand, based on metabolic trapping. Although improvement of the membrane permeability and the stability of copper (I) complexes is required, the present results pave the way for the development of novel 64Cu-labeled complexes for PET imaging of ROS.

Clinical and Prognostic Significance of Glutathione Peroxidase 2 in Lung Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2) is an antioxidant enzyme with an important role in tumor progression in various cancers. However, the clinical significance of GPX2 in lung adenocarcinoma has not been clarified.

METHODS

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze GPX2 mRNA expression. Then, we conducted immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess GPX2 expression in specimens acquired from 351 patients with lung adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery at Kyushu University from 2003 to 2012. We investigated the association between GPX2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics and further analyzed the prognostic relevance.

RESULTS

qRT-PCR revealed that GPX2 mRNA expression was notably higher in tumor cells than in normal tissues. IHC revealed that high GPX2 expression (n = 175, 49.9%) was significantly correlated with male sex, smoking, advanced pathological stage, and the presence of pleural, lymphatic, and vascular invasion. Patients with high GPX2 expression exhibited significantly shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival. Multivariate analysis identified high GPX2 expression as an independent prognostic factor of RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

GPX2 expression was significantly associated with pathological malignancy. It is conceivable that high GPX2 expression reflects tumor malignancy. Therefore, high GPX2 expression is a significant prognostic factor of poor prognosis for completely resected lung adenocarcinoma.

Preparation and identification of antioxidant peptides from Quasipaa spinosa skin through two-step enzymatic hydrolysis and molecular simulation

Frog skin, a by-product of Quasipaa Spinosa farming, is rich in protein and potentially a valuable raw material for obtaining antioxidant peptides. This study used papain combined with acid protease to digest frog skin in a two-step enzymatic hydrolysis method. Based on a single factor and response surface experiments, experimental conditions were optimized, and the degree of hydrolysis was 30 %. A frog skin hydrolysate (QSPH-Ⅰ-3) was obtained following ultrafiltration and gel filtration chromatography. IC50 for DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacities were 1.68 ± 0.05, 1.20 ± 0.14 and 1.55 ± 0.11 mg/mL, respectively. Peptide sequences (17) were analyzed and, through molecular docking, peptides with low binding energies for KEAP1 were identified, which might affect the NRF2-KEAP1 pathway. These findings suggest protein hydrolysates and antioxidant peptide derivatives might be used in functional foods.

Mechanistic insights into 125I seed implantation therapy for Cholangiocarcinoma: focus on ROS-Mediated apoptosis and the role of GPX2

OBJECTIVES

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare tumor with a poor prognosis and poses significant therapeutic challenges. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of efficacy of 125I seed implantation therapy in CCA, focusing on the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis and the involvement of glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines QBC939 and RBE were purchased for in vitro studies. In vivo studies were performed using a rabbit VX2 CCA model. Apoptosis and proliferation were detected by TUNEL staining and clone formation, respectively. ROS generation was detected by dihydroethidium staining. Histological evaluation was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Protein expression was determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate that 125I seeds effectively inhibited tumor growth in the rabbit VX2 tumor model and promoted the apoptosis of CCA cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular analyses indicate a marked increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels following treatment with 125I seeds, suggesting the involvement of ROS-mediated apoptosis in the therapeutic mechanism. Furthermore, the downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2) was observed, indicating its potential role in modulating ROS-mediated apoptosis in CCA.

CONCLUSION

125I seed implantation therapy exerts therapeutic effects on CCA by inducing ROS-mediated apoptosis. The downregulation of GPX2 may contribute to enhanced ROS accumulation and apoptotic cell death. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the therapeutic potential of 125I seed implantation for CCA and highlight ROS-mediated apoptosis and GPX2 regulation as promising targets for further investigation and therapeutic intervention in this malignancy.

A Ratiometric Fluorescence Probe Based on Silver Nanoclusters and CdSe/ZnS Quantum dots for the Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide by Aggregation and Etching

In this study, a ratiometric fluorescence nanoprobe is developed for the analysis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) were synthesized by chemical reduction method using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as reducing agent, and were coupled with CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) to form the ratiometric fluorescence nanoprobe silver nanoclusters-quantum dots (AgNCs-QDs). The effect of the volume ratio of CdSe/ZnS QDs to AgNCs on the fluorescence ratio of AgNCs-QDs was investigated. The fluorescence characterization results show that two emission peaks of AgNCs-QDs are located at 473 nm and 661 nm, respectively. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show that H2O2 can cause the fluorescence probe to aggregate, while etching AgNCs to produce silver ions, which together cause the fluorescence of the QDs in the ratiometric fluorescent probe to be quenched. Based on this strategy, the fluorescence intensity ratio of the two emission peaks F473/F661 exhibits a strong linear correlation with the concentration of H2O2. The detection range is 3.32 µM ~ 2.65 mM with a detection limit of 3.32 µM. In addition, the ratiometric fluorescence probe can specifically recognize H2O2 and has excellent anti-interference performance and good fluorescence stability. Importantly, the probe was utilized for the detection of H2O2 in serum, showing the possibility of the probe in clinical detection applications.

Discovery of a highly selective fluorescent probe for hydrogen peroxide and its biocompatibility evaluation and bioimaging applications in cells and zebrafish

As one of the most widely distributed reactive oxygen species in vivo, hydrogen peroxide plays divergent and important roles in cell growth, differentiation and aging. When the level of hydrogen peroxide in the body is abnormal, it will lead to genome mutation and induce irreversible oxidative modification of proteins, lipids and polysaccharides, resulting in cell death or even disease. Therefore, it is significant to develop a sensitive and specific probe for real-time detection of hydrogen peroxide in vivo. In this study, the response mechanism between hydrogen peroxide and probe QH was investigated by means of HRMS and the probe showed good optical properties and high selectivity to hydrogen peroxide. Note that the evaluating of probe biocompatibility resulted from cytotoxicity test, behavioral test, hepatotoxicity test, cardiotoxicity test, blood vessel toxicity test, immunotoxicity test and neurotoxicity test using cell and transgenic zebrafish models with more than 20 toxic indices. Furthermore, the detection performance of the probe for hydrogen peroxide was evaluated by multiple biological models and the probe was proved to be much essential for the monitoring of hydrogen peroxide in vivo.

Monocytic Differentiation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells: Diagnostic Criteria, Biological Heterogeneity, Mitochondrial Metabolism, Resistance to and Induction by Targeted Therapies

We review the importance of monocytic differentiation and differentiation induction in non-APL (acute promyelocytic leukemia) variants of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a malignancy characterized by proliferation of immature myeloid cells. Even though the cellular differentiation block is a fundamental characteristic, the AML cells can show limited signs of differentiation. According to the French-American-British (FAB-M4/M5 subset) and the World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 classifications, monocytic differentiation is characterized by morphological signs and the expression of specific molecular markers involved in cellular communication and adhesion. Furthermore, monocytic FAB-M4/M5 patients are heterogeneous with regards to cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities, and monocytic differentiation does not have any major prognostic impact for these patients when receiving conventional intensive cytotoxic therapy. In contrast, FAB-M4/M5 patients have decreased susceptibility to the Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax, and this seems to be due to common molecular characteristics involving mitochondrial regulation of the cellular metabolism and survival, including decreased dependency on Bcl-2 compared to other AML patients. Thus, the susceptibility to Bcl-2 inhibition does not only depend on general resistance/susceptibility mechanisms known from conventional AML therapy but also specific mechanisms involving the molecular target itself or the molecular context of the target. AML cell differentiation status is also associated with susceptibility to other targeted therapies (e.g., CDK2/4/6 and bromodomain inhibition), and differentiation induction seems to be a part of the antileukemic effect for several targeted anti-AML therapies. Differentiation-associated molecular mechanisms may thus become important in the future implementation of targeted therapies in human AML.

GSH and Ferroptosis: Side-by-Side Partners in the Fight against Tumors

Glutathione (GSH), a prominent antioxidant in organisms, exhibits diverse biological functions and is crucial in safeguarding cells against oxidative harm and upholding a stable redox milieu. The metabolism of GSH is implicated in numerous diseases, particularly in the progression of malignant tumors. Consequently, therapeutic strategies targeting the regulation of GSH synthesis and metabolism to modulate GSH levels represent a promising avenue for future research. This study aimed to elucidate the intricate relationship between GSH metabolism and ferroptosis, highlighting how modulation of GSH metabolism can impact cellular susceptibility to ferroptosis and consequently influence the development of tumors and other diseases. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological functions of GSH, including its structural characteristics, physicochemical properties, sources, and metabolic pathways, as well as investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying GSH regulation of ferroptosis and potential therapeutic interventions. Unraveling the biological role of GSH holds promise for individuals afflicted with tumors.

In Vitro and In Vivo Synergetic Radiotherapy with Gold Nanoparticles and Docetaxel for Pancreatic Cancer

This research underscores the potential of combining nanotechnology with conventional therapies in cancer treatment, particularly for challenging cases like pancreatic cancer. We aimed to enhance pancreatic cancer treatment by investigating the synergistic effects of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and docetaxel (DTX) as potential radiosensitizers in radiotherapy (RT) both in vitro and in vivo, utilizing a MIA PaCa-2 monoculture spheroid model and NRG mice subcutaneously implanted with MIA PaCa-2 cells, respectively. Spheroids were treated with GNPs (7.5 μg/mL), DTX (100 nM), and 2 Gy of RT using a 6 MV linear accelerator. In parallel, mice received treatments of GNPs (2 mg/kg), DTX (6 mg/kg), and 5 Gy of RT (6 MV linear accelerator). In vitro results showed that though RT and DTX reduced spheroid size and increased DNA DSBs, the triple combination of DTX/RT/GNPs led to a significant 48% (p = 0.05) decrease in spheroid size and a 45% (p = 0.05) increase in DNA DSBs. In vivo results showed a 20% (p = 0.05) reduction in tumor growth 20 days post-treatment with (GNPs/RT/DTX) and an increase in mice median survival. The triple combination exhibited a synergistic effect, enhancing anticancer efficacy beyond individual treatments, and thus could be employed to improve radiotherapy and potentially reduce adverse effects.

A Mendelian randomization study on the causal effects of cigarette smoking on liver fibrosis and cirrhosis

Background

Liver fibrosis significantly impacts public health globally. Untreated liver fibrosis eventually results in cirrhosis. Cigarette smoking is the main etiologic factor for various diseases. However, the causal effects of cigarette smoking on liver fibrosis and cirrhosis have yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods

In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to assess the association between cigarette smoking, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as instrumental variables from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European ancestry. Patients were divided into six exposure categories as follows: "ever smoked," "pack years of smoking," "age of smoking initiation," "smoking status: never," "smoking status: current," and "smoking status: previous." The outcomes of this study included liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted, simple mode, and weighted mode were selected as the analysis methods. Cochran's Q and the MR-PRESSO tests were conducted to measure heterogeneity. The MR-Egger method was performed to evaluate horizontal pleiotropy, while the "leave-one-out" analysis was performed for sensitivity testing.

Results

The results of this study showed that having a smoking history increases the risk of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis ["ever smoked": odds ratio (OR) = 5.704, 95% CI: 1.166-27.910, p = 0.032; "smoking status: previous": OR = 99.783, 95% CI: 2.969-3.353e+03, p = 0.010]. A negative correlation was observed between patients who never smoked and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis ("smoking status: never": OR = 0.171, 95% CI: 0.041-0.719, p = 0.016). However, there were no significant associations between "smoking status: current," "pack years of smoking," and "age of smoking initiation" and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Cigarette smoking did not have a significant horizontal pleiotropic effect on liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The "Leave-one-out" sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were stable.

Conclusion

The study confirmed the causal effects of cigarette smoking on liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Sensitive electrochemical flow injection analysis of H2O2 released from cells with a pass-through mode

Conventional plate electrodes were commonly used in electrochemical flow injection analysis and only part of molecules diffused to the plane of electrodes could be detected, which would limit the performance of electrochemical detection. In this study, a low-cost native stainless steel wire mesh (SSWM) electrode was integrated into a 3D-printed device for electrochemical flow injection analysis with a pass-through mode, which is different compared with previous flow-through mode. This strategy was applied for sensitive analysis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) released from cells. Under the optimal conditions (the applied potentials, the flow rate and the sample volume), the device exhibits high sensitivity toward H2O2. Linear relationships could be achieved between electrochemical responses and the concentration of H2O2 ranging from 1 nM to 1 mM. The excellent analytical performance of the SSWM-based device could be attributed to the pass-through mode based on the mesh microstructure and intrinsic catalytic properties for H2O2 by stainless steel. This approach could be further successfully extended for screening of H2O2 released from HeLa cells with electrochemical responses linear to the number of cells in a range of 3 - 1.35 × 104 cells with an injection volume of 30 μL. This study revealed the potential of mesh electrodes in electrochemical flow injection analysis for cellular function and pathology and its possible extension in cell counting and on-line analysis.

An analysis of the prognostic role of reactive oxygen species-associated genes in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to type breast cancer in relation to reactive oxygen species (ROS), clinical indicators, single nucleotide variant (SNV) mutations, functional differences, immune infiltration, and predictive responses to immunotherapy or chemotherapy, and constructing a prognostic model.

METHODS

We used uniCox analysis, ConsensusClusterPlus, and the proportion of ambiguous clustering (PAC) to analyze The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data to determine optimal groupings and obtain differentially expressed ROS-related genes. Clinical indicators were then combined with the classification results and the Chi-square test was used to assess differences. We further examined SNV mutations, and functional differences using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, immune cell infiltration, and response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. A prognostic model for breast cancer was constructed using these differentially expressed genes, immunotherapy or chemotherapy responses, and survival curves. RT-qPCR was used to detect the differences in the expression of LCE3D, CA1, PIRT and SMR3A in breast cancer cell lines and normal breast epithelial cell line.

RESULTS

We identified two distinct tumor types with significant differences in ROS-related gene expression, clinical indicators, SNV mutations, functional pathways, and immune infiltration. The response to specific chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy treatments also documented significant differences. The prognostic model constructed with 16 genes linked to survival could efficiently divide patients into high- and low-risk groups. The high-risk group showed a poorer prognosis, higher tumor purity, distinct immune microenvironment, and lower immunotherapy response. RT-qPCR results showed that LCE3D, CA1, PIRT and SMR3A are highly expressed in breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our methodical examination presented an enhanced insight into the molecular and immunological heterogeneity of breast cancer. It can contribute to the understanding of prognosis and offer valuable insights for personalized treatment strategies. Further, the prognostic model can potentially serve as a powerful tool for risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making in clinical settings.

Role of oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis in cancer therapy

Ferroptosis is a distinct mode of cell death, distinguishing itself from typical apoptosis by its reliance on the accumulation of iron ions and lipid peroxides. Cells manifest an imbalance between oxidative stress and antioxidant equilibrium during certain pathological contexts, such as tumours, resulting in oxidative stress. Notably, recent investigations propose that heightened intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to oxidative stress can heighten cellular susceptibility to ferroptosis inducers or expedite the onset of ferroptosis. Consequently, comprehending role of ROS in the initiation of ferroptosis has significance in elucidating disorders related to oxidative stress. Moreover, an exhaustive exploration into the mechanism and control of ferroptosis might offer novel targets for addressing specific tumour types. Within this context, our review delves into recent fundamental pathways and the molecular foundation of ferroptosis. Four classical ferroptotic molecular pathways are well characterized, namely, glutathione peroxidase 4-centred molecular pathway, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 molecular pathway, mitochondrial molecular pathway, and mTOR-dependent autophagy pathway. Furthermore, we seek to elucidate the regulatory contributions enacted by ROS. Additionally, we provide an overview of targeted medications targeting four molecular pathways implicated in ferroptosis and their potential clinical applications. Here, we review the role of ROS and oxidative stress in ferroptosis, and we discuss opportunities to use ferroptosis as a new strategy for cancer therapy and point out the current challenges persisting within the domain of ROS-regulated anticancer drug research and development.

Multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms of the antitumour effect of dihydromyricetin (Review)

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a natural flavonoid compound with multiple antitumour effects, including inhibition of proliferation, promotion of apoptosis, inhibition of invasion and migration, clearance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induction of autophagy. For example, DHM can effectively block the progression of the tumour cell cycle and inhibit cell proliferation. In different types of cancer cells, DHM can regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway, mTOR, and NF-κB pathway components, such as p53, and endoplasmic reticulum stress can alter the accumulation of ROS or induce autophagy to promote the apoptosis of tumour cells. In addition, when DHM is used in combination with various known chemotherapy drugs, such as paclitaxel, nedaplatin, doxorubicin, oxaliplatin and vinblastine, it can increase the sensitivity of tumour cells to DHM and increase the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy drugs. In the present review, the multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the antitumour effect of DHM, as well as its ability to increase the effects of various traditional antitumour drugs were summarized. Through the present review, it is expected by the authors to draw attention to the potential of DHM as an antitumour drug and provide valuable references for the clinical translation of DHM research and the development of related treatment strategies.

The interplay of exercise and polyphenols in cancer treatment: A focus on oxidative stress and antioxidant mechanisms

Exercise has been demonstrated to induce an elevated production of free radicals, leading to the onset of oxidative stress. Numerous studies highlight the positive impacts of aerobic exercise, primarily attributed to the increase in overall antioxidant capacity. The evidence suggests that engaging in aerobic exercise contributes to a reduction in the likelihood of advanced cancer and mortality. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the generation of free radicals and the collective antioxidant defense system, encompassing both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. Typically, oxidative stress triggers the formation of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species, instigating or advancing various issues in cancers and other diseases. The pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance serves as a direct measure of this imbalance in oxidative stress. Polyphenols contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, flavanols, and phenolic acids, conferring antioxidant properties. Previous research highlights the potential of polyphenols as antioxidants, with documented effects on reducing cancer risk by influencing processes such as proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This is primarily attributed to their recognized antioxidant capabilities. Considering the extensive array of signaling pathways associated with exercise and polyphenols, this overview will specifically focus on oxidative stress, the antioxidant efficacy of polyphenols and exercise, and their intricate interplay in cancer treatment.

Aggregation-Enabled Electrochemistry in Confined Nanopore Capable of Complementary Faradaic and Non-Faradaic Detection

Electrochemistry that empowers innovative nanoscopic analysis has long been pursued. Here, the concept of aggregation-enabled electrochemistry (AEE) in a confined nanopore is proposed and devised by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive aggregation of CdS quantum dots (QDs) within a functional nanopipette. Complementary Faradaic and non-Faradaic operations of the CdS QDs aggregate could be conducted to simultaneously induce the signal-on of the photocurrents and the signal-off of the ionic signals. Such a rationale permits the cross-checking of the mutually corroborated signals and thus delivers more reliable results for single-cell ROS analysis. Combined with the rich biomatter-light interplay, the concept of AEE can be extended to other stimuli-responsive aggregations for electrochemical innovations.

Advances of Layered Double Hydroxide-Based Materials for Tumor Imaging and Therapy

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are a class of functional anionic clays that typically consist of orthorhombic arrays of metal hydroxides with anions sandwiched between the layers. Due to their unique properties, including high chemical stability, good biocompatibility, controlled drug loading, and enhanced drug bioavailability, LDHs have many potential applications in the medical field. Especially in the fields of bioimaging and tumor therapy. This paper reviews the research progress of LDHs and their nanocomposites in the field of tumor imaging and therapy. First, the structure and advantages of LDH are discussed. Then, several commonly used methods for the preparation of LDH are presented, including co-precipitation, hydrothermal and ion exchange methods. Subsequently, recent advances in layered hydroxides and their nanocomposites for cancer imaging and therapy are highlighted. Finally, based on current research, we summaries the prospects and challenges of layered hydroxides and nanocomposites for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

A Single-Atom Manganese Nanozyme Mn-N/C Promotes Anti-Tumor Immune Response via Eliciting Type I Interferon Signaling

Tumor microenvironment (TME)-induced nanocatalytic therapy is a promising strategy for cancer treatment, but the low catalytic efficiency limits its therapeutic efficacy. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are a new type of nanozyme with incredible catalytic efficiency. Here, a single-atom manganese (Mn)-N/C nanozyme is constructed. Mn-N/C catalyzes the conversion of cellular H2O2 to ∙OH through a Fenton-like reaction and enables the sufficient generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells and significantly promotes CD8+T anti-tumor immunity. Moreover, RNA sequencing analysis reveals that Mn-N/C treatment activates type I interferon (IFN) signaling, which is critical for Mn-N/C-mediated anti-tumor immune response. Mechanistically, the release of cytosolic DNA and Mn2+ triggered by Mn-N/C collectively activates the cGAS-STING pathway, subsequently stimulating type I IFN induction. A highly efficient single-atom nanozyme, Mn-N/C, which enhances anti-tumor immune response and exhibits synergistic therapeutic effects when combined with the anti-PD-L1 blockade, is proposed.

Mn-Anti-CTLA4-CREKA-Sericin Nanotheragnostics for Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Tumor Immunotherapy

The integration of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cGAS-STING, and anti-CTLA-4 (aCTLA-4) based immunotherapy offers new opportunities for tumor precision therapy. However, the precise delivery of aCTLA-4 and manganese (Mn), an activator of cGAS, to tumors remains a major challenge for enhanced MRI and active immunotherapy. Herein, a theragnostic nanosphere Mn-CREKA-aCTLA-4-SS (MCCS) is prepared by covalently assembling Mn2+, silk sericin (SS), pentapeptide CREKA, and aCTLA-4. MCCS are stable with an average size of 160 nm and is almost negatively charged or neutral at pH 5.5/7.4. T1-weighted images showed MCCS actively targeted tumors to improve the relaxation rate r1 and contrast time of MRI. This studies demonstrated MCCS raises reactive oxygen species levels, activates the cGAS-STING pathway, stimulates effectors CD8+ and CD80+ T cells, reduces regulatory T cell numbers, and increases IFN-γ and granzyme secretion, thereby inducing tumor cells autophagy and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Also, MCCS are biocompatible and biosafe. These studies show the great potential of Mn-/SS-based integrative material MCCS for precision and personalized tumor nanotheragnostics.

Prognostic Signature in Osteosarcoma Based on Amino Acid Metabolism-Associated Genes

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is undeniably a formidable bone malignancy characterized by a scarcity of effective treatment options. Reprogramming of amino acid (AA) metabolism has been associated with OS development. The present study was designed to identify metabolism-associated genes (MAGs) that are differentially expressed in OS and to construct a MAG-based prognostic risk signature for this disease. Methods: Expression profiles and clinicopathological data were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and UCSC Xena databases. A set of AA MAGs was obtained from the MSigDB database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GEO dataset were identified using "limma." Prognostic MAGs from UCSC Xena database were determined through univariate Cox regression and used in the prognostic signature development. This signature was validated using another dataset from GEO database. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, single sample gene set enrichment analysis, and GDSC2 analyses were performed to explore the biological functions of the MAGs. A MAG-based nomogram was established to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the expression of MAGs in primary OS and paired adjacent normal tissues. Results: A total of 790 DEGs and 62 prognostic MAGs were identified. A MAG-based signature was constructed based on four MAGs: PIPOX, PSMC2, SMOX, and PSAT1. The prognostic value of this signature was successfully validated, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival of 0.714, 0.719, and 0.715, respectively. This MAG-based signature was correlated with the infiltration of CD56dim natural killer cells and resistance to several antiangiogenic agents. The nomogram was accurate in predictions, with a C-index of 0.77. The expression of MAGs verified by experiment was consistent with the trends observed in GEO database. Conclusion: Four AA MAGs were prognostic of survival in OS patients. This MAG-based signature has the potential to offer valuable insights into the development of treatments for OS.

Assessment of the anti-cancer potential of Ephedra foeminea leaf extract on MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, 4 T1, and MCF-10 breast cancer cell lines: Cytotoxic, apoptotic and oxidative assays

Ephedra foeminea is traditionally used to treat breast cancer in several Arab countries. Scientific studies have reported different effects of this plant on some cancer cell lines. The current study determined the anti-cancer potential of the methanolic extract of Ephedra foeminea against four different types of breast cancer cell lines in-vitro. The extract was prepared by maceration and phytoconstituents were identified by LC-MS analysis. The IC50 value was determined against MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, 4 T1, and MCF-10 cell lines using the MTT assay. Further investigations were carried out using IC50 concentration of the extract (40.09 µg/ml) to determine live/dead cells by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. The effect on the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated by flow cytometry. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. The LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 34 and 30 phytoconstituents in positive and negative modes respectively. The Ephedra foeminea extract was most effective against 4 T1 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.001) with an IC50 value of 40.09 µg/ml and showed negligible effect against MCF-10 cells. It increased apoptosis in 77.84 % of 4 T1 cells, as determined by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. The extract also increased the ROS expression in the 39.57 % of 4 T1 cells. The study results showed that Ephedra foeminea extract possesses an anti-cancer effect against 4 T1 cells by increasing the expression of ROS and inducing apoptosis in the 4 T1 cells. The result suggests Ephedra foemenia methanolic extract possesses a reasonable anti-cancer effect due to its effect on apoptosis and oxidative pathways. The results confirm the traditional belief that Ephedra is effective against breast cancerز.

Arenobufagin, isolated from Bufo viridis toad venom, inhibits A549 cells proliferation by inducing apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest

Lung cancer is a significant contributor to cancer morbidity and mortality globally. Arenobufagin, a compound derived from Bufo viridis toad venom, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit cell growth in various cancer cell lines. However, our understanding of the role and mechanism of arenobufagin in lung cancer remains incomplete, necessitating further researches to fully elucidate its action mechanism. In this study, we further explored the impact of arenobufagin on A549 cells. The results revealed that it exerted a potent cytotoxic effect on A549 cells by inhibiting cell colony formation, promoting cell apoptosis, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and arresting A549 cells in G2/M phase. Collectively, our findings suggested that arenobufagin may have potential as a future therapeutic for lung cancer treatment.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Synergistically Enhanced Arecoline-Induced Cytotoxicity by Redirecting Cycle Arrest to Apoptosis

Carcinogens, such as arecoline, play a crucial role in cancer progression and continuous gene mutations by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidants can reduce ROS levels and potentially prevent cancer progression but may paradoxically enhance the survival of cancer cells. This study investigated whether epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant from green tea, could resolve this paradox. Prostate cancer cells (PC-3 cell line) were cultured and treated with arecoline combined with NAC (N-acetylcysteine) or EGCG; the combined effects on intracellular ROS levels and cell viability were examined using the MTT and DCFDA assays, respectively. In addition, apoptosis, cell cycle, and protein expression were investigated using flow cytometry and western blot analysis. Our results showed that EGCG, similar to NAC (N-acetylcysteine), reduced the intracellular ROS levels, which were elevated by arecoline. Moreover, EGCG not only caused cell cycle arrest but also facilitated cell apoptosis in arecoline-treated cells in a synergistic manner. These were evidenced by elevated levels of cyclin B1 and p27, and increased fragmentation of procaspase-3, PARP, and DNA. Our findings highlight the potential use of EGCG for cancer prevention and therapy.

Molecular Mechanism of Natural Food Antioxidants to Regulate ROS in Treating Cancer: A Review

Cancer is the second-highest mortality rate disease worldwide, and it has been estimated that cancer will increase by up to 20 million cases yearly by 2030. There are various options of treatment for cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. All of these options have damaging adverse effects that can reduce the patient's quality of life. Cancer itself arises from a series of mutations in normal cells that generate the ability to divide uncontrollably. This cell mutation can happen as a result of DNA damage induced by the high concentration of ROS in normal cells. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause oxidative stress, which can initiate cancer cell proliferation. On the other hand, the cytotoxic effect from elevated ROS levels can be utilized as anticancer therapy. Some bioactive compounds from natural foods such as fruit, vegetables, herbs, honey, and many more have been identified as a promising source of natural antioxidants that can prevent oxidative stress by regulating the level of ROS in the body. In this review, we have highlighted and discussed the benefits of various natural antioxidant compounds from natural foods that can regulate reactive oxygen species through various pathways.

Study of pesticidal activity of bioactive compounds of Neowestiellopsis persica strain A1387 in improving the antioxidative and antimicrobial activity of wheat to sunn pest

Cyanobacteria have been recognized for their advantageous impact on plant growth and development. The application of certain techniques has the potential to enhance various aspects of plant development, including growth, yield, proximate content (such as protein and carbohydrate levels), as well as the ability to withstand abiotic stresses such as herbicide exposure. The current investigation focused on examining the influence of bioactive compounds derived from the cyanobacterium Neowestiellopsis persica strain A1387 on enhancing the antioxidant and anyimicrobial activity of wheat plants in their defense against the plant pathogenic Sunn pest. The findings of the study indicate that the levels of H2O2 and GPx in wheat plants that were infected with aphids were significantly elevated compared to the treatments where aphids and cyanobacteria extract were present. The confirmation of these results was achieved through the utilization of confocal and fluorescent microscope tests, respectively. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the constituents of the cyanobacterial extract augmented the plant's capacity to withstand stress by enhancing its defense mechanisms. In a broader context, the utilization of cyanobacterial extract demonstrated the ability to regulate the generation and impact of oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), while concurrently enhancing the functionality of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes within wheat plants. This facilitation enabled the plants to effectively manage oxidative stress. Moreover, the findings of the antibacterial activity assessment conducted on the extract derived from cyanobacteria demonstrated notable susceptibility. The bacteria that exhibited the highest sensitivity to the extract of cyanobacterium Neowestiellopsis persica strain A1387 were staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conversely, salmonella typhi demonstrated the greatest resistance to the aforementioned extract. The potential impact of cyanobacteria extract on the antioxidative response of wheat plants to sunn pest infestation represents a novel contribution to the existing body of knowledge on the interaction between wheat plants and aphids.

M6A demethylase ALKBH5 regulates FOXO1 mRNA stability and chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer

Resistance to chemotherapy is the main reason for treatment failure and poor prognosis in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Although the association of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications with therapy resistance is noticed, its role in the development of therapeutic resistance in TNBC is not well documented. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation in doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant TNBC. Here, we found that DOX-resistant TNBC cells displayed low ROS levels because of increased expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD2), thus maintaining cancer stem cells (CSCs) characteristics and DOX resistance. FOXO1 is a master regulator that reduces cellular ROS in DOX-resistant TNBC cells, and knockdown of FOXO1 significantly increased ROS levels by inhibiting SOD2 expression. Moreover, the m6A demethylase ALKBH5 promoted m6A demethylation of FOXO1 mRNA and increased FOXO1 mRNA stability in DOX-resistant TNBC cells. The analysis of clinical samples revealed that the increased expression levels of ALKBH5, FOXO1, and SOD2 were significantly positively correlated with chemoresistance and poor prognosis in patients with TNBC. To our knowledge, this is the first study to highlight that ALKBH5-mediated FOXO1 mRNA demethylation contributes to CSCs characteristics and DOX resistance in TNBC cells. Furthermore, pharmacological targeting of FOXO1 profoundly restored the response of DOX-resistant TNBC cells, both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, we demonstrated a critical function of ALKBH5-mediated m6A demethylation of FOXO1 mRNA in restoring redox balance, which in turn promoting CSCs characteristics and DOX resistance in TNBC, and suggested that targeting the ALKBH5/FOXO1 axis has therapeutic potential for patients with TNBC refractory to chemotherapy.

DERL2 (derlin 2) stabilizes BAG6 (BAG cochaperone 6) in chemotherapy resistance of cholangiocarcinoma

DERL2 (derlin 2) is a critical component of the endoplasmic reticulum quality control pathway system whose mutations play an important role in carcinogenesis, including cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL). However, its role and its underlying mechanism have yet to be elucidated. Herein, we revealed that DERL2 was highly expressed in CHOL and considered as an independent prognostic indicator for inferior survival in CHOL. DERL2 ectopically expressed in CHOL cells promoted cell proliferation and colony formation rates, and depleting DERL2 in CHOL cells curbed tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. More interestingly, the knockout of DERL2 augmented the growth-inhibitory effect of gemcitabine chemotherapy on CHOL cells by inducing cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, we discovered that DERL2 interacted with BAG6 (BAG cochaperone 6), thereby extending its half-life and reinforcing the oncogenic role of BAG6 in CHOL progression.

The dual effects of Congea chinensis Moldenke on inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and delaying aging by activating TERT transcriptional activity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Natural medicinal plants, also named herbs, have attracted considerable research attention for their potential pharmacological activities, such as antitumor and longevity-promoting activities. Our previous review proposed that maintaining the homeostatic balance between aging and cancer may benefit organisms to enable tumor-free longevity. Congea chinensis Moldenke (CCM) is a plant species that grows on the border of Yunnan Province of China. Its medicinal value has been few reports until now. Thus, screening and extraction the ingredients from CCM that are both active tumor suppressors and TERT activators is a therapeutic strategy for improving tumor-free longevity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To extract and evaluate the cytotoxic antitumor and TERT transcription-promoting activities of the plant CCM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ingredients extracted from CCM were tested for transcriptional activation of p53 using pGL4-p53-GFP cells and for TERT expression using a real-time PCR assay. In vitro antitumor activity was detected by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and Annexin V/PI staining assay. The cell-permeable probe H2DCFDA was used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot was performed to verify predicated proteins regulated by the ingredients. RNA-sequence analysis was applied to predicate the underlying mechanism of CCM.

RESULTS

Both CCM and MPRC2-8, two novel extracts of Congea chinensis Moldenke, activated the expression of p53 and TERT and were selectively cytotoxic toward tumor cells. In addition, the cytotoxic mechanism of MPRC2-8 was identified as ROS generation-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, MPRC2-8 showed opposite regulatory effects on the SIRT1-p53 axis in A549 and HT-29 cells, which have different p53 statuses. RNA-seq analysis showed that CCM and MPRC2-8 induced the p53, apoptosis and ROS signaling pathways, consistent with the results of cellular experiments in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals that CCM and MPRC2-8 have two complementary activities, antitumor activity and TERT-activating activity, with potential antitumor and longevity-improving effects.

Aluminium phthalocyanine-mediated photodynamic therapy induces ATM-related DNA damage response and apoptosis in human oesophageal cancer cells

Introduction

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light-based technique used in the treatment of malignant and non-malignant tissue. Aluminium-phthalocyanine chloride tetra sulfonate (AlPcS4Cl)-mediated PDT has been well investigated on several cancer types, including oesophageal cancer. However, the effects of (AlPcS4Cl)-mediated PDT on DNA damage response and the mechanism of cell death in oesophageal cancer needs further investigation.

Methods

Here, we examined the in vitro effects of AlPcS4Cl-mediated PDT on cell cycle, DNA damage response, oxidative stress, and intrinsic apoptotic cell death pathway in HKESC-1 oesophageal cancer cells. The HKESC-1 cells were exposed to PDT using a semiconductor laser diode (673.2 nm, 5 J/cm2 fluency). Cell viability and cytotoxicity were determined by the ATP cell viability assay and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, respectively. Cell cycle and DNA damage response (DDR) analyses were conducted using the Muse™ cell cycle kit and the Muse® multi-color DNA damage kit, respectively. The mode of cell death was identified using the Annexin V-FITC/PI detection assay and Muse® Autophagy LC3 antibody-based kit. The intrinsic apoptotic pathway was investigated by measuring the cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) function, cytochrome c levels and the activity of caspase 3/7 enzymes.

Results

The results show that AlPcS4Cl-based PDT reduced cell viability, induced cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, and DNA double-strand break (DSB) through the upregulation of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), a DNA damage sensor. In addition, the findings showed that AlPcS4Cl-based PDT induced cell death via apoptosis, which is observed through increased ROS production, reduced ΔΨm, increased cytochrome c release, and activation of caspase 3/7 enzyme. Finally, no autophagy was observed in the AlPcS4Cl-mediated PDT-treated cells.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that apoptotic cell death is the main cell death mechanism triggered by AlPcS4Cl-mediated PDT in oesophageal cancer cells.

Recent advances in sonodynamic therapy strategies for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer, a prevalent malignancy of the digestive system, has a poor 5-year survival rate of around 10%. Although numerous minimally invasive alternative treatments, including photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy, have shown effectiveness compared with traditional surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, the application of these alternative treatments is constrained by their depth of penetration, making it challenging to treat pancreatic cancer situated deep within the tissue. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive therapy method that is particularly potent against deep-seated tumors such as pancreatic cancer. However, the unique characteristics of pancreatic cancer, including a dense surrounding matrix, high reductivity, and a hypoxic tumor microenvironment, impede the efficient application of SDT. Thus, to guide the evolution of SDT for pancreatic cancer therapy, this review addresses these challenges, examines current strategies for effective SDT enhancement for pancreatic cancer, and investigates potential future advances to boost clinical applicability. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

Biological mechanism of ZnO nanomaterials

Modern nanotechnology has made zinc oxide nanomaterials (ZnO NMts) multifunctional, stable, and low cost, enabling them to be widely used in commercial and biomedical fields. With its wide application, the risk of human direct contact and their release into the environment also increases. This review aims to summarize the toxicity studies of ZnO NMts in vivo, including neurotoxicity, inhalation toxicity, and reproductive toxicity. The antibacterial and antiviral mechanisms of ZnO NMts in vitro and the toxicity to eukaryotic cells were summarized. The summary found that it was mainly related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by oxidative stress. It also discusses the potential harm to body and the favorable prospects of the widespread use of antibacterial and antiviral in the future medical field. The review also emphasizes that the dosage and use method of ZnO NMts will be the focus of future biomedical research.

Arsenic Trioxide Decreases Lymphangiogenesis by Inducing Apoptotic Pathways and Inhibition of Important Endothelial Cell Receptors

Tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis is strongly associated with the formation of tumor metastasis. Therefore, the regulation of lymphangiogenesis offers a promising target in cancer therapy. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is highly effective in the treatment of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). As ATO mediates anti-angiogenic effects on endothelial and tumor cells, we aimed to explore the impact of ATO on lymphangiogenesis in human lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC). The BrdU assay and flow cytometry analysis were used to evaluate the influence of ATO on the proliferation and cell cycle distribution of LECs. The lymphatic suppression effects of ATO were investigated in vitro using the lymphatic tube formation assay. The effects of ATO on apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential and endothelial cell receptors were investigated by Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. The treatment of LECs with ATO attenuated cell proliferation, blocked tube formation and induced subG0/G1 arrest in LECs, thus suggesting enhanced apoptosis. Although subG0/G1 arrest was accompanied by the upregulation of p21 and p53, ATO treatment did not lead to visible cell cycle arrest in LECs. In addition, ATO caused apoptosis via the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, activating caspases 3, 8 and 9; downregulating the anti-apoptotic proteins survivin, XIAP and cIAP-2; and upregulating the pro-apoptotic protein Fas. Furthermore, we observed that ATO inhibited the VEGF-induced proliferation of LECs, indicating that pro-survival VEGF/VEGFR signaling was affected by ATO treatment. Finally, we found that ATO inhibited the expression of the important endothelial cell receptors VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, Tie-2 and Lyve-1. In conclusion, we demonstrate that ATO inhibits lymphangiogenesis by activating apoptotic pathways and inhibiting important endothelial cell receptors, which suggests that this drug should be further evaluated in the treatment of tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis.

Current trends in the promising immune checkpoint inhibition and radiotherapy combination for locally advanced and metastatic urothelial carcinoma

Locally advanced and metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) remains a challenging malignancy, though several novel therapeutic drugs have been developed in recent years. Over the past decade, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shifted the paradigm of therapeutic strategies for UC; however, only a limited number of patients respond to ICI. Since radiotherapy (RT) is widely known to induce systemic immune activation, it may boost the efficacy of ICI. Conversely, RT also causes exhaustion of cytotoxic T cells, and the activation and recruitment of immunosuppressive cells; ICI may help overcome these immunosuppressive effects. Therefore, the combination of ICI and RT has attracted attention in recent years. The therapeutic benefits of this combination therapy and its optimal regimen have not yet been determined through prospective studies. Therefore, this review article aimed to provide an overview of the current preclinical and clinical studies that illustrate the underlying mechanisms and explore the optimization of the RT regimen along with the ICI and RT combination sequence. We also analyzed ongoing prospective studies on ICI and RT combination therapies for metastatic UC. We noted that the tumor response to ICI and RT combination seemingly differs among cancer types. Thus, our findings highlight the need for well-designed prospective trials to determine the optimal combination of ICI and RT for locally advanced and metastatic UC.

Synthesis, cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity and molecular modeling of new NSAIDs-EBS derivatives

Two series of NSAIDs-EBS derivatives (5a-j and 9a-i) based on the hybridization of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) skeleton and Ebselen moiety were synthesized. Their cytotoxicity was evaluated against five types of human cancer cell lines, BGC-823 (human gastric cancer cell line), SW480 (human colon adenocarcinoma cells), MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma cells), HeLa (human cervical cancer cells), A549 (human lung carcinoma cells). Moreover, the most active compound 5j showed IC50 values below 3 μM in all cancer cell lines and with remarkable anticancer activity against MCF-7 (1.5 μM) and HeLa (1.7 μM). The redox properties of the NSAIDs-EBS derivatives prepared herein were conducted by 2, 2-didiphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), bleomycin dependent DNA damage and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like assays. Finally, TrxR1 inhibition activity assay and molecular docking study revealed NSAIDs-EBS derivatives could serve as potential TrxR1 inhibitor.

The Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Main Carotenoids from Tomatoes via Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Oxidative stress and inflammation are crucial factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases. In previous research, the oxidative stress and inflammation models have frequently been explored independently. In the current study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of tomato extract and its two main carotenoids (lutein and lycopene) with various concentrations using a rat cardiomyocyte model of co-existing oxidative stress and persistent chronic inflammation. It was discovered that the antioxidant effects of 0.5-5 μM lutein, 0.5-5 μM lycopene, and 50-200 μg/mL tomato extract increased in a dose-dependent manner. However, the pro-oxidation effects emerged by measuring the antioxidant-related indices, including the levels of ROS, SOD, and GPX in H9c2 cells as concentrations exceeded those mentioned above. The anti-inflammatory effects of lutein, lycopene, and tomato extract were simultaneously strengthened with higher concentrations, potentially due to the suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, high concentrations of lutein, lycopene, and tomato extract potentially regulated Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways dependent on TGF-1β and IL-10 to demonstrate high concentrations of pro-oxidation and anti-inflammation effects. Our findings indicate that the dose-effect regulatory mechanisms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties among lutein, lycopene, and tomato extract will be advantageous in developing more effective therapeutic strategies to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Elucidating the Pharmacological Properties of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger) on Muscle Ageing by Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling of Human Myoblasts

(1) Background: Muscle loss is associated with frailty and a reduction in physical strength and performance, which is caused by increased oxidative stress. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a potential herb that can be used to reduce the level of oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the effect of ginger on the expression of metabolites and their metabolic pathways in the myoblast cells to elucidate the mechanism involved and its pharmacological properties in promoting myoblast differentiation. (2) Methods: The myoblast cells were cultured into three stages (young, pre-senescent and senescent). At each stage, the myoblasts were treated with different concentrations of ginger extract. Then, metabolomic analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS). (3) Results: Nine metabolites were decreased in both the pre-senescent and senescent control groups as compared to the young control group. For the young ginger-treated group, 8-shogaol and valine were upregulated, whereas adipic acid and bis (4-ethyl benzylidene) sorbitol were decreased. In the pre-senescent ginger-treated group, the niacinamide was upregulated, while carnitine and creatine were downregulated. Ginger treatment in the senescent group caused a significant upregulation in 8-shogaol, octadecanamide and uracil. (4) Conclusions: Ginger extract has the potential as a pharmacological agent to reduce muscle loss in skeletal muscle by triggering changes in some metabolites and their pathways that could promote muscle regeneration in ageing.

The mechanisms of action of mitochondrial targeting agents in cancer: inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation and inducing apoptosis

The tumor microenvironment affects the structure and metabolic function of mitochondria in tumor cells. This process involves changes in metabolic activity, an increase in the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor cells compared to normal cells, the production of more intracellular free radicals, and the activation of oxidative pathways. From a practical perspective, it is advantageous to develop drugs that target mitochondria for the treatment of malignant tumors. Such drugs can enhance the selectivity of treatments for specific cell groups, minimize toxic effects on normal tissues, and improve combinational treatments. Mitochondrial targeting agents typically rely on small molecule medications (such as synthetic small molecules agents, active ingredients of plants, mitochondrial inhibitors or autophagy inhibitors, and others), modified mitochondrial delivery system agents (such as lipophilic cation modification or combining other molecules to form targeted mitochondrial agents), and a few mitochondrial complex inhibitors. This article will review these compounds in three main areas: oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), changes in ROS levels, and endogenous oxidative and apoptotic processes.

Research progress on gas signal molecular therapy for Parkinson's disease

The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unclear. Among the pathological manifestations is the progressive degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, leading to massive loss of neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and dopamine (DA) depletion. Therefore, the current drug treatment is primarily based on DA supplementation and delaying the progression of the disease. However, as patients' symptoms continue to worsen, the drug effect will gradually decrease or even disappear, thereby further aggravating clinical symptoms. Gas signaling molecules, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen (H2), exhibit pleiotropic biological functions and play crucial roles in physiological and pathological effects. In common neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease and PD, gas signal molecules can prevent or delay disease occurrence via the primary mechanisms of antioxidation, anti-inflammatory response, and antiapoptosis. This article reviews the therapeutic progress of gas signaling molecules in PD models and discusses the possibility of their clinical applications.

Premature ovarian insufficiency: a review on the role of oxidative stress and the application of antioxidants

Normal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in regulating follicular growth, angiogenesis and sex hormone synthesis in ovarian tissue. When the balance between ROS and antioxidants is disrupted, however, it can cause serious consequences of oxidative stress (OS), and the quantity and quality of oocytes will decline. Therefore, this review discusses the interrelationship between OS and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), the potential mechanisms and the methods by which antioxidants can improve POI through controlling the level of OS. We found that OS can mediate changes in genetic materials, signal pathways, transcription factors and ovarian microenvironment, resulting in abnormal apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and abnormal meiosis as well as decreased mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic Acid(mtDNA) and other changes, thus accelerating the process of ovarian aging. However, antioxidants, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), biological enzymes and other antioxidants can delay the disease process of POI by reducing the ROS level in vivo.

Cancer Bioenergetics and Tumor Microenvironments-Enhancing Chemotherapeutics and Targeting Resistant Niches through Nanosystems

Cancer is an impending bottleneck in the advanced scientific workflow to achieve diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic success. Most cancers are refractory to conventional diagnostic and chemotherapeutics due to their limited targetability, specificity, solubility, and side effects. The inherent ability of each cancer to evolve through various genetic and epigenetic transformations and metabolic reprogramming underlies therapeutic limitations. Though tumor microenvironments (TMEs) are quite well understood in some cancers, each microenvironment differs from the other in internal perturbations and metabolic skew thereby impeding the development of appropriate diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, and therapies. Cancer associated bioenergetics modulations regulate TME, angiogenesis, immune evasion, generation of resistant niches and tumor progression, and a thorough understanding is crucial to the development of metabolic therapies. However, this remains a missing element in cancer theranostics, necessitating the development of modalities that can be adapted for targetability, diagnostics and therapeutics. In this challenging scenario, nanomaterials are modular platforms for understanding TME and achieving successful theranostics. Several nanoscale particles have been successfully researched in animal models, quite a few have reached clinical trials, and some have achieved clinical success. Nanoparticles exhibit an intrinsic capability to interact with diverse biomolecules and modulate their functions. Furthermore, nanoparticles can be functionalized with receptors, modulators, and drugs to facilitate specific targeting with reduced toxicity. This review discusses the current understanding of different theranostic nanosystems, their synthesis, functionalization, and targetability for therapeutic modulation of bioenergetics, and metabolic reprogramming of the cancer microenvironment. We highlight the potential of nanosystems for enhanced chemotherapeutic success emphasizing the questions that remain unanswered.

Proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of liver cancer cells treated by blue light irradiation

Blue light (BL) irradiation has been a potentially efficient treatment for many kinds of tumors. In this study, a BL irradiation (centered at 453 nm in wavelength) was proposed to treat the common human liver cancer cell lines of SMMC-7721 and HepG2, examined by means of flow cytometry, western blot, fluorescence microscope assay. In comparison to control groups, the apoptosis and proliferation inhibition of both BL-treated cells are expressively enhanced by mitochondrial apoptosis. The mechanism of apoptosis is related to the more production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by BL and the corresponding changes in the expression of apoptosis-related Bcl-2, Bax and Bad proteins. In addition, the migration rate of the cancer cells could be reduced after BL irradiation. These results demonstrate that introducing BL irradiation is helpful to establish an effective and low toxicity strategy for the clinical treatment of liver tumors.

Development and validation of an oxidative stress‑related prognostic signature in osteosarcoma: A combination of molecular experiments and bioinformatics

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most prevalent malignancies with a bad prognosis. Oxidative stress is closely associated with various type of cancer. The present study aimed to establish an oxidative stress-related gene prognostic signature. Supported by The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, Cox regression, receiver operating characteristic curves and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to construct and validate a prognostic signature and the derived risk score. Tumor microenvironment scores and immune infiltration levels in OS were calculated. Correlation between these parameters and risk score was analyzed. In addition, single analysis of each hub gene was performed. Finally, a series of molecular experiments was used to detect the role of MAP3K5 (one of the hub genes) in OS. A total of five genes most associated with OS prognosis were identified as independent predictors, namely catalase (CAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 5 (MAP3K5) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). Based on the signature, higher risk score indicated poorer prognosis. Nomogram performed well and reliably predicted 3- and 5-year survival rate in OS. Patients with increasing risk scores had higher tumor purity and lower immune infiltration levels. Compared with an osteoblast cell line, the expression of CAT, CCL2, MAPK1 and G6PD was upregulated and MAP3K5 was downregulated. MAP3K5 inhibited cellular proliferation and motility, promoted cellular apoptosis and induced reactive oxygen species generation. Overall, the signature could effectively predict the prognosis of patients with OS and were expected to be potential biomarkers. And it provided new ideas for understanding the interactions between oxidative stress and OS.

Lysyl oxidase-like 3 restrains mitochondrial ferroptosis to promote liver cancer chemoresistance by stabilizing dihydroorotate dehydrogenase

To overcome chemotherapy resistance, novel strategies sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapy are required. Here, we screen the lysyl-oxidase (LOX) family to clarify its contribution to chemotherapy resistance in liver cancer. LOXL3 depletion significantly sensitizes liver cancer cells to Oxaliplatin by inducing ferroptosis. Chemotherapy-activated EGFR signaling drives LOXL3 to interact with TOM20, causing it to be hijacked into mitochondria, where LOXL3 lysyl-oxidase activity is reinforced by phosphorylation at S704. Metabolic adenylate kinase 2 (AK2) directly phosphorylates LOXL3-S704. Phosphorylated LOXL3-S704 targets dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) and stabilizes it by preventing its ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. K344-deubiquitinated DHODH accumulates in mitochondria, in turn inhibiting chemotherapy-induced mitochondrial ferroptosis. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated site-mutation of mouse LOXL3-S704 to D704 causes a reduction in lipid peroxidation. Using an advanced liver cancer mouse model, we further reveal that low-dose Oxaliplatin in combination with the DHODH-inhibitor Leflunomide effectively inhibit liver cancer progression by inducing ferroptosis, with increased chemotherapy sensitivity and decreased chemotherapy toxicity.

Levels of oxidative stress in patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer: correlation with treatment response

Objective

The intent of this study was to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and treatment response in gastric cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Blood samples from 108 patients and 108 healthy subjects were collected, and all patients were enrolled in SOX chemotherapy. The patients received four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Blood samples were collected to determine oxidative stress levels at baseline prior to beginning chemotherapy, and at the end of cycles 2 and 4. The patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were followed up for several months to years. A survival curve was created according to the follow-up information from the patients. In addition, the correlation between oxidative stress level and treatment effect was evaluated and ROC curves were plotted according to the final collected data.

Results

Compared with the normal group, the levels of the antioxidant index decreased while the peroxide index increased in the patients. Conversely, when patients were compared before and after chemotherapy, the antioxidant index increased but the peroxide index decreased. Furthermore, the antioxidant index increased in the response group while the peroxide index decreased in the non-response group.

Conclusion

Patients with an increased antioxidant index after chemotherapy have good treatment responsiveness. These indicators can also be used as predictors to judge the patients' response to chemotherapy.

Pyrazolo[4,3-e]tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine Sulfonamides as Novel Potential Anticancer Agents: Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Cell Cycle Analysis

The current study continues the evaluation of the anticancer potential of three de novo synthesized pyrazolo[4,3-e]tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine sulfonamides-MM129, MM130, and MM131-against human cancer cells of HeLa, HCT 116, PC-3, and BxPC-3 lines. The pro-apoptotic activity of the investigated sulfonamides was shown by observations of changes in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential of the tested cells, externalization of phosphatidylserine on the cellular membrane surface, and cell morphology in microscopic imaging. The computational studies have shown that MM129 exhibited the lowest binding energy values when docked against CDK enzymes. In addition, the highest stability was shown for complexes formed between MM129 and CDK5/8 enzymes. All examined compounds induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in the BxPC-3 and PC-3 cells and simultaneously caused the accumulation of cells in the S phase in the HCT 116 cells. In addition, the increase in the subG1 fraction was observed in PC-3 and HeLa cells. The application of a fluorescent H₂DCFDA probe revealed the high pro-oxidative properties of the tested triazine derivatives, especially MM131. In conclusion, the obtained results suggest that MM129, MM130, and MM131 exhibited strong pro-apoptotic properties towards investigated cells, mainly against the HeLa and HCT 116 cell lines, and high pro-oxidative potential as well. Moreover, it is suggested that the anticancer activity of the tested compounds may be associated with their ability to inhibit CDK enzymes activities.

Therapeutic applications of snake venoms: An invaluable potential of new drug candidates

Animal venoms and their chemical compounds have aroused both empirical and scientific attention for ages. However, there has been a significant increase in scientific investigations in recent decades, allowing the production of various formulations that are helping in the development of many important tools for biotechnological, diagnostic, or therapeutic use, both in human and animal health, as well as in plants. Venoms are composed of biomolecules and inorganic compounds that may have physiological and pharmacological activities that are not related to their principal actions (prey immobilization, digestion, and defense). Snake venom toxins, mainly enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins, and peptides have been identified as potential prototypes for new drugs and/or models for the development of pharmacologically active structural domains for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, pain, and infectious-parasitic diseases. This minireview aims to provide an overview of the biotechnological potential of animal venoms, with a focus on snakes, and to introduce the reader to the fascinating world of Applied Toxinology, where animal biodiversity can be used to develop therapeutic and diagnostic applications for humans.

Plasma-Etched Vertically Aligned CNTs with Enhanced Antibacterial Power

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria represents a growing threat to public health, and it calls for the development of alternative antibacterial approaches not based on antibiotics. Here, we propose vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs), with a properly designed nanomorphology, as effective platforms to kill bacteria. We show, via a combination of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, the ability to tailor the topography of VA-CNTs, in a controlled and time-efficient manner, by means of plasma etching processes. Three different varieties of VA-CNTs were investigated, in terms of antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus: one as-grown variety and two varieties receiving different etching treatments. The highest reduction in cell viability (100% and 97% for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively) was observed for the VA-CNTs modified using Ar and O₂ as an etching gas, thus identifying the best configuration for a VA-CNT-based surface to inactivate both planktonic and biofilm infections. Additionally, we demonstrate that the powerful antibacterial activity of VA-CNTs is determined by a synergistic effect of both mechanical injuries and ROS production. The possibility of achieving a bacterial inactivation close to 100%, by modulating the physico-chemical features of VA-CNTs, opens up new opportunities for the design of self-cleaning surfaces, preventing the formation of microbial colonies.

Depletion of SOD2 enhances nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell radiosensitivity via ferroptosis induction modulated by DHODH inhibition

BACKGROUND

Recurrence due to the development of radioresistance remains a major challenge in the clinical management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The objective of this study was to increase the sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells to ionizing radiation by enhancing oxidative stress and ferroptosis caused by disrupting the mitochondrial anti-oxidant enzyme system.

METHODS

Oxidative stress cell model was constructed by SOD2 knockdown using shRNA. The expression and activity of DHODH was suppressed by siRNA and brequinar in SOD2 depleted cells. Protein levels were determined by western blotting and ferroptosis was assessed by C11 BODIPY and malondialdehyde assay. Cell viability was evaluated using CCK-8 assay while radiotoxicity was assessed by colony formation assay. Cellular ATP level was determined by ATP assay kits, ROS was determined by DCFD and DHE, while mitochondrial oxygen consumption was determined by seahorse assay. Data were analyzed by two-tailed independent t-test.

RESULTS

Radiation upregulated SOD2 expression and SOD2 depletion increased cellular O₂^.-, malondialdehyde, and the fluorescence intensity of oxidized C11 BODIPY. It also resulted in mitochondrial damage. Its depletion decreased colony formation both under ionizing and non-ionizing radiation conditions. The ferroptosis inhibitor, deferoxamine, rescued cell viability and colony formation in SOD2 depleted cells. Cellular level of malondialdehyde, fluorescence intensity of oxidized C11 BODIPY, O₂^.- level, ATP, and mitochondrial oxygen consumption decreased following DHODH inhibition in SOD2 depleted cells. Cell viability and colony formation was rescued by DHODH inhibition in SOD2 depleted cells.

CONCLUSION

Inducing oxidative stress by SOD2 inhibition sensitized nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells to ionizing radiation via ferroptosis induction. This was found to be dependent on DHODH activity. This suggests that DHODH inhibitors should be used with caution during radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.