Effects of curcumin on the role of MMP-2 in endometrial cancer cell proliferation and invasion

A narrative review of multiple mechanisms of progranulin in cancer: a potential target for anti-cancer therapy

Progranulin (PGRN) is an autocrine growth factor and has important effects on regulation of cell growth, motility, tissue repair and embryonic development. Recent years, several researches found the expression of PGRN was at higher levels in a number of cancer cells and its high levels are associated with poor outcome of patients. More and more studies investigated the role of PGRN in cancer and found PGRN exerted various biological functions in cancer cells, such as promoting proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, inducing migration and invasion of cells, accelerating angiogenesis and enhancing the effectiveness of chemoresistance and radiation. Now the effects of PGRN have been demonstrated in several cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. In addition, several signaling pathways and molecules are involved in the effects of PGRN on cancer cells, including Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclin D1. Therefore, PGRN is probably a significant diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for cancer and may be a potential target for anti-cancer therapy. Here, we reviewed the advancing field of PGRN in cancer as well as several signaling pathways activated by PGRN and confirmed PGRN is a key role in cancer. Moreover, future studies are still necessary to elucidate the biological functions and signaling pathways of PGRN in cancer.

TRPM2 Non-Selective Cation Channels in Liver Injury Mediated by Reactive Oxygen Species

TRPM2 channels admit Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ across the plasma membrane and release Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺ from lysosomes. Channel activation is initiated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to a subsequent increase in ADP-ribose and the binding of ADP-ribose to an allosteric site in the cytosolic NUDT9 homology domain. In many animal cell types, Ca²⁺ entry via TRPM2 channels mediates ROS-initiated cell injury and death. The aim of this review is to summarise the current knowledge of the roles of TRPM2 and Ca²⁺ in the initiation and progression of chronic liver diseases and acute liver injury. Studies to date provide evidence that TRPM2-mediated Ca²⁺ entry contributes to drug-induced liver toxicity, ischemia–reperfusion injury, and the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to cirrhosis, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Of particular current interest are the steps involved in the activation of TRPM2 in hepatocytes following an increase in ROS, the downstream pathways activated by the resultant increase in intracellular Ca²⁺, and the chronology of these events. An apparent contradiction exists between these roles of TRPM2 and the role identified for ROS-activated TRPM2 in heart muscle and in some other cell types in promoting Ca²⁺-activated mitochondrial ATP synthesis and cell survival. Inhibition of TRPM2 by curcumin and other “natural” compounds offers an attractive strategy for inhibiting ROS-induced liver cell injury. In conclusion, while it has been established that ROS-initiated activation of TRPM2 contributes to both acute and chronic liver injury, considerable further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved, and the conditions under which pharmacological inhibition of TRPM2 can be an effective clinical strategy to reduce ROS-initiated liver injury.

MicroRNA-124 facilitates lens epithelial cell apoptosis by inhibiting SPRY2 and MMP-2

Age-related cataract (ARC) is the primary cause of blindness worldwide. Abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) has been reported to be associated with multiple diseases, including ARC. However, the potential role of miR-124 in ARC remains unclear. The present study used the human lens epithelial cell line, SRA01/04, to investigate the potential role of miR-124 in ARC. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of miR-124, protein sprouty homolog 2 (SPRY2) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in ARC tissues, while western blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of SPRY2 and MMP-2. Cell viability and apoptosis of SRA01/04 cells were assessed via Cell Counting Kit-8 and TUNEL assays, respectively. The interaction between miR-124 and SPRY2 or MMP-2 was confirmed via the dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. The results of the present study demonstrated that miR-124 expression was significantly upregulated in ARC tissues, and knockdown of miR-124 increased SRA01/04 cell viability and suppressed apoptosis. In addition, SPRY2 and MMP-2 expression was decreased in ARC tissues, and were demonstrated to directly bind to miR-124. Overexpression of SPRY2 or MMP-2 increased SRA01/04 cell viability and repressed apoptosis, the effects of which were reversed following overexpression of miR-124. Taken together, these results suggested that miR-124 facilitates lens epithelial cell apoptosis by modulating SPRY2 or MMP-2 expression, providing a novel treatment approach for ARC.

Curcumin anti-tumor effects on endometrial cancer with focus on its molecular targets

Curcumin is extracted from turmeric and shows a variety of properties that make it a useful agent for treating diseases and targeting different biological mechanisms, including apoptosis, angiogenesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This phenolic compound is safe even at high doses. However, it has poor bioavailability. The incidence rates of endometrial cancer (EC) that is one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies is increasing. Meanwhile, the onset age of EC has been decreased in past few years. Besides, EC does not show a convenient prognosis, particularly at advanced stages. Based on this information, discovering new approaches or enhancing the available ones is required to provide better care for EC patients. In this review, we cover studies concerned with the anti-tumor effects of curcumin on EC. We focus on molecular mechanisms that are targeted by curcumin treatment in different processes of cancer development and progression, such as apoptosis, inflammation, and migration. Furthermore, we present the role of curcumin in targeting some microRNAs (miRNAs) that may play a role in EC.

Therapeutic role of curcumin and its novel formulations in gynecological cancers

Gynecological cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. While the number of cases are rising, current therapeutic approaches are not efficient enough. There are considerable side-effects as well as treatment resistant types. In addition, which all make the treatment complicated for afflicted cases. Therefore, in order to improve efficacy of the treatment process and patients’ quality of life, searching for novel adjuvant treatments is highly warranted. Curcumin, a promising natural compound, is endowed with numerous therapeutic potentials including significant anticancer effects. Recently, various investigations have demonstrated the anticancer effects of curcumin and its novel analogues on gynecological cancers. Moreover, novel formulations of curcumin have resulted in further propitious effects. This review discusses these studies and highlights the possible underlying mechanisms of the observed effects.

Curcumin and endometrial carcinoma: an old spice as a novel agent

One of the clinically major gynecological cancers is endometrial carcinoma that develops from the lining of the uterus. During the past years, different approaches have been developed to treat endometrial carcinoma, among which natural herbal medicine has recently faired as an effective method. The yellow Indian spice known as curcumin has been extolled for its healing powers and has recently been adopted for investigation by the scientific community as a potent anti-cancerous agent. This review focuses on the effect of curcumin on endometrial cancer (EC) and its role in specific pathways involved in carcinogenesis.