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Luo H, Ji X, Zhang M, Ren Y, Tan R, Jiang H, Wu X. Aloe-emodin: Progress in Pharmacological Activity, Safety, and Pharmaceutical Formulation Applications. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:1784-1798. [PMID: 38639277 DOI: 10.2174/0113895575298364240409064833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Aloe-emodin (AE) is an anthraquinone derivative and a biologically active component sourced from various plants, including Rheum palmatum L. and Aloe vera. Known chemically as 1,8-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-anthraquinone, AE has a rich history in traditional medicine and is esteemed for its accessibility, safety, affordability, and effectiveness. AE boasts multiple biochemical and pharmacological properties, such as strong antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor effects. Despite its array of benefits, AE's identity as an anthraquinone derivative raises concerns about its potential for liver and kidney toxicity. Nevertheless, AE is considered a promising drug candidate due to its significant bioactivities and cost efficiency. Recent research has highlighted that nanoformulated AE may enhance drug delivery, biocompatibility, and pharmacological benefits, offering a novel approach to drug design. This review delves into AE's pharmacological impacts, mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and safety profile, incorporating insights from studies on its nanoformulations. The goal is to outline the burgeoning research in this area and to support the ongoing development and utilization of AE-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimeng Luo
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xiaoyun Ji
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Mengyu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yaoyao Ren
- School of Chemistry, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, P.R. China
| | - Rui Tan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Hezhong Jiang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
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Mirjat D, Kashif M, Roberts CM. Shake It Up Baby Now: The Changing Focus on TWIST1 and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer and Other Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17539. [PMID: 38139368 PMCID: PMC10743446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 is a transcription factor that is necessary for healthy neural crest migration, mesoderm development, and gastrulation. It functions as a key regulator of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which cells lose their polarity and gain the ability to migrate. EMT is often reactivated in cancers, where it is strongly associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Early work on TWIST1 in adult tissues focused on its transcriptional targets and how EMT gave rise to metastatic cells. In recent years, the roles of TWIST1 and other EMT factors in cancer have expanded greatly as our understanding of tumor progression has advanced. TWIST1 and related factors are frequently tied to cancer cell stemness and changes in therapeutic responses and thus are now being viewed as attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight non-metastatic roles for TWIST1 and related EMT factors in cancer and other disorders, discuss recent findings in the areas of therapeutic resistance and stemness in cancer, and comment on the potential to target EMT for therapy. Further research into EMT will inform novel treatment combinations and strategies for advanced cancers and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dureali Mirjat
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Cai M. Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
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Tang G, Peng J, Huo L, Yin W. An N6-methyladenosine regulation- and mRNAsi-related prognostic index reveals the distinct immune microenvironment and immunotherapy responses in lower-grade glioma. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:225. [PMID: 37264314 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05328-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is involved in tumorigenesis and progression as well as closely correlated with stem cell differentiation and pluripotency. Moreover, tumor progression includes the acquisition of stemness characteristics and accumulating loss of differentiation phenotype. Therefore, we integrated m6A modification and stemness indicator mRNAsi to classify patients and predict prognosis for LGG. METHODS We performed consensus clustering, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analysis to identify an m6A regulation- and mRNAsi-related prognostic index (MRMRPI). Based on this prognostic index, we also explored the differences in immune microenvironments between high- and low-risk populations. Next, immunotherapy responses were also predicted. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing data was further used to verify the expression of these genes in MRMRPI. At last, the tumor-promoting and tumor-associated macrophage polarization roles of TIMP1 in LGG were validated by in vitro experiments. RESULTS Ten genes (DGCR10, CYP2E1, CSMD3, HOXB3, CABP4, AVIL, PTCRA, TIMP1, CLEC18A, and SAMD9) were identified to construct the MRMRPI, which was able to successfully classify patients into high- and low-risk group. Significant differences in prognosis, immune microenvironment, and immunotherapy responses were found between distinct groups. A nomogram integrating the MRMRPI and other prognostic factors were also developed to accurately predict prognosis. Moreover, in vitro experiments illustrated that inhibition of TIMP1 could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LGG cells and also inhibit the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages. CONCLUSION These findings provide novel insights into understanding the interactions of m6A methylation regulation and tumor stemness on LGG development and contribute to guiding more precise immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The first affiliated hospital of Hunan Normal University, The College of Clinical Medicine of Human Normal University), Changsha, 410005, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianqiao Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The first affiliated hospital of Hunan Normal University, The College of Clinical Medicine of Human Normal University), Changsha, 410005, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Longwei Huo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yulin First Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Yulin, 719000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Wang J, Pan T, Zhang S. Highly Selective, Single-Tube Colorimetric Assay for Detection of Multiple Mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene. J Mol Diagn 2023; 25:313-319. [PMID: 37125988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Many closed-tube methods are designed to detect DNA biomarkers. However, the utility of biomarkers such as a DNA mutation related to personalized medicine is limited as the operation of expensive detection instruments requires well-trained technicians. Therefore, we developed a simple and cheap colorimetric assay based on aggregation of silica-gold nanoparticle-modified probes, with linking probes, to detect mutations. This method consists of target amplification, sequence identification, and aggregation of the silica-gold nanoparticle-modified probes. All reactions are controlled by one individual and proceed sequentially, in a single tube, with no manual intervention. Approximately 10 copies of target DNA were detected with this assay, using 12 hot-spot mutations in exon 19 of EGFR gene as the example. In artificial samples, 0.1% mutant DNA can be distinguished from wild-type genomic DNA. The technology was tested on 104 clinical samples, which included 29 samples that were positive for an exon 19 deletion. The data were consistent with amplification refractory mutation system PCR, with the exception of one weakly positive sample, which was confirmed to be positive by digital PCR. The limit of detection of this colorimetric assay was verified to be better than that of amplification refractory mutation system PCR, and it provides a tool to discriminate multiple mutations in EGFR gene in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Wang
- Research and Development Department, Guangzhou Biotron Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China.
| | - Tengfei Pan
- Research and Development Department, Guangzhou Biotron Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Research and Development Department, Guangzhou Biotron Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
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Kanagalingam S, Ul Haq Z, Victory Srinivasan N, Khan AI, Mashat GD, Hazique M, Khan KI, Ramesh P, Khan S. Comparing Gefitinib and Traditional Chemotherapy for Better Survival in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e33691. [PMID: 36788891 PMCID: PMC9921039 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Current non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment consists of various combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation, depending on the tumor stage. Individuals with stage II-IIIa NSCLC undergo surgery, followed by combination chemotherapy containing cisplatin, such as vinorelbine + cisplatin. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as gefitinib, act by inhibiting any signaling pathway containing the EGFR mutation and inhibiting the growth of NSCLC. TKI is a treatment option in advanced NSCLC, resulting in more prolonged progression-free survival (PFS). This manuscript aims to evaluate the influence of utilizing gefitinib - either alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drug regimens upon NSCLC patient profile survival parameters. A systematic literature review was conducted across multiple scientific literature repositories. The review was performed using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020. There were six randomized clinical trials (RCT) and five retrospective studies. The overall consensus based on the end outcome of each published journal on the effectiveness of gefitinib as a treatment option for NSCLC indicated that there was a notable difference in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-free survival (DFS) datasets. Gefitinib use correlated with increased timeframes for multiple patient survival parameters within articles shortlisted in this investigation. However, more comprehensive investigations are required to validate such correlations. Gefitinib did demonstrate the potential to provide beneficial effects and counteract NSCLC within such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zargham Ul Haq
- Medicine and Surgery, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | | | - Aujala Irfan Khan
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Ghadi D Mashat
- Pediatrics, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Mohammad Hazique
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Kokab Irfan Khan
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Prasana Ramesh
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Safeera Khan
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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Wang T, Rho O, Eguiarte-Solomon F, DiGiovanni J. Twist1 as a target for prevention of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:62-76. [PMID: 36373194 PMCID: PMC9772054 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) represents an important clinical problem requiring novel approaches for both prevention and treatment. The transcription factor, Twist-related protein 1 (Twist1), has been identified as having a key mechanistic role in the development and progression of cSCC. Studies in relevant mouse models of cSCC have shown that Twist1 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness driving progression and metastasis of cSCC. In addition, further research has shown that Twist1 regulates the balance between keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and therefore impacts earlier stages of cSCC development. Through use of keratinocyte specific Twist1 knockout models, a role for this gene in keratinocyte stem cell homeostasis has been revealed. As a transcription factor, Twist1 regulates a large number of genes both in a positive, as well as a negative manner across several interdependent pathways. Studies in keratinocyte specific knockout models have shown that Twist1 upregulates the expression of genes involved in proliferation, stemness, and EMT while downregulating the expression of genes associated with differentiation. Furthermore, a number of compounds, including naturally occurring compounds, have been identified that target Twist1 and can block its effects in cancer cells and in keratinocytes in vivo. Collectively, the current understanding of Twist1 function in cSCC development and progression suggests that it represents a potential target for prevention and treatment of cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingzeng Wang
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
| | - Okkyung Rho
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
| | - Fernando Eguiarte-Solomon
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
| | - John DiGiovanni
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
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Tang C, Liu J, Yang C, Ma J, Chen X, Liu D, Zhou Y, Zhou W, Lin Y, Yuan X. Curcumin and Its Analogs in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment: Challenges and Expectations. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1636. [PMID: 36358986 PMCID: PMC9688036 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Researchers have made crucial advances in understanding the pathogenesis and therapeutics of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), improving our understanding of lung tumor biology and progression. Although the survival of NSCLC patients has improved due to chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, overall NSCLC recovery and survival rates remain low. Thus, there is an urgent need for the continued development of novel NSCLC drugs or combination therapies with less toxicity. Although the anticancer effectiveness of curcumin (Cur) and some Cur analogs has been reported in many studies, the results of clinical trials have been inconsistent. Therefore, in this review, we collected the latest related reports about the anti-NSCLC mechanisms of Cur, its analogs, and Cur in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents via the Pubmed database (accessed on 18 June 2022). Furthermore, we speculated on the interplay of Cur and various molecular targets relevant to NSCLC with discovery studio and collected clinical trials of Cur against NSCLC to clarify the role of Cur and its analogs in NSCLC treatment. Despite their challenges, Cur/Cur analogs may serve as promising therapeutic agents or adjuvants for lung carcinoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyin Tang
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Jieting Liu
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Anti-Fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157000, China
| | - Chunsong Yang
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Banan Second People’s Hospital, Banan District, Chongqing 401320, China
| | - Xuejiao Chen
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Dongwen Liu
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Yunzhu Lin
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Xiaohuan Yuan
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Anti-Fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157000, China
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Photoactive Herbal Compounds: A Green Approach to Photodynamic Therapy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165084. [PMID: 36014325 PMCID: PMC9413332 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive, alternative, and promising treatment for various diseases, including cancer, actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, macular degeneration, and atherosclerotic plaques. PDT involves three different components, photosensitizers (PS), molecular oxygen, and light. The photoactivation of administered PSs using a specific wavelength of light in the presence of molecular oxygen leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species that leads to tumour cell death. Photosensitizing potentials of many commercially available compounds have been reported earlier. However, the possibilities of PDT using herbal medicines, which contain many photosensitizing phytochemicals, are not much explored. Medicinal plants with complex phytochemical compound mixtures have the benefit over single compounds or molecules in the treatment of many diseases with the benefit of low or reduced toxic side effects. This review emphasizes the role of various herbal medicines either alone or in combination to enhance the therapeutic outcome of photodynamic therapy.
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