Combining Sodium Butyrate With Cisplatin Increases the Apoptosis of Gastric Cancer In Vivo and In Vitro via the Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway

The postbiotic sodium butyrate synergizes the antiproliferative effects of dexamethasone against the AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells

A growing body of literature underlines the fundamental role of gut microbiota in the occurrence, treatment, and prognosis of cancer. In particular, the activity of gut microbial metabolites (also known as postbiotics) against different cancer types has been recently reported in several studies. However, their in-depth molecular mechanisms of action and potential interactions with standard chemotherapeutic drugs remain to be fully understood. This research investigates the antiproliferative activities of postbiotics- short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) salts, specifically magnesium acetate (MgA), sodium propionate (NaP), and sodium butyrate (NaB), against the AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, the potential synergistic interactions between the most active SCFA salt-NaB and the standard drug dexamethasone (Dex) were explored using the combination index model. The molecular mechanisms of the synergy were investigated using reactive oxygen species (ROS), flow cytometry and biochemometric and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-driven proteomics analyses. NaB exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) among the tested SCFA salts against the AGS gastric cancer cells. Additionally, Dex and NaB exhibited strong synergy at a 2:8 ratio (40 μg/mL Dex + 2,400 μg/mL NaB) with significantly greater inhibitory activity (p < 0.05) compared to the mono treatments against the AGS gastric cancer cells. MgA and NaP reduced ROS production, while NaB exhibited pro-oxidative properties. Dex displayed antioxidative effects, and the combination of Dex and NaB (2,8) demonstrated a unique pattern, potentially counteracting the pro-oxidative effects of NaB, highlighting an interaction. Dex and NaB individually and in combination (Dex:NaB 40:2400 μg/mL) induced significant changes in cell populations, suggesting a shift toward apoptosis (p < 0.0001). Analysis of dysregulated proteins in the AGS cells treated with the synergistic combination revealed notable downregulation of the oncogene TNS4, suggesting a potential mechanism for the observed antiproliferative effects. These findings propose the potential implementation of NaB as an adjuvant therapy with Dex. Further investigations into additional combination therapies, in-depth studies of the molecular mechanisms, and in vivo research will provide deeper insights into the use of these postbiotics in cancer, particularly in gastric malignancies.

Microbiota-Gastric Cancer Interactions and the Potential Influence of Nutritional Therapies

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths, and GC treatments represent a large area of research. Although initially regarded as a sterile organ and unsuitable for microbial communities, the discovery of Helicobacter pylori made us realize that some microbes can colonize the stomach. In recent years, growing interest in gastric bacteria has expanded to the gut microbiota and, more recently, to the oral microbiota. Indeed, the oral-gastric-gut microbiota axis may play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, while changes in microbiota composition in GC patients can influence clinical outcomes. On the one hand, the microbiota and its metabolites may significantly influence the progression of GC, while anti-GC treatments such as gastrectomy and chemotherapy may significantly impact the oral-gastric-gut microbiota axis of GC patients. In this context, the role of nutritional therapies, including diet, prebiotics, and probiotics, in treating GC should not be underestimated. Wit this review, we aim to highlight the main role of the gastric, oral, and gut microbiota in GC onset and progression, representing potential future biomarkers for early GC detection and a target for efficient nutritional therapies during the course of GC.

Investigating the Influence of Gut Microbiota-related Metabolites in Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a major health concern due to its prevalence, impact on well-being, high mortality rate, economic burden, and potential for prevention and early detection. GI cancer research has made remarkable strides in understanding biology, risk factors, and treatment options. An emerging area of research is the gut microbiome's role in GI cancer development and treatment response. The gut microbiome, vital for digestion, metabolism, and immune function, is increasingly linked to GI cancers. Dysbiosis and alterations in gut microbe composition may contribute to cancer development. Scientists study how specific bacteria or microbial metabolites influence cancer progression and treatment response. Modulating the gut microbiota shows promise in enhancing treatment efficacy and preventing GI cancers. Gut microbiota dysbiosis can impact GI cancer through inflammation, metabolite production, genotoxicity, and immune modulation. Microbes produce metabolites like short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and secondary metabolites. These affect host cells, influencing processes like cell proliferation, apoptosis, DNA damage, and immune regulation, all implicated in cancer development. This review explores the latest research on gut microbiota metabolites and their molecular mechanisms in GI cancers. The hope is that this attempt will help in conducting other relevant research to unravel the precise mechanism involved, identify microbial signatures associated with GI cancer, and develop targets.

Microbiome and pancreatic cancer: time to think about chemotherapy

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer characterized by late diagnosis, rapid progression, and a high mortality rate. Its complex biology, characterized by a dense, stromal tumor environment with an immunosuppressive milieu, contributes to resistance against standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. This comprehensive review explores the dynamic role of the microbiome in modulating chemotherapy efficacy and outcomes in PDAC. It delves into the microbiome's impact on drug metabolism and resistance, and the interaction between microbial elements, drugs, and human biology. We also highlight the significance of specific bacterial species and microbial enzymes in influencing drug action and the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Cutting-edge methodologies, including artificial intelligence, low-biomass microbiome analysis and patient-derived organoid models, are discussed, offering insights into the nuanced interactions between microbes and cancer cells. The potential of microbiome-based interventions as adjuncts to conventional PDAC treatments are discussed, paving the way for personalized therapy approaches. This review synthesizes recent research to provide an in-depth understanding of how the microbiome affects chemotherapy efficacy. It focuses on elucidating key mechanisms and identifying existing knowledge gaps. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing personalized medicine and refining cancer treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Sodium Butyrate Induces Mitophagy and Apoptosis of Bovine Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells through the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Pathway

Sodium butyrate (NaB) is one of the short-chain fatty acids and is notably produced in large amounts from dietary fiber in the gut. Recent evidence suggests that NaB induces cell proliferation and apoptosis. Skeletal muscle is rich in plenty of mitochondrial. However, it is unclear how NaB acts on host muscle cells and whether it is involved in mitochondria-related functions in myocytes. The present study aimed to investigate the role of NaB treatment on the proliferation, apoptosis, and mitophagy of bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells (BSCs). The results showed that NaB inhibited proliferation, promoted apoptosis of BSCs, and promoted mitophagy in a time- and dose-dependent manner in BSCs. In addition, 1 mM NaB increased the mitochondrial ROS level, decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), increased the number of autophagic vesicles in mitochondria, and increased the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and ATP level. The effects of the mTOR pathway on BSCs were investigated. The results showed that 1 mM NaB inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of mTOR and genes AKT1, FOXO1, and EIF4EBP1 in the mTOR signaling pathway. In contrast, the addition of PP242, an inhibitor of the mTOR signaling pathway also inhibited mRNA and protein expression levels of mTOR, AKT1, FOXO1, and EIF4EBP1 and promoted mitophagy and apoptosis, which were consistent with the effect of NaB treatment. NaB might promote mitophagy and apoptosis in BSCs by inhibiting the mTOR signaling pathway. Our results would expand the knowledge of sodium butyrate on bovine skeletal muscle cell state and mitochondrial function.

The roles and applications of short-chain fatty acids derived from microbial fermentation of dietary fibers in human cancer

Dietary fibers (DFs) and their metabolites attract significant attention in research on health and disease, attributing to their effects on regulating metabolism, proliferation, inflammation, and immunity. When fermented by gut microbiota, DFs mainly produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. As the essential nutrients for intestinal epithelial cells, SCFAs maintain intestinal homeostasis and play essential roles in a wide range of biological functions. SCFAs have been found to inhibit histone deacetylase, activate G protein-coupled receptors, and modulate the immune response, which impacts cancer and anti-cancer treatment. Notably, while extensive studies have illuminated the roles of SCFAs in colorectal cancer development, progression, and treatment outcomes, limited evidence is available for other types of cancers. This restricts our understanding of the complex mechanisms and clinical applications of SCFAs in tumors outside the intestinal tract. In this study, we provide a comprehensive summary of the latest evidence on the roles and mechanisms of SCFAs, with a focus on butyric acid and propionic acid, derived from microbial fermentation of DFs in cancer. Additionally, we recapitulate the clinical applications of SCFAs in cancer treatments and offer our perspectives on the challenges, limitations, and prospects of utilizing SCFAs in cancer research and therapy.

Role of the gut microbiota in anticancer therapy: from molecular mechanisms to clinical applications

In the past period, due to the rapid development of next-generation sequencing technology, accumulating evidence has clarified the complex role of the human microbiota in the development of cancer and the therapeutic response. More importantly, available evidence seems to indicate that modulating the composition of the gut microbiota to improve the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs may be feasible. However, intricate complexities exist, and a deep and comprehensive understanding of how the human microbiota interacts with cancer is critical to realize its full potential in cancer treatment. The purpose of this review is to summarize the initial clues on molecular mechanisms regarding the mutual effects between the gut microbiota and cancer development, and to highlight the relationship between gut microbes and the efficacy of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and cancer surgery, which may provide insights into the formulation of individualized therapeutic strategies for cancer management. In addition, the current and emerging microbial interventions for cancer therapy as well as their clinical applications are summarized. Although many challenges remain for now, the great importance and full potential of the gut microbiota cannot be overstated for the development of individualized anti-cancer strategies, and it is necessary to explore a holistic approach that incorporates microbial modulation therapy in cancer.

Gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids regulate gastrointestinal tumor immunity: a novel therapeutic strategy?

Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), a tumor-derived immune component, is proven to be closely related to the development, metastasis, and recurrence of tumors. Gut microbiota and its fermented-metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play a critical role in maintaining the immune homeostasis of gastrointestinal tumors. Consisting mainly of acetate, propionate, and butyrate, SCFAs can interact with G protein-coupled receptors 43 of T helper 1 cell or restrain histone deacetylases (HDACs) of cytotoxic T lymphocytes to exert immunotherapy effects. Studies have shed light on SCFAs can mediate the differentiation and function of regulatory T cells, as well as cytokine production in TIME. Additionally, SCFAs can alter epigenetic modification of CD8⁺ T cells by inhibiting HDACs to participate in the immune response process. In gastrointestinal tumors, the abundance of SCFAs and their producing bacteria is significantly reduced. Direct supplementation of dietary fiber and probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation to change the structure of gut microbiota can both increase the level of SCFAs and inhibit tumor development. The mechanism by which SCFAs modulate the progression of gastrointestinal tumors has been elucidated in this review, aiming to provide prospects for the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies.

Genes Modulating Butyrate Metabolism for Assessing Clinical Prognosis and Responses to Systematic Therapies in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Butyrate, one of the major products of the gut microbiota, has played notable roles in diverse therapies for multiple tumors. Our study aimed to determine the roles of genes that modulate butyrate metabolism (BM) in predicting the clinical prognosis and responses to systemic therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The genes modulating BM were available from the GeneCard database, and gene expression and clinical information were obtained from TCGA-LIHC, GEO, ICGC-JP, and CCLE databases. Candidate genes from these genes that regulate BM were then identified by univariate Cox analysis. According to candidate genes, the patients in TCGA were grouped into distinct subtypes. Moreover, BM- related gene signature (BMGs) was created via the LASSO Cox algorithm. The roles of BMGs in identifying high-risk patients of HCC, assessing the prognoses, and predicting systematic therapies were determined in various datasets. The statistical analyses were fulfilled with R 4.1.3, GraphPad Prism 8.0 and Perl 5.30.0.1 software. In the TCGA cohort, most butyrate-related genes were over-expressed in the B cluster, and patients in the B cluster showed worse prognoses. BMGs constructed by LASSO were composed of eight genes. BMGs exhibited a strong performance in evaluating the prognoses of HCC patients in various datasets, which may be superior to 33 published biomarkers. Furthermore, BMGs may contribute to the early surveillance of HCC, and BMGs could play active roles in assessing the effectiveness of immunotherapy, TACE, ablation therapy, and chemotherapeutic drugs for HCC. BMGs may be served as novel promising biomarkers for early identifying high-risk groups of HCC, as well as assessing prognoses, drug sensitivity, and the responses to immunotherapy, TACE, and ablation therapy in patients with HCC.

WP1234—A Novel Anticancer Agent with Bifunctional Activity in a Glioblastoma Model

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults with a poor prognosis. Despite significant progress in drug development, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) continues to limit the use of novel chemotherapeutics. Thus, our attention has been focused on the design, synthesis, and testing of small-molecule anticancer agents that are able to penetrate the BBB. One such compound is the D-glucose analog, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), which inhibits glycolysis and induces GBM cell death. 2-DG has already been tested in clinical trials but was not approved as a drug, in part due to inadequate pharmacokinetics. To improve the pharmacokinetic properties of 2-DG, a series of novel derivatives was synthesized. Herein, we report the biological effects of WP1234, a 2-ethylbutyric acid 3,6-diester of 2-DG that can potentially release 2-ethylbutyrate and 2-DG inside the cells when metabolized. Using biochemical assays and examining cell viability, proliferation, protein synthesis, and apoptosis induction, we assessed the cytotoxic potential of WP1234. WP1234 significantly reduced the viability of GBM cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The lactate and ATP synthesis assays confirmed the inhibition of glycolysis elicited by released 2-DG. Furthermore, an evaluation of histone deacetylases (HDAC) activity revealed that the 2-ethylbutyrate action resulted in HDAC inhibition. Overall, these results demonstrated that WP1234 is a bifunctional molecule with promising anticancer potential. Further experiments in animal models and toxicology studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new 2-DG derivative.

Synergistic effects of sodium butyrate and cisplatin against cervical carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUNDS

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy has been considered as the pivotal option for treating cervical cancer. However, some patients may present a poor prognosis due to resistance to chemotherapy. As a metabolite of natural products, sodium butyrate (NaB) could inhibit the proliferation of several malignant cells, but little is known about its combination with cisplatin in the treatment of cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Flow cytometry, CCK-8 assay, and Transwell assay were utilized to analyze the cellular apoptosis, viability, cellular migration and invasion upon treating with NaB and/or cisplatin. The allograft mice model was established, followed by evaluating the tumor volume and necrotic area in mice treated with NaB and/or cisplatin. Western blot was performed for detecting protein expression involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the expression of MMPs. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted with the tumor sections. The transcription, expression, and cellular translocation of β-catenin were determined using luciferase reporter gene assay, Real-Time PCR, Western blot, and confocal laser scanning microscope, respectively.

RESULTS

NaB combined with cisplatin inhibited cell viability by promoting apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. In vivo experiments indicated that NaB combined with cisplatin could inhibit tumor growth and induce cancer cell necrosis. Single application of NaB activated the Wnt signaling pathway and induced partial EMT. NaB alone up-regulated MMP2, MMP7 and MMP9 expression, and promoted the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. The combination of cisplatin and NaB inhibited cellular migration and invasion by abrogating the nuclear transition of β-catenin, reverse EMT and down-regulate MMP2, MMP7 and MMP9. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that NaB combined with cisplatin up-regulated the expression of E-cadherin and reverse the EMT phenotype in the mice model.

CONCLUSIONS

NaB serves as a sensitizer for cisplatin, which may be a promising treatment regimen for cervical cancer when combined both. NaB alone should be utilized with caution for treating cervical cancer as it may promote the invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells.

Cratoxylumxanthone C, a natural xanthone, inhibits lung cancer proliferation and metastasis by regulating STAT3 and FAK signal pathways

To discover phytochemicals as lead compounds for cancer treatment, cratoxylumxanthone C, a natural xanthone, was obtained from Cratoxylum cochinchinense (Lour.) Bl., for which there have been no reports on the biological effects against cancer. Our study revealed that cratoxylumxanthone C had significant anti-tumor activity by inducing apoptosis, augmenting cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and arresting cell circle. The mechanistic examination showed the inhibition of A549 cell proliferation and metastasis by cratoxylumxanthone C was coupled with the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathways. Furthermore, the zebrafish models confirmed its significant in vivo anti-tumor activity, in which cratoxylumxanthone C inhibited tumor proliferation and metastasis and suppressed the angiogenesis. Comprehensively, these cellular and zebrafish experiments implied that cratoxylumxanthone C may have the potential to become an anti-tumor agent for lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).