Praeruptorin A Inhibits Human Cervical Cancer Cell Growth and Invasion by Suppressing MMP-2 Expression and ERK1/2 Signaling

Curcumin and silver nanoparticles loaded antibacterial multifunctional pectin/gelatin films for food packaging applications

Renewable biomass-based materials have a huge potential to replace petroleum-based products in food packaging. Herein, pectin/gelatin films loaded with curcumin and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are prepared by solution-pouring technology to serve as antimicrobial multifunctional food packaging films. AgNPs and curcumin are found to equally distribute in the films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) reveal the hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction among curcumin, AgNPs, pectin and gelatin. The composite films show good antioxidant activity, mechanical performance, hydrophobicity and antibacterial ability. The films of P-GCA 0.5 showed 99.57 ± 0.16 % and 100 % inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The films also demonstrate excellent water vapor barrier qualities. In addition, the composite films possess pH-responsive color change behaviors from yellow (pH 3-8) to light red (pH 8-9) to dark red (pH 11-12), which is suitable for monitoring the freshness of shrimp packaging based on pH changes during deterioration process. As sustainable biomass-based materials, the multifunctional composite films are promising in intelligent food packaging applications.

The traditional uses, pharmacology, and phytochemistry of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn

Bai Hua Qian Hu (Qianhu; Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn) is a classical medicinal plant traditionally prescribed for respiratory ailments, including cough, pulmonary hypertension, and asthma. In this review, we summarize the research progress of the toxicology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, phytochemistry, botany, quality control, and traditional uses of P. praeruptorum in order to support future investigations into the scientific and therapeutic promise of this important medicinal plant. Information pertaining to P. praeruptorum was collected from scientific databases (ScienceDirect, Springer, SciFinder, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, Web of Science), as well as toxicology papers from local conferences, M. Sc. and Ph.D. theses and dissertations, local magazines, classic texts on Chinese botanical drugs, and peer-reviewed journals. The Plant List (www.theplantlist.org) was utilized to verify the taxonomy of P. praeruptorum. P. praeruptorum was found to contain more than 119 distinct phytochemicals, including simple coumarins, pyranocoumarins, furanocoumarins, flavonoids, ketones, organic acids, and sterols, among others (e.g., praeruptorins A and B). Both crude plant extracts and purified metabolites of P. praeruptorum have been reported as treatments for hypertension, osteoporosis, Huntington's disease, and cancer. In addition, extracts of P. praeruptorum are reported to exhibit diverse pharmacological activities, including osteogenic, anti-osteoclastogenic, antidepressant, neuroprotective, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. Research into the pharmacology and phytochemistry of P. praeruptorum partially support both traditional uses and extraction methods. However, further research is required to elucidate the relationships between these metabolites, their molecular mechanisms, their structure-function roles, and their antagonistic and synergistic effects.

Magnolin targeting of the JNK/Sp1/MMP15 signaling axis suppresses cervical cancer microenvironment and metastasis via microbiota modulation

Magnolin (MGL), a compound derived from the magnolia plant, has inhibitory effects on tumor cell invasion and growth. His study aims to explore the antitumor effect and underlying molecular mechanism of MGL against human cervical cancer. We found that MGL inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism was shown to involve MGL-induced inhibition of JNK/Sp1-mediated MMP15 transcription and translation. Overexpression of JNK/Sp1 resulted in significant restoration of MMP15 expression and the migration and invasion capabilities of MGL-treated cervical cancer cells. MGL modulated the cervical cancer microenvironment by inhibiting cell metastasis via targeting IL-10/IL-10 receptor B (IL-10RB) expression, thereby attenuating JNK/Sp1-mediated MMP15 expression. Analysis of the gut microbiota of mice fed MGL revealed a significant augmentation in Lachnospiraceae bacteria, known for their production of sodium butyrate. In vivo experiments also demonstrated synergistic inhibition of cervical cancer cell metastasis by MGL and sodium butyrate co-administration. Our study provides pioneering evidence of a novel mechanism by which MGL inhibits tumor growth and metastasis through the IL-10/IL-10RB targeting of the JNK/Sp1/MMP15 axis in human cervical cancer cells.

A Multidrug Delivery Microrobot for the Synergistic Treatment of Cancer

Multidrug combination therapy provides an effective strategy for malignant tumor treatment. This paper presents the development of a biodegradable microrobot for on-demand multidrug delivery. By combining magnetic targeting transportation with tumor therapy, it is hypothesized that loading multiple drugs on different regions of a single magnetic microrobot can enhance a synergistic effect for cancer treatment. The synergistic effect of using two drugs together is greater than that of using each drug separately. Here, a 3D-printed microrobot inspired by the fish structure with three hydrogel components: skeleton, head, and body structures is demonstrated. Made of iron oxide (Fe3 O4 ) nanoparticles embedded in poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), the skeleton can respond to magnetic fields for microrobot actuation and drug-targeted delivery. The drug storage structures, head, and body, made by biodegradable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) exhibit enzyme-responsive cargo release. The multidrug delivery microrobots carrying acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and doxorubicin (DOX) in drug storage structures, respectively, exhibit the excellent synergistic effects of ASA and DOX by accelerating HeLa cell apoptosis and inhibiting HeLa cell metastasis. In vivo studies indicate that the microrobots improve the efficiency of tumor inhibition and induce a response to anti-angiogenesis. The versatile multidrug delivery microrobot conceptualized here provides a way for developing effective combination therapy for cancer.

Unraveling the molecular mechanism of l-menthol against cervical cancer based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro analysis

Cervical cancer is a major cause of gynecological related mortalities in developing countries. Cisplatin, a potent chemotherapeutic agent used for treating advanced cervical cancer exhibits side effects and resistance development. The current study was aimed to investigate the repurposing of l-menthol as a potential therapeutic drug against cervical cancer. L-menthol was predicted to be non-toxic with good pharmacokinetic properties based on SwissADME and pkCSM analysis. Subsequently, 543 and 1664 targets of l-menthol and cervical cancer were identified using STITCH, BATMAN-TCM, PharmMapper and CTD databases. STRING and Cytoscape analysis of the merged protein-protein interaction network revealed 107 core targets of l- menthol against cervical cancer. M-CODE identified highly connected clusters between the core targets which through KEGG analysis were found to be enriched in pathways related to apoptosis and adherence junctions. Molecular docking showed that l- menthol targeted E6, E6AP and E7 onco-proteins of HPV that interact and inactivate TP53 and Rb1 in cervical cancer, respectively. Molecular docking also showed good binding affinity of l-menthol toward proteins associated with apoptosis and migration. Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed stability of the docked complexes. In vitro analysis confirmed that l-menthol was cytotoxic towards cervical cancer CaSki cells and altered expression of TP53, Rb1, CDKN1A, E2F1, NFKB1, Akt-1, caspase-3, CDH1 and MMP-2 genes identified through network pharmacology approach. Schematic representation of the work flow depicting the potential of l-menthol to target cervical cancer.

Solamargine Alleviates Proliferation and Metastasis of Cervical Cancer Cells by Blocking the CXCL3-Mediated Erk Signaling Pathway

Solamargine has unique antitumor efficacy in a variety of cancers. The study is to explore the role of solamargine in cervical cancer. HeLa and SiHa cells were exposed to solamargine treatment at divergent concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 20 μM). The antitumor role of solamargine in cervical cancer cells was determined by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), colony formation, scratch test, transwell assay, and western blot. The expression of mRNAs regulating the extracellular regulated protein kinases (Erk) pathway in solamargine-treated cells was detected by qRT-PCR. Rescue experiments were conducted to explore the effect of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CXCL3). Following that, we inhibited Erk1/2 by PD98059 to investigate the interplay between CXCL3 and Erk pathway in solamargine-treated cells by measuring migration, invasion, and related matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expressions. Solamargine inhibited the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of p-Erk1/2 was downregulated by solamargine. CXCL3 overexpression abrogated the antitumor effect of solamargine on cervical cancer cells. The inhibition of the Erk signaling pathway restored the inhibiting role of solamargine which interfered with CXCL3 overexpression, in invasion, migration, and expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cervical cancer cells. Moreover, solamargine inhibited the growth of tumor in vivo xenograft model. Solamargine alleviated proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells by blocking the CXCL3-mediated Erk signaling pathway.

Angelol-A exerts anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects on human cervical carcinoma cells by modulating the phosphorylated-ERK/miR-29a-3p that targets the MMP2/VEGFA axis

AIMS

Angelol-A (Ang-A), a kind of coumarins, is isolated from the roots of Angelica pubescens f. biserrata. However, AA exerts antitumor effects and molecular mechanism on cervical cancer cells is unknown.

MAIN METHODS

Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay, and the cell cycle phase was assessed by PI staining with flow cytometry. Ang-A-treated cells with/without Antago-miR-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p inhibitor) or U0126 (MEK inhibitor) were assessed for the expression of miR-29a-3p, in vitro migration/invasion, and angiogenesis using qRT-PCR, a chemotaxis assay, and tube formation assay, respectively. The expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases/MMP2/MMP9/VEGFA was determined by western blot analysis with applicable antibodies.

KEY FINDINGS

Ang-A significantly inhibited MMP2 and VEGFA expression, cell migration, and invasive motility in human cervical cancer cells. Conditioned medium inhibited tube formation in HUVECs. Ang-A principally inhibited invasive motility and angiogenesis by upregulating the expression of miR-29a-3p that targets the VEGFA-3' UTR. The role of miR-29a-3p was confirmed using Antago-miR-29a-3p, which reversed the Ang-A-inhibited expression of MMP2 and VEGFA, invasive motility, and angiogenesis in human cervical cancer cells. The ERK pathway was implicated in mediating the metastatic and angiogenic action of Ang-A. Combined treatment with Ang-A treated and U0126 exerted a synergistic inhibitory effect on the expression of MMP2 and VEGFA and the metastatic and angiogenic properties of human cervical cancer cells.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings are the first to indicate that in human cervical cancer cells, Ang-A exerts anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects via targeting the miR-29a-3p/MMP2/VEGFA axis, mediated through the ERK pathway.

An LC-MS/MS Method for the Pharmacokinetic and in Vitro Metabolism Studies of Praeruptorin A in Rat

Objective:

The study aims to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of Praeruptorin A and khellactone and in vitro hydrolysis of praeruptorin A to khellactone in different biological samples.

Methods:

A LC-MS/MS method was established. Analytes and internal standard (IS) were isolated using the protein precipitation method and then separated on a Thermo BDS Hypersil C18 (2.1 mm×50 mm, 2.4μm) column using a mobile phase consisting of 0.05% formic acid solution and acetonitrile. Samples were analyzed in positive electrospray-ionization (ESI) mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM).

Results:

The calibration plots gave desirable linearity (r2>0.99) in the concentration range from 0.99-990.0 and 2.0-2000.0 ng/mL for Praeruptorin A and khellactone, respectively. In addition, the LOQs of these analytes were sufficient for vivo pharmacokinetic study and vitro hydrolysis study of Praeruptorin A. The intra-batch and inter-batch precision were all within 14.05%, and the accuracy was between 89.39% and 109.50%. The extraction efficiency of PA and khellactone ranged from 76.35 ~ 89.58%. The matrix effects of analytes and the IS were between 89.67% ~ 105.26%.

Conclusion:

The liver CYPs mediated by the metabolism of PA may contribute to the systemic exposure of its active metabolite, khellactone, in rats.

Modulating the ERK1/2-MMP1 Axis through Corosolic Acid Inhibits Metastasis of Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

Corosolic acid (CA; 2α-hydroxyursolic acid) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid with antioxidant, antitumour and antimetastatic activities against various tumour cells during tumourigenesis. However, CA’s antitumour effect and functional roles on human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells are utterly unknown. In this study, our results demonstrated that CA significantly exerted an inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1 expression, cell migration and invasion without influencing cell growth or the cell cycle of human OSCC cells. The critical role of MMP1 was confirmed using the GEPIA database and showed that patients have a high expression of MMP1 and have a shorter overall survival rate, confirmed on the Kaplan–Meier curve assay. In the synergistic inhibitory analysis, CA and siMMP1 co-treatment showed a synergically inhibitory influence on MMP1 expression and invasion of human OSCC cells. The ERK1/2 pathway plays an essential role in mediating tumour progression. We found that CA significantly inhibits the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 dose-dependently. The ERK1/2 pathway played an essential role in the CA-mediated downregulation of MMP1 expression and in invasive motility in human OSCC cells. These findings first demonstrated the inhibitory effects of CA on OSCC cells’ progression through inhibition of the ERK1/2–MMP1 axis. Therefore, CA might represent a novel strategy for treating OSCC.

Expression and correlation analysis of Skp2 and CBX7 in cervical cancer

AIMS

S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) oncoprotein is overexpressed in a variety of cancer tissues and promotes the malignant development of cancer. The expression levels of chromobox homolog 7 (CBX7) protein are varied among different types of cancer tissues, but its role in cervical cancer is not clear. We aimed to examine the expression and clinical significance of Skp2 and CBX7 proteins as well as their correlations in cervical cancer.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Skp2 and CBX7 proteins in the cancerous tissues and adjacent tissues of 64 patients with cervical cancer. Relevant clinicopathological data of these patients were collected, compared and analysed for the correlations.

RESULTS

The expression of Skp2 protein in cervical cancer (87.5%) was higher than that in paracancerous tissues (14.1%), and the expression was positively correlated with clinical stage, malignant degree, lymphatic metastasis, vascular invasion and interstitial invasion. The expression of CBX7 protein in cervical cancer (48.4%) was lower than that in paracancerous tissues (96.8%), and the expression was negatively correlated with clinical stage, malignant degree, interstitial invasion, vascular invasion and lymphatic metastasis. The expression of Skp2 protein and CBX7 protein in cervical cancer tissues and adjacent tissues was negatively correlated. The expression of Skp2 and CBX7 proteins was closely related to the clinicopathological features of cervical cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

CBX7 may play the role of a tumour suppressor gene in cervical cancer and provide reference value for the diagnosis and new targeted treatment of cervical cancer.

Phospholipase Cγ Signaling in Bone Marrow Stem Cell and Relevant Natural Compounds Therapy

Excessive bone resorption has been recognized play a major role in the development of bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Paget's disease of bone, and cancer. Phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ) family members PLCγ1 and PLCγ2 are critical regulators of signaling pathways downstream of growth factor receptors, integrins, and immune complexes and play a crucial role in osteoclast. Ca2+ signaling has been recognized as an essential pathway to the differentiation of osteoclasts. With growing attention and research about natural occurring compounds, the therapeutic use of natural active plant-derived products has been widely recognized in recent years. In this review, we summarized the recent research on PLCγ signaling in bone marrow stem cells and the use of several natural compounds that were proven to inhibit RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis via modulating PLCγ signaling pathways.

Dysregulation of lncRNA-H19 in cardiometabolic diseases and the molecular mechanism involved : a systematic review

Introduction: Cardiometabolic diseases are a global public health problem, with significant increases in their prevalence. Different epigenetic factors involved in the progression of metabolic alterations have been described, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). H19 is a multifunctional lncRNA expressed from the maternal allele, with low expression after birth, except in the skeletal muscle and heart. Recent studies have linked its dysregulation to alterations in cell metabolism.Areas covered: H19 plays a role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatic and renal fibrosis, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation. H19 acts mainly as a competitive endogenous RNA of molecules involved in pathways that regulate cell metabolism. In this review, we analyzed the dysregulation of H19 in cardiometabolic diseases and its relationship with molecular alterations in different signaling pathways.Expert opinion: The association of H19 with the development of cardiometabolic diseases, indicates that H19 could be a therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for these diseases. Controversies have been reported regarding the expression of H19 in some metabolic diseases, therefore, it is necessary to continue research to clarify its pathogenic effect in different organs.

3D HeLa spheroids as a model for investigating the anticancer activity of Biginelli-hybrids

In previous study, we examined the anticancer effects of novel Biginelli-hybrids against HeLa cell line on 2D monolayer culture. The five most effective compounds were chosen for further analysis of their anticancer activity against HeLa spheroids. Using the 3D models implies the possible differences in anticancer effects and mechanisms of activity of tested compounds. The compounds 4c and 4d exerted the strongest activity against 3D HeLa spheroids and induced to some extent loosened cell-cell contacts in spheroids, leading to the largest reduction in the diameter of the spheroids. Additionally, the highest accumulation of the cells in the subG1 phase of the cell cycle was observed after the treatment with compounds 4d and 4c, while the compound 4f led to the G2/M arrest. The invasion potential of treated HeLa cells in spheroids was monitored by imaging of spheroids embedded in a matrix made of matrigel and collagen and by determination of MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF gene expression levels. The compound 4l did not show invasion-suppressive activity, while the compounds 4c and 4d exerted the strongest anti-invasive activity.

Long-term outcomes of ischemic post-conditioning primary PCI and conventional primary PCI in acute STEMI: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Data regarding ischemic postconditioning during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as compared conventional PCI alone has yielded conflicting results.

METHODS

Online databases comparing use of ischemic postconditioning percutaneous coronary intervention (ICP-PPCI) in STEMI patients with conventional PPCI were selected. Mortality, heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were evaluated. The primary outcome was composite of HF, MI, and mortality. Pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed using random-effects model.

RESULTS

Eight studies consisting of 2,566 patients (ICP-PPCI n = 1,228; PPCI n = 1,278) were included. The mean age for PPCI group was 61.38 ± 7.86 years (51% men) and for PCI 59.83 ± 8.94 years (47% men). There were no differences in outcome between ICP-PPCI and PPCI in terms of HF (RR 0.87 95% CI0.51-1.48; p = 0.29), MI (RR 1.28, 95%CI0.74-2.20; p = 0.20), mortality (RR 0.93, 95%CI0.64-1.34; p = 0.58), and MACE (RR 0.89, 95%CI0.74-1.07; p = 0.22). The results for composite event for the ICP-PPCI and PPIC procedures, at ≥1 year follow-up duration, were comparable (RR 1.00 95%CI0.82-1.22; p = 1).

CONCLUSION

Ischemic postconditioning post percutaneous coronary intervention in STEMI patients has no long-term benefits over conventional PCI.

Nanoformulations of Coumarins and the Hybrid Molecules of Coumarins with Potential Anticancer Effects

Coumarins are the secondary metabolites of some plants, fungi, and bacteria. Coumarins and the hybrid molecules of coumarins are the compounds which have been widely studied for their potential anticancer effects. They belong to benzopyrone chemical class, more precisely benzo-α-pyrones, where benzene ring is fused to pyrone ring. In nature, coumarins are found in higher plants like Rutaceae and Umbelliferae and some essential oils like cinnamon bark oil, cassia leaf oil and lavender oil are also rich in coumarins. The six main classes of coumarins are furanocoumarins, dihydrofuranocoumarins, pyrano coumarins, pyrone substituted coumarins, phenylcoumarins and bicoumarins. As well as their wide range of biological activities, coumarins and the hybrid molecules of coumarins are proven to have an important role in anticancer drug development due to the fact that many of its derivatives have shown an anticancer activity on various cell lines. Osthol, imperatorin, esculetin, scopoletin, umbelliprenin, angelicine, bergamottin, limettin, metoxhalen, aurapten and isopimpinellin are some of these coumarins. This review summarizes the anticancer effects of coumarins and their hybrid molecules including the novel pharmaceutical formulations adding further information on the topic for the last ten years and basically focusing on the structureactivity relationship of these compounds in cancer.

Celastrol inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of human cervical HeLa cancer cells through down-regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9

The present study evaluated the anticancer potential of celastrol through down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9. HeLa cells were incubated with different concentrations of celastrol (1, 10 and 100 µM) for 48h. Doxorubicin was used as a reference drug. Cancer cell migration, apoptosis, cell viability and mitochondrial fragmentation were evaluated following celastrol treatment. In addition, the expression level of MMP-2, MMP-9 and caspase-3 was evaluated following celastrol treatment. HeLa cell viability was 94.1 ± 7, 53.4 ± 4 and 36.3 ± 2% at 1-100 µM of celastrol, respectively. Apoptotic cell numbers were increased, and inhibition of larger wounds in cancer cells was observed following celastrol treatment. Celastrol-treated cells showed condensed nuclei and clumped mitochondria. Reduced expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and increased expression of caspase-3 were observed following celastrol treatment. Based on the experimental results, we are concluding that the celastrol was effective against HeLa cervical cancer cells.

Praeruptorin A reduces metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting ERK/MMP1 signaling pathway

Praeruptorin A (PA) is one of the active ingredients found in the dried root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn, has been reported to possess anticancer effects against various types of cancer. However, the effect of PA on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncleared. In this study, our results indicated that PA did not induce cytotoxicity or alter cell cycle distribution in human HCC cells (Huh-7, SK-Hep-1, and PLC/PRF/5 cells). Instead, PA inhibited the migration and invasion of human HCC cells while downregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) and activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways. Furthermore, blocking the ERK signaling pathway through siERK restored the expression of MMP1 and the invasive ability of PA-treated HCC cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the antimetastatic activity of PA against human HCC cells, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent of HCC treatments.

Tanshinone I induces cell apoptosis by reactive oxygen species-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and by suppressing p53/DRAM-mediated autophagy in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, and it has a high mortality rate. Despite surgical treatments, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the median survival of patients with advanced HCC is low. Evidence has shown that tanshinone (TA) I exhibits anti-proliferative activity against numerous cancers. However, the role of TA I and its mechanism in HCC remain unknown. Here, we determined the anti-cancer potential of TA I against HCC cell lines HepG2 and Huh7. Cell viability was analyzed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycles and apoptosis. Western blotting was used to detect protein expression and phosphorylation levels. TA I was found to inhibit cell proliferation, induce G0/G1 phase arrest, and trigger apoptosis in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. We further explored the molecular mechanism of TA I-mediated apoptosis. Our results showed that TA I induced G0/G1 phase arrest through downregulation of cyclin D1 expression and upregulation of p21 expression. TA I induced cell apoptosis via reactive oxygen species-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and by inhibiting p53/damage-regulated autophagy modulator (DRAM)-mediated autophagy in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Therefore, TA I may be an anti-cancer drug candidate in the treatment of HCC.

Silencing PROK2 Inhibits Invasion of Human Cervical Cancer Cells by Targeting MMP15 Expression

Cervical cancer is the second most frequent type of gynecologic cancer worldwide. Prokineticin 2 (PROK2) is reported to be involved in tumor progression in some malignant tumors. However, the role of PROK2 in the development of cervical cancer remains unknown. Our results indicate that PROK2 is overexpressed in the human cervical cancer. Cervical cancer patients with high PROK2 expression have a shorter overall survival rate (OS) and disease-free survival rate (DFS). PROK2 acts as a potential biomarker for predicting OS and DFS of cervical cancer patients. We further show that PROK2 is important factor for oncogenic migration and invasion in human cervical cancer cells. Knockdown PROK2 significantly inhibited cell migration, invasion, and MMP15 protein expression in HeLa cells. High expression of MMP15 is confirmed in the human cervical cancer, is significantly associated with the shorter overall survival rate (OS) and is correlated with PROK2 expression. Overexpression of PROK2 using PROK2 plasmid significantly reverses the function of knockdown PROK2, and further upregulates MMP15 expression, migration and invasion of human cervical cancer cells. In conclusion, our findings are the first to demonstrate the role of PROK2 as a novel and potential biomarker for clinical use, and reveal the oncogenic functions of PROK2 as therapeutic target for cervical cancer.

Circular RNA circNRIP1 promotes migration and invasion in cervical cancer by sponging miR-629-3p and regulating the PTP4A1/ERK1/2 pathway

Emerging evidence indicates that circRNAs play essential roles in tumorigenesis and development. However, the role of circRNAs in cervical cancer (CC) remains unclear. CircRNA microarrays performed on the immortal cervical cell line H8 and the cervical cancer cell line SiHa were used to identify a circRNA, termed circNRIP1 (hsa_circ_0004771), which was upregulated in SiHa. QRT-PCR confirmed that circNRIP1 was upregulated in CC tissues, where its expression was correlated with lymphovascular space invasion. Besides, both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that circNRIP1 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Additionally, we found that miR-629-3p induced tumor suppression by regulating PTP4A1 and the ERK1/2 pathway. Finally, we confirmed that circNRIP1 exerts its effect, at least partially, by sponging miR-629-3p and thereby regulating the PTP4A1/ERK1/2 pathway. Therefore, circNRIP1 may be useful as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in CC patients.

Transcriptional Suppression of miR-7 by MTA2 Induces Sp1-Mediated KLK10 Expression and Metastasis of Cervical Cancer

MTA2 is involved in tumor proliferation and metastasis. However, the role of MTA2 in cervical cancer thus far has not been identified. In this study, we report that elevated expression of MTA2 negatively correlates with Kallikrein-10 (KLK10) expression and poor prognosis of cervical cancer patients. Knockdown of MTA2 substantially inhibited tumor cell migration and invasion, and it enhanced KLK10 expression of the cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Functionally, shMTA2-mediated suppression of cell mobility was significantly restored by knockdown of KLK10. We also found that Sp1 (transcription factor specificity protein 1) is critical for shMTA2-induced transcriptional upregulation of KLK10 and subsequent biological functions. Furthermore, we found that the expression of miR-7 is elevated by MTA2 silencing and then by direct inhibition of Sp1 expression. Knockdown of Sp1 additively enhanced KLK10 expression in MTA2-knocked down cervical cancer cells, suggesting that the miR-7/Sp1 axis acts as an effector of MTA2 to impact KLK10 levels and mobility of cervical cancer cells. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the physiological relationship between MTA2 and KLK10 via regulating the miR-7/Sp1 axis, and they provide a potential therapeutic target in cervical cancer.

β-Mangostin inhibits the metastatic power of cervical cancer cells attributing to suppression of JNK2/AP-1/Snail cascade

β-Mangostin is a natural mangostin with potent anticancer activity against various cancers. In this study, we further explored the anticancer activity of β-mangostin on cervical cancer cells. β-Mangostin did not affect cell viability and cell cycle distribution in HeLa and SiHa cells; however, it dose-dependently inhibited the migration and invasion of both the human cervical cancer cell lines. In addition, we observed that β-mangostin suppressed the expression of integrin αV and β3 and the downstream focal adhesion kinase/Src signaling. We also found that Snail was involved in the β-mangostin inhibited cell migration and invasion of HeLa cell. Then, our findings showed that β-mangostin reduced both nuclear translocation and messenger RNA expression of AP-1 and demonstrated that AP-1 could target to the Snail promoter and induce Snail expression. Kinase cascade analysis and reporter assay showed that JNK2 was involved in the inhibition of AP-1/Snail axis by β-mangostin in HeLa cells. These results indicate that β-mangostin can inhibit the mobility and invasiveness of cervical cancer cells, which may attribute to the suppression of both integrin/Src signaling and JNK2-mediated AP-1/Snail axis. This suggests that β-mangostin has potential antimetastatic potential against cervical cancer cells.

Praeruptorin B Mitigates the Metastatic Ability of Human Renal Carcinoma Cells through Targeting CTSC and CTSV Expression

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common adult kidney cancer, and accounts for 85% of all cases of kidney cancers worldwide. Praeruptorin B (Pra-B) is a bioactive constituent of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn and exhibits several pharmacological activities, including potent antitumor effects. However, the anti-RCC effects of Pra-B and their underlying mechanisms are unclear; therefore, we explored the effects of Pra-B on RCC cells in this study. We found that Pra-B nonsignificantly influenced the cell viability of human RCC cell lines 786-O and ACHN at a dose of less than 30 μM for 24 h treatment. Further study revealed that Pra-B potently inhibited the migration and invasion of 786-O and ACHN cells, as well as downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of cathepsin C (CTSC) and cathepsin V (CTSV) of 786-O and ACHN cells. Mechanistically, Pra-B also reduced the protein levels of phospho (p)-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), and p-extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) in RCC cells. In addition, Pra-B treatment inhibited the effect of EGF on the upregulation of EGFR–MEK–ERK, CTSC and CTSV expression, cellular migration, and invasion of 786-O cells. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that Pra-B can reduce the migration and invasion ability of human RCC cells through suppressing the EGFR-MEK-ERK signaling pathway and subsequently downregulating CTSC and CTSV. This evidence suggests that Pra-B can be developed as an effective antimetastatic agent for the treatment of RCC.

Antiproliferative and Antimetastatic Effects of Praeruptorin C on Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Through Inactivating ERK/CTSD Signalling Pathways

Praeruptorin C (PC) reportedly has beneficial effects in terms of antiinflammation, antihypertension, and antiplatelet aggregation, and it potentially has anticancer activity. However, the effect of PC on human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is largely unknown. Compared with the effects of praeruptorin A and praeruptorin B, we observed that PC significantly suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, wound closure, and migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. It induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, downregulated cyclin D1 protein, and upregulated p21 protein. PC also significantly reduced the expression of cathepsin D (CTSD). In addition, the phosphorylation/activation of the ERK1/2 signalling pathway was significantly suppressed in PC-treated NSCLC cells. Cotreatment with PC and U0126 synergistically inhibited CTSD expression, cell migration, and cell invasion, which suggests that the ERK1/2 signalling pathway is involved in the downregulation of CTSD expression and invasion activity of NSCLC cells by PC. These findings are the first to demonstrate the inhibitory effects of PC in NSCLC progression. Therefore, PC may represent a novel strategy for treating NSCLC.

The Potential of Chinese Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a global health issue and places a considerable economic and medical burden on society. Thus, a concerted effort to improve the treatment of cervical cancer is warranted. Although several treatment options are currently available for treating patients with cervical cancer, such as chemoradiation and neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, more aggressive systemic therapies and newer therapeutic agents are under investigation. Medicinal herbs have long been used to treat diseases. In this review, we summarize studies analyzing the antitumor effects and underlying mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicines, including the effects of crude extracts and compounds in vitro or in animal models for inducing apoptosis and inhibiting invasion or metastasis. Chinese herbal medicines with therapeutic targeting, such as those that interfere with tumor growth and progression in cervical cancer, have been widely investigated. To apply Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of cervical cancer, adequate clinical studies are required to confirm its clinical safety and efficiency. Further investigations focused on the purification, pharmacokinetics, and identification of compounds from Chinese herbal medicines in cervical cancer treatment are necessary to achieve the aforementioned treatment goals.

Melatonin attenuates epidermal growth factor-induced cathepsin S expression in ARPE-19 cells: Implications for proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Abnormal proliferation and motility of retinal pigment epithelial cells leads to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Melatonin is a known effective antitumour and anti-invasive agent, but whether it affects the formation and underlying mechanisms of PVR remains unclear. In this study, the results of the MTT assay, colony formation and propidium iodide (PI) staining with flow cytometry revealed that melatonin dose dependently inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced proliferation of human ARPE-19 cells. Furthermore, melatonin reduced EGF-induced motility by suppressing cathepsin S (CTSS) expression. Pretreatment with ZFL (a CTSS inhibitor) or overexpression of CTSS (pCMV-CTSS) significantly inhibited EGF-induced cell motility when combined with melatonin. Epidermal growth factor induced the phosphorylation of AKT(S473)/mTOR (S2448) and transcription factor (c-Jun/Sp1) signaling pathways. Pretreatment of LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) or rapamycin (an mTOR inhibitor) markedly reduced EGF-induced motility and p-AKT/p-mTOR/c-Jun/Sp1 expression when combined with melatonin. Taken together, these data indicate that melatonin inhibited EGF-induced proliferation and motility of human ARPE-19 cells by activating the AKT/mTOR pathway, which is dependent on CTSS modulation of c-Jun/Sp1 signalling. Melatonin may be a promising therapeutic drug against PVR.

Plant-Derived Molecules α-Boswellic Acid Acetate, Praeruptorin-A, and Salvianolic Acid-B Have Age-Related Differential Effects in Young and Senescent Human Fibroblasts In Vitro

Testing and screening of plant-derived molecules on normal human cells in vitro is a widely used approach for discovering their eventual health beneficial effects for human ageing and longevity. As little is known about age-associated differential effects of such molecules, here we report that young (<25% replicative lifespan completed) and near-senescent (>90% replicative lifespan completed) human skin fibroblasts exposed for 1–15 days to a wide range of concentrations (0.1–100 μM) of the three selected phytochemicals, namely α-boswellic acid acetate (ABC), praeruptorin-A (PTA), and salvianolic acid-B (SAB) had age-related differential effects. The parameters studied were the metabolic activity (MTT assay), cellular morphological phenotype, one-step growth characteristics, expression of genes involved in the cell cycle regulation and cytokine network genes, protein levels of p53, cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3), and the extent of protein carbonylation and protein aggregation as a sign of oxidative stress. All three compounds showed biphasic hormetic dose response by stimulating cell growth, survival and metabolic activity at low doses (up to 1 μM), while showing inhibitory effects at high doses (>10 μM). Furthermore, the response of early passage young cells was different from that of the late passage near-senescent cells, especially with respect to the expression of cell cycle-related and inflammation-related genes. Such studies have importance with respect to the use of low doses of such molecules as health-promoting and/or ageing-interventions through the phenomenon of hormesis.

Down-regulation of Suv39h1 attenuates neointima formation after carotid artery injury in diabetic rats

Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of vascular complications. Suv39h1, a histone methyltransferase, plays a protective role against myocardial injury in diabetes. Herein, we intend to explore whether Suv39h1 could affect neointimal formation after vascular injury in diabetic rats and reveal the underlying mechanism. In this study, we generated adenovirus expressing Suv39h1 as well as lentivirus expressing Suv39h1‐targeting shRNA and evaluated the significance of Suv39h1 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) under diabetic conditions. In vitro, we examined proliferative and migratory behaviours as well as the underlying signalling mechanisms in VSMCs in response to high glucose treatment. In vivo, we induced diabetes in SD rats with streptozocin and established the common carotid artery balloon injury model. Suv39h1 was found to be both necessary and sufficient to promote VSMC proliferation and migration under high glucose conditions. We observed corresponding changes in intracellular signalling molecules including complement C3 and phosphor‐ERK1/2. However, either up‐regulating or down‐regulating Suv39h1, phosphor‐p38 level was not significantly affected. Consistently, Suv39h1 overexpression led to accelerated neointima formation, while knocking down Suv39h1 reduced it following carotid artery injury in diabetic rats. Using microarray analyses, we showed that altering the Suv39h1 level in vivo dramatically altered the expression of myriad genes mediating different biological processes and molecular function. This study reveals the novel role of Suv39h1 in VSMCs of diabetes and suggests its potential role as a therapeutic target in diabetic vascular injury.

Pinosylvin reduced migration and invasion of oral cancer carcinoma by regulating matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway

BACKGROUND

Pinosylvin possesses several biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant characteristics. However, the effects of pinosylvin on the migration and invasion of human oral cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

In this research, we investigated the outcome of different concentrations of pinosylvin (0-80 μM) on the metastatic and invasive abilities of SAS, SCC-9, and HSC-3 cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Western blotting assay and Gelatin zymography assay indicated that pinosylvin inhibited the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and reduced its protein level but increased the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2). Additionally, the wound healing assay and Transwell method showed that pinosylvin reduced the migration of SAS, SCC-9 and HSC-3 oral cancer cells. Besides, pinosylvin decreased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 protein experssion in both SAS and SCC-9 cells.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that pinosylvin is a potential anticancer agent for preventing oral cancer metastasis.

Tissue-Specific Metabolite Profiling on the Different Parts of Bolting and Unbolting Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (Qianhu) by Laser Microdissection Combined with UPLC-Q/TOF⁻MS and HPLC⁻DAD

BACKGROUND

Qianhu is a traditional Chinese medicine. It is thought that Qianhu roots will harden after bolting and not be suitable for medicinal purposes. Bolting Qianhu and unbolting Qianhu are referred to as "Xiong Qianhu" and "Ci Qianhu," respectively. In this study, the properties, microscopic and chemical characteristics of Ci Qianhu and Xiong Qianhu roots were compared using fluorescence microscopy, laser microdissection coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection.

RESULTS

Microscopy results showed that the area of secondary xylem in the root increased after bolting, with the cork and secretory canals showing strong fluorescence intensity. A total of 34 peaks, mostly pyranocoumarins, were identified in the tissues of Ci Qianhu and Xiong Qianhu. The secretory canals contained the highest variability of coumarins, whereas the secondary xylem contained the least coumarins. Moreover, seven coumarins, especially the pyran- coumarin, decreased after bolting. Generally, both before and after bolting, coumarin level was the highest in the bark, followed by the middle part, and the lowest in the inner part.

CONCLUSION

Thus, it was indicated that the area of secondary xylem increased after bolting, however the coumarin variant and content decreased in the secondary xylem of Qianhu. The result shows that the quality of Qianhu decreases after bolting, which supports the viewpoint that Xiong Qianhu is not suitable for medicinal use.

Functional characterization and correlation analysis of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) in coumarin biosynthesis from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn

Coumarins exhibit many biological activities and are the main specialised metabolites of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn, an important plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. In preliminary studies, we cloned several genes involved in coumarin biosynthesis in P. praeruptorum, such as 4-coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL), p-coumaroyl CoA 2'-hydroxylase (C2'H), feruloyl CoA 6'-hydroxylase (F6'H) and bergaptol O-methyltransferase (BMT). However, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) in P. praeruptorum (PpPAL) has not yet been studied. In the present study, we cloned one novel PpPAL gene. Subsequently, the relationship between gene and compounds was studied using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Then, enzyme function was analyzed with _L-phenylalanine (_L-Phe) as substrate. These experiments showed that the coumarin content could be upregulated by methyl jasmonate (MeJA), UV irradiation and cold, which was consistent with increased expression levels of PpPAL. In addition, correlation analysis indicated that coumarins were partially related to PpPAL. And the recombinant protein could catalyze the conversion of _L-Phe to trans-cinnamic acid (t-CA) with a K_m of 120 ± 33 μM and a K_cat of 117 ± 32 min^-1. Besides, Tyr110, Phe116, Gly117, Ser206, Leu209, Leu259, Tyr354, Arg357, Asn387 and Phe403 were essential for enzymatic activity based on three-dimensional modeling and site-directed mutagenesis experiments. Altogether these results highlight the importance of PpPAL in abiotically induced coumarin biosynthesis and provide further insights regarding the structure-function relationships of this protein.

Evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis by ultrasound radiofrequency data technology in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, and inflammation is highly associated with atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and arterial stiffness measurements are commonly used to detect subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to non-invasively demonstrate the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with pSS through these measurements, using ultrasound (US) radiofrequency (RF) data technology. 30 pSS patients as the study group and 30 age-and sex-matched healthy volunteers as the control group were included in this study. The age of the participants in the entire sample ranged from 18 to 60 years, and no primary cardiovascular risk factors were present, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or obesity. The participants in the study and control groups were evaluated with doppler ultrasonography. Arterial stiffness and CIMT measurements were made from the bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) using US RF data technology. No statistically significant difference was identified between the patients with pSS and the controls in terms of the right, left, and mean CCA IMT; the right side distensibility coefficient (DC) and compliance coefficient (CC); or the right- and left-side α and β stiffness indices values (p > 0.05). Compared to the control subjects, the pSS patients had higher right and left side pulsed wave velocity (PWV), the mean value of the right and the left sides α stiffness index, β stiffness index, and PWV (p < 0.05). The pSS patients' left DC, left CC, and the mean value of the right and left sides DC and CC were lower than controls (p < 0,05). It was found that patients with pSS show evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis. To determine this situation in patients with pSS, CIMT and PWV measurements may serve as a guide. Radiofrequency data technology represents a non-invasive approach to the accurate and quantitative measurement of CIMT elevation and decreases in vascular elasticity.

Downregulation of Krüppel‑like factor 1 inhibits the metastasis and invasion of cervical cancer cells

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies that seriously threatens women's health. Krüppel‑like factors (KLFs) have been reported to be associated with the progression of cervical cancer. The role of KLF1 in cervical cancer, which still remains unclear, was investigated in the present study. The expression of KLF1 was detected in different cervical cell lines by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) and western blotting. Cell proliferation, metastasis and invasion were respectively detected by Cell Counting Kit‑8, wound healing and transwell assays. Associated factor expression was also detected by RT‑qPCR and western blotting. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of phosphatidylinositol‑3‑kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt) were determined by western blot analysis. The results revealed that KLF1 expression was promoted in SiHa, Caski and C4‑1 cervical cancer cells. However, KLF1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, metastasis and invasion in SiHa cervical cancer cells. KLF1 knockdown also inhibited the expressions of Ki67, metastasis‑associated antigen 1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2. KLF1 knockdown promoted the expressions of nonmetastatic clone 23 type 1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‑2, and the expression of MMP‑9 was promoted slightly as well. In addition, KLF1 knockdown inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Hence, it was concluded that KLF1 promoted metastasis and invasion via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in cervical cancer cells.