Systemic Platelet-Activating Factor-Receptor Agonism Enhances Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Growth

Role of Platelet Activating Factor as a Mediator of Inflammatory Diseases and Preterm Delivery

Nearly 70% of preterm deliveries occur spontaneously, and the clinical pathways involved include preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes. Prediction of preterm delivery is considered crucial due to the significant effects of preterm birth on health and the economy at both the personal and community levels. Although similar inflammatory processes occur in both term and preterm delivery, the premature activation of these processes or exaggerated inflammatory response triggered by infection or sterile factors leads to preterm delivery. Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a phosphoglycerylether lipid mediator of inflammation that is implicated in infections, cancers, and various chronic diseases and disorders including cardiovascular, renal, cerebrovascular, and central nervous system diseases. In gestational tissues, PAF mediates the inflammatory pathways that stimulate the effector mechanisms of labor, including myometrial contraction, cervical dilation, and fetal membrane rupture. Women with preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes have increased levels of PAF in their amniotic fluid. In mice, the intrauterine or intraperitoneal administration of carbamyl PAF activates inflammation in gestational tissues, thereby eliciting preterm delivery. This review summarizes recent research on PAF as an important inflammatory mediator in preterm delivery and in other inflammatory disorders, highlighting its potential value for prediction, intervention, and prevention of these diseases.

Small molecule inhibitors for cancer metabolism: promising prospects to be explored

BACKGROUND

Abnormal metabolism is the main hallmark of cancer, and cancer metabolism plays an important role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, studying the changes of tumor metabolic pathways is beneficial to find targets for the treatment of cancer diseases. The success of metabolism-targeted chemotherapy suggests that cancer metabolism research will provide potential new targets for the treatment of malignant tumors.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to systemically review recent research findings on targeted inhibitors of tumor metabolism. In addition, we summarized new insights into tumor metabolic reprogramming and discussed how to guide the exploration of new strategies for cancer-targeted therapy.

CONCLUSION

Cancer cells have shown various altered metabolic pathways, providing sufficient fuel for their survival. The combination of these pathways is considered to be a more useful method for screening multilateral pathways. Better understanding of the clinical research progress of small molecule inhibitors of potential targets of tumor metabolism will help to explore more effective cancer treatment strategies.

Roles of endogenous ether lipids and associated PUFAs in the regulation of ion channels and their relevance for disease

Ether lipids (ELs) are lipids characterized by the presence of either an ether linkage (alkyl lipids) or a vinyl ether linkage [i.e., plasmalogens (Pls)] at the sn1 position of the glycerol backbone, and they are enriched in PUFAs at the sn2 position. In this review, we highlight that ELs have various biological functions, act as a reservoir for second messengers (such as PUFAs) and have roles in many diseases. Some of the biological effects of ELs may be associated with their ability to regulate ion channels that control excitation-contraction/secretion/mobility coupling and therefore cell physiology. These channels are embedded in lipid membranes, and lipids can regulate their activities directly or indirectly as second messengers or by incorporating into membranes. Interestingly, ELs and EL-derived PUFAs have been reported to play a key role in several pathologies, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Investigations leading to a better understanding of their mechanisms of action in pathologies have opened a new field in cancer research. In summary, newly identified lipid regulators of ion channels, such as ELs and PUFAs, may represent valuable targets to improve disease diagnosis and advance the development of new therapeutic strategies for managing a range of diseases and conditions.

Exploring Signaling Pathways and Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Approaches Using Genetic Models

Despite available treatment options, the overall survival rates of pancreatic cancer patients remain dismal. Multiple counter-regulatory pathways have been identified and shown to be involved in interfering with the efficacy of therapeutic agents. In addition, various known genetic alterations in the cellular signaling pathways have been implicated in affecting the growth and progression of pancreatic cancer. Nevertheless, the significance of other unknown pathways is yet to be explored, which provides the rationale for the intervention of new approaches. Several experimental genetic models have been explored to define the impact of key signaling cascades, and their mechanisms in the pathophysiology as well as treatment approaches of pancreatic cancer. The current review highlights the recent updates, and significance of such genetic models in the therapeutic efficacy of anti-tumor agents including the standard chemotherapeutic agents, natural products, cell signaling inhibitors, immunebased therapies and the combination of these approaches in pancreatic cancer.