Chrysin Inhibits NF-κB-Dependent CCL5 Transcription by Targeting IκB Kinase in the Atopic Dermatitis-Like Inflammatory Microenvironment

NME4 suppresses NFκB2-CCL5 axis, restricting CD8+ T cell tumour infiltration in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Thought of as a metastasis-associated gene, however, NME/NM23 nucleoside diphosphate kinase 4 (NME4) has rarely been described in the context of the tumour microenvironment. To understand the immunological implications of NME4 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), we used multiplex immunohistochemistry to analyse the clinicopathological and prognostic importance of NME4 expression. Then, after establishing a syngeneic tumour model with a C57BL/6 mouse strain that can recapitulate the tumour microenvironment of humans, we examined the immunological involvement of NME4 expression. To explore the underlying molecular mechanism, via quantitative proteomics and protein microarray screening, we investigated the potential signalling pathways involved. The clinicopathological and prognostic importance of NME4 expression is limited in ESCC patients. In vivo, single-cell RNA sequencing showed that NME4 strikingly prevented CD8+ T cells from infiltrating the tumour microenvironment in murine ESCC. Mechanistically, we mapped out the NFκB2-CCL5 axis that was negatively controlled by NME4 in the murine ESCC cell line AKR. Collectively, these data demonstrated that regulation of NFκB2-CCL5 axis by NME4 prevents CD8+ T cells infiltration in ESCC.

Honey Phytochemicals: Bioactive Agents With Therapeutic Potential for Dermatological Disorders

Honey has been reported to have a range of biological activities including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and wound healing effects. Indeed, medical-grade honey is currently used in hospitals for the clinical management of wound infections. Honey is also of scientific interest for its therapeutic effects on other dermatological disorders such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and skin cancer. Recent studies have uncovered that honey contains a range of phytochemicals including flavonoids, dicarboxylic acids, coumarins, and phenolic acids. In this review, PubMed was used to search the scientific literature on the biological properties of honey phytochemicals in relation to dermatological disorders and to evaluate their potential as bioactive agents, drugs, or cosmeceuticals for the treatment of skin disease. The review revealed that phytochemicals found in honey have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, antioxidant, anticancer, depigmenting, photoprotective, wound healing, and skin barrier enhancing properties. Although further high-quality studies are required to establish clinical efficacy, these findings suggest that honey phytochemicals may have the potential to be used as bioactive agents for the management of a range of dermatological disorders including wounds, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, rosacea, and skin cancer.

Cimicifugoside H-2 as an Inhibitor of IKK1/Alpha: A Molecular Docking and Dynamic Simulation Study

One of the most challenging issues scientists face is finding a suitable non-invasive treatment for cancer, as it is widespread around the world. The efficacy of phytochemicals that target oncogenic pathways appears to be quite promising and has gained attention over the past few years. We investigated the effect of docking phytochemicals isolated from the rhizomes of the Cimicifuga foetida plant on different domains of the IκB kinase alpha (IKK1/alpha) protein. The Cimicifugoside H-2 phytochemical registered a high docking score on the activation loop of IKK1/alpha amongst the other phytochemicals compared to the positive control. The interaction of the protein with Cimicifugoside H-2 was mostly stabilized by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. A dynamic simulation was then performed with the Cimicifugoside H-2 phytochemical on the activation loop of IKK1/alpha, revealing that Cimicifugoside H-2 is a possible inhibitor of this protein. The pharmacokinetic properties of the drug were also examined to assess the safety of administering the drug. Therefore, in this in silico study, we discovered that the Cimicifugoside H-2 phytochemical inhibits the actively mutated conformation of IKK1/alpha, potentially suppressing the nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway.

DHODH inhibition enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade by increasing cancer cell antigen presentation

Pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis is a druggable metabolic dependency of cancer cells, and chemotherapy agents targeting pyrimidine metabolism are the backbone of treatment for many cancers. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is an essential enzyme in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway that can be targeted by clinically approved inhibitors. However, despite robust preclinical anticancer efficacy, DHODH inhibitors have shown limited single-agent activity in phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. Therefore, novel combination therapy strategies are necessary to realize the potential of these drugs. To search for therapeutic vulnerabilities induced by DHODH inhibition, we examined gene expression changes in cancer cells treated with the potent and selective DHODH inhibitor brequinar (BQ). This revealed that BQ treatment causes upregulation of antigen presentation pathway genes and cell surface MHC class I expression. Mechanistic studies showed that this effect is (1) strictly dependent on pyrimidine nucleotide depletion, (2) independent of canonical antigen presentation pathway transcriptional regulators, and (3) mediated by RNA polymerase II elongation control by positive transcription elongation factor B (P-TEFb). Furthermore, BQ showed impressive single-agent efficacy in the immunocompetent B16F10 melanoma model, and combination treatment with BQ and dual immune checkpoint blockade (anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-1) significantly prolonged mouse survival compared to either therapy alone. Our results have important implications for the clinical development of DHODH inhibitors and provide a rationale for combination therapy with BQ and immune checkpoint blockade.

Advancements and recent explorations of anti-cancer activity of chrysin: from molecular targets to therapeutic perspective

In recent times, there have been notable advancements in comprehending the potential anti-cancer effects of chrysin (CH), a naturally occurring flavonoid compound found abundantly in various plant sources like honey, propolis, and certain fruits and vegetables. This active compound has garnered significant attention due to its promising therapeutic qualities and minimal toxicity. CH's ability to combat cancer arises from its multifaceted mechanisms of action, including the initiation of apoptosis and the inhibition of proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell cycle progression. CH also displays potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively counteracting the harmful molecules that contribute to DNA damage and the development of cancer. Furthermore, CH has exhibited the potential to sensitize cancer cells to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, amplifying the effectiveness of these treatments while reducing their negative impact on healthy cells. Hence, in this current review, the composition, chemistry, mechanisms of action, safety concerns of CH, along with the feasibility of its nanoformulations. To conclude, the recent investigations into CH's anti-cancer effects present a compelling glimpse into the potential of this natural compound as a complementary therapeutic element in the array of anti-cancer approaches, providing a safer and more comprehensive method of combating this devastating ailment.

Phytochemical Composition, Anti-Inflammatory Property, and Anti-Atopic Effect of Chaetomorpha linum Extract

Utilizing plant-based resources, particularly their by-products, aligns with sustainability principles and circular bioeconomy, contributing to environmental preservation. The therapeutic potential of plant extracts is garnering increasing interest, and this study aimed to demonstrate promising outcomes from an extract obtained from an underutilized plant waste. Chaetomorpha linum, an invasive macroalga found in the Orbetello Lagoon, thrives in eutrophic conditions, forming persistent mats covering approximately 400 hectares since 2005. The biomass of C. linum undergoes mechanical harvesting and is treated as waste, requiring significant human efforts and economic resources-A critical concern for municipalities. Despite posing challenges to local ecosystems, the study identified C. linum as a natural source of bioactive metabolites. Phytochemical characterization revealed lipids, amino acids, and other compounds with potential anti-inflammatory activity in C. linum extract. In vitro assays with LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 and TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells showed the extract inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) productions, and reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions via NF-κB nuclear translocation, in RAW 264.7 cells. It also reduced chemokines (TARC/CCL17, RANTES/CCL5, MCP-1/CCL2, and IL-8) and the cytokine IL-1β production in HaCaT cells, suggesting potential as a therapeutic candidate for chronic diseases like atopic dermatitis. Finally, in silico studies indicated palmitic acid as a significant contributor to the observed effect. This research not only uncovered the untapped potential of C. linum but also laid the foundation for its integration into the circular bioeconomy, promoting sustainable practices, and innovative applications across various industries.

In vitro and in vivo burn healing study of standardized propolis: Unveiling its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in relation to its phytochemical profiling

BACKGROUND

Natural propolis has been used since decades owing to its broad-spectrum activities. Burn injuries are a global health problem with negative impacts on communities. Bacterial infections usually accompany burns, which demand implementation of antibiotics. Antibiotics abuse led to emergence of microbial drug resistance resulting in poor treatment outcomes. In such instances, the promising alternative would be natural antimicrobials such as propolis.

OBJECTIVE

Full chemical profiling of propolis and evaluation of in vitro antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as well as in vivo burn healing properties.

METHODS

Chemical profiling of propolis was performed using Liquid chromatography (UHPLC/MS-PDA and HPLC-PDA). In vitro assessment was done using Disc Diffusion susceptibility test against Staphylococcus aureus and infected burn wound mice model was used for in vivo assessment. In vitro antioxidant properties of propolis were assessed using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP techniques. The anti-inflammatory effect of propolis was assessed against lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma mediated inflammation.

RESULTS

UHPLC/MS-PDA results revealed identification of 71 phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids. Upon flavonoids quantification (HPLC-PDA), Pinocembrin, chrysin and galangin recorded high content 21.58±0.84, 22.73±0.68 and 14.26±0.70 mg/g hydroalcoholic propolis extract, respectively. Propolis showed concentration dependent antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo burn healing via wound diameter reduction and histopathological analysis without signs of skin irritation in rabbits nor sensitization in guinea pigs. Propolis showed promising antioxidant IC50 values 46.52±1.25 and 11.74±0.26 μg/mL whereas FRAP result was 445.29±29.9 μM TE/mg. Anti-inflammatory experiment results showed significant increase of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA levels. Nitric oxide and iNOS were markedly increased in Griess assay and western blot respectively. However, upon testing propolis against LPS/IFN-γ-mediated inflammation, TLR4, IL-6 and TNF-α expression were downregulated at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.

CONCLUSION

Propolis proved to be a promising natural burn healing agent through its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

DHODH inhibition enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade by increasing cancer cell antigen presentation

Pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis is a druggable metabolic dependency of cancer cells, and chemotherapy agents targeting pyrimidine metabolism are the backbone of treatment for many cancers. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is an essential enzyme in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway that can be targeted by clinically approved inhibitors. However, despite robust preclinical anticancer efficacy, DHODH inhibitors have shown limited single-agent activity in phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. Therefore, novel combination therapy strategies are necessary to realize the potential of these drugs. To search for therapeutic vulnerabilities induced by DHODH inhibition, we examined gene expression changes in cancer cells treated with the potent and selective DHODH inhibitor brequinar (BQ). This revealed that BQ treatment causes upregulation of antigen presentation pathway genes and cell surface MHC class I expression. Mechanistic studies showed that this effect is 1) strictly dependent on pyrimidine nucleotide depletion, 2) independent of canonical antigen presentation pathway transcriptional regulators, and 3) mediated by RNA polymerase II elongation control by positive transcription elongation factor B (P-TEFb). Furthermore, BQ showed impressive single-agent efficacy in the immunocompetent B16F10 melanoma model, and combination treatment with BQ and dual immune checkpoint blockade (anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-1) significantly prolonged mouse survival compared to either therapy alone. Our results have important implications for the clinical development of DHODH inhibitors and provide a rationale for combination therapy with BQ and immune checkpoint blockade.

Skin delivery of synthetic benzoyl pterostilbenes suppresses atopic dermatitis-like inflammation through the inhibition of keratinocyte and macrophage activation

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin autoimmune diseases needing continuous anti-inflammatory management. Pterostilbene is reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity with higher bioavailability and stability than its parent compound, resveratrol. In this study, a series of synthetic pterostilbene analogs were designed by the hybridization of pterostilbene with chalcones or benzoyl chloride. Seventeen analogs derived from pterostilbene were synthesized with differences in the positions of hydroxyl, methoxyl, or fluoro moieties. These compounds were screened by the inhibitory effect on the overexpressed Th2-associated cytokines/chemokines in the activated human keratinocytes (HaCaT). The anti-IL-5 and anti-CCL5 activity of these compounds led to the identification of three effective compounds: 3a ((E)- 4-(3,5-dimethoxystyryl)phenyl benzoate), 3d ((E)- 4-(3,5-dimethoxystyryl)phenyl 2-methoxybenzoate), and 3g ((E)- 4-(3,5-dimethoxystyryl)phenyl 2-fluorobenzoate). These benzoyl pterostilbenes also significantly decreased Th1/Th17-associated proinflammatory mediators in the activated macrophages (differentiated THP-1). The result showed that the conditioned medium of benzoyl pterostilbene-treated macrophages reduced the phosphorylated STAT3 in the keratinocytes, indicating the blockade of crosstalk between resident and immune cells. Compounds 3d and 3g generally showed greater skin absorption than 3a. The flux of 3g across barrier-defective skins mimicking the AD skin was 3-fold higher than that of across intact skin. The dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse model manifested that topical delivery with 3g improved the pathological signs through inhibiting cytokines/chemokines (IL-5, TNF-α, CCL17, and CCL22) and macrophage recruitment. The epidermal thickness was reduced from 76 to 55 µm after topical 3g delivery. The therapeutic activity of 3g was comparable to that of tacrolimus (TAC) used as a positive control. The benzoyl pterostilbenes attenuated the inflammation via the MAPK and c-Jun signaling. Furthermore, this study provided experimental evidence of benzoyl pterostilbene analogs for therapeutic potential on AD.

Combination of UHPLC-MS/MS with context-specific network and cheminformatic approaches for identifying bioactivities and active components of propolis

Discovering new bioactivities and identifying active compounds of food materials are major fields of study in food science. However, the process commonly requires extensive experiments and can be technically challenging. In the current study, we employed network biology and cheminformatic approaches to predict new target diseases, active components, and related molecular mechanisms of propolis. Applying UHPLC-MS/MS analysis results of propolis to Context-Oriented Directed Associations (CODA) and Combination-Oriented Natural Product Database with Unified Terminology (COCONUT) systems indicated atopic dermatitis as a novel target disease. Experimental validation using cell- and human tissue-based models confirmed the therapeutic potential of propolis against atopic dermatitis. Moreover, we were able to find the major contributing compounds as well as their combinatorial effects responsible for the bioactivity of propolis. The CODA/COCONUT system also provided compound-associated genes explaining the underlying molecular mechanism of propolis. These results highlight the potential use of big data-driven network biological approaches to aid in analyzing the impact of food constituents at a systematic level.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antiatopic Effects of Rorippa cantoniensis (Lour.) Ohwi in RAW 264.7 and HaCaT Cells

This study evaluated the effects of Rorippa cantoniensis (Lour.) ohwi extract (RCE) on factors associated with inflammation-related skin lesions in RAW 264.7 and HaCaT cells. RCE inhibited the levels of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, RCE significantly inhibited the expression of chemokines and cytokines such as MDC/CCL22, TARC/CCL17, RANTES/CCL5, CTSS, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in HaCaT cells costimulated by TNF-α and interferon (IFN)-γ in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that RCE attenuated the TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced release of proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines probably by suppressing the activation of MAPK (JNK and p38), NF-κB, and STAT1 signaling. Moreover, RCE significantly increased the expression of skin components such as hyaluronic acid and aquaporin, which play important roles in the physical and chemical barriers of the skin. These results suggest that RCE has significant anti-inflammatory and antiatopic activities, which may be beneficial for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.

Qualitative phytochemical analysis and in vitro investigation of the immunomodulatory properties of honeys produced in Kazakhstan

Honey is known to have antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and wound healing properties. The biological properties of honey have been attributed to phytochemicals derived from their source plants and research has focused on identifying the bioactive phytochemicals with therapeutic potential. In this study, we determined the ability of 5 honeys from Kazakhstan and manuka honey to stimulate TNF-α and TGF-β production by human keratinocytes. TNF-α and TGF-β levels increased over time in honey treated and untreated keratinocytes, whereas cells treated with sugar solutions that matched those of the honeys had reduced levels of both cytokines. This suggests that the non-sugar phytochemical components of the honeys may have prevented this decrease. Analysis by LC-MS confirmed that the honeys contained a diverse range of phytochemicals. Some phytochemicals e.g. pinobanksin and vanillin were present at different levels across the honey types, whereas other components, e.g. dicarboxylic acids and their glycosides, were abundant in all honeys.

Overexpression of IFIT1 protects against LPS-induced acute lung injury via regulating CCL5-p65NF-κB signaling

Acute lung injury (ALI) is featured by intensive inflammatory responses causing significant morbidity and mortality. Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1), induced by interferon (IFN), has been discovered to modulate viral infection and cell apoptosis and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, it's role and mechanism in ALI remain unclear and need to be explored furtherly. Here, we discovered that IFIT1 decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in mouse-derived macrophage cells (MH-S) and alleviated apoptosis of murine lung epithelial cells (MLE-12) induced by MH-S cell supernatant, contributing to anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-seq) showed that inflammatory chemokine CC motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) partially eliminated the protective effects of IFIT1 and promoted the expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 by CCL5-p65NF-κB signaling pathway. This study demonstrated that IFIT1 attenuated ALI-associated inflammation and cell apoptosis by regulating the CCL5-p65NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings are of great significance for the treatment of lung injury.

Intracellular Pathways and Mechanisms of Colored Secondary Metabolites in Cancer Therapy

Despite the great advancements made in cancer treatment, there are still many unsatisfied aspects, such as the wide palette of side effects and the drug resistance. There is an obvious increasing scientific attention towards nature and what it can offer the human race. Natural products can be used to treat many diseases, of which some plant products are currently used to treat cancer. Plants produce secondary metabolites for their signaling mechanisms and natural defense. A variety of plant-derived products have shown promising anticancer properties in vitro and in vivo. Rather than recreating the natural production environment, ongoing studies are currently setting various strategies to significantly manipulate the quantity of anticancer molecules in plants. This review focuses on the recently studied secondary metabolite agents that have shown promising anticancer activity, outlining their potential mechanisms of action and pathways.

Linking Dentistry and Chronic Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases – Can Oral and Jawbone Stressors Affect Systemic Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis? A Case Report

Background

This case report demonstrates the value of ultrasound measurements, and immunological and toxicological diagnostics in addition to current x-ray imaging procedures to diagnose hidden oral and maxillofacial infections. Using a clear scheme shows the procedure of the authors’ steps. The positive impact on the patient’s dermatological clinical picture is shown. Functional regeneration using metal-free ceramic implants and autologous bone augmentation is demonstrated. After a healing period, a postoperative control took place.

Question

Are chronic inflammatory and chronic toxic stressors from the oral region affecting the patient’s state of health and dermatological symptoms?

Patients and Methods

A 52 year old female suffering from neurodermatitis, who had been therapy-resistant for several years, was rehabilitated by oral surgery and prosthetics. Radiological examinations with orthopantomogram (OPG) and three-dimensional imaging (DVT/CBCT) were inconclusive for possible jawbone inflammatory sites. Immunological, toxicological diagnostics and trans-alveolar bone densitometry with ultrasound (TAU), were able to show immunological and toxicological stressors and areas of reduced bone density. Bone densitometry with ultrasound raised the suspicion of silent inflammations in the jawbone with potentially increased cytokine levels.

Results

For the patient incompatible materials, teeth with increased toxin exposure and surrounding softened, fatty, ischaemic bone was removed. Histologies and cytokine profiles were obtained. The resulting defects were functionally regenerated using ceramic implants and autologous augmentation. The cytokine profiles showed significantly elevated RANTES/CCL5, confirming the need for surgical intervention. The patient’s atopic dermatitis improved significantly in this case.

Summary

Individualized immunological and toxicological diagnostics and trans-alveolar bone density bone densitometry with ultrasound (TAU) identified immunological and toxicological stressors as well as reduced bone density with increased cytokine levels. A therapy-resistant neurodermatitis improved significantly after treatment.

Conclusion

This case report illustrates the need for patient-specific and individualized examinations that link dentistry more closely with other medical conditions in order to clarify possible interactions.

Saikosaponin A and Saikosaponin C Reduce TNF-α-Induced TSLP Expression through Inhibition of MAPK-Mediated EGR1 Expression in HaCaT Keratinocytes

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases worldwide, characterized by intense pruritus and eczematous lesions. Aberrant expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in keratinocytes is associated with the pathogenesis of AD and is considered a therapeutic target for the treatment of this disease. Saikosaponin A (SSA) and saikosaponin C (SSC), identified from Radix Bupleuri, exert anti-inflammatory effects. However, the topical effects of SSA and SSC on chronic inflammatory skin diseases are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of SSA and SSC on TSLP suppression in an AD-like inflammatory environment. We observed that SSA and SSC suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α-induced TSLP expression by downregulating the expression of the transcription factor early growth response 1 (EGR1) via inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. We also confirmed that topical application of SSA or SSC reduced AD-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice challenged with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. Our findings suggest that suppression of EGR1-regulated TSLP expression in keratinocytes might be attributable to the anti-inflammatory effects of SSA and SSC in AD-like skin lesions.

Identification of Nifurtimox and Chrysin as Anti-Influenza Virus Agents by Clinical Transcriptome Signature Reversion

The rapid development in the field of transcriptomics provides remarkable biomedical insights for drug discovery. In this study, a transcriptome signature reversal approach was conducted to identify the agents against influenza A virus (IAV) infection through dissecting gene expression changes in response to disease or compounds’ perturbations. Two compounds, nifurtimox and chrysin, were identified by a modified Kolmogorov–Smirnov test statistic based on the transcriptional signatures from 81 IAV-infected patients and the gene expression profiles of 1309 compounds. Their activities were verified in vitro with half maximal effective concentrations (EC₅₀s) from 9.1 to 19.1 μM against H1N1 or H3N2. It also suggested that the two compounds interfered with multiple sessions in IAV infection by reversing the expression of 28 IAV informative genes. Through network-based analysis of the 28 reversed IAV informative genes, a strong synergistic effect of the two compounds was revealed, which was confirmed in vitro. By using the transcriptome signature reversion (TSR) on clinical datasets, this study provides an efficient scheme for the discovery of drugs targeting multiple host factors regarding clinical signs and symptoms, which may also confer an opportunity for decelerating drug-resistant variant emergence.

Inhibition of DTYMK significantly restrains the growth of HCC and increases sensitivity to oxaliplatin

Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are in the middle or advanced stage at the time of diagnosis, and the therapeutic effect is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to verify whether deoxythymidylate kinase (DTYMK) increased in HCC and was an effective therapeutic target in HCC. The findings revealed that the DTYMK level significantly increased and correlated with poor prognosis in HCC. However, nothing else is known, except that DTYMK could catalyze the phosphorylation of deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) to form deoxythymidine diphosphate (dTDP). A number of experiments were performed to study the function of DTYMK in vitro and in vivo to resolve this knowledge gap. The knockdown of DTYMK was found to significantly inhibit the growth of HCC and increase the sensitivity to oxaliplatin, which is commonly used in HCC treatment. Moreover, DTYMK was found to competitively combine with miR-378a-3p to maintain the expression of MAPK activated protein kinase 2 (MAPKAPK2) and thus activate the phospho-heat shock protein 27 (phospho-HSP27)/nuclear factor NF-kappaB (NF-κB) axis, which mediated the drug resistance, proliferation of tumor cells, and infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages by inducing the expression of C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5). Thus, this study demonstrated a new mechanism and provided a new insight into the role of mRNA in not only encoding proteins to regulate the process of life but also regulating the expression of other genes and tumor microenvironment through the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism.

Effect of Neferine on DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in HaCaT Cells and BALB/c Mice

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and persistent inflammatory skin disease characterized by eczematous lesions and itching, and it has become a serious health problem. However, the common clinical treatments provide limited relief and are accompanied by adverse effects. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel and effective therapies to treat AD. Neferine is a small molecule compound isolated from the green embryo of the mature seeds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). It has a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid structure. Relevant studies have shown that neferine has many pharmacological and biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and anti-diabetic activities. However, there are very few studies on neferine in the skin, especially the related effects on inflammatory skin diseases. In this study, we proved that it has the potential to be used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Through in vitro studies, we found that neferine inhibited the expression of cytokines and chemokines in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, and it reduced the phosphorylation of MAPK and the NF-κB signaling pathway. Through in vivo experiments, we used 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to induce atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation in a mouse model. Our results show that neferine significantly decreased the skin barrier damage, scratching responses, and epidermal hyperplasia induced by DNCB. It significantly decreased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema, blood flow, and ear thickness and increased surface skin hydration. Moreover, it also inhibited the expression of cytokines and the activation of signaling pathways. These results indicate that neferine has good potential as an alternative medicine for the treatment of atopic dermatitis or other skin-related inflammatory diseases.

Chrysin: Perspectives on Contemporary Status and Future Possibilities as Pro-Health Agent

Chrysin belongs to the group of natural polyphenols. It can be found, among others, in honey, propolis and fruits and has a wide range of biological activities, including the prevention of oxidative stress, inflammation, neurodegeneration and carcinogenesis. Being a part of the human diet, chrysin is considered to be a promising compound to be used in the prevention of many diseases, including cancers, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Nevertheless, due to the low solubility of chrysin in water and under physiological conditions, its bioavailability is low. For this reason, attempts at its functionalization have been undertaken, aiming to increase its absorption and thus augment its in vivo therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent research on chrysin, including its sources, metabolism, pro-health effects and the effects of its functionalization on biological activity and pharmacological efficacy, evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

A comprehensive review of natural products against atopic dermatitis: Flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, glycosides and other compounds

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is considered a great challenge for human communities and imposes both physiological and mental burdens on patients. Natural products have widely been used to treat a wide range of diseases, including cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, asthma, neurological disorders, and infections. To seek potential natural products against AD, in the current review, we searched the terms "atopic dermatitis" and "natural product" in Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science，Science Direct, Embase, EBSCO, CINAHL, ACS. The results show that many natural products, especially puerarin, ferulic acid and ginsenosides, cound protect against AD. Meanwhile, we discussed the therapeutic mechanisms and showed that the natural products exert their anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the quantity and activity of many inflammatory cell types and cytokines, including neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, Langerhans cells, interleukins (ILs, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4), TNF-α, and TSLP, IgE. via inhibition of JAK/STAT, MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby, halting the inflammatory cascade. Future investigations should focus on studies with more reflective of the clinical characteristics and demographics, so as to develop natural products that will be hopefully available for the treatment of human AD disease.

Chrysin Inhibits TNFα-Induced TSLP Expression through Downregulation of EGR1 Expression in Keratinocytes

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an epithelial cell-derived cytokine that acts as a critical mediator in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Various therapeutic agents that prevent TSLP function can efficiently relieve the clinical symptoms of AD. However, the downregulation of TSLP expression by therapeutic agents remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mode of action of chrysin in TSLP suppression in an AD-like inflammatory environment. We observed that the transcription factor early growth response (EGR1) contributed to the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-induced transcription of TSLP. Chrysin attenuated TNFα-induced TSLP expression by downregulating EGR1 expression in HaCaT keratinocytes. We also showed that the oral administration of chrysin improved AD-like skin lesions in the ear and neck of BALB/c mice challenged with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. We also showed that chrysin suppressed the expression of EGR1 and TSLP by inhibiting the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Collectively, the findings of this study suggest that chrysin improves AD-like skin lesions, at least in part, through the downregulation of the ERK1/2 or JNK1/2-EGR1-TSLP signaling axis in keratinocytes.