The Phytochemical α-Mangostin Inhibits Cervical Cancer Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth by Downregulating E6/E7-HPV Oncogenes and KCNH1 Gene Expression

Transcriptomic profile induced by calcitriol in CaSki human cervical cancer cell line

The vitamin D endocrine system, primarily mediated by its main metabolite calcitriol and the vitamin D receptor (VDR), plays a critical role in numerous human physiological processes, ranging from calcium metabolism to the prevention of various tumors, including cervical cancer. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the genomic regulatory effects of calcitriol in a cervical cancer model. We examined the transcriptional changes induced by calcitriol in CaSki cells, a cervical cell line harboring multiple copies of HPV16, the primary causal agent of cervical cancer. Our microarray findings, revealed that calcitriol regulated over 1000 protein-coding genes, exhibiting a predominantly repressive effect on the CaSki cell transcriptome by suppressing twice as many genes as it induced. Calcitriol decreased EPHA2 and RARA expression while inducing KLK6 and CYP4F3 expression in CaSki cells, as validated by qPCR and Western blot. Functional analysis demonstrated that calcitriol effectively inhibited key processes involved in cancer progression, including cell proliferation and migration. This was further supported by the significant downregulation of MMP7 and MMP13 mRNA levels. Our microarray results also showed that, in addition to its effects on protein-coding genes, calcitriol significantly regulates non-coding RNAs, altering the expression of approximately 400 non-coding RNAs, including 111 microRNA precursors and 29 mature microRNAs, of which 17 were upregulated and 12 downregulated. Notably, among these calcitriol-regulated microRNAs are some involved in cervical cancer biology, such as miR-6129, miR-382, miR-655, miR-211, miR-590, miR-130a, miR-301a, and miR-1252. Collectively, these findings suggest that calcitriol exhibits a significant antitumor effect in this advanced cervical cancer model by blocking critical processes for tumor progression, underscoring the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D nutritional status.

Roles of human papillomavirus in cancers: oncogenic mechanisms and clinical use

Human papillomaviruses, particularly high-risk human papillomaviruses, have been universally considered to be associated with the oncogenesis and progression of various cancers. The genome of human papillomaviruses is circular, double-stranded DNA that encodes early and late proteins. Each of the proteins is of crucial significance in infecting the epithelium of host cells persistently and supporting viral genome integrating into host cells. Notably, E6 and E7 proteins, classified as oncoproteins, trigger the incidence of cancers by fostering cell proliferation, hindering apoptosis, evading immune surveillance, promoting cell invasion, and disrupting the balance of cellular metabolism. Therefore, targeting human papillomaviruses and decoding molecular mechanisms by which human papillomaviruses drive carcinogenesis are of great necessity to better treat human papillomaviruses-related cancers. Human papillomaviruses have been applied clinically to different facets of human papillomavirus-related cancers, including prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Several types of prophylactic vaccines have been publicly utilized worldwide and have greatly decreased the occurrence of human papillomavirus-related cancers, which have benefited numerous people. Although various therapeutic vaccines have been developed and tested clinically, none of them have been officially approved to date. Enhancing the efficacy of vaccines and searching for innovative technologies targeting human papillomaviruses remain critical challenges that warrant continuous research and attention in the future.

Prostaglandin E2 suppresses KCNH1 gene expression and inhibits the proliferation of CaSki cervical cells through its four prostanoid PTGER subtypes

The main risk factor for cervical cancer is the persistent infection of high-risk HPV subtypes, notably HPV16. Another contributing factor is proinflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a lipid abundantly found in seminal fluid. PGE2, along with its receptors (PTGER1-4), contributes to cancer development; however, its specific role in the proliferation of cervical cancer models with high HPV16 copy numbers remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of PGE2 on the proliferation of CaSki cells, a cell line with a high HPV16 viral load. Surprisingly, PGE2 inhibited CaSki cell proliferation, while it increased the proliferation of SiHa, HeLa, and C-33 A cervical cancer cells. The effect of PGE2 on CaSki cell proliferation was specific, as estradiol increased cell growth. Furthermore, PGE2 suppressed expression and promoter activity of the cervical tumoral marker KCNH1. To discern the specific role of each receptor in cell proliferation, we generated stable CaSki cell lines overexpressing each receptor alongside control cells with an empty vector. Notably, PGE2 significantly inhibited cell proliferation in all stable transfected CaSki cells, suppressing oncogenic KCNH1 expression and its promoter activity. In conclusion, our findings indicate that PGE2 inhibits the proliferation of CaSki cervical cancer cells with a high HPV16 load, at least in part, by suppressing the expression of the oncogenic KCNH1 gene.

The Excellent Chemical Interaction Properties of Poloxamer and Pullulan with Alpha Mangostin on Amorphous Solid Dispersion System: Molecular Dynamics Simulation

BACKGROUND

Alpha mangostin (AM) has demonstrated significant potential as an anticancer agent, owing to its potent bioactivity. However, its clinical application is limited by poor solubility, which hampers its bioavailability and effectiveness. Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) presents a promising technique to enhance the solubility and stability of AM. Molecular dynamics simulation offers a rapid, efficient, and precise method to evaluate and optimize ASD formulations before production.

AIM OF STUDY

In this study, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations to explore the ASD development of AM with poloxamer and pullulan.

RESULT

Our results revealed that AM-poloxamer complexes exhibit superior interaction characteristics compared to AM-pullulan, with a 1:5 ratio of AM to poloxamer and a cooling rate of 1 °C/ns demonstrating the most favorable outcomes. This combination showed enhanced hydrogen bonding, a more compact molecular structure, and higher stability, making it the optimal choice for ASD formulation.

CONCLUSION

The integration of molecular dynamics simulation into ASD development significantly accelerates the formulation process and provides critical insights into achieving a stable and effective AM dispersion. The AM-poloxamer complex, particularly at a 1:5 ratio with a 1 °C/ns cooling rate, offers the best potential for improving AM solubility and therapeutic efficacy.

α-Mangostin: A Xanthone Derivative in Mangosteen with Potent Anti-Cancer Properties

α-Mangostin, a xanthone derivative extracted from the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana L.), has garnered significant attention for its potential as a natural anti-cancer agent. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on the anti-cancer properties of α-mangostin across various cancer types. Through an extensive analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies, this review elucidates the multifaceted mechanisms underlying α-mangostin's cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, and modulation of key cellular processes implicated in cancer progression in a diverse array of cancer cells. It causes mitochondrial dysfunction, activates caspases, and regulates autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and oxidative stress, enhancing its anti-cancer efficacy. Moreover, α-mangostin exhibits synergistic effects with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, suggesting its utility in combination therapies. The ability of α-mangostin to inhibit cell proliferation, modulate cell cycle progression, and induce apoptosis is linked to its effects on key signaling pathways, including Akt, NF-κB, and p53. Preclinical studies highlight the therapeutic potential and safety profile of α-mangostin, demonstrating significant tumor growth inhibition without adverse effects on normal cells. In summary, understanding the molecular targets and mechanisms of action of α-mangostin is crucial for its development as a novel chemotherapeutic agent, and future clinical investigations are warranted to explore its clinical utility and efficacy in cancer prevention and therapy.

Development of human papillomavirus and its detection methods (Review)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection plays an important role in cervical cancer. HPV is classified within the Papillomaviridae family and is a non-enveloped, small DNA virus. HPV infection can be classified into two distinct scenarios: i) With or without integration into the host chromosomes. Detection of its infection can be useful in the study of cervical lesions. In the present review, the structural and functional features of HPV, HPV typing, infection and transmission mode, the risk factors for cervical susceptibility to infection and HPV detection methods are described in detail. The development of HPV detection methods may have far-reaching significance in the prevention and treatment of cervical disease. This review summarizes the advantages and limitations of each HPV detection method.

Phytochemical-mediated modulation of cancer-associated proteins: an integrated in-silico and in-vitro study

Cancer is a complex and widespread disease affecting various organs and tissues, with an expected significant increase in reported cases. Current treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy have limited efficacy and adverse side effects. This study investigated the multi-target therapeutic potential of seven phytochemicals against critical cancer-associated proteins. Computational docking studies analysed the binding interactions between phytochemicals and proteins, supported by in-vitro experiments on cancer cell lines. Vero cells assessed cytotoxicity, and the A549 cancer cell line evaluated anticancer activity. Cytotoxicity assessment on Vero cells revealed concentration-dependent effects of phytochemicals. Anticancer activity evaluation on the A549 cell line demonstrated the ability of certain phytochemicals to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. Cancer, Therapeutic agents, Phytochemicals, Computational docking studies, In-vitro experiments, Cytotoxicity, Anticancer activity, Chemotherapy, Vero cells, A549 cell line, multi-targeted therapeutic potential, Critical cancer-associated proteins.

Development of a Pseudocellular System to Quantify Specific Interactions Determining the G-Quadruplex Function in Cells

Intracellular chemical microenvironments, including ion concentrations and molecular crowding, play pivotal roles in cell behaviors, such as proliferation, differentiation, and cell death via regulation of gene expression. However, there is no method for quantitative analysis of intracellular environments due to their complexity. Here, we have developed a system for highlighting the environment inside of the cell (SHELL). SHELL is a pseudocellular system, wherein small molecules are removed from the cell and a crowded intracellular environment is maintained. SHELL offers two prominent advantages: (1) It allows for precise quantitative biochemical analysis of a specific factor, and (2) it enables the study of any cell, thereby facilitating the study of target molecule effects in various cellular environments. Here, we used SHELL to study G-quadruplex formation, an event that implicated cancer. We show that G-quadruplexes are more stable in SHELL compared with in vitro conditions. Although malignant transformation perturbs cellular K+ concentrations, environments in SHELL act as buffers against G-quadruplex destabilization at lower K+ concentrations. Notably, the buffering effect was most pronounced in SHELL derived from nonaggressive cancer cells. Stable G-quadruplexes form due to the binding of the G-quadruplex with K+ in different cancer cells. Furthermore, the observed pattern of G-quadruplex-induced transcriptional inhibition in SHELL is consistent with that in living cells at different cancer stages. Our results indicate that ion binding to G-quadruplexes regulates gene expression during pathogenesis.

Molecular pathways in the development of HPV-induced oropharyngeal cancer

Oropharyngeal cancer, a subset of head and neck cancer, is increasingly recognized as a unique clinical entity primarily influenced by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, particularly HPV-16. This review delves into the viral life cycle of HPV-16 and its interactions with host cells, with a specific focus on the crucial roles played by the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7. These oncoproteins drive cellular proliferation by targeting critical tumor suppressor proteins like p53 and Rb, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth and genomic instability. Furthermore, the significance of epigenetic modifications induced by HPV-16 and their implications is important for cancer progression. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the intricate molecular landscape of HPV-induced oropharyngeal cancer, shedding light on the development of targeted therapies and preventive strategies for this emerging global health concern. Video Abstract.

Enhancing Tamoxifen Therapy with α-Mangostin: Synergistic Antiproliferative Effects on Breast Cancer Cells and Potential Reduced Endometrial Impact

Breast cancer is the most prevalent neoplasia among women worldwide. For the estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) phenotype, tamoxifen is the standard hormonal therapy; however, it carries the risk of promoting endometrial carcinoma. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of the phytochemical α-mangostin (AM) as a co-adjuvant alongside tamoxifen on breast cancer cells to improve its efficacy while reducing its adverse effects on endometrium. For this, ER+ breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and T-47D) and endometrial cells (N30) were treated with AM, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OH-TMX), and their combination. Cell proliferation was evaluated using sulforhodamine B assay, and the pharmacological interaction was determined through the combination index and the dose reduction index calculation. The genes KCNH1, CCDN1, MKI67, and BIRC5 were amplified by real-time PCR as indicators of oncogenesis, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively. Additionally, genes involved in ER signaling were analyzed. In breast cancer cells, the combination of AM with 4-OH-TMX showed a synergistic antiproliferative effect and favorable dose reduction. AM and 4-OH-TMX decreased KCNH1, CCND1, and BIRC5 gene expression. In endometrial cells, AM decreased MKI-67 gene expression, while it reverted the 4-OH-TMX-dependent CCND1 upregulation. This study establishes the benefits of incorporating AM as a co-adjuvant for first-line ER+ breast cancer therapy.

The Preventive Role of the Vitamin D Endocrine System in Cervical Cancer

Vitamin D along with its active metabolite calcitriol and its metabolic and signaling system, known as the vitamin D endocrine system, have been widely recognized as a pivotal regulator of calcium homeostasis in addition to non-calcemic antitumoral effects in a variety of human cancers, including cervical cancer. Several studies have found an inverse relationship between the incidence of cervical neoplasia and vitamin D levels. This narrative review updates the current evidence supporting the notion that the vitamin D endocrine system has a preventive role on cervical cancer, mainly in the early phases of the disease, acting at the level of suppressing cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, modulating inflammatory responses, and probably favoring the clearance of human papillomavirus-dependent cervical lesions. Although an optimal vitamin D status helps in the prevention and regression of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix, it appears that vitamin D alone or combined with chemotherapeutic agents has little effectivity once advanced cervical cancer is established. These observations suggest that an optimal vitamin D status might exert beneficial actions in the early phases of cervical cancer by preventing its onset and progression.

Potassium channels, tumorigenesis and targeted drugs

Potassium channels play an important role in human physiological function. Recently, various molecular mechanisms have implicated abnormal functioning of potassium channels in the proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and cancer stem cell phenotype formation. Potassium channels also mediate the association of tumor cells with the tumor microenvironment. Meanwhile, potassium channels are important targets for cancer chemotherapy. A variety of drugs exert anti-cancer effects by modulating potassium channels in tumor cells. Therefore, there is a need to understand how potassium channels participate in tumor development and progression, which could reveal new, novel targets for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This review summarizes the roles of voltage-gated potassium channels, calcium-activated potassium channels, inwardly rectifying potassium channels, and two-pore domain potassium channels in tumorigenesis and the underlying mechanism of potassium channel-targeted drugs. Therefore, the study lays the foundation for rational and effective drug design and individualized clinical therapeutics.