Glutathione-Mediated Conjugation of Anticancer Drugs: An Overview of Reaction Mechanisms and Biological Significance for Drug Detoxification and Bioactivation

Evaluation of safety and efficacy of Brazilian brown propolis from Araucaria sp. in preventing colon cancer

Brazilian propolis produced by honeybees have been widely studied, but few data exist regarding the safety and pharmacological potential of this natural product. The aim of the present study was to examine the toxicity, genotoxicity, and chemoprevention effects attributed to exposure to the brown propolis hydroalcoholic extract (BPHE) of Araucaria sp. Acute oral toxicity test was conducted using Wistar Hannover rats, demonstrating that the highest dose tested (2,000 mg/kg b.w.) produced no apparent adverse effects or lethality. The micronucleus (MN) genotoxicity test was conducted using peripheral blood from Swiss mice, which also noted that BPHE did not induce significant chromosomal damage. It is of interest that BPHE at a dose of 12 mg/kg b.w. exhibited antigenotoxic effects against the doxorubicin (DXR)-induced damage. However, BPHE did not influence the depletion of reduced glutathione induced by DXR in mice. It is noteworthy that BPHE exerted chemopreventive effects at doses 6, 12, and 24 mg/kg b.w. The determination of this effect of BPHE on colon carcinogenesis was examined using aberrant crypt foci (ACF) as evidenced by histological analysis. The colons of animals treated with BPHE (12 mg/kg b.w.) exhibited a significant reduction in staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein following 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-and BPHE combined treatments. Hence, it is conceivable that the anti-inflammatory activity of the chemical constituents of BPHE are involved in its chemopreventive action against colon carcinogenesis as evidenced from ACF assay. Therefore, BHPE was found to be a safe product, without any apparent significant acute adverse risk. Further, the extract exhibited antigenotoxic and anticarcinogenic activities which may be considered for beneficial uses in colon carcinogenesis.

Investigation of GSTP1 and PTEN gene polymorphisms and their association with susceptibility to colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the association of single nucleotide polymorphism in glutathione S transferase P1 (rs1695 and rs1138272) and phosphatase and TENsin homolog (rs701848 and rs2735343) with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, 250 healthy controls and 200 CRC patients were enrolled. All subjects were divided into 3 groups: healthy control, patients, and overall (control + patients). Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The demographic information, including age, gender, location, smoking status, cancer stage, and node involvement, were collected.

RESULTS

The allele frequencies of PTEN rs701848 in overall subjects were 0.78 for C and 0.22 for T. Similarly, in overall individuals, allele frequencies for PTEN rs2735343 were 0.65 and 0.35 for G and C alleles, respectively. The CC genotype or C allele of rs701848 and CG/GG genotype of rs2735343 were observed to be a risk factor for CRC. In overall individuals, a significant (p ≤ 0.05)) association was observed between rs701848 and rs2735343 polymorphisms CRC. Allele frequencies for GSTP1 rs1695 were 0.68 and 0.32 for the A and G alleles, respectively. Allele frequencies for GSTP1 rs1138272 were 0.68 and 0.32 for C and T alleles, respectively. However, a significant (p < 0.05) association was found in males for rs1695, while a non-significant difference was observed for the distribution of any genotypes or alleles at GSTP1 (rs1138272).

CONCLUSIONS

Both SNPs of PTEN rs701848 and rs2735343 polymorphisms were significantly associated with CRC. However, in GSTP1, rs1695 was significantly associated with CRC risk in males, and rs1138272 showed a non-significant association with colorectal cancer risk.

Revealing the secrets of Blue Zones

Aging is influenced by cellular senescence mechanisms that are associated with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals. This imbalance affects enzyme activities and causes mitochondrial dysfunction. It also slows down cellular energy production and disrupts cellular homeostasis. Additionally, oxidative stress stimulates inflammation, increases the number of point mutations, and alters intercellular communication. It can lead to epigenetic alterations, genomic instability, telomere attrition, and loss of proteostasis. Ultimately, these factors contribute to aging and the development of chronic diseases. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an antioxidant enzyme that protects cells from oxidative and nitrosative damage. It helps restore redox balance, preserve macromolecule function, and rescue cells from cellular senescence, autophagy, and stress-induced apoptosis. G6PD is considered an anti-senescence enzyme. The World Health Organization classifies G6PD variants into five groups based on the enzyme's residual activity. The first four classes are categorized according to the degree of G6PD deficiency, while the fifth class includes variants with enzyme activities greater than normal. Increased G6PD activity does not exhibit clinical manifestations. Consequently, the full spectrum of mutations and the prevalence of increased G6PD activity in the population remain unknown. The world's oldest and healthiest people live in Blue Zones. These comprise isolated populations, and there may be a geographic prevalence of high-activity G6PD variants that protect against oxidative stress-induced senescence. To uncover the secret of centenarians' longevity, additional research is needed to determine whether the hidden factor is the increased activity of the G6PD enzyme.

Multi-omics analysis reveals the mechanisms by which C6-HSL enhances the resistance of typical functional bacteria in activated sludge to low-temperature stress

Signaling molecules, particularly acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), can enhance microbial activity under low-temperature stress. However, the specific mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. This study identified a typical activated sludge functional bacterium that is sensitive to low temperatures and regulated by hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL), a representative of AHLs. It elucidates how C6-HSL modulates the bacterium's resistance to low-temperature stress. Experimental results indicated that C6-HSL significantly increased the levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in strain LB-001 under low-temperature stress, while also decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, C6-HSL markedly repaired the damage to cell membrane structure caused by low-temperature stress. At the genetic level, C6-HSL upregulated the expression of 20 key genes related to energy metabolism, antioxidation, and fatty acid synthesis. At the metabolic level, C6-HSL increased the levels of metabolites related to energy metabolism and antioxidation, boosted the content of unsaturated fatty acids, and reduced the content of saturated fatty acids. This study utilized C6-HSL and low-temperature induction in conjunction with 16S microbial diversity sequencing, genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. These methods were employed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which exogenous C6-HSL regulates the resistance of activated sludge microbial communities to low-temperature stress. This research lays the foundation for the application of AHLs and cell communication in wastewater biological treatment, fostering deeper exploration and further innovation in related academic research.

Spontaneous reversal of small molecule-induced mitochondrial uncoupling: the case of anilinothiophenes

Tissue specificity can render mitochondrial uncouplers more promising as leading compounds for creating drugs against serious diseases. In search of tissue-specific uncouplers, we address anilinothiophenes as possible glutathione-S-transferase substrates (GST). Earlier, 'cyclic' uncoupling activity was reported for 5-bromo-N-(4-chlorophenyl)-3,4-dinitro-2-thiophenamine (BDCT) in isolated rat liver mitochondria (RLM). The mechanism by which BDCT induced two-phase changes in mitochondrial respiration (stimulation followed by deceleration) was unknown. To clarify this issue, we synthesized BDCT and its two analogues. Among these, 5-bromo-3,4-dinitro-N-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-thiophenamine (BDNT) appeared to be the most effective as a mitochondrial uncoupler, decreasing membrane potential and stimulating respiration at submicromolar concentrations. Importantly, BDNT exerted two-phase changes in both mitochondrial membrane potential and respiration rate of RLM, which were enhanced by the addition of glutathione (GSH) but inhibited by the compounds capable of GSH depleting, such as 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). By contrast, the phase of recoupling was not observed in rat heart mitochondria (RHM). Remarkably, BDNT elicited mitochondrial depolarization in primary human fibroblasts but not in cultured human liver (HepG2) cells. By detecting proton-selective electrical current through planar bilayer lipid membranes, we demonstrated the ability of BDCT and BDNT to transfer protons across membranes. BDNT proved to be an anionic protonophore with a pKa of 7.38. By using LC-MS and capillary electrophoresis, we directly showed the formation of BDNT conjugates with GSH upon incubation with RLM but not RHM. Therefore, we hypothesize that GST is involved in the disappearance of the anilinothiophene uncoupling activity in RLM, ensuring the tissue-specific behavior of the uncoupler.

Combining untargeted and targeted metabolomics to reveal the mechanisms of herb pair Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge and Phellodendron chinense C. K. Schneid on benign prostatic hyperplasia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (Ane) and Phellodendron chinense C. K. Schneid (Phe) is classical herb pair in traditional Chinese medicine, commonly used to ameliorate the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). However, the mechanisms underlying this effect are remained indistinct.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to clarify potential therapeutic mechanisms of herb pair on BPH from a metabolic perspective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Testosterone propionate-induced BPH rat model was established, prostatic parameters, histopathology and the levels of serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone (T) were used to evaluate the pharmacological effect of the herb pair on BPH. Subsequently, untargeted metabolomics of prostate tissues samples was performed by UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS, followed by multivariate statistical analysis. Targeted metabolomics by UHPLC-QQQ-MS was further utilized to verify and supplement the results of lipids and amino acids found by untargeted metabolomics, clarifying the relationship between disease, herbal pair and metabolism pathway.

RESULTS

The study found that Ane-Phe could relieve the progression of BPH and regulate metabolic imbalances. The levels of 13 metabolites decreased and 11 increased in prostatic tissues including glycerolphospholipid, arachidonic acid, citric acid and so on, these altered metabolites were primarily associated with TCA cycle, arachidonic acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, targeted metabolomics was fulfilled to further analyze the lipid metabolism disorders, the levels of 5 lipids in serum and 21 in prostatic tissues were changed in the herb pair group compared to the model group, which closely related to glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid and glycerolipid metabolism. Besides, amino acid metabolism may be regulated by activating arginine metabolism pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the combination of untargeted metabolomics and targeted metabolomics was applied to explore therapeutic mechanisms of Ane-Phe on BPH. In summary, Ane-Phe could improve the levels of endogenous metabolites by regulating multiple metabolic pathways and plays a role in energy supply, anti-inflammation and oxidative stress in BPH treatment.

Nitro-fatty acids: promising agents for the development of new cancer therapeutics

Nitro-fatty acids (NO2-FAs) are endogenous pleiotropic lipid mediators regarded as promising drug candidates for treating inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Over the past two decades, the anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective actions of NO2-FAs and several molecular targets have been identified. More recently, preclinical studies have demonstrated their potential as prospective cancer therapeutics with favorable safety and tumor-selective profiles. In this review, we describe the mechanisms of action, with a focus on NO2-FA antineoplastic and chemosensitizing effects. We also address the potential therapeutic applications of endogenous and structurally modified NO2-FAs species in cancer treatment.

Magnetic nanoparticle-decorated metal organic frameworks for chemiluminescence detection of glutathione

A chemiluminescence (CL) method for determination of glutathione (GSH) was developed with magnetic nanoparticle-decorated metal organic frameworks (Fe3O4 NPs@Cu-TATB). The composite material was synthesized via a hydrothermal method and glutathione (GSH) can be detected by both visual and chemiluminescence (CL) methods. The synthesized Fe3O4 NPs@Cu-TATB exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the luminol-H2O2 CL system. The mechanism revealed that three types of oxygen-containing radicals (ROS) were generated in this system. As GSH can reduce the catalytic effect of generated ROS radicals, the inhibiting CL signal was produced in the Fe3O4 NPs@Cu-TATB-luminol-H2O2 system. Based on the established CL system, the detection limits for GSH using CL and visual methods were found to be 0.3 µM and 0.7 µM, respectively. This low-cost and convenient detection method can be applied to the determination of GSH content in human blood.

What is the Reason That the Pharmacological Future of Chemotherapeutics in the Treatment of Lung Cancer Could Be Most Closely Related to Nanostructures? Platinum Drugs in Therapy of Non-Small and Small Cell Lung Cancer and Their Unexpected, Possible Interactions. The Review

Over the course of several decades, anticancer treatment with chemotherapy drugs for lung cancer has not changed significantly. Unfortunately, this treatment prolongs the patient's life only by a few months, causing many side effects in the human body. It has also been proven that drugs such as Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin and others can react with other substances containing an aromatic ring in which the nitrogen atom has a free electron group in its structure. Thus, such structures may have a competitive effect on the nucleobases of DNA. Therefore, scientists are looking not only for new drugs, but also for new alternative ways of delivering the drug to the cancer site. Nanotechnology seems to be a great hope in this matter. Creating a new nanomedicine would reduce the dose of the drug to an absolute minimum, and thus limit the toxic effect of the drug; it would allow for the exclusion of interactions with competitive compounds with a structure similar to nucleobases; it would also permit using the so-called targeted treatment and bypassing healthy cells; it would allow for the introduction of other treatment options, such as radiotherapy directly to the cancer site; and it would provide diagnostic possibilities. This article is a review that aims to systematize the knowledge regarding the anticancer treatment of lung cancer, but not only. It shows the clear possibility of interactions of chemotherapeutics with compounds competitive to the nitrogenous bases of DNA. It also shows the possibilities of using nanostructures as potential Platinum drug carriers, and proves that nanomedicine can easily become a new medicinal product in personalized medicine.

Strategic Fluorination to Achieve a Potent, Selective, Metabolically Stable, and Orally Bioavailable Inhibitor of CSNK2

The host kinase casein kinase 2 (CSNK2) has been proposed to be an antiviral target against β-coronaviral infection. To pharmacologically validate CSNK2 as a drug target in vivo, potent and selective CSNK2 inhibitors with good pharmacokinetic properties are required. Inhibitors based on the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine scaffold possess outstanding potency and selectivity for CSNK2, but bioavailability and metabolic stability are often challenging. By strategically installing a fluorine atom on an electron-rich phenyl ring of a previously characterized inhibitor 1, we discovered compound 2 as a promising lead compound with improved in vivo metabolic stability. Compound 2 maintained excellent cellular potency against CSNK2, submicromolar antiviral potency, and favorable solubility, and was remarkably selective for CSNK2 when screened against 192 kinases across the human kinome. We additionally present a co-crystal structure to support its on-target binding mode. In vivo, compound 2 was orally bioavailable, and demonstrated modest and transient inhibition of CSNK2, although antiviral activity was not observed, possibly attributed to its lack of prolonged CSNK2 inhibition.

Lonidamine Increases the Cytotoxic Effect of 1-[(4-Amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)methyl]-3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosourea via Energy Inhibition, Disrupting Redox Homeostasis, and Downregulating MGMT Expression in Human Lung Cancer Cell Line

Lung cancer ranks as the second most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Novel chemotherapeutic strategies are crucial to efficiently target tumor cells while minimizing toxicity to normal cells. In this study, we proposed a combination strategy using energy blocker lonidamine (LND) and cytotoxic drug nimustine (ACNU, 1-[(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)methyl]-3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosourea) to enhance the killing of a human lung cancer cell line and investigated the potential chemo-sensitizing mechanism of LND. LND was found to remarkably increase the cytotoxicity of ACNU to A549 and H1299 cells without significantly affecting normal lung BEAS2B cells. The combination of LND and ACNU also produced significant effects on cell apoptosis, colony formation, cell migration, and invasion assays compared to single drug treatment. Mechanistically, LND decreased intracellular ATP levels by inhibiting glycolysis and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, the combination of LND and ACNU could intensify cellular oxidative stress, decrease cellular GSH contents, and increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Notably, LND alone dramatically downregulated the expression of DNA repair protein MGMT (O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase), enhancing DNA interstrand cross-link formation induced by ACNU. Overall, LND represents a potential chemo-sensitizer to enhance ACNU therapy through energy inhibition, disrupting redox homeostasis and downregulating MGMT expression in human lung cancer cell line under preclinical and clinical background.

Exposure of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Crude Oil to Atlantic Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus): A Unique Snapshot of the Mercapturic Acid Pathway

Fish exposed to xenobiotics like petroleum-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) will immediately initiate detoxification systems through effective biotransformation reactions. Yet, there is a discrepancy between recognized metabolic pathways and the actual metabolites detected in fish following PAH exposure like oil pollution. To deepen our understanding of PAH detoxification, we conducted experiments exposing Atlantic haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) to individual PAHs or complex oil mixtures. Bile extracts, analyzed by using an ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer, revealed novel metabolites associated with the mercapturic acid pathway. A dominant spectral feature recognized as PAH thiols set the basis for a screening strategy targeting (i) glutathione-, (ii) cysteinylglycine-, (iii) cysteine-, and (iv) mercapturic acid S-conjugates. Based on controlled single-exposure experiments, we constructed an interactive library of 33 metabolites originating from 8 PAHs (anthracene, phenanthrene, 1-methylphenanthrene, 1,4-dimethylphenanthrene, chrysene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene). By incorporation of the library in the analysis of samples from crude oil exposed fish, PAHs conjugated with glutathione and cysteinylglycine were uncovered. This qualitative study offers an exclusive glimpse into the rarely acknowledged mercapturic acid detoxification pathway in fish. Furthermore, this furnishes evidence that this metabolic pathway also succeeds for PAHs in complex pollution sources, a notable discovery not previously reported.

The Role of S-Glutathionylation in Health and Disease: A Bird's Eye View

Protein glutathionylation is a reversible post-translational modification that involves the attachment of glutathione to cysteine residues. It plays a role in the regulation of several cellular processes and protection against oxidative damage. Glutathionylation (GS-ylation) modulates protein function, inhibits or enhances enzymatic activity, maintains redox homeostasis, and shields several proteins from irreversible oxidative stress. Aberrant GS-ylation patterns are thus implicated in various diseases, particularly those associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and many others. Research in the recent years has highlighted the potential to manipulate protein GS-ylation for therapeutic purposes with strategies that imply both its enhancement and inhibition according to different cases. Moreover, it has become increasingly evident that monitoring the GS-ylation status of selected proteins offers diagnostic potential in different diseases. In this review, we try to summarize recent research in the field with a focus on our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms related to aberrant protein GS-ylation.

Overcoming Cancer Resistance: Strategies and Modalities for Effective Treatment

Resistance to cancer drugs is a complex phenomenon that poses a significant challenge in the treatment of various malignancies. This review comprehensively explores cancer resistance mechanisms and discusses emerging strategies and modalities to overcome this obstacle. Many factors contribute to cancer resistance, including genetic mutations, activation of alternative signaling pathways, and alterations in the tumor microenvironment. Innovative approaches, such as targeted protein degradation, immunotherapy combinations, precision medicine, and novel drug delivery systems, hold promise for improving treatment outcomes. Understanding the intricacies of cancer resistance and leveraging innovative modalities are essential for advancing cancer therapy.

Oxidative cell death in cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules generated as natural byproducts during cellular processes, including metabolism. Under normal conditions, ROS play crucial roles in diverse cellular functions, including cell signaling and immune responses. However, a disturbance in the balance between ROS production and cellular antioxidant defenses can lead to an excessive ROS buildup, causing oxidative stress. This stress damages essential cellular components, including lipids, proteins, and DNA, potentially culminating in oxidative cell death. This form of cell death can take various forms, such as ferroptosis, apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, paraptosis, parthanatos, and oxeiptosis, each displaying distinct genetic, biochemical, and signaling characteristics. The investigation of oxidative cell death holds promise for the development of pharmacological agents that are used to prevent tumorigenesis or treat established cancer. Specifically, targeting key antioxidant proteins, such as SLC7A11, GCLC, GPX4, TXN, and TXNRD, represents an emerging approach for inducing oxidative cell death in cancer cells. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent progress, opportunities, and challenges in targeting oxidative cell death for cancer therapy.

More than an Amide Bioisostere: Discovery of 1,2,4-Triazole-containing Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine Host CSNK2 Inhibitors for Combatting β-Coronavirus Replication

The pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine scaffold is a promising scaffold to develop potent and selective CSNK2 inhibitors with antiviral activity against β-coronaviruses. Herein, we describe the discovery of a 1,2,4-triazole group to substitute a key amide group for CSNK2 binding present in many potent pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine inhibitors. Crystallographic evidence demonstrates that the 1,2,4-triazole replaces the amide in forming key hydrogen bonds with Lys68 and a water molecule buried in the ATP-binding pocket. This isosteric replacement improves potency and metabolic stability at a cost of solubility. Optimization for potency, solubility, and metabolic stability led to the discovery of the potent and selective CSNK2 inhibitor 53. Despite excellent in vitro metabolic stability, rapid decline in plasma concentration of 53 in vivo was observed and may be attributed to lung accumulation, although in vivo pharmacological effect was not observed. Further optimization of this novel chemotype may validate CSNK2 as an antiviral target in vivo.

Methionine Restriction Reduces Lung Cancer Progression and Increases Chemotherapy Response

Targeting tumor metabolism through dietary interventions is an area of growing interest, and may help to improve the significant mortality of aggressive cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here we show that the restriction of methionine in the aggressive KRAS/Lkb1-mutant NSCLC autochthonous mouse model drives decreased tumor progression and increased carboplatin treatment efficacy. Importantly, methionine restriction during early stages of tumorigenesis prevents the lineage switching known to occur in the model, and alters the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to have fewer tumor-infiltrating neutrophils. Mechanistically, mutations in LKB1 are linked to anti-oxidant production through changes to cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) expression. Human cell lines with rescued LKB1 show increased CBS levels and resistance to carboplatin, which can be partially rescued by methionine restriction. Furthermore, LKB1 rescued cells, but not mutant cells, show less G2-M arrest and apoptosis in high methionine conditions. Knock-down of CBS sensitized both LKB1 mutant and non-mutated lines to carboplatin, again rescuing the carboplatin resistance of the LKB1 rescued lines. Given that immunotherapy is commonly combined with chemotherapy for NSCLC, we next wanted to understand if T cells are impaired by MR. Therefore, we examined the ability of T cells from MR and control tumor bearing mice to proliferate in culture and found that T cells from MR treated mice had no defects in proliferation, even though we continued the MR conditions ex vivo. We also identified that CBS is most highly correlated with smoking, adenocarcinomas with alveolar and bronchiolar features, and adenosquamous cell carcinomas, implicating its roles in oxidative stress response and lineage fate in human tumors. Taken together, we have shown the importance of MR as a dietary intervention to slow tumor growth and improve treatment outcomes for NSCLC.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine on hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection significantly contributes to global hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), known for its antioxidant properties, is a potential therapeutic agent. However, evidence on its efficacy in reducing HCC risk among HCV patients is limited. A retrospective cohort analysis using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (2008-2018) included ≥18-year-old HCV patients. NAC usage (≥28 cumulative defined daily doses [cDDDs]) was assessed for its association with HCC risk using Cox regression models and propensity score matching. The study comprised 269,647 HCV patients, with detailed NAC dosage characterization and hazard ratios (HRs) for HCC risk. Post-matching, NAC usage emerged as the significant predictor of reduced HCC risk (adjusted HR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.37-0.41, P<0.0001). Dose-response analysis showed reduced HCC risk with increasing cDDDs of NAC (P<0.0001). Higher daily NAC dosage (≥1 DDD) was associated with significantly lower HCC risk (adjusted HR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.31-0.36, P<0.0001). The study provides compelling evidence for NAC's potential in reducing HCC risk among HCV patients. Insights into dose-dependent effects and optimal daily intensity thresholds offer valuable directions for future therapeutic strategies and clinical trials targeting HCC burden in HCV-infected individuals.

Discovery and Preclinical Characterization of BIIB129, a Covalent, Selective, and Brain-Penetrant BTK Inhibitor for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with an underlying pathology characterized by inflammation-driven neuronal loss, axonal injury, and demyelination. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase and member of the TEC family of kinases, is involved in the regulation, migration, and functional activation of B cells and myeloid cells in the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS), cell types which are deemed central to the pathology contributing to disease progression in MS patients. Herein, we describe the discovery of BIIB129 (25), a structurally distinct and brain-penetrant targeted covalent inhibitor (TCI) of BTK with an unprecedented binding mode responsible for its high kinome selectivity. BIIB129 (25) demonstrated efficacy in disease-relevant preclinical in vivo models of B cell proliferation in the CNS, exhibits a favorable safety profile suitable for clinical development as an immunomodulating therapy for MS, and has a low projected total human daily dose.

Mechanisms of lipopolysaccharide protection in tumor drug-induced macrophage damage

Malignant tumors contribute significantly to human mortality. Chemotherapy is a commonly used treatment for tumors. However, due to the low selectivity of chemotherapeutic drugs, immune cells can be damaged during antitumor treatment, resulting in toxicity. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can stimulate immune cells to respond to foreign substances. Here, we found that 10 ng/mL LPS could induce tolerance to antitumor drugs in macrophages without altering the effect of the drugs on tumor cells. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between cells before and after LPS administration using transcriptome sequencing and found to be mainly associated with ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-resistant transporters and glutathione S-transferase (GST). LPS was shown by qRT-PCR and western blotting to promote the expression of ABCC1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 by 38.3 %, 194.8 %, and 27.0 %. Furthermore, three inhibitors (inhibitors of GST, glutathione synthesis, and ABCC1) were used for further investigation, showing that these inhibitors reduced macrophage survival rates by 44.0 %, 52.3 %, and 43.3 %, while the intracellular adriamycin content increased by 28.9 %, 42.9 %, and 51.3 %, respectively. These findings suggest that the protective mechanism of LPS on macrophages is associated with increased GST activity, the consumption of glutathione, and increased expression of ABCC1 protein. Therefore, LPS has a potential role in enhancing immunity.

The Chan-Lam-type synthesis of thioimidazolium salts for thiol-(hetero)arene conjugation

The design of stable and variable aryl linkers for conjugating drug moieties to the metabolism-related thiols is of importance in drug discovery. We disclosed that thioimidazolium groups are unique scaffolds for the thiol-(hetero)arene conjugation under mild conditions. The drug bound thioimidazolium salts, which are easily accessible via a copper-mediated Chan-Lam process in gram-scale, could be successfully applied to the late-stage coupling of bioactive thiols to construct a broad array of drug-like molecules.

Establishment and characterization of cytochrome P450 1A1 CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout Bovine Foetal Hepatocyte Cell Line (BFH12)

The cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) subfamily of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) consists of two different isoforms, namely CYP1A1 and CYP1A2, which are highly conserved among species. These two isoenzymes are involved in the biotransformation of many endogenous compounds as well as in the bioactivation of several xenobiotics into carcinogenic derivatives, thereby increasing the risk of tumour development. Cattle (Bos taurus) are one of the most important food-producing animal species, being a significant source of nutrition worldwide. Despite daily exposure to xenobiotics, data on the contribution of CYP1A to bovine hepatic metabolism are still scarce. The CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout (KO) is a useful method for generating in vivo and in vitro models for studying xenobiotic biotransformations. In this study, we applied the ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-complex approach to successfully obtain the KO of CYP1A1 in a bovine foetal hepatocyte cell line (BFH12). After clonal expansion and selection, CYP1A1 excision was confirmed at the DNA, mRNA and protein level. Therefore, RNA-seq analysis revealed significant transcriptomic changes associated with cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and detoxification processes as well as on iron, lipid and mitochondrial homeostasis. Altogether, this study successfully generates a new bovine CYP1A1 KO in vitro model, representing a valuable resource for xenobiotic metabolism studies in this important farm animal species.

Structural Basis for Oxidized Glutathione Recognition by the Yeast Cadmium Factor 1

Transporters from the ABCC family have an essential role in detoxifying electrophilic compounds including metals, drugs, and lipids, often through conjugation with glutathione complexes. The Yeast Cadmium Factor 1 (Ycf1) transports glutathione alone as well as glutathione conjugated to toxic heavy metals including Cd2+, Hg2+, and As3+. To understand the complicated selectivity and promiscuity of heavy metal substrate binding, we determined the cryo-EM structure of Ycf1 bound to the substrate, oxidized glutathione. We systematically tested binding determinants with cellular survival assays against cadmium to determine how the substrate site accommodates different-sized metal complexes. We identify a "flex-pocket" for substrate binding that binds glutathione complexes asymmetrically and flexes to accommodate different size complexes.

Novel protective aspects of dietary polyphenols against pesticidal toxicity and its prospective application in rice-fish mode: A Review

The rice fish system represents an innovative and sustainable approach to integrated farming, combining rice cultivation with fish rearing in the same ecosystem. However, one of the major challenges in this system is the pesticidal pollution resulting from various sources, which poses risks to fish health and overall ecosystem balance. In recent years, dietary polyphenols have emerged as promising bioactive compounds with potential chemo-preventive and therapeutic properties. These polyphenols, derived from various plant sources, have shown great potential in reducing the toxicity of pesticides and improving the health of fish within the rice fish system. This review aims to explore the novel aspects of using dietary polyphenols to mitigate pesticidal toxicity and enhance fish health in the rice fish system. It provides comprehensive insights into the mechanisms of action of dietary polyphenols and their beneficial effects on fish health, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification properties. Furthermore, the review discusses the potential application methods of dietary polyphenols, such as direct supplementation in fish diets or through incorporation into the rice fields. By understanding the interplay between dietary polyphenols and pesticides in the rice fish system, researchers can develop innovative and sustainable strategies to promote fish health, minimize pesticide impacts, and ensure the long-term viability of this integrated farming approach. The information presented in this review will be valuable for scientists, aqua-culturists, and policymakers aiming to implement eco-friendly and health-enhancing practices in the rice fish system.

Understanding Cancer's Defense against Topoisomerase-Active Drugs: A Comprehensive Review

In recent years, the emergence of cancer drug resistance has been one of the crucial tumor hallmarks that are supported by the level of genetic heterogeneity and complexities at cellular levels. Oxidative stress, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, overexpression of ABC transporters, and stemness are among the several key contributing molecular and cellular response mechanisms. Topo-active drugs, e.g., doxorubicin and topotecan, are clinically active and are utilized extensively against a wide variety of human tumors and often result in the development of resistance and failure to therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need for an incremental and comprehensive understanding of mechanisms of cancer drug resistance specifically in the context of topo-active drugs. This review delves into the intricate mechanistic aspects of these intracellular and extracellular topo-active drug resistance mechanisms and explores the use of potential combinatorial approaches by utilizing various topo-active drugs and inhibitors of pathways involved in drug resistance. We believe that this review will help guide basic scientists, pre-clinicians, clinicians, and policymakers toward holistic and interdisciplinary strategies that transcend resistance, renewing optimism in the ongoing battle against cancer.

Netting into the Sophoretin pool: An approach to trace GSTP1 inhibitors for reversing chemoresistance

Chemoresistance, a significant challenge in cancer treatment, is often associated with the cellular glutathione-related detoxification system. The GSTP1 isoenzyme (glutathione S-transferases) plays a critical role in the cytoplasmic inactivation of anticancer drugs. This suggests the identification of GSTP1 inhibitors to combat chemoresistance. We screened Sophoretin (also called quercetin) derivatives for molecular properties, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity profiles. Following that, we conducted molecular docking and simulations between selected derivatives and GSTP1. The best-docked complex, GSTP1-quercetin 7-O-β-D-glucoside, exhibited a binding affinity of -8.1 kcal/mol, with no predicted toxicity and good pharmacokinetic properties. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of this complex. Quercetin 7-O-β-D-glucoside shows promise as a lead candidate for addressing chemoresistance in cancer patients, although further experimental studies are needed to validate its efficacy and therapeutic potential.

Suppression of Lung Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Fibrosis following Nitrogen Mustard Exposure by the Selective Farnesoid X Receptor Agonist Obeticholic Acid

Nitrogen mustard (NM) is a cytotoxic vesicant known to cause pulmonary injury that can progress to fibrosis. NM toxicity is associated with an influx of inflammatory macrophages in the lung. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor involved in bile acid and lipid homeostasis that has anti-inflammatory activity. In these studies, we analyzed the effects of FXR activation on lung injury, oxidative stress, and fibrosis induced by NM. Male Wistar rats were exposed to phosphate-buffered saline (vehicle control) or NM (0.125 mg/kg) by intratracheal Penncentury-MicroSprayer aerosolization; this was followed by treatment with the FXR synthetic agonist, obeticholic acid (OCA, 15 mg/kg), or vehicle control (0.13-0.18 g peanut butter) 2 hours later and then once per day, 5 days per week thereafter for 28 days. NM caused histopathological changes in the lung, including epithelial thickening, alveolar circularization, and pulmonary edema. Picrosirius red staining and lung hydroxyproline content were increased, indicative of fibrosis; foamy lipid-laden macrophages were also identified in the lung. This was associated with aberrations in pulmonary function, including increases in resistance and hysteresis. Following NM exposure, lung expression of HO-1 and iNOS, and the ratio of nitrates/nitrites in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL), markers of oxidative stress increased, along with BAL levels of inflammatory proteins, fibrinogen, and sRAGE. Administration of OCA attenuated NM-induced histopathology, oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered lung function. These findings demonstrate that FXR plays a role in limiting NM-induced lung injury and chronic disease, suggesting that activating FXR may represent an effective approach to limiting NM-induced toxicity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In this study, the role of farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) in mustard vesicant-induced pulmonary toxicity was analyzed using nitrogen mustard (NM) as a model. This study's findings that administration of obeticholic acid, an FXR agonist, to rats reduces NM-induced pulmonary injury, oxidative stress, and fibrosis provide novel mechanistic insights into vesicant toxicity, which may be useful in the development of efficacious therapeutics.

The comprehensive mechanism underlying Schisandra polysaccharide in AD-like symptoms of Aβ25-35-induced rats based on hippocampal metabolomics and serum lipidomics techniques

As is well documented, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Meanwhile, Schisandra polysaccharide (SCP) has been reported to exert a protective effect on the nervous system and can regulate metabolic disorders in AD-like symptoms of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) 25-35-induced rats. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms and metabolic markers for the diagnosis of AD are yet to be determined. This study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effect and potential mechanism of action of SCP in AD-like symptoms of Aβ25-35-induced rats by combining pharmacodynamics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. The pharmacodynamic results revealed that SCP significantly improved the spatial learning and long-term memory function and the morphology of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region, alleviated inflammatory damage and oxidative stress, inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes, and increased the proportion of mature neurons of AD-like symptoms of Aβ25-35-induced rats. The results of hippocampal metabolomics and serum lipidomics showed 46 and 48 potential biomarkers were identified for the SCP treatment of AD, respectively. The involved pathways principally comprised lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism. This study elucidates the neuroprotective effect of SCP in AD and its mechanism from the perspective of metabolomics and lipidomics and provides a theoretical basis for the therapeutic effect of SCP in AD.

The Key Role of GSH in Keeping the Redox Balance in Mammalian Cells: Mechanisms and Significance of GSH in Detoxification via Formation of Conjugates

Glutathione (GSH) is a ubiquitous tripeptide that is biosynthesized in situ at high concentrations (1-5 mM) and involved in the regulation of cellular homeostasis via multiple mechanisms. The main known action of GSH is its antioxidant capacity, which aids in maintaining the redox cycle of cells. To this end, GSH peroxidases contribute to the scavenging of various forms of ROS and RNS. A generally underestimated mechanism of action of GSH is its direct nucleophilic interaction with electrophilic compounds yielding thioether GSH S-conjugates. Many compounds, including xenobiotics (such as NAPQI, simvastatin, cisplatin, and barbital) and intrinsic compounds (such as menadione, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and dopamine), form covalent adducts with GSH leading mainly to their detoxification. In the present article, we wish to present the key role and significance of GSH in cellular redox biology. This includes an update on the formation of GSH-S conjugates or GSH adducts with emphasis given to the mechanism of reaction, the dependence on GST (GSH S-transferase), where this conjugation occurs in tissues, and its significance. The uncovering of the GSH adducts' formation enhances our knowledge of the human metabolome. GSH-hematin adducts were recently shown to have been formed spontaneously in multiples isomers at hemolysates, leading to structural destabilization of the endogenous toxin, hematin (free heme), which is derived from the released hemoglobin. Moreover, hemin (the form of oxidized heme) has been found to act through the Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway as an epigenetic modulator of GSH metabolism. Last but not least, the implications of the genetic defects in GSH metabolism, recorded in hemolytic syndromes, cancer and other pathologies, are presented and discussed under the framework of conceptualizing that GSH S-conjugates could be regarded as signatures of the cellular metabolism in the diseased state.

Optimization of 3-Cyano-7-cyclopropylamino-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines toward the Development of an In Vivo Chemical Probe for CSNK2A

3-Cyano-7-cyclopropylamino-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, including the chemical probe SGC-CK2-1, are potent and selective inhibitors of CSNK2A in cells but have limited utility in animal models due to their poor pharmacokinetic properties. While developing analogues with reduced intrinsic clearance and the potential for sustained exposure in mice, we discovered that phase II conjugation by GST enzymes was a major metabolic transformation in hepatocytes. A protocol for codosing with ethacrynic acid, a covalent reversible GST inhibitor, was developed to improve the exposure of analogue 2h in mice. A double codosing protocol, using a combination of ethacrynic acid and irreversible P450 inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole, increased the blood level of 2h by 40-fold at a 5 h time point.

Preface to the Special Issue "Glutathione: Chemistry and Biochemistry"

This year we celebrate the 135th anniversary of the discovery of glutathione (L-γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine) [...].

Glutathione: Lights and Shadows in Cancer Patients

In cases of cellular injury, there is an observed increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). When this production becomes excessive, it can result in various conditions, including cancerogenesis. Glutathione (GSH), the most abundant thiol-containing antioxidant, is fundamental to re-establishing redox homeostasis. In order to evaluate the role of GSH and its antioxi-dant effects in patients affected by cancer, we performed a thorough search on Medline and EMBASE databases for relevant clinical and/or preclinical studies, with particular regard to diet, toxicities, and pharmacological processes. The conjugation of GSH with xenobiotics, including anti-cancer drugs, can result in either of two effects: xenobiotics may lose their harmful effects, or GSH conjugation may enhance their toxicity by inducing bioactivation. While being an interesting weapon against chemotherapy-induced toxicities, GSH may also have a potential protective role for cancer cells. New studies are necessary to better explain the relationship between GSH and cancer. Although self-prescribed glutathione (GSH) implementation is prevalent among cancer patients with the intention of reducing the toxic effects of anticancer treatments and potentially preventing damage to normal tissues, this belief lacks substantial scientific evidence for its efficacy in reducing toxicity, except in the case of cisplatin-related neurotoxicity. Therefore, the use of GSH should only be considered under medical supervision, taking into account the appropriate timing and setting.

Optimization of 3-Cyano-7-cyclopropylamino-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines Toward the Development of an In Vivo Chemical Probe for CSNK2A

3-cyano-7-cyclopropylamino-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, including the chemical probe SGC-CK2-1, are potent and selective inhibitors of CSNK2A in cells but have limited utility in animal models due to their poor pharmacokinetic properties. While developing analogs with reduced intrinsic clearance and the potential for sustained exposure in mice, we discovered that Phase II conjugation by GST enzymes was a major metabolic transformation in hepatocytes. A protocol for co-dosing with ethacrynic acid, a covalent reversible GST inhibitor, was developed to improve the exposure of analog 2h in mice. A double co-dosing protocol, using a combination of ethacrynic acid and irreversible P450 inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole increased the blood level of 2h by 40-fold at a 5 h time point.

Natural Compounds and Glutathione: Beyond Mere Antioxidants

The tripeptide glutathione plays important roles in many cell processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis; in fact, disorders in glutathione homeostasis are involved both in the etiology and in the progression of several human diseases, including cancer. Natural compounds have been found to modulate glutathione levels and function beyond their role as mere antioxidants. For example, certain compounds can upregulate the expression of glutathione-related enzymes, increase the availability of cysteine, the limiting amino acid for glutathione synthesis, or directly interact with glutathione and modulate its function. These compounds may have therapeutic potential in a variety of disease states where glutathione dysregulation is a contributing factor. On the other hand, flavonoids' potential to deplete glutathione levels could be significant for cancer treatment. Overall, while natural compounds may have potential therapeutic and/or preventive properties and may be able to increase glutathione levels, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and their potential benefits for the prevention and treatment of several diseases. In this review, particular emphasis will be placed on phytochemical compounds belonging to the class of polyphenols, terpenoids, and glucosinolates that have an impact on glutathione-related processes, both in physiological and pathological conditions. These classes of secondary metabolites represent the most food-derived bioactive compounds that have been intensively explored and studied in the last few decades.

Malignancy diseases and kidneys: A nephrologist prospect and updated review

Acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic renal failure, and tubular abnormalities represent the kidney disease spectrum of malignancy. Prompt diagnosis and treatment may prevent or reverse these complications. The pathogenesis of AKI in cancer is multifactorial. AKI affects outcomes in cancer, oncological therapy withdrawal, increased hospitalization rate, and hospital stay. Renal function derangement can be recovered with early detection and targeted therapy of cancers. Identifying patients at higher risk of renal damage and implementing preventive measures without sacrificing the benefits of oncological therapy improve survival. Multidisciplinary approaches, such as relieving obstruction, hydration, etc., are required to minimize the kidney injury rate. Different keywords, texts, and phrases were used to search Google, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for related original and review articles that serve the article's aim well. In this nonsystematic article, we aimed to review the published data on cancer-associated kidney complications, their pathogenesis, management, prevention, and the latest updates. Kidney involvement in cancer occurs due to tumor therapy, direct kidney invasion by tumor, or tumor complications. Early diagnosis and therapy improve the survival rate. Pathogenesis of cancer-related kidney involvement is different and complicated. Clinicians' awareness of all the potential causes of cancer-related complications is essential, and a kidney biopsy should be conducted to confirm the kidney pathologies. Chronic kidney disease is a known complication in malignancy and therapies. Hence, avoiding nephrotoxic drugs, dose standardization, and early cancer detection are mandatory measures to prevent renal involvement.

Inhibition Analysis and High-Resolution Crystal Structure of Mus musculus Glutathione Transferase P1-1

Multidrug resistance is a significant barrier that makes anticancer therapies less effective. Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are involved in multidrug resistance mechanisms and play a significant part in the metabolism of alkylating anticancer drugs. The purpose of this study was to screen and select a lead compound with high inhibitory potency against the isoenzyme GSTP1-1 from Mus musculus (MmGSTP1-1). The lead compound was selected following the screening of a library of currently approved and registered pesticides that belong to different chemical classes. The results showed that the fungicide iprodione [3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2,4-dioxo-N-propan-2-ylimidazolidine-1-carboxamide] exhibited the highest inhibition potency (ΙC50 = 11.3 ± 0.5 μΜ) towards MmGSTP1-1. Kinetics analysis revealed that iprodione functions as a mixed-type inhibitor towards glutathione (GSH) and non-competitive inhibitor towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). X-ray crystallography was used to determine the crystal structure of MmGSTP1-1 at 1.28 Å resolution as a complex with S-(p-nitrobenzyl)glutathione (Nb-GSH). The crystal structure was used to map the ligand-binding site of MmGSTP1-1 and to provide structural data of the interaction of the enzyme with iprodione using molecular docking. The results of this study shed light on the inhibition mechanism of MmGSTP1-1 and provide a new compound as a potential lead structure for future drug/inhibitor development.

Heritable Risk and Protective Genetic Components of Glaucoma Medication Non-Adherence

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, affecting 76 million globally. It is characterized by irreversible damage to the optic nerve. Pharmacotherapy manages intraocular pressure (IOP) and slows disease progression. However, non-adherence to glaucoma medications remains problematic, with 41–71% of patients being non-adherent to their prescribed medication. Despite substantial investment in research, clinical effort, and patient education protocols, non-adherence remains high. Therefore, we aimed to determine if there is a substantive genetic component behind patients’ glaucoma medication non-adherence. We assessed glaucoma medication non-adherence with prescription refill data from the Marshfield Clinic Healthcare System’s pharmacy dispensing database. Two standard measures were calculated: the medication possession ratio (MPR) and the proportion of days covered (PDC). Non-adherence on each metric was defined as less than 80% medication coverage over 12 months. Genotyping was done using the Illumina HumanCoreExome BeadChip in addition to exome sequencing on the 230 patients (1) to calculate the heritability of glaucoma medication non-adherence and (2) to identify SNPs and/or coding variants in genes associated with medication non-adherence. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was utilized to derive biological meaning from any significant genes in aggregate. Over 12 months, 59% of patients were found to be non-adherent as measured by the MPR80, and 67% were non-adherent as measured by the PDC80. Genome-wide complex trait analysis (GCTA) suggested that 57% (MPR80) and 48% (PDC80) of glaucoma medication non-adherence could be attributed to a genetic component. Missense mutations in TTC28, KIAA1731, ADAMTS5, OR2W3, OR10A6, SAXO2, KCTD18, CHCHD6, and UPK1A were all found to be significantly associated with glaucoma medication non-adherence by whole exome sequencing after Bonferroni correction (p < 10−3) (PDC80). While missense mutations in TINAG, CHCHD6, GSTZ1, and SEMA4G were found to be significantly associated with medication non-adherence by whole exome sequencing after Bonferroni correction (p < 10−3) (MPR80). The same coding SNP in CHCHD6 which functions in Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology was significant by both measures and increased risk for glaucoma medication non-adherence by three-fold (95% CI, 1.62–5.8). Although our study was underpowered for genome-wide significance, SNP rs6474264 within ZMAT4 (p = 5.54 × 10–6) was found to be nominally significant, with a decreased risk for glaucoma medication non-adherence (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.11–0.42)). IPA demonstrated significant overlap, utilizing, both standard measures including opioid signaling, drug metabolism, and synaptogenesis signaling. CREB signaling in neurons (which is associated with enhancing the baseline firing rate for the formation of long-term potentiation in nerve fibers) was shown to have protective associations. Our results suggest a substantial heritable genetic component to glaucoma medication non-adherence (47–58%). This finding is in line with genetic studies of other conditions with a psychiatric component (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or alcohol dependence). Our findings suggest both risk and protective statistically significant genes/pathways underlying glaucoma medication non-adherence for the first time. Further studies investigating more diverse populations with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings.

Potential Anti-Cancer Effect of Helenalin as a Natural Bioactive Compound on the Growth and Telomerase Gene Expression in Breast Cancer Cell Line

OBJECTIVE

The telomerase gene is overexpressed in the majority of tumors and cancers compared to normal and healthy cells, and on the other hand, this enzymatic protein is overactive, therefore, the telomerase enzyme is considered a primary target for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in most cancers. This has been hypothesized that Helenalin has anti-telomerase activity in a wide range of cancers and Tumor tissues. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of helenalin extract on telomerase gene expression in the T47D breast cancer cell line.

METHODS

We used the MTT assay to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of different concentrations of helenalin on the T47D breast cancer cell line at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Besides, the expression of the hTERT gene in T47D cell lines treated with 1.0 and 5.0 µM helenalin after 24, 48, and 72 h incubation times was investigated through real-time PCR.

RESULTS

According to the MTT assay, the inhibitory effect of helenalin on T47D cell proliferation is time and dose-dependent. Moreover, the results of Real-time PCR showed that exposure of T47D cell lines to helenalin led to a significant Decreasing in the expressional values of the hTERT gene as a time and dose-dependent procedure compared with the control group (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These preliminary results demonstrated the cytotoxic potential of helenalin through inhibition of hTERT against T47D breast cancer cells.