Polysaccharide-K augments docetaxel-induced tumor suppression and antitumor immune response in an immunocompetent murine model of human prostate cancer

LDH-A Inhibitor as a Remedy to Potentiate the Anticancer Effect of Docetaxel in Prostate Cancer

Increased LDH-A activity promotes tumor growth, migration, invasion, and metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the combination of LDH-A inhibitor and Docetaxel on apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the murine prostate cancer (PCa) model. The prostate cancer murine model was developed subcutaneously in 50 male B57CL/6 mice using the Tramp-C2 prostate cancer cell line. From the tumor tissue samples, apoptosis analysis was performed using TUNEL staining, and EMT was investigated using western blot and qPCR. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and Periodic acid-Schiff staining were used to histopathologically examine liver and kidney tissues. Lactate levels revealed that the Warburg effect was reversed with the LDH-A inhibitor. Both serum and tumor tissue apoptosis increased, and tumor sizes reduced in PCa+LDH-A inhibitor + Docetaxel treatment groups (p<0.05). The combination of LDH-A inhibitor and Docetaxel inhibited EMT mechanism by causing a decrease in Snail, Slug, Twist, and HIF-1α expressions as well as a decrease in N-cadherin and an increase in E-cadherin levels. Reprogramming glucose metabolism with an LDH-A inhibitor can increase the effectiveness of Docetaxel on apoptosis and metastasis mechanisms in PCa.

The interactions of docetaxel with tumor microenvironment

There are several interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that affect the response of cancer cells to therapy. There are also a large number of cells and secretions in TME that increase resistance to therapy. Following the release of immunosuppressive, pro-angiogenic, and metastatic molecules by certain cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and cancer cells, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis may be induced. However, natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic CD8 + T lymphocytes (CTLs) can responsively release anticancer molecules. In addition, anticancer drugs can modulate these cells and their interactions in favor of either cancer resistance or therapy. Docetaxel belongs to taxanes, a class of anti-tumor drugs, which acts through the polymerization of tubulin and the induction of cell cycle arrest. Also, it has been revealed that taxanes including docetaxel affect cancer cells and the other cells within TME through some other mechanisms such as modulation of immune system responses, angiogenesis, and metastasis. In this paper, we explain the basic mechanisms of docetaxel interactions with malignant cells. Besides, we review the diverse effects of docetaxel on TME and cancer cells in consequence. Lastly, the modulatory effects of docetaxel alone or in conjunction with other anticancer agents on anti-tumor immunity, cancer cell resistance, angiogenesis, and metastasis will be discussed.

COVID-19 and Cancer Diseases-The Potential of Coriolus versicolor Mushroom to Combat Global Health Challenges

Coriolus versicolor (CV) is a common species from the Polyporaceae family that has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for over 2000 years. Among well-described and most active compounds identified in CV are polysaccharopeptides, such as polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and Polysaccharide-K (PSK, krestin), which, in some countries, are already used as an adjuvant agent in cancer therapy. In this paper, research advances in the field of anti-cancer and anti-viral action of CV are analyzed. The results of data obtained in in vitro and in vivo studies using animal models as well as in clinical research trials have been discussed. The present update provides a brief overview regarding the immunomodulatory effects of CV. A particular focus has been given to the mechanisms of direct effects of CV on cancer cells and angiogenesis. A potential use of CV compounds in anti-viral treatment, including therapy against COVID-19 disease, has also been analyzed based on the most recent literature. Additionally, the significance of fever in viral infection and cancer has been debated, providing evidence that CV affects this phenomenon.

Polysaccharide-Peptide from Trametes versicolor: The Potential Medicine for Colorectal Cancer Treatment

The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer have shown an upward trend in the past decade. Therefore, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer still need our continuous attention. Finding compounds with strong anticancer activity and low toxicity is a good strategy for colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. Trametes versicolor is a traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom with a long history of being used to regulate immunity and prevent cancer. Its extractions were demonstrated with strong cell growth inhibitory activity on human colorectal tumor cells, while the anticancer activity of them is not acted through a direct cytotoxic effect. However, the intricacy and high molecular weight make mechanistic research difficult, which restricts their further application as a medication in clinical cancer treatment. Recent research has discovered a small molecule polysaccharide peptide derived from Trametes versicolor that has a distinct structure after decades of Trametes versicolor investigation. Uncertain molecular weight and a complex composition are problems that have been solved through studies on its structure, and it was demonstrated to have strong anti-proliferation activity on colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo via interaction with EGFR signaling pathway. It opens up new horizons for research in this field, and these low molecular weight polysaccharide peptides provide a new insight of regulation of colorectal cancer proliferation and have great potential as drugs in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Microbial polysaccharides: An emerging family of natural biomaterials for cancer therapy and diagnostics

Microbial polysaccharides (MPs) offer immense diversity in structural and functional properties. They are extensively used in advance biomedical science owing to their superior biodegradability, hemocompatibility, and capability to imitate the natural extracellular matrix microenvironment. Ease in tailoring, inherent bio-activity, distinct mucoadhesiveness, ability to absorb hydrophobic drugs, and plentiful availability of MPs make them prolific green biomaterials to overcome the significant constraints of cancer chemotherapeutics. Many studies have demonstrated their application to obstruct tumor development and extend survival through immune activation, apoptosis induction, and cell cycle arrest by MPs. Synoptic investigations of MPs are compulsory to decode applied basics in recent inclinations towards cancer regimens. The current review focuses on the anticancer properties of commercially available and newly explored MPs, and outlines their direct and indirect mode of action. The review also highlights cutting-edge MPs-based drug delivery systems to augment the specificity and efficiency of available chemotherapeutics, as well as their emerging role in theranostics.

Brazilian green propolis: A novel tool to improve the cytotoxic and immunomodulatory action of docetaxel on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and on women monocyte

Docetaxel (DTX) is used against breast cancer despite its side effects such as toxicity and immunosuppression. Here we investigated the cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects of the ethanol solution extract of propolis (EEP) in combination with DTX on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and on women's monocyte. The cytotoxic potential of EEP + DTX was assessed by MTT assay and the type of tumor cell death was evaluated by flow cytometry. The effects of EEP + DTX on the migration and invasion of MCF-7 cells were analyzed. Cytokine production by monocytes was assessed by ELISA and the expression of cell surface markers was evaluated by flow cytometry. We also assessed the fungicidal activity of monocytes against Candida albicans and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Finally, the impact of the supernatants of treated monocytes in the viability, migration, and invasiveness of tumor cells was assessed. EEP enhanced the cytotoxicity of DTX alone against MCF-7 cells by inducing necrosis and inhibiting their migratory ability. EEP + DTX exerted no cytotoxic effects on monocytes and stimulated HLA-DR expression, TNF-α, and IL-6 production, exerted an immunorestorative action in the fungicidal activity, and reduced the oxidative stress. Our findings have practical implications and reveal new insights for complementary medicine.

Pharmacological Effects of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Seed Polysaccharides: GSF3 Inhibits PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cell Growth through Immunotherapy In Vitro

The inhibitory effects of purified fractions isolated from guava seed polysaccharides (GSPS) including guava seed polysaccharide fraction 1 (GSF1), GSF2, and GSF3 on prostate cancer cells remain unclear. To clarify the anti-prostate cancer potential, GSPS, GSF1, GSF2, and GSF3 were isolated using Sepharose 6B gel filtration chromatography to assay their inhibitory effects on prostate PC-3 cell growth with direct action or indirect immunotherapy using either splenocyte conditioned media (SCM) or macrophage conditioned media (MCM). Correlations between cytokine profiles in the conditioned media and pro-apoptotic gene expression levels in the corresponding treated PC-3 cells were analyzed. Results showed that GSPS, GSF1, GSF2, and GSF3, particularly GSF3, through either direct action or indirect treatments using SCM or MCM, significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited PC-3 cell growth. GSF3 direct treatments increased pro-apoptotic Bax/anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 mRNA expression ratios in corresponding treated PC-3 cells. Either SCM or MCM cultured with GSF3 increased Fas mRNA expression levels in corresponding treated PC-3 cells. Both Th2-polarized and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 either secreted in SCM or MCM were positively correlated with Fas mRNA expression levels in corresponding treated PC-3 cells. Our results suggest that GSF3 is a potent biological response modifier to decrease PC-3 cell growth through inducing apoptosis.

The use of Hericium erinaceus and Trametes versicolor extracts in supportive treatment in oncology

Substances available in nature with potential therapeutic effects are the subject of research that raises tremendous hopes for new challenges in medicine. Fungi are the most common organisms in the ecosystem and the most interesting in this respect. This review discusses two species of edible fungi, used for centuries in Eastern natural medicine, with the best-documented effect - Hericium erinaceus (He) and Trametes versicolor (Tv). The results of in vivo and in vitro studies conducted on mice and human cell lines demonstrate immunomodulatory, potentially, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative effects of substances isolated from these fungi. The substances contained in the extracts of He and Tv seem to have immunomodulatory effects that may support chemotherapy. The use of these extracts is justified stronger than the other supportive treat ments based on supplements.

Herb-drug interactions between the medicinal mushrooms Lingzhi and Yunzhi and cytotoxic anticancer drugs: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Lingzhi and Yunzhi are medicinal mushrooms commonly used with cytotoxic chemotherapy in cancer patients in Asian countries. The current systematic review aims to identify potential pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions from the existing literature to ensure their effective and safe combination usage in cancer patients.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on nine major Chinese and English databases, including China Journal Net, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and Ovid MEDLINE®, etc., to identify clinical, animal, and in-vitro studies that evaluate the effect of combined use of Lingzhi or Yunzhi with cytotoxic drugs. The Jadad scale was used to assess the quality of clinical studies.

RESULTS

This search identified 213 studies, including 77 clinical studies that reported on the combined use of cytotoxic drugs with Yunzhi (n = 56) or Lingzhi (n = 21). Majority of these clinical studies demonstrated modest methodological quality. In clinical practice, the most commonly used cytotoxic drugs with Lingzhi were cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and paclitaxel, whereas Tegafur/uracil (UFT)/Tegafur, 5-FU, and mitomycin were the ones used more often with Yunzhi. Only two clinical pharmacokinetic studies were available showing no significant interactions between Polysaccharide K (PSK) and Tegafur. From the pharmacodynamic interactions perspective, combination uses of Yunzhi/Lingzhi with cytotoxic drugs in clinical practice could lead to improvement in survival (n = 31) and quality of life (n = 17), reduction in tumor lesions (n = 22), immune modulation (n = 38), and alleviation of chemotherapy-related side effects (n = 14) with no reported adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the clinical combination use of Lingzhi or Yunzhi with cytotoxic drugs could enhance the efficacy and ameliorate the adverse effects of cytotoxic drugs, leading to improved quality of life in cancer patients. More high quality clinical studies including pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions studies are warranted to verify these observations and mechanisms involved. Based on the high quality clinical data, pharmacoepidemiology methods and bioinformatics or data mining could be adopt for further identification of clinical meaningful herb-drug interactions in cancer therapies.

Trametes versicolor (Synn. Coriolus versicolor) Polysaccharides in Cancer Therapy: Targets and Efficacy

Coriolus versicolor (L.) Quél. is a higher fungi or mushroom which is now known by its accepted scientific name as Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd (family Polyporaceae). The polysaccharides, primarily two commercial products from China and Japan as PSP and PSK, respectively, have been claimed to serve as adjuvant therapy for cancer. In this paper, research advances in this field, including direct cytotoxicity in cancer cells and immunostimulatory effects, are scrutinised at three levels: in vitro, in vivo and clinical outcomes. The level of activity in the various cancers, key targets (both in cancer and immune cells) and pharmacological efficacies are discussed.

Infiltrating CD4+ T cells attenuate chemotherapy sensitivity in prostate cancer via CCL5 signaling

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy with Docetaxel (Doc) is efficient in a subset of prostate cancer (PCa) cases; however, most patients ultimately develop resistance to Docetaxel. The tumor immune microenvironment and secreted cytokines play a substantial role in development of resistance to chemotherapy. Our previous study has demonstrated that CD4+ T cells in prostate tumor microenvironment contribute to PCa progression; meanwhile, we found increased CD4+ T-cell infiltration in tumor area after Doc treatment; however, their effects on PCa chemosensitivity remain unclear. Here, we aim to explore the role and mechanisms of CD4+ T cells in PCa chemotherapy sensitivity.

METHODS

CD4+ T-cell infiltration in Doc-treated paraffin-embedded specimens from transurethral resection of prostate, radical prostatectomy, or bone metastasis was detected by immunohistochemistry. The castration-resistant PCa cell lines-C4-2 and CWR22RV1, and CD4+ T-cell lines-HH and Molt-3 were used in the coculture system. After coculture with the lymphocytes, PCa cell chemosensitivity was detected by cell counting kit-8, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assays, and Western blot analysis. Various cell cytokines were determined by cytokine arrays and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The recombinant human C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) was added to PCa cells for further confirming its effects and anti-CCL5 antibody was used for neutralization. S3I-201, a signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor, was added to the coculture system to detect STAT3 role in chemosensitivity. Tumor xenografts in nude mice were used for confirming effects of CD4+ T cells in vivo study.

RESULTS

We found more infiltrated CD4+ T cells in human PCa lesions than in the adjacent noncancerous tissues after Doc treatment. In vitro cell line study confirmed that CD4+ T cells increase the PCa Doc resistance. Quantative polymerase chain reaction and cytokine arrays indicated that after coculture with PCa, CD4+ T cells could secrete large amounts of CCL5. Moreover, CCL5 stimulation enhanced PCa resistance to Doc, and anti-CCL5 antibody could partly reverse this process. We found that CD4+ T cells could activate P-STAT3 signaling via secreting CCL5 and adding a STAT3 inhibitor can reverse the chemoresistance. In vivo mouse model with xenografted 22RV1 cells and CD4+ T cells also confirmed the in vitro results.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our results indicate that infiltrating CD4+ T cells could promote PCa chemotherapy resistance via modulation of the CCL5/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Novel roles of androgen receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, TP53, regulatory RNAs, NF-kappa-B, chromosomal translocations, neutrophil associated gelatinase, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in prostate cancer and prostate cancer stem cells

Approximately one in six men will be diagnosed with some form of prostate cancer in their lifetime. Over 250,000 men worldwide die annually due to complications from prostate cancer. While advancements in prostate cancer screening and therapies have helped in lowering this statistic, better tests and more effective therapies are still needed. This review will summarize the novel roles of the androgen receptor (AR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the EGFRvIII variant, TP53, long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRs), NF-kappa-B, chromosomal translocations, neutrophil associated gelatinase, (NGAL), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), the tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells (CSC) have on the diagnosis, development and treatment of prostate cancer.

A polysaccharide from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge improves immune function in gastric cancer rats

A neutral polysaccharide fraction (SMPA) prepared from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza by DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 chromatography was tested for its immune enhancing function in N-methyl-N'-nitro-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastric cancer rats by intragastric administration. SMPA (200mg/kg) treatment not only increased the body weight, but also improved the immune organ indices. Furthermore, studies of various immunological activities in gastric cancer rats revealed that SMPA significantly stimulated splenocyte proliferation, promoted anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10) production, inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) secretion, augmented the killing activity of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), and increased phagocytotic function of macrophages in gastric cancer rats. In addition, SMPA administration evidently elevated total intracellular granzyme-B and IFN-γ levels produced by splenocytes in gastric cancer rats. Taken together, these results suggested that SMPA could act as an effective immunomodulator and might be explored as a potential supplemental source for gastric cancer therapy.

Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology

This review discusses the immunological roles of 5 major mushrooms in oncology: Agaricus blazei, Cordyceps sinensis, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, and Trametes versicolor. These mushrooms were selected based on the body of research performed on mushroom immunology in an oncology model. First, this article focuses on how mushrooms modify cytokines within specific cancer models and on how those cytokines affect the disease process. Second, this article examines the direct effect of mushrooms on cancer. Finally, this article presents an analysis of how mushrooms interact with chemotherapeutic agents, including their effects on its efficacy and on the myelosuppression that results from it. For these 5 mushrooms, an abundance of in vitro evidence exists that elucidates the anticancer immunological mechanisms. Preliminary research in humans is also available and is promising for treatment.

Quercetin synergizes with 2-methoxyestradiol inhibiting cell growth and inducing apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells

Lack of effective treatment options for castration-resistant prostate cancer reinforces the great need to develop novel drug therapies. Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid that can induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME) is an endogenous estrogenic metabolite that also has antineoplastic activity. However, these two agents have limited bioavailability. Herein, we explored the antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities of quercetin combined with 2-ME in both androgen-dependent LNCaP and androgen-independent PC-3 human prostate cancer cell lines. Compared to quercetin and 2-ME alone, combining quercetin with 2-ME at appropriate concentrations i) showed synergistic antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities; ii) increased G2/M phase population of cells; iii) decreased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax significantly. The combination of quercetin and 2-ME is a new clinically relevant treatment regimen which has the potential of enhancing the antitumor effect on prostate cancer and lessening the side effect of either quercetin or 2-ME alone.