Resveratrol attenuates matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -2- regulated differentiation of HTB94 chondrosarcoma cells through the p38 kinase and JNK pathways

Targeted Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Axis: Potential for Sarcoma Therapy

Sarcoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies often resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/ protein kinase B /mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway has emerged as a critical cancer target due to its central role in regulating key cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in the development and progression of bone sarcomas (BS) and soft tissue sarcomas (STS). PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors have shown promising preclinical and clinical activity in various cancers. These agents can inhibit the activation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR, thereby reducing the downstream signaling events that promote tumor growth and survival. In addition, PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors have been shown to enhance the efficacy of other anticancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The different types of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors vary in their specificity, potency, and side effect profiles and may be effective depending on the specific sarcoma type and stage. The molecular targeting of PI3K/Akt/mToR pathway using drugs, phytochemicals, nanomaterials (NMs), and microbe-derived molecules as Pan-PI3K inhibitors, selective PI3K inhibitors, and dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors have been delineated. While there are still challenges to be addressed, the preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that these inhibitors may significantly improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the potential of these inhibitors as sarcoma therapeutics and to continue developing more selective and effective agents to meet the clinical needs of sarcoma patients.

Targeting extracellular matrix through phytochemicals: a promising approach of multi-step actions on the treatment and prevention of cancer

Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal and dynamic role in the construction of tumor microenvironment (TME), becoming the focus in cancer research and treatment. Multiple cell signaling in ECM remodeling contribute to uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion and drug resistance of cancer. Targeting trilogy of ECM remodeling could be a new strategy during the early-, middle-, advanced-stages of cancer and overcoming drug resistance. Currently nearly 60% of the alternative anticancer drugs are derived from natural products or active ingredients or structural analogs isolated from plants. According to the characteristics of ECM, this manuscript proposes three phases of whole-process management of cancer, including prevention of cancer development in the early stage of cancer (Phase I); prevent the metastasis of tumor in the middle stage of cancer (Phase II); provide a novel method in the use of immunotherapy for advanced cancer (Phase III), and present novel insights on the contribution of natural products use as innovative strategies to exert anticancer effects by targeting components in ECM. Herein, we focus on trilogy of ECM remodeling and the interaction among ECM, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and sort out the intervention effects of natural products on the ECM and related targets in the tumor progression, provide a reference for the development of new drugs against tumor metastasis and recurrence.

Uncovering the mechanism of resveratrol in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has been the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in developed countries. Evidence of the benefits of resveratrol (RES) for the treatment of DKD is accumulating. However, comprehensive therapeutic targets and underlying mechanisms through which RES exerts its effects against DKD are limited.

METHODS

Drug targets of RES were obtained from Drugbank and SwissTargetPrediction Databases. Disease targets of DKD were obtained from DisGeNET, Genecards, and Therapeutic Target Database. Therapeutic targets for RES against DKD were identified by intersecting the drug targets and disease targets. GO functional enrichment analysis, KEGG pathway analysis, and disease association analysis were performed using the DAVID database and visualized by Cytoscape software. Molecular docking validation of the binding capacity between RES and targets was performed by UCSF Chimera software and SwissDock webserver. The high glucose (HG)-induced podocyte injury model, RT-qPCR, and western blot were used to verify the reliability of the effects of RES on target proteins.

RESULTS

After the intersection of the 86 drug targets and 566 disease targets, 25 therapeutic targets for RES against DKD were obtained. And the target proteins were classified into 6 functional categories. A total of 11 cellular components terms and 27 diseases, and the top 20 enriched biological processes, molecular functions, and KEGG pathways potentially involved in the RES action against DKD were recorded. Molecular docking studies showed that RES had a strong binding affinity toward PPARA, ESR1, SLC2A1, SHBG, AR, AKR1B1, PPARG, IGF1R, RELA, PIK3CA, MMP9, AKT1, INSR, MMP2, TTR, and CYP2C9 domains. The HG-induced podocyte injury model was successfully constructed and validated by RT-qPCR and western blot. RES treatment was able to reverse the abnormal gene expression of PPARA, SHBG, AKR1B1, PPARG, IGF1R, MMP9, AKT1, and INSR.

CONCLUSIONS

RES may target PPARA, SHBG, AKR1B1, PPARG, IGF1R, MMP9, AKT1, and INSR domains to act as a therapeutic agent for DKD. These findings comprehensively reveal the potential therapeutic targets for RES against DKD and provide theoretical bases for the clinical application of RES in the treatment of DKD.

Interplay of Vitamin D and SIRT1 in Tissue-Specific Metabolism-Potential Roles in Prevention and Treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases Including Cancer

The importance of the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, is increasing as a requirement of the aging population in developed countries and the sustainability of healthcare. Similarly, the 2013-2030 action plan of the WHO for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases seeks these achievements. Adequate lifestyle changes, alone or with the necessary treatments, could reduce the risk of mortality or the deterioration of quality of life. In our recent work, we summarized the role of two central factors, i.e., appropriate levels of vitamin D and SIRT1, which are connected to adequate lifestyles with beneficial effects on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. Both of these factors have received increased attention in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic as they both take part in regulation of the main metabolic processes, i.e., lipid/glucose/energy homeostasis, oxidative stress, redox balance, and cell fate, as well as in the healthy regulation of the immune system. Vitamin D and SIRT1 have direct and indirect influence of the regulation of transcription and epigenetic changes and are related to cytoplasmic signaling pathways such as PLC/DAG/IP3/PKC/MAPK, MEK/Erk, insulin/mTOR/cell growth, proliferation; leptin/PI3K-Akt-mTORC1, Akt/NFĸB/COX-2, NFĸB/TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and AMPK/PGC-1α/GLUT4, among others. Through their proper regulation, they maintain normal body weight, lipid profile, insulin secretion and sensitivity, balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory processes under normal conditions and infections, maintain endothelial health; balance cell differentiation, proliferation, and fate; and balance the circadian rhythm of the cellular metabolism. The role of these two molecules is interconnected in the molecular network, and they regulate each other in several layers of the homeostasis of energy and the cellular metabolism. Both have a central role in the maintenance of healthy and balanced immune regulation and redox reactions; therefore, they could constitute promising targets either for prevention or as complementary therapies to achieve a better quality of life, at any age, for healthy people and patients under chronic conditions.

Association of resveratrol with the suppression of TNF-α/NF-kB/iNOS/HIF-1α axis-mediated fibrosis and systemic hypertension in thioacetamide-induced liver injury

Chronic liver injury can lead to hepatic failure and the only available method of treatment would be liver transplantation. The link between inflammation (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), nitrosative stress (iNOS) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in thioacetamide (TAA) induced liver fibrosis, and hypertension with and without the incorporation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant resveratrol (RES) has not been investigated before. Consequently, we injected rats with either 200 mg/kg TAA for 8 weeks starting at week 2 (model group) or pretreated them before TAA injections with RES (20 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and continued them on RES and TAA until being culled at week 10 (protective group). In the model group, we documented the induction of hepatic fibrosis and upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), NF-kB, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), HIF-1α and the profibrotic biomarkers alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) that was significantly (p ≤ 0.0014) ameliorated by RES. RES also significantly (p ≤ 0.0232) reduced triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), very low-density lipoprotein (vLDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure, and heart rate (HR) induction by TAA. Also, a significant (p < 0.0001) positive correlation between TNF-α/NF-kB/iNOS/HIF-1α axis-mediated fibrosis and hypertension and liver injury biomarkers was observed. These findings suggest that in the hepatotoxic compound, TAA is associated with TNF-α/NF-kB/iNOS/HIF-1α-mediated fibrosis and hypertension, whilst being inhibited by RES.

Integrated regulation of chondrogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells and differentiation of cancer cells

Chondrogenesis is the formation of chondrocytes and cartilage tissues and starts with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) recruitment and migration, condensation of progenitors, chondrocyte differentiation, and maturation. The chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs depends on co-regulation of many exogenous and endogenous factors including specific microenvironmental signals, non-coding RNAs, physical factors existed in culture condition, etc. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit self-renewal capacity, pluripotency and cellular plasticity, which have the potential to differentiate into post-mitotic and benign cells. Accumulating evidence has shown that CSCs can be induced to differentiate into various benign cells including adipocytes, fibrocytes, osteoblast, and so on. Retinoic acid has been widely used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Previous study confirmed that polyploid giant cancer cells, a type of cancer stem-like cells, could differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. In this review, we will summarize signaling pathways and cytokines in chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. Understanding the molecular mechanism of chondrogenic differentiation of CSCs and cancer cells may provide new strategies for cancer treatment.

Resveratrol Microencapsulation into Electrosprayed Polymeric Carriers for the Treatment of Chronic, Non-Healing Wounds

Chronic, non-healing wounds represent a challenging socio-economic burden, demanding innovative approaches for successful wound management. Resveratrol (RSV) represents a promising therapeutic candidate, but its therapeutic efficacy and clinical applicability have been hampered by its rapid degradation and/or depletion. Herein, RSV was encapsulated into poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) microparticles by electrospraying with the aim to prolong and preserve RSV’s release/activity, without affecting its therapeutic properties. Electrospraying led to the fabrication of spherical (2 to 10 μm in size), negatively charged (<−1 mV), and quasi-monodisperse (PDI < 0.3) microparticles, with 60% RSV release after 28 days. Microencapsulation of RSV into PCL prevented its photochemical degradation and preserved its antioxidant properties over 72 h. The RSV-PCL microparticles did not exhibit any cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblasts. RSV released from the microparticles was biologically functional and induced a significant increase in collagen type I deposition. Furthermore, the produced RSV-PCL microparticles reduced the expression of inflammatory (IL-6, IL-8, COX-2) and proteolytic (MMP-2, MMP-9) mediators. Collectively, our data clearly illustrate the potential of electrosprayed polymeric carriers for the sustained delivery of RSV to treat chronic wounds.

Identification of medicinal compounds as potential inhibitors for mutated isocitrate dehydrogenases against chondrosarcoma

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Virtual screening of 5000 novel medicinal compounds procured two compounds (5-galloylquinic acid and artocarpetin) capable of establishing interaction with both mutated IDH1 and IDH2 proteins implicated in chondrosarcoma.

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Cell lining prediction studies revealed that both 5-galloylquinic acid and artocarpetin sensitizes chondrosarcoma cell lines and has good cytotoxic influence on CHSA8926 and CHSA0011 cells.

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These compounds possess high acute toxicity values to incite adverse reaction and organ damage in rodents.

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ITGAV, CAPRIN-1, CCL5 COG5 and TNFRSF10B gene are successfully downregulated that are involved in the metastasis inflammation and chondrogenesis by these compounds.

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TP53 expression enhancer, free radical scavenger, MAP kinase stimulant, MM9 expression inhibitor and chemo preventive agent were some biological properties predicted by Prediction of Activity Spectra for substances (PASS) database.

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Artocarpetin had good ADME and druglikness properties as compared to 5-galloylquinic acid, as this compound had low bioavailability score and one lipinski violation for druglikness.

Chondrosarcoma is the third most common cartilaginous bone tumour that is insusceptible to radio- and chemotherapy and it is inclined to metastasis. These resistant qualities are facilitated by mutant variants of isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDH) 1–2 enzyme. These mutant enzymes promote oncogenesis of chondrocytes by changing their epigenetic wardrobe leading to tumour formation. Presently, there are lack of drugs available to be exploited as a remedy for this disease. On the other hand, majority of chemotherapeutic drugs induce cytotoxicity in the cancer cells at the cost of harming surrounding healthy cells, jeopardizing human life. The current study is focused on screening various medicinal compounds against IDH1 and IDH2 combined with insilico gene expression, cancer cells cytotoxicity and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) studies to elucidate the molecular mechanism against chondrosarcoma and also to uncover pharmacokinetic profile of these compounds. Screening of 5000+ compounds filtered two efficacious compounds (Artocarpetin and 5-Galloylquinic acid) capable of establishing hydrogen bond connections with both IDH variants. Other studies showed that these compounds downregulate ITGAV, CARPIN1, CCL5 and COG5 and TNFRSF10B gene that reduces chondrogenesis and inflammation, Artocarpetin and 5-galloylquinic acid are TP53 expression enhancer and inhibit MM9 expression that promote immunomodulation and apoptosis in these cancers. These compounds are both active against CHSA8926 and CHSA011 cell line of chondrosarcoma. However, the ADME profile of 5-galloylquinic acid is slightly unsatisfactory based on druglikness and bioavailability score criteria as compared to artocarpetin. Both of these compounds are class-5 chemicals and require high doses to elicit adverse response. Our results suggest that artocarpetin and 5-galloylquinic acid are efficacious drug candidates and could be further exploited to validate these findings in vitro.

Lupinus albus Protein Components Inhibit MMP-2 and MMP-9 Gelatinolytic Activity In Vitro and In Vivo

Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) are regarded as important clinical targets due to their nodal-point role in inflammatory and oncological diseases. Here, we aimed at isolating and characterizing am MMP-2 and-9 inhibitor (MMPI) from Lupinus albus and at assessing its efficacy in vitro and in vivo. The protein was isolated using chromatographic and 2-D electrophoretic procedures and sequenced by using MALDI-TOF TOF and MS/MS analysis. In vitro MMP-2 and 9 inhibitions were determined on colon adenocarcinoma (HT29) cells, as well as by measuring the expression levels of genes related to these enzymes. Inhibitory activities were also confirmed in vivo using a model of experimental TNBS-induced colitis in mice, with oral administrations of 15 mg·kg^-1. After chromatographic and electrophoretic isolation, the L. albus MMP-9 inhibitor was found to comprise a large fragment from δ-conglutin and, to a lower extent, small fragments of β-conglutin. In vitro studies showed that the MMPI successfully inhibited MMP-9 activity in a dose-dependent manner in colon cancer cells, with an IC50 of 10 µg·mL^-1 without impairing gene expression nor cell growth. In vivo studies showed that the MMPI maintained its bioactivities when administered orally and significantly reduced colitis symptoms, along with a very significant inhibition of MMP-2 and -9 activities. Overall, results reveal a novel type of MMPI in lupine that is edible, proteinaceous in nature and soluble in water, and effective in vivo, suggesting a high potential application as a nutraceutical or a functional food in pathologies related to abnormally high MMP-9 activity in the digestive system.

Acetylated Resveratrol and Oxyresveratrol Suppress UVB-Induced MMP-1 Expression in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Resveratrol (RES) and oxyresveratrol (OXYRES) are considered and utilized as active ingredients of anti-aging skin cosmetics. However, these compounds are susceptible to oxidative discoloration and unpleasant odor in solutions, limiting their use in cosmetics. Accordingly, RES and OXYRES were chemically modified to acetylated derivatives with enhanced stability, and their anti-aging effect on the skin and detailed molecular mechanism of their acetylated derivatives were investigated. Acetylated RES and OXYRES lost their acetyl group and exerted an inhibitory effect on H₂O₂-induced ROS levels in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. In addition, RES, OXYRES, and their acetylated derivatives suppressed UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression via inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Furthermore, RES, OXYRES, and their acetylated derivatives suppressed type I collagen in TPA-treated HDF cells. Collectively, these results suggest the beneficial effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of RES, OXYRES, and their acetylated derivatives for anti- skin aging applications.

Antimetastatic Potential of Rhodomyrtone on Human Chondrosarcoma SW1353 Cells

Chondrosarcoma is primary bone cancer, with the forceful capacity to cause local invasion and distant metastasis, and has a poor prognosis. Cancer metastasis is a complication of most cancers; it is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Rhodomyrtone is a pure compound that has been shown to induce apoptosis and antimetastasis in skin cancer. However, the inhibitory effect of rhodomyrtone on human chondrosarcoma cell metastasis is largely unknown. Effect of rhodomyrtone on cell viability in SW1353 cell was determined by MTT assay. Antimigration, anti-invasion, and antiadhesion were carried out to investigate the antimetastatic potential of rhodomyrtone on SW1353 cells. Gelatin zymography was performed to determine matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 activities. The effect of rhodomyrtone on the underlying mechanisms was performed by Western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that rhodomyrtone reduced cell viability of SW1353 cells at the low concentration (<3 μg/mL); cell viability was >80%. Rhodomyrtone at the subcytotoxic concentrations (0.5, 1.5, and 3 μg/mL) significantly inhibited cell migration, invasion, and adhesion of SW1353 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Protein expression of integrin αv, integrin β3, and the downstream migratory proteins including focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the phosphorylation of serine/threonine AKT, Ras, RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 were inhibited after treatment with rhodomyrtone. Moreover, we found that rhodomyrtone decreased the protein level of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as well as the enzyme activity in SW1353 cells. Meanwhile, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2 expression was increased in a dose-dependent fashion. Besides, rhodomyrtone dramatically inhibited the expression of growth factor receptor-bound protein-2 (GRB2) and the phosphorylated form of extracellular signal regulation kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase1/2 (JNK1/2). These results indicated that rhodomyrtone inhibited SW1353 cell migration, invasion, and metastasis by suppressing integrin αvβ3/FAK/AKT/small Rho GTPases pathway as well as downregulation of MMP-2/9 via ERK and JNK signal inhibition. These findings indicate that rhodomyrtone possessed the antimetastasis activity that may be used for antimetastasis therapy in the future.

An update on current and future treatment options for chondrosarcoma

Introduction: Human chondrosarcomas (CS; a malignant cartilage-forming bone tumor) respond poorly to chemotherapy and radiation treatment, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. Expanded treatment options are urgently needed. Areas covered: This article updates our 2014 review, in which we evaluated the CS treatments available at that time and potential treatment options under investigation. Since then, advances in research findings, particularly from Chinese herbal medicines, may be bringing us closer to more effective therapies for CS. In particular, promising findings have been reported from research targeting platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Expert opinion: Few treatment options exist for CS; chemotherapy is not even an option for unresectable disease, in which 5-year survival rates are just 2%. New information about the multitude of genes and signaling pathways that encourage CS growth, invasion and metastasis are clarifying how certain signaling pathways and plant-derived active compounds, especially molecularly-targeted therapies that inhibit the PDGF receptor, interfering with these biological processes. This review summarizes discoveries from the last 5 years and discusses how these findings are fueling ongoing work into effectively dealing with the disease process and improving the treatment of CS.

Resveratrol as a Tumor-Suppressive Nutraceutical Modulating Tumor Microenvironment and Malignant Behaviors of Cancer

Tumor-suppressive effects of resveratrol have been shown in various types of cancer. However, regulation of tumor microenvironment by resveratrol is still unclear. Recent findings suggest resveratrol can potentiate its tumor-suppressive effect through modulation of the signaling pathways of cellular components (fibroblasts, macrophages and T cells). Also, studies have shown that resveratrol can suppress malignant phenotypes of cancer cells acquired in response to stresses of the tumor microenvironment, such as hypoxia, oxidative stress and inflammation. We discuss the effects of resveratrol on cancer cells in stress environment of tumors as well as interactions between cancer cells and non-cancer cells in this review.

Efficacy of resveratrol to supplement oral nifedipine treatment in pregnancy-induced preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complication affecting pregnant women worldwide, which usually manifests as severe maternal hypertension. Resveratrol (RESV), a naturally existing polyphenol, is known to exhibit beneficial effects in cardiovascular disease including hypertension. We evaluated the outcome of treatment combining oral nifedipine (NIFE) and RESV against PE.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Using a randomized group assignment, 400 PE patients were enrolled and received oral treatments of either NIFE + RESV or NIFE + placebo. Primary endpoints were defined as time to control blood pressure and time before a new hypertensive crisis. Secondary endpoints were defined as the number of doses needed to control blood pressure, maternal and neonatal adverse effects.

RESULTS

Compared with the NIFE + placebo group, the time needed to control blood pressure was significantly reduced in NIFE + RESV group, while time before a new hypertensive crisis was greatly delayed in NIFE + RESV group. The number of treatment doses needed to control blood pressure was also categorically lower in NIFE + RESV group. No differences in maternal or neonatal adverse effects were observed between the two treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

Our data support the potential of RESV as a safe and effective adjuvant of oral NIFE to attenuate hypertensive symptoms among PE patients.

Resveratrol in management of bone and spinal cancers

Bone cancer is a malignant primary tumour of the bone with different typing, such as, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma and fibrosarcoma. Despite the clinical efficacy of conventional therapies of bone cancer, most patients eventually relapse and the disease remains incurable. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are needed to improve patient outcome. In this review article, we have discussed the role of resveratrol in preventing bone and spinal cancers and therapeutics. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural polyphenol, which has been widely reported as an anticancer molecule. Resveratrol exhibits multiple tumour-suppressing activities in bone cancer by affecting a series of critical events. It has the protective effects against oxidative injury, possesses antiproliferative activity and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Resveratrol might be a good option for the treatment of different types of bone and spinal cancers.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate suppresses chondrosarcoma metastasis by upregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 through suppressing miR-101 expression

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary malignancy form of bone cancer, exhibiting resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy as well as developing high metastasis ability in late‐stage tumors. Thus, understanding the metastatic processes of chondrosarcoma is considered a strategy for the treatment of this disease. Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), a bioactive sphingolipid, is produced intracellularly by sphingosine kinase (SphK) and is regarded as a second signaling molecule that regulates inflammation, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. However, the effect of S1P on chondrosarcoma remains uncertain. As demonstrated by the transwell, immunoblotting, and real‐time PCR analyses, we found that S1P inhibited cell migration and MMP‐2 expression through the upregulation of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐3 (TIMP‐3) expression in human chondrosarcoma cells. Additionally, we also showed that microRNA (miRNA)‐101, which targets the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of TIMP‐3, decreased significantly following S1P treatment. After transfection with miR‐101 mimics, the S1P‐regulated cell migration and TIMP‐3 expression were both reversed. Furthermore, we also showed that the S1P‐inhibited cell migration is mediated through the c‐Src/MEK/ERK signaling axis. Meanwhile, the in vivo study indicated that overexpression of SphK1 decreases chondrosarcoma metastasis to the lungs. Our results illustrate the clinical significance between SphK1, TIMP‐3, and miR‐101 in human chondrosarcoma patients. Taken together, our results suggest that S1P and miR‐101 may prove to be potential therapeutic targets for future chondrosarcoma treatment.

Recent advances in gossypol derivatives and analogs: a chemistry and biology view

Gossypol as a natural occurring polyphenol has been studied in a wide range of therapeutic contexts for a long time. The chemical modifications on gossypol were limited due to the unique chemical properties of polyphenols. The design and synthesis of gossypol derivatives and the exploration of their biological activities are the interest of the synthetic chemists, medicinal chemists and pharmacologists. Thus, the progress of diverse gossypol derivatives and analogs' synthesis, biological activities, mechanism elucidation and drug discovery based on gossypol scaffold is summarized.

Cross-talk mechanism between endothelial cells and hepatocellular carcinoma cells via growth factors and integrin pathway promotes tumor angiogenesis and cell migration

Tumor angiogenesis plays a central role in the development and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer cells secrete angiogenic factors to recruit vascular endothelial cells and sustain tumor vascular networks, which facilitate the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Therefore, the cross-talk between vascular endothelial cells and cancer cells is vitally necessary, however, little is known about the cross-talk mechanism of these cells interaction. In the present study, the proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation of vascular endothelial EA.hy926 cells and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells were studied by exchanging their culture medium. The time-dependent differences of integrins induced signaling pathway associated with cell migration were investigated. Our results showed that HepG2 cells markedly enhanced the proliferation and migration ability as well as the tube formation of EA.hy926 cells by releasing growth factors. Also, the EA.hy926 cells promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of HepG2 cells. The further analysis demonstrated that the integrins-FAK-Rho GTPases signaling events in both of two cells was activated under conditioned medium, and the signaling molecules in two cell lines showed a different time-dependent expression within 1h. These findings reveal the cross-talk mechanism between the endothelial cells and hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which were expected to find out new ideas for the prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Protective effect of resveratrol against nigrostriatal pathway injury in striatum via JNK pathway

Nigrostriatal pathway injury is one of the traumatic brain injury models that usually lead to neurological dysfunction or neuron necrosis. Resveratrol-induced benefits have recently been demonstrated in several models of neuronal degeneration diseases. However, the protective properties of resveratrol against neurodegeneration have not been explored definitely. Thus, we employ the nigrostriatal pathway injury model to mimic the insults on the brain. Resveratrol decreased the p-ERK expression and increased the p-JNK expression compared to the DMSO group, but not alter the p38 MAPK proteins around the lesion site by Western blot. Prior to the injury, mice were infused with resveratrol intracerebroventricularly with or without JNK-IN-8, a specific c-JNK pathway inhibitor for JNK1, JNK2 and JNK4. The study assessed modified improved neurological function score (mNSS) and beam/walking test, the level of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and striatal expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins associated with neuronal apoptosis. The results revealed that resveratrol exerted a neuroprotective effect as shown by the improved mNSS and beam latency, anti-inflammatory effects as indicated by the decreased level of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, resveratrol up-regulated the protein expression of p-JNK and Bcl-2, down-regulated the expression of Bax and the number of Fluoro-Jade C (FJC) positive neurons. However, these advantages of resveratrol were abolished by JNK-IN-8 treatment. Overall, we demonstrated that resveratrol treatment attenuates the nigrostriatal pathway injury-induced neuronal apoptosis and inflammation via activation of c-JNK signaling.

Catechol-based matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors with additional antioxidative activity

New catechol-containing chemical entities have been investigated as matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors as well as antioxidant molecules. The combination of the two properties could represent a useful feature due to the potential application in all the pathological processes characterized by increased proteolytic activity and radical oxygen species (ROS) production, such as inflammation and photoaging. A series of catechol-based molecules were synthesized and tested for both proteolytic and oxidative inhibitory activity, and the detailed binding mode was assessed by crystal structure determination of the complex between a catechol derivative and the matrix metalloproteinase-8. Surprisingly, X-ray structure reveals that the catechol oxygens do not coordinates the zinc atom.

Resveratrol improves delayed r-tPA treatment outcome by reducing MMPs

OBJECTIVES

Although recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) is currently the most effective treatment for brain ischemic stroke, the 3-h narrow therapeutic windows severely limits its clinical efficacy. We aim to investigate the effect of resveratrol on improving treatment outcomes of delayed r-tPA administration.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Patients were randomly divided according to their onset-to-treatment time (OTT), as early OTT or delayed OTT. Then, they were either treated with r-tPA + placebo or with r-tPA + resveratrol. Twenty-four hours after the treatment, outcomes were assessed with NIH stroke scale (NIHSS), and plasma levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were also examined with ELISA.

RESULTS

In patients receiving delayed r-tPA treatment, co-administration of resveratrol significantly improves their treatment outcomes compared with those receiving placebo, as indicated by improved NIHSS scores. This improved outcome was be caused by resveratrol-induced reduction in plasma levels of both matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, as a positive correlation was observed between reductions in both MMPs and patient NIHSS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Resveratrol could be potentially administered as an adjuvant with r-tPA treatment, which extends the clinical therapeutic window of r-tPA, therefore improving the outcome of patients receiving late stroke treatment.

Resveratrol-Loaded Liquid-Crystalline System Inhibits UVB-Induced Skin Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice

Evidence shows beneficial effects of resveratrol (RES) on human health. However, its poor aqueous solubility limits therapeutic effectiveness. Thus, the use of nanostructured delivery systems for RES, such as a liquid-crystalline system (LCS), could be viable. The purpose of this study was to develop, characterize, and determine the in vivo effectiveness of a RES-loaded LCS. We studied an LCS containing silicon glycol copolymer, polyether functional siloxane, and the polymeric dispersion carbomer homopolymer type B (C974) in the ratio 20:55:25 with and without RES. Results obtained using polarized light microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and rheology analysis showed that the RES-loaded LCS system presents a lamellar structure and behaves as a non-Newtonian fluid presenting pseudoplastic (the apparent viscosity decreases as the stress increases) and thixotropic (the apparent viscosity decreases with the duration of stress) behaviors. Cytotoxicity studies showed that the formulation components are noncytotoxic. Topical application of a RES-loaded LCS protected hairless mice from UVB-irradiation-induced skin damage by inhibiting edema, neutrophil recruitment, lipid hydroperoxide and superoxide anion production, gp91phox mRNA expression, and oxidative stress. The RES-loaded LCS maintained 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing abilities, catalase activity, reduced glutathione levels, and mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 and glutathione reductase. The RES-loaded LCS also up-regulated matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity, IL-10 production, and mRNA expression of transcription factor Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1. Therefore, a RES-loaded LCS is a promising new therapeutic approach to mitigate skin photodamage.

Transcription factor 7-like 1 dysregulates keratinocyte differentiation through upregulating lipocalin 2

Recent studies strongly suggested that transcription factor 7-like 1 (Tcf7l1, also known as Tcf3) is involved in the differentiation of several types of cells, and demonstrated that Tcf7l1 modulates keratinocytes physiologically through regulating lipocalin 2 (LCN2), a key regulator of cell differentiation. To reveal the potential role of Tcf7l1 in the dysregulation of keratinocyte differentiation, both Tcf7l1 and LCN2 were determined in a variety of skin disorders. The in vitro effect of Tcf7l1 on keratinocyte differentiation was studied by culturing SCC-13 cells, and the human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) that were transfected with vectors for overexpressing human papillomavirus E6/E7 or Tcf7l1 genes. We found that both Tcf7l1 and LCN2 were highly expressed in those diseases characterized by defective keratinocyte differentiation (especially psoriasis vulgaris, condyloma acuminatum, squamous cell carcinoma, etc). Moreover, compared with control HFKs, SCC-13 cells and E6/E7-harboring HFKs expressed more Tcf7l1 and LCN2. Tcf7l1 siRNA transfection decreased LCN2 but increased involucrin and loricrin in HFKs under calcium stimuli. Conversely, Tcf7l1 overexpression in SCC-13 cells or vector-transfected HFKs induced lower involucrin and loricrin expression and less keratinocyte apoptosis, both of which, however, were partially abrogated by LCN2 siRNA or neutralizing anti-LCN2 antibody. Interestingly, the Tcf7l1 expression in HFKs correlated positively with the MMP-2 level, and the inhibition of MMP-2 decreased the LCN2 level and even attenuated the effect of Tcf7l1 on LCN2 expression. Therefore, Tcf7l1 dysregulates keratinocyte differentiation, possibly through upregulating the LCN2 pathway in an MMP-2 mediated manner. Elucidating the interaction between Tcf7l1 and LCN2 may help understand disordered cell differentiation in some skin diseases.

Resveratrol reduces matrix metalloproteinases and alleviates intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in rats

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a severe liver disorder occurring specifically in pregnancy, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were found to be elevated in ICP patients. Using ethinylestradiol-induced ICP rats as the model, we examined the effect of resveratrol on ICP symptoms such as bile flow rate, serum enzymatic activities, and TBA concentration, as well as MMP levels, and compared with the known ICP drug ursodeoxycholic acid. Both MMP-2 and MMP-9 were upregulated in ICP rats, and resveratrol treatment could inhibit the elevation of both MMPs, whereas ursodeoxycholic acid did not exhibit any effect. Although ursodeoxycholic acid alleviated ICP symptoms, resveratrol treatment in general exhibited better outcome in restoring bile flow rate, serum enzymatic activities, and TBA concentration. Our results for the first instance strongly supported the potential of RE as a new therapeutic agent in treating ICP, possibly through inhibiting MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Targeting protein kinases to reverse multidrug resistance in sarcoma

Sarcomas are a group of cancers that arise from transformed cells of mesenchymal origin. They can be classified into over 50 subtypes, accounting for approximately 1% of adult and 15% of pediatric cancers. Wide surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are the most common treatments for the majority of sarcomas. Among these therapies, chemotherapy can palliate symptoms and prolong life for some sarcoma patients. However, sarcoma cells can have intrinsic or acquired resistance after treatment with chemotherapeutics drugs, leading to the development of multidrug resistance (MDR). MDR attenuates the efficacy of anticancer drugs and results in treatment failure for sarcomas. Therefore, overcoming MDR is an unmet need for sarcoma therapy. Certain protein kinases demonstrate aberrant expression and/or activity in sarcoma cells, which have been found to be involved in the regulation of sarcoma cell progression, such as cell cycle, apoptosis, and survival. Inhibiting these protein kinases may not only decrease the proliferation and growth of sarcoma cells, but also reverse their resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs to subsequently reduce the doses of anticancer drugs and decrease drug side-effects. The discovery of novel strategies targeting protein kinases opens a door to a new area of sarcoma research and provides insight into the mechanisms of MDR in chemotherapy. This review will focus on the recent studies in targeting protein kinase to reverse chemotherapeutic drug resistance in sarcoma.

Toll-like receptor 4 signaling promotes invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through MKK4/JNK pathway

Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-mediated signaling has been shown to be important to cell survival, invasion and metastasis in a variety of cancers. The present study aimed to explore the role and downstream pathways of TLR4 signaling in the invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. We found that LPS, the agonist of TLR4, notably enhanced the invasiveness of HCC cells and the expression of MMP2 and MMP9, as well as the production of IL-6 and TNFα. LPS treatment dramatically increased the TLR4 expression on HCC cells surface and MKK4/JNK activation, while knockdown of TLR4 inhibited the LPS-induced invasion and the phosphorylation of MKK4 and JNK. Furthermore, silencing of MKK4 or inhibition of JNK activity led to impaired invasiveness of HCCs, low expression level of MMPs and TLR4, as well as limited production of cytokines. However, LPS stimulation only triggered moderate activation of NF-кB. Silencing of NF-кB or NF-кB inhibitor had no obvious effect on the invasive ability of HCCs and TLR4 expression, but suppressed IL-6 and TNFα production. These findings suggested that LPS-TLR4 signaling enhanced the invasiveness of HCCs mainly through MKK4/JNK pathway.