bims-kracam Biomed News
on K-Ras in cancer metabolism
Issue of 2022‒09‒11
214 papers selected by
Yasmin Elkabani, Egyptian Foundation for Research and Community Development



  1. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Sep;pii: S0753-3322(22)00765-X. [Epub ahead of print]153 113376
      Metabolic reprogramming is one of the most prominent features underlying cancer cells progression and metastasis.Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the clinical treatment of cancer, with the advantages of multi-pathway, multi-target, multi-component anti-tumor pharmacological effects and low risk of adverse effects. However, the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effects of TCM are not fully understood, especially on cellular metabolic reprogramming. In this review, we summarize the role of glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism in cancer metastasis, which is key in cancer cells and tumor micro-environment (TME) cell metabolism. Furthermore, we reviewed the potential mechanisms by which, most bioactive TCM compounds suppress cancer metastasis by regulating metabolic reprogramming and the possibility of sensitizing other anti-tumor drugs. TCM and its bioactive compounds have huge prospects for clinical application in the treatment of cancer metastasis. Unfortunately, little is currently known about the regulatory effects of Chinese herbal medicines and their bioactive compounds on the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and the combination therapy for cancers. This review provides novel insights into the regulation of metabolic reprogramming by TCM in combination with other anti-tumor drugs against cancer metastasis and the possibility of becoming sensitizers for other anti-tumor drugs.
    Keywords:  Cancer metastasis; Metabolic reprogramming; TME cells; Traditional Chinese medicine; Tumor micro-environment
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113376
  2. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Sep 02. pii: 10037. [Epub ahead of print]23(17):
      Aerobic glycolysis is an emerging hallmark of many human cancers, as cancer cells are defined as a "metabolically abnormal system". Carbohydrates are metabolically reprogrammed by its metabolizing and catabolizing enzymes in such abnormal cancer cells. Normal cells acquire their energy from oxidative phosphorylation, while cancer cells acquire their energy from oxidative glycolysis, known as the "Warburg effect". Energy-metabolic differences are easily found in the growth, invasion, immune escape and anti-tumor drug resistance of cancer cells. The glycolysis pathway is carried out in multiple enzymatic steps and yields two pyruvate molecules from one glucose (Glc) molecule by orchestral reaction of enzymes. Uncontrolled glycolysis or abnormally activated glycolysis is easily observed in the metabolism of cancer cells with enhanced levels of glycolytic proteins and enzymatic activities. In the "Warburg effect", tumor cells utilize energy supplied from lactic acid-based fermentative glycolysis operated by glycolysis-specific enzymes of hexokinase (HK), keto-HK-A, Glc-6-phosphate isomerase, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase, phosphofructokinase (PFK), phosphor-Glc isomerase (PGI), fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, phosphoglycerate (PG) kinase (PGK)1, triose phosphate isomerase, PG mutase (PGAM), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, enolase, pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), PDH kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. They are related to glycolytic flux. The key enzymes involved in glycolysis are directly linked to oncogenesis and drug resistance. Among the metabolic enzymes, PKM2, PGK1, HK, keto-HK-A and nucleoside diphosphate kinase also have protein kinase activities. Because glycolysis-generated energy is not enough, the cancer cell-favored glycolysis to produce low ATP level seems to be non-efficient for cancer growth and self-protection. Thus, the Warburg effect is still an attractive phenomenon to understand the metabolic glycolysis favored in cancer. If the basic properties of the Warburg effect, including genetic mutations and signaling shifts are considered, anti-cancer therapeutic targets can be raised. Specific therapeutics targeting metabolic enzymes in aerobic glycolysis and hypoxic microenvironments have been developed to kill tumor cells. The present review deals with the tumor-specific Warburg effect with the revisited viewpoint of recent progress.
    Keywords:  Metabolic enzyme; Warburg’s effect; aerobic glycolysis; apoptotic death; carbohydrate metabolic reprogramming; cytosolic to mitochondrial pathway determinant; glucose utilization; metabolic selectivity
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231710037
  3. Front Oncol. 2022 ;12 942064
      Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women. At present, chemotherapy is the main method to treat breast cancer in addition to surgery and radiotherapy, but the process of chemotherapy is often accompanied by the development of drug resistance, which leads to a reduction in drug efficacy. Furthermore, mounting evidence indicates that drug resistance is caused by dysregulated cellular metabolism, and metabolic reprogramming, including enhanced glucose metabolism, fatty acid synthesis and glutamine metabolic rates, is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Changes in metabolism have been considered one of the most important causes of resistance to treatment, and knowledge of the mechanisms involved will help in identifying potential treatment deficiencies. To improve women's survival outcomes, it is vital to elucidate the relationship between metabolic reprogramming and drug resistance in breast cancer. This review analyzes and investigates the reprogramming of metabolism and resistance to breast cancer therapy, and the results offer promise for novel targeted and cell-based therapies.
    Keywords:  Breast cancer; drug resistance; fatty acid synthesis; glucose metabolism; metabolic reprogramming
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.942064
  4. Molecules. 2022 Aug 25. pii: 5452. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      Cancer is still one of the most widespread diseases globally, it is considered a vital health challenge worldwide and one of the main barriers to long life expectancy. Due to the potential toxicity and lack of selectivity of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, discovering alternative treatments is a top priority. Plant-derived natural products have high potential in cancer treatment due to their multiple mechanisms of action, diversity in structure, availability in nature, and relatively low toxicity. In this review, the anticancer mechanisms of the most common phytochemicals were analyzed. Furthermore, a detailed discussion of the anticancer effect of combinations consisting of natural product or natural products with chemotherapeutic drugs was provided. This review should provide a strong platform for researchers and clinicians to improve basic and clinical research in the development of alternative anticancer medicines.
    Keywords:  alternative anticancer therapy; cancer; curcumin; natural products; resveratrol
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175452
  5. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2022 ;10 957349
      In order to solve the different pains caused by traditional cancer treatment methods such as surgical treatment, the nano-drug delivery system provides new ideas for cancer treatment. In this paper, a novel anti-tumor therapy nanoparticle, P(AAm-co-AN)-AuNRs@CeO2-Ce6(PA/Ce6), is prepared, which provides a novel idea for liver cancer treatment. The CeO2-coated gold nanorods were grafted onto the surface of the temperature-sensitive polymer P(AAm-co-AN)-CTPD. The photosensitizer Ce6 is loaded on the surface of the nanoparticles and the polymer layer. CeO2 can effectively alleviate the tumor anaerobic microenvironment, and under 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) excitation, the gold nanorods achieve photothermal conversion to induce local heating, which leads to the phase transition of the polymer layer and realizes a controllable release mechanism. In addition, 660 nm NIR light can effectively induce Ce6 to produce singlet oxygen, thereby effectively killing cancer cells. Under the 808 nm laser irradiation within 600 s, the PA/Ce6 solution can heat up to about 60°C, which was enough to ablate both cancer cells and tumor tissues. When the temperature was 50°C, the cumulative release rate of Ce6 was 95.31%. Under the 808 nm laser irradiation, oxygen production capacity of PA/Ce6 was higher and can effectively reduce the content of hydrogen peroxide in cancer cells. Compared to free Ce6, the reactive oxygen species-mediated fluorescence of PA/Ce6 nanoparticles was greater. The cell viability and migration of HepG2 cells were decreased after the 660 and 880 nm lasers were irradiated at the same time. The cancer cells were further inhibited, showing a good in vitro anti-tumor effect. PA-DOX showed the best tumor growth inhibitory effect under NIR laser irradiation and had no acute toxicity in vivo. Due to the existence of AuNRs, nanoparticles had high-efficiency photothermal conversion ability to achieve photothermal therapy. Ce6 can generate singlet oxygen under the excitation of 660 nm laser to realize photodynamic therapy. The experimental results also showed that PA/Ce6 can effectively decompose hydrogen peroxide under laser irradiation, aiming to effectively alleviate the anaerobic microenvironment of tumors. These indicate that PA/Ce6 plays a promising role for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
    Keywords:  chlorin e6; gold nanoparticles; liver cancer treatment; photodynamic therapy; photothermal therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2022.957349
  6. Curr Drug Metab. 2022 Sep 05.
      BACKGROUND: Global cancer statistics defines the severity of disease even after significant research worldwide.PROBLEM: Failure of the currently available treatment approaches including surgery, radiation therapy and traditional chemotherapy.
    AIM: The aim of this review is to discuss the role of phytochemical based nano-formulations for treatment of cancer.
    DISCUSSION: In the past few decades, phytochemicals have gained popularity for acting as a potential anticancer treatment with low systemic toxicity, especially in terms of cell cycle control and cancer cell killing. Natural resources, with their immense structural variety, serve as a vital source of fresh, therapeutically useful new chemical entities for the treatment of cancer. Vinca alkaloids (VCR), vinblastine, vindesine, vinorelbine, taxanes (PTX), podophyllotoxin and its derivatives (etoposide (ETP), teniposide, camptothecin (CPT) and its derivatives (topotecan, irinotecan), anthracyclines (doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, as natural products or their derivatives account for half of all anti-cancer drugs approved worldwide, and they have been developed utilising the knowledge learned from the natural small molecules or macromolecules. Trabectedin, an epothilone derivative, ixabepilone, and temsirolimus, three new anti-cancer medications launched in 2007 were derived from microbial origins. Current therapy regimens require selective drug targeting to enhance efficacy against cancer cells while normal cells remain unharmed. Modified medications and systems for drug delivery based on nanotechnology are in the process of being explored and launched in the industry for enhanced therapy and management of cancer, along with promising outcomes. Many obstacles related to cancer cell drug delivery can be overcome by using nano-particulate drug carriers, including enhancing the stability and solubility of the drug, prolonging half-lives of the drug in the blood, decreasing side effects to undesired organs, and increasing medication concentration at the desired site. The scientific initiatives and studies concerning the use of nanotechnology for some selective compounds derived from plants are discussed in this review article.
    CONCLUSION: The present review highlights the phytochemical-based nanoformulations and its strategies in the development of novel systems of drug delivery such as nano-liposomes, functionalized nanoparticles (NPs), and polymer nano-conjugates, SNEDDS (Self nano emulsifying drug delivery system) as this review paper depicts, as well as their rewards over conventional systems of drug delivery, as evidenced by improved biological activity depicted in their in vitro and in vivo anticancer assays.
    Keywords:  Cancer; NPs; Phytochemical; Polymer nanoconjugates; SNEDDS; drug carriers
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2174/1389200223666220905162245
  7. Front Pharmacol. 2022 ;13 990505
      Nanoparticles based on single-component synthetic polymers, such as poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), have been extensively studied for antitumor drug delivery and adjuvant therapy due to their ability to encapsulate and release drugs, as well as passively target tumors. Amphiphilic block co-polymers, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)-PLGA, have also been used to prepare multifunctional nanodrug delivery systems with prolonged circulation time and greater bioavailability that can encapsulate a wider variety of drugs, including small molecules, gene-targeting drugs, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and multi-target enzyme inhibitors, enhancing their antitumor effect and safety. In addition, the surface of PEG-PLGA nanoparticles has been modified with various ligands to achieve active targeting and selective accumulation of antitumor drugs in tumor cells. Modification with two ligands has also been applied with good antitumor effects, while the use of imaging agents and pH-responsive or magnetic materials has paved the way for the application of such nanoparticles in clinical diagnosis. In this work, we provide an overview of the synthesis and application of PEG-PLGA nanoparticles in cancer treatment and we discuss the recent advances in ligand modification for active tumor targeting.
    Keywords:  PEG; PLGA; antitumor therapy; drug delivery; nanoparticles; targeted modification
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.990505
  8. Chem Soc Rev. 2022 Sep 07.
      Light-based phototherapy has been developed for cancer treatment owing to its non-invasiveness and spatiotemporal control. Despite the unique merits of phototherapy, one critical disadvantage of light is its limited penetration depth, which restricts its application in cancer treatment. Although many researchers have developed various strategies to deliver light into deep-seated tumors with two-photon and near-infrared light irradiation, phototherapy encounters the peculiar limitations of light. In addition, high oxygen dependency is another limitation of photodynamic therapy to treat hypoxic tumors. To overcome the drawbacks of conventional treatments, various energy sources have been developed for cancer treatment. Generally, most energy sources, such as ultrasound, chemiluminescence, radiation, microwave, electricity, and magnetic field, are relatively free from the restraint of penetration depth. Combining other strategies or therapies with other energy-source-based therapies improves the strength and compensates for the weakness. This tutorial review focuses on recent advances in the diverse energy sources utilized in cancer treatment and their future perspectives.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1039/d2cs00102k
  9. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 May;pii: S0753-3322(22)00290-6. [Epub ahead of print]149 112901
      Despite enormous development in the field of drug development, cancer still remains elusive. Compromised immunity stands as a roadblock to the successful pharmacological execution of anti-cancer drugs used clinically currently. Recently some breakthrough cancer treatment strategy like nano-formulation, extracellular vesicles treatment, natural antioxidant therapy, targeted immunotherapy, gene therapy, thermal ablation and magnetic hyperthermia, and pathomics and radiomics has been developed and tested pre-clinically as well as clinically. However, clinical efficacy of such therapies is yet to establish and some are too costly to be utilized by patients from poor and developing countries. At this juncture, researchers are heading towards the search of medicines from natural sources that is higher safety margin and multitarget pharmacological efficacy compared to conventional treatments. Mushroom is used traditionally as food as well as drug since time immemorial due to its immunomodulatory effect which is loaded with proteins, low fat content and cholesterol. Mushrooms are recommended as one of the best vegetarian diets for immunosuppressed cancer and HIV/AIDS patients. Mushrooms are well-known for their anti-cancer activity that impacts hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer (NK) cells in the immune system. This comprehensive review article emphasizes on the molecular mechanisms of cancer genesis, conventional anti-cancer therapy as well as reported some significant breakthrough in anti-cancer drug development, anti-cancer activity of some selected species of mushrooms and their bioactive phytoconstituents followed by a brief discussion of recent anti-cancer efficacy of some metallic nanoparticles loaded with mushrooms.
    Keywords:  Anti-cancer; Gold nanoparticles; Immunomodulatory; Mushroom; Nanomedicine; Silver nanoparticles
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112901
  10. Front Pharmacol. 2022 ;13 950886
      Metabolic reprogramming is of great significance in the progression of various cancers and is critical for cancer progression, diagnosis, and treatment. Cellular metabolic pathways mainly include glycolysis, fat metabolism, glutamine decomposition, and oxidative phosphorylation. In cancer cells, reprogramming metabolic pathways is used to meet the massive energy requirement for tumorigenesis and development. Metabolisms are also altered in malignant osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Among reprogrammed metabolisms, alterations in aerobic glycolysis are key to the massive biosynthesis and energy demands of OS cells to sustain their growth and metastasis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that compared to normal cells, glycolysis in OS cells under aerobic conditions is substantially enhanced to promote malignant behaviors such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of OS. Glycolysis in OS is closely related to various oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and numerous signaling pathways have been reported to be involved in the regulation of glycolysis. In recent years, a vast number of inhibitors and natural products have been discovered to inhibit OS progression by targeting glycolysis-related proteins. These potential inhibitors and natural products may be ideal candidates for the treatment of osteosarcoma following hundreds of preclinical and clinical trials. In this article, we explore key pathways, glycolysis enzymes, non-coding RNAs, inhibitors, and natural products regulating aerobic glycolysis in OS cells to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between glycolysis and the progression of OS and discover novel therapeutic approaches targeting glycolytic metabolism in OS.
    Keywords:  Cancer Progression; glycolysis; key enzymes; osteosarcoma; signaling pathway
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.950886
  11. Semin Cancer Biol. 2022 Sep 06. pii: S1044-579X(22)00193-6. [Epub ahead of print]
      Brain cancer is an aggressive type of cancer with poor prognosis. While the immune system protects against cancer in the early stages, the tumor exploits the healing arm of inflammatory reactions to accelerate its growth and spread. Various immune cells penetrate the developing tumor region, establishing a pro-inflammatory tumor milieu. Additionally, tumor cells may release chemokines and cytokines to attract immune cells and promote cancer growth. Inflammation and its associated mechanisms in the progression of cancer have been extensively studied in the majority of solid tumors, especially brain tumors. However, treatment of the malignant brain cancer is hindered by several obstacles, such as the blood-brain barrier, transportation inside the brain interstitium, inflammatory mediators that promote tumor growth and invasiveness, complications in administering therapies to tumor cells specifically, the highly invasive nature of gliomas, and the resistance to drugs. To resolve these obstacles, nanomedicine could be a potential strategy that has facilitated advancements in diagnosing and treating brain cancer. Due to the numerous benefits provided by their small size and other features, nanoparticles have been a prominent focus of research in the drug-delivery field. The purpose of this article is to discuss the role of inflammatory mediators and signalling pathways in brain cancer as well as the recent advances in understanding the nano-carrier approaches for enhancing drug delivery to the brain in the treatment of brain cancer.
    Keywords:  Brain cancer; Drug delivery; Inflammation; Nano-carrier; Nanomedicine; Tumor cells
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.08.007
  12. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2022 Sep 05. 1-17
      The aim of this survey was to load chrysin on solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and decorate the nanoparticles with folate-bound chitosan to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.CHY-SCF-NPs were synthesized by homogenizing and sonication methods and characterized. FA binding and encapsulation efficiency (HPLC), antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH), cell viability assay (MTT), programmed cell death analysis (fluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and qPCR), and angiogenesis (CAM and molecular analysis) assay were done for assessment of therapeutic efficiency of CHY-SCF-NPs.Increases in size and change in surface charge of CHY-SLNs (PS: 84.3 nm and ZP: -18 mV) were reported after coating with folate-bound chitosan (PS: 125 nm and ZP: +34.9 mV). CHY-SCF-NPs inhibited PANC, MCF-7, A2780, and HepG2 as malignant cells and HFF as normal cells with IC50 ∼ 53, 55, 249, and >250 µg/ml respectively. Also, CHY-SCF-NPs scavenged ABTS (IC50: 123.73 µg/ml), and DPPH (IC50: 108.7 µg/ml) free radicals and suppressed angiogenesis in the CAM and qPCR assays. Up-regulation of Bax and caspase 9 genes as well as the fluorescence staining and cell cycle results confirmed the pro-apoptotic properties of CHY-SCF-NPs.CHY-SCF-NPs can be considered a promising anti-cancer candidate for preclinical and clinical studies of pancreatic cancer.
    Keywords:  Chitosan; Chrysin; Solid Lipid Nanoparticles; Targeted delivery
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/09205063.2022.2121589
  13. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2022 Sep 05. pii: 3075. [Epub ahead of print]12(17):
      Biologically active substances of natural origin offer a promising alternative in skin disease treatment in comparison to synthetic medications. The limiting factors for the efficient application of natural compounds, such as low water solubility and low bioavailability, can be easily overcome by the development of suitable delivery systems. In this study, the exchange with the template procedure was used for the preparation ofa spherical silver-modified mesoporous silica nanocarrier. The initial and drug-loaded formulations are fully characterized by different physico-chemical methods. The incipient wetness impregnation method used to load health-promoting agents, curcumin, and capsaicin in Ag-modified carriers separately or in combinationresulted in high loading efficiency (up to 33 wt.%). The interaction between drugs and carriers was studied by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The release experiments of both active substances from the developed formulations were studied in buffers with pH 5.5, and showed improved solubility. Radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays were successfully used for the evaluation of the antiradical and antioxidant capacity of the curcumin or/and capsaicin loaded on mesoporous carriers. Formulations containing a mixture of curcumin and capsaicin were characterized bypotentiation of their antiproliferative effect against maligning cells, and it was confirmed that the system for simultaneous delivery of both drugs has lower IC50 values than the free substances.The antibacterial tests showed better activity of the obtained delivery systems in comparison with the pure curcumin and capsaicin. Considering the obtained results, it can be concluded that the obtained delivery systems are promising for potential dermal treatment.
    Keywords:  antioxidant activity; capsaicin; curcumin; cytotoxicity; drug delivery; mesoporous carrier; silver-modified silica
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12173075
  14. Mol Biol Rep. 2022 Sep 09.
      Cancer is the second leading cause of fatality all over the world. Various unwanted side effects are being reported with the use of conventional chemotherapy. The plant derived bioactive compounds are the prominent alternative medicinal approach for reduction of chemotherapy associated side effects. The data is collected from Pubmed, Sci-hub, Google scholar, and Research gate were systematically searched up to year 2020. Several herbal drugs have been investigated and found with grateful anti-cancer potentials hence, it can be used in combination with chemotherapy for the depletion of associated side-effects. Herbal drugs and their extracts contain a mixture of active ingredients, which show interactions within themselves and along with chemotherapeutic agents to show either synergistic or antagonistic therapeutic effects. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative treatment to control chemotherapy associated side-effects. In this review, we discussed some of the significant chemical compounds, which could be efficient against cancer. This review focuses on the different herbal drugs that play an important role in the treatment of cancer and its associated side-effects. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of herbal treatment in combination with chemotherapy for cancer treatment.
    Keywords:  Cancer; Chemotherapy; Clinical; Herbal drugs; Phytochemistry; Side effects
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-022-07861-9
  15. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2022 Sep 02. pii: 3051. [Epub ahead of print]12(17):
      Efficient conventional chemotherapy is limited by its nonspecific nature, which causes severe systemic toxicity that can lead to patient discomfort and low therapeutic efficacy. The emergence of smart drug delivery systems (SDDSs) utilizing nanoparticles as drug nanocarriers has shown great potential in enhancing the targetability of anticancer agents and limiting their side effects. Liposomes are among the most investigated nanoplatforms due to their promising capabilities of encapsulating hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic drugs, biocompatibility, physicochemical and biophysical properties. Liposomal nanodrug systems have demonstrated the ability to alter drugs' biodistribution by sufficiently delivering the entrapped chemotherapeutics at the targeted diseased sites, sparing normal cells from undesired cytotoxic effects. Combining liposomal treatments with ultrasound, as an external drug release triggering modality, has been proven effective in spatially and temporally controlling and stimulating drug release. Therefore, this paper reviews recent literature pertaining to the therapeutic synergy of triggering nanodrugs from liposomes using ultrasound. It also highlights the effects of multiple physical and chemical factors on liposomes' sonosensetivity, several ultrasound-induced drug release mechanisms, and the efficacy of ultrasound-responsive liposomal systems in cancer therapy. Overall, liposomal nanodrug systems triggered by ultrasound are promising cancer therapy platforms that can potentially alleviate the detriments of conventional cancer treatments.
    Keywords:  active targeting; liposomes; passive targeting; receptor-mediated endocytosis; triggered release; ultrasound
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12173051
  16. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Sep 03. pii: 10068. [Epub ahead of print]23(17):
      Triple-negative breast cancer is considered the most aggressive type of breast cancer among women and the lack of expressed receptors has made treatment options substantially limited. Recently, various types of nanoparticles have emerged as a therapeutic option against TNBC, to elevate the therapeutic efficacy of the existing chemotherapeutics. Among the various nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) viz. liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid nanocarriers, and lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles are developed for cancer treatment which is well confirmed and documented. LNPs include various therapeutic advantages as compared to conventional therapy and other nanoparticles, including increased loading capacity, enhanced temporal and thermal stability, decreased therapeutic dose and associated toxicity, and limited drug resistance. In addition to these, LNPs overcome physiological barriers which provide increased accumulation of therapeutics at the target site. Extensive efforts by the scientific community could make some of the liposomal formulations the clinical reality; however, the relatively high cost, problems in scaling up the formulations, and delivery in a more targetable fashion are some of the major issues that need to be addressed. In the present review, we have compiled the state of the art about different types of LNPs with the latest advances reported for the treatment of TNBC in recent years, along with their clinical status and toxicity in detail.
    Keywords:  lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles; liposomes; nanoemulsion; nanostructured lipid carriers; solid lipid nanoparticles; targeted therapy; triple-negative breast cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231710068
  17. Life Sci. 2022 Sep 01. pii: S0024-3205(22)00622-1. [Epub ahead of print] 120922
      Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common kidney cancers, responsible for nearly 90 % of all renal malignancies. Despite the availability of many treatment strategies, RCC still remains to be an incurable disease due to its resistivity towards conventional therapies. Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science that offers newer possibilities in therapeutics including cancer medicine, specifically by targeted delivery of anticancer drugs. Several phytochemicals are known for their anti-cancer properties and have been regarded as chemopreventive agents. However, the hydrophobic nature of many phytochemicals decreases its bioavailability and distribution, thus showing limited therapeutic effect. Application of nanotechnology to enhance chemoprevention is an effective strategy to increase the bioavailability of phytochemicals and thereby its therapeutic efficacy. The present review focuses on the utility of nanotechnology in RCC treatment and chemopreventive agents of RCC. We have also visualized the future prospects of nanomolecules in the prevention and cure of RCC.
    Keywords:  Chemoprevention; Nano-chemoprevention; Nanotechnology; Phytochemicals; Renal cell carcinoma; Targeted drug delivery
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120922
  18. IUBMB Life. 2022 Sep 09.
      Cancer cells shift their glucose catabolism from aerobic respiration to lactic fermentation even in the presence of oxygen, and this is known as the "Warburg effect". To accommodate the high glucose demands and to avoid lactate accumulation, the expression levels of human glucose transporters (GLUTs) and human monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are elevated to maintain metabolic homeostasis. Therefore, inhibition of GLUTs and/or MCTs provides potential therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Here, we summarize recent advances in the structural characterization of GLUTs and MCTs, providing a comprehensive understanding of their transport and inhibition mechanisms to facilitate further development of anticancer therapies.
    Keywords:  Warburg effect; alternating access; glucose transporters; lactate shuttling; monocarboxylate transporters
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/iub.2668
  19. Molecules. 2022 Aug 31. pii: 5622. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), also known as "chenpi", is the most common qi-regulating drug in traditional Chinese medicine. It is often used to treat cough and indigestion, but in recent years, it has been found to have multi-faceted anti-cancer effects. This article reviews the pharmacology of CRP and the mechanism of the action of flavonoids, the key components of CRP, against cancers including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, hepatic carcinoma, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer and other cancers with a high diagnosis rate. Finally, the specific roles of CRP in important phenotypes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy and migration-invasion in cancer were analyzed, and the possible prospects and deficiencies of CRP as an anticancer agent were evaluated.
    Keywords:  Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium; anticancer; flavonoids; mechanism; phenotype
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175622
  20. J Mater Chem B. 2022 Sep 07.
      Phototherapy, which mainly includes photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), is one of the most promising strategies for cancer therapeutics. Ruthenium as a metal nanomaterial shows great potential as a phototherapy agent. Herein, we developed flower-like ruthenium nanoparticles (FRuNPs) to enhance cancer phototherapy. Compared with spherical ruthenium nanoparticles (SRuNPs) of a similar size, FRuNPs exhibited more enhanced near-infrared (NIR) absorption. FRuNPs exhibited a superior photothermal effect, which significantly improved the efficiency of PTT. Intracellular reactive oxide species (ROS) generation was recognized as the primary mechanism of PDT treatment. FRuNPs mediated the generation of ROS when exposed to 808 nm laser irradiation. Moreover, with the synergistic effect of PTT and PDT in FRuNPs, the phototherapeutic effects were obviously enhanced. In vitro phototherapy of MCF-7 cells in the presence of FRuNPs led to nearly 100% cell death under irradiation with an 808 nm laser. And in vivo FRuNPs further showed the capacity of in completely clearing the tumor tissues and improving the hypoxia environment with 14 days for interval laser irradiation. These results indicate that FRuNPs have versatile potential for tumor phototherapy.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1039/d2tb01276f
  21. Molecules. 2022 Aug 31. pii: 5607. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      Messenger RNA (mRNA) is being developed by researchers as a novel drug for the treatment or prevention of many diseases. However, to enable mRNA to fully exploit its effects in vivo, researchers need to develop safer and more effective mRNA delivery systems that improve mRNA stability and enhance the ability of cells to take up and release mRNA. To date, lipid nanoparticles are promising nanodrug carriers for tumor therapy, which can significantly improve the immunotherapeutic effects of conventional drugs by modulating mRNA delivery, and have attracted widespread interest in the biomedical field. This review focuses on the delivery of mRNA by lipid nanoparticles for cancer treatment. We summarize some common tumor immunotherapy and mRNA delivery strategies, describe the clinical advantages of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery, and provide an outlook on the current challenges and future developments of this technology.
    Keywords:  cancer immunotherapy; lipid nanoparticles; mRNA delivery
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175607
  22. Drug Deliv. 2022 Dec;29(1): 2925-2944
      Albeit its established efficacy as an anti-hyperlipidemic agent, pitavastatin (PIT) has been shown to have other various therapeutic effects. One of these effects is the anti-cancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This effect has been evaluated in this study for the first time via its oral delivery loaded in bilosomes both in vitro in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line; HepG2 and in vivo in an Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model. Moreover, the impact of surface modification of bilosomes with lactoferrin (LF) as an active targeting ligand for HCC was investigated. Bilosomes were prepared by thin-film hydration and different molar phospholipid to bile salt ratios were used to optimize the bilosomal formulation. The molar phospholipid to bile salt ratio was adjusted to 4:1 at pH 7.4. LF-coated bilosomes possessed a particle size, PDI, entrapment efficiency, and zeta potential of 112.28 nm ± 6.35, 0.229 ± 0.06, 90.56% ± 3.22, and -7.86 mV ± 1.13, respectively. LF-coated bilosomes also increased permeation of PIT when tested on Caco-2 cells by 3.1-folds (compared to uncoated ones or free PIT solution). It also improved the cytotoxicity of HepG2 spheroids 44-folds more than PIT-free solution. RT-PCR analysis showed that LF-coated PIT-loaded bilosomes caused an improvement (2-fold increase) in the apoptotic potential of PIT mediated by caspase-3. In conclusion, the optimized LF-coated PIT-loaded bilosomes were cytotoxic to HCC with improved hepatocytes permeation and cellular uptake. Thus, the proposed formula could be a promising treatment for HCC.
    Keywords:  3D spheroid; Caco-2; HepG2; Repurposing; anti-cancer; liver carcinoma; pitavastatin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/10717544.2022.2120925
  23. Int J Nanomedicine. 2022 ;17 3821-3839
      Introduction: During the combined treatment of tumors, the non-interfering transportation of drugs with different solubilities and the controllable sequential release are the main challenges. Here, we reported a double-chamber "Dandelion" -like sequential drug delivery system to realize the sequential release of different drugs for treating malignant tumors synergistically.Methods: After synthesizing mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) by template method, a hydrophilic chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into the channels of mesoporous silica (MSN) and locked with polydopamine (PDA) coating. Next, β-cyclodextrin (β-CDs) was decorated on PDA by Michael addition reaction, and the hydrophobic photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) was encapsulated into the hydrophobic chambers of β-CDs. Finally, AS1411 was modified on the surface of PDA and obtained DOX@MSN@PDA-β-CD/Ce6-AS1411 nanoparticles (DMPCCA) through which orthogonal loading and effective controlled release of different drugs were realized.
    Results: Under the sequential irradiations of 808 nm and 660 nm near-infrared (NIR) laser, PDA promoted the extensive release of Ce6 firstly while playing the effect of photothermal therapy (PTT), further to achieve the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) of Ce6. Meanwhile, the rapid release of DOX loaded in MSN channels showed a time lag of about 5 h after Ce6 release, through which it maximized the chemotherapeutic effect. Besides, the present drug loading nano-platform combined passive tumor-targeting effect given by EPR and active tumor-targeting effect endowed by AS1411 realized PTT-PDT-chemotherapy triple mode synergistic combination.
    Conclusion: We offer a general solution to address the key limitations for the delivery and sequential release of different drugs with different solubilities.
    Keywords:  PTT-PDT-chemotherapy combination; chemotherapy; mesoporous silica; sequential release; tumor-targeting
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S369732
  24. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Sep 01. pii: 9943. [Epub ahead of print]23(17):
      Despite the great advancements made in cancer treatment, there are still many unsatisfied aspects, such as the wide palette of side effects and the drug resistance. There is an obvious increasing scientific attention towards nature and what it can offer the human race. Natural products can be used to treat many diseases, of which some plant products are currently used to treat cancer. Plants produce secondary metabolites for their signaling mechanisms and natural defense. A variety of plant-derived products have shown promising anticancer properties in vitro and in vivo. Rather than recreating the natural production environment, ongoing studies are currently setting various strategies to significantly manipulate the quantity of anticancer molecules in plants. This review focuses on the recently studied secondary metabolite agents that have shown promising anticancer activity, outlining their potential mechanisms of action and pathways.
    Keywords:  PI3K/AKT/mTOR; anticancer therapy; secondary metabolites; signaling pathway
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23179943
  25. Front Pharmacol. 2022 ;13 962525
      Hepatic fibrosis (HF) refers to the pathophysiological process of connective tissue dysplasia in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors. Nowadays, HF is becoming a severe threat to the health of human being. However, the drugs available for treating HF are limited. Currently, increasing natural agents derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been found to be beneficial for HF. A systemic literature search was conducted from PubMed, GeenMedical, Sci-Hub, CNKI, Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, with the keywords of "traditional Chinese medicine," "herbal medicine," "natural agents," "liver diseases," and "hepatic fibrosis." So far, more than 76 natural monomers have been isolated and identified from the TCMs with inhibitory effect on HF, including alkaloids, flavones, quinones, terpenoids, saponins, phenylpropanoids, and polysaccharides, etc. The anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of these compounds include hepatoprotection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation, regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis & secretion, regulation of autophagy, and antioxidant & anti-inflammation, etc. Natural compounds and extracts from TCMs are promising agents for the prevention and treatment of HF, and this review would be of great significance to development of novel drugs for treating HF.
    Keywords:  Fufang-Biejia-Ruangan pill; extracellular matrix; hepatic fibrosis; hepatic stellate cells; hepatoprotection; mechanism; natural products; traditional Chinese medicines
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.962525
  26. Small. 2022 Sep 07. e2201704
      Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death which can not only kill tumor cells but also enhance immunogenicity of tumor cells, and it is evidenced to be involved in a variety of tumor treatments, especially in cancer immunotherapy. Tumor cell-derived exosomes are reported to influence the progression and metastasis process of tumors. In the process of ferroptosis, exosomes are also demonstrated as mediators to export iron under high intracellular iron concentration and resist ferroptosis. Under this regard, the combined application of ferroptosis inducer and the inhibitor of iron-containing exosomes may enhance the ferroptosis. Herein, biocompatible hybrid nanoparticles composed of the iron oxide nanoparticles, polymers with oxaliplatin attached, and siProminin2 are constructed. The siProminin2 mediated exosomal inhibition can restore the intracellular iron concentration, which can also inhibit the secretion of tumor cell-derived exosomes. The combination of immunotherapy with oxaliplatin, ferroptosis-based cancer therapy and inhibition of tumor cell-derived exosomes can enhance the immune activation effects. The nanoparticles represent an excellent triple therapeutic strategy for enhancing ferroptosis-based cancer therapy and immunotherapy.
    Keywords:  exosomes; ferroptosis; immunotherapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202201704
  27. Curr Med Chem. 2022 Sep 07.
      
    Keywords:  KRAS G12C mutation; Lung Cancer; Mechanism of action; Pharmacokinetics; Rat sarcoma viral oncogene (RAS); Sotorasib
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2174/0929867329666220907161505
  28. Daru. 2022 Sep 10.
      BACKGROUND: Recently biodegradable nanoparticles are the center of attention for the development of drug delivery systems. Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) is an interesting candidate for designing drug nano-carriers. MIP-based nanoparticles could be used for cancer treatment and exhibited the potential to fill gaps regarding to ligand-based nanomaterials. Also, the presence of a cross-linker can play an essential role in nanoparticle stability and physicochemical properties of nanoparticles after synthesis.OBJECTIVES: In this research, a biodegradable drug delivery system based on MIP nanoparticles was prepared using a biodegradable cross-linker (dimethacryloyl hydroxylamine, DMHA) for methotrexate (MTX). A hydrolysable functional group CO-O-NH-CO was added to the crosslinking agent to increase the final biodegradability of the polymer.
    METHODS: Firstly, a biodegradable cross-linker was synthesized. Then, the non-imprinted polymers were prepared through mini-emulsion polymerization in the absence of a template; and efficient particle size distribution was determined. Finally, methotrexate was placed in imprinted polymers to achieve the desired MIP. Different types of MIPs were synthesized using different molar ratios of template, cross-linker, and functional monomer, and the optimal molar ratio was obtained at 1:4:20, respectively.
    RESULTS: HNMR successfully confirmed the chemical structure of the cross-linker. According to SEM images, nanoparticles had a spherical shape with a smooth surface. The imprinted nanoparticles showed a narrow size distribution with an average of 120 nm at a high ratio of cross-linker. The drug loading and entrapment efficiency were 6.4% and 92%, respectively. The biodegradability studies indicated that the nanoparticles prepared by DMHA had a more degradability rate than ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a conventional cross-linker. Also, the polymer degradation rate was higher in alkaline environments. Release studies in physiological and alkaline buffer showed an initial burst release of a quarter of loaded MTX during the day and a 70% release during a week. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model described the release pattern. The cytotoxicity of MTX loaded in nanoparticles was studied on the MCF-7 cell line, and the IC50 was 3.54 μg/ml.
    CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that nanoparticles prepared by DMHA have the potential to be used as biodegradable drug carriers for anticancer delivery. Synthesis schema of molecular imprinting of methotrexate in biodegradable polymer based on dimethacryloyl hydroxylamine cross-linker, for use as nanocarrier anticancer delivery to breast tumor.
    Keywords:  Anticancer; Biodegradable; Drug delivery; Molecularly imprinted polymers; Nanomedicine
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s40199-022-00447-7
  29. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2022 Sep 04.
      Hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs) have drawn increasing attention for improving the antitumor effects while minimizing side effects. However, the heterogeneous distribution of the hypoxic region in tumors severely impedes the curative effect of HAPs. Additionally, most HAPs are not amenable to optical imaging, and it is difficult to precisely trace them in tissues. Herein, we carefully designed and synthesized a multifunctional therapeutic BAC prodrug by connecting the chemotherapeutic drug camptothecin (CPT) and the fluorescent photothermal agent boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) via hypoxia-responsive azobenzene linkers. To enhance the solubility and tumor accumulation, the prepared BAC was further encapsulated into a human serum albumin (HSA)-based drug delivery system to form HSA@BAC nanoparticles. Since the CPT was caged by a BODIPY-based molecule at the active site, the BAC exhibited excellent biosafety. Importantly, the activated CPT could be quickly released from BAC and could perform chemotherapy in hypoxic cancer cells, which was ascribed to the cleavage of the azobenzene linker by overexpressed azoreductase. After irradiation with a 730 nm laser, HSA@BAC can efficiently generate hyperthermia to achieve irreversible cancer cell death by oxygen-independent photothermal therapy. Under fluorescence imaging-guided local irradiation, both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that HSA@BAC exhibited superior antitumor effects with minimal side effects.
    Keywords:  BODIPY; fluorescence imaging; hypoxia-activated prodrug; nanoparticle; photothermal therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.2c09071
  30. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2022 Sep 04.
      Flavonoid compounds play an effective role in cancer suppression and today nano carriers play an important role in improving the physicochemical properties and transmission of these compounds. In this study, polyethylene glycol-modified albumin nanoparticles were synthesized by desolvation method; after loading of naringenin (NRG), folic acid (FA) binding to the surface of nanoparticles was performed (BSA-PEG-FA-NG-NPs). The extent of NRG trapping and FA binding was assessed indirectly using UV absorption methods. The physicochemical properties of BSA-PEG-FA-NG-NPs were investigated by DLS, SEM electron microscopy, and FTIR methods, after which their effects were evaluated on the apoptosis mechanism via MTT, flow cytometry, and qPCR methods. The BSA-PEG-FA-NG-NPs with spherical morphology had dimensions of 205 nm with zeta- potential of 20.61mV and dispersion index (PDI) of 0.36. The NRG encapsulation was 84% ​​and the FA binding was 75%. Anti-cancer effects of BSA-PEG-FA-NG-NPs were confirmed based on inhibiting breast cancer cells (IC50: 922μg/ml), cell cycle arrest (SubG1 phase), and induction of apoptosis (Up-regulation of Caspas3, 8 and 9). The ability of BSA-PEG-FA-NG-NPs to inhibit MCF-7 cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis suggests BSA-PEG-FA-NG-NPs as a suitable agent for further research in the field of cancer therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Keywords:  Bio-macromolecule; Bovine serum albumin; Naringenin; folic acid; polyethylene glycol
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/bab.2399
  31. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2022 Sep 07.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial signaling molecules in the regulation of numerous physiological activities including the formation and function of the central nervous system (CNS). So far, many functional antioxidant nanomedicines with ROS scavenging capability to reduce oxidative stress in AD have been developed for both imaging and therapy of AD.RECENT ADVANCES: This review focuses on the most recent advances in antioxidant nanomedicines such as ROS-scavenging nanoparticles, nanoparticles with intrinsic antioxidant activity, and drug-loaded anti-oxidant nanoparticles for AD theranostics. In addition to antioxidant nanomedicines, the emerging phototherapy treatment paradigms and the promising preclinic drug carriers, such as exosomes and liposomes, are also introduced.
    CRITICAL ISSUES: Generally, excessive generation of ROS can cause lipid peroxidation, oxidative DNA as well as protein damage, aggravating pathogenic alterations, accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. These negative factors further cause cell death, which is the beginning of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
    FUTURE DIRECTIONS: We anticipate that this review will help researchers in the area of preclinical research and clinical translation of antioxidant nanomedicines for AD imaging and therapy.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2022.0107
  32. Curr Pharm Des. 2022 Sep 07.
      BACKGROUND: Most cannabinoids usually present several limitations when evaluating their clinical use, mainly related to the side effects they may cause at the central nervous system and other levels. In this regard, nanotechnology applied to the development of pharmacotherapeutic nanoformulations has become an attractive tool that allows taking advantage of the beneficial properties of multiple drugs while minimizing or avoiding their undesirable side effects. Nanotechnology is a relatively recent scientific field that involves the study, manipulation, development, and characterization of drug delivery systems at the nanoscale (1 to 1000 nm; 1 nm= 1x10-9 m). Usually, the physicochemical properties of matter at the nanoscale are significantly different compared to the matter at the macroscale, which provides several advantages over conventional therapeutic alternatives types of organic and inorganic drug delivery nanosystems. Posology, size, composition, surface properties, and different physicochemical characteristics may directly or indirectly influence their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic behavior and, consequently, their biomedical use.PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This mini-review summarizes the main recent findings on nanomedical strategies and applications for cannabinoid encapsulation, raising the possibility of transferring these advances to the therapy of addictions. Highlights Standpoints: The nano therapy significantly improves the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior of multiple active pharmaceutical ingredients with different limitations and disadvantages, thus enhancing the therapeutic compliance of patients. In general, cannabinoids loaded in nanoformulations offer greater efficacy, lower toxicity and more controlled/prolonged release than cannabinoids in free form.
    Keywords:  Addictions; and therapeutic molecules; endocannabinoids; nanotechnology; phytocannabinoids; synthetic cannabinoids
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612828666220907104354
  33. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Aug 23. pii: 9525. [Epub ahead of print]23(17):
      Phthalocyanines (Pcs) are promising candidates for photodynamic therapy (PDT) due to their absorption in the phototherapeutic window. However, the highly aromatic Pc core leads to undesired aggregation and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Therefore, short PEG chain functionalized A3B type asymmetric Pc photosensitizers (PSs) were designed in order to decrease aggregation and increase the aqueous solubility. Here we report the synthesis, characterization, optical properties, cellular localization, and cytotoxicity of three novel Pc-based agents (LC31, MLC31, and DMLC31Pt). The stepwise functionalization of the peripheral moieties has a strong effect on the distribution coefficient (logP), cellular uptake, and localization, as well as photocytotoxicity. Additional experiments have revealed that the presence of the malonic ester moiety in the reported agent series is indispensable in order to induce photocytotoxicity. The best-performing agent, MLC31, showed mitochondrial targeting and an impressive phototoxic index (p.i.) of 748 in the cisplatin-resistant A2780/CP70 cell line, after a low-dose irradiation of 6.95 J/cm2. This is the result of a high photocytotoxicity (IC50 = 157 nM) upon irradiation with near-infrared (NIR) light, and virtually no toxicity in the dark (IC50 = 117 μM). Photocytotoxicity was subsequently determined under hypoxic conditions. Additionally, a preliminarily pathway investigation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) disruption and induction of apoptosis by MLC31 was carried out. Our results underline how agent design involving both hydrophilic and lipophilic peripheral groups may serve as an effective way to improve the PDT efficiency of highly aromatic PSs for NIR light-mediated cancer therapy.
    Keywords:  cancer treatment; cisplatin; crystal structure; cytotoxicity; photocytotoxicity; photodynamic therapy (PDT); phototoxic index (p.i.); phthalocyanine
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23179525
  34. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Aug 26. pii: 4123. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Cancer is the leading cause of economic and health burden worldwide. The commonly used approaches for the treatment of cancer are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Chemotherapy frequently results in undesirable side effects, and cancer cells may develop resistance. Combating drug resistance is a challenging task in cancer treatment. Drug resistance may be intrinsic or acquired and can be due to genetic factors, growth factors, the increased efflux of drugs, DNA repair, and the metabolism of xenobiotics. The strategies used to combat drug resistance include the nanomedicine-based targeted delivery of drugs and genes using different nanocarriers such as gold nanoparticles, peptide-modified nanoparticles, as well as biomimetic and responsive nanoparticles that help to deliver payload at targeted tumor sites and overcome resistance. Gene therapy in combination with chemotherapy aids in this respect. siRNA and miRNA alone or in combination with chemotherapy improve therapeutic response in tumor cells. Some natural substances, such as curcumin, quercetin, tocotrienol, parthenolide, naringin, and cyclosporin-A are also helpful in combating the drug resistance of cancer cells. This manuscript summarizes the mechanism of drug resistance and nanoparticle-based strategies used to combat it.
    Keywords:  chemosensitizers; mRNA; multidrug resistance (MDR); nanomedicines; siRNA
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14174123
  35. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Sep;pii: S0753-3322(22)00790-9. [Epub ahead of print]153 113401
      Ovarian cancer is one of the three most common female reproductive system cancers and has been a hot topic in the field of gynecology and oncology. Currently, surgery with chemotherapy is the common strategy in treatment of ovarian cancer, while it is always accompanied by drug resistance and some adverse effects. Over the past few years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been embraced by a large population of clinicians and researchers due to its high efficiency, low toxicity and minor side effects. Guizhi-Fuling Wan as a classical TCM formula has manifested certain efficacy in treating ovarian cancer. This article intends to further study the role and mechanism of Guizhi-Fuling Wan in treatment of ovarian cancer and explore the effective chemical components contained in the herbs of the formula. To this end, we reviewed the previous clinical studies and experiments to analyze the molecular mechanisms, pharmacological effects, active chemical components and their targets of action in treatment of ovarian cancer, thereby providing a theoretic basis for future studies and practices.
    Keywords:  Clinical application; Guizhi-Fuling Wan; Molecular mechanism; Ovarian cancer; Pharmacology
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113401
  36. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Sep 02. pii: 4303. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, incurable cancer of the mesothelial cells lining the lungs and the chest wall that is mainly caused by asbestos inhalation. The molecular mechanisms of mesothelial carcinogenesis are still unclear despite comprehensive studies of the mutational landscape of MPM, and the most frequently mutated genes BAP1, NF2, CDKN2A, TP53, and TSC1 cannot cause MPM in mice in a standalone fashion. Although KRAS pathway alterations were sporadically detected in older studies employing targeted sequencing, they have been largely undetected by next generation sequencing. We recently identified KRAS mutations and copy number alterations in a significant proportion of MPM patients. Here, we review and analyze multiple human datasets and the published literature to show that, in addition to KRAS, multiple other genes of the KRAS pathway are perturbed in a significant proportion of patients with MPM.
    Keywords:  MAPK; PI3K; RAS; TP53; mutations; receptor tyrosine kinase pathway
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14174303
  37. Cells. 2022 Aug 24. pii: 2627. [Epub ahead of print]11(17):
      NAD+ is an important metabolite in cell homeostasis that acts as an essential cofactor in oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions in various energy production processes, such as the Krebs cycle, fatty acid oxidation, glycolysis and serine biosynthesis. Furthermore, high NAD+ levels are required since they also participate in many other nonredox molecular processes, such as DNA repair, posttranslational modifications, cell signalling, senescence, inflammatory responses and apoptosis. In these nonredox reactions, NAD+ is an ADP-ribose donor for enzymes such as sirtuins (SIRTs), poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPRs). Therefore, to meet both redox and nonredox NAD+ demands, tumour cells must maintain high NAD+ levels, enhancing their synthesis mainly through the salvage pathway. NAMPT, the rate-limiting enzyme of this pathway, has been identified as an oncogene in some cancer types. Thus, NAMPT has been proposed as a suitable target for cancer therapy. NAMPT inhibition causes the depletion of NAD+ content in the cell, leading to the inhibition of ATP synthesis. This effect can cause a decrease in tumour cell proliferation and cell death, mainly by apoptosis. Therefore, in recent years, many specific inhibitors of NAMPT have been developed, and some of them are currently in clinical trials. Here we review the NAD metabolism as a cancer therapy target.
    Keywords:  NAD metabolism; cancer; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; therapeutic target
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11172627
  38. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2022 ;10 948097
      Osteosarcoma (OS) is a pediatric malignant bone tumor that predominantly affects adolescent and young adults. It has high risk for relapse and over the last four decades no improvement of prognosis was achieved. It is therefore crucial to identify new drug candidates for OS treatment to combat drug resistance, limit relapse, and stop metastatic spread. Two acquired hallmarks of cancer cells, mitochondria-related regulated cell death (RCD) and metabolism are intimately connected. Both have been shown to be dysregulated in OS, making them attractive targets for novel treatment. Promising OS treatment strategies focus on promoting RCD by targeting key molecular actors in metabolic reprogramming. The exact interplay in OS, however, has not been systematically analyzed. We therefore review these aspects by synthesizing current knowledge in apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy in OS. Additionally, we outline an overview of mitochondrial function and metabolic profiles in different preclinical OS models. Finally, we discuss the mechanism of action of two novel molecule combinations currently investigated in active clinical trials: metformin and the combination of ADI-PEG20, Docetaxel and Gemcitabine.
    Keywords:  ADI-PEG20; Metformin; metabolic reprogramming; mitochondria; osteosarcoma; regulated cell death
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2022.948097
  39. J Complement Integr Med. 2022 Sep 12.
      OBJECTIVES: To evaluate biological activity and the phytochemical analysis of kadarpasi chooranam. Seaweeds are the marine macro algae, species belonging to Protista kingdom that has no true system, internal vascular systems, seeds and flowers. It has a lot of biological activity and has been proven to have a lot of medicinal benefits. Since time immemorial, their usage in traditional medicine has been recognized.METHODS: Halimeda gracilis has been standardized as per siddha pharmacopoeia standard protocol guidelines and prepared kadarpasi Chooranam curtained for Phytochemical analysis (qualitative and quantitative) and carried out various pharmacological activity.
    RESULTS: The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer actions of kadarpasi Chooranam have been associated to alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, and diterpenes.
    CONCLUSIONS: The Siddha medicine, kadarpassi chooranam has various phytochemical bioactive compounds, and because of its pharmacological activity can be a potential drug candidate for human use.
    Keywords:  Chooranam; Siddha Medicine; pharmacological activity; qualitative analysis; seaweeds
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2022-0170
  40. Int J Pharm. 2022 Sep 05. pii: S0378-5173(22)00721-9. [Epub ahead of print] 122167
      Despite the efforts of the pharmaceutical and research sectors, Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains incurable, imposing the demand for new effective strategies. Vitamin B12 (VB12) has aroused interest due to its in vitro anti-amyloidogenic properties. However, the high molecular weight and hydrophilicity of VB12 are the main obstacles to its clinical application by hindering its passage through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In recent years, drug delivery systems (DDSs) capable of transporting molecules across the BBB have gained attention for their effective brain delivery. In this work, VB12-loaded liposomes functionalized with transferrin (Tf) were produced, envisaging the dual-targeting of VB12 to the BBB and neuronal cells, due to the overexpression of Tf receptors in these cells. The produced liposomes presented sizes smaller than 200 nm, with low polydispersity and neutral zeta potential, being suitable for brain delivery. The nanoparticles exhibited an adequate encapsulation efficiency, a sustained release of VB12 for 9 days, and physical stability at storage conditions for up to 2 months. The developed nanosystem was capable of delaying the formation of Aβ fibrils and disrupting mature fibrils, highlighting its great potential for the prevention and treatment of AD.
    Keywords:  Amyloid beta-peptide; Blood-brain barrier; Brain targeting; Lipid vesicle; Nanoparticle; Targeted delivery
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122167
  41. Front Mol Biosci. 2022 ;9 974156
      Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant craniocerebral tumor. The treatment of this cancer is difficult due to its high heterogeneity and immunosuppressive microenvironment. Ferroptosis is a newly found non-apoptotic regulatory cell death process that plays a vital role in a variety of brain diseases, including cerebral hemorrhage, neurodegenerative diseases, and primary or metastatic brain tumors. Recent studies have shown that targeting ferroptosis can be an effective strategy to overcome resistance to tumor therapy and immune escape mechanisms. This suggests that combining ferroptosis-based therapies with other treatments may be an effective strategy to improve the treatment of GBM. Here, we critically reviewed existing studies on the effect of ferroptosis on GBM therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. In particular, this review discussed the potential of ferroptosis inducers to reverse drug resistance and enhance the sensitivity of conventional cancer therapy in combination with ferroptosis. Finally, we highlighted the therapeutic opportunities and challenges facing the clinical application of ferroptosis-based therapies in GBM. The data generated here provide new insights and directions for future research on the significance of ferroptosis-based therapies in GBM.
    Keywords:  cancer therapy; ferroptosis; glioblastoma; immunotherapy; therapy resistance
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2022.974156
  42. Front Med Technol. 2022 ;4 893056
      Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide, with over 2 million women diagnosed every year, and close to 8 million women currently alive following a diagnosis of BC in the last 5-years. The side effects such as chemodrug toxicity to healthy tissues and drug resistance severely affect the quality of life of BC patients. To overcome these limitations, many efforts have been made to develop nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems. Among these nanocarriers, lipid-based delivery platforms represented one of the most successful candidates for cancer therapy, improving the safety profile and therapeutic efficacy of encapsulated drugs. In this review we will mainly discuss and summarize the recent advances in such delivery systems for BC metastasis treatment, with a particular focus on targeting the common metastatic sites in bone, brain and lung. We will also provide our perspectives on lipid-based nanocarrier development for future clinical translation.
    Keywords:  breast cancer metastasis; lipid nanoparticles (LNPs); liposomes; nanomaterial-based drug delivery; targeting strategy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fmedt.2022.893056
  43. Small. 2022 Sep 09. e2203629
      Dendrimers are polymers with well-defined 3D branched structures that are vastly utilized in various neurotheranostics and biomedical applications, particularly as nanocarrier vectors. Imaging agents can be loaded into dendrimers to improve the accuracy of diagnostic imaging processes. Likewise, combining pharmaceutical agents and anticancer drugs with dendrimers can enhance their solubility, biocompatibility, and efficiency. Practically, by modifying ligands on the surface of dendrimers, effective therapeutic and diagnostic platforms can be constructed and implemented for targeted delivery. Dendrimer-based nanocarriers also show great potential in gene delivery. Since enzymes can degrade genetic materials during their blood circulation, dendrimers exhibit promising packaging and delivery alternatives, particularly for central nervous system (CNS) treatments. The DNA and RNA encapsulated in dendrimers represented by polyamidoamine that are used for targeted brain delivery, via chemical-structural adjustments and appropriate generation, significantly improve the correlation between transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity. This article reports a comprehensive review of dendrimers' structures, synthesis processes, and biological applications. Recent progress in diagnostic imaging processes and therapeutic applications for cancers and other CNS diseases are presented. Potential challenges and future directions in the development of dendrimers, which provide the theoretical basis for their broader applications in healthcare, are also discussed.
    Keywords:  dendrimers; drug delivery; gene delivery; imaging agent carriers; neurotheranostics; nonviral vectors; polymers
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202203629
  44. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 27. pii: 3542. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Hyperinsulinemia is an independent risk factor for cancer mortality. Insulin-lowering dietary strategies such as calorie restriction (CR), low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets (KD), and intermittent fasting (IF) are aimed at reducing systemic stores of nutrients utilized by cancer cells, attenuating insulin-related growth signaling, and improving obesity-related metabolic parameters. In this narrative review, we searched the published literature for studies that tested various insulin-lowering diets in metastatic cancer in preclinical and clinical settings. A total of 23 studies were identified. Of these, 14 were preclinical studies of dietary strategies that demonstrated improvements in insulin levels, inhibition of metastasis, and/or reduction in metastatic disease burden in animal models. The remaining nine clinical studies tested carbohydrate restriction, KD, or IF strategies which appear to be safe and feasible in patients with metastatic cancer. These approaches have also been shown to improve serum insulin and other metabolic parameters. Though promising, the anti-cancer efficacy of these interventions, such as impact on tumor response, disease-specific-, and overall survival, have not yet been conclusively demonstrated. Studies that are adequately powered to evaluate whether insulin-lowering diets improve cancer outcomes are warranted.
    Keywords:  diet; insulin; metastatic cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173542
  45. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 25. pii: 3499. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the first and second leading causes of death worldwide, respectively. Epidemiological evidence has demonstrated that the incidence of cancer is elevated in patients with CVD and vice versa. However, these conditions are usually regarded as separate events despite the presence of shared risk factors between both conditions, such as metabolic abnormalities and lifestyle. Cohort studies suggested that controlling for CVD risk factors may have an impact on cancer incidence. Therefore, it could be concluded that interventions that improve CVD and cancer shared risk factors may potentially be effective in preventing and treating both diseases. The ketogenic diet (KD), a low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet, has been widely prescribed in weight loss programs for metabolic abnormalities. Furthermore, recent research has investigated the effects of KD on the treatment of numerous diseases, including CVD and cancer, due to its role in promoting ketolysis, ketogenesis, and modifying many other metabolic pathways with potential favorable health effects. However, there is still great debate regarding prescribing KD in patients either with CVD or cancer. Considering the number of studies on this topic, there is a clear need to summarize potential mechanisms through which KD can improve cardiovascular health and control cell proliferation. In this review, we explained the history of KD, its types, and physiological effects and discussed how it could play a role in CVD and cancer treatment and prevention.
    Keywords:  cancer; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; hypertension; inflammation; ketogenic diet; obesity; oxidation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173499
  46. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Aug 25. pii: 4113. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer responsible for approximately 15% of all childhood cancer deaths. Aberrant MYCN activation, as a result of genomic MYCN amplification, is a major driver of high-risk neuroblastoma, which has an overall survival rate of less than 50%, despite the best treatments currently available. Metabolic reprogramming is an integral part of the growth-promoting program driven by MYCN, which fuels cell growth and proliferation by increasing the uptake and catabolism of nutrients, biosynthesis of macromolecules, and production of energy. This reprogramming process also generates metabolic vulnerabilities that can be exploited for therapy. In this review, we present our current understanding of metabolic reprogramming in neuroblastoma, focusing on transcriptional regulation as a key mechanism in driving the reprogramming process. We also highlight some important areas that need to be explored for the successful development of metabolism-based therapy against high-risk neuroblastoma.
    Keywords:  MYCN; cancer metabolism; metabolic reprogramming; neuroblastoma; pediatric cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14174113
  47. Cancer Discov. 2022 Sep 05. OF1-OF9
      Diet and exercise are modifiable lifestyle factors known to have a major influence on metabolism. Clinical practice addresses diseases of altered metabolism such as diabetes or hypertension by altering these factors. Despite enormous public interest, there are limited defined diet and exercise regimens for patients with cancer. Nevertheless, the molecular basis of cancer has converged over the past 15 years on an essential role for altered metabolism in cancer. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the impact of diet and exercise on cancer metabolism is in its very early stages. In this perspective, I propose conceptual frameworks for understanding the consequences of diet and exercise on cancer cell metabolism and tumor biology and also highlight recent developments. By advancing our mechanistic understanding, I will discuss actionable ways that such interventions could eventually reach the mainstay of both medical oncology and cancer control and prevention.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-22-0096
  48. R Soc Open Sci. 2022 Aug;9(8): 211004
      Controlled drug release and synergistic therapies have an important impact on improving therapeutic efficacy in cancer theranostics. Herein, a new near-infrared (NIR) light-controlled multi-functional nanoplatform (GNR@mSiO2-DOX/PFP@PDA) was developed for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumours. In this nano-system, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and perfluoro-n-pentane (PFP) were loaded into the channels of mesoporous SiO2 simultaneously as a first step. A polydopamine (PDA) layer as the gatekeeper was coated on their surface to reduce premature release of drugs at physiological temperature. Upon 808 nm NIR irradiation, the gold nanorods (GNR) in the core of the nanoplatform show high photothermal conversion efficiency, which not only can provide the heat for PTT, but also can decompose the polymer PDA to allow DOX release from the channels of mesoporous SiO2. Most importantly, the photothermal conversion of GNR can also lead the liquid-gas phase transition of PFP to generate bubbles to accelerate the release of DOX, which can realize the chemotherapy of tumours. The subsequent synergistic chemo-PTT (contributed by the DOX and GNR) shows good anti-cancer activity. This work shows that the NIR-triggered multi-functional nanoplatform is of capital significance for future potential applications in drug delivery and cancer treatment.
    Keywords:  chemotherapy; gold nanorods; microbubbles; photothermal therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.211004
  49. Iran J Pharm Res. 2022 Dec;21(1): e123949
      The Symphytum genus has been mainly used in traditional medicine, containing its anti-inflammatory activity. Symphytum spp.'s active components, such as allantoin, polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids, can act on several intentions in the signaling pathway, constrain pro-inflammatory enzymes, reducing the construction of inflammatory chemokine's and cytokines, and decreasing oxidative stress, which afterward suppresses inflammation procedures. Preclinical and clinical trials have reported the prevailing anti-inflammatory effect of several Symphytum species. This review presents an overview of the anti-inflammatory activities of different products and bioactive constituents in this genus. The papers with the English language were gathered from 2000 to 2021. This review may provide a scientific base for establishing innovative and alternative techniques for isolating a single individual from this genus to attenuate inflammatory disorders. The Symphytum genus is waiting for researchers to develop safe and effective anti-inflammatory agents for additional investigation of other different mechanisms of action.
    Keywords:  Arthritis; Boraginacea; Comfrey; Inflammation; Rheumatoid; Wound Healing
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.5812/ijpr.123949
  50. Front Pharmacol. 2022 ;13 943967
      Cancer is a life-threatening disease caused by the uncontrolled division of cells, which culminates in a solid mass of cells known as a tumor or liquid cancer. It is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and the number of cancer patients has been increasing at an alarming rate, with an estimated 20 million cases expected by 2030. Thus, the use of complementary or alternative therapeutic techniques that can help prevent cancer has been the subject of increased attention. Garlic, the most widely used plant medicinal product, exhibits a wide spectrum of biological activities, including antibacterial, hypo-lipidemic, antithrombotic, and anticancer effects. Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is a major organosulfur compound contained within garlic. Recently, several experimental studies have demonstrated that DADS exhibits anti-tumor activity against many types of tumor cells, including gynecological cancers (cervical cancer, ovarian cancer), hematological cancers (leukemia, lymphoma), lung cancer, neural cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, gastrointestinal tract and associated cancers (esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer), hepatocellular cancer cell line, etc. The mechanisms behind the anticancer action of DADS include epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and migration. This article aims to review the available information regarding the anti-cancer potential of DADS, as well as summarize its mechanisms of action, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics from published clinical and toxicity studies.
    Keywords:  Pharmacology; clinical; diallyl disulfide; drug discovery; garlic; oncology; pre-clinical
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.943967
  51. Arch Microbiol. 2022 Sep 05. 204(10): 603
      Lung cancer, the most prevalent gender-independent tumor entity in both men and women, is among the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite decades of effort in developing improved therapeutic strategies including immunotherapies and novel chemotherapeutic agents, only modest improvements in outcome and long-term survival of lung cancer patients have been achieved. Therefore, exploring new and exceptional sources for bioactive compounds that might serve as anti-cancer agents might be the key to improving lung cancer therapy. On account of diverse forms, cyanobacteria might serve as a potential source for compounds with potential therapeutic applicability against malignant disorders, including cancer. The assorted arrays of metabolic mechanisms synthesize a plethora of bioactive compounds with immense biological potential. These compounds have been proven to be effective against various cancer cell lines and xenograft animal models. The present review provides an overview of the most promising cyanobacteria-derived bioactive compounds proven to exhibit anti-cancer properties in in-vitro and in-vivo studies and highlights their applicability as potential therapeutic agents with a focus on their anti-lung cancer properties.
    Keywords:  Bioactive compounds; Cancer signaling; Cyanobacteria; Lung cancer; Therapeutic candidates
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-022-03194-0
  52. Phytother Res. 2022 Sep 09.
      Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant tumor in males, which frequently develops into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with limited therapies. Gambogenic acid (GNA), a flavonoids compound isolated from Gamboge, exhibits anti-tumor capacity in various cancers. Our results showed that GNA revealed not only antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities but also the induction of autophagy in PCa cells. In addition, autophagy inhibitor chloroquine enhanced the pro-apoptosis effect of GNA. Moreover, the activation of JNK pathway and the induction of apoptosis and autophagy triggered by GNA were attenuated by JNK inhibitor SP600125. We also found that GNA significantly promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Meanwhile, suppressing ER stress with 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) markedly blocked the activation of JNK pathway induced by GNA. Further research indicated that ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) effectively abrogated ER stress and JNK pathway activation induced by GNA. Furthermore, NAC and 4-PBA significantly reversed GNA-triggered apoptosis and autophagy. Finally, GNA remarkably suppressed prostate tumor growth with low toxicity in vivo. In conclusion, the present study revealed that GNA induced apoptosis and autophagy through ROS-mediated ER stress via JNK signaling pathway in PCa cells. Thus, GNA might be a promising therapeutic drug against PCa.
    Keywords:  JNK pathway; apoptosis; autophagy; gambogenic acid; prostate cancer; reactive oxygen species
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7614
  53. Front Oncol. 2022 ;12 932285
      In this Perspective, we provide our insights and opinions about the contribution-and potential co-regulation-of mechanics and metabolism in incurable breast cancer brain metastasis. Altered metabolic activity can affect cancer metastasis as high glucose supply and demand in the brain microenvironment favors aerobic glycolysis. Similarly, the altered mechanical properties of disseminating cancer cells facilitate migration to and metastatic seeding of the brain, where local metabolites support their progression. Cancer cells in the brain and the brain tumor microenvironment often possess opposing mechanical and metabolic properties compared to extracranial cancer cells and their microenvironment, which inhibit the ease of extravasation and metastasis of these cells outside the central nervous system. We posit that the brain provides a metabolic microenvironment that mechanically reinforces the cellular structure of cancer cells and supports their metastatic growth while restricting their spread from the brain to external organs.
    Keywords:  brain metastatic microenvironment; cell stiffness; extracellular matrix; fatty acid synthesis; glycolysis; mechanotransduction; tumor mechanics; tumor metabolism
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.932285
  54. Polymers (Basel). 2022 Sep 05. pii: 3697. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Conventional oral formulations are mainly absorbed in the small intestine. This limits their use in the treatment of some diseases associated with the colon, where the drug has to act topically at the inflammation site. This paved the way for the development of a smart colonic drug delivery system, thereby improving the therapeutic efficacy, reducing the dosing frequency and potential side effects, as well as improving patient acceptance, especially in cases where enemas or other topical preparations may not be effective alone in treating the inflammation. In healthy individuals, it takes an oral medication delivery system about 5 to 6 h to reach the colon. A colonic drug delivery system should delay or prohibit the medication release during these five to six hours while permitting its release afterward. The main aim of this study was to develop a smart drug delivery system based on pH-sensitive polymeric formulations, synthesized by a free-radical bulk polymerization method, using different monomer and crosslinker concentrations. The formulations were loaded with 5-amino salicylic acid as a model drug and Capmul MCM C8 as a bioavailability enhancer. The glass transition temperature (Tg), tensile strength, Young's modulus, and tensile elongation at break were all measured as a part of the dried films' characterization. In vitro swelling and release studies were performed to assess the behavior of the produced formulations. The in vitro swelling and release evaluation demonstrated the potential ability of the developed system to retard the drug release at conditions mimicking the stomach and small intestine while triggering its release at conditions mimicking the colon, which indicates its promising applicability as a potential smart colonic drug delivery system.
    Keywords:  5-amino salicylic acid; smart delivery system; sustainable polymers; triggered drug delivery; ulcerative colitis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173697
  55. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022 Sep 02. pii: S0378-8741(22)00711-5. [Epub ahead of print] 115672
      ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The metabolic syndrome, which comprises hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, and hypertension, is a worldwide problem. This disorder is a significant risk factor for insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease incidence, and mortality. The value of herbs and natural products in the treatment of human ailments has been documented in several inquiries. An annual herbaceous plant called Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane) is used both as a traditional medicine and an edible plant to treat various ailments including gastrointestinal diseases and liver inflammation. Purslane contains a variety of secondary metabolites such as organic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids.AIM OF THE STUDY: In the current work, our team aims to shed light on the potential efficacy of purslane and its main components in treating metabolic syndrome and its complications.
    STUDY DESIGN: and methods: Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases have been used to gather the most relevant in vitro, in vivo studies, and clinical trials from the time of inception up to February 2022.
    RESULTS: The effects of purslane on metabolism are among its most significant pharmacological properties. In patients with metabolic syndrome, purslane could significantly lower blood glucose and balance lipid profiles. This indicates that purslane might have a potential role in the management of metabolic syndrome through different underlying mechanisms including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, and antidiabetic.
    CONCLUSION: According to previous investigations, purslane can control metabolic syndrome and its complications. However, further preclinical and clinical studies are required to approve the advantageous effects of purslane on metabolic syndrome.
    Keywords:  Cardiovascular disease; Diabetes; Hyperlipidemia; Hypertension; Obesity; Portulaca oleracea L.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.115672
  56. Front Immunol. 2022 ;13 947885
      ATP and other nucleoside phosphates have specific receptors named purinergic receptors. Purinergic receptors and ectonucleotidases regulate various signaling pathways that play a role in physiological and pathological processes. Extracellular ATP in the tumor microenvironment (TME) has a higher level than in normal tissues and plays a role in cancer cell growth, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. In this review, we investigated the role of purinergic receptors in the development of resistance to therapy through changes in tumor cell metabolism. When a cell transforms to neoplasia, its metabolic processes change. The metabolic reprogramming modified metabolic feature of the TME, that can cause impeding immune surveillance and promote cancer growth. The purinergic receptors contribute to therapy resistance by modifying cancer cells' glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. Limiting the energy supply of cancer cells is one approach to overcoming resistance. Glycolysis inhibitors which reduce intracellular ATP levels may make cancer cells more susceptible to anti-cancer therapies. The loss of the P2X7R through glucose intolerance and decreased fatty acid metabolism reduces therapeutic resistance. Potential metabolic blockers that can be employed in combination with other therapies will aid in the discovery of new anti-cancer immunotherapy to overcome therapy resistance. Therefore, therapeutic interventions that are considered to inhibit cancer cell metabolism and purinergic receptors simultaneously can potentially reduce resistance to treatment.
    Keywords:  cancer metabolism; immunometabolism; metabolic reprogramming; purinergic receptor; therapy resistance; tumor microenvironment
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.947885
  57. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2022 Sep 05. pii: S1011-1344(22)00167-1. [Epub ahead of print]235 112553
      This work reports on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the therapeutic activities of new triphenyl-phosphonium-labelled phthalocyanines (Pcs), the 2,9,16,23-tetrakis(N-(N-butyl-4-triphenyl-phosphonium)- pyridine-4-yloxy) Zn(II) Pc (3) and 2,9,16,23-tetrakis-(N-(N-butyl-4-triphenyl-phosphonium)-morpholino) Zn(II) Pc (4) upon exposure to light, ultrasound and the combination of light and ultrasound. Two types of ROS were detected: the singlet oxygen (1O2) and hydroxyl radicals. For light irradiations, only the 1O2 was detected. An increase in the ROS generation was observed for samples treated with the combination of light and ultrasound compared to the light and ultrasound mono-treatments. The in vitro anticancer activity through photodynamic (PDT) and sonodynamic (SDT) therapy for the Pcs were also determined and compared to the photo-sonodynamic combination therapy (PSDT). The two cancer cell lines used for the in vitro studies included the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer and Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) cervical cancer cell lines. The SDT treatments showed improved therapeutic efficacy on the cancer cells for both the Pcs compared to PDT. PSDT showed better therapeutic efficacy compared to both the PDT and SDT mono-treatments.
    Keywords:  Cationic; Photodynamic; Phthalocyanines; Sonodynamic; Triphenylphosphine; cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2022.112553
  58. Drug Deliv Transl Res. 2022 Sep 08.
      The global prevalence of cancer is increasing, necessitating new additions to traditional treatments and diagnoses to address shortcomings such as ineffectiveness, complications, and high cost. In this context, nano and microparticulate carriers stand out due to their unique properties such as controlled release, higher bioavailability, and lower toxicity. Despite their popularity, they face several challenges including rapid liver uptake, low chemical stability in blood circulation, immunogenicity concerns, and acute adverse effects. Cell-mediated delivery systems are important topics to research because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, prolonged delivery, high loading capacity, and targeted drug delivery capabilities. To date, a variety of cells including blood, immune, cancer, and stem cells, sperm, and bacteria have been combined with nanoparticles to develop efficient targeted cancer delivery or diagnosis systems. The review paper aimed to provide an overview of the potential applications of cell-based delivery systems in cancer therapy and diagnosis.
    Keywords:  Cancer diagnosis; Cancer therapy; Cell-based delivery systems; Cell-based drug delivery; Drug delivery; Sperm-based drug delivery; Stem cell-based delivery systems
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s13346-022-01211-9
  59. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Sep 02. pii: 4310. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Despite aggressive combination chemotherapy and surgery, outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma have remained stagnant for more than 25 years, and numerous clinical trials have identified no new therapies. p53 deletion or mutation is found in more than 80% of osteosarcoma tumors. In p53-deficient cancers with structurally altered p63 and p73, interfering with tumor cell metabolism using Pramlintide (an FDA-approved drug for type 2 diabetes) results in tumor regression. Pramlintide response is mediated through upregulation of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). Here, we showed that osteosarcoma cells have altered p63, p73, and p53, and decreased IAPP expression but have the two main IAPP receptors, CalcR and RAMP3, which inhibit glycolysis and induce apoptosis. We showed that in osteosarcoma cells with high- or mid-range glycolytic activity, Pramlintide decreased cell glycolysis, resulting in decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis in vitro. In contrast, Pramlintide had no effect in osteosarcoma cells with low glycolytic activity. Using a subcutaneous osteosarcoma mouse model, we showed that intratumoral injection of Pramlintide-induced tumor regression. Tumor sections showed increased apoptosis and a decrease in Ki-67 and HIF-1α. These data suggest that in osteosarcoma cells with altered p53, p63, and p73 and a high glycolytic function, Pramlintide therapy can modulate metabolic programming and inhibit tumor growth.
    Keywords:  IAPP; glycolytic metabolism; osteosarcoma; p53; p63; p73; pramlintide
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14174310
  60. Front Oncol. 2022 ;12 968351
      Glioblastoma (GBM), similar to most cancers, is dependent on fermentation metabolism for the synthesis of biomass and energy (ATP) regardless of the cellular or genetic heterogeneity seen within the tumor. The transition from respiration to fermentation arises from the documented defects in the number, the structure, and the function of mitochondria and mitochondrial-associated membranes in GBM tissue. Glucose and glutamine are the major fermentable fuels that drive GBM growth. The major waste products of GBM cell fermentation (lactic acid, glutamic acid, and succinic acid) will acidify the microenvironment and are largely responsible for drug resistance, enhanced invasion, immunosuppression, and metastasis. Besides surgical debulking, therapies used for GBM management (radiation, chemotherapy, and steroids) enhance microenvironment acidification and, although often providing a time-limited disease control, will thus favor tumor recurrence and complications. The simultaneous restriction of glucose and glutamine, while elevating non-fermentable, anti-inflammatory ketone bodies, can help restore the pH balance of the microenvironment while, at the same time, providing a non-toxic therapeutic strategy for killing most of the neoplastic cells.
    Keywords:  fermentation; glutamate; glutaminolysis; glycolysis; ketogenic diet; ketogenic metabolic therapy; lactate; succinate
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.968351
  61. Biomed Res Int. 2022 ;2022 7626405
      Methods: Cell viability, glycolytic activity, Annexin V-PE binding activity, reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP content, Western blot analysis, and spheroid viability were measured for this study.Results: Acidic pH-tolerant prostate cancer cells, PC-3AcT and DU145AcT, increased cytotoxicity with ERK1/2 inhibition in a curcumin concentration-dependent manner at concentrations that resulted in >90% cell viability in normal prostate epithelial HPrEC cells. ERK1/2 inhibition by curcumin and/or PD98059 suppressed cell growth, reduced glucose consumption, and downregulated the expression of key regulatory enzymes in glucose metabolism including hexokinases, phosphofructokinase, and pyruvate dehydrogenase. In addition, these compounds caused loss of mitochondrial membrane potential with increased intracellular ROS levels, decreased levels of complexes I, III, and IV in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and cellular ATP depletion, leading to upregulation of marker proteins in apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP) and necroptosis (p-MLKL and p-RIP3). The results of curcumin and/or PD98059 treatment in 3D cultures showed similar trends to those in 2D cultures.
    Conclusion: Taken together, the results provide mechanistic evidence for the antiglycolytic and cytotoxic roles of curcumin through inhibition of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway in prostate carcinoma cells preadapted to acidic conditions.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/7626405
  62. J Clin Med. 2022 Sep 05. pii: 5251. [Epub ahead of print]11(17):
      BACKGROUND: Statins are the most widely used drugs for decreasing elevated serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and thus for the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), but they have also some pleiotropic effects, including anti-inflammatory properties. Atherosclerosis is a low-grade inflammatory disease, and elevated ferritin is considered to be one of the markers of inflammation. Since the results of studies on the effects of statins on serum ferritin levels are conflicting, this meta-analysis was performed.METHODS: A literature search was performed using major electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and ISI Web of Science) from inception up to 5 March 2022 to find studies evaluating the effect of different statins on serum ferritin levels. The effect size was determined using weighted mean differences (WMDs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
    RESULTS: The meta-analysis of nine studies (1611 patients) analyzing the effects of statins on serum ferritin levels that were included showed a significant decrease in circulating ferritin levels caused by statins. The results did not suggest any significant association between the changes in concentrations of serum ferritin and the duration of treatment with statins.
    CONCLUSIONS: Statin therapy decreases the circulating concentrations of ferritin, which might be beneficial for the prevention and/or progression of ASCVD. This effect might be explained by the anti-inflammatory effects and maybe some other pleiotropic effects of statins and not by their lipid-lowering effects.
    Keywords:  acute-phase response; cardiovascular diseases; inflammation; iron; lipid-lowering therapy; statins
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11175251
  63. Int J Nanomedicine. 2022 ;17 3751-3775
      Glioma is characterized by high mortality and low postoperative survival. Despite the availability of various therapeutic approaches and molecular typing, the treatment failure rate and the recurrence rate of glioma remain high. Given the limitations of existing therapeutic tools, nanotechnology has emerged as an alternative treatment option. Nanoparticles, such as polydopamine (PDA)-based nanoparticles, are embodied with reliable biodegradability, efficient drug loading rate, relatively low toxicity, considerable biocompatibility, excellent adhesion properties, precisely targeted delivery, and strong photothermal conversion properties. Therefore, they can further enhance the therapeutic effects in patients with glioma. Moreover, polydopamine contains pyrocatechol, amino and carboxyl groups, active double bonds, catechol, and other reactive groups that can react with biofunctional molecules containing amino, aldehyde, or sulfhydryl groups (main including, self-polymerization, non-covalent self-assembly, π-π stacking, electrostatic attraction interaction, chelation, coating and covalent co-assembly), which form a reversible dynamic covalent Schiff base bond that is extremely sensitive to pH values. Meanwhile, PDA has excellent adhesion capability that can be further functionally modified. Consequently, the aim of this review is to summarize the application of PDA-based NPs in glioma and to acquire insight into the therapeutic effect of the drug-loaded PDA-based nanocarriers (PDA NPs). A wealthy understanding and argument of these sides is anticipated to afford a better approach to develop more reasonable and valid PDA-based cancer nano-drug delivery systems. Finally, we discuss the expectation for the prospective application of PDA in this sphere and some individual viewpoints.
    Keywords:  chemotherapy; glioma; photothermal therapy; polydopamine; polymeric nanoparticles; synergistic therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S378217
  64. Polymers (Basel). 2022 Aug 25. pii: 3464. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Nanocrystals are carrier-free, submicron-sized, colloidal drug delivery systems with particle sizes in the mean nanometer range. Nanocrystals have high bioavailability and fast absorption because of their high dissolution velocity and enhanced adhesiveness to cell membranes. Loxoprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug belonging to the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) II drug class, was selected as the model drug. The aim of this study was to formulate nanocrystals of loxoprofen. A total of 12 formulations (F1 to F12) were prepared. An antisolvent technique was used to determine the effects of various stabilizers and processing conditions on the optimization of formulations. The various stabilizers used were hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (0.5%), polyvinylpyrrolidone (0.5%), and sodium lauryl sulfate (0.1%). The various characterizations conducted for this research included stability studies at 25 °C and 4 °C, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), zeta potentials, polydispersity indexes, and dissolution studies. F10 was the optimized formulation that showed stability at room temperature, as well as at a refrigerated temperature, for 30 days. A high dissolution rate (100% within the first 10 min) was shown by comparative dissolution studies of nano-suspensions with the micro-suspension and raw loxoprofen. F10 formulation had a non-porous and crystalline morphology on evaluation by TEM and XRPD, respectively, and the average particle size was 300 ± 0.3 nm as confirmed by TEM. DSC recorded a reduction in the melting point (180 °C processed and 200 °C unprocessed melting points). The dissolution rate and solubility of the formulated loxoprofen nanocrystals were significantly enhanced. It can be concluded that selecting suitable stabilizers (i.e., polymers and surfactants) can produce stable nanocrystals, and this can potentially lead to a scaling up of the process for commercialization.
    Keywords:  BCS II drugs; loxoprofen; polymers; smart nanocrystals; solubility enhancement; sustainability of natural resources
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173464
  65. ACS Biomater Sci Eng. 2022 Sep 07.
      In nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLC), near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) has proven to be an efficient approach for locating pulmonary nodules and pulmonary sentinel lymph nodes. However, due to a lack of tumor selectivity, ICG's use as a photosensitizer for photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) is restricted. In the current study, we aimed to develop a type of high-performance NIR nanoparticle formulated with ICG to enhance its targeted efficacy and tumor specificity on NSCLC. An ICG-osimertinib nanoparticle (ICG-Osi) was self-assembled through π-π stacking, with a size of 276 nm and a surface charge of -7.4 mV. The NIR visibility and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targetability of the ICG-Osi was confirmed by its binding efficiency to EGFR-expressing NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo, regardless of EGFR mutation status. The targeted effect was further confirmed in mouse xenograft models and showed an extended tumor retention time (>96 h). We demonstrated a significantly enhanced hyperthermia effect and a retained reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating ability of ICG-Osi, resulting in a 2-fold higher cell death rate than ICG alone. The ICG-Osi down-regulated GPX4 and p62 expression while up-regulating caspase-3 and beclin1 expression in NSCLC cells, indicating a complex network of cell death-related proteins. Considering the merits of simple assembly, EGFR binding efficacy, improved hyperthermia effect, and efficient cancer cell suppression, the ICG-Osi exhibits great potential for clinical application in EGFR-expressing NSCLC therapy.
    Keywords:  EGFR; NSCLC; indocyanine green; osimertinib; photodynamic therapy; photothermal therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00620
  66. 3 Biotech. 2022 Oct;12(10): 255
      Lignans have long been known for their abundant therapeutic properties due to their polyphenolic structure. Linseed is the richest plant source of lignans and has been studied widely for their properties. The most prevalent lignan, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), is consumed with linseed and converted into mammalian lignans, enterodiol (END) and enterolactone (ENL), by the gut microbiota. SDG can easily be assessed using HPLC and its deglycosylated form viz secoisolariciresinol can be asses using GC-MS techniques. Variety of extraction and analysis methods has been reported for plant lignans. SDG is known to have therapeutic properties including anti-oxidant, anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, modulation of gene expression, anti-diabetic, estrogenic and anti-estrogenic. Despite a large number of bioactivities, strong evidences for the underlying mechanisms for most of the properties are still unknown. SDG is most studied for its anti-cancerous properties. But the use of lignans as anti-carcinogenic agent is limited and commercially not reported due to challenges of purification at commercial level, rapid metabolism, untargeted delivery and toxic compounds associated with lignans. Exploration of more prominent and active derivatives of SDG and their targeted drug delivery should be an important research toward the use of bioactive lignans of linseed.
    Keywords:  Anticancer; Antioxidants; Bioactive compounds; Enterolignan; Phytochemical; Phytolignan; Polyphenols; SDG
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-022-03318-9
  67. J Mater Chem B. 2022 Sep 07.
      Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one of the systemic autoimmune diseases, features dysregulated inflammation that can eventually lead to multi-joint destruction and deformity. Although current clinical RA treatment agents including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and biological agents can alleviate symptoms, there can be long-term drug dependence and considerable side effects. To promote the course of RA from inflammation to resolution and ultimately terminate the vicious cycle of recrudescence, it is important to regulate the pro-/anti-inflammatory abilities of macrophages for constructing an immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory microenvironment. Macrophage-derived exosomes can be homed or targeted to inflammatory tissues or cells; however, the insufficient anti-inflammatory abilities and intrinsic off-target effects of these exosomes often result in unsatisfactory treatment effects, which remains a challenge in the treatment of RA. Here, we proposed a novel kind of inherent anti-inflammatory exosome (AI-Exo), which was prepared via integrating RAW264.7 macrophage-derived exosomes and a powerful anti-inflammatory immune modulator interleukin-10 by an electroporation method. Then, non-invasive ultrasound was used to increase the permeability of blood vessels and augment the targeted accumulation of AI-Exo to inflammatory tissues, which could promote macrophage polarization to M2 phenotypes, relieve inflammation symptoms, stimulate resolution, and accelerate tissue repair against collagen-induced arthritis. This work intensely supports that ultrasound-augmented AI-Exo has significant targeted anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects, and the combined mechanism of anti-inflammation and pro-resolution gives unique insights into the treatment of not only RA but also other inflammatory diseases, which provides an effective strategy and a promising prospect for future wider biomedical applications and clinical transformations.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1039/d2tb01219g
  68. Chem Asian J. 2022 Sep 07.
      Cancer is one of the most intractable diseases in the world because of its high recurrence rate, high metastasis rate and high lethality rate. Traditional chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery have unsatisfactory therapeutic effects and cause many severe side effects at the same time. Hydrogel is a new type of biomaterial with the advantages of good biocompatibility and easy degradation, which can be used as a carrier of functional nanomaterials for tumor therapy. Herein, we represent the progress of hydrogels with different skeletons and their application as carrier in tumor treatment. The hydrogels are listed as polyethylene glycol-based hydrogels, chitosan-based hydrogels, peptide-based hydrogels, hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels, steroid-based hydrogels and other hydrogels by skeletons, and their properties, modifications and toxicities were introduced. Some representative applications of combined hydrogels with nanomaterial for chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, sonodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy and synergistic therapy are highlighted.
    Keywords:  hydrogels; nanomaterials; synergistic therapy; tumor treatment
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/asia.202200740
  69. Biomater Sci. 2022 Sep 07.
      Conventional photothermal therapy (PTT) often causes unwanted hyperthermia damage to the surrounding healthy tissues, and fails in the ablation of infiltrating and malignant tumors, which even leads to tumor recurrence. The main reasons for the suboptimal therapeutic efficacy of PTT include: (i) the heterogenous distribution of PTT agents in cancer cells, (ii) the limited penetration depth of irradiation light, and (iii) importantly, the difficulty in controlling the photothermal process which often leads to overheated hyperthermia and severe side effects, including inflammation, immune escape, metastasis and damage to normal tissues surrounding the tumor. It is envisioned that organelle targeted mild PTT would be a good strategy to overcome these shortcomings and significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy, decrease the therapeutic threshold for both the drug dosage and hyperthermia temperature, and diminish damage to the neighboring healthy tissues. Although small biocompatible organic photothermal agents are promising candidates for organelle targeted mild PTT, related research together with their therapeutic mechanism study has rarely been reported so far. In this contribution, we fabricate efficient small organic molecules (TD1) via donor-acceptor molecular engineering, and further package TD1 molecules into a lipid carrier to construct mitochondria-targeted nanoparticles (M-TD1 NPs) for mild PTT. The highly desirable photothermal performance of M-TD1 NPs dramatically improves the efficacy of photothermal cancer cell ablation. Benefiting from the excellent PTT effects of M-TD1 NPs, favorable antitumor efficacy and metastasis inhibition are achieved in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the improved mitochondria-based mild thermal treatment triggers the apoptosis-dependent cell death and influences the autophagy of cancer cells, resulting in enhanced cancer elimination and suppressed cancer cell migration. This work demonstrates that sub-cellular targeted mild PTT is promising to control cell apoptosis and autophagy and has potential for future metastatic cancer therapy.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1039/d2bm01239a
  70. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Sep 02. pii: 10038. [Epub ahead of print]23(17):
      Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most lethal tumor, with a 5-year survival rate of 18%. Early stage HCC is potentially treatable by therapies with curative intent, whereas chemoembolization/radioembolization and systemic therapies are the only therapeutic options for intermediate or advanced HCC. Drug resistance is a critical obstacle in the treatment of HCC that could be overcome by the use of targeted nanoparticle-based therapies directed towards specific tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) to improve drug delivery. Glypican 3 (GPC3) is a member of the glypican family, heparan sulfate proteoglycans bound to the cell surface via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. The high levels of GPC3 detected in HCC and the absence or very low levels in normal and non-malignant liver make GPC3 a promising TAA candidate for targeted nanoparticle-based therapies. The use of nanoparticles conjugated with anti-GPC3 agents may improve drug delivery, leading to a reduction in severe side effects caused by chemotherapy and increased drug release at the tumor site. In this review, we describe the main clinical features of HCC and the common treatment approaches. We propose the proteoglycan GPC3 as a useful TAA for targeted therapies. Finally, we describe nanotechnology approaches for anti-GPC3 drug delivery systems based on NPs for HCC treatment.
    Keywords:  drug delivery; glypican 3; hepatocellular carcinoma; nanomedicine; polymeric nanoparticles; targeted therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231710038
  71. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2022 Sep 04. 79(9): 505
      In multiple cancers, autophagy promotes tumor development by recycling intracellular components into metabolic pathways. Autophagy-induced metabolic reprogramming and plasticity lead to cancer cell survival and resistance to anticancer therapy. We investigated the role of small leucine zipper protein (sLZIP) in autophagy and cell survival under nutrient-deficient conditions in colorectal cancer (CRC). sLZIP was induced by nutrient stress and increased the transcription of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3), by directly binding to its promoter. Under nutrient stress conditions, sLZIP activated autophagy and promoted the survival of CRC cells. sLZIP induced metabolic reprogramming of CRC cells, to activate glutaminolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. sLZIP also enhanced the autophagic degradation of Keap1 and the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2, leading to NQO1 expression, for maintenance of redox homeostasis. sLZIP-knockout CRC cells exhibited impaired autophagy induction in the glycolytic inhibition state. Xenograft mice lacking sLZIP showed decreased tumor growth, by rendering CRC cells sensitive to glycolysis inhibition. The expression of sLZIP and LC3B was highly elevated in tumors of CRC patients compared to that in normal tissues, and correlated with the progression of CRC. These findings suggest that sLZIP drives autophagy and metabolic reprogramming to promote colorectal tumorigenesis.
    Keywords:  Autophagy; Colorectal cancer; Metabolic reprogramming; Transcriptional regulation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-022-04535-4
  72. Drug Deliv. 2022 Dec;29(1): 2959-2970
      Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer after breast cancer. It ranks first in terms of mortality rate among all types of cancer. Lung cancer therapies are still being developed, one of which makes use of nanoparticle technology. However, conjugation with specific ligands capable of delivering drugs more precisely to cancer sites is still required to enhance nanoparticle targeting performance. Monoclonal antibodies are one type of mediator that can actively target nanoparticles. Due to the large number of antigens on the surface of cancer cells, monoclonal antibodies are widely used to deliver nanoparticles and improve drug targeting to cancer cells. Unfortunately, these antibodies have some drawbacks, such as rapid elimination, which results in a short half-life and ineffective dose. As a result, many of them are formulated in nanoparticles to minimize their major drawbacks and enhance drug targeting. This review summarizes and discusses articles on developing and applying various types of monoclonal antibody ligand nanoparticles as lung cancer target drugs. This review will serve as a guide for the choice of nanoparticle systems containing monoclonal antibody ligands for drug delivery in lung cancer therapy.
    Keywords:  Active targeting; drug delivery; lung cancer; monoclonal antibodies; nanoparticles
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/10717544.2022.2120566
  73. Plants (Basel). 2022 Sep 02. pii: 2293. [Epub ahead of print]11(17):
      Annickia chlorantha Setten & P.J.Maas belongs to the Annonaceae family and is a multi-purpose medicinal plant, which has been extensively used for the traditional treatment option for malaria in western and central Africa. Its phytochemical composition is dominated particularly by various biologically active protoberberines and acetogenins. This review aims to provide a comprehensive review on the traditional uses, phytochemical profiles, and the toxicology of this plant from a myriad of available publications. Even after its tremendous applications against several different human ailments, this plant has been underestimated for its anticancer potential. Herein, based on the phytochemical composition, we discuss the probable mode of mechanism for its antiproliferative activity, which highlights its importance for cytotoxicity screenings against cancer cells. Additionally, this article discusses several research questions and suggests the future directions of its applications in medicinal plant-based anticancer research.
    Keywords:  African traditional plants; Annickia chlorantha; acetogenins; cancer; drug discovery; medicinal plants; natural products; phytochemicals; protoberberines
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172293
  74. Biomater Adv. 2022 Aug 31. pii: S2772-9508(22)00373-9. [Epub ahead of print]141 213096
      Injectable hydrogels with near infrared (NIR) photothermal ability show attractive application prospects in the treatment of wound infection and promoting skin defect repair. Nevertheless, excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory responses caused by bacterial infection and photothermal therapy (PTT) would delay tissue regeneration and wound healing. In this study, a novel NIR photothermal injectable hydrogel with anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation by incorporating α-lipoic acid modified palladium nanoparticles into calcium ions crosslinked sodium alginate hydrogel was developed. The resulting hydrogel facilitated to fill perfectly various irregular wounds, and could convert NIR light into local high-heat to kill >80 % of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Remarkably, the hydrogel exhibited excellent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, which could scavenge >60 % of ROS in cells and decrease the relative expression level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1β genes by 52.9 % and 53.3 % respectively. It was found that the NIR photothermal injectable hydrogel with anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation could effectively reduce ROS and inflammation caused by bacterial infection and PPT. Additionally, it could also enhance wound repair efficiency. The hydrogel is expected to be a potential wound dressing for the treatment of clinical skin defects.
    Keywords:  Anti-inflammation; Anti-oxidation; Injectable hydrogels; Photothermal therapy; Reactive oxygen species
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213096
  75. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2022 ;pii: S1043-4526(22)00034-1. [Epub ahead of print]102 275-339
      Plant-derived bioactive compounds have been extensively studied and used within food industry for the last few decades. Those compounds have been used to extend the shelf-life and improve physico-chemical and sensory properties on food products. They have also been used as nutraceuticals due to broad range of potential health-promoting properties. Unlike the synthetic additives, the natural plant-derived compounds are more acceptable and often regarded as safer by the consumers. This chapter summarizes the extraction methods and sources of those plant-derived bioactives as well as recent findings in relation to their health-promoting properties, including cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, immuno-modulatory and neuro-protective properties. In addition, the impact of applying those plant-derived compounds on seafood products is also investigated by reviewing the recent studies on their use as anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, coloring and flavoring agents as well as freshness indicators. Moreover, the current limitations of the use of plant-derived bioactive compounds as well as future prospects are discussed. The discoveries show high potential of those compounds and the possibility to apply on many different seafood. The compounds can be applied as individual while more and more studies are showing synergetic effect when those compounds are used in combination providing new important research possibilities.
    Keywords:  Extraction; Health-promoting properties; Plant bioactive compounds; Quality; Safety; Seafood; Shelf-life
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.afnr.2022.05.002
  76. Front Nutr. 2022 ;9 972379
      Bacopa monnieri has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, alone or in combination with other herbs, as a memory and learning enhancer, sedative, and anti-epileptic. This review aimed to highlight the health benefits of B. monnieri extracts (BME), focusing on anti-cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We examined the clinical studies on phytochemistry and pharmacological application of BME. We further highlighted the mechanism of action of these extracts in varying types of cancer and their therapeutic implications. In addition, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanism in therapeutic interventions, toxicities, safety concerns and synergistic potential in cognition and neuroprotection. Overall, this review provides deeper insights into the therapeutic implications of Brahmi as a lead formulation for treating neurological disorders and exerting cognitive-enhancing effects.
    Keywords:  Bacopa monnieri; anti-cancer agents; neurodegenerative diseases; pharmacological potential; tau aggregates
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.972379
  77. Phytomedicine. 2022 Aug 19. pii: S0944-7113(22)00486-X. [Epub ahead of print]106 154397
      BACKGROUND: Centipeda minima (L.) A. Braun & Asch (C. minima) has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine to treat multiple diseases, including sinusitis, rhinitis, headache, and allergy. To date, the anticancer properties of C. minima have drawn considerable attention owing to the anticancer potential of C. minima extracts, the identification of active components, and the elucidation of underlying molecular mechanisms. However, the anticancer properties and significance of active components in C. minima have rarely been summarized.PURPOSE: This review presents a comprehensive summary of the anticancer properties exhibited by active components of C. minima.
    METHODS: An extensive search for published articles on the anticancer activities and active components of C. minima was performed using Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar.
    RESULTS: C. minima extracts exhibited both anticancer and chemosensitizing effects. Phytochemical studies have identified the active anticancer components of C. minima extracts. Sesquiterpene lactones, such as 6-O-angeloylplenolin (6-OAP, or brevilin A) and arnicolide D, have similar structures and anticancer mechanisms. As the most abundant sesquiterpene lactone in C. minima, 6-OAP exhibits anticancer activities mainly by targeting Skp1-Cullin1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Clinical trials have assessed the potential of 6-OAP in patients with vertex balding and alopecia areata, given its effect on JAK-STATs signaling. Chlorogenic acid, a representative organic acid in C. minima, reportedly possesses anticancer potential and inhibits tumor growth by affecting tumor microenvironment and has been approved for phase II clinical trials in patients with glioma in China.
    CONCLUSION: In the present review, we highlight intriguing anticancer properties mediated by active compounds isolated from C. minima extracts, particularly sesquiterpene lactones, which might provide clues for developing novel anticancer drugs. Relevant clinical trials on chlorogenic acid and 6-OAP can promote anticancer clinical applications. Therefore, it is worth comprehensively elucidating underlying anticancer mechanisms and conducting clinical trials on C. minima and its active components.
    Keywords:  6-O-angeloylplenolin; Anticancer properties; Arnicolide D; Centipeda minima; Chlorogenic acid; Sesquiterpene lactones
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154397
  78. Mater Today Bio. 2022 Dec;16 100396
      Drug-resistant cancers usually have multiple barriers to compromise the effect of therapies, of which multidrug-resistance (MDR) phenotype as the intracellular barrier and dense tumor matrix as the extracellular barrier, significantly contribute to the poor anticancer performance of current drug delivery systems (DDS). Here in this study, we fabricated a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active polymer capable of self-assembling into ultrasmall nanoparticles (∼20 ​nm) with D-alpha Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol Succinate (TPGS), for dual-encapsulating of doxorubicin (Dox) and sulforaphane (SFN) (AT/Dox/SFN). It revealed that redox homeostasis modulation of MDR cells (MCF-7/Adr) using AT/Dox/SFN can trigger mitochondria damage and ATP deficiency, which reverse the MDR phenotype of MCF-7/Adr cells to afford enhanced cellular uptake of both drug and DDS in a positive-feedback manner. The enhanced cellular drug accumulation further initiates the "neighboring effect" for improved drug penetration. Using this strategy, the growth of in vivo MCF-7/Adr tumors can be effectively inhibited at a low dosage (1/5) of doxorubicin (Dox) as compared to free Dox. In summary, we offer a new approach to overcome both the intracellular and extracellular barriers of drug-resistant cancers and elucidate the potential action mechanisms, which are beneficial for better cancer management.
    Keywords:  Aggregation-induced emission; Drug delivery systems; Multidrug drug resistance; Positive-feedback; Redox homeostasis modulation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100396
  79. Front Pharmacol. 2022 ;13 959900
      Actinidia eriantha Benth. (Called Maohuamihoutao in China) is a plant that has been utilized as a heat-clearing drug in She ethnic minority group for a long time in China. Specifically, it has been involved in the treatment of stomach cancer, colon cancer, cirrhosis with ascites, chronic hepatitis, leukemia, rectal prolapse, hernia and uterine prolapse. Pharmacological research provides partial evidence for the traditional use of A. eriantha and might have demonstrated the folk utilization of A. eriantha to combat many cancers. Crude extracts and relatively pure components of A. eriantha possess a variety of pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, immunoregulatory, anti-angiogenic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. In addition, over 104 chemical substances have been determined from A. eriantha, involving terpenoids, alcohols, phenolics, aldehydes, organic acids, flavonoids glycosides, ketones, and glucoside. The existing literature reveals that a large proportion of the therapeutic effects of A. eriantha were rendered by the polysaccharides. However, the mechanisms of action and the structure-function correlations of these compounds, as well as the synergistic and antagonistic effects between them, need to be investigated further. Therefore, we propose that future studies on A. eriantha should focus on comprehensively assessing its medicinal quality, exploring its multi-target nature using network pharmacology approaches, and evaluating its long-term toxicity and efficacy in vivo.
    Keywords:  Actinidia eriantha; pharmacology; phytochemistry; quality control; traditional use
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.959900
  80. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Sep;pii: S0753-3322(22)00915-5. [Epub ahead of print]153 113526
      The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been rising alarmingly and it has now become a global concern causing an enormous economic burden on the health care system. MetS is generally linked to complications in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and low grade inflammation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of rosuvastatin, co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and their combination on blood pressure, blood sugar, dyslipidemia, and liver function in rats with MetS induced by high fructose and high fat diet (HF-HFD) and the possible underlying mechanism. Oral administration of rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg/day), CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day) and their combination for 4 weeks in HF-HFD-fed rats elevated serum high density lipoprotein and reduced glutathione. On the other hand, treatment with rosuvastatin, CoQ10 or their combination decreased the serum levels of malondialdehyde, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol as well as systolic blood pressure, body weight and fasting blood glucose level. In addition, the drugs or their combination declined serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. In conclusion, our results showed that rosuvastatin or CoQ10 protected against HF-HFD-induced MetS through the regulation of dyslipidemia, elevated blood glucose, elevated blood pressure, antioxidant defenses and inflammatory response. Rosuvastatin or CoQ10 also alleviated the impairment of liver function that was induced by HF-HFD. Interestingly, CoQ10 augmented rosuvastatin's effect in ameliorating MetS, via exerting synergistic modulatory effects on oxidative stress and inflammation. Thus, rosuvastatin and CoQ10 combination therapy may have possible applications in ameliorating metabolic disorders.
    Keywords:  Co-enzyme Q10; HF-HFD; Inflammation; Metabolic syndrome; Oxidative stress; Rosuvastatin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113526
  81. Molecules. 2022 Aug 25. pii: 5436. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      In past decades, anticancer research has led to remarkable results despite many of the approved drugs still being characterized by high systemic toxicity mainly due to the lack of tumor selectivity and present pharmacokinetic drawbacks, including low water solubility, that negatively affect the drug circulation time and bioavailability. The stability studies, performed in mild conditions during their development or under stressing exposure to high temperature, hydrolytic medium or light source, have demonstrated the sensitivity of anticancer drugs to many parameters. For this reason, the formation of degradation products is assessed both in pharmaceutical formulations and in the environment as hospital waste. To date, numerous formulations have been developed for achieving tissue-specific drug targeting and reducing toxic side effects, as well as for improving drug stability. The development of prodrugs represents a promising strategy in targeted cancer therapy for improving the selectivity, efficacy and stability of active compounds. Recent studies show that the incorporation of anticancer drugs into vesicular systems, such as polymeric micelles or cyclodextrins, or the use of nanocarriers containing chemotherapeutics that conjugate to monoclonal antibodies can improve solubility, pharmacokinetics, cellular absorption and stability. In this study, we summarize the latest advances in knowledge regarding the development of effective highly stable anticancer drugs formulated as stable prodrugs or entrapped in nanosystems.
    Keywords:  cancer therapy; drug stability; nanoparticles; prodrugs; trastuzumab; vesicular systems
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175436
  82. Eur J Med Res. 2022 Sep 08. 27(1): 172
      Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and lung cancer are expected to represent the most common cancer types worldwide until 2030. Under typical conditions, mitochondria provide the bulk of the energy needed to sustain cell life. For that inhibition of mitochondrial complex ΙΙ (CΙΙ) and ubiquinone oxidoreductase with natural treatments may represent a promising cancer treatment option. A naturally occurring flavonoid with biological anti-cancer effects is chyrsin. Due to their improved bioavailability, penetrative power, and efficacy, chitosan-chrysin nano-formulations (CCNPs) are being used in medicine with increasing frequency. Chitosan (cs) is also regarded as a highly versatile and adaptable polymer. The cationic properties of Cs, together with its biodegradability, high adsorption capacity, biocompatibility, effect on permeability, ability to form films, and adhesive properties, are advantages. In addition, Cs is thought to be both safe and economical. CCNPs may indeed be therapeutic candidates in the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and lung cancer by blocking succinate ubiquinone oxidoreductase.
    Keywords:  Cancer; Chitosan; Chrysin; Mitochondria; Succinate dehydrogenase
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-022-00803-y
  83. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2022 Aug 17.
      Neutrophils have recently gained recognition for their potential in the fight against cancer. Neutrophil plasticity between the N1 anti-tumor and N2 pro-tumor subtypes is now apparent, as is the ability to polarize these individual subtypes by interventions such as intratumoral injection of various agents including bacterial products or pro-oxidants. Metabolic responses and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide act as potent chemoattractants and activators of N1 neutrophils that facilitates their recruitment and ensuing activation of a toxic respiratory burst in tumors. Greater understanding of the precise mechanism of N1 neutrophil activation, recruitment and regulation is now needed to fully exploit their anti-tumor potential against cancers both locally and at distant sites. This systematic review critically analyzes these new developments in cancer immunotherapy.
    Keywords:  Cancer immunotherapy; Intratumoral; N1 and N2 neutrophils; Pro-oxidants; Reactive oxygen species
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-022-03248-8
  84. J Biol Inorg Chem. 2022 Sep 04.
      Owing to the safety and low toxicity, photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment has received extensive attention. However, the excess H2S in cancer cells reduces the PDT efficiency, because H2S indirectly depletes the reactive oxygen species (ROS). To improve anticancer efficiency, a mitochondria-targeted iridium(III) complex Ir-MMB has been developed as H2S consumer and photo-oxidation anticancer agent. On the one hand, complex Ir-MMB can consume H2S with sensitive phosphorescence turn-on, which has been successfully applied to exogenous and endogenous H2S response imaging in living cells. On the other hand, Ir-MMB can enhance its anticancer activity and cause photo-oxidation damage via catalyzing the oxidation of reduced form of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NADH) to NAD+ and producing H2O2 under light, and ultimately results in cell apoptosis through mitochondrial depolarization and ROS production.
    Keywords:  Anticancer; H2S-responsive; Iridium complexes; Mitochondria-targeted; Photo-oxidation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00775-022-01957-0
  85. Front Oncol. 2022 ;12 993316
      Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor in the central nervous system, and directly affects the quality of life and cognitive function of patients. Ferroptosis, is a new form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis is mainly due to redox imbalance and involves multiple intracellular biology processes, such as iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and antioxidants synthesis. Induction of ferroptosis could be a new target for glioma treatment, and ferroptosis-related processes are associated with chemoresistance and radioresistance in glioma. In the present review, we provide the characteristics, key regulators and pathways of ferroptosis and the crosstalk between ferroptosis and other programmed cell death in glioma, we also proposed the application and prospect of ferroptosis in the treatment of glioma.
    Keywords:  ferroptosis; glioma; iron metabolism; programmed cell death; therapy resistance
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.993316
  86. Int J Biol Macromol. 2022 Sep 03. pii: S0141-8130(22)01920-1. [Epub ahead of print]
      This study aims to develop chitosan-coated PLGA nanoparticles intended for nose-to-brain delivery of carmustine. Formulations were prepared by the double emulsion solvent evaporation method and optimized by using Box-Behnken Design. The optimized nanoparticles were obtained to satisfactory levels in terms of particle size, PDI, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading. In vitro drug release and ex-vivo permeation showed sustained release and enhanced permeability (approx. 2 fold) of carmustine compared to drug suspension. The AUC0-t of brain obtained with carmustine-loaded nanoparticles via nasal administration in Albino Wistar rats was 2.8 and 14.7 times that of intranasal carmustine suspension and intravenous carmustine, respectively. The MTT assay on U87 MG cell line showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the IC50 value of the formulation (71.23 μg mL-1) as compared to drug suspension (90.02 μg mL-1).These findings suggest chitosan coated nanoparticles could be used to deliver carmustine via intranasal administration to treat Glioblastoma multiforme.
    Keywords:  Brain delivery; Carmustine; Chitosan; Intranasal; Nanoparticles; PLGA
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.210
  87. Polymers (Basel). 2022 Aug 29. pii: 3558. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Chitooligosaccharides, also known as chitosan oligomers or chitooligomers, are made up of chitosan with a degree of polymerization (DP) that is less than 20 and an average molecular weight (MW) that is lower than 3.9 kDa. COS can be produced through enzymatic conversions using chitinases, physical and chemical applications, or a combination of these strategies. COS is of significant interest for pharmacological and medical applications due to its increased water solubility and non-toxicity, with a wide range of bioactivities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. This review aims to outline the recent advances and potential applications of COS in various diseases and conditions based on the available literature, mainly from preclinical research. The prospects of further in vivo studies and translational research on COS in the medical field are highlighted.
    Keywords:  anti-inflammatory; antimicrobial; antioxidant; antitumor; chitin; chitooligosaccharides; chitosan; drug delivery; tissue engineering; wound healing
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173558
  88. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Sep 02. pii: 10009. [Epub ahead of print]23(17):
      Increasing reports on the significance of dietary patterns in reproduction have arisen from both animal and human studies, suggesting an interactive association between nutrition and male fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on low-carbohydrate-diet-induced metabolic dysfunction, testicular antioxidant capacity, apoptosis, inflammation and spermatogenesis in male mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet (AIN-93M group, n = 12) and a low-carbohydrate diet for 12 weeks (LC group, fed with low-carbohydrate diet, n = 48), and mice randomly chosen from the LC group were later fed their original diet (LC group, n = 12). This diet was changed to AIN-93M feed (LC/AIN-93M group, n = 12), a ketogenic diet (LC/KD group, n = 12), or a ketogenic diet treated with curcumin supplementation for the final 6 weeks (LC/KDCu group, n = 12). A poor sperm morphology and mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) were observed in the LC and LC/KD groups, but they were eliminated by the normal diet or ketogenic diet with curcumin. The LC group exhibited a lower testicular testosterone level and a lower 17β-HSD activity and protein expression. This also enhanced apoptosis protein expressions in testis tissue, including Bax/BCl2, cleaved caspase 3, PARP and NF-κB. Meanwhile, we found a statistically significant increase in lipid peroxidation and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase levels in the LC group. Our study indicated that a replacement of a normal diet or ketogenic diet supplemented with curcumin attenuated poor semen quality and reduced testosterone levels by the LC diet by reducing oxidative stress.
    Keywords:  curcumin; low-carbohydrate diet; male infertility; oxidative stress; spermatogenesis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231710009
  89. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Sep 05. pii: 10172. [Epub ahead of print]23(17):
      Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that regulate diverse cellular functions. Originally characterized for their ability to mediate direct intercellular communication through the formation of highly regulated membrane channels, their functions have been extended to the exchange of molecules with the extracellular environment, and the ability to modulate numerous channel-independent effects on processes such as motility and survival. Notably, connexins have been implicated in cancer biology for their context-dependent roles that can both promote or suppress cancer cell function. Moreover, connexins are able to mediate many aspects of cellular metabolism including the intercellular coupling of nutrients and signaling molecules. During cancer progression, changes to substrate utilization occur to support energy production and biomass accumulation. This results in metabolic plasticity that promotes cell survival and proliferation, and can impact therapeutic resistance. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of connexin and cancer biology, however, delineating the roles these multi-faceted proteins play in metabolic adaptation of cancer cells is just beginning. Glucose represents a major carbon substrate for energy production, nucleotide synthesis, carbohydrate modifications and generation of biosynthetic intermediates. While cancer cells often exhibit a dependence on glycolytic metabolism for survival, cellular reprogramming of metabolic pathways is common when blood perfusion is limited in growing tumors. These metabolic changes drive aggressive phenotypes through the acquisition of functional traits. Connections between glucose metabolism and connexin function in cancer cells and the surrounding stroma are now apparent, however much remains to be discovered regarding these relationships. This review discusses the existing evidence in this area and highlights directions for continued investigation.
    Keywords:  connexin; gap junction; glucose; metabolism
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231710172
  90. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2022 Sep 09.
      Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a seed native to northern Mexico and southern Guatemala that has started to be consumed in recent years in other regions of the world owing to its nutritional and functional properties. Germination of chia seeds seems to be able to further improve these properties, and it has been the subject of some studies. In general, germination has proven to be a simple and inexpensive process capable of improving the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity of foods, as well as reducing antinutritional factors that interfere with nutrient absorption. A particular characteristic of chia seeds is that they produce mucilage when they are hydrated. For this reason, the germination conditions of the seed need to be adapted. The nutritional guidelines of some countries, such as Brazil, Germany and Sweden, recommend that the diet of the population should be more plant-based, thus encouraging the consumption of foods with a high content of bioactive compounds and nutrients, e.g., germinated seeds. This review briefly explored the germination conditions of chia seeds as well as the changes in phytonutrient content and antinutritional factors after their germination process. The main information available in the literature is that germination of chia seeds can increase the contents of protein, fiber, and total phenolic compounds. As a conclusion, germination of chia seeds is favorable for increasing their health benefits and nutritional value. However, chia germination parameters should be adjusted and microbiological risks should be properly evaluated.
    Keywords:  Antinutritional factors; Antioxidant activity; Germination process; Phenolic compounds; Plant-based diet
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-022-01011-z
  91. ACS Nano. 2022 Sep 08.
      Tumor hypoxia and acidity are well-known features in solid tumors that cause immunosuppression and therapeutic resistance. Herein, we rationally synthesized a multifunctional fluorinated calcium carbonate (fCaCO3) nanoregulator by coating CaCO3 nanoparticles with dopamine-grafted perfluorosebacic acid (DA2-PFSEA) and ferric ions by utilizing their coordination interaction. After PEGylation, the obtained fCaCO3-PEG showed high loading efficacy to perfluoro-15-crown-5-ether (PFCE), a type of perfluorocarbon with high oxygen solubility, thereby working as both oxygen nanoshuttles and proton sponges to reverse tumor hypoxia and acidity-induced resistance to radiotherapy. The as-prepared PFCE@fCaCO3-PEG could not only function as long-circulating oxygen nanoshuttles to attenuate tumor hypoxia but also neutralize the acidic tumor microenvironment by restricting the production of lactic acid and reacting with extracellular protons. As a result, treatment with PFCE@fCaCO3-PEG could improve the therapeutic outcome of radiotherapy toward two murine tumors with distinct immunogenicity. The PFCE@fCaCO3-PEG-assisted radiotherapy could also collectively inhibit the growth of unirradiated tumors and reject rechallenged tumors by synergistically eliciting protective antitumor immunity. Therefore, our work presents the preparation of fluorinated CaCO3 nanoregulators to reverse tumor immunosuppression and potentiate radiotherapy through chemically modulating tumor hypoxic and acidic microenvironments tightly associated with tumor glucose metabolism.
    Keywords:  acidity neutralization; antitumor immunity; enhanced radiotherapy; fluorinated CaCO3 nanoregulator; glucose metabolism modulation; hypoxia attenuation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.2c02688
  92. Molecules. 2022 Aug 23. pii: 5369. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      Today, cancer treatment is an important issue in the medical world due to the challenges and side effects of ongoing treatment procedures. Current methods can be replaced with targeted nano-drug delivery systems to overcome such side effects. In the present work, an intelligent nano-system consisting of Chitosan (Ch)/Gamma alumina (γAl)/Fe3O4 and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) was synthesized and designed for the first time in order to influence the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cell line in the treatment of breast cancer. Physico-chemical characterization of the nanocarriers was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM analysis revealed smooth and homogeneous spherical nanoparticles. The high stability of the nanoparticles and their narrow size distribution was confirmed by DLS. The results of the loading study demonstrated that these nano-systems cause controlled, stable, and pH-sensitive release in cancerous environments with an inactive targeting mechanism. Finally, the results of MTT and flow cytometry tests indicated that this nano-system increased the rate of apoptosis induction on cancerous masses and could be an effective alternative to current treatments.
    Keywords:  Fe3O4; cancer; chitosan; drug delivery; fluorouracil; gamma alumina
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175369
  93. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2022 Sep 05.
      Clinically, intra-articular administration can hardly achieve the truly targeted therapy, and the drugs are usually insufficient to show local and long-term therapeutic effects because of their rapid clearance. Herein, inspired by the phenomenon that bees track the scent of flowers to collect nectar, we developed cartilage-targeting hydrogel microspheres with reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive ability via combining the microfluidic method and photopolymerization processes to integrate cartilage-targeting peptides and ROS-responsive nanoparticles in the hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel microspheres with cartilage-targeting properties promoted better retention in the joint cavity and enhanced cellular uptake of the nanoparticles. Moreover, the ROS-responsive nanoparticles could react with osteoarthritis (OA)-induced intracellular ROS, resulting in the depolymerization of nanoparticles, which could not only eliminate excess ROS and reduce inflammation but also promote the release of dexamethasone (Dex) and kartogenin (KGN) in situ, realizing effective OA therapy. It was demonstrated that this hydrogel microsphere showed favorable ROS-responsive ability and enhanced chondrogenic differentiation as well as the downregulation of pro-inflammatory factors in vitro. Additionally, the hydrogel microspheres, similar to bees, could target and effectively repair cartilage in the OA model. Thus, the injectable hydrogel microspheres exerted an excellent potential to repair OA and may also provide an effective avenue for inflammatory bowel disease therapy.
    Keywords:  drug delivery; hydrogel microspheres; osteoarthritis; reactive oxygen species; targeting therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.2c12703
  94. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 30. pii: 3579. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Bee products have been extensively employed in traditional therapeutic practices to treat several diseases and microbial infections. Numerous bioactive components of bee products have exhibited several antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antiprotozoal, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. Apitherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses the bioactive properties of bee products to prevent and/or treat different diseases. This review aims to provide an elaborated vision of the antiviral activities of bee products with recent advances in research. Since ancient times, bee products have been well known for their several medicinal properties. The antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of bee products and their bioactive components are emerging as a promising alternative therapy against several viral infections. Numerous studies have been performed, but many clinical trials should be conducted to evaluate the potential of apitherapy against pathogenic viruses. In that direction, here, we review and highlight the potential roles of bee products as apitherapeutics in combating numerous viral infections. Available studies validate the effectiveness of bee products in virus inhibition. With such significant antiviral potential, bee products and their bioactive components/extracts can be effectively employed as an alternative strategy to improve human health from individual to communal levels as well.
    Keywords:  antiviral properties; bee bread; bee pollen; bee venom; beeswax; bioactive substances; honey; nutrients; propolis; royal jelly
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173579
  95. Pharm Dev Technol. 2022 Sep 05. 1-55
      Ivermectin (IVM) is a drug widely used in veterinary and human medicine for the management of parasitic diseases. Its repositioning potential has been recently considered for the treatment of different diseases, such as cancer and viral infections. However, IVM faces some limitations to its formulations due to its low water solubility and bioavailability, along with reports of drug resistance. In this sense, novel technological approaches have been explored to optimize its formulations and/or to develop innovative medicines. Therefore, this review discusses the strategies proposed in the last decade to improve the safety and efficacy of IVM and to explore its novel therapeutic applications. Among these technologies, the use of micro/nano-drug delivery systems is the most used approach, followed by long-acting formulations. In general, the development of these novel formulations seems to run side by side in veterinary and human health, showing a shared interface between the two areas. Although the technologies proposed indicate a promising future in the development of innovative dosage forms containing IVM, its safety and therapeutic targets must be further evaluated. Overall, these approaches comprise tailoring drug delivery profiles, decreasing the risks of developing drug resistance, and supporting the application of IVM for reaching different therapeutic targets.
    Keywords:  One Health; drug delivery; drug repurposing; implants; nanocarriers; nanotechnology
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/10837450.2022.2121840
  96. Front Neurosci. 2022 ;16 969056
      Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). It is mainly caused by trauma and reduces the quality of life of the affected individual. Ginsenosides are safe and effective traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), and their efficacy against SCI is being increasingly researched in many countries, especially in China and Korea. This systematic review evaluated the neuroprotective effects of ginsenosides in SCI and elucidated their properties.Methods: All experimental information and summaries used in this review were acquired from peer-reviewed articles in the relevant fields. The PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for relevant articles. Information on the manual classification and selection of ginsenosides that protect against SCI is included in this review.
    Results: A literature survey yielded studies reporting several properties of ginsenosides, including anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidative stress, and inhibition of glial scar formation.
    Conclusion: In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of action of different ginsenosides that exert neuroprotective effects in SCI. These results suggest that after further verification in the future, ginsenosides may be used as adjunctive therapy to promote neurological recovery.
    Keywords:  ginsenosides; mechanism; neuroprotective effect; spinal cord injury; traditional Chinese medicine
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.969056
  97. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Sep;pii: S0753-3322(22)00895-2. [Epub ahead of print]153 113506
      As the sixth leading cause of cancer death, esophageal cancer is threatening the life of people worldwide. Traditional treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, are facing always augmented challenges including invasion, multidrug resistance (MDR), off-target toxicity. Chemo & Photodynamic synergistic therapy represents one promising strategy for improved treatment efficiency. But it is still hindered by the lack of tumor targeting, deleterious side effects, and unfavorable microenvironment for photodynamic therapy (PDT). To overcome those obstacles, one theranostic nano-assambly drug, GCDs-Ce6/Pt-EGF, was designed and fabricated. Green fluorescence carbon dots (GCDs) with the excellent optical properties, modifiability and low toxicity were prepared as drug carrier. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was conjugated to the nano-assembly to realize tumor specific targeting. Chlorin e6 (Ce6) in the presence of laser irradiation achieved PDT by generating proapoptosis reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, Ce6 incorporated into GCDs endowed the nano-assambly imaging ability and facilitate image-guided therapy. Pt(IV), cisplatin prodrug, in the nano-assambly depleted the glutathione (GSH) of tumor microenvironment when it was reduced to cytotoxicity Pt(II). Compared with single treatment, GCDs-Ce6/Pt-EGF exhibited enhanced tumor cell killing capacity and better biosafety in vitro and in vivo, especially for EGFR bearing tumor. It paved ways for developing novel theranostic agent to be potentially applied in clinic.
    Keywords:  Chemotherapy; EGFR targeting; Esophageal cancer; Nano-assembly; Photodynamic therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113506
  98. Curr Drug Deliv. 2022 Sep 07.
      BACKGROUND: Currently, there is ongoing research in the pharmaceutical technology field to develop innovative drug delivery systems with improved therapeutic efficacy.OBJECTIVES: Although there is a high need for new drug molecules, most scientists focus on the advancement of novel pharmaceutical formulations since the present excipients lack important properties such as low release rate leading to repeated dosing. Aside from this, pharmaceutical technologists aim to develop drug formulations that can target specific organs and tissues, lowering the possibility of adverse effects.
    METHODS: This review aims to cover the different polymer-based gel types, the development and characterization methods, as well as applications thereof. Finally, the recent advancements and future perspectives focusing on radiolabeled gels will be addressed.
    RESULTS: In the last decades, polymer based pharmaceutical gels have shown attractive properties and therefore have raised the attention of pharmaceutical scientists. Gels are either chemically or physically cross-linked networks that can absorb fluids such as water(hydrogels), oil (organogels) and even air(aerogels). A variety of polymers, either synthetic or natural, have been employed as components for the gels. Stimuli-responsive gels based on stimuli-sensitive polymers are among the most studied gel class of last years.
    CONCLUSION: The use of polymer-based gels as drug delivery systems would be beneficial for targeting numerous diseases.
    Keywords:  advancements; drug delivery; gels; hydrogels; polymers; radiolabeling
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2174/1567201819666220907124040
  99. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2022 Aug 26. pii: 2948. [Epub ahead of print]12(17):
      Globally, breast cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases, inducing critical intimidation to human health. Lipid-based nanomaterials have been successfully demonstrated as drug carriers for breast cancer treatment. To date, the development of a better drug delivery system based on lipid nanomaterials is still urgent to make the treatment and diagnosis easily accessible to breast cancer patients. In a drug delivery system, lipid nanomaterials have revealed distinctive features, including high biocompatibility and efficient drug delivery. Specifically, a targeted drug delivery system based on lipid nanomaterials has inherited the advantage of optimum dosage and low side effects. In this review, insights on currently used potential lipid-based nanomaterials are collected and introduced. The review sheds light on conjugation, targeting, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical significance of lipid-based nanomaterials to treat breast cancer. Furthermore, a brighter side of lipid-based nanomaterials as future potential drug delivery systems for breast cancer therapy is discussed.
    Keywords:  breast cancer; conjugation; drug delivery system; efficacy; exosomes; liposomes; micelles; safety; targeting
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12172948
  100. Chem Commun (Camb). 2022 Sep 07.
      By quenching the electronic excited state, self-aggregation of photosensitizers deteriorates the photodynamic therapy (PDT) outcome. Previously reported strategies to mitigate aggregation-caused-quenching (ACQ) involve harsh conditions and tedious synthesis processes. Moreover, failure to tune the extent of photosensitizer aggregation on-demand usually leads to a sub-optimal PDT effect. Herein, a new insight into ACQ alleviation by precisely tailoring the aggregation extent of photosensitizers via the confinement effect is unraveled by concise and facile coordination co-assembly fabrication of Pt/TCPP NCPs. Optimized meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (TCPP) aggregation extent was achieved by precisely regulating the PES/TCPP feeding ratio to 12, unleashing outstanding PDT efficacy for robustly synergistic cancer PDT/chemotherapy.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1039/d2cc03446h
  101. Chem Biodivers. 2022 Sep 07.
      Curcumin is a potential plant-derived drug for the treatment of breast cancer. Poor solubility and bioavailability are the main factors that limit its clinical application. Various structural modification strategies have been developed to improve the anti-breast cancer activity of curcumin. This review focuses on the difference of modification sites and heterocyclic/non-heterocyclic modifications to systematically summarize curcumin derivatives with better anti-breast cancer activity.
    Keywords:  Anti-breast cancer; Curcumin derivatives; Pharmacological activity; Structure modification
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202200485
  102. Sci Rep. 2022 Sep 08. 12(1): 15235
      Resveratrol (RSV), a non-flavonoid stilbene polyphenol, possesses anti-carcinogenic activities against all the major stages of cancer. Zein nanoparticles (ZN NPs) have been utilized successfully in delivery of variant therapeuticals by virtue of their histocompatible nature. The goal of this work was to comparatively explore the antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic and oxidative stress potentials of RSV-ZN NPs versus RSV against human colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells. ZN-RSV NPs were developed and assayed for particle size analysis and RSV diffusion. The selected formula obtained 137.6 ± 8.3 nm as mean particle size, 29.4 ± 1.8 mV zeta potential, 92.3 ± 3.6% encapsulation efficiency. IC50 of the selected formula was significantly lower against HCT-116 cells versus Caco-2 cells. Also, significantly enhanced cellular uptake was generated from RSV-ZN NPs versus free RSV. Enhanced apoptosis was concluded due to increased percentage cells in G2-M and pre-G1 phases. The pro-apoptotic potential was explained by caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 increased mRNA expression in addition to NF-κB and miRNA125b decreased expression. Biochemically, ZN-RSV NPs induced oxidative stress as demonstrated by enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) isoenzyme increased levels. Conclusively, ZN-RSV NPs obtained cell cycle inhibition supported with augmented cytotoxicity, uptake and oxidative stress markers levels in HCT-116 tumor cells in comparison with free RSV. These results indicated intensified chemopreventive profile of RSV due to effective delivery utilizing ZN nano-dispersion against colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-18557-2
  103. Plants (Basel). 2022 Aug 23. pii: 2184. [Epub ahead of print]11(17):
      Native Mexican plants are a wide source of bioactive compounds such as pentacyclic triterpenes. Pentacyclic triterpenes biosynthesized through the mevalonate (MVA) and the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-phosphate (MEP) metabolic pathways are highlighted by their diverse biological activity. Compounds belonging to the oleanane, ursane, and lupane groups have been identified in about 33 Mexican plants, located geographically in the southwest of Mexico. The works addressing these findings have reported 45 compounds that mainly show antimicrobial activity, followed by anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, anxiolytic, hypoglycemic, and growth-stimulating or allelopathic activities. Extraction by maceration and Soxhlet with organic solvents and consecutive chromatography of silica gel have been used for their whole or partial purification. Nanoparticles and nanoemulsions are the vehicles used in Mexican formulations for drug delivery of the pentacyclic triterpenes until now. Sustainable extraction, formulation, regulation, isolation, characterization, and bioassay facilities are areas of opportunity in pentacyclic triterpenes research in Mexico while the presence of plant and human resources and traditional knowledge are strengths. The present review discusses the generalities of the pentacyclic triterpene (definition, biogenic classification, and biosynthesis), a summary of the last two decades of research on the compounds identified and their evaluated bioactivity, the generalities about the extraction and purification methods used, drug delivery aspects, and a critical analysis of the advantages and limitations of research carried out in this way.
    Keywords:  Mexican plants; biological activity; drug delivery; extraction; isolation; pentacyclic triterpenes
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172184
  104. ScientificWorldJournal. 2022 ;2022 9217268
      Alpha-mangostin, a natural xanthone mainly extracted from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana, has been shown to have promising anticancer properties in many types of cancer. However, the therapeutic potential of α-mangostin has been limited so far due to its poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability, which limited its biopharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, α-mangostin failed to specifically reach tumors at a therapeutic concentration due and rapid elimination in vivo. We hypothesized that this drawback could be overcome by loading the drug within a delivery system conjugated to transferrin (Tf), whose receptors are overexpressed on many cancer cells and would enhance the specific delivery of α-mangostin to cancer cells, thereby enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. The objectives of this study were therefore to prepare and characterize transferrin-conjugated lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHN) entrapping α-mangostin, as well as to evaluate their therapeutic efficacy in vitro. We successfully prepared α-mangostin loaded LPHN using a one-step nanoprecipitation method with high drug entrapment efficiency. The conjugation of Tf to the LPHN was achieved by using the thiol-maleimide "click" reaction, leading to an increase in the particle hydrodynamic size of Tf-LPHN compared to that of unconjugated (control) LPHN (Ctrl-LPHN). Both Tf-LPHN and Ctrl-LPHN were bearing negative surface charges. Tf-LPHN and Ctrl-LPHN exhibited a sustained release of α-mangostin at pH 7.4, following an initial burst release, unlike rapid release of drug solution. The entrapment of α-mangostin in the LPHN led to an increase in α-mangostin uptake by cancer cells, and thus improved its antiproliferative activity compared to that observed with the drug solution. In conclusion, α-mangostin entrapped in the Tf-LPHN is therefore a highly promising therapeutic system that should be further optimized as therapeutic tools for cancer treatment.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9217268
  105. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022 Sep 08. 1-31
      Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a global epidemic with diverse pathogenesis. Among them, oxidative stress and inflammation are the most fundamental co-morbid features. Therefore, multi-targets and multi-pathways therapies with significant anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities are potential effective measures for preventing and treating NCDs. The flavonol glycoside compound hyperoside (Hyp) is widely found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, beverages, and medicinal plants and has various health benefits, especially excellent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties targeting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the pathogenesis associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in NCDs and the biological activity and therapeutic potential of Hyp. Our findings reveal that the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities regulated by Hyp are associated with numerous biological mechanisms, including positive regulation of mitochondrial function, apoptosis, autophagy, and higher-level biological damage activities. Hyp is thought to be beneficial against organ injuries, cancer, depression, diabetes, and osteoporosis, and is a potent anti-NCDs agent. Additionally, the sources, bioavailability, pharmacy, and safety of Hyp have been established, highlighting the potential to develop Hyp into dietary supplements and nutraceuticals.
    Keywords:  Flavonoids; anti-inflammatory activity; anti-oxidant activity; availability; bioavailability; non-communicable diseases
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2115457
  106. Polymers (Basel). 2022 Aug 29. pii: 3564. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      This study aimed to synthesise montelukast-loaded polymeric nanoparticles via the ionic gelation method using chitosan as a natural polymer and tripolyphosphate as a crosslinking agent. Tween 80, hyaluronic acid and leucine were added to modify the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, reduce the nanoparticles' uptake by alveolar macrophages and improve powder aerosolisation, respectively. The nanoparticles ranged from 220 nm to 383 nm with a polydispersity index of ≤0.50. The zeta potential of nanoparticles ranged from 11 mV to 22 mV, with a drug association efficiency of 46-86%. The simple chitosan nanoparticles (F2) were more spherical in comparison to other formulations (F4-F6), while the roughness of hyaluronic acid (F5) and leucine (F6) added formulations was significantly high er than F2 and Tween 80 added formulation (F4). The DSC and FTIR analysis depict that the physical and chemical properties of the drug were preserved. The release of the drugs from nanoparticles was more sustained in the case of F5 and F6 when compared to F2 and F4 due to the additional coating of hyaluronic acid and leucine. The nanoparticles were amorphous and cohesive and prone to exhalation due to their small size. Therefore, nanoparticles were admixed with lactose microspheres to reduce particle agglomeration and improve powder dispersion from a dry powder inhaler (DPI). The DPI formulations achieved a dispersed fraction of 75 to 90%, a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 1-2 µm and a fine particle fraction (FPF) of 28-83% when evaluated using the Anderson cascade impactor from Handihaler®. Overall, the montelukast-loaded nanoparticles physically admixed with lactose microspheres achieved optimum deposition in the deep lung for potential application in asthmatic patients.
    Keywords:  chitosan; inhalation drug delivery; lactose; microspheres; montelukast; nanoparticles
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173564
  107. Front Pharmacol. 2022 ;13 952027
      Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom that has been used for the prevention and treatment of different ailments to enhance longevity and health specifically in China, Japan, and Korea. It was known as "God's herb" in ancient China as it was believed to prolong life, enhance the youthful spirit and sustain/preserve vitality. G. lucidum is seldom collected from nature and is substantially cultivated on wood logs and sawdust in plastic bags or bottles to meet the international market demand. Both in vitro and in vivo studies on the copious metabolic activities of G. lucidum have been carried out. Varied groups of chemical compounds including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, nucleosides, alkaloids, steroids, lactones, lectins, fatty acids, and enzymes with potent pharmacological activities have been isolated from the mycelia and fruiting bodies of G. lucidum. Several researchers have reported the abundance and diversification of its biological actions triggered by these chemical compounds. Triterpenoids and polysaccharides of G. lucidum have been reported to possess cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antihistaminic effects, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic antiallergic, neuroprotective, antitumor, immunomodulatory and antiangiogenic activities. Various formulations have been developed, patented, and utilized as nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and pharmaceuticals from G. lucidum extracts and active compounds. Thus, this review presents current updates on emerging infectious diseases and highlights the scope, dynamics, and advances in infectious disease management with a particular focus on Ganoderma lucidum, an unutilized natural medicine as a promising future solution to emerging diseases in Africa. However, details such as the chemical compound and mode of action of each bioactive against different emerging diseases were not discussed in this study.
    Keywords:  Ganoderma lucidum; infectious disease; medicinal mushroom; polysaccharides; triterpenoids
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.952027
  108. J Control Release. 2022 Aug 31. pii: S0168-3659(22)00574-0. [Epub ahead of print]
      Our body keeps separating the toxic chemicals in the blood from the brain. A significant number of drugs do not enter the central nervous system (CNS) due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Certain diseases, such as tumor growth and stroke, are known to increase the permeability of the BBB. However, the heterogeneity of this permeation makes it difficult and unpredictable to transport drugs to the brain. In recent years, research has been directed toward increasing drug penetration inside the brain, and nanomedicine has emerged as a promising approach. Active targeting requires one or more specific legends on the surface of nanoparticles (NPs), which brain endothelial cells (ECs) recognize, allowing controlled drug delivery compared to conventional targeting strategies. This review highlights the mechanistic insights about different cell types contributing to the development and maintenance of the BBB and summarizes the recent advancement in brain-specific NPs for different pathological conditions. Furthermore, fundamental properties of brain-targeted NPs will be discussed, and the standard lesion features classified by neurological pathology are summarized.
    Keywords:  Blood-brain barrier; Brain cancer; Glioblastoma; Medulloblastoma; Nanomedicine
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.08.051
  109. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2022 Sep 02. pii: S0939-6411(22)00187-4. [Epub ahead of print]
      A co-delivery system of SN38 (7-ethyl-10-hydroxyl camptothecin) prodrug and CUR (curcumin) was designed for the treatment of lung cancer by pulmonary delivery. SN38 was linked to cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) TAT via a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker to form the SN38 prodrug (TAT-PEG-SN38). Liposomes co-loaded with amphiphilic TAT-PEG-SN38 and curcumin (Lip-TAT-PEG-SN38/CUR) were successfully prepared by a microfluidic method for the treatment of lung cancer via pulmonary delivery. Lip-TAT-PEG-SN38/CUR showed nanometer-sized sphericity and a particle size of 171.21 nm. Besides, Lip-TAT-PEG-SN38/CUR exhibited enhanced antiproliferative effect, increased cell apoptosis induction and improved cell cycle arrest compared to the single agents in vitro. The combination induced significant tumor inhibition in a BALB/c mouse lung cancer model. These results indicated that our SN38 prodrug and curcumin co-delivery system was a promising candidate for lung cancer treatment.
    Keywords:  Curcumin; Pulmonary delivery; SN38; lung cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.08.021
  110. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Aug 26. pii: 9668. [Epub ahead of print]23(17):
      Development of nanomaterials for drug delivery has received considerable attention due to their potential for achieving on-target delivery to the diseased area while the surrounding healthy tissue is spared. Safe and efficiently delivered payloads have always been a challenge in pharmaceutics. Niosomes are self-assembled vesicular nanocarriers formed by hydration of a non-ionic surfactant, cholesterol or other molecules that combine to form a versatile drug delivery system with a variety of applications ranging from topical delivery to targeted delivery. Niosomes have advantages similar to those of liposomes with regards to their ability to incorporate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic payloads. Moreover, niosomes have simple manufacturing methods, low production cost and exhibit extended stability, consequently overcoming the major drawbacks associated with liposomes. This review provides a comprehensive summary of niosomal research to date, including the types of niosomes and critical material attributes (CMA) and critical process parameters (CPP) of niosomes and their effects on the critical quality attributes (CQA) of the technology. Furthermore, physical characterisation techniques of niosomes are provided. The review then highlights recent applications of specialised niosomes in drug delivery. Finally, limitations and prospects for this technology are discussed.
    Keywords:  immuno-niosomes; magnetic niosomes; pH-sensitive niosomes; targeted drug delivery; thermoresponsive niosomes
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23179668
  111. Molecules. 2022 Sep 03. pii: 5686. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Although surgery is the primary treatment, serious maladies that dissipate to other parts of the body may require chemotherapy. As there is no effective procedure to treat stomach cancer, natural small molecules are a current focus of research interest for the development of better therapeutics. Chemotherapy is usually used as a last resort for people with advanced stomach cancer. Anti-colon cancer chemotherapy has become increasingly effective due to drug resistance and sensitivity across a wide spectrum of drugs. Naturally-occurring substances have been widely acknowledged as an important project for discovering innovative medications, and many therapeutic pharmaceuticals are made from natural small molecules. Although the beneficial effects of natural products are as yet unknown, emerging data suggest that several natural small molecules could suppress the progression of stomach cancer. Therefore, the underlying mechanism of natural small molecules for pathways that are directly involved in the pathogenesis of cancerous diseases is reviewed in this article. Chemotherapy and molecularly-targeted drugs can provide hope to colon cancer patients. New discoveries could help in the fight against cancer, and future stomach cancer therapies will probably include molecularly formulated drugs.
    Keywords:  apoptosis; cancer; gastrointestinal tract; natural products; small molecules
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175686
  112. ACS Appl Bio Mater. 2022 Sep 05.
      Nanosized metal oxide-incorporated drug carriers have received significant attention due to their biocompatibility, mechanical strength, controlled drug release, and biodegradability. Herein, an attempt was made to fabricate polycaprolactone-based electrospun nanofiber mats involving the 5-fluorouracil (5Fu) drug, MgO nanoparticle, methyl cellulose, and polyethylene glycol. The chemical interactions, surface wettability, mechanical properties, structural and morphological changes, and thermal stability were studied by the respective analyses. The ionic interaction between 5Fu, MgO, and polymers were found to be responsible for the controlled drug release. Zero-order kinetic and model data also revealed that a controlled drug release pattern was observed in a period of 16 days. Furthermore, the nanofiber mats were subjected to cytotoxicity studies against MDA-MB-231 cancer cell line and the results showed higher cytotoxicity in a short time of 24 h and less toxicity to normal L929 fibroblast cell line. The apoptosis in cancer cell lines was also tested by AO/PI staining assay and confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. In addition, the growth inhibition of several bacterial and fungal strains was tested for the mats and the results exhibited good inhibition activity. Hence, the reported nanofiber drug carrier was found to be an efficient implant for the controlled release of anticancer drug along with other significant properties.
    Keywords:  antimicrobial screening; apoptosis assay; cytotoxicity; drug delivery; nanofibers; nanoparticle
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.2c00519
  113. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Sep 02. pii: S0753-3322(22)01035-6. [Epub ahead of print]154 113646
      In light of increasing research evidence on the molecular mechanisms of allergic diseases, the crucial roles of innate and acquired immunity in the disease's pathogenesis have been well highlighted. In this respect, much attention has been paid to the modulation of unregulated and unabated inflammatory responses aiming to suppress pathologic immune responses in treating allergic diseases. One of the most important natural compounds with a high potency of immune modulation is curcumin, an active polyphenol compound derived from turmeric, Curcuma longa L. Curcumin's immunomodulatory action mainly arises from its interactions with an extensive collection of immune cells such as mast cells, eosinophils, epithelial cells, basophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Up to now, there has been no detailed investigation of curcumin's immunomodulatory actions in allergic diseases. So, the present review study aims to prepare an overview of the immunomodulatory effects of curcumin on the pathologic innate immune responses and dysregulated functions of T helper (TH) subtypes, including TH1, TH2, TH17, and regulator T cells (Tregs) by gathering evidence from several studies of In-vitro and In-vivo. As the second aim of the present review, we also discuss some novel strategies to overcome the limitation of curcumin in clinical use. Finally, this review also assesses the therapeutic potential of curcumin regarding its immunomodulatory actions in allergic diseases.
    Keywords:  Allergic disease, Curcumin; Immune modulation, Turmeric
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113646
  114. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Sep 05. pii: S0753-3322(22)01000-9. [Epub ahead of print]154 113611
      Cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemic stroke, pose serious medical challenges worldwide due to their high morbidity and mortality and limitations in clinical treatment strategies. Studies have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated inflammation, excitotoxicity, and programmed cell death of each neurovascular unit during post-stroke hypoxia and reperfusion play an important role in the pathological cascade. Ferroptosis, a programmed cell death characterized by iron-regulated accumulation of lipid peroxidation, is caused by abnormal metabolism of lipids, glutathione (GSH), and iron, and can accelerate acute central nervous system injury. Recent studies have gradually uncovered the pathological process of ferroptosis in the neurovascular unit of acute stroke. Some drugs such as iron chelators, ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) and liproxstatin-1 (Lip-1) can protect nerves after neurovascular unit injury in acute stroke by inhibiting ferroptosis. In addition, combined with our previous studies on ferroptosis mediated by natural compounds in ischemic stroke, this review summarized the progress in the regulation mechanism of natural chemical components and herbal chemical components on ferroptosis in recent years, in order to provide reference information for future research on ferroptosis and lead compounds for the development of ferroptosis inhibitors.
    Keywords:  Ferroptosis; Ischemic stroke; Natural pharmacological active component; Oxidative stress
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113611
  115. Curr Top Med Chem. 2022 Sep 07.
      Polyhydroxy compounds are secondary metabolites that are ubiquitous in plants of higher genera. They possess therapeutic properties against a wide spectrum of diseases, including cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, atherosclerosis, as well as cardiovascular disease. The phytochemical flavonol (a type of flavonoid) kaempferol (KMP) (3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)- 4Hchromen-4-one) is abundant in cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, kale, spinach, and watercress, as well as in herbs like dill, chives, and tarragon. KMP is predominantly hydrophobic in nature due to its diphenylpropane structure (a characteristic feature of flavonoids). Recent findings have indicated the promise of applying KMP in disease prevention due to its potential antioxidant, antimutagenic, antifungal, and antiviral activities. In the literature, there is evidence that KMP exerts its anticancer effects by modulating critical elements in cellular signal transduction pathways linked to apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis in cancer cells without affecting the viability of normal cells. It has been shown that KMP triggers cancer cell death by several mechanisms, including cell cycle arrest, caspase activation, metabolic alteration, and impacting human telomerase reverse-transcriptase gene expression. This review is aimed at providing critical insights into the influence of KMP on the intracellular cascades that regulate metabolism and signaling in breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer cells.
    Keywords:  Breast cancer; Cancer therapy; Cervical cancer; Chemoresistance; Natural product; Ovarian cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026622666220907112822
  116. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2022 Dec;37(1): 2478-2488
      The mitochondrial isoforms VA/VB of metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) are involved in metabolic processes, such as de novo lipogenesis and fatty acid biosynthesis. We review the drug design landscape for obtaining CA VA/VB-selective/effective inhibitors, starting from the clinical observations that CA inhibitory drugs, such as the antiepileptics topiramate and zonisamide, or the diuretic acetazolamide induce a significant weight loss. The main approaches for designing such compounds consisted in drug repurposing of already known CA inhibitors (CAIs); screening of synthetic/natural products libraries both in the classical and virtual modes, and de novo drug design using the tail approach. A number of such studies allowed the identification of lead compounds diverse from sulphonamides, such as tropolones, phenols, polyphenols, flavones, glycosides, fludarabine, lenvatinib, rufinamide, etc., for which the binding mode to the enzyme is not always well understood. Classical drug design studies of sulphonamides, sulfamates and sulfamides afforded low nanomolar mitochondrial CA-selective inhibitors, but detailed antiobesity studies were poorly performed with most of them. A breakthrough in the field may be constituted by the design of hybrids incorporating CAIs and other antiobesity chemotypes.
    Keywords:  Carbonic anhydrase; de novo lipogenesis; fatty acid biosynthesis; mitochondria; natural products; obesity; phenols; sulphonamides; topiramate; zonisamide
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/14756366.2022.2121393
  117. Nanomedicine (Lond). 2022 Sep 06.
      Aim: To formulate and assess the oral anti-obesity effect of polymeric-based pterostilbene (PS)-loaded nanoparticles. Methods: Pterostilbene-hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex loaded in chitosan nanoparticles (PS/HPβCD-NPs) were prepared and characterized in vitro. Cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetics and anti-obesity effects were assessed on Caco-2 cell line and high-fat-diet-induced obesity rat model, respectively. In vivo assessment included histological examination, protein and gene expression of obesity biomarkers in adipose tissues. Results: Safe PS/HPβCD-NPs were successfully prepared with improved bioavailability compared with free PS. PS/HPβCD-NPs showed an improved anti-obesity effect, as supported by histological examination, lipid profile, UCP1 gene expression and protein expression of SIRT1, COX2, IL-6 and leptin. Conclusion: Orally administered PS nanoparticles represent a new and promising anti-obesity strategy owing to the sustainable weight loss and minimal side effects; this may be of great socio-economic impact.
    Keywords:  UCP1; chitosan nanoparticles; hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin; pharmacokinetics; pterostilbene
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2217/nnm-2022-0158
  118. Molecules. 2022 Aug 25. pii: 5451. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      Iron is the most abundant mineral in the human body and plays essential roles in sustaining life, such as the transport of oxygen to systemic organs. The Fenton reaction is the reaction between iron and hydrogen peroxide, generating hydroxyl radical, which is highly reactive and highly toxic to living cells. "Ferroptosis", a programmed cell death in which the Fenton reaction is closely involved, has recently received much attention. Furthermore, various applications of the Fenton reaction have been reported in the medical and nutritional fields, such as cancer treatment or sterilization. Here, this review summarizes the recent growing interest in the usefulness of iron and its biological relevance through basic and practical information of the Fenton reaction and recent reports.
    Keywords:  Fenton reaction; antioxidants; cancer; hydrogen peroxide; hygiene; iron; nanomedicine; oxidative stress; polyphenol; vitamin C
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175451
  119. Microb Pathog. 2022 Sep 05. pii: S0882-4010(22)00360-6. [Epub ahead of print]171 105747
      Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the world. Even though preventive vaccines against HPV are effective, the effective treatment of HPV infections is much less satisfactory due to multi-drug resistance and secondary adverse effects. Nanotechnology was employed for the delivery of anti-cancer drugs to increase the effectiveness of the treatment and minimize the side effects. Nanodelivery of both preventive and therapeutic HPV vaccines has also been studied to boost vaccine efficacy. Overall, such developments suggest that the nanoparticle-based vaccine might emerge as the most cost-effective way to prevent and treat HPV cancer, assisted or combined with another nanotechnology-based therapy. This review focuses on the current knowledge on pathogenesis and vaccines against HPV, highlighting the current value and perspective regarding the widespread diffusion of HPV vaccines-based nanomaterials. The ongoing advancements in the design of vaccines-based nanomaterials are expanding their therapeutic roles against HPV.
    Keywords:  Cancer; Human papillomavirus; Nanotechnology; Pathogenesis; Therapeutic vaccine
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105747
  120. Adv Sci (Weinh). 2022 Sep 04. e2203031
      Iron is an essential element for various cellular metabolism. Cancer cells also have high requirement of iron in their proliferation, invasion, and metastasis processes. Alendronate (ALN), a kind of FDA-approved bisphosphonates with metal-chelating capability, is initially certified to selectively bind to intracellular Fe3+ theoretically and experimentally in this study. Hence, CaALN iron nanochelator is rationally designed to kill cancer cells by synergism of Fe-depletion and calcium accumulation. In vitro experiments and RNA sequencing analysis indicate that CaALN nanomedicine inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells by depleting Fe, interfering with DNA replication, and triggering intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Meanwhile, released Ca2+ and ROS mutually promote and induce damage of cellular macromolecules, which leads to mitochondrial apoptosis of cancer cells. In an intraperitoneal disseminated mouse model with the human ovarian cancer cells SKOV3, CaALN nanoparticles selectively accumulate in tumor tissues and result in significant retardation of tumor growth and ascites formation. The mean survival time of SKOV3-bearing mice in treatment group is prolonged from 33 to 90 d. These results indicate that the alendronate-originated iron chelator can serve as an efficient strategy for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis.
    Keywords:  calcium overload; chemotherapy; infinite coordination polymers; iron chelator; ovarian cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202203031
  121. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 ;9 988507
      Seaweeds are classified as Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, and Phaeophyta. They constitute a number of the most significant repositories of new therapeutic compounds for human use. Seaweed has been proven to possess diverse bioactive properties, which include anticancer properties. The present review focuses on colorectal cancer, which is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality in humans. In addition, it discusses various compounds derived from a series of seaweeds that have been shown to eradicate or slow the progression of cancer. Therapeutic compounds extracted from seaweed have shown activity against colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the mechanisms through which these compounds can induce apoptosis in vitro and in vivo were reviewed. This review emphasizes the potential utility of seaweeds as anticancer agents through the consideration of the capability of compounds present in seaweeds to fight against colorectal cancer.
    Keywords:  Chlorophyta; Phaeophyta; Rhodophyta; colorectal cancer; therapeutic compounds
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.988507
  122. Nanomedicine. 2022 Sep 02. pii: S1549-9634(22)00086-7. [Epub ahead of print] 102600
      Current intravesical chemotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has limited efficacy due to loss of the instilled agent from urine voiding and the agent's lack of specificity for the tumors. We developed a nanocarrier (txCD47-HNP, ~100 nm) based on human serum albumin conjugated with a peptide that targets the cluster of differentiation 47 receptor overexpressed on bladder cancer (BC) cells. The IC50 of gemcitabine elaidate (GEM) loaded in the txCD47-HNP was almost an order of magnitude lower than that of free GEM. In a mouse orthotopic BC model, GEM loaded in txCD47-HNP effectively reduced the tumor burden. Tumor cells in BC patients' urine can also be targeted by fluorescence-labeled txCD47-HNP resulting in >83 % of the cells exhibiting fluorescence. Thus, txCD47-HNP can potentially be a theranostic agent in NMIBC management by serving as a targeted drug delivery vehicle as well as an alternative to urine cytology.
    Keywords:  Albumin nanoparticles; Bladder cancer; CD47 targeting; Intravesical chemotherapy; Urine cytology
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nano.2022.102600
  123. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Aug 24. pii: 4103. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) the most common alterations are identified in the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) gene, accounting for approximately 30% of cases in Caucasian patients. The majority of mutations are located in exon 2, with the c.34G &gt; T (p.G12C) change being the most prevalent. The clinical relevance of KRAS mutations in NSCLC was not recognized until a few years ago. What is now emerging is a dual key role played by KRAS mutations in the management of NSCLC patients. First, recent data report that KRAS-mutant lung AC patients generally have poorer overall survival (OS). Second, a KRAS inhibitor specifically targeting the c.34G &gt; T (p.G12C) variant, Sotorasib, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and by the European Medicines Agency. Another KRAS inhibitor targeting c.34G &gt; T (p.G12C), Adagrasib, is currently being reviewed by the FDA for accelerated approval. From the description of the biology of KRAS-mutant NSCLC, the present review will focus on the clinical aspects of KRAS mutations in NSCLC, in particular on the emerging efficacy data of Sotorasib and other KRAS inhibitors, including mechanisms of resistance. Finally, the interaction between KRAS mutations and immune checkpoint inhibitors will be discussed.
    Keywords:  KRAS; KRAS biology; clinical relevance; immune checkpoint inhibitors; lung adenocarcinoma; prognosis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14174103
  124. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022 Sep 05. 1-24
      Due to the unstable chemical properties and poor water solubility of carotenoids, their processing adaptation and oral bioavailability are poor, limiting their application in hydrophilic food systems. Lipid-biomacromolecular compounds can be excellent carriers for carotenoid delivery by taking full advantage of the solubilization of lipids to non-polar nutrients and the water dispersion and gastrointestinal controlled release properties of biomacromolecules. This paper reviewed the research progress of lipid-biomacromolecular compounds as encapsulation and delivery carriers of carotenoids and summarized the material selection and preparation methods for biomacromolecular compounds. By considering the interaction between the two, this paper briefly discussed the effect of these compounds on carotenoid water solubility, stability, and bioavailability, emphasizing their delivery effect on carotenoids. Finally, various challenges and future trends of lipid-biomacromolecular compounds as carotenoid delivery carriers were discussed, providing new insight into efficient loading and delivery of carotenoids.
    Keywords:  Carotenoids; controlled release; intestinal epithelium; nano emulsion; non-covalent interaction; polysaccharides; proteins; self-assembly
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2118229
  125. Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2022 Sep 05.
      BACKGROUND: Cancer is associated with metabolic changes from increased cell proliferation and growth. Compared to normal differentiated cells, MM cells use the glycolytic pathway even when adequate oxygen is present triggering "Glutamine addiction."OBJECTIVE: To investigate the single and combined effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and telaglenastat, a glutaminase inhibitor, on the proliferation and apoptosis of the multiple myeloma cell line KM3/BTZ.
    METHODS: KM3/BTZ cells were treated with different concentrations of telaglenastat and EGCG alone or in combination to investigate their effect on proliferation and apoptosis using the CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, and western blotting. The Chou-Talalay combination index analysis was used to explore the effect of telaglenastat combined with EGCG, while the Combination Index (CI) was calculated to analyze whether the combination of the two drugs had a synergistic effect.
    RESULTS: Telaglenastat and EGCG alone as well as in combination (5 µmol/L telaglenastat + 120 µmol/L EGCG) significantly inhibited the proliferation of KM3/BTZ cells compared to the inhibition effect of the control. Additionally, the combined treatment increased the proportion of KM3/BTZ cells in the G2 phase and decreased the proportion of cells in the G1 phase. The apoptosis rate of EGCG alone and the combined treatment was significantly higher than that of the control group. Bax protein expression was highest in the combined treatment group, whereas Bcl-2 expression was lowest, with the combined treatment group having the highest ratio of Bax/Bcl-2.
    CONCLUSION: Telaglenastat and EGCG act synergistically to inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in KM3/BTZ cells, possibly by targeting glutamine metabolism and glycolysis.
    Keywords:  EGCG; KM3/BTZ cell; Telaglenastat; cell apoptosis; cell proliferation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2174/1871520622666220905142338
  126. Front Chem. 2022 ;10 908386
      Pharmacological treatments of central nervous system diseases are always challenging due to the restrictions imposed by the blood-brain barrier: while some drugs can effectively cross it, many others, some antiepileptic drugs among them, display permeability issues to reach the site of action and exert their pharmacological effects. The development of last-generation therapeutic nanosystems capable of enhancing drug biodistribution has gained ground in the past few years. Lipid-based nanoparticles are promising systems aimed to improve or facilitate the passage of drugs through biological barriers, which have demonstrated their effectiveness in various therapeutic fields, without signs of associated toxicity. In the present work, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) containing the antiepileptic drug phenobarbital were designed and optimized by a quality by design approach (QbD). The optimized formulation was characterized by its entrapment efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index, and Z potential. Thermal properties were analyzed by DSC and TGA, and morphology and crystal properties were analyzed by AFM, TEM, and XRD. Drug localization and possible interactions between the drug and the formulation components were evaluated using FTIR. In vitro release kinetic, cytotoxicity on non-tumoral mouse fibroblasts L929, and in vivo anticonvulsant activity in an animal model of acute seizures were studied as well. The optimized formulation resulted in spherical particles with a mean size of ca. 178 nm and 98.2% of entrapment efficiency, physically stable for more than a month. Results obtained from the physicochemical and in vitro release characterization suggested that the drug was incorporated into the lipid matrix losing its crystalline structure after the synthesis process and was then released following a slower kinetic in comparison with the conventional immediate-release formulation. The NLC was non-toxic against the selected cell line and capable of delivering the drug to the site of action in an adequate amount and time for therapeutic effects, with no appreciable neurotoxicity. Therefore, the developed system represents a promising alternative for the treatment of one of the most prevalent neurological diseases, epilepsy.
    Keywords:  PTZ test; anticonvulsant; drug delivery; epilepsy; nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC); phenobarbital; release kinetic; solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2022.908386
  127. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Sep 02. pii: 10014. [Epub ahead of print]23(17):
      Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetic enzymes which participate in transcriptional repression and chromatin condensation mechanisms by removing the acetyl moiety from acetylated ε-amino group of histone lysines and other non-histone proteins. In recent years, HDAC8, a class I HDAC, has emerged as a promising target for different disorders, including X-linked intellectual disability, fibrotic diseases, cancer, and various neuropathological conditions. Selective HDAC8 targeting is required to limit side effects deriving from the treatment with pan-HDAC inhibitors (HDACis); thus, many endeavours have focused on the development of selective HDAC8is. In addition, polypharmacological approaches have been explored to achieve a synergistic action on multi-factorial diseases or to enhance the drug efficacy. In this frame, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) might be regarded as a dual-targeting approach for attaining HDAC8 proteasomal degradation. This review highlights the most relevant and recent advances relative to HDAC8 validation in various diseases, providing a snapshot of the current selective HDAC8is, with a focus on polyfunctional modulators.
    Keywords:  HDAC8; HDAC8 inhibitor; cancer; fibrosis; histone deacetylase; polypharmacology
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231710014
  128. Molecules. 2022 Aug 26. pii: 5495. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      The feasibility of using dwarf kiwi fruits (Actinia arguta Miq.) as a healthy and sustainable food, compared to other types of commercial kiwi fruits, was evaluated in the present study. The overall antioxidant capacity of these fruits was assessed by either extraction-dependent methods (ABTS, ORAC) or the direct method called Quick, Easy, New, CHEap, Reproducible (QUENCHER) (DPPH, FRAP, Folin-Ciocalteu), applied for the first time to analyze kiwi fruits. With this methodology, all the molecules with antioxidant capacity are measured together in a single step, even those with high molecular weight or poor solubility in aqueous extraction systems, such as antioxidant dietary fiber. The effect of kiwi extracts on physiological and induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production on IEC-6 cells was also analyzed, as well as total phenolic content (TPC) by Fast Blue BB, flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, and hydroxybenzoic acids. A. arguta fruits showed the highest values in all the antioxidant assays, being remarkably higher than the other kiwi species for Q-FRAP and Q-DPPH. Dwarf kiwi showed the highest potential in reducing physiological ROS and the highest values of TPC (54.57 mgGAE/g), being hydroxybenzoic acids the main phenolic family found (2.40 mgGAE/g). Therefore, dwarf kiwi fruits are a natural source of antioxidants compared to conventional kiwi fruits, being a sustainable and healthy alternative to diversify fruits in the diet.
    Keywords:  Actinida arguta; QUENCHER; antioxidants; baby kiwi; dwarf kiwi; intracellular ROS; kiwi berry; phenolic compounds
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175495
  129. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022 ;2022 5761764
      Nicotiana tabacum L. (tobacco) is an important and valuable crop for the cigarette industry. However, cigarette cessation has been encouraged worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential of N. tabacum leaf extract use in other industries besides cigarette production, especially cosmeceutical industries, which are of interest for increasing the value and widening the applications of N. tabacum. The leaves of N. tabacum var. Virginia and Turkish were extracted by maceration using 95% v/v ethanol or petroleum ether. The extracts were evaluated for their phytochemical compositions, antioxidant capacity, and anti-aging, antimelanogenic, and antimicrobial activities. The phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, tannins, and carbohydrates in all of the N. tabacum leaf extracts. The total phenolic content was detected to be the highest in the ethanolic extract of Virginia tobacco leaf, which had the most significantly potent antioxidant and antihyaluronidase activity (P < 0.05). On the contrary, the extracts from the Turkish variety demonstrated the most powerful antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, ethanolic extracts of N. tabacum var. Virginia are suggested as good natural anti-aging ingredients with potent antioxidant and antihyaluronidase effects, whereas the leaf of N. tabacum var. Turkish is suggested as a good source of natural antimicrobial components, particularly for S. aureus inhibition. In summary, in addition to the cigarette industry, N. tabacum leaf could be a source of pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical compounds, particularly natural anti-aging and antimicrobial ingredients.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5761764
  130. Curr Drug Targets. 2022 Sep 06.
      BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of hepatic diseases involves several cells which makes the delivery of pharmaceutical agents complicated. Many severe liver diseases affecting the worldwide population cannot be effectively treated. Major hindrance or challenges faced are natural physiological barriers and non-specific targeting of drugs administered leading to inefficient treatment. Hence, there is an earnest need to look for novel therapeutic strategies which can overcome these hindrances. Kind of literature have reported when a drug is incorporated inside or attached, to a polymeric material of either hydrophilic or lipophilic nature, drug safety and efficacy are incredibly raised. This has given the driving force to the dynamic investigation for development of novel biodegradable materials, drug delivery carriers, target specific drug delivery systems and many other novels approach.OBJECTIVE: Present review is devoted to summarizing receptor-based liver cell targeting by the use of different modified novel synthetic drug delivery carriers. It also highlights recent progress in drug targeting to diseased liver mediated by various types of receptors including asialoglycoprotein, mannose and, galactose receptor, Fc receptor, low-density lipoprotein, glycyrrhetinic, and bile acid receptor. The essential consideration is given to the treatment of liver cancer targeting by the use of nanoparticulate systems, proteins, viral, and non-viral vectors, homing peptides and gene delivery.
    CONCLUSION: Receptors based targeting approach is one such approach that was explored by researchers to develop novel formulations which can ensure site specific drug delivery. Several receptors are present on the surfaces of liver cells which are reported to be highly overexpressed in the various disease conditions. Its all are helpful for the treatment of the liver cancer.
    Keywords:  Hepatic diseases; cancer; liver; nanoparticulate systems; receptors; targeting
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2174/1389450123666220906091432
  131. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2022 Sep 09. 1-21
      CRISPR/Cas mediated gene-editing has opened new avenues for therapies that show great potential for treating or curing cancers, genetic disorders, and microbial infections such as HIV. CRISPR/Cas9 tool is highly efficacious in revolutionizing the advent of genome editing; however, its efficient and safe delivery is a major hurdle due to its cellular impermeability and instability. Nano vectors could be explored to scale up the safe and effective delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. This review highlights the importance of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system in cancer treatment along with the effect of lipid-based nanoparticles in its safe delivery to cancer cells. The solid-lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carrier, lipid nanoparticles and niosomes have shown great effect in the delivery of CRISPR compounds to the cancer cells. The design and genome editing application in cancer therapy has been discussed along with the future concern and prospects of lipid nanoparticle based CRISPR/Cas9 has been focused toward the end.
    Keywords:  CRISPR/Cas; cancer; lipid carrier; lipid-based nanoparticles; niosomes; solid-lipid nanoparticles
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/09205063.2022.2121592
  132. Front Pharmacol. 2022 ;13 963032
      Background: Extensive studies related to curcumin were carried out over the preceding several decades. Citation frequencies represent the most prominent contributions in a specific field. This research aimed to identify and analyze the 100 most-cited articles on curcumin and to highlight the most important advances in this field. Methods: Highly cited articles were identified in the Web of Science core collection database. "curcumin*" was used as the search string to retrieve in the "Title" field. VOSviewer was applied to perform bibliometric analysis of these papers. Results: Totally 17,645 publications on the topic of curcumin were identified. The top most-cited 100 articles were published between 1973 and 2017. Most of these papers were original (n = 62). The total citation frequency in the top 100 article ranged from 355 to 3364, with a median of 560. The United States and India were the major countries researching curcumin. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center was the institution with the highest contribution rate of these articles. The most frequently nominated authors were Aggarwal B. B., Kunnumakkara A. B., Prasad S., and Priyadarsini K. I. The top 100 articles were published in 68 journals. The top four journals in terms of the number of our included articles were Cancer Research (n = 7), followed by Journal of Biological Chemistry, Biochemical Pharmacology, and Cancer Letters, with 4 articles each. NF-kappa B, cancer, gene expression, apoptosis, inflammation, chemopreventive agent, and nitric oxide synthase are presumed to be the current hot topics. Bioavailability, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities were the major research directions of curcumin. Conclusion: This study analyzed the 100 most-cited articles on curcumin and provided insights into the characteristics and research hotspots of the articles on this topic.
    Keywords:  VOSviewer; Web of Science; bibliometric analysis; curcumin; most-cited articles
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.963032
  133. Acc Chem Res. 2022 Sep 08.
      ConspectusPhoton upconversion, the process of converting low-energy photons into high-energy ones, has been widely applied for solar energy conversion, photoredox catalysis, and various biological applications such as background-free bioimaging, cancer therapy, and optogenetics. Upconversion materials that are based on triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) are of particular interest due to their low excitation power requirements (e.g., ambient sunlight) and easily tunable excitation and emission wavelengths. Despite advances that have been made with respect to TTA upconversion (TTA-UC) in the past decade, several challenges remain for near-infrared light-activatable triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (NIR TTA-UC). These challenges include low upconversion quantum yield, small anti-Stokes shift, and incompatibility with oxygen, the latter of which seriously limits the practical applications of NIR TTA-UC.This Account will summarize the recent research endeavors to address the above-mentioned challenges and the recent new applications. The first part of this Account highlights recent strategies of molecular design to modulate the excited states of photosensitizers and annihilators, two key factors to determine TTA-UC performance. Novel molecular engineering strategies such as the resonance energy transfer method, dimerization of dye units, and the helix twist molecular structure have been proposed to tune the excited states of photosensitizers. The obtained photosensitizers exhibited enhanced absorption of deep tissue penetrable near-infrared (NIR) light, produced a triplet excited state with elevated energy level and prolonged lifetime, and promoted intersystem crossing, leading to an upgraded TTA-UC system with significantly expanded anti-Stokes shift. With respect to the annihilator, the perylene derivatives were systematically explored, and their attached aromatic groups were found to be the key to adjusting the energy levels of both the triplet and singlet excited states. The resultant optimal TTA-UC system exhibits the highest recorded efficiency among NIR TTA-UC systems.Moreover, to resolve the oxygen-induced TTA-UC quenching, enzymatic reactions were recently introduced. More specifically, the glucose oxidase-catalyzed glucose oxidation reaction showed the ability to rapidly consume oxygen to turn on the TTA-UC luminescence in an aqueous solution. The resultant TTA-UC nanoparticle was able to detect glucose and an enzyme related to glucose metabolism in a highly specific, sensitive, and background-free manner. Further, the upconverted singlet excited state of the annihilator was directly utilized as the catalyst or the excited substrate. For example, the modification of annihilators and drug molecules with photolabile linkages can realize the long wavelength light-induced photolysis. Compared to direct short-wavelength-driven photolysis, this sensitized TTA photolysis (TTAP) exhibits superior reaction yield and lower photodamage, which are important in the release of drugs for tumor treatment in vivo. Moreover, the improved upconversion efficiency can enable the successful coupling of NIR TTA-UC with a visible light absorbing photocatalyst for NIR-driven photoredox catalysis. Compared to direct visible-light photocatalysis, TTA-UC mediated NIR photoredox catalysis showed superior product yield especially in large scale reaction systems owing to the deep penetration power of NIR light. More interestingly, among a few promising technology applications, three-dimensional (3D) printing based on photopolymerization can operate with faster speed and energy-input several orders of magnitude lower when the two-photon polymerization is replaced with TTA-UC mediated polymerization. We believe this Account will spur interest in the further development and application of TTA-UC in the areas of energy, chemistry, material science, and biology.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00307
  134. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2022 Aug 26. pii: 2954. [Epub ahead of print]12(17):
      Transferosomes are one of the vesicular carriers that have received extensive research and attention recently because of their capacity to get beyond the barriers posed by the stratum corneum to penetration. The intent of the current study is to optimize and evaluate proanthocyanidin (PAC) containing transferosomal transdermal gels. PAC-containing transferosomes were prepared using the film hydration method and then loaded into a 4% methylcellulose gel. A 23 Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the PAC-loaded transferosomal gel, where the effects of phospholipid 90 G (X1), Tween 80 (X2), and sonication time (X3) were evaluated. The formulation factors, such as the drug entrapment efficiency percentage (PEE) and in vitro drug release, were characterized. A PEE of 78.29 ± 1.43% and a drug release in vitro at 6 h of 24.2 ± 1.25% were obtained. The optimized transferosomal-loaded proanthocyanidin (OTP) formulation penetrated the porcine skin at an excellent rate (0.123 ± 0.0067 mg/cm2/h). Stability tests were conducted for OTP to predict the effects of various temperature conditions on the physical appearance, drug content, and PEE for periods of 15, 30, and 45 days. Finally, this transferosomal system for transdermal PAC delivery may be a suitable alternative to the conventional treatment for osteoarthritis.
    Keywords:  Box–Behnken; entrapment efficiency; proanthocyanidin; transferosomes
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12172954
  135. Pharm Dev Technol. 2022 Sep 08. 1-42
      Hyperoside (Hyp) self-assembled polymeric micelles (Hyp-PMs) were purposely developed to enhance aqueous solubility, in vivo availability and anti-oxidative effect of Hyp. In preparing Hyp-PMs, we employed the thin film dispersion method with the micelles consisting of TPGs and mPEG2000-PDLLA3000. The particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of Hyp-PMs were 67.42 ± 1.44 nm, 0.229 ± 0.015 and -18.67 ± 0.576 mV, respectively, coupled with high encapsulation efficiency (EE)of 90.63 ± 1.45% and drug loading (DL) of 6.97 ± 1.56%. Furthermore, the value of critical micelle concentration (CMC) was quite low, which indicated good stability and improved self-assembly ability of Hyp-PMs. Also, trend of in vitro Hyp release from Hyp-PMs demonstrated enhanced solubility of Hyp. Similarly, in comparison with free Hyp, oral bioavailability of Hyp-PMs was improved (about 8 folds) whilst half-life of Hyp-PMs was extended (about 3 folds). In vitro anti-oxidative effect showed obvious strong scavenging DPPH capability of Hyp-PMs, which may be attributed to its smaller size and better solubility. Altogether, Hyp-PMs may serve as a possible strategy to potentially enhance aqueous solubility, bioavailability and anti-oxidative effect of Hyp, which may play a key role in Hyp application in the pharmaceutical industries.
    Keywords:  Bioavailability; Hyperoside; In vitro release; TPGs; antioxidant effect; critical micelle concentration (CMC); mPEG-PDLLA
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/10837450.2022.2122506
  136. Polymers (Basel). 2022 Sep 02. pii: 3648. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Gum katira polysaccharide is biocompatible and non-toxic, and has antioxidant, anti-microbial, and immunomodulatory properties. It is a natural polysaccharide and exudate derived from the stem bark of Cochlospermum reliogosum Linn. Additionally, it has many traditional medicinal uses as a sedative and for the treatment of jaundice, gonorrhea, syphilis, and stomach ailments. This article provides an overview of gum katira, including its extraction, separation, purification, and physiochemical properties and details of its characterization and pharmacognostic features. This paper takes an in-depth look at the synthetic methods used to modify gum katira, such as carboxymethylation and grafting triggered by free radicals. Furthermore, this review provides an overview of its industrial and phytopharmacological applications for drug delivery and heavy metal and dye removal, its biological activities, its use in food, and the potential use of gum katira derivatives and their industrial applications. We believe researchers will find this paper useful for developing techniques to modify gum katira polysaccharides to meet future demands.
    Keywords:  characterization; cross-linking applications; grafting; gum katira; modifications
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173648
  137. Biomaterials. 2022 Sep 01. pii: S0142-9612(22)00410-0. [Epub ahead of print]289 121770
      Hypoxia is one of the prominent features of solid tumors. Hypoxia activated prodrugs (HAPs), selectively killing hypoxic cells, possess the potential to transform hypoxia from a nuisance to an advantage in precision therapy. Exhibiting a more significant hypoxic microenvironment, gliomas, as the most frequent and incurable neurological tumors, provide HAPs a more attractive therapeutic prospect. However, the insufficient hypoxia and the obstruction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) severely limit the activation and bio-availability of HAPs. Herein, a novel nanoparticle iRGD@ZnPc + TPZ was designed and synthesized to achieve gliomas inhibition by encapsulating tirapazamine (TPZ) as a HAP and zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) as a photosensitizer to enhance hypoxia. iRGD@ZnPc + TPZ can realize breakthrough BBB, deep penetration, and significant retention in gliomas, which is attributed to the iRGD-mediated receptor targeting and active transport. After being internalized by tumor cells and radiated, ZnPc efficiently consumes intratumoral O2 to produce reactive oxygen species, which not only implements tumor suppression, but also intensify hypoxia to activate TPZ for amplifying chemotherapy. The photosensitizer-enhanced activation of HAPs inhibits gliomas growth. This study provides a new strategy with sensitizing and activating HAPs for gliomas treatment in clinical.
    Keywords:  Gliomas; Hypoxia; Hypoxia-activated prodrug; Nanoparticle; Photosensitizer-amplified hypoxia therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121770
  138. Foods. 2022 Sep 02. pii: 2683. [Epub ahead of print]11(17):
      Pectin is a heterogeneous hydrocolloid present in the primary cell wall and middle lamella in all dicotyledonous plants, more commonly in the outer fruit coat or peel as compared to the inner matrix. Presently, citrus fruits and apple fruits are the main sources for commercial extraction of pectin, but ongoing research on pectin extraction from alternate fruit sources and fruit wastes from processing industries will be of great help in waste product reduction and enhancing the production of pectin. Pectin shows multifunctional applications including in the food industry, the health and pharmaceutical sector, and in packaging regimes. Pectin is commonly utilized in the food industry as an additive in foods such as jams, jellies, low calorie foods, stabilizing acidified milk products, thickener and emulsifier. Pectin is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for the preparation of medicines that reduce blood cholesterol level and cure gastrointestinal disorders, as well as in cancer treatment. Pectin also finds use in numerous other industries, such as in the preparation of edible films and coatings, paper substitutes and foams. Due to these varied uses of pectin in different applications, there is a great necessity to explore other non-conventional sources or modify existing sources to obtain pectin with desired quality attributes to some extent by rational modifications of pectin with chemical and enzymatic treatments.
    Keywords:  food packaging; food, health and pharmaceutical applications; galacturonic acid; methoxyl content; pectin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11172683
  139. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 26. pii: 3519. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Phenolic compounds are natural phytochemicals that have recently reported numerous health benefits. Resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin have recently received the most attention among these molecules due to their documented antioxidant effects. The review aims to investigate the effects of these molecules on bone metabolism and their role in several diseases such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, bone tumours, and periodontitis. The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase electronic databases were searched for papers in line with the study topic. According to an English language restriction, the screening period was from January 2012 to 3 July 2022, with the following Boolean keywords: ("resveratrol" AND "bone"); ("curcumin" AND "bone"); ("quercetin" AND "bone"). A total of 36 papers were identified as relevant to the purpose of our investigation. The studies reported the positive effects of the investigated phenolic compounds on bone metabolism and their potential application as adjuvant treatments for osteoporosis, bone tumours, and periodontitis. Furthermore, their use on the titanium surfaces of orthopaedic prostheses could represent a possible application to improve the osteogenic processes and osseointegration. According to the study findings, resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin are reported to have a wide variety of beneficial effects as supplement therapies. The investigated phenolic compounds seem to positively mediate bone metabolism and osteoclast-related pathologies.
    Keywords:  bone metabolism; bone tumours; diabetes; flavonoids; microbiota; oralbiotica; oralbiotics; osteoporosis; periodontitis; polyphenols
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173519
  140. Foods. 2022 Aug 26. pii: 2589. [Epub ahead of print]11(17):
      Betulinic acid (BA) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and antitumor activities, but BA bioavailability is low due to its poor water solubility and short half-life. This study aimed to construct a BA delivery system to improve its utilization in vitro. Glycosylated zein (G-zein) was prepared using the wet heating method, and BA-loaded zein composite nanoparticles were prepared using the antisolvent method. Compared to zein, G-zein had the advantages of higher solubility and lower surface hydrophobicity. The encapsulation efficiency of G-zein@BA reached over 80% when the BA concentration was 1 mg/mL. Compared to zein@BA nanoparticles, G-zein@BA was characterized by smaller droplets, higher encapsulation efficiency, and a more stable morphology. The sustained release and solubility of G-zein@BA nanoparticles were also superior to those of zein@BA. Compared with free BA, the dispersions of zein@BA and G-zein@BA nanoparticles in water increased 2.27- and 2.91-fold, respectively. In addition, zein@BA and G-zein@BA nanoparticles markedly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells. This study provides new insights into the structural properties and antitumor activity of BA composite nanoparticles to aid in the development of zein particles as functional materials to deliver bioactive compounds.
    Keywords:  betulinic acid; nanodelivery system; structural properties; zein
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11172589
  141. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Sep;pii: S0753-3322(22)00836-8. [Epub ahead of print]153 113447
      Cardiac arrhythmia is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases worldwide, which can occur alone or be triggered by other diseases, and it can be fatal in severe cases. Recently, Traditional Chinese Medicine has drawn the world's attention to its effective treatment. As a natural polyhydroxy flavonoid mainly isolated from a variety of plants and foods, quercetin is used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders. A growing number of in vitro experiments and in vivo animal studies have shown that quercetin significantly inhibits mitochondrial oxidative stress, cardiac fibrosis, inflammatory responses, and apoptosis, regulates autophagic responses, improves ischemia/reperfusion injury in cardiomyocytes, and regulates gut microbiota, thereby attenuating or preventing structural and electrical remodeling in the cardiac. Based on these mechanisms, our review provides a systematic overview of the pharmacological actions and molecular targets of quercetin in cardiac arrhythmia caused by multiple etiologies, aiming to provide novel insights and therapeutic strategies to prevent or ameliorate arrhythmia.
    Keywords:  Arrhythmia; Pharmacological effect; Quercetin; Traditional Chinese Medicine
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113447
  142. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Aug 31. pii: 4257. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and the third in the United States, making it one of the most lethal solid malignancies. Unfortunately, the symptoms of this disease are not very apparent despite an increasing incidence rate. Therefore, at the time of diagnosis, 45% of patients have already developed metastatic tumours. Due to the aggressive nature of the pancreatic tumours, local interventions are required in addition to first-line treatments. Locoregional interventions affect a specific area of the pancreas to minimize local tumour recurrence and reduce the side effects on surrounding healthy tissues. However, compared to the number of new studies on systemic therapy, very little research has been conducted on localised interventions for PC. To address this unbalanced focus and to shed light on the tremendous potentials of locoregional therapies, this work will provide a detailed discussion of various localised treatment strategies. Most importantly, to the best of our knowledge, the aspect of localised drug delivery systems used in PC was unprecedentedly discussed in this work. This review is meant for researchers and clinicians considering utilizing local therapy for the effective treatment of PC, providing a thorough guide on recent advancements in research and clinical trials toward locoregional interventions, together with the authors' insight into their potential improvements.
    Keywords:  drug delivery; intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy; irreversible electroporation; isolated upper abdominal perfusion; localised therapy; pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; photodynamic therapy; stereotactic body radiotherapy; thermal ablation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14174257
  143. Int J Pharm. 2022 Sep 05. pii: S0378-5173(22)00720-7. [Epub ahead of print] 122166
      Natural gums are a source of biopolymeric materials with a wide range of applications for multiple purposes. These polysaccharides are extensively explored due to their low toxicity, gelling and thickening properties, and bioadhesive potential, which have sparked interest in researchers given their use in producing pharmaceutic dosage forms compared to synthetic agents. Hence, gums can be used as gelling and film-forming agents, which are suitable platforms for topical drug administration. Additionally, recent studies have demonstrated the possibility of obtaining nanocomposite materials formed by a polymeric matrix of gums associated with nanoscale carriers that have shown superior drug delivery performance and compatibility with multiple administration routes compared to starting components. In this sense, research on topical natural gum-based form preparation containing drug-loaded nanocarriers was detailed and discussed herein. A special focus was devoted to the advantages achieved regarding physicochemical and mechanical features, drug delivery capacity, permeability through topical barriers, and biocompatibility of the hydrogels and polymeric films.
    Keywords:  nanoparticles; pharmaceutic technology; polysaccharides; skin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122166
  144. Front Pharmacol. 2022 ;13 965789
      Introduction: Temozolomide (TMZ) is the first-line drug for glioblastoma (GBM), but it is limited in clinical use due to the drug resistance, poor brain targeting, and side effects. Temozolomide hexadecyl ester (TMZ16e), a TMZ derivative with high lipophilicity, membrane permeability, and high anti-glioma properties, has the potential to reverse drug resistance. In this study, anti-ephrin type-A receptor 3 (EphA3) modified TMZ16e loaded nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared for targeted GBM therapy via intranasal administration to deliver TMZ16e to the brain, treat drug-resistant glioma effectively, and reduce peripheral toxicity. Methods: TMZ16e loaded NPs were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation method followed by modified with anti-EphA3 (anti-EphA3-TMZ16e-NPs). In vitro evaluations were performed by an MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. The orthotopic nude mice models were used to evaluate the anti-glioma effect in vivo. Additionally, we investigated the anti-drug resistant mechanism by western blot analysis. Results: The particle size of the prepared NPs was less than 200 nm, and the zeta potential of TMZ16e-NPs and anti-EphA3-TMZ16e-NPs were -23.05 ± 1.48 mV and -28.65 ± 1.20mV, respectively, which is suitable for nasal delivery. In vitro studies have shown that anti-EphA3 modification increased the cellular uptake of nanoparticles in T98G cells. The cytotoxicity in the anti-EphA3-TMZ16e-NPs treated group was significantly higher than that of the TMZ16e-NPs, TMZ16e, and TMZ groups (p < 0.01), and the cell cycle was blocked. Western blotting analysis showed that the TMZ16e-loaded NPs were able to effectively downregulate the expression level of O6-methylguanine-deoxyribonucleic acid-methyltransferase (MGMT) protein in T98G cells and reverse drug resistance. In vivo studies showed that the median survival time of tumor-bearing nude mice in the anti-EphA3-TMZ16e-NPs group was extended to 41 days, which was 1.71-fold higher than that of the saline group and the TUNEL staining results of the brain tissue section indicated that the TMZ16e-loaded NPs could elevate apoptosis in T98G cells. Conclusion: In conclusion, the TMZ16e-loaded NPs can be effectively delivered to the brain and targeted to gliomas, exhibiting better anti-glioma activity, indicating they possess great potential in the treatment of drug-resistant glioma.
    Keywords:  anti-EphA3; drug resistance; glioblastoma; intranasal administration; nanoparticles; temozolomide hexadecyl ester
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.965789
  145. Front Pharmacol. 2022 ;13 944147
      In many organisms, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) display wide activities in innate host defense against microbial pathogens. Mammalian AMPs include the cathelicidin and defensin families. LL37 is the only one member of the cathelicidin family of host defense peptides expressed in humans. Since its discovery, it has become clear that they have pleiotropic effects. In addition to its antibacterial properties, many studies have shown that LL37 is also involved in a wide variety of biological activities, including tissue repair, inflammatory responses, hemotaxis, and chemokine induction. Moreover, recent studies suggest that LL37 exhibits the intricate and contradictory effects in promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. Indeed, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that human LL37 including its fragments and analogs shows anticancer effects on many kinds of cancer cell lines, although LL37 is also involved in cancer progression. Focusing on recent information, in this review, we explore and summarize how LL37 contributes to anticancer effect as well as discuss the strategies to enhance delivery of this peptide and selectivity for cancer cells.
    Keywords:  LL37; anticancer; antimicrobial peptides; cancer; cathelicidin (LL37); hCAP18
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.944147
  146. 3 Biotech. 2022 Oct;12(10): 257
      This study aimed to determine the phytochemical, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of the crude extract and its fractions of Cupaniopsis anacardioides. The results showed that total phenolic content (TPC), their secondary metabolites (flavonoids-TFC; proanthocyanidins-TPro), and antioxidant activity were significantly different between the crude extract and its fractions. The butanol fraction (F3) had the highest levels of TPC, TFC, and TPro, followed by the crude extract, aqueous fraction (F4), dichloromethyl fraction (F2), and hexane fraction (F1). High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed 14 major bioactive compounds were identified in the C. anacardioides extract. Further analysis showed F3 fraction contained the highest levels of the major bioactive compounds, while F1 fraction had the lowest. A similar pattern was observed for antioxidant activities. The crude extract, F3 and F4 fractions were further tested for cytotoxicity against 10 cancer cell lines, including HT29 (colon); U87, SJG2 (glioblastoma); MCF-7 (Breast); A2780 (ovarian); H460 (lung); A431 (skin); Du145 (prostate); BE2-C (neuroblastoma); MIA PaCa-2 (pancreas); and one non-tumour-derived normal breast cell line (MCF10A). Except for Du145 (prostate), the crude extract, F3 and F4 fractions inhibited the cancer cell lines at 100 µg/mL, with F3 possessing greater activity against these cancer cell lines. Future studies are recommended to isolate and identify the major bioactive compounds of the F3 fraction, and further tested their impact against cancer cell lines. This could identify the potential of anticancer agents from C. anacardioides.
    Keywords:  Anticancer; Antioxidant; Cytotoxic activities; Fruits; Phytochemical; Tuckeroo
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-022-03314-z
  147. Cancer Res. 2022 Sep 06. pii: CAN-21-4140. [Epub ahead of print]
      Lenvatinib is an inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases that was recently authorized for first-line treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the clinical benefits derived from lenvatinib are limited, highlighting the urgent need to understand mechanisms of resistance. We report here that HCC cells develop resistance to lenvatinib by activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and stimulating the EGFR-STAT3-ABCB1 axis. Lenvatinib resistance was accompanied by aberrant cholesterol metabolism and lipid raft activation. ABCB1 was activated by EGFR in a lipid raft-dependent manner, which significantly enhanced the exocytosis of lenvatinib to mediate resistance. Furthermore, clinical specimens of HCC showed a correlation between the activation of the EGFR-STAT3-ABCB1 pathway and lenvatinib response. Erlotinib, an EGFR inhibitor that has also been shown to inhibit ABCB1, suppressed lenvatinib exocytosis, and combined treatment with lenvatinib and erlotinib demonstrated a significant synergistic effect on HCC both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these findings characterize a mechanism of resistance to a first-line treatment for HCC and offer a practical means to circumvent resistance and treat the disease.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-21-4140
  148. Acta Biomater. 2022 Sep 06. pii: S1742-7061(22)00555-4. [Epub ahead of print]
      Oral colon-targeted drug delivery systems (OCDDs) are designed to deliver the therapeutic agents to colonic disease sites to improve the effectiveness of drug treatment, increase bioavailability, and reduce systemic side effects and are beneficial for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, concerns about the biosafety of OCDDs are increasing, and changes in the physiological environment of the gastrointestinal tract can affect the therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Herein, we report about an orally administered colon-accumulating mitochondria-targeted drug delivery nanoplatform (M27-39@FA-MCNs), which was synthesized using the small peptide, M27-39, and folic acid (FA)-modified mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (FA-MCNs). The phenolic resin polymerized with phloroglucinol and formaldehyde (PF) was used for fabricating MCNs using a one-step soft-template method. Folic acid (FA) can be covalently combined with chitosan-modified MCNs to obtain FA-MCNs. The M27-39@FA-MCNs were stable with a spherical morphology and an average diameter of 129 nm. The cumulative release rate of M27-39@FA-MCNs in the artificial gastric fluid (pH = 1.2) and intestinal fluid (pH = 6.8) for 6 h was 87.77%. This nanoplatform maintains the advantages of both FA and MCNs to improve the bioactivity of M27-39 with high drug accumulation in colorectal tumor tissues and the ease of excretion, thus ameliorating its biosafety and targetability. Furthermore, M27-39@FA-MCNs induced tumor-cell apoptosis and inhibited tumor growth by disrupting mitochondrial energy metabolism and regulating the mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway and immune inflammatory response. Thus, such a mitochondria-targeting FA-modified nanoplatform based on mesoporous carbon and a bioactive peptide may provide a precise strategy for CRC treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we constructed an orally administered colon-accumulating mitochondria-targeted drug delivery nanoplatform (M27-39@FA-MCNs), which was synthesized using the small peptide (M27-39) and folic acid-modified mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (FA-MCNs). M27-39@FA-MCNs increased the targeting ability of M27-39 toward mitochondria and colon based on the properties of FA-MCNs; they also increased M27-39 accumulation and residence time in colon tumors. Oral administration of M27-39@FA-MCNs remarkably alleviated colorectal cancer (CRC) by targeting tumor cell mitochondria and interfering with the mitochondrial energy metabolism process, and inducing apoptosis related P53/Caspase-3 mitochondrial pathway activation. Therefore, M27-39@FA-MCNs may provide a safe and precise therapeutic strategy for CRC.
    Keywords:  Colorectal cancer; folic acid; mesoporous carbon nanospheres; mitochondria; oral drug delivery; small bioactive peptide
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.071
  149. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Sep;pii: S0753-3322(22)00802-2. [Epub ahead of print]153 113413
      Phytotherapy, based on medicinal plants, have excellent potential in managing several diseases. A vital part of the healthcare system is herbal medicines, consisting of therapeutic agents with high safety profile and no or least adverse effects. Herbs or medicinal plants show anticancer, antioxidant, and gene-protective activity, which is useful for pharmaceutical industries. In vitro, the extract of antioxidant compounds prevents the growth of colon and liver cancer cells, followed by a dose-dependent method. The screening of extracts is done by using in vitro models. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals lead to diseases based on age which promotes oxidative stress. Different types of ROSs available have central roles in the normal physiology and functioning of processes. Herbal or traditional plant medicines have rich antioxidant activity. Despite the limited literature on the health effect of herbal extract or spices. There are many studies examining the encouraging health effects of single phytochemicals instigating from the medicinal plant. This review provides a detailed overview on herbal antioxidants and how application of nanotechnology can improve its biological activity in managing several major diseases, and having no reported side effects.
    Keywords:  Cancer; Disease; Herbal antioxidants; Oxidative stress; Reactive oxygen species
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113413
  150. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2022 Aug 05. pii: S0939-4753(22)00318-0. [Epub ahead of print]
      AIMS: Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of nut consumption on the metabolic profile of healthy adults with overweight/obesity have yielded conflicting results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the effects of incorporating nuts into the diet on serum lipid profile, glycemic markers, and blood pressure in healthy adults with overweight/obesity.DATA SYNTHESIS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched up to April 2021. The random-effects model was used to determine the pooled effect sizes expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) with % 95 confidence intervals (CIs). Ten eligible RCTs (with 12 arms) were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that nut intake significantly decreased serum triglycerides (TG) (WMD: -13.19 mg/dL, 95% CI: - 25.90, - 0.48). Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction in serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) following adherence to normocaloric, nut-enriched diets (WMD: - 4.56 mg/dL, 95% CI: - 8.24, - 0.88). However, nuts did not affect serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycemic markers, and blood pressure.
    CONCLUSIONS: Overall, incorporating nuts into the diet of healthy adults with overweight/obesity have favorable effects on serum TG and LDL-C. Thus, nuts might exert protective effects against dyslipidemia in this population.
    REGISTRY NUMBER: PROPSPERO CRD42021250662.
    Keywords:  Dyslipidemias; Metabolic syndrome; Metabolically healthy obesity; Nuts; Obesity; Overweight
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2022.07.015
  151. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2022 Sep 04. pii: S1572-1000(22)00396-9. [Epub ahead of print] 103110
      BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising method for the treatment of cancer. Furthermore, PDT can be used for the eradication of bacteria. The photo-sensitizing drug, a.k.a photosensitizer, is critical for the success of PDT. Although norsquaraines are analogs of squaraine dyes, they are overlooked as photosensitizers.METHODS: In this work, synthesis, characterization, bioimaging and in vitro PDT applications of a new norsquaraine dye 1 were described. We also prepared nanoparticles from norsquaraine 1 and Pluronic F127 to obtain 1@F127.
    RESULTS: Norsquaraine 1 boosted the generation of reactive oxygen species over a wide range of pH (pH 8.0, 7.0, 6.0, and 2.2.). Furthermore, 1 was internalized by epidermoid laryngeal carcinoma Hep-2 (Hep-2) cells and used for fluorescence imaging. Remarkably, norsquaraine 1 destroyed most of the cancer cells (ca. 77 % to 89 %) after illumination with red light. Most strikingly, 1 successfully inhibited the growth of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) upon illumination. Last but not least, photodynamic sterilization of tomato juice, an acidic beverage, was feasible using 1 as a photo sterilizer. Nano formulation of 1 with Pluronic F127 provided 1@F127 nanoparticles. It is lucid that 1@F127 nanoparticles permeate into Hep-2 cells and boost the generation of ROS upon illumination.
    CONCLUSION: Norsquaraine 1 shows superior features as a photosensitizer pertinent to PDT in a wide range of pH. To our best knowledge, this is the first example of norsquaraines endowed with anticancer and antibacterial activities.
    Keywords:  Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Norsquaraine; antimicrobial photodynamic therapy; bioimaging; cancer; photosensitizer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.103110
  152. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 29. pii: 3558. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) has been used in East Asian traditional medicine for a long time. Korean red ginseng (KRG) is effective against several disorders, including cancer. The cytotoxic effects of KRG extract in terms of autophagy- and apoptosis-mediated cell death and its mechanisms were investigated using human colorectal cancer lines. KRG induced autophagy-mediated cell death with enhanced expression of Atg5, Beclin-1, and LC3, and formed characteristic vacuoles in HCT-116 and SNU-1033 cells. An autophagy inhibitor prevented cell death induced by KRG. KRG generated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS); antioxidant countered this effect and decreased autophagy. KRG caused apoptotic cell death by increasing apoptotic cells and sub-G1 cells, and by activating caspases. A caspase inhibitor suppressed cell death induced by KRG. KRG increased phospho-Bcl-2 expression, but decreased Bcl-2 expression. Moreover, interaction of Bcl-2 with Beclin-1 was attenuated by KRG. Ginsenoside Rg2 was the most effective ginsenoside responsible for KRG-induced autophagy- and apoptosis-mediated cell death. KRG induced autophagy- and apoptosis-mediated cell death via mitochondrial ROS generation, and thus its administration may inhibit colon carcinogenesis.
    Keywords:  Korean red ginseng; anticancer effect; apoptosis; autophagy; colon cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173558
  153. ACS Nano. 2022 Sep 09.
      The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) microenvironment makes a feature of aberrant vasculature, high interstitial pressure, and compact extracellular matrix, which combine to reduce the delivery and penetration of therapeutic agents, bringing about incomplete elimination of cancer cells. Herein, employing the tumor penetration strategy of size-shrinkage combined with ligand modification, we constructed a photothermal nanocluster for cascaded deep penetration in tumor parenchyma and efficient eradication of TNBC cells. In our approach, the photothermal agent indocyanine green (ICG) is laded in human serum albumin (HSA), which is cross-linked by a thermally labile azo linker (VA057) and then further modified with a tumor homing/penetrating tLyP-1 peptide (HP), resulting in a TNBC-targeting photothermal-responsive size-switchable albumin nanocluster (ICG@HSA-Azo-HP). Aided by the enhanced permeability and retention effect and guidance of HP, the ca. 149 nm nanoclusters selectively accumulate in the tumor site and then, upon mild irradiation with the 808 nm laser, disintegrate into 11 nm albumin fractions that possess enhanced intratumoral diffusion ability. Meanwhile, HP initiates the CendR pathway among the nutrient-deficient tumor cells and facilitates the transcellular delivery of the nanocluster and its disintegrated fractions for subsequent therapy. By employing this size-shrinkage and peptide-initiated transcytosis strategy, ICG@HSA-Azo-HP possesses excellent penetration capabilities and shows extensive penetration depth in three-dimensional multicellular tumor spheroids after irradiation. Moreover, with a superior photothermal conversion effect, the tumor-penetrating nanocluster can implement effective photothermal therapy throughout the tumor tissue under a second robust irradiation. Both in vivo orthotopic and ectopic TNBC therapy confirmed the efficient tumor inhibition of ICG@HSA-Azo-HP after dual-stage irradiation. The synergistic penetration strategy of on-demanded size-shrinkage and ligand guidance accompanied by clinically feasible NIR irradiation provides a promising approach for deep-penetrating TNBC therapy.
    Keywords:  dual-stage irradiation; homing peptide; photothermal therapy; size-switchable nanocluster; tumor penetration
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.2c02965
  154. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Sep;pii: S0753-3322(22)00869-1. [Epub ahead of print]153 113480
      Cancer is one of the primary causes of death worldwide, and its morbidity and mortality rates are increasing rapidly. However, standard treatment modalities (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy) often fail to achieve a satisfactory therapeutic effect. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural nano-sized lipid bilayer vesicles secreted from cells. Owing to their advantages of low toxicity, high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and inherent targeting, EVs can be exploited as drug delivery vectors for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the research progress of EV-based drug delivery systems in cancer treatment by focusing on four aspects: sources, cargo types, cargo loading methods and modification strategies. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives are discussed.
    Keywords:  Cancer treatment; Drug delivery systems; Extracellular vesicles; Nanomedicine
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113480
  155. Molecules. 2022 Sep 01. pii: 5642. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      The absence of a treatment efficient in the control of type 2 diabetes mellitus requires more functional products to assist treatment. Luteolin (LU) and diosmin (DIO) have been known as bioactive molecules with potential for the treatment of diabetes. This work aimed to establish the role that a combination of LU and DIO in selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) played in streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetes mice. Green synthesis of Se NPs was performed by mixing luteolin and diosmin with the solution of Na2SeO3 under continuous stirring conditions resulting in the flavonoids conjugated with SeNPs. The existence of flavonoids on the surface of SeNPs was confirmed by UV-Vis spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, and DLS graphs via Zetasizer. The average diameter of GA/LU/DIO-SeNPs was 47.84 nm with a PDI of -0.208, a zeta potential value of -17.6, a Se content of 21.5% with an encapsulation efficiency of flavonoids of 86.1%, and can be stabilized by gum Arabic for approximately 175 days without any aggregation and precipitation observed at this time. Furthermore, The C57BL/6 mice were treated with STZ induced-diabetes and were exposed to LU/DIO, SeNPs, and GA/LU/DIO-SeNPs for six weeks. The treatment by nanospheres (GA/LU/DIO-SeNPs) in the mice with diabetes for a period of 6 weeks restored their blood glucose, lipid profile, glycogen, glycosylated hemoglobin, and insulin levels. At the same time, there were significant changes in body weight, food intake, and water intake compared with the STZ- untreated induced diabetic mice. Moreover, the GA/LU/DIO-SeNPs showed good antioxidant activity examined by catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver and kidney and can prevent the damage in the liver evaluated by aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. The nanospheres exhibited a significant anti-diabetic activity with a synergistic effect between the selenium and flavonoids. This investigation provides novel SeNPs nanospheres prepared by a high-efficiency strategy for incorporating luteolin and diosmin to improve the efficiency in type 2 diabetes.
    Keywords:  diabetes; diosmin; flavonoids; luteolin; nanoparticles; selenium
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175642
  156. Elife. 2022 Sep 07. pii: e75715. [Epub ahead of print]11
      Despite multiple possible oncogenic mutations in the proto-oncogene KRAS, unique subsets of these mutations are detected in different cancer types. As KRAS mutations occur early, if not being the initiating event, these mutational biases are ostensibly a product of how normal cells respond to the encoded oncoprotein. Oncogenic mutations can impact not only the level of active oncoprotein, but also engagement with proteins. To attempt to separate these two effects, we generated four novel Cre-inducible (LSL) Kras alleles in mice with the biochemically distinct G12D or Q61R mutations and encoded by native (nat) rare or common (com) codons to produce low or high protein levels. While there were similarities, each allele also induced a distinct transcriptional response shortly after activation in vivo. At one end of the spectrum, activating the KrasLSL-natG12D allele induced transcriptional hallmarks suggestive of an expansion of multipotent cells, while at the other end, activating the KrasLSL-comQ61R allele led to hallmarks of hyperproliferation and oncogenic stress. Evidence suggests that these changes may be a product of signaling differences due to increased protein expression as well as the specific mutation. To determine the impact of these distinct responses on RAS mutational patterning in vivo, all four alleles were globally activated, revealing that hematolymphopoietic lesions were permissive to the level of active oncoprotein, squamous tumors were permissive to the G12D mutant, while carcinomas were permissive to both these features. We suggest that different KRAS mutations impart unique signaling properties that are preferentially capable of inducing tumor initiation in a distinct cell-specific manner.
    Keywords:  RAS; cancer; cancer biology; genetically engineered mice; mouse; oncogenes
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.75715
  157. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Sep 03. pii: 10086. [Epub ahead of print]23(17):
      The endocrine-related cancers and hormones are undoubtedly highly interconnected. How hormones support or repress tumor induction and progression has been extensively profiled. Furthermore, advances in understanding the role of glutamine metabolism in mediating tumorigenesis and development, coupled with these in-depth studies on hormone (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, androgen, prostaglandin, thyroid hormone, and insulin) regulation of glutamine metabolism, have led us to think about the relationship between these three factors, which remains to be elucidated. Accordingly, in this review, we present an updated overview of glutamine metabolism traits and its influence on endocrine oncology, as well as its upstream hormonal regulation. More importantly, this hormone/glutamine metabolism axis may help in the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies for endocrine-related cancer.
    Keywords:  androgen; estrogen; glutamine; hormone; insulin; progesterone; prostaglandin; thyroid hormone
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231710086
  158. Nutrients. 2022 Sep 05. pii: 3663. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Açaí, lychee, mamey, passion fruit and jackfruit are some lesser-consumed tropical fruits due to their low commercial production. In 2018, approximately 6.8 million tons of these fruits were harvested, representing about 6.35% of the total world production of tropical fruits. The present work reviews the nutritional content, profile of bioactive compounds, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of these fruits and their by-products, and their ability to modulate oxidative stress due to the content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and dietary fiber. Açaí pulp is an excellent source of anthocyanins (587 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g dry weight, dw), mamey pulp is rich in carotenoids (36.12 mg β-carotene/100 g fresh weight, fw), passion fruit peel is rich in dietary fiber (61.16 g/100 dw). At the same time, jackfruit contains unique compounds such as moracin C, artocarpesin, norartocarpetin and oxyresveratrol. These molecules play an important role in the regulation of inflammation via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (including p38, ERK and JNK) and nuclear factor κB pathways. The properties of the bioactive compounds found in these fruits make them a good source for use as food ingredients for nutritional purposes or alternative therapies. Research is needed to confirm their health benefits that can increase their marketability, which can benefit the primary producers, processing industries (particularly smaller ones) and the final consumer, while an integral use of their by-products will allow their incorporation into the circular bioeconomy.
    Keywords:  antioxidants; açaí; bioactive compounds; immunomodulatory; jackfruit; lychee; mamey; passion fruit; phenolics
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173663
  159. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2022 Sep 05.
      Laetiporus species are brown rot fungi belonging to the order Polyporales in the division Basidiomycota. These species produce a variety of metabolites and provide a great source of natural material for the screening of medicinally active natural products or their derivatives. This review summarizes the research progress on bioactive metabolites of Laetiporus species up to April 2022, including biological macromolecules, for instance, polysaccharides and lectins, as well as 80 reported small molecule chemical components (15 sterols, 29 triterpenes, 10 sesquiterpenes, 5 polyenes, 10 volatile compounds, and 11 other compounds). These metabolites exhibit antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. Genome mining predicted 23 terpene synthases, 7 polyketide synthases, and 9 non-ribosomal peptide synthases involved in bioactive metabolites biosynthesis, which were analyzed by antiSMASH in L. sulphureus genome. This review will provide a basis for the biosynthesis of active components in Laetiporus species and a reference for the research of medical precursors. KEY POINTS: • The mini-review summarized 80 secondary metabolites of Laetiporus spp. • The main pharmacological activities of Laetiporus spp. were summarized. • Biosynthetic genes of terpenoids, polyketides, and non-ribosomal peptides were also summarized.
    Keywords:  Bioactive metabolites; Laetiporus species; Lectins; Pharmacological effects; Polysaccharides; Sterols
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-022-12149-w
  160. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2022 Sep 03. pii: 3066. [Epub ahead of print]12(17):
      Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have piqued the curiosity of researchers all over the world due to their extensive biological activity. They are less toxic and biodegradable with the capacity to greatly boost pharmacophore bioactivity. ZnO-NPs are the most extensively used metal oxide nanoparticles in electronic and optoelectronics because of their distinctive optical and chemical properties which can be readily modified by altering the morphology and the wide bandgap. The biosynthesis of nanoparticles using extracts of therapeutic plants, fungi, bacteria, algae, etc., improves their stability and biocompatibility in many biological settings, and its biofabrication alters its physiochemical behavior, contributing to biological potency. As such, ZnO-NPs can be used as an effective nanocarrier for conventional drugs due to their cost-effectiveness and benefits of being biodegradable and biocompatible. This article covers a comprehensive review of different synthesis approaches of ZnO-NPs including physical, chemical, biochemical, and green synthesis techniques, and also emphasizes their biopotency through antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiviral, wound healing, and cardioprotective activity. Green synthesis from plants, bacteria, and fungus is given special attention, with a particular emphasis on extraction techniques, precursors used for the synthesis and reaction conditions, characterization techniques, and surface morphology of the particles.
    Keywords:  biological activities; green synthesis; zinc oxide nanoparticles
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12173066
  161. Acta Biomater. 2022 Sep 06. pii: S1742-7061(22)00556-6. [Epub ahead of print]
      Selective in situ activation of prodrugs or generation of bioactive drugs is an important approach to reducing the side effects of chemotherapy. Herein, a tailored ROS-activable prodrug nanomedicine (Cu-SK@DTC-PPB) was developed as the prodrug activation nanoamplifier for highly selective antitumor therapy. Cu-SK@DTC-PPB was rationally constructed by the diethyldithiocarbamate (DTC) prodrug DTC-PPB and the nanoscale coordinated framework Cu-SK based on copper and the ROS generator shikonin (SK). Cu2+, SK and DTC were kept in the inactive state in the fabricated Cu-SK@DTC-PPB. In the presence of ROS within tumors, DTC-PPB can be activated to release less cytotoxic DTC, which can rapidly chelate Cu2+ from the Cu-SK framework to synthesize highly cytotoxic Cu(DTC)2 and induce SK to release in a cascade. The released SK can generate ROS to increase the intracellular ROS level, further activating DTC-PPB to release more DTC. That is, Cu-SK@DTC-PPB can undergo a self-amplifying positive feedback loop to induce numerous bioactive Cu(DTC)2 formation and SK release triggered by a small amount of ROS within the tumor microenvironment, which endows the transformation of "less toxic-to-high toxic" and thus significantly improve its selectivity towards tumors. Therefore, this study provides a new strategy of prodrug activation for tumor therapy with high efficiency and low toxicity. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Owing to the striking difference in ROS level between cancer cells and normal cells, ROS-responsive prodrugs are regarded as a promising approach for tumor-specific therapy. However, the stability and responsiveness of prodrugs are hard to balance. Preferable sensitivity may cause premature activation while favorable stability may lead to incomplete prodrug activation and insufficient active drug release. This study provides a tailored ROS-responsive prodrug activation nanoamplifier with favorable stability and effective prodrug activation capacity. The nanoamplifier can undergo a self-amplifying positive feedback loop to achieve numerous bioactive drugs generation in situ under ROS triggers within the tumor microenvironment, showing the enhanced antitumor therapeutic effect. Thus, this study provides a new strategy for prodrug activation and tumor-specific therapy.
    Keywords:  Copper complex; Prodrug nanomedicine; ROS-responsive; Self-amplifying; Shikonin; Tumor-specific therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.072
  162. Adv Mater. 2022 Sep 09. e2206765
      The limited drug penetration and robust bacteria-mediated drug inactivation in pancreatic cancer result in the failure of chemotherapy. To fight against these issues, a dual-cascade responsive nanoparticle (sNP@G/IR) that can sequentially trigger deep penetration, killing of intratumor bacteria, and controlled release of chemo-drug, is reported. sNP@G/IR consists of a hyaluronic acid (HA) shell and glutathione (GSH) responsive polymer-core (NP@G/IR) that encapsulates gemcitabine (Gem) and photothermal agent (IR1048). The polymer core, as an antibiotic alternative, is tailored to exert the optimal antibacterial activity and selectivity. sNP@G/IR actively homes in tumor due to CD44 targeting of the HA shell, which is subsequently degraded by the hyaluronidase in extracellular matrix. The resultant NP@G/IR in a decreased size and reversed charge facilitates deep tumor penetration. After cellular endocytosis, the exposed guanidine on NP@G/IR kills intracellular bacteria through disrupting cell membranes. Intracellular GSH further triggers the controlled release of cargos. Thus, the protected Gem eventually induces cell apoptosis. Under laser irradiation, the hyperthermia of IR1048 helps further elimination of tumors and bacteria. Moreover, sNP@G/IR activates immune response, thereby reinforcing anticancer capacity. Therefore, this dual-cascade responsive sNP@G/IR eliminates tumor-resident intracellular bacteria and augments drug delivery efficacy, providing a new avenue for improving cancer therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Keywords:  bacteria-mediated drug inactivation; dual-cascade responsive; pancreatic cancer; precise drug delivery; tumor-resident intracellular bacteria
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202206765
  163. Plants (Basel). 2022 Aug 26. pii: 2217. [Epub ahead of print]11(17):
      The dried Glechoma hederacea L. herb has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Its therapeutic potential is related to the presence of phenolic compounds. To optimize extraction efficiency the effect of the use of different techniques (HRE-heat reflux extraction, I/ME-infusion combined with maceration, UE-sonication and SE-Soxhlet extraction), various solvents (water and ethanol) and processing time (15 min to 2 h) on phenolics content was investigated. The HPLC method was applied to determine and compare the content of phenolic acids (rosmarinic, chlorogenic, protocatechuic) and flavonoids (rutin, isoquercetin) in the extracts. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of the extracts was examined for the first time against human cancer and normal cells of skin origin (A375, HTB140, HaCaT) and gastrointestinal origin (Caco-2 and HT-29, HepG2). In addition, the antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH and FRAP method. The I/ME-water and HRE/ethanol procedures turned out to be optimal for obtaining extracts of dried G. hederacea L. herb rich in bioactive phenolics. These extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity, correlated with the content of the compounds analyzed. Furthermore, the extracts of the dried Glechoma herb were not toxic to normal human cells, indicating its safe use both internally and externally.
    Keywords:  Glechoma hederacea; HPLC; antioxidant activity; cytotoxicity; extraction optimization; flavonoid; phenolic acid; quantification
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172217
  164. Plants (Basel). 2022 Aug 24. pii: 2191. [Epub ahead of print]11(17):
      Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized as a heterogeneous disease with severe malignancy and high mortality. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling is responsible for self-renewal and mammosphere generation, metastasis and resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy in TNBC. Nonetheless, in the absence of a targeted therapy, chemotherapy is regarded as the exclusive treatment strategy for the treatment of TNBC. This review aims to provide an unprecedented overview of the plants and herbal derivatives which repress the progression of TNBC through prohibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Herbal medicine extracts and bioactive compounds (alkaloids, retinoids. flavonoids, terpenes, carotenoids and lignans) alone, in combination with each other and/or with chemotherapy agents could interrupt the various steps of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, i.e., WNT, FZD, LRP, GSK3β, Dsh, APC, β-catenin and TCF/LEF. These phytotherapy agents diminish proliferation, metastasis, breast cancer stem cell self-renewal and induce apoptosis in cell and animal models of TNBC through the down-expression of the downstream target genes of Wnt signaling. Some of the herbal derivatives simultaneously impede Wnt/β-catenin signaling and other overactive pathways in triple negative breast cancer, including: mTORC1; ER stress and SATB1 signaling. The herbal remedies and their bioactive ingredients perform essential roles in the treatment of the very fatal TNBC via repression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
    Keywords:  Wnt/β-catenin; anti-cancer; bioactive derivative; herbal medicine; triple negative breast cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172191
  165. Cancer Gene Ther. 2022 Sep 08.
      Cancer is often conceptualized as principally a cellular process, one initiated by genetic mutations in a progenitor cell that result in dysregulated cell proliferation. Accordingly, investigations into mechanisms of treatment resistance to cancer therapies often revolve around the biologic barriers to the therapies. However, there is a growing appreciation for the unique biomechanical properties for tumors and the role they play in treatment resistance for conventional, molecularly targeted, and immune-mediated cancer therapies. This understanding has inspired the development of pharmacologic and interventional approaches to overcome these barriers. Of particular promise are perfusion-enhanced drug delivery (PEDD) approaches that potentially allow for comprehensive tumor coverage with increased delivery pressure and prevention of reflux to drive therapeutics into the tumor parenchyma. In this review, we summarize the key features of the tumor microenvironment that drive tumor progression and impose barriers to anti-cancer therapies. We highlight the rationale and application of pharmacologic approaches and interventional drug delivery devices designed to overcome these impediments. We additionally contextualize these concepts by illustrating their application to the treatment of uveal melanoma liver metastases.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41417-022-00529-3
  166. Front Pharmacol. 2022 ;13 893229
      Although pearls are well known by most people, their medicinal value has not been popularized. This article collates the medicinal history of pearls over 2,000 years in China, including the application of pearls in the traditional medicine of China and their various preparations, as well as the progress of their chemical constituents, pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical research. Pearls from three different sources are used as medical materiel by 9 nationalities and 251 prescription preparations in China. In addition, pearls contain various inorganic constituents, such as calcium carbonate, trace elements, and water, and organic constituents, such as amino acids. In terms of pharmacology, pearls have many effects such as calming, improving cognitive ability, being anti-epileptic, promoting bone growth and regeneration, promoting the proliferation and migration of human microvascular endothelial cells, protecting the heart, anti-hemolysis, and anti-oxidation. In terms of toxicology, pearls are safe to take for a long time without exerting obvious adverse reactions. In terms of clinical application, pearls have been used to treat many diseases and conditions, such as convulsions, epilepsy, palpitations, eye diseases, ulcer diseases, skin diseases, or skin lesions. This article provides a reference for the application and research of pearls in the future.
    Keywords:  chemical constituents; clinical application; pearls; pharmacology; toxicology; traditional medicine of China
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.893229
  167. Cureus. 2022 Aug;14(8): e27603
      A high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet was administered as a complementary and alternative therapy to a 54-year-old man suffering from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastasis. Three months after the cessation of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, a ketogenic diet (KD) was initiated. This approach was an attempt to stabilize the disease progression after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Computed tomography following radiation and chemotherapy showed a reduction in the right frontal lobe lesion from 5.5 cm × 6.2 cm to 4 cm × 2.7 cm, while the mass in the upper-right lung lobe reduced from 6.0 cm × 3.0 cm to 2.0 × 1.8 cm. Two years after KD initiation and without any other therapeutic intervention, the right frontal lobe lesion calcified and decreased in size to 1.9 cm × 1.0 cm, while the size of the lung mass further decreased to 1.7 cm × 1.0 cm. The size of the brain and lung lesion remained stable after nine years of KD therapy. However, dyslipidemia developed after this time which led to the discontinuation of the diet. No tumor relapse or health issues occurred for two years after the discontinuation of the diet. This case report indicates that the inclusion of ketogenic metabolic therapy following radiation and chemotherapy is associated with better clinical and survival outcomes for our patient with metastatic NSCLC.
    Keywords:  brain metastasis; dietary energy restriction; ketogenic diet; lipidemic profile; primary lung cancer
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.27603
  168. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 30. pii: 3566. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      The ketogenic diet (KD) has been important in treating epilepsy since the 1920s. The benefits of KD further expanded to other neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's diseases, autism spectrum disorder, and nutritional disorder (obesity). Although the therapeutic efficacy of KD has been generally accepted, there is limited knowledge about its underlying mechanism of action, particularly its effect on our gut microbiome. Gut dysbiosis has been proposed to be involved in those diseases, and KD can promote gut microbiota remodeling that may assist in recovery. This review explores the therapeutic applications of KD, the roles of the gut microbiome in neurological diseases and obesity, as well as the effect of KD on the gut microbiome. The present information suggests that KD has significant roles in altering the gut microbiome to improve disease symptoms, mainly by incrementing Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes (B/F) ratio and reducing Proteobacteria in certain cases. However, current gaps call for continued research to understand better the gut microbiota profile altered by KD.
    Keywords:  diet; dietary therapies; gut microbiota; intestinal microbes; microbiome; nutrition
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173566
  169. J Neuroinflammation. 2022 Sep 06. 19(1): 219
      Since the twenty-first century, the development of technological advances in anesthesia and surgery has brought benefits to human health. However, the adverse neurological effects of perioperative-related factors (e.g., surgical trauma, anesthesia, etc.) as stressors cannot be ignored as well. The nervous system appears to be more "fragile" and vulnerable to damage in developing and aging individuals. Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death proposed in 2012. In recent years, the regulation of ferroptosis to treat cancer, immune system disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases have seen an unprecedented surge of interest. The association of ferroptosis with perioperative neurocognitive disorders has also received much attention. Cognitive impairment can not only affect the individual's quality of life, but also impose a burden on the family and society. Therefore, the search for effective preventive and therapeutic methods to alleviate cognitive impairment caused by perioperative-related factors is a challenge that needs to be urgently addressed. In our review, we first briefly describe the connection between iron accumulation in neurons and impairment of brain function during development and aging. It is followed by a review of the pathways of ferroptosis, mainly including iron metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism pathway. Furthermore, we analyze the connection between ferroptosis and perioperative-related factors. The surgery itself, general anesthetic drugs, and many other relevant factors in the perioperative period may affect neuronal iron homeostasis. Finally, we summarize the experimental evidence for ameliorating developmental and degenerative neurotoxicity by modulating ferroptosis. The suppression of ferroptosis seems to provide the possibility to prevent and improve perioperative neurocognitive impairment.
    Keywords:  Ferroptosis; Neurotoxicity; Perioperative neurocognitive disorders
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-022-02570-3
  170. Mol Cancer. 2022 Sep 08. 21(1): 177
      Given that hypoxia is a persistent physiological feature of many different solid tumors and a key driver for cancer malignancy, it is thought to be a major target in cancer treatment recently. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which have a large impact on tumor development and immunotherapy. TAMs massively accumulate within hypoxic tumor regions. TAMs and hypoxia represent a deadly combination because hypoxia has been suggested to induce a pro-tumorigenic macrophage phenotype. Hypoxia not only directly affects macrophage polarization, but it also has an indirect effect by altering the communication between tumor cells and macrophages. For example, hypoxia can influence the expression of chemokines and exosomes, both of which have profound impacts on the recipient cells. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the intricate interaction between cancer cells and TAMs in the hypoxic TME is relevant to poor prognosis and increased tumor malignancy. However, there are no comprehensive literature reviews on the molecular mechanisms underlying the hypoxia-mediated communication between tumor cells and TAMs. Therefore, this review has the aim to collect all recently available data on this topic and provide insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies for reducing the effects of hypoxia.
    Keywords:  Hypoxia-inducible factor; Inhibitor; Intercellular communication; Oxygen sensor
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12943-022-01645-2
  171. Biochem J. 2022 Sep 06. pii: BCJ20220440. [Epub ahead of print]
      Approximately 15% of all cancer patients harbor mutated KRAS. Direct inhibitors of KRAS have now been generated and are beginning to make progress through clinical trials. These include a suite of inhibitors targeting the KRASG12C mutation commonly found in lung cancer. We investigated emergent resistance to representative examples of different classes of Ras targeted therapies. They all exhibited rapid reactivation of Ras signaling within days of exposure and adaptive responses continued to change over long-term treatment schedules. Whilst the gene signatures were distinct for each inhibitor, they commonly involved upregulation of upstream nodes promoting mutant and wild type Ras activation. Experiments to reverse resistance unfortunately revealed frequent desensitization to members of a panel of anti-cancer therapeutics, suggesting that salvage approaches are unlikely to be feasible. Instead, we identified triple inhibitor combinations that resulted in more durable responses to KRAS inhibitors and that may benefit from further pre-clinical evaluation.
    Keywords:  G-proteins; drug resistance; signalling
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1042/BCJ20220440
  172. Food Res Int. 2022 Oct;pii: S0963-9969(22)00788-8. [Epub ahead of print]160 111730
      Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Dietary intake of polyphenols may protect against the development of NCDs. Coffee is a rich source of phenolic acids in the Western diet that may prevent or treat hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, chronic liver diseases, and obesity. These health effects are attributed, at least partially, to the antioxidant properties and inhibitory activity of phenolic acids on lipases. However, the effect of milk on these properties is not clear. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the antiradical properties and inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase in vitro of phenolic acids from coffee. We obtained commercial traditional and decaffeinated espresso coffee capsules and prepared the beverages according to the manufacturer's instructions using a domestic coffee maker. Espresso prepared with traditional and decaffeinated coffee capsules were evaluated with and without the addition of milk following in vitro digestion.The total phenolic content ranged from 168.21 to 397.38 mg equivalent to chlorogenic acid/mL. All coffee-based beverages showed antioxidant activity, with emphasis on decaffeinated and milk-added beverages, respectively. Caffeic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound followed by 5-caffeoylquinic acid before digestion. In contrast after in vitro digestion, only caffeic acid was bioaccessible. The addition of milk improved the bioaccessibility of caffeic acid and caffeine. Overall, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of the samples for pancreatic lipase varied between 222 and 3035.8 µg/mL. Decaffeinated coffee had a greater inhibitory effect than regular coffee regardless of milk addition. In conclusion, decaffeinated and milk-added coffee beverages have a greater effect on lipase inhibition. This may be related to the greater bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in these samples. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of enzymatic inhibition by phenolic acids.
    Keywords:  Antioxidant; Caffeine; Coffee; Decaffeinated; Lipase; Milk; Phenolic acids
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111730
  173. Front Immunol. 2022 ;13 996836
      Breast cancer (BC) is now the most frequent and lethal cancer among women. Cuproptosis is a newly identified programmed cell death process that has been connected to tumor therapeutic sensitivity, patient outcomes, and the genesis of cancer. Cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) are involved in breast cancer, although their roles and potential mechanisms are still unclear. First, we examined the effect of gene mutations and copy number changes on overall survival in 1168 breast cancer samples. Breast cancer patients were split into two molecular categories as determined by the variation in CRG based on clinicopathological traits, overall survival, and cell-infiltrating traits in tumor microenvironments. In addition, we created and validated a CRG score to calculate breast cancer patients' OS. Finally, we created a comprehensive nomogram for the clinical use of the CRG score. Patients whose CRG scores were low showed increased odds of developing OS, a larger mutation load, and immunological activation than those with high CRG scores. The CRG score, the cancer stem cell index, and the responsiveness to chemotherapy or targeted therapies were also shown to be statistically significantly correlated. Our thorough examination of CRGs in breast cancer patients demonstrated that they may be useful predictors of prognosis, clinical characteristics, and tumor microenvironment. These findings provide fresh insight into CRGs in breast cancer and might inspire brand-new approaches to both diagnosing and treating patients there.
    Keywords:  CRG ; breast cancer; cuprotosis; prognosis; tumor microenvironments
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.996836
  174. ACS Appl Bio Mater. 2022 Sep 06.
      Mitochondrion is a multifunctional organelle in a cell, and it is one of the important targets of antitumor therapy. Conventional mitochondrial targeting strategies can hardly distinguish the mitochondria in cancer cells from those in normal cells, which might raise a concern about the biosafety. Recent studies suggest that a relatively high temperature of mitochondria exists in cancer cells. We named it tumor intrinsic mitochondrial overheating (TIMO). By taking advantage of the difference in mitochondrial temperatures between cancer cells and normal cells, therapeutic agents can be specifically delivered to the mitochondria in cancer cells. Here we will briefly overview the mitochondria-targeted delivery strategies. In addition, the recent discovery of hot mitochondria in cancer cells and the development of mitochondrial temperature-responsive delivery systems for antitumor therapy will be reviewed.
    Keywords:  cancer; drug delivery; mitochondria; nanomedicine; temperature
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.2c00641
  175. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2022 ;10 950979
      In mammals, sperm acquire fertilization ability after a series of physiological and biochemical changes, collectively known as capacitation, that occur inside the female reproductive tract. In addition to other requirements, sperm bioenergetic metabolism has been identified as a fundamental component in the acquisition of capacitation. Mammalian sperm produce ATP through two main metabolic processes, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and aerobic glycolysis that are localized to two different flagellar compartments, the midpiece, and the principal piece, respectively. In mouse sperm, the occurrence of many events associated with capacitation relies on the activity of these two energy-producing pathways, leading to the hypothesis that some of these events may impose changes in sperm energetic demands. In the present study, we used extracellular flux analysis to evaluate changes in glycolytic and respiratory parameters of murine sperm that occur as a consequence of capacitation. Furthermore, we examined whether these variations affect sperm ATP sustainability. Our results show that capacitation promotes a shift in the usage ratio of the two main metabolic pathways, from oxidative to glycolytic. However, this metabolic rewiring does not seem to affect the rate at which the sperm consume ATP. We conclude that the probable function of the metabolic switch is to increase the ATP supply in the distal flagellar regions, thus sustaining the energetic demands that arise from capacitation.
    Keywords:  OXPHOS; capacitation; glycolysis; mouse; sperm metabolism
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2022.950979
  176. Molecules. 2022 Aug 28. pii: 5541. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      Wound healing is a natural process to restore damaged tissues due to loss of tissue integrity. Moringa oleifera (locally known as merunggai in Malaysia) has been traditionally used in various ailments, including for wound management. To evaluate the wound healing properties in M. oleifera, publications were searched and selected following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement with predetermined inclusion criteria. The databases searched for primary studies include PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and CENTRAL. In total, 18 in vivo studies were included, which involved the leaves, while the remaining 5 studies involved other plant parts tested on excision, incision, dead space, abrasion, and burn-induced wound models. All studies reported significant wound healing abilities. Most studies used different topical formulations of aqueous leaves extract. The accumulation of collagen content and underlying wound healing mechanism through antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities may be contributed by its bioactive phytochemical content, which has the potential to accelerate the wound contraction, increase the rate of epithelialization, and protect tissues against oxidative damage. In conclusion, M. oleifera showed wound healing potential but further studies are warranted to determine the main bioactive phytocompounds and safety.
    Keywords:  Moringa oleifera; epithelialization; herbal medicine; merunggai; wound healing
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175541
  177. Polymers (Basel). 2022 Aug 30. pii: 3577. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Colon cancer (CC) is one of major causes of mortality and affects the socio-economic status world-wide. Therefore, developing a novel and efficient delivery system is needed for CC management. Thus, in the present study, lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles of apigenin (LPHyNPs) was prepared and characterized on various parameters such as particle size (234.80 ± 12.28 nm), PDI (0.11 ± 0.04), zeta potential (-5.15 ± 0.70 mV), EE (55.18 ± 3.61%), etc. Additionally, the DSC, XRD, and FT-IR analysis determined drug entrapment and affinity with the selected excipient, demonstrating a promising drug affinity with the lipid polymer. Morphological analysis via SEM and TEM exhibited spherical NPs with a dark color core, which indicated drug entrapment inside the core. In vitro release study showed significant (p &lt; 0.05) sustained release of AGN from LPHyNPs than AGN suspension. Further, the therapeutic efficacy in terms of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of developed LPHyNPs against CC was estimated by performing flow cytometry and comparing its effectiveness with blank LPHyNPs and AGN suspension, which exhibited remarkable outcomes in favor of LPHyNPs. Moreover, the mechanism behind the anticancer attribute was further explored by estimating gene expression of various signaling molecules such as Bcl-2, BAX, NF-κB, and mTOR that were involved in carcinogenic pathways, which indicated significant (p &lt; 0.05) results for LPHyNPs. Moreover, to strengthen the anticancer potential of LPHyNPs against chemoresistance, the expression of JNK and MDR-1 genes was estimated. Outcomes showed that their expression level reduced appreciably when compared to blank LPHyNPs and AGN suspension. Hence, it can be concluded that developed LPHyNPs could be an efficient therapeutic system for managing CC.
    Keywords:  apigenin; apoptosis; colon cancer; hybrid nanoparticle; mTOR; sustained release
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173577
  178. Molecules. 2022 Aug 24. pii: 5388. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      Radix Asteris (RA), also known as 'Zi Wan', is the dried root and rhizome of Aster tataricus L. f., which has been used to treat cough and asthma in many countries such as China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. This article summarizes the available information on RA in ancient Chinese medicine books and modern research literature: its botanical properties, traditional uses, chemical composition, pharmacological activity, toxicity and quality control. Studies have shown that RA extracts contain terpenes, triterpenoid saponins, organic acids, peptides and flavonoids, and have various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, and anti-depression. RA is considered to be a promising medicinal plant based on its traditional use, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities. However, there are few studies on its toxicity and the consistency of its components, which indicates the need for further in-depth studies on the toxicity and quality control of RA and its extracts.
    Keywords:  Aster tataricus L. f.; chemical constituents; pharmacology; quality control; traditional uses
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175388
  179. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov. 2022 Sep 05.
      BACKGROUND: Gliotoxin, a secondary metabolite isolated from marine-derived Aspergillus fumigatus, has demonstrated anti-tumor properties in several cancers. Ferroptosis, a recently discovered type of programmed cell death that depends on the accumulation of iron and lipid peroxides, participates in the occurrence and development of various diseases, including cancer. A recent patent, US20200383943, has suggested that promotion of ferroptosis is a method of cancer treatment. Therefore, the development of drugs that induce ferroptosis in cancer cells would constitute a novel therapeutic approach.OBJECTIVE: Gliotoxin is a natural compound which has exhibited anti-tumor properties in multiple cancers, however studies of the effect of gliotoxin on esophageal cancer are lacking. Although cancer treatment has shown great progress, including traditional surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, the prognosis of esophageal cancer is still poor. Therefore, the development of new treatment approaches for esophageal cancer is necessary.
    METHODS: The effects of gliotoxin on esophageal cancer cells were determined by functional assays, such as CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assays. We used online tools to predict the target genes of gliotoxin, followed by further verification using Western blotting assays. To assess the role of gliotxin in inducing ferroptosis in esophageal cancer, we detected characteristics associated with ferroptosis including ROS, MDA, GSH and Fe2+.
    RESULTS: Using online tools SEA and SwissTargetPrediction, we predicted that SUV39H1 was the gliotoxin target gene. Furthermore, in esophageal cancer tissues SUV39H1 was expressed at higher levels than normal tissues, while in patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) high expression levels of SUV39H1 indicated a poor prognosis. In vitro, we observed that gliotoxin increased ESCC cell death and inhibited cell migration. We treated ESCC cells with pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK or ferroptosis inhibitors including Fer-1 and DFO. Our results showed that Fer-1 and DFO reduced the toxic effects of gliotoxin, while Z-VAD-FMK did not. Furthermore, gliotoxin treatment reduced tumor weight and volume in the xenograft tumor mouse model.
    CONCLUSION: In summary, our findings indicate that gliotoxin downregulated SUV39H1 expression in ESCC cells and induced ferroptosis, suggesting a novel natural therapy for ESSC.
    Keywords:  Gliotoxin; SUV39H1; cancer therapy.; esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; ferroptosis; natural compounds
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2174/1574892817666220905114120
  180. Biomacromolecules. 2022 Sep 08.
      Complete cancer cure and healing are still difficult, owing to its complexity and heterogeneity. Integration of supramolecular forces, for example, hydrogen bonds (H-bonds), to anti-cancer nanomedicine affords new scaffolds for biomedical material decoration, featuring the advantages of dynamic property and easier processability. Here, we target the construction of H-bond-mediated supramolecular polymer micelles, loaded with a chemotherapeutic drug along with a photothermal agent for synergistic chemo-/photothermal therapies (CT/PTT). To do so, we design and synthesize an amphiphilic ABA-type triblock copolymer, bearing H-bonding moiety (barbiturate, Ba) within the middle hydrophobic B block. The presence of pendant Ba moieties within the hydrophobic core promotes the loading capability of methotrexate (MTX) and transportation stability, benefitting from the formation of specific Ba/MTX H-bonding interactions. IR780, a photothermal agent, concomitantly encapsulated via hydrophobic interactions, facilitates the development of a synergistic CT/PTT modalities, where MTX can be released on demand owing to the dissociation of Ba/MTX H-bonding interactions induced by elevated temperature. Such H-bonding nanomedicine possesses enhanced drug loading capacity and transport performance and can also trigger stimuli-responsive drug release in the tumor zone. We believe that H-bonded nanomedicines provide a fine toolbox that is conducive to attaining biomedical requirements with remarkable values in theranostics that are highly promising in clinical applications.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00717
  181. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2022 Aug;pii: S0147-6513(22)00652-2. [Epub ahead of print]241 113812
      Indium-tin oxide (ITO) was previously found to have a toxic effect on lung tissues, and oxidative stress and the inflammatory response are two important mechanisms of ITO‑induced lung injury. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been found to exhibit antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties. The current study aimed to evaluate the possible protective effects of NAC against ITO nanoparticle (Nano-ITO)-induced pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, especially via modulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. For this purpose, 50 rats were randomly allocated into five groups (10 rats each) as follows: (1) control group; (2) saline group; (3) NAC (200 mg/kg) group; (4) PAP model group receiving a repeated intratracheal dose of Nano-ITO (6 mg/kg); and (5) PAP model+NF-κB inhibitor (NAC) group pre-treated intraperitoneally with NAC (200 mg/kg) twice per week before the administration of an intratracheal dose of Nano-ITO (6 mg/kg). Rats were then euthanized under anesthesia, and their lungs were removed for histopathological and biochemical investigations. A 6 mg/kg dose of Nano-ITO markedly altered the levels of some oxidative stress biomarkers. The histological examination of Nano-ITO-exposed rats demonstrated diffused alveolar damage that involved PAP, cholesterol crystals, alveolar fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and alveolar emphysema. The immunohistochemical results of Nano-ITO-exposed rats revealed strongly positive NF-κB p65 and inhibitory kappa B kinase (IKK)-β and weakly positive inhibitor of kappa-B subunit alpha (IκB-α) staining reactivity in the nuclei of cells lining the epithelium of the bronchioles and alveoli. Moreover, Nano-ITO activated the NF-κB pathway. However, pre-treatment with NAC significantly attenuated Nano-ITO-evoked alterations in the previously mentioned parameters, highlighting their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic potential. The results indicated that the degree of pulmonary fibrosis and proteinosis in the NAC‑treated group was improved compared with that in the Nano-ITO-induced PAP model group. The level of malondialdehyde was also decreased overall in the NAC-treated group compared with that in the Nano-ITO-induced model group, indicating that the pulmonary fibrosis degree and oxidation levels were decreased. The present study also demonstrated that NAC increased the activity of antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity, indicating that it could alleviate oxidative stress in the lung tissue of Nano-ITO‑exposed rats. In addition, NAC reduced the production of pro‑inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‑1β, IL‑6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α, and increased the levels of anti‑inflammatory factor IL‑10. The current study demonstrated that NAC can effectively attenuate Nano-ITO‑induced lung injury by reducing oxidative damage and the inflammatory response.
    Keywords:  Indium-tin oxide nanoparticles; N-acetylcysteine; NF-κB signaling pathway; Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113812
  182. Adv Healthc Mater. 2022 Sep 06. e2201240
      Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) as "cold" tumor is characterized by severe immunosuppression of the tumor microenvironment (TME). To effectively activate the immune response of TNBC, a new kind of therapy strategy called cancer catalytic immunotherapy is proposed based on magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) as immune activators. Utilizing the weak acidity and excessive hydrogen peroxide of TME, these magnetic NPs can release ferrous ions to promote Fenton reaction, leading abundant ·OH and reactive oxygen species (ROS) for ultimately killing cancer cells. Mechanistically, these magnetic NPs activate the ROS-related signaling pathway to generate more ROS. Meanwhile, these magnetic NPs with unique immunological properties can promote the maturation of dendritic cells and the polarization of macrophages from M2 to M1, resulting in the infiltration of more T cells to reprogram the immunoecology of TNBC from "cold" to "hot" state. Besides directly affecting immune cells, these magnetic NPs can also affect the secretion of some immune-related cytokines by cancer cells, to further indirectly activate the immune response. In conclusion, these catalytic immune activators are designed to achieve the synergistic treatment of chemodynamic therapy-enhanced immunotherapy guided by computed tomography (CT)/near-infrared region-II (NIR-II) dual-mode imaging, providing a new strategy for TNBC treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Keywords:  Cancer immunotherapy; Catalytic activity; Chemodynamic therapy; Magnetic nanoparticles; Theranostic
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202201240
  183. Acta Biomater. 2022 Sep 06. pii: S1742-7061(22)00552-9. [Epub ahead of print]
      Nanoadhesives can achieve tight wound closure by connecting biomacromolecules from both sides. However, previously developed adhesive systems suffered from suboptimal wound healing efficiency due to the lack of interparticle cohesion, sufficient reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging sites, and angiogenesis consideration. Herein, we developed a polymer entangled porous nanoadhesive system to address the above challenge by synergy of three functional components. Firstly, hybrid mesoporous silica nanoparticles with highly integrated polydopamine (MS-PDA) were prepared by templated synthesis. The entangling between PVA polymer and MS-PDA contributed to much stronger cohesion between nanoparticles, which led to 75% larger adhesion strength. As confirmed by in vitro and in vivo evaluations, the highly exposed catechol groups boosted the scavenging activity of ROS (1.8-4.1 fold enhancement as compared with nonporous counterpart). Consequently, more macrophages exhibited anti-inflammatory phenotype, leading to 2-2.6 fold lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Moreover, the sustained release of bioactive SiO44- by the disintegration of nanoparticles contributed to ∼3-fold higher expression of VEGF and enhanced new blood vessel formation, as well as better wound repair. This platform can provide a new paradigm for developing multifunctional nanoadhesive systems in treating skin wounds. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: PVA polymer entangled mesoporous nanoadhesives of polydopamine (PDA)/silica hybrids with the combination of excellent wound closure effect, boosted ROS-scavenging activity, and significant angiogenesis ability were developed for improving the suboptimal skin wound healing efficiency. This strategy not only greatly advances our ability to rationally integrate repairing elements in nanoadhesives for manipulating combined processes of interfacial events during wound healing, but also offers general implications toward application of polymers to reinforce the adhesion strength in nanoadhesive systems. In addition, our findings on the impacts of pore effects mediated ROS species conversion and polymer entanglement may also trigger great interests and facilitate the development/broad application of therapeutic adhesives.
    Keywords:  Interparticle Cohesion; Polymer Entanglement; Porous Nanoadhesive; ROS Scavenging; Wound Closure
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.069
  184. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Sep 05. pii: S0753-3322(22)01043-5. [Epub ahead of print]154 113654
      The growth of cancerous cells and their responses towards substantial therapeutics are primarily controlled by inflammations (acute and chronic) and inflammation-associated products, which either endorse or repress tumor progression. Additionally, major signaling pathways, including NF-κB, STAT3, inflammation-causing factors (cytokines, TNF-α, chemokines), and growth-regulating factors (VEGF, TGF-β), are vital regulators responsible for the instigation and resolution of inflammations. Moreover, the conventional chemotherapeutics have exhibited diverse limitations, including poor pharmacokinetics, unfavorable chemical properties, poor targetability to the disease-specific disease leading to toxicity; thus, their applications are restricted in inflammation-mediated cancer therapy. Furthermore, nanotechnology has demonstrated potential benefits over conventional chemotherapeutics, such as it protected the incorporated drug/bioactive moiety from enzymatic degradation within the systemic circulation, improving the physicochemical properties of poorly aqueous soluble chemotherapeutic agents, and enhancing their targetability in specified carcinogenic cells rather than accumulating in the healthy cells, leading reduced cytotoxicity. Among diverse nanomaterials, polyester-based nanoparticulate delivery systems have been extensively used to target various inflammation-mediated cancers. This review summarizes the therapeutic potentials of various polyester nanomaterials (PLGA, PCL, PLA, PHA, and others)-based delivery systems targeting multiple signaling pathways related to inflammation-mediated cancer.
    Keywords:  Anticancer; Inflammatory signaling pathways; Nanomedicine; Polyester nanomaterials; Targeted delivery
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113654
  185. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Sep 04. pii: 10127. [Epub ahead of print]23(17):
      Stretching is one of the popular elements in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. When correctly guided, it can help minimize or slow down the disabling effects of chronic health conditions. Most likely, the benefits are associated with reducing inflammation; recent studies demonstrate that this effect from stretching is not just systemic but also local. In this review, we present the current body of knowledge on the anti-inflammatory properties of stretching at a molecular level. A total of 22 papers, focusing on anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of stretching, have been selected and reviewed. We show the regulation of oxidative stress, the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory genes and mediators, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, expressed by changes in collagen and matrix metalloproteinases levels, in tissues subjected to stretching. We point out that a better understanding of the anti-inflammatory properties of stretching may result in increasing its importance in treatment and recovery from diseases such as osteoarthritis, systemic sclerosis, and cancer.
    Keywords:  cancer; collagen; cytokines; inflammation; stretching
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231710127
  186. Polymers (Basel). 2022 Sep 03. pii: 3657. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Pathogenic microorganisms have been a serious threat to human life and have become a public health problem of global concern. However, in the actual treatment there is a lack of efficient antimicrobial strategies which do not easily develop drug resistance; this can lead to inaccurate drug treatment that worsens the infection and even threatens life. With the emergence of a variety of drug-resistant bacteria and fungi, photodynamic therapy has gradually become one of the most promising treatment methods for drug-resistant bacteria infection; this is because it is controllable, non-invasive, and not prone to cause the development of drug resistance. Organic conjugated polymers that possess high fluorescence intensity, a large molar extinction coefficient, excellent light stability, an adjustable energy band, easy modification, good biocompatibility, and the ability to photosensitize oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species have been widely used in the fields of solar cells, highly sensitive detection systems, biological imaging, and anti-cancer and anti-microbial treatment. Photodynamic therapy is non-invasive and has high temporal and spatial resolution and is a highly effective antimicrobial treatment that does not easily induce drug resistance; it has also stimulated the scientific research enthusiasm of researchers and has become a research hotspot in the antimicrobial field. In this review, the photodynamic antibacterial applications of conjugated polymers with different structure types are summarized, and their development directions are considered.
    Keywords:  antimicrobial treatment; conjugated polymer; photodynamic therapy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173657
  187. Front Oncol. 2022 ;12 942075
      Cancer is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and in particular is the fourth most common cause of mortality in women every year. Conventional treatments for cancer are chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which have various kinds of side effects. Hence, there is a high need to develop alternative, efficient, and safer therapies for cancer treatment. β-Glucan, a novel polysaccharide isolated from baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, shows noteworthy cytotoxicity toward a variety of cancer cell lines in vitro. In this research, we characterized the β-glucan with high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis and found that d-glucose units with β-1,3 links are the major component of the extracted β-glucan particles. Fourier transform IR (FTIR) analysis confirmed a β-(1→3)-linked glucan structure. In vitro cell cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT with IC50 136 μg/ml, and therapeutic potential was assessed by various assays using values below and above the IC50. A significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation at 50-150 μg/ml of concentrations indicated the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Along with ROS generation, these concentrations were also found to induce morphological changes such as fragmentation in DNA upon staining HeLa cells with DAPI. Mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced after increasing the dose of treatment, assessed with the help of MitoTracker dye. Hence, by all these experimental supports, we observed that β-glucan has the potential to slow down the growth of cervical cancer cells, and it can be further investigated for unfolding its complete anticancer potential.
    Keywords:  ROS generation; anticancer; antioxidant activity; apoptosis; cervical cancer; β-glucan
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.942075
  188. Int J Pharm. 2022 Sep 02. pii: S0378-5173(22)00695-0. [Epub ahead of print] 122142
      Neuroblastoma is the most frequently diagnosed extracranial solid tumor in children and accounts for 7% of all childhood malignancies and 15% cancer mortality in children. Luteolin (LUT) is recognized by its anticancer activity against several types of cancer. The aim of this study was to prepare chitosan-coated nanoemulsion containing luteolin (NECh-LUT), investigate its potential for brain delivery following intranasal administration, and to evaluate its cytotoxicity against neuroblastoma cells. NECh-LUT was developed by cavitation process and characterized for its size, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency, and mucoadhesion. The developed formulation presented size 68±1 nm, zeta potential +13±1 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 85.5±0.3%. The NECh-LUT presented nearly 6-fold higher permeation through the nasal mucosa ex vivo and prolonged LUT release up to 72 h in vitro, following Baker-Lonsdale kinetic model. The pharmacokinetic evaluation of NECh-LUT revealed a 10-fold increase in drug half-life and a 4.4 times enhancement in LUT biodistribution in brain tissue after intranasal administration of single-dose. In addition, NECh-LUT inhibited the growth of neuroblastoma cells after 24, 48 and 72 h in concentrations starting from 2 µM. The NECh-LUT developed for intranasal administration proved to be a promising alternative for brain delivery of LUT, and a viable option for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
    Keywords:  Bioavailability; Chitosan-coated nanoemulsion; Nose-to-brain drug delivery; Pharmacokinetic
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122142
  189. Food Funct. 2022 Sep 06.
      Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb) is high in bioactive components (over 170), which are used in food additives, medicine, cosmetics, health products, and other sectors. Nonetheless, ginkgolic acids (GAs) in Ginkgo biloba (GB) have been identified as the primary source of EGb's adverse effects such as embryotoxicity, cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and inhibition of enzyme systems. As a result, the Chinese, European, and United States pharmacopeias all mandate that the GA concentration in EGb be less than 5 μg g-1. This review looked at the toxicity of ginkgolic acid (from in vitro and in vitro trials) as well as the technologies (such as adsorption/desorption, enzymatic degradation, counter-current chromatography, liquid-liquid microextraction, dual-frequency ultrasonic-solvent extraction, deep eutectic solvent, etc.) used to lower the GA to the desired concentration. These technologies' advantages, disadvantages, viability, and future trends were compared. In addition, several pharmacological significances of GA extraction, such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, etc., were discussed, as well as future directions.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1039/d2fo01827f
  190. Food Res Int. 2022 Oct;pii: S0963-9969(22)00771-2. [Epub ahead of print]160 111713
      The current research aims to construct and assess pea protein isolate (PPI) nanocarriers for lipophilic polyphenols of curcumin (CUR), quercetin (QUE) and resveratrol (RES), respectively. Fluorescence analysis demonstrated that the binding affinity declined in sequence of QUE > CUR > RES and about one polyphenol compound was bound to protein. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that hydrophobic interaction was mainly responsible for complexation between CUR/RES and PPI, while hydrogen bonding for QUE with PPI. All nanoparticles showed particle size of 154-159 nm. Three lipophilic polyphenols were successfully encapsulated into PPI, with loading capacity of RES > QUE > CUR. Complexation of three polyphenols did not change the secondary structure of PPI. Results of FTIR, DSC and XRD confirmed that polyphenols changed from crystalline to amorphous state after combination with PPI. SEM pictures exhibited regular spherical microstructure of nanocomplexes. PPI shielded polyphenols from sensitive environment of ultraviolet light and thermal treatment. ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity of polyphenols were considerably improved through complexation with PPI. Molecular docking studies showed binding energy with 11S legumin in sequence of QUE > RES > CUR, and stronger hydrogen bonds were built between QUE and the protein than the other two polyphenols. Data in the present work may provide helpful information for encapsulation of lipophilic polyphenols with pea protein and the potential application in food science, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries in the future.
    Keywords:  Curcumin; Pea protein; Quercetin; Resveratrol
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111713
  191. Biomed Res Int. 2022 ;2022 5623555
      Objective: Pirarubicin (THP) is one of anthracycline anticancer drugs. It is widely used in the treatment of various cancers, but its hepatotoxicity cannot be ignored. Schisandrin B (SchB) is a traditional liver-protecting drug, which has the ability to promote mitochondrial function and upregulate cellular antioxidant defense mechanism. However, whether it can resist THP-induced hepatotoxicity has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to observe and explore the effect of SchB on THP-induced hepatotoxicity and its potential mechanism by adding SchB to the diet of rats with THP-induced hepatotoxicity.Methods: The rat model of THP-induced hepatotoxicity was established and partly treated with SchB diet. The changes of serum liver function indexes ALT and AST were observed. The histomorphological changes of liver were observed by HE staining. The biomarker levels of oxidative stress in rat serum and liver were measured to observe oxidative stress state. The expressions of ferroptosis-related protein GPX4 and oxidative stress-related protein were detected by Western blot. Primary hepatocytes were prepared and cocultured with THP, SchB, and Fer-1 to detect the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and verify the above signal pathways.
    Results: THP rats showed a series of THP-induced hepatotoxicity changes, such as liver function damage, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis. SchB diet effectively alleviated these adverse reactions. Further studies showed that SchB had strong antioxidant and antiferroptosis abilities in THP-induced hepatotoxicity.
    Conclusion: SchB has obvious protective effect on THP-induced hepatotoxicity. The mechanism may be closely related to inhibiting oxidative stress and ferroptosis in the liver.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5623555
  192. Molecules. 2022 Aug 26. pii: 5501. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      Acylated flavonoids are widely distributed natural metabolites in medicinal plants and foods with several health attributes. A large diversity of chemical structures of acylated flavonoids with interesting biological effects was reported from several plant species. Of these, 123 compounds with potential antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, analgesic, and anti-complementary effects were selected from several databases including SCI-Finder, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and others. Some selected reported biologically active flavonoids were docked in the active binding sites of some natural enzymes, namely acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, aldose reductase, and HIV integrase, in an attempt to underline the key interactions that might be responsible for their biological activities.
    Keywords:  acetylcholinesterase; acylated flavonoids; anti-diabetic; hepatoprotective; medicinal plants
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175501
  193. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Sep 01. pii: 9956. [Epub ahead of print]23(17):
      Tumor development and progression depend on reprogramming of signaling pathways that regulate cell metabolism. Alterations to various metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, lipid metabolism, and hexosamine biosynthesis pathway are crucial to sustain increased redox, bioenergetic, and biosynthesis demands of a tumor cell. Transcription factors (oncogenes and tumor suppressors) play crucial roles in modulating these alterations, and their functions are tethered to major metabolic pathways under homeostatic conditions and disease initiation and advancement. Specificity proteins (SPs) and Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are closely related transcription factors characterized by three highly conserved zinc fingers domains that interact with DNA. Studies have demonstrated that SP and KLF transcription factors are expressed in various tissues and regulate diverse processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. This review highlights the role of SP and KLF transcription factors in the metabolism of various cancers and their impact on tumorigenesis. A better understanding of the role and underlying mechanisms governing the metabolic changes during tumorigenesis could provide new therapeutic opportunities for cancer treatment.
    Keywords:  Krüppel-like transcription factors; cancer; metabolism; specificity proteins
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23179956
  194. Front Pharmacol. 2022 ;13 950457
      Neurodegenerative disorders, which are defined by the breakdown of neurons over time, are affecting an increasing number of people. Stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Migraine, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are just a few examples of brain disorders that have no cure. Besides, there is a huge demand for drugs that can cure the diseases mentioned above because the majority of the medications we use to treat them only alleviate diseases. Different neurological disorders have responded satisfactorily to the pharmacological effects of medicinal plants. Despite the numerous multiple types of plants in the world, only a small number of them have been investigated for neurological disorders. As a result, there are many opportunities in this area for further research on plants and their bioactive chemicals. The search for natural therapeutic alternatives that promote faster healing and adverse effects avoidance has gained popularity in recent years. The aim of this mini-review is to explore some natural products that have strong therapeutic effects on neurodegenerative disorders such as Stroke, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Migraine, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and others. We have also shown the safety of natural products to improve their appropriate usage in neurological disorders from recent literature.
    Keywords:  Malnutrition; drugs; natural products; neurological disorders; potential therapeutics
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.950457
  195. Int J Pharm. 2022 Sep 01. pii: S0378-5173(22)00715-3. [Epub ahead of print]626 122161
      Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural polymeric biomaterial widely used in the preparation of drug delivery systems. Herein, silk fibroin peptide (SFP) was self-assembled into nanofibers, encapsulated a poorly water-soluble drug baicalein (SFP/BA NFs), and then used to protect against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Specifically, the SFP/BA NFs significantly enhanced the aqueous dispersity, storage stability, and in vitro antioxidant activity of BA. SFP/BA NFs increased the drug uptake and localization to mitochondria. In vitro results demonstrated that SFP/BA NFs can relieve the cisplatin-induced HK-2 cell damage, and inhibit the cisplatin-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) disruption. Mechanism studies demonstrated that SFP/BA NFs may exert nephroprotective effects by inhibiting both the cisplatin-induced DNA damage and the cGAS/STING pathway activation. In vivo results showed that cisplatin treatment resulted in decreased body weight, increased serum creatinine (SCr), and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, while SFP/BA NFs reversed the above symptoms. Furthermore, SFP/BA NFs reversed the cisplatin-induced abnormal changes of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD and GSH), and inhibited the cisplatin-induced DNA damage as well as the activation of cGAS/TING. Above all, our results revealed the potential of SFP/BA NFs to protect against cisplatin-induced AKI.
    Keywords:  Acute kidney injury; Baicalein; Nanofibers; Silk fibroin peptide; cGAS/STING
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122161
  196. Front Pharmacol. 2022 ;13 991052
      Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic properties, is the first-line treatment for patients with late-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the therapeutic effect remains limited due to sorafenib resistance. Only about 30% of HCC patients respond well to the treatment, and the resistance almost inevitably happens within 6 months. Thus, it is critical to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and identify effective approaches to improve the therapeutic outcome. According to recent studies, tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune escape play critical roles in tumor occurrence, metastasis and anti-cancer drug resistance. The relevant mechanisms were focusing on hypoxia, tumor-associated immune-suppressive cells, and immunosuppressive molecules. In this review, we focus on sorafenib resistance and its relationship with liver cancer immune microenvironment, highlighting the importance of breaking sorafenib resistance in HCC.
    Keywords:  hepatocellular carcinoma; hypoxia; immunosuppressive factors; sorafenib resistance; tumor microenvironment; tumor-associated immune-suppressive cells
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.991052
  197. Molecules. 2022 Aug 23. pii: 5361. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of death across the world. Recent evidence suggests that STAT3 regulates proliferative, survival, metastasis, and angiogenesis genes in HCC. Novel agents that suppress STAT3 activation can be used to prevent or treat HCC. We used a functional proteomics tumor pathway technology platform and multiple HCC cell lines to investigate the effects of acacetin (ACN) on STAT3 activation, protein kinases, phosphatases, products of STAT3-regulated genes, and apoptosis. ACN was found to inhibit STAT3 activation in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HCC cells. Upstream kinases c-Src, Janus-activated kinase 1, and Janus-activated kinase 2 were also inhibited. The ACN inhibition of STAT3 was abolished by vanadate treatment, suggesting the involvement of tyrosine phosphatase activity. ACN was found to suppress the protein expression of genes involved in proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis via STAT3 inhibition. ACN appears to be a novel STAT3 inhibitor and may be a promising therapeutic compound for application in the treatment of HCC and other cancers.
    Keywords:  STAT3; acacetin; apoptosis; hepatocellular carcinoma; proliferation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175361
  198. Molecules. 2022 Sep 01. pii: 5648. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      During a screening performed by the National Cancer Institute in the 1960s, the terpenoid paclitaxel was discovered. Paclitaxel expanded the treatment options for breast, lung, prostate and ovarian cancer. Paclitaxel is only present in minute amounts in the bark of Taxia brevifolia. A sustainable supply was ensured with a culture developed from Taxus chinensis, or with semi-synthesis from other taxanes. Paclitaxel is marketed under the name Taxol. An intermediate from the semi-synthesis docetaxel is also used as a drug and marketed as Taxotere. O-Methylated docetaxel is used for treatment of some paclitaxel-resistant cancer forms as cabazitaxel. The solubility problems of paclitaxel have been overcome by formulation of a nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (NAB-paclitaxel, Abraxane). The mechanism of action is affinity towards microtubules, which prevents proliferation and consequently the drug would be expected primarily to be active towards cancer cells proliferating faster than benign cells. The activity against slowly growing tumors such as solid tumors suggests that other effects such as oncogenic signaling or cellular trafficking are involved. In addition to terpenoids, recently discovered microtubule-targeting polyketide macrolides and non-ribosomal peptides have been discovered and marketed as drugs. The revolutionary improvements for treatment of cancer diseases targeting microtubules have led to an intensive search for other compounds with the same target. Several polyketide macrolides, terpenoids and non-ribosomal peptides have been investigated and a few marketed.
    Keywords:  Halochondrin; Zamopanolide; cabazitaxel; colchicine; docetaxel; eribulin; microtubule-targeting agent; paclitaxel; podophyllotoxin; taccalonolide
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175648
  199. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2022 Jul;2022 3927-3930
      Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as versatile and widely used platforms for a variety of biomedical applications. For delivery purposes, while some of NPs' physiochemical aspects such as size and shape have been extensively studied, their mechanical properties remain understudied. Recent studies have reported NPs' rigidity as a significant factor for their cell interactions and uptake. Here, we aim to study how NPs' rigidity affects their interactions with brain glioma tumor cells. To produce NPs with different rigidities, we encapsulate poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) of different volume ratios (0, 10, 30 v/v%) within the lumen of nanoliposomes and study the uptake of these NPs in a glioblastoma cell line U87. PEGDA with volume ratios of 10 and 30% were selected to provide a significant increase of the elastic modulus of the hydrogel (0.1 to 4 MPa) as determined by compression testing. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements indicated that despite differences in their core formulation, all examined NPs had a similar size range (106 to 132 nm) and surface charge (-2.0 to -3.0 mV). Confocal microscopy revealed that all NP groups accumulated inside U87 cells, and flow cytometry data showed that liposomes with a gel core (10 and 30 v/v% PEGDA) had significantly higher cellular uptake (up to 9-fold), compared to liposomes with an aqueous core. Notably, we did not find any substantial difference between the uptake of liposomes with PEGDA core of 10 and 30% volume ratios. Clinical Relevance- By providing an insight into how NP rigidity influences glioma tumor cellular uptake, this work would enable development of more effective therapeutics for brain cancer.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1109/EMBC48229.2022.9871312
  200. Cell Metab. 2022 Sep 06. pii: S1550-4131(22)00351-5. [Epub ahead of print]34(9): 1280-1297.e9
      Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) subverts host epigenetic pathways to switch between viral latency programs, colonize the B cell compartment, and reactivate. Within memory B cells, the reservoir for lifelong infection, EBV genomic DNA and histone methylation marks restrict gene expression. But this epigenetic strategy also enables EBV-infected tumors, including Burkitt lymphomas, to evade immune detection. Little is known about host cell metabolic pathways that support EBV epigenome landscapes. We therefore used amino acid restriction, metabolomic, and CRISPR approaches to identify that an abundant methionine supply and interconnecting methionine and folate cycles maintain Burkitt EBV gene silencing. Methionine restriction, or methionine cycle perturbation, hypomethylated EBV genomes and de-repressed latent membrane protein and lytic gene expression. Methionine metabolism also shaped EBV latency gene regulation required for B cell immortalization. Dietary methionine restriction altered murine Burkitt xenograft metabolomes and de-repressed EBV immunogens in vivo. These results highlight epigenetic/immunometabolism crosstalk supporting the EBV B cell life cycle and suggest therapeutic approaches.
    Keywords:  dietary amino acid restriction; folate metabolism; gamma-herpesvirus; immunometabolism; lytic reactivation; methionine cycle; methionine metabolism; one-carbon metabolism; tumor virus; viral latency
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2022.08.008
  201. Molecules. 2022 Aug 24. pii: 5418. [Epub ahead of print]27(17):
      A PEGylated niosomal formulation of cyclophosphamide (Nio-Cyclo-PEG) was prepared using a central composite design and characterized in terms of drug loading, size distribution, and average size. The stability of formulations was also studied at different conditions. In vitro cytotoxicity of drug delivery formulations was assessed on gastric cancer cells using MTT assay. The mechanism of cytotoxicity was studied at the transcriptional level by real-time PCR on Caspase3, Caspase9, CyclinD, CyclinE, MMP-2, and MMP-9 genes, while apoptosis was investigated with flow cytometry. The anti-metastatic property was evaluated using the scratch method. Propidium iodide staining was used to study the cell cycle. The results indicated that the as-designed nanocarrier exhibited a controlled drug release pattern with improved nanoparticle stability. It was found that the living cancer cells treated with Nio-Cyclo-PEG showed a significant decrease in number when compared with the niosomal carrier without PEG (Nio-Cyclo) and free drug (Cyclo). Moreover, the drug-loaded nanocarrier induced planned death (apoptosis) in the cancer cells through the regulation of Caspase3, Caspase9, CyclinD, CyclinE, MMP-9, and MMP-2 gene expression, indicating that the Nio-Cyclo-PEG formulation could significantly inhibit the cell cycle at the sub G1 phase as well as prevent the migration of cancer cells. In conclusion, Nio-Cyclo-PEG as developed in this study could serve as an active-targeting drug delivery nanocarriers for gastric cancer therapy with high efficacy and minimal side effects on healthy tissues/cells.
    Keywords:  Cyclophosphamide; Niosome; PEGylation; drug delivery; gastric cancer; optimization
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175418
  202. Materials (Basel). 2022 Aug 25. pii: 5860. [Epub ahead of print]15(17):
      Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), based on partially deacetylated chitin nanowhiskers (CNWs) and anionic polysaccharides, are characterized by their variability of properties (particle size, ζ-potential, and pH-sensitivity) depending on the preparation conditions, thereby allowing the development of polymeric nanoplatforms with a sustained release profile for active pharmaceutical substances. This study is focused on the development of hydrogels based on PECs of CNWs and sodium alginate (ALG) for potential vaginal administration that provide controlled pH-dependent antibiotic release in an acidic vaginal environment, as well as prolonged pharmacological action due to both the sustained drug release profile and the mucoadhesive properties of the polysaccharides. The desired hydrogels were formed as a result of both electrostatic interactions between CNWs and ALG (PEC formation), and the subsequent molecular entanglement of ALG chains, and the formation of additional hydrogen bonds. Metronidazole (MET) delivery systems with the desired properties were obtained at pH 5.5 and an CNW:ALG ratio of 1:2. The MET-CNW-ALG microparticles in the hydrogel composition had an apparent hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 1.7 µm and a ζ-potential of -43 mV. In vitro release studies showed a prolonged pH-sensitive drug release from the designed hydrogels; 37 and 67% of MET were released within 24 h at pH 7.4 and pH 4.5, respectively. The introduction of CNWs into the MET-ALG system not only prolonged the drug release, but also increased the mucoadhesive properties by about 1.3 times. Thus, novel CNW-ALG hydrogels are promising carriers for pH sensitive drug delivery carriers.
    Keywords:  chitin nanowhiskers; metronidazole; sodium alginate; vaginal delivery systems
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15175860
  203. Methods Mol Biol. 2022 ;2543 191-210
      Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of normal cells due to unchecked regulatory mechanisms working inside the rapidly dividing cells. In this complex cancer disease treatment, various strategies are utilized to get rid of cancer cells effectively. The different methods combine approaches used to treat cancer, such as radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is among the most effective ways, along with radiotherapy and surgical removal of cancer tissue. Effective chemotherapy based on modification of conventional drugs along with various molecular therapeutic targets, which involve different inhibitors that work in a specific manner in inhibiting particular events activated in cancer cells-the understanding of molecular signaling pathways holds key in the development of targeted therapeutics. After the fundamental signaling pathway studies, a single signaling pathway targeting approach or multiple targeting could display remarkable results in cancer therapeutics. The signal approach includes the signal pathway target. However, a double targeted pathway could effectively aid in inhibiting cell growth or metastasis either due to triggering natural suicidal mechanism (apoptosis) activation. The particular environment of cells regulates cell growth and differentiation. Various proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulate the process of cancer initiation or progression. The ECM collagens, elastins proteins, fibronectins, and laminins might reduce the effectiveness of treatment therapy, reflecting them as an essential target. Any dysregulation in the composition of ECM reflects the regulatory ineffectiveness in a particular area. These have an association with poor prognosis, cell propagation, and metastasis, along drug resistance.Regulation in physiological processes associated with developmental process and maintaining the homeostasis. The pathogenesis of cancer might be connected to dysregulation in cell death programs, including autophagy, necrosis, and the most desirable cell death mechanism called apoptosis: programmed cell death, the highly regulatory mechanism of natural cell death involved in tissue development. The apoptosis involves characteristic feather of cell death which includes specific morphological change along with biochemical alteration. It includes tightly regulated irreversible events, i.e., phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation, mainly via the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Targeting apoptosis in the development of therapeutics could be the ultimate process in treating cancer via chemotherapy. During apoptosis, cell death occurs without causing much damage or inflammation in neighboring cells. Various pro-apoptosis and anti-apoptosis proteins involved in the regulation of apoptosis could act as a remarkable target. The apoptosis inactivation is the critical dysregulatory process in the majority of cancer types. There is an increase in research development regarding apoptosis-targeted therapeutics. A understanding of apoptotic signaling pathways, a fundamental knowledge, aids in developing particular inhibitors for anti-apoptotic and activator of pro-apoptotic proteins.In both apoptosis pathways (extrinsic and intrinsic), pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins act as potential regulators in cell division and growth. The pro-apoptotic proteins Bax trigger the activation of the intrinsic pathway, an excellent target for developing therapeutics, and are currently in clinical trials. Similarly, the inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic proteins is also on track in the drug development process. The considerable importance of apoptosis-based anticancer drugs is also due to improving the drug sensitivity via reversing the resistive mechanisms in cancer cells. The dysregulatory or inactivated apoptosis mechanism involve Bcl-2 family proteins which include both pro-apoptotic members downregulation and anti-apoptotic upregulation, various inhibitors of apoptosis as inhibitory proteins (IAPs), cell cycle dysregulation, dysregulatory repair system, cell progression pathway activation of NF-κB, tumor suppressor (p53) regulation, and death receptors (DRs) of the extrinsic pathway.
    Keywords:  Apoptotic dysregulation; Cancer; Extracellular matrix; Glycosaminoglycans
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-2553-8_16
  204. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Sep 01. pii: 4299. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy, with about 70% of cases diagnosed only at an advanced stage. Cannabis sativa, which produces more than 150 phytocannabinoids, is used worldwide to alleviate numerous symptoms associated with various medical conditions. Recently, studies across a range of cancer types have demonstrated that the phytocannabinoids Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo, but also the potential to increase other drugs' adverse effects. THC and CBD act via several different biological and signaling pathways, including receptor-dependent and receptor-independent pathways. However, very few studies have examined the effectiveness of cannabis compounds against OC. Moreover, little is known about the effectiveness of cannabis compounds against cancer stem cells (CSCs) in general and OC stem cells (OCSCs) in particular. CSCs have been implicated in tumor initiation, progression, and invasion, as well as tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Several hallmarks and concepts describe CSCs. OCSCs, too, are characterized by several markers and specific drug-resistance mechanisms. While there is no peer-reviewed information regarding the effect of cannabis and cannabis compounds on OCSC viability or development, cannabis compounds have been shown to affect genetic pathways and biological processes related to CSCs and OCSCs. Based on evidence from other cancer-type studies, the use of phytocannabinoid-based treatments to disrupt CSC homeostasis is suggested as a potential intervention to prevent chemotherapy resistance. The potential benefits of the combination of chemotherapy with phytocannabinoid treatment should be examined in ovarian cancer patients.
    Keywords:  cannabis; ovarian cancer; ovarian cancer stem cells; phytocannabinoids; resistance mechanisms; signaling pathways; stem cells; therapeutic properties
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14174299
  205. Iran J Pharm Res. 2022 Dec;21(1): e127035
      The main purpose of the present study was to fabricate mucoadhesive bio-nanocomposite hydrogels to prolong the drug retention time in the stomach. In these bio-nanocomposite hydrogels, chitosan (CH) was used as a bioadhesive matrix, montmorillonite (MMT) was applied to modulate the release rate, and tripolyphosphate (TPP) was the cross-linking agent. The test samples were analyzed via different methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Drug incorporation efficacy and mucoadhesive strength of these nanocomposite hydrogel beads were studied. Swelling and in vitro drug release behaviors of these bio-nanocomposite hydrogels were evaluated in simulated gastric fluid (SGF; pH 1.2). The optimized MMT-famotidine (FMT)/CH bio-nanocomposite hydrogels displayed a controllable and sustainable drug release profile with suitable mucoadhesion and prolonged retention time in the stomach. Thus, the results demonstrated that the fabricated mucoadhesive bio-nanocomposite hydrogels could remarkably increase the therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability of FMT by the oral route.
    Keywords:  Bio-nanocomposite Hydrogel; Drug Delivery; Gastroretention; Mucoadhesion
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.5812/ijpr-127035
  206. Cell Mol Biol Lett. 2022 Sep 05. 27(1): 73
      Melatonin is an important naturally occurring hormone in mammals. Melatonin-mediated biological effects include the regulation of circadian rhythms, which is important for optimal human health. Also, melatonin has a broad range of immunoenhancing actions. Moreover, its oncostatic properties, especially regarding breast cancer, involve a variety cancer-inhibitory processes and are well documented. Due to their promising effects on the prognosis of cancer patients, anti-cancer drugs with epigenetic actions have attracted a significant amount of attention in recent years. Epigenetic modifications of cancers are categorized into three major processes including non-coding RNAs, histone modification, and DNA methylation. Hence, the modification of the latter epigenetic event is currently considered an effective strategy for treatment of cancer patients. Thereby, this report summarizes the available evidence that investigated melatonin-induced effects in altering the status of DNA methylation in different cancer cells and models, e.g., malignant glioma and breast carcinoma. Also, we discuss the role of artificial light at night (ALAN)-mediated inhibitory effects on melatonin secretion and subsequent impact on global DNA methylation of cancer cells.
    Keywords:  DNA methylation; DNMT; Epigenetics; Melatonin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s11658-022-00375-z
  207. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 31. pii: 3610. [Epub ahead of print]14(17):
      Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective treatment in reducing weight and the burden of comorbidities in patients with severe obesity. Despite the overall low mortality rate, intra- and post-operative complications remains quite common. Weight loss before BS reduces surgical risk, but studies are inconclusive regarding which is the best approach to apply. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the effect of a ketogenic diet (KD) before BS. All studies agree that KD leads to considerable weight loss and important improvements in terms of surgical risk, but populations, interventions and outcomes are very heterogeneous. KD appears to be a safe and effective approach to induce weight loss before BS. However, randomized controlled trials with better-defined dietary protocols and homogeneous outcomes are necessary in order to draw firm conclusions.
    Keywords:  VLCKD; bariatric surgery; ketogenic diet; pre-operative weight loss; very-low-calorie ketogenic diet
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173610
  208. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2022 Sep 05. 1-15
      Valsartan (VAL) is used as a first-line agent to treat hypertension. However, VAL exhibits poor absorption and low bioavailability when administrated orally. To overcome these issues, VAL transdermal gel was developed in this study, where Carbopol was used as the gel matrice. Additionally, solid microneedles (Dermaroller®) with various needle lengths were combined with transdermal gel to improve its permeation across the stratum corneum as a skin barrier. Developed formulations were further evaluated for various parameters, including pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, gel strength, drug content, ex vivo permeation, in vitro release, occlusivity, and hemolysis. The results showed that all formulations exhibited desired physical characteristics without any potential to cause toxicity. Moreover, this approach showed that using microneedles could significantly enhance the permeation of VAL up to 3 folds compared to untreated skin. The use of microneedles 1.5 mm was found to be the optimum combination to improve VA permeation without affecting skin integrity. As much as 1.69 ± 0.004 mg of VAL permeated after 8 h. Finally, it could be concluded that this work had successfully developed a new approach for VALS drug delivery and could potentially show a significant impact on the treatment of hypertension. Further in vivo work should be considered.
    Keywords:  Valsartan; polymeric hydrogel; solid microneedles; transdermal delivery
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/09205063.2022.2121590
  209. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022 ;2022 6439097
      Epigenetic regulation of gene expression, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, provides finely tuned responses for cells that undergo cellular environment changes. Abundant evidences have demonstrated the detrimental role of oxidative stress in various human pathogenesis since oxidative stress results from the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and antioxidant defense system. Stem cells can self-renew themselves and meanwhile have the potential to differentiate into many other cell types. As some studies have described the effects of oxidative stress on homeostasis and cell fate decision of stem cells, epigenetic alterations have emerged crucial for mediating the stem cell behaviours under oxidative stress. Here, we review recent findings on the oxidative effects on DNA and histone modifications in stem cells. We propose that epigenetic alterations and oxidative stress may influence each other in stem cells.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6439097
  210. Food Res Int. 2022 Oct;pii: S0963-9969(22)00723-2. [Epub ahead of print]160 111665
      Passiflora is a highly diverse genus where taxonomic lack of consensus remains. This may be the reason why numerous studies do not specify to the infraspecific level the plant material used or lack consistency in the nomenclature of botanical formae of Passiflora edulis. Ultimately, this may contribute to inaccurate chemical composition and health effects attributed to different Passiflora edulis species and formae. Hence, this review aims to overcome these challenges by exploring the phytochemical profile, specific nutritional value and potential health benefits of purple passion fruit (PPF). PPF is often consumed fresh for its pulp (including seeds) or juice, either directly or added to food dishes. It is also used industrially to produce a wide range of products, where peels and seeds are abundant by-products, most often discarded or used in low-value applications. Herein, in a perspective of integral valorisation of the fruit, the potential use of all PPF fractions (peel, pulp and seeds) is discussed as a source of important macro and micronutrients, adequate to integrate a balanced and healthy diet. In addition, the phytochemical profile of such fractions is also discussed along with the associated in vitro biological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal) and in vivo beneficial effects in the management of several diseases (asthma, hypertension, osteoarthritis, diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis). In summary, this review gathers the current knowledge on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of PPF and highlights the potential of using all fractions as a source of ingredients in food formulations that promote health and well-being. At the same time, it also contributes to defining sustainable strategies for an integrated valorisation of this natural product.
    Keywords:  Antioxidant; Biological activities; Food; Nutritional value; Phytochemical composition; Purple passion fruit; Safety
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111665
  211. Biomed Res Int. 2022 ;2022 7787958
      Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds from black plum peels was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Temperature (35-55°C), time (15-45 min), and ethanol concentration (50-90%) were selected as independent extraction parameters, whereas total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition were kept as response variables. The optimized extraction conditions were determined by RSM as extraction at 49°C for 37 min with 68% ethanol, which corresponded to TAC, TPC, and DPPH inhibition values of 5.42 ± 0.61 mg/g, 6.217 ± 0.76 mg GAE/g, and 89 ± 2.13%, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GCMS) were used for chemical characterization of optimized plum peel extract (PPE). Optimized PPE was further evaluated for antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and food preservation potential. PPE showed 92.31% DPPH inhibition with IC50 value of 360.6 μg/ml. Optimized PPE extract was effective in the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and migration, and IC50 values were in the range 1.85-3.96 mg/ml for different human cancer cell lines. Major phenolics identified in PPE were ferulic acid (47.87 mg/kg), sinapic acid (9.15 mg/kg), quercetin (7.44 mg/kg), gallic acid (3.24 mg/kg), m-coumaric acid (2.59 mg/kg), and vanillic acid (1.12 mg/kg). PPE extract inhibited the growth of various foodborne bacterial pathogens and increased the shelf life of PPE coated fresh grapes. PPE due to antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and food preservation potential can be used in developing functional food and pharmaceutical products.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/7787958
  212. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Sep;pii: S0753-3322(22)00789-2. [Epub ahead of print]153 113400
      Cordia dichotoma, Indian cherry is one of the traditional medicinal plant well-known for its medicinal properties against variety of diseases primarily hepatocellular disorders. C. dichotoma is moderate size tree that may be found throughout the Himachal Pradesh and commonly called as lashuda. The objective of the present study is to emphasize the phytochemical and pharmacological study with hepatocurative assessment of C. dichotoma to strengthen not only traditional knowledge but also to validate scientific value of its medicinal potential. Furthermore, comprehensive literature information of C. dichotoma has been compiled from the variety of sources, including scientific databases like PubMed and Google Scholar and pertinent publications and books. The information provided in this study covers the years from 1956 to 2021 and KingDraw chemical structure editor software was used to depict the chemical structures of various secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, proteins carbohydrate and phenolic compounds extracted from the different parts of the C. dichotoma. Although, flavonoids and phenolic compounds are the most prominent phytoconstituents predominantly detected in C. dichotoma, which are known for great antioxidant potential and also they are renowned for their various pharmacological and therapeutic efficiency against various chronic diseases. Overall, the studies included in this review implies that the plant and its extracts have significant therapeutic benefits not only for hepatic but also for a variety of diseases. While further research is required to fully understand the processes underlying C. dichotoma application in various pharmacological activities.
    Keywords:  Biochemical parameters; Hepatitis; Hepatoprotection; Oxidative stress; Pharmacological activities; Phytoconstituent
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113400
  213. Plants (Basel). 2022 Aug 24. pii: 2196. [Epub ahead of print]11(17):
      Migraines are a common neurological disorder characterized by desperate throbbing unilateral headaches and are related to phonophobia, photophobia, nausea, and vomiting. The Angelica dahurica Radix and Ligusticum chuanxiong Rhizoma herb pair (ALHP) has been used to treat migraines for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the physiological mechanisms of migraine treatment have not yet been elucidated. In this study, a total of 50 hub targets related to the effect of 28 bioactive compounds in ALHP on anti-migraine were obtained through network pharmacology analysis. GO and KEGG analyses of the hub targets demonstrated that ALHP treatment of migraines significantly involved the G-protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway, chemical synaptic transmission, inflammatory response, and other biological processes. According to the degree of gene targets in the network, ACE, SLC3A6, NR3CI, MAPK1, PTGS2, PIK3CA, RELA, GRIN1, GRM5, IL1B, and DRD2 were found to be the core gene targets. The docking results showed a high affinity for docked conformations between compounds and predicted targets. The results of this study suggest that ALHP could treat migraines by regulating immunological functions, diminishing inflammation, and improving immunity through different physiological pathways, which contributes to the scientific base for more in-depth research as well as for a more widespread clinical application of ALHP.
    Keywords:  Angelica dahurica; Ligusticum chuanxiong; migraine; network pharmacology
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172196