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International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with established antitumor potential. However, due to its systemic toxicity, its use is restricted to...
Cellular Distribution and Ultrastructural Changes in HaCaT Cells, Induced by Podophyllotoxin and Its Novel Fluorescent Derivative, Supported by the Molecular Docking Studies.
Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with established antitumor potential. However, due to its systemic toxicity, its use is restricted to topical treatment of anogenital warts. Less toxic PPT derivatives (e.g., etoposide and teniposide) are used intravenously as anticancer agents. PPT has been exploited as a scaffold of new potential therapeutic agents; however, fewer studies have been conducted on the parent molecule than on its derivatives. We have undertaken a study of ultrastructural changes induced by PPT on HaCaT keratinocytes. We have also tracked the intracellular localization of PPT using its fluorescent derivative (PPT-FL). Moreover, we performed molecular docking of both PPT and PPT-FL to compare their affinity to various binding sites of tubulin. Using the Presto blue viability assay, we established working concentrations of PPT in HaCaT cells. Subsequently, we have used selected concentrations to determine PPT effects at the ultrastructural level. Dynamics of PPT distribution by confocal microscopy was performed using PPT-FL. Molecular docking calculations were conducted using Glide. PPT induces a time-dependent cytotoxic effect on HaCaT cells. Within 24 h, we observed the elongation of cytoplasmic processes, formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles, progressive ER stress, and shortening of the mitochondrial long axis. After 48 h, we noticed disintegration of the cell membrane, progressive vacuolization, apoptotic/necrotic vesicles, and a change in the cell nucleus's appearance. PPT-FL was detected within HaCaT cells after ~10 min of incubation and remained within cells in the following measurements. Molecular docking confirmed the formation of a stable complex between tubulin and both PPT and PPT-FL. However, it was formed at different binding sites. PPT is highly toxic to normal human keratinocytes, even at low concentrations. It promptly enters the cells, probably via endocytosis. At lower concentrations, PPT causes disruptions in both ER and mitochondria, while at higher concentrations, it leads to massive vacuolization with subsequent cell death. The novel derivative of PPT, PPT-FL, forms a stable complex with tubulin, and therefore, it is a useful tracker of intracellular PPT binding and trafficking.
Topics: Humans; Molecular Docking Simulation; Podophyllotoxin; HaCaT Cells; Tubulin; Keratinocytes; Cell Survival; Mitochondria; Fluorescent Dyes; Binding Sites; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
PubMed: 38892135
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115948 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (SMARCA4-dUT) is a devastating subtype of thoracic tumor with SMARCA4 inactivation and is characterized by rapid progression,...
SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (SMARCA4-dUT) is a devastating subtype of thoracic tumor with SMARCA4 inactivation and is characterized by rapid progression, poor prognosis, and high risk of postoperative recurrence. However, effective treatments for SMARCA4-dUT are lacking. Herein, we describe a patient with SMARCA4-dUT who exhibited an impressive response to the anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) antibody (tislelizumab) in combination with conventional chemotherapy (etoposide and cisplatin). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of SMARCA4-dUT treated with chemotherapy, comprising etoposide and cisplatin, combined with anti-PD-1 inhibitors. Immunotherapy combined with etoposide and cisplatin may be a promising strategy to treat SMARCA4-dUT.
Topics: Humans; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; DNA Helicases; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Transcription Factors; Nuclear Proteins; Etoposide; Male; Cisplatin; Treatment Outcome; Female
PubMed: 38881888
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371379 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jul 2024Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is a lignan derived from the roots and stems of the Podophyllum plant. However, its enterotoxicity restricts its clinical application. The...
Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is a lignan derived from the roots and stems of the Podophyllum plant. However, its enterotoxicity restricts its clinical application. The underlying mechanisms by which PPT exerts its action remain largely elusive. This study aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying PPT-induced enterotoxicity utilizing the concept of toxicological evidence chain. Changes in body weight, behavior, and histopathological and biochemical markers in rats were observed. Additionally, microbiome, metabolome, and transcriptome analyses were integrated to identify potential microorganisms, metabolic markers, and major pathways using a co-occurrence network. Our findings suggested that PPT induced pathological changes in rats, including weight loss, diarrhea, and inflammation accompanied by increased levels of IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-6, GRO/KC, and IL-12p70. The decrease in butyrate levels in the PPT group may be related to the enrichment of Firmicutes. The reduction of butyrate levels may impair the expression of PPARγ, subsequently promoting Escherichia-Shigella proliferation. Additionally, the suppression of PPARs pathway may result in the increased production of inflammatory factors, contributing to enterotoxicity. This study offers a novel understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying PPT-induced enterotoxicity, making a significant contribution to developing strategies to mitigate PPT toxicity and prevent associated diseases.
Topics: Animals; Podophyllotoxin; Rats; Male; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors; PPAR gamma; Microbiota
PubMed: 38850705
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116548 -
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces... Jun 2024Herein, we constructed the branch-shaped SiO/nano GO (nGO)/FeO/selenium quantum dots (QDs) (SeQDs) nanoparticles (SGF/SeQDs) embodying magnetism, fluorescence, and...
Herein, we constructed the branch-shaped SiO/nano GO (nGO)/FeO/selenium quantum dots (QDs) (SeQDs) nanoparticles (SGF/SeQDs) embodying magnetism, fluorescence, and microwave stimulus response properties to enhance the performance of releasing drugs. The SGF/SeQDs composite was characterized by technologies including powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, etc. In the nanoparticles, the branch-shaped SiO provides a large specific surface area, nGO as the dielectric loss-style material promotes microwave-absorbing performance, and the FeO serves as a magnetic targeting agent and microwave absorber. Integrating nGO and FeO could further strengthen the microwave absorption of the entire composite; selenium features both fluorescence and anticancer effects. The synthesized nanoparticles as carriers exhibited a branch-like mesoporous sphere of ∼260 nm, a specific surface area of 258.57 m g, a saturation magnetization of 24.59 emu g, and good microwave thermal conversion performance that the temperature was elevated from 25 to 70 °C under microwave irradiation. These physical characteristics, including large pore volume (5.30 nm), high specific surface area, and fibrous morphology, are in favor of loading drugs. Meanwhile, the cumulative etoposide (VP16) loading rate of the nanoparticles reached to 21 wt % after 360 min. The noncovalent interaction between the VP16 and SGF/SeQDs was mainly the hydrogen-bonding effect during the loading process. Furthermore, the drug release rates at 180 min were up to 81.46, 61.92, and 56.84 wt % at pH 4, 5, and 7, respectively. At 25, 37, and 50 °C, the rates of drug release reach 25.40, 56.84, and 65.32 wt %, respectively. After microwave stimulation at pH 7, the rate of releasing drug increased distinctly from 56.84 to 71.74 wt % compared to that of nonmicrowave irradiation. Cytotoxicity tests manifested that the carrier had good biocompatibility. Therefore, the nanoparticles are looking forward to paving one platform for further applications in biomedicine and drug delivery systems.
Topics: Silicon Dioxide; Drug Carriers; Humans; Quantum Dots; Selenium; Microwaves; Drug Liberation; Nanoparticles; Cell Survival; Etoposide; Antineoplastic Agents; Particle Size; Surface Properties; Ferrosoferric Oxide
PubMed: 38848468
DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01376 -
Medicine Jun 2024Lung cancer is one of the most malignant tumors with fastest morbidity and mortality. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most malignant pathological type of lung... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
The predictive value of delta-like3 and serum NSE in evaluating chemotherapy response and prognosis in patients with advanced small cell lung carcinoma: An observational study.
Lung cancer is one of the most malignant tumors with fastest morbidity and mortality. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most malignant pathological type of lung cancer with early metastasis and poor prognosis. At present, there is a lack of effective indicators to predict prognosis of SCLC patients. Delta-like 3 protein (DLL3) is selectively expressed on the surface of SCLC and is involved in proliferation and invasion. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is an enolase isoenzyme that is generally regarded as a biomarker for SCLC and may correlate with stage of SCLC, prognosis and chemotherapy response. NSE can be influenced by different types of factors. To explore the associations between expression levels of DLL3 in tumor tissues with platinum/etoposide chemotherapy response, and assess the prognostic values of DLL3, NSE and other potential prognostic factors in advanced SCLC patients were herein studied. Ninety-seven patients diagnosed with SCLC in Zhongda Hospital from 2014 to 2020 were enrolled in the study. Serum NSE levels were tested using ELISA methods before any treatment. The expression of DLL3 in tumor tissue was detected by Immunohistochemistry (IHC). We investigated the relationship of DLL3 expression with chemotherapy and survival. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox-proportional hazard regression was used to identify predictors of PFS and OS. DLL3 was detected in 84.5% (82/97) of all patients' tumor samples by IHC, mainly located on the surface of SCLC cells. Lower DLL3 expression was associated with longer PFS and better chemotherapy response. OS had no significant differences. Multivariate analysis by Cox Hazard model showed that, high DLL3 expression and maximum tumor size >5 cm were independent risk factors for PFS, where NSE < 35 ng/mL and age < 70 were independent prognostic factors for OS. Early stage was independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS (P < .05 log-rank). DLL3 was expressed in the most of SCLCs. DLL3 expression level in the tumor and NSE level in the serum may be useful biomarkers to predict the prognosis of SCLC. DLL3 may be a potential therapeutic target for SCLC in the future.
Topics: Humans; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma; Male; Female; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase; Lung Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Biomarkers, Tumor; Aged; Membrane Proteins; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Etoposide; Adult; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Predictive Value of Tests; Kaplan-Meier Estimate
PubMed: 38847733
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038487 -
Life Science Alliance Aug 2024RNA-binding proteins are frequently deregulated in cancer and emerge as effectors of the DNA damage response (DDR). The non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein...
RNA-binding proteins are frequently deregulated in cancer and emerge as effectors of the DNA damage response (DDR). The non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein NONO/p54 is a multifunctional RNA-binding protein that not only modulates the production and processing of mRNA, but also promotes the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Here, we investigate the impact of deletion in the murine KP ( , ) cell-based lung cancer model. We show that the deletion of Nono impairs the response to DNA damage induced by the topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide or the radiomimetic drug bleomycin. Nono-deficient KP (KPN) cells display hyperactivation of DSB signalling and high levels of DSBs. The defects in the DDR are accompanied by reduced RNA polymerase II promoter occupancy, impaired nascent RNA synthesis, and attenuated induction of the DDR factor growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible beta (Gadd45b). Our data characterise Gadd45b as a putative Nono-dependent effector of the DDR and suggest that Nono mediates a genome-protective crosstalk of the DDR with the RNA metabolism via induction of Gadd45b.
Topics: Animals; DNA Repair; Mice; RNA-Binding Proteins; DNA Damage; DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; Antigens, Differentiation; Bleomycin; DNA-Binding Proteins; Etoposide; Signal Transduction; Lung Neoplasms; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Cell Line, Tumor; RNA Polymerase II; Humans; GADD45 Proteins
PubMed: 38843934
DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302555 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Jul 2024The study of cardiotoxicity of drugs has become an important part of clinical safety evaluation of drugs. It is commonly known that podophyllotoxin (PPT) and its many...
BACKGROUND
The study of cardiotoxicity of drugs has become an important part of clinical safety evaluation of drugs. It is commonly known that podophyllotoxin (PPT) and its many derivatives and congeners are broad-spectrum pharmacologically active substances. Clinical cardiotoxicity of PPT and its derivatives has been raised, basic research on the mechanism of cardiotoxicity remains insufficient.
PURPOSE
In present study, our group's innovative concept of toxicological evidence chain (TEC) was applied to reveal the cardiac toxicity mechanism of PPT by targeted metabolomics, TMT-based quantitative proteomics and western blot.
METHODS
The injury phenotype evidence (IPE) acquired from the toxicity manifestations, such as weight and behavior observation of Sprague-Dawley rat. The damage to rat hearts were assessed through histopathological examination and myocardial enzymes levels, which were defined as Adverse Outcomes Evidence (AOE). The damage to rat hearts was assessed through histopathological examination and myocardial enzyme levels, which were defined as evidence of adverse outcomes.Overall measurements of targeted metabolomics based on energy metabolism and TMT-based quantitative proteomics were obtained after exposure to PPT to acquire the Toxic Event Evidence (TEE). The mechanism of cardiac toxicity was speculated based on the integrated analysis of targeted metabolomics and TMT-based quantitative proteomics, which was verified by western blot.
RESULTS
The results indicated that exposure to PPT could result in significant elevation of myocardial enzymes and pathological alterations in rat hearts. In addition, we found that PPT caused disorders in cardiac energy metabolism, characterized by a decrease in energy metabolism fuels. TMT-based quantitative proteomics revealed that the PPAR (Peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor) signaling pathway needs further study. It is worth noting that PPT may suppress the expression of SIRT1, subsequently inhibiting AMPK, decreasing the expression of PGC-1α, PPARα and PPARγ. This results in disorders of glucose oxidation, glycolysis and ketone body metabolism. Additionally, the increase in the expression of p-IKK and p-IκBα, leads to the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytosol, thus triggering inflammation.
CONCLUSION
This study comprehensively evaluated cardiac toxicity of PPT and initially revealed the mechanism of cardiotoxicity,suggesting that PPT induced disorders of energy metabolism and inflammation via SIRT1/PPAR/NF-κB axis, potentially contributing to cardiac injury.
Topics: Animals; Sirtuin 1; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Podophyllotoxin; Male; NF-kappa B; Rats; Cardiotoxicity; Proteomics; Myocardium; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors; Heart Injuries; Signal Transduction; Heart; Metabolomics
PubMed: 38838636
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155655 -
BMB Reports Jun 2024Upregulation of PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma) has been implicated in the progression of a variety of cancers, including melanoma. The tumor...
Upregulation of PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma) has been implicated in the progression of a variety of cancers, including melanoma. The tumor suppressor p53 is a transcriptional regulator that mediates cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to stress signals. Here, we report that PRAME is a novel repressive target of p53. This was supported by analysis of melanoma cell lines carrying wild-type p53 and human melanoma databases. mRNA expression of PRAME was downregulated by p53 overexpression and activation using DNA-damaging agents, but upregulated by p53 depletion. We identified a p53-responsive element (p53RE) in the promoter region of PRAME. Luciferase and ChIP assays showed that p53 represses the transcriptional activity of the PRAME promoter and is recruited to the p53RE together with HDAC1 upon etoposide treatment. The functional significance of p53 activationmediated PRAME downregulation was demonstrated by measuring colony formation and p27 expression in melanoma cells. These data suggest that p53 activation, which leads to PRAME downregulation, could be a therapeutic strategy in melanoma cells. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(6): 299-304].
Topics: Humans; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Melanoma; Antigens, Neoplasm; Cell Line, Tumor; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Etoposide; Histone Deacetylase 1; Down-Regulation
PubMed: 38835116
DOI: 10.5483/BMBRep.2023-0246 -
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo... May 2024Sinopodophylli Fructus is a traditional medicine used by the Tibetan people. It is known for its ability to regulate menstruation and promote blood circulation.... (Review)
Review
Sinopodophylli Fructus is a traditional medicine used by the Tibetan people. It is known for its ability to regulate menstruation and promote blood circulation. Presently, bioactive constituents that have been isolated and identified from Sinopodophylli Fructus mainly include 15 lignans(e.g., podophyllotoxin, deoxypodophyllotoxin, and 4'-demethylpodophyllotoxin) and 20 flavonoids(e.g., quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin). These components exhibit pharmacological effects such as anticancer, antibacterial, and lipid-lowering activities. Additionally, Sinopodophylli Fructus contains other components such as proteins, fatty acids, polysaccharides, vitamins, amino acids, and trace elements. According to the relevant literature reports in China and abroad, this article reviewed the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Sinopodophylli Fructus, aiming to provide references for the development and rational clinical application of this medicinal resource.
Topics: Medicine, Tibetan Traditional; Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Animals; Flavonoids; Fruit
PubMed: 38812164
DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20230602.201 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most lethal subtype of breast cancer, characterized by poor response rates to current chemotherapies and a lack of...
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most lethal subtype of breast cancer, characterized by poor response rates to current chemotherapies and a lack of additional effective treatment options. While approximately 30% of patients respond well to anthracycline- and taxane-based standard-of-care chemotherapy regimens, the majority of patients experience limited improvements in clinical outcomes, highlighting the critical need for strategies to enhance the effectiveness of anthracycline/taxane-based chemotherapy in TNBC. In this study, we report on the potential of a DNA-PK inhibitor, peposertib, to improve the effectiveness of topoisomerase II (TOPO II) inhibitors, particularly anthracyclines, in TNBC. Our in vitro studies demonstrate the synergistic antiproliferative activity of peposertib in combination with doxorubicin, epirubicin and etoposide in multiple TNBC cell lines. Downstream analysis revealed the induction of ATM-dependent compensatory signaling and p53 pathway activation under combination treatment. These in vitro findings were substantiated by pronounced anti-tumor effects observed in mice bearing subcutaneously implanted tumors. We established a well-tolerated preclinical treatment regimen combining peposertib with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and demonstrated strong anti-tumor efficacy in cell-line-derived and patient-derived TNBC xenograft models in vivo. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that co-treatment with peposertib has the potential to enhance the efficacy of anthracycline/TOPO II-based chemotherapies, and it provides a promising strategy to improve treatment outcomes for TNBC patients.
Topics: Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms; Humans; Animals; Female; Mice; Topoisomerase II Inhibitors; Cell Line, Tumor; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Doxorubicin; Drug Synergism; DNA-Activated Protein Kinase; Sulfones; Cell Proliferation; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Polyethylene Glycols; Etoposide; DNA Topoisomerases, Type II; Epirubicin
PubMed: 38791158
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105120