[Corrigendum] Next­generation sequencing analysis reveals that MTH­3, a novel curcuminoid derivative, suppresses the invasion of MDA­MB­231 triple­negative breast adenocarcinoma cells.

Subsequently to the publication of the article, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that, in Fig. 2A on p. 5, the 'Control  (24 h)' and 'MTH­3 (1 µM; 24 h)' data panels contained partially overlapping data, such that they appeared to have been derived from the same original source. The authors have examined their original data, and realized that this error arose inadvertently as a consequence of having compiled this figure incorrectly. The revised version of Fig. 2, featuring the data from one of the repeated experiments in Fig. 2A, is shown below. The revised data shown for this figure do not affect the overall conclusions reported in the paper. The authors apologize to the Editor of Oncology Reports and to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 46: 133, 2021; DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8084].

4,4-Diallyl curcumin bis(2,2-hydroxymethyl)propanoate ameliorates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in methionine-choline-deficient diet and Western diet mouse models.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that causes severe liver damage, fibrosis, and scarring. Despite its potential to progress to cirrhosis or hepatic failure, approved drugs or treatments are currently unavailable. We developed 4,4-diallyl curcumin bis(2,2-hydroxymethyl)propanoate, also known as 35e, which induces upregulation of mitochondrial proteins including carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I), carnitine palmitoyltransferase II, heat shock protein 60, and translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane 20. Among these proteins, the upregulated expression of CPT-I was most prominent. CPT-I plays a crucial role in transporting carnitine across the mitochondrial inner membrane, thereby initiating mitochondrial ß-oxidation of fatty acids. Given recent research showing that CPT-I activation could be a viable pathway for NASH treatment, we hypothesized that 35e could serve as a potential agent for treating NASH. The efficacy of 35e in treating NASH was evaluated in methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet- and Western diet (WD)-induced models that mimic human NASH. In the MCD diet-induced model, both short-term (2 weeks) and long-term (7 weeks) treatment with 35e effectively regulated elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations and histological inflammation. However, the antisteatotic effect of 35e was obtained only in the short-term treatment group. As a comparative compound in the MCD diet-induced model, curcumin treatment did not produce significant regulatory effects on the liver triglyceride/total cholesterol, serum ALT/AST, or hepatic steatosis. In the WD-induced model, 35e ameliorated hepatic steatosis and hepatic inflammation, while increasing serum AST and hepatic lipid content. A decrease in epididymal adipose tissue weight and serum free fatty acid concentration suggested that 35e may promote lipid metabolism or impede lipid accumulation. Overall, 35e displayed significant antilipid accumulation and antifibrotic effects in the two complementary mice models. The development of new curcumin derivatives with the ability to induce CPT-I upregulation could further underscore their efficacy as anti-NASH agents.

Synthesis and SAR investigation of biphenylaminoquinoline derivatives with benzyloxy substituents as promising anticancer agents.

The biphenyl scaffold represents a prominent privileged structure within the realms of organic chemistry and drug development. Biphenyl derivatives have demonstrated notable biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, and the treatment of neuropathic pain. Importantly, their anticancer abilities should not be underestimated. In this context, the present study involves the design and synthesis of a series of biphenyl derivatives featuring an additional privileged structure, namely the quinoline core. We have also diversified the substituents attached to the benzyloxy group at either the meta or para position of the biphenyl ring categorized into two distinct groups: [4,3']biphenylaminoquinoline-substituted and [3,3']biphenylaminoquinoline-substituted compounds. We embarked on an assessment of the cytotoxic activities of these derivatives in colorectal cancer cell line SW480 and prostate cancer cell line DU145 for exploring the structure-activity relationship. Furthermore, we determined the IC50 values of selected compounds that exhibited superior inhibitory effects on cell viability against SW480, DU145 cells, as well as MDA-MB-231 and MiaPaCa-2 cells. Notably, [3,3']biphenylaminoquinoline derivative 7j displayed the most potent cytotoxicity against these four cancer cell lines, SW480, DU145, MDA-MB-231, and MiaPaCa-2, with IC50 values of 1.05 µM, 0.98 µM, 0.38 µM, and 0.17 µM, respectively. This highly promising outcome underscores the potential of [3,3']biphenylaminoquinoline 7j for further investigation as a prospective anticancer agent in future research endeavors.

Two curcumin analogs inhibited the function and protein expression of breast cancer resistance protein: in vitro and in vivo studies.

1. Two curcumin analogs, (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(3,5-diethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5- dione (N17) and its prodrug ((1E,6E)-3,5-dioxohepta-1,6-diene-1,7-diyl)bis(2,6-diethyl-4,1- phenylene)bis(3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpropanoate) (N17'), were evaluated as breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) inhibitors.2. MDCKII-BCRP and MDCKII-WT were used to evaluate the modulation effects of N17 and N17' on BCRP and to explore the relevant mechanism. Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered rosuvastatin (ROS), a probe substrate of BCRP, without and with N17' (100 mg/kg) to investigate the effect of N17' on ROS pharmacokinetics.3. In cell studies, N17 and N17' were substrates of BCRP, and they decreased the activity and protein expression of BCRP. In rat study, N17' increased the systemic exposure of ROS by 218% (p = 0.058).4. N17 and N17' are potential BCRP inhibitors and will be promising candidates for overcoming the BCRP-mediated multidrug resistance.

Diterpenoids and Their Glycosides from the Stems of Tinospora crispa with Beta-Cell Protective Activity.

Seven previously undescribed diterpenoids, tinocrisposides A-D (1-4) and borapetic acids A (5), B (6), and C (7), together with 16 known compounds, were isolated from the stem of Tinospora crispa (Menispermaceae). The structures of the new isolates were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods. The ß-cell protective effect of the tested compounds was examined on insulin-secreting BRIN-BD11 cells under dexamethasone treatment. Diterpene glycosides 12, 14-16, and 18 presented a substantial protective effect on BRIN-BD11 cells treated with dexamethasone in a dose-dependent manner. Compounds 4 and 17 with two sugar moieties exhibited clear protective effects on ß-cells.

Diarylheptanoid 35d overcomes EGFR TKI resistance by inducing hsp70-mediated lysosomal degradation of EGFR in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients often respond to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) initially but eventually develop resistance to TKIs. The switch of EGFR downstream signaling from TKI-sensitive to TKI-insensitive is a critical mechanism-driving resistance to TKIs. Identification of potential therapies to target EGFR effectively is a potential strategy to treat TKI-resistant LUADs. In this study, we developed a small molecule diarylheptanoid 35d, a curcumin derivative, that effectively suppressed EGFR protein expression, killed multiple TKI-resistant LUAD cells in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth of EGFR-mutant LUAD xenografts with variant TKI-resistant mechanisms including EGFR C797S mutations in vivo. Mechanically, 35d triggers heat shock protein 70-mediated lysosomal pathway through transcriptional activation of several components in the pathway, such as HSPA1B, to induce EGFR protein degradation. Interestingly, higher HSPA1B expression in LUAD tumors associated with longer survival of EGFR-mutant, TKI-treated patients, suggesting the role of HSPA1B on retarding TKI resistance and providing a rationale for combining 35d with EGFR TKIs. Our data showed that combination of 35d significantly inhibits tumor reprogression on osimertinib and prolongs mice survival. Overall, our results suggest 35d as a promising lead compound to suppress EGFR expression and provide important insights into the development of combination therapies for TKI-resistant LUADs, which could have translational potential for the treatment of this deadly disease.

In Vitro and In Silico Biological Studies of 4-Phenyl-2-quinolone (4-PQ) Derivatives as Anticancer Agents.

Our previous study found that 2-phenyl-4-quinolone (2-PQ) derivatives are antimitotic agents, and we adopted the drug design concept of scaffold hopping to replace the 2-aromatic ring of 2-PQs with a 4-aromatic ring, representing 4-phenyl-2-quinolones (4-PQs). The 4-PQ compounds, whose structural backbones also mimic analogs of podophyllotoxin (PPT), maybe a new class of anticancer drugs with simplified PPT structures. In addition, 4-PQs are a new generation of anticancer lead compounds as apoptosis stimulators. On the other hand, previous studies showed that 4-arylcoumarin derivatives with 5-, 6-, and 7-methoxy substitutions displayed remarkable anticancer activities. Therefore, we further synthesized a series of 5-, 6-, and 7-methoxy-substituted 4-PQ derivatives (19-32) by Knorr quinoline cyclization, and examined their anticancer effectiveness. Among these 4-PQs, compound 22 demonstrated excellent antiproliferative activities against the COLO205 cell line (50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 0.32 µM) and H460 cell line (IC50 = 0.89 µM). Furthermore, we utilized molecular docking studies to explain the possible anticancer mechanisms of these 4-PQs by the docking mode in the colchicine-binding pocket of the tubulin receptor. Consequently, we selected the candidate compounds 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, and 28 to predict their absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiles. Pharmacokinetics (PKs) indicated that these 4-PQs displayed good drug-likeness and bioavailability, and had no cardiotoxic side effects or carcinogenicity, but we detected risks of drug-drug interactions and AMES toxicity (mutagenic). However, structural modifications of these 4-PQs could improve their PK properties and reduce their side effects, and their promising anticancer activities attracted our attention for further studies.

In Silico and In Vitro studies of taiwan chingguan yihau (NRICM101) on TNF-α/IL-1ß-induced human lung cells.

COVID-19 pandemic has been a global outbreak of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 virus) since 2019. Taiwan Chingguan Yihau (NRICM101) is the first traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classic herbal formula and is widely used for COVID-19 patients in Taiwan and more than 50 nations. This study is to investigate in silico target fishing for the components of NRICM101 and to explore whether NRICM101 inhibits cytokines-induced normal human lung cell injury in vitro. Our results showed that network prediction of NRICM101 by a high throughput target screening platform showed that NRICM101 has multiple functions that may affect cytokine regulation to prevent human lung cell injury. In addition, NRICM101 revealed protective effects against TNF-α/IL-1ß-induced normal human lung HEL 299 cell injury through JNK and p38MAPK kinase signaling. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of NRICM101 on TNF-α/IL-1ß-injured HEL 299 cells indicated that inflammatory pathway, cell movement of macrophages, cellular infiltration by macrophages, and Th1/Th2 immuno-regulation pathways were included. Thus, NRICM101 is a therapeutic agent, and it can improve COVID-19 syndrome to confer beneficial effects through multiple targeting and multiple mechanisms.

MTH-3 sensitizes oral cancer cells to cisplatin via regulating TFEB.

OBJECTIVES: MTH-3, a curcumin derivative, exhibits improved water solubility. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of MTH-3 on human oral squamous cell carcinoma CAL27 cisplatin-resistant (CAR) cells. METHODS: To evaluate the biological functions of MTH-3 in CAR cells, flow cytometry, staining, and western blot analyses were used. KEY FINDINGS: MTH-3 reduced CAR cell viability and significantly induced autophagy in the presence of 10 and 20 µM MTH-3. Transcription factor EB was identified as the potential target of MTH-3. Autophagy-related proteins were upregulated after 24 h of MTH-3 incubation. MTH-3 treatment increased caspase-3 and caspase-9 enzyme activities. Mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased after MTH-3 treatment. MTH-3 triggered the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. CONCLUSIONS: MTH-3 induces autophagy and apoptosis of CAR cells via TFEB. MTH-3 might be an effective pharmacological agent for treating oral cancer cells.

Exploitation of a rod-shaped, acid-labile curcumin-loaded polymeric nanogel system in the treatment of systemic inflammation.

Curcumin is proven to have potent anti-inflammatory activity, but its low water solubility and rapid degradation in physiological conditions limit its clinical use, particularly in intravenous drug delivery. In this study, we fabricated rod-shaped, acid-labile nanogels, using high biosafe and biocompatible polymers, for intravenous application in systemic inflammation treatment. The constituent polymers of the nanogels were prepared via the conjugation of vitamin B6 derivatives, including pyridoxal and pyridoxamine, onto poly(glutamate) with ester bonds. The aldehyde groups of the pyridoxal and amine groups of the pyridoxamine on the polymers enable crosslinking using a Schiff base during the solvent evaporation procedure for the preparation of the rod-shaped nanogels. Our study is the first to introduce this linkage, which is generated from two vitamin B6 derivatives into a nanogel system. It is also the first to fabricate a rod-shaped nanogel system via simple solvent evaporation. Under acidic conditions, such as those encountered in the endosomes and lysosomes within inflammatory macrophage cells spread in the whole body, imine bonds are cleaved and release payloads. The nanogel polymers were successfully synthesized and characterized, and the formation and disappearance of the Schiff base under neutral and acidic conditions were also confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Following curcumin encapsulation, the long, rod-shaped nanogels were able to rapidly internalize into macrophage cells in static or adhere to cells under the flows, release their payloads in the acid milieus, and, thus, mitigate curcumin degradation. Consequently, curcumin-loaded, rod-shaped nanogels displayed exceptional anti-inflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo, by efficiently inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediator secretion. These results demonstrate the feasibility of our acid-labile, rod-shaped nanogels for the treatment of systemic inflammation.

Synthesis and Characterization of the Ethylene-Carbonate-Linked L-Valine Derivatives of 4,4-Dimethylcurcumin with Potential Anticancer Activities.

Natural phenolic products from herbal medicines and dietary plants constitute the main source of lead compounds for the development of the new drug. 4,4-Dimethylcurcumin (DMCU) is a synthetic curcumin derivative and exhibits anticancer activities against breast, colon, lung, and liver cancers. However, further development of DMCU is limited by unfavorable compound properties such as very low aqueous solubility and moderate stability. To increase its solubility, we installed either or both of the ethylene-carbonate-linked L-valine side chains to DMCU phenolic groups and produced targeted 1-trifluoroacetic acid (1-TFA) and 2-trifluoroacetic acid (2-TFA) derivatives. The terminus L-valine of ethylene-carbonate-linked side chain is known to be a L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) recognition element and therefore, these two derivatives were expected to readily enter into LAT1-expressing cancer cells. In practice, 1-TFA or 2-TFA were synthesized from DMCU in four steps with 34-48% overall yield. Based on the corresponding LC-MS analysis, water solubility of DMCU, 1-TFA, and 2-TFA at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) were 0.018, 249.7, and 375.8 mg/mL, respectively, indicating >10,000-fold higher solubility of 1-TFA and 2-TFA than DMCU. Importantly, anti-proliferative assay demonstrated that 2-TFA is a potent anti-cancer agent against LAT1-expressing lung cancer cells NCI-H460, NCI-H358, and A549 cells due to its high intracellular uptake compared to DMCU and 1-TFA. In this study, we logically designed and synthesized the targeted compounds, established the LC-MS analytical methods for evaluations of drug solubility and intracellular uptake levels, and showed improved solubility and anti-cancer activities of 2-TFA. Our results provide a strategical direction for the future development of curcuminoid-like phenolic compounds.

Curcumin Derivative MTH-3 Regulates Palmitate-induced Insulin Resistance in Mouse Myoblast C2C12 Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: At present, there are no effective drugs for the treatment of insulin resistance. MTH-3, a curcumin derivative, exerts potent anti-cancer effects. The aim of the present study was to explore whether MTH-3 is capable of regulating palmitic acid (PA)-induced insulin resistance in C2C12 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell viability was examined using the MTT assay. C2C12 cells were treated with PA and evaluated for the production of oil droplets using an Oil Red O assay. Glucose uptake was analysed by the 2-NBDG assay. RESULTS: Treatment of cells with up to 500 µM PA for 24 h or with 5 or 10 µM MTH-3 had no effect on cell viability. PA induced production of oil droplets in C2C12 cells. After adding MTH-3, the quantity of oil droplets decreased significantly and glucose uptake recovered. CONCLUSION: MTH-3 may become an efficient drug for the treatment of insulin resistance and associated diseases.

Next­generation sequencing analysis reveals that MTH­3, a novel curcuminoid derivative, suppresses the invasion of MDA­MB­231 triple­negative breast adenocarcinoma cells.

Triple­negative breast cancer (TNBC) behaves aggressively in the invasive and metastatic states. Our research group recently developed a novel curcumin derivative, (1E,3Z,6E)-3-hydroxy-5-oxohepta-1,3,6-triene-1,7-diyl)bis(2­methoxy-4,1­phenylene)bis(3-hydroxy2-hydroxymethyl)-2­methyl propanoate (MTH­3), and previous studies showed that MTH­3 inhibits TNBC proliferation and induces apoptosis in vitro and in vivo with a superior bioavailability and absorption than curcumin. In the present study, the effects of MTH­3 on TNBC cell invasion were examined using various assays and gelatin zymography, and western blot analysis. Treatment with MTH­3 inhibited MDA­MB­231 cell invasion and migration, as shown by Transwell assay, 3D spheroid invasion assay, and wound healing assay. The results of the gelatin zymography experiments revealed that MTH­3 decreased matrix metalloproteinase­9 activity. The potential signaling pathways were revealed by next­generation sequencing analysis, antibody microarray analysis and western blot analysis. In conclusion, the results of the present study show that, MTH­3 inhibited tumor cell invasion through the MAPK/ERK/AKT signaling pathway and cell cycle regulatory cascade, providing significant information about the potential molecular mechanisms of the effects of MTH­3 on TNBC.

Analysis of COVID-19 prevention and treatment in Taiwan.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been spreading worldwide with a mind-boggling speed. According to a statement from World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 has infected more than six billions people and caused more than one and half million passing in the world. Based on previous experience with SARS, the Taiwanese government had decided to block viral transmission during its early stages. This review sums up the clinical characteristics, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral infection process, diagnostic methods, preventive strategy, and the executive proportions of COVID-19, as well as the name-based mask distribution system (NBMDS) in Taiwan. We also give a review of the conceivable sub-atomic pharmacologic systems against SARS-CoV-2 specialists and the blend of remdesivir (GS-5734), chloroquine (CQ), and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Lastly, we summarized the therapeutic agents against COVID-19 as mentioned by COVID-19 treatment guidelines. In this review, development of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 viral agents, vaccines for COVID-19 therapy or an effective combination therapy can be expected based on all the information accumulated. Last but not least, we might want to stretch out our best respects to all medical providers in their worldwide battle against COVID-19.

Approaches towards fighting the COVID­19 pandemic (Review).

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID­19) outbreak, which has caused >46 millions confirmed infections and >1.2 million coronavirus related deaths, is one of the most devastating worldwide crises in recent years. Infection with COVID­19 results in a fever, dry cough, general fatigue, respiratory symptoms, diarrhoea and a sore throat, similar to those of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The causative agent of COVID­19, SARS­CoV­2, is a novel coronavirus strain. To date, remdesivir has been granted emergency use authorization for use in the management of infection. Additionally, several efficient diagnostic tools are being actively developed, and novel drugs and vaccines are being evaluated for their efficacy as therapeutic agents against COVID­19, or in the prevention of infection. The present review highlights the prevalent clinical manifestations of COVID­19, characterizes the SARS­CoV­2 viral genome sequence and life cycle, highlights the optimal methods for preventing viral transmission, and discusses possible molecular pharmacological mechanisms and approaches in the development of anti­SARS­CoV­2 therapeutic agents. In addition, the use of traditional Chinese medicines for management of COVID­19 is discussed. It is expected that novel anti­viral agents, vaccines or an effective combination therapy for treatment/management of SARS­CoV­2 infection and spread therapy will be developed and implemented in 2021, and we would like to extend our best regards to the frontline health workers across the world in their fight against COVID­19.

A Novel pH-Tunable Secondary Conformation Containing Mixed Micellar System in Anticancer Treatment.

In this study, for the first time, we precisely assembled the poly-γ-benzyl-l-glutamate and an amphiphilic copolymer d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate into a mixed micellar system for the embedment of the anticancer drug doxorubicin. Importantly, the intracellular drug-releasing behaviors could be controlled by changing the secondary structures of poly-γ-benzyl-l-glutamate via the precise regulation of the buffer's pH value. Under neutral conditions, the micellar architectures were stabilized by both α-helix secondary structures and the microcrystalline structures. Under acidic conditions (pH 4.0), the interior structures transformed into a coil state with a disordered alignment, inducing the release of the loaded drug. A remarkable cytotoxicity of the Dox-loaded mixed micelles was exhibited toward human lung cancer cells in vitro. The internalizing capability into the cancer cells, as well as the intracellular drug-releasing behaviors, were also identified and observed. The secondary structures containing Dox-loaded mixed micelles had an outstanding antitumor efficacy in human lung cancer A549 cells-bearing nude mice, while little toxicities occurred or interfered with the hepatic or renal functions after the treatments. Thus, these pH-tunable α-helix-containing mixed micelles are innovative and promising for controlled intracellular anticancer drug delivery.

Synthesis, Anticancer Activity, and Preliminary Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of 4,4-Disubstituted Curcuminoid 2,2-bis(Hydroxymethyl)Propionate Derivatives.

Compound 1 is a curcumin di-O-2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionate that shows significant in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against MDA-MB-231 cells with eight to ten-fold higher potency than curcumin. Here, we modified the α-position (C-4 position) of the central 1,3-diketone moiety of 1 with polar or nonpolar functional groups to afford a series of 4,4-disubstituted curcuminoid 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionate derivatives and evaluated their anticancer activities. A clear structure-activity relationship of compound 1 derivatives focusing on the functional groups at the C-4 position was established based on their anti-proliferative effects against the MDA-MB-231 and HCT-116 cell lines. Compounds 2-6 are 4,4-dimethylated, 4,4-diethylated, 4,4-dibenzylated, 4,4-dipropargylated and 4,4-diallylated compound 1, respectively. Compounds 2m-6m, the ester hydrolysis products of compounds 2-6, respectively, were synthesized and assessed for anticancer activity. Among all compound 1 derivatives, compound 2 emerged as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for colon cancer due to the promising in vivo anti-proliferative activities of 2 (IC50 = 3.10 ± 0.29 µM) and its ester hydrolysis product 2m (IC50 = 2.17 ± 0.16 µM) against HCT-116. The preliminary pharmacokinetic evaluation of 2 implied that 2 and 2m are main contributors to the in vivo efficacy. Compound 2 was further evaluated in an animal study using HCT-116 colon tumor xenograft bearing nude mice. The results revealed a dose-dependent efficacy that led to tumor volume reductions of 27%, 45%, and 60% at 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg doses, respectively. The established structure-activity relationship and pharmacokinetic outcomes of 2 is the guidance for future development of 4,4-disubstituted curcuminoid 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)- propionate derivatives as anticancer drug candidates.

Studies of Coumarin Derivatives for Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR) Activation.

Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) activation has found to ameliorate diabetes in animal models. However, no CAR agonists are available clinically. Therefore, a safe and effective CAR activator would be an alternative option. In this study, sixty courmarin derivatives either synthesized or purified from Artemisia capillaris were screened for CAR activation activity. Chemical modifications were on position 5,6,7,8 with mono-, di-, tri-, or tetra-substitutions. Among all the compounds subjected for in vitro CAR activation screening, 6,7-diprenoxycoumarin was the most effective and was selected for further preclinical studies. Chemical modification on the 6 position and unsaturated chains were generally beneficial. Electron-withdrawn groups as well as long unsaturated chains were hazardous to the activity. Mechanism of action studies showed that CAR activation of 6,7-diprenoxycoumarin might be through the inhibition of EGFR signaling and upregulating PP2Ac methylation. To sum up, modification mimicking natural occurring coumarins shed light on CAR studies and the established screening system provides a rapid method for the discovery and development of CAR activators. In addition, one CAR activator, scoparone, did showed anti-diabetes effect in db/db mice without elevation of insulin levels.

CSC-3436 inhibits TWIST-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the suppression of Twist/Bmi1/Akt pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, especially in male. With poor prognosis, significant portions of patients with HNSCC die due to cancer recurrence and tumor metastasis after chemotherapy and targeted therapies. The HNSCC FaDu cell ectopic expression of Twist, a key transcriptional factor of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which triggers EMT and results in the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype, was used as the cell model. Our results demonstrated that treatment with newly synthesized 2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methylnaphthyridin-4-one (CSC-3436), a flavonoid derivative, elicited changes in its cell morphology, upregulated E-cadherin messenger RNA and protein expression, downregulated N-cadherin, vimentin, and CD133 (a marker associated with tumor-initiating cells) in FaDu-pCDH-Twist cells. Moreover, CSC-3436 exposure reduced B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi1) expression regulated by Twist and further suppressed the direct co-regulation of E-cadherin by Twist and Bmi1. Interestingly, CSC-3436 reduced EMT, cancer stemness, and migration/invasion abilities through the inhibition of the Twist/Bmi1-Akt/ß-catenin pathway. Most importantly, our findings provided new evidence that CSC-3436 played a crucial role in therapeutic targeting to Bmi1 and its molecular pathway in HNSCC, and it will be valuable in prognostic prediction and treatment.

Development of Pectin-Type B Gelatin Polyelectrolyte Complex for Curcumin Delivery in Anticancer Therapy.

Curcumin has been proven to be a potent agent in colon cancer treatment. However, its hydrophobicity and low oral bioavailability hampered its clinical application. These limitations could be improved through appropriate formulations such as using polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs). PECs were self-assembled with polycations and polyanions in polar solvents. In this study, a novel pectin-type B gelatin PEC was developed for use in curcumin formulation. At pH 4.0, natural polyanions pectin and polycations type B gelatin spontaneously formed PECs in ethanol/water solution, whereas under mimetic gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) conditions, at pH 2.0 and 8.0, pectin and type B gelatin were electrically neutralized, and the PECs swelled to allow payload release. After being transferred to pH 7.0 condition, as in the colon environment, PECs were internalized into colon carcinomas. Thus, pectin-type B gelatin PECs were successfully prepared, and their constituent ratio and drug-loading process were also optimized. The optimum particle size of the PECs was 264.0 ± 3.1 nm and they could swell as the zeta potential was altered at either pH 2.0 or 8.0. The optimum drug content and loading efficiency were 40% and 53%, respectively. At pH 2.0, curcumin was rapidly released from curcumin-loaded PECs, whereas at pH 8.0, curcumin-loaded PECs showed a sustained-release of curcumin. The bare PECs showed very low toxicity toward human normal cells, whereas curcumin-loaded PECs, after incubation at pH 2.0 for 2 h and at pH 8.0 for 4 h, induced cell cycle arrest and exhibited cytotoxic effect to HCT116 human colon cancer cells, even though these loaded PECs were pretreated with mimetic GI tract conditions. Our pectin-type B gelatin PECs were shown to be a promising oral formulation for curcumin delivery in anticancer therapy.