Microwave-assisted synthesis, characterization, and in vitro biological evaluation of a novel nanocomposite using molybdenum and [2,2'-bipyridine]-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid.

Currently, nanocomposites are synthesized and used in various fields. One of the applications of these nanostructures is in the medical field. Therefore, the synthesis of new composites with biological properties is important. In this study, under microwave conditions, a new nanocomposite containing molybdenum and [2,2'-bipyridine]-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (Mo/BPDA) was synthesized. The synthesized Mo/BPDA composite was subjected to biological evaluations such as antibacterial and antifungal properties by clinical and laboratory standards institute guidelines, and anticancer properties by MTT method. Characterization and structure characteristics of the Mo/BPDA nanocomposite were evaluated using XRD (X-ray diffraction pattern), FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared), EDAX (energy-dispersive X-ray), EA (elemental analysis), TGA/DTG (thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetry), SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) analysis. The results indicated relatively high thermal stability (300 °C), high specific surface area (35 cm3 g-1) and uniform morphology of the synthesized Mo/BPDA nanocomposite. In antibacterial and antifungal activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (between 2 and 256 µg mL-1), minimum bactericidal concentration (between 4 and 128 µg mL-1), and minimum fungicidal concentration (between 64 and 256 µg mL-1) were tested and reported. The results showed that the antibacterial and antifungal activity of Mo/BPDA nanocomposite is higher than that of antibiotic drugs such as ampicillin, cefazolin, ketoconazole, and nystatin. In the investigation of the anticancer activity that was tested against bone cancer cells and breast cancer cells for 24 and 48 hours, cell proliferation and viability (37.3648-82.0674 tan control) and IC50 (33-43 µg mL-1) were observed. As a final result, it can be stated that the synthesized Mo/BPDA nanocomposite after the additional biological evaluations, such as in vivo study, can be used as an efficient option in treating bone cancer cells and breast cancer cells and a strong antibiotic on a wide range of infectious diseases.

Association between lncRNAs with stem cells in cancer; a particular focus on lncRNA-CSCs axis in cancer immunopathogenesis.

A unique population of cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs) is essential to developing and spreading cancer. Cancer initiation, maintenance, and progression are all believed to be significantly impacted by the distinct characteristics these cells exhibit regarding self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. Transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational processes are the only steps of gene expression that lncRNAs can affect. As a result, these proteins participate in numerous biological processes, including the repair of DNA damage, inflammatory reactions, metabolic control, the survival of cells, intercellular communication, and the development and specialization of cells. Studies have indicated that lncRNAs are important for controlling the increase in the subset of CSCs contributing to cancer development. The knowledge that is currently available about lncRNAs and their critical role in maintaining the biological properties of CSCs is highlighted in this study.

Potential Role of Nrf2, HER2, and ALDH in Cancer Stem Cells: A Narrative Review.

Cancer is one of the main causes of death among humans, second only to cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on the pathophysiology of cancer, and it has been established that this disease is developed by a group of stem cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Thus, cancer is considered a stem cell disease; however, there is no comprehensive consensus about the characteristics of these cells. Several different signaling pathways including Notch, Hedgehog, transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), and WNT/ß-catenin pathways cause the self-renewal of CSCs. CSCs change their metabolic pathways in order to access easy energy. Therefore, one of the key objectives of researchers in cancer treatment is to destroy CSCs. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays an essential role in the protection of CSCs from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and chemotherapeutic agents by regulating antioxidants and detoxification enzymes. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a member of the tyrosine kinase receptor family, which contributes to the protection of cancer cells against treatment and implicated in the invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and tumorigenesis. Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are highly active in CSCs and protect the cells against damage caused by active aldehydes through the regulation of aldehyde metabolism. On the other hand, ALDHs promote the formation and maintenance of tumor cells and lead to drug resistance in tumors through the activation of various signaling pathways, such as the ALDH1A1/HIF-1α/VEGF axis and Wnt/ß-catenin, as well as changing the intracellular pH value. Given the growing body of information in this field, in the present narrative review, we attempted to shed light on the function of Nrf2, HER2, and ALDH in CSCs.