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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prostate cancer remains a major public health burden worldwide. Polo like kinase 4 (PLK4) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in prostate cancer due to its key roles in cell cycle regulation and tumour progression. This study aims to develop and characterize the novel curcumin analogue NL13 as a potential therapeutic agent and PLK4 inhibitor against prostate cancer. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: NL13 was synthesized and its effects were evaluated in prostate cancer cells and mouse xenograft models. Kinome screening and molecular modelling identified PLK4 as the primary target. Antiproliferative and proapoptotic mechanisms were explored via cell cycle, apoptosis, gene and protein analyses. KEY RESULTS: Compared with curcumin, NL13 exhibited much greater potency in inhibiting PC3 (IC50, 3.51 µM vs. 35.45 µM) and DU145 (IC50, 2.53 µM vs. 29.35 µM) prostate cancer cells viability and PLK4 kinase activity (2.32 µM vs. 246.88 µM). NL13 induced G2/M cell cycle arrest through CCNB1/CDK1 down-regulation and triggered apoptosis via caspase-9/caspase-3 cleavage. These effects were mediated by PLK4 inhibition, which led to the inactivation of the AKT signalling pathway. In mice, NL13 significantly inhibited tumour growth and modulated molecular markers consistent with in vitro findings, including decreased p-AKT and increased cleaved caspase-9/3. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: NL13, a novel PLK4-targeted curcumin analogue, exerts promising anticancer properties against prostate cancer by disrupting the PLK4-AKT-CCNB1/CDK1 and apoptosis pathways. NL13 represents a promising new agent for prostate cancer therapy.
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Exosomes play a crucial role in facilitating intercellular communication within organisms. Emerging evidence indicates that a distinct variant of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), found on the surface of exosomes, may be responsible for orchestrating systemic immunosuppression that counteracts the efficacy of anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) checkpoint therapy. Specifically, the presence of PD-L1 on exosomes enables them to selectively target PD-1 on the surface of CD8+ T cells, leading to T cell apoptosis and impeding T cell activation or proliferation. This mechanism allows tumor cells to evade immune pressure during the effector stage. Furthermore, the quantification of exosomal PD-L1 has the potential to serve as an indicator of the dynamic interplay between tumors and immune cells, thereby suggesting the promising utility of exosomes as biomarkers for both cancer diagnosis and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy. The emergence of exosomal PD-L1 inhibitors as a viable approach for anti-tumor treatment has garnered significant attention. Depleting exosomal PD-L1 may serve as an effective adjunct therapy to mitigate systemic immunosuppression. This review aims to elucidate recent insights into the role of exosomal PD-L1 in the field of immune oncology, emphasizing its potential as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tool in lung cancer.
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Neoplasias Pulmonares , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamento farmacológico , Antígeno B7-H1 , Receptor de Morte Celular Programada 1 , Ligantes , Apoptose , Inibidores de Checkpoint Imunológico/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common food contaminant that can impair male reproductive function. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of DON exposure on progenitor Leydig cell (PLC) development in prepubertal male rats. Rats were orally administrated DON (0-4 mg/kg) from postnatal days 21-28. DON increased PLC proliferation but inhibited PLC maturation and function, including reducing testosterone levels and downregulating biomarkers like HSD11B1 and INSL3 at ≥2 mg/kg. DON also stimulated mitochondrial fission via upregulating DRP1 and FIS1 protein levels and increased oxidative stress by reducing antioxidant capacity (including NRF2, SOD1, SOD2, and CAT) in PLCs in vivo. In vitro, DON (2-4 µM) inhibited PLC androgen biosynthesis, increased reactive oxygen species production and protein levels of DRP1, FIS1, MFF, and pAMPK, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and MFN1 protein levels, and caused mitochondrial fragmentation. The mitochondrial fission inhibitor mdivi-1 attenuated DON-induced impairments in PLCs. DON inhibited PLC steroidogenesis, increased oxidative stress, perturbed mitochondrial homeostasis, and impaired maturation. In conclusion, DON disrupts PLC development in prepubertal rats by stimulating mitochondrial fission.
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Células Intersticiais do Testículo , Mitocôndrias , Dinâmica Mitocondrial , Estresse Oxidativo , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Tricotecenos , Animais , Masculino , Dinâmica Mitocondrial/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/metabolismo , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/citologia , Tricotecenos/toxicidade , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Mitocôndrias/efeitos dos fármacos , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Testosterona/metabolismo , Células-Tronco/efeitos dos fármacos , Células-Tronco/metabolismo , Células-Tronco/citologia , Humanos , Dinaminas/metabolismo , Dinaminas/genética , Potencial da Membrana Mitocondrial/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in animals and humans. There is growing evidence that PFAS exposure adversely impacts neurodevelopment and neurological health. Steroid 5α-reductase 1 (SRD5A1) plays a key role in neurosteroidogenesis by catalyzing the conversion of testosterone or pregnenolone to neuroactive steroids, which influence neural development, cognition, mood, and behavior. This study investigated the inhibitory strength and binding interactions of 18 PFAS on human and rat SRD5A1 activity using enzyme assays, molecular docking, and structure-activity relationship analysis. Results revealed that C9-C14 PFAS carboxylic acid at 100 µM significantly inhibited human SRD5A1, with IC50 values ranged from 10.99 µM (C11) to 105.01 µM (C14), and only one PFAS sulfonic acid (C8S) significantly inhibited human SRD5A1 activity, with IC50 value of 8.15 µM. For rat SRD5A1, C9-C14 PFAS inhibited rat SRD5A1, showing the similar trend, depending on carbon number of the carbon chain. PFAS inhibit human and rat SRD5A1 in a carbon chain length-dependent manner, with optimal inhibition around C11. Kinetic studies indicated PFAS acted through mixed inhibition. Molecular docking revealed PFAS bind to the domain between NADPH and testosterone binding site of both SRD5A1 enzymes. Inhibitory potency correlated with physicochemical properties like carbon number of the carbon chain. These findings suggest PFAS may disrupt neurosteroid synthesis and provide insight into structure-based inhibition of SRD5A1.
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3-Oxo-5-alfa-Esteroide 4-Desidrogenase , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , 3-Oxo-5-alfa-Esteroide 4-Desidrogenase/metabolismo , 3-Oxo-5-alfa-Esteroide 4-Desidrogenase/química , Animais , Humanos , Ratos , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Proteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Fluorocarbonos/química , Fluorocarbonos/metabolismo , Fluorocarbonos/farmacologia , Ligação Proteica , Carbono/química , Carbono/metabolismo , Sítios de LigaçãoRESUMO
In this study, we isolated lovastatin derivatives, including aculeatiols A-G (1-7) and three known compounds (8-10), from Aspergillus aculeatus. Their structures and absolute configurations were experimentally determined by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses, and the results were corroborated by quantum-chemical calculations. As members of the lovastatin derivatives, aculeatiols A-C (1-3) possess a γ-lactone functional group in the side chain. Compound 6 represents the first example that features an undescribed aromatized heterotetracyclic 6/6/6/6 ring system. Biologically, the lipid-lowering effects of all of these compounds were evaluated by analyzing the free fatty acid-induced intracellular lipid accumulation. In addition, compound 5, which regulated the transcription of genes associated with lipid uptake and synthesis, inhibited the accumulation of lipids.
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Aspergillus , Lovastatina , Aspergillus/química , Lovastatina/farmacologia , Lovastatina/química , Estrutura Molecular , HumanosRESUMO
Exposure to 4-nonyl phenol (4-NP) on Leydig cell (LC) development and function remains poorly understood. We explored the effects of 4-NP on LC development and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Male (28-day-old) mice received orally 4-NP (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. We found that 4-NP at ≥ 0.125 mg/kg markedly compromised serum testosterone levels and LC numbers. Gene and protein expression analysis demonstrated downregulation of key genes and their proteins involved in LC steroidogenesis, including Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b3, Hsd3b6, and Scarb1. Furthermore, exposure to 4-NP induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as reduced superoxide dismutase 1/2 and catalase (CAT). Apoptosis was also observed in LCs following exposure to 4-NP, as shown by an increased BAX/BCL2 ratio and caspase-3. A TM3 mouse LC line further confirmed that 4-NP induced ROS and the expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that 4-NP exposure compromises LC development through multiple mechanisms.
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Células Intersticiais do Testículo , Fenóis , Camundongos , Masculino , Animais , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/metabolismo , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Fenóis/metabolismo , Apoptose , TestosteronaRESUMO
Spectasterols A-E (1-5), aromatic ergosterols with unique ring systems, were isolated from Aspergillus spectabilis. Compounds 1 and 2 possess a 6/6/6/5/5 ring system with an additional cyclopentene, while 3 and 4 have an uncommon 6/6/6/6 ring system generated by the D-ring expansion via 1,2-alkyl shifts. Compound 3 exhibited cytotoxic activity (IC50 6.9 µM) and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HL60 cells. Compound 3 was anti-inflammatory; it decreased COX-2 levels at the transcription and protein levels and inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65.
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Aspergillus , NF-kappa B , Humanos , NF-kappa B/metabolismo , Aspergillus/metabolismo , Anti-Inflamatórios/farmacologia , Apoptose , Ergosterol/farmacologiaRESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice (the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra and G. inflata) has been used to treat inflammation and sexual debility for over 1000 years. Pharmacological studies have identified many biologically active chalcone derivatives from licorice. AIM OF THE STUDY: Human 3ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (h3ß-HSD2) catalyzes the formation of precursors for sex hormones and corticosteroids, which play critical roles in reproduction and metabolism. We explored inhibition and mode action of chalcones of inhibiting h3ß-HSD2 and compared it with rat 3ß-HSD1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the inhibition of 5 chalcones on h3ß-HSD2 and compared species-dependent difference with 3ß-HSD1. RESULTS: The inhibitory strength on h3ß-HSD2 was isoliquiritigenin (IC50, 0.391 µM) > licochalcone A (0.494 µM) > licochalcone B (1.485 µM) > echinatin (1.746 µM) >chalcone (100.3 µM). The inhibitory strength on r3ß-HSD1 was isoliquiritigenin (IC50, 0.829 µM) > licochalcone A (1.165 µM) > licochalcone B (1.866 µM) > echinatin (2.593 µM) > chalcone (101.2 µM). Docking showed that all chemicals bind steroid and/or NAD+-binding site with the mixed mode. Structure-activity relationship analysis showed that strength was correlated with chemical's hydrogen bond acceptor. CONCLUSION: Some chalcones are potent h3ß-HSD2 and r3ß-HSD1 inhibitors, possibly being potential drugs to treat Cushing's syndrome or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
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Chalcona , Chalconas , Glycyrrhiza , Humanos , Ratos , Animais , Chalconas/farmacologia , Chalcona/farmacologia , Glycyrrhiza/química , Hidroxiesteroide Desidrogenases , 3-Hidroxiesteroide Desidrogenases/metabolismoRESUMO
Curcuminoids are functional food additives, and the effect on gonadal hormone biosynthesis remains unclear. Gonads contain 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isoforms, h3ß-HSD2 (humans) and r3ß-HSD1 (rats), which catalyse pregnenolone into progesterone. The potency and mechanisms of curcuminoids to inhibit 3ß-HSD activity were explored. The inhibitory potency was bisdemethoxycurcumin (IC50, 1.68 µM) >demethoxycurcumin (3.27 µM) > curcumin (13.87 µM) > tetrahydrocurcumin (109.0 µM) > dihydrocurcumin and octahydrocurcumin on KGN cell h3ß-HSD2, while that was bisdemethoxycurcumin (1.22 µM) >demethoxycurcumin (2.18 µM) > curcumin (4.12 µM) > tetrahydrocurcumin (102.61 µM) > dihydrocurcumin and octahydrocurcumin on testicular r3ß-HSD1. All curcuminoids inhibited progesterone secretion by KGN cells under basal and forskolin-stimulated conditions at >10 µM. Docking analysis showed that curcuminoids bind steroid-active site with mixed or competitive mode. In conclusion, curcuminoids inhibit gonadal 3ß-HSD activity and de-methoxylation of curcumin increases inhibitory potency and metabolism of curcumin by saturation of carbon chain losses inhibitory potency.
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Curcumina , Humanos , Ratos , Animais , Curcumina/farmacologia , Progesterona/farmacologia , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , GônadasRESUMO
Background: Whether the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), which is suggested to reflect systemic inflammation and nutritional status of patients, could be used as an effective prognostic factor for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has not yet been clarified. The purpose of this study was to verify the prognostic value of the PNI in SCLC patients treated with programmed cell death ligand-1/programmed cell death 1 (PD-L1/PD-1) inhibitors in the alpine region of China. Methods: SCLC patients treated with PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy between March 2017 and May 2020 were included. Based on the values of serum albumin and total lymphocyte count, the study population was divided into two groups: high and low PNI. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compute the median survival time and the log-rank test was used to compare the two groups. To evaluate the prognostic value of the PNI, univariable and multivariable analyses of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed. The correlations between PNI and DCR or ORR were calculated by Point biserial correlation analysis. Results: One hundred and forty patients were included in this study, of which, 60.0% were high PNI (PNI > 49.43) and 40.0% were low PNI (PNI ≤ 49.43). Results indicated that the high PNI group had better PFS and OS than the low PNI group in the patients who received PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors monotherapy (median PFS: 11.0 vs. 4.8 months, p < 0.001 and median OS: 18.5 vs. 11.0 months, p = 0.004). Similarly, better PFS and OS were associated with an increase in PNI level in the patients who accepted PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy (median PFS: 11.0 vs. 5.3 months, p < 0.001 and median OS: 17.9 vs. 12.6 months, p = 0.005). Multivariate Cox-regression model showed that high PNI was significantly related to better PFS and OS in patients who accepted PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy (PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors monotherapy: PFS: HR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.10-0.52, p < 0.001 and OS: HR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03-0.55, p = 0.006; PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy: PFS: HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19-0.61, p < 0.001 and OS: HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29-0.97, p = 0.040, respectively). Additionally, Point biserial correlation analysis between PNI and disease control rate (DCR) showed that PNI status was positively correlated with DCR in SCLC patients receiving PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors or combined with chemotherapy (r = 0.351, p < 0.001; r = 0.285, p < 0.001, respectively). Concussions: PNI may be a promising biomarker of treatment efficacy and prognosis in SCLC patients treated with PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors in the alpine region of China.
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Tetramethyl bisphenol A (TMBPA) is a widely used flame retardant. TMBPA has been a toxic to Leydig cells in puberty, but it remains unclear whether TMBPA has a similar inhibitor effect on fetal Leydig cells (FLCs). This study reported morphological and functional alterations of FLCs in the testes of male offspring at birth after in utero exposure to TMBPA. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were dosed via continuous gavage of TMBPA (0, 10, 50, and 200 mg/kg/day) from gestational day 14 to 21. TMBPA markedly raised serum total testosterone level, testicular volume, and FLC number of male offspring at 200 mg/kg dose. The up-regulation of Insl3, Star, and Cyp11a1 mRNAs was observed after 200 mg/kg TMBPA exposure. After normalization to the number of FLCs, TMBPA significantly reduced Lhcgr and Hsd3b1 expressions at 10 mg/kg, and Cyp17a1 at 200 mg/kg paralleling with their protein levels. TMBPA compromised the expression of Esr1, while increased the expression of Cdk2 and Cdk4 as well as their protein levels. TMBPA particularly increased the phosphorylation of AKT1 and AKT2 at 200 mg/kg. In conclusion, the present study suggests that TMBPA may promote FLC proliferation via ESR1-CDK2/4-AKT pathway, while inhibits the function of FLCs by reducing steroidogenic enzyme activity.