Uncovering the relationship between YAP/ WWTR1 (TAZ) genes expression and LncRNAs of SNHG15, HCP5 and LINC01433 in breast cancer tissues.

In spite of the decrease in breast cancer (BC) death rates, it has remained a significant public health concern. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway contributes to breast cancer development and progression by enhancing cancerous cell proliferation, survival, invasion, and migration. Investigating the connection between specific lncRNAs (SNHG15, HCP5, and LINC01433) and YAP and WWTR1, and the impact of these lncRNAs on the expression of YAP and WWTR1 proteins in the Hippo pathway, may offer valuable understanding for BC diagnosis and treatment. Forty BC tissue samples were acquired from the Tumor Bank and utilized for RNA and protein extraction. Real-time PCR and western blotting techniques were performed to assess the gene and protein expressions, respectively. Correlations between variables and their associations with clinicopathological features in BC were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U or Student's t-test. Additionally, the analysis of the GEO database was utilized to validate the findings. In cancerous tissue, the up-regulation of YAP, WWTR1, HCP5, SNHG15, and Linc01433 at both the mRNA and protein levels corresponds to the findings in GEO datasets. A significant association was found between YAP and histological grade, while WWTR1 showed a correlation with family history and HER-2. The distinct and notable expression of YAP, WWTR1, SNHG15, HCP5, and Linc01433 in BC tissues, together with the results of combined ROC curve analysis derived from our finding and GEO database suggest that a combined panel of these 5 RNAs may have great potential in predicting of BC and its management.

Unveiling Arformoterol as a potent LSD1 inhibitor for breast cancer treatment: A comprehensive study integrating 3D-QSAR pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and in vitro assays.

Lysine Specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1) has been identified as a chromatin-modifying enzyme implicated in various cancer pathogeneses, highlighting the potential for novel epigenetic cancer treatments through the development of effective inhibitors. We employed 3D-QSAR pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to identify a promising drug candidate for LSD1 inhibition. RMSD, RMSF, H-bond, and DSSP analysis demonstrated that ZINC02599970 (Arformoterol) and ZINC13453966 exhibited the highest LSD1 inhibitory potential. Experimental validation using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines revealed that Arformoterol displayed potent antiproliferative activity with IC50 values of 12.30 ± 1.48 µM and 19.69 ± 1.15 µM respectively. In contrast, the IC50 values obtained for the control (tranylcypromine) in exposure to MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were 104.6 ± 1.69 µM and 77 ± 0.67 µM, respectively. Arformoterol demonstrated greater LSD1 inhibitory potency in MCF-7 cells compared to MDA-MB-231 cells. Also, the expression of genes involved in chromatin rearrangement (LSD1), angiogenesis (VEGF1), cell migration (RORα), signal transduction (S100A8), apoptosis, and cell cycle (p53) were investigated. Arformoterol enhanced apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, both in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. Based on our findings, we propose that Arformoterol represents a promising candidate for breast cancer treatment, owing to its potent LSD1 inhibitory activity.

Granulosa cells from immature follicles exhibit restricted glycolysis and reduced energy production: a dominant problem in polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that immature oocytes are associated with impaired energy production in surrounding granulosa cells (GCs) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Thus, this study investigated mitochondrial function, determined expression of glycolytic regulatory enzymes, and measured ATP levels in GCs of PCOS patients. METHODS: GCs were isolated from forty-five PCOS patients and 45 control women. Intracellular concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), the rate of glycolysis, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ATP level were measured in GCs. The gene expression and protein levels of glycolytic enzymes (hexokinase, muscular phosphofructokinase, platelet derived phosphofructokinase, and muscular pyruvate kinase) were determined. Association of GC energy level with oocyte maturation was further validated by measuring glycolysis rate and ATP level in GCs isolated from mature and immature follicles from new set of fifteen PCOS patients and 15 controls. RESULTS: PCOS patients showed higher ROS level, decreased TAC, reduced CAT and SOD activities, and lower Δψm together with reduced expression of key glycolytic enzymes. ATP concentration and biochemical pregnancy were lower in PCOS compared with control group. ATP levels were found to be significantly correlated with ROS and Δψm (r = - 0.624 and r = 0.487, respectively). GCs isolated from immature follicles had significantly lower ATP levels and rate of glycolysis compared with the GCs separated from mature follicles in both PCOS patients and control. CONCLUSION: Declined energy due to the mitochondrial dysfunction and restrained glycolysis in GCs is associated with the immature oocytes and lower biochemical pregnancy in PCOS.

NLRP3-inflammasome activation is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and progression of colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Since activation of NLRP3 inflammasome results in the production of interleukin-1ß (IL 1ß) and initiation of inflammation as the key players in development of cancer, this study investigated possible activation of NLRP3 inflammasome during the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) and evaluated the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue samples were collected from cancerous (test) and adjacent normal tissues (control) of forty-three male CRC patients (18 grade I and 25 grade III). The gene expression and protein levels were determined by qRT PCR and Western blotting, respectively, and tissue morphological was examined by histopathology. RESULTS: The gene and protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF ß), IL 1ß, nuclear factor κB (NF κB), NLRP3, and caspase-1, as well as the enzyme activity of caspase-1, were significantly increased in CRC. mRNA and protein levels of TGF-ß, mature IL 1ß, NF κB, and NLRP3 were higher in patients with grade III. EMT markers N cadherin, vimentin, and MMP 9 markedly increased in CRC, and were higher in grade III than grade I, whereas expression of E-cadherin declined by the progression of CRC. NLRP3 protein level was inversely correlated with E-cadherin whereas it positively was correlated with IL 1ß, active NF κB, N cadherin, vimentin, and MMP 9. CONCLUSION: This study for the first time showed that activation of NLRP3 inflammasome contributed to the progression of CRC and is correlated with the EMT process. Although the present study showed that EMT markers are positively correlated with tumor grade, further investigations are required to strongly link the EMT markers to the progression of CRC.

Transitional cell carcinoma matrix stiffness regulates the osteopontin and YAP expression in recurrent patients.

Cells translate the mechanosensing of extracellular matrix component dysregulation and stiffness into the signal transduction including Osteopontin (OPN) through the Hippo pathway. But how extracellular matrix (ECM) component dysregulation and stiffness are ultimately linked to transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) development remains poorly understood. This study was aimed to evaluate the possible links between ECM component alteration after cancer surgery and OPN and Yes-associated protein (YAP) expression in TCC and adjacent tissues. In this study, we used 50 TCC (25 newly diagnosed and 25 recurrent) and 50 adjacent tissues to determine the tissue stiffness using atomic force microscopy. The mRNA expression of SPP1, Indian hedgehog (IHH), and YAP was also determined using qRT-PCR. Western blotting and ELISA were performed to assess the tissue and serum levels of OPN, respectively. To assess the glycoproteins and elastic fibers content, Periodic Acid Schiff, and Verhoeff-Van Gieson Staining were performed, respectively. Matrix stiffness was markedly higher in TCCs than adjacent tissues (p < 0.05). Gene expression analysis showed that YAP, SPP1, and IHH genes were upregulated in TCC tissues (p < 0.05). Additionally, the OPN protein overexpression was observed in the tissue and the serum of TCC patients (p < 0.05). We also found that glycoproteins, elastic fibers content of recurrent TCC tissues was remarkably higher as compared to adjacent tissues (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that glycoproteins and elastic fibers content modulation and ECM stiffness may upregulates the expression of YAP, SPP1 and IHH genes, and possibly contribute to the TCC development and relapse.

Imbalance in thioredoxin system activates NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in epicardial adipose tissue of patients with coronary artery disease.

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide and has in part an inflammatory basis. Since epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is in close contact with coronary arteries we hypothesized that an imbalance in thioredoxin-1 (TRX-1) and thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) in EAT, activates NLRP3 inflammasome and promotes production of IL-1ß, leading to the development of atherosclerosis. Thirty-eight patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and thirty patients with no clinical signs of atherosclerosis who underwent open-heart surgery for valve replacement were classified as CAD and control groups, respectively. Biopsy samples from EAT were collected and expression of TXNIP, TRX-1, NLRP3 and IL-1ß genes were assessed using qRT-PCR. Tissue protein levels of TXNIP and TRX-1 were determined by Western blotting while ELISA was applied to measure IL-1ß. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used for histological examination. mRNA and protein levels of TXNIP in EAT were significantly higher in patients with CAD compared with control group, whereas CAD patients showed lower TRX-1 gene and protein expression. In addition, in CAD patients the NLRP3 gene expression was almost doubled and IL-1ß significantly increased at the both mRNA and protein levels. Enhancment in NLRP3 gene expression and TXNIP protein levels were accompanied with the increase in IL-1ß protein level whereas TRX-1 protein content showed a negative correlation with IL-1ß level. Concurrent increase in TXNIP, NLRP3, and IL-1ß suggests possible involvement of thioredoxin system in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, production of IL-1ß, and the presence of inflammation in CAD patients.

Downregulation of Sirt1 is correlated to upregulation of p53 and increased apoptosis in epicardial adipose tissue of patients with coronary artery disease.

The higher expression level of p53 in epithelial adipose tissue (EAT) has previously been reported in atherosclerosis. Since we hypothesized that the expression of p53 is modulated by Sirt1, the aim of this study was to determine the expression levels of Sirt1 and p53 and to investigate their correlation to apoptosis in EAT of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Thirty-five patients with more than 50 % stenosis in at least one of the main coronary arteries were considered as CAD group while 29 patients with no clinical signs of atherosclerosis who underwent open-heart surgery for valve replacement were classified as control group. EAT biopsy samples were collected from all participants during surgery. Sirt1, p53, Bax, and Bcl-2 gene expression levels were determined in EAT by qRT-PCR and Western blotting was carried out to assess Sirt1 and p53 protein levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for histopathological analysis. mRNA and protein levels of Sirt1 in EAT were significantly lower in patients with CAD compared with control group, whereas CAD patients showed greater p53 gene and protein expressions. In addition, inverse correlations were observed between Sirt1 and p53 at both mRNA and protein levels. The Bax and ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 gene expressions were higher in CAD group, but no difference was observed in Bcl-2 expression. Histopathological analysis showed apoptotic bodies and infiltrated immune cells in EAT of CAD group. Our results suggest that the Sirt1-p53 axis may involve in atherosclerosis by promotion of apoptosis.

Tissue stiffness contributes to YAP activation in bladder cancer patients undergoing transurethral resection.

Changes in the cellular microenvironment play a critical role in the development of bladder cancer (BC). Yes-associated protein (YAP), a central mediator of the Hippo pathway, functions as a nuclear sensor of mechanotransduction that can be induced by stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including stiffness resulting from surgical manipulations. We aimed to clarify the possible association between surgically-related ECM stiffness and YAP activation in BC patients. We compared 30 bladder cancer tissues with grade II (n = 15 recurrent and n = 15 newly diagnosed) with 30 adjacent healthy tissues. Atomic force microscopy showed that patients with recurrent BC had stiffer ECM than newly diagnosed patients (P < 0.05). Gene expression profiles showed that ß1 integrin (ITGB1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), CDC42, and YAP were upregulated in cancerous tissues (P < 0.05); additionally, ß1 integrin activation was confirmed using a specific antibody. Nuclear localization of YAP was higher in recurrent cancerous tissues compared with newly diagnosed and it was positively associated with higher stiffness (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that postsurgery-induced ECM stiffness can influence integrin-FAK-YAP activity and thereby YAP trafficking to the nucleus where it contributes to BC progression and relapse.

Protective effects of combined Losartan and Nilotinib on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed as therapeutic compounds for inhibiting the progression of liver fibrosis. In the present study, the simultaneous treatment of Nilotinib (TKIs) and Losartan was studied. Forty rats were divided into eight groups of fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and therapeutics (Nilotinib, Losartan, and combination therapy). In the end, serum parameters of the liver and gene expression analysis of transforming growth factor-ß1, its receptors (TßRII), platelet-derived growth factor, its receptors (PDGFRß), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), tumor necrosis factor-α, cytochrome P450 2E1, and collagen1 type 1 were performed. The oxidant/antioxidant factors were also analyzed. Histopathology analysis along with α-SMA immunohistochemistry and hydroxyproline evaluation was also conducted for a more in-depth study. The overall results indicated a better therapeutic effect of co-treatment of Nilotinib-Losartan in comparison with the treatment of each of them alone. Interestingly, some gene and protein factors and fibrotic indices were reduced even to the normal levels of the control group. The results of this study suggest that co-administration of these two combinations, strengthens their anti-fibrotic properties and, due to the routine use of these compounds against AML and blood pressure, these compounds can be used with caution against human liver fibrosis.

Overexpression of ROMO1 and OMA1 are Potentially Biomarkers and Predict Unfavorable Prognosis in Gastric Cancer.

PURPOSE: One of the worst types of cancers is gastric cancer and no specific tumor marker is found in relation to it. Reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1) and the overlapping with the M-AAA protease 1 homolog (OMA1) proteins are the most important mitochondrial membrane proteins, which are involved in modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the regulation of mitochondrial structure dynamics. If these proteins do not function properly, oxidative stress increases in the cell, and this can initiate the cancer or worsen the condition. METHODS: In this study, ROMO1 and OMA1 gene expressions in 40 fresh frozen gastric cancer tissue and healthy adjacent tissues were evaluated by real-time PCR, and some of the important parameters related to oxidative stress such as TAC, TOS, MDA, and TTG in the serum of cancer patients compared to healthy people were measured by spectrophotometric and fluorometric techniques. RESULTS: We observed that ROMO1 and OMA1 gene expressions in gastric cancer tissues increased compared to that in healthy adjacent tissues. In addition, oxidative stress parameters including TOS, OSI, and MDA in the serum of cancer patients have increased significantly and the parameters including TAC and TTG have decreased. CONCLUSION: The results in our study represented that ROMO1 and OMA1 gene expressions in gastric cancer tissue have increased compared to that in healthy adjacent tissues, and oxidative stress levels have also increased significantly in relation to these proteins; therefore, these two proteins may be considered as an important cause of gastric cancer, and even introduced as tumor markers.

Correlation between miR-103 and miR-133a Expression and the Circulating ANGPTL8 in Type 2 Diabetic Patients and Healthy Control Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) is a circulatory hormone that plays an important role in the proliferation of the pancreatic beta cells and lipid metabolism. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, we investigated the correlation of miR-103 and miR-133a expression with the ANGPTL8 and other type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related factors. METHODS: Seventy subjects (controls: n = 35 and type 2 diabetic patients: n = 35) participated in this study. The ANGPTL8 concentration and miR-103/133a expression were measured using ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. RESULTS: The circulatory ANGPTL8 concentration and miR-103/133a expression was significantly higher in T2D patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). There was a positive and significant correlation between miR-103/133a with triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and glycated hemoglobin (p < 0.05) in the T2D group. The results also showed a negative and significant correlation between miR-103/133a expression with ANGPTL8 levels in the T2D group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that miR-103/133a expression is correlated with the ANGPTL8 and T2D-related factors.

Reactive Oxygen Species Modulator 1 (ROMO1), a New Potential Target for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.

Today, the incidence of cancer in the world is rising, and it is expected that in the next several decades, the number of people suffering from cancer or (the cancer rate) will double. Cancer is defined as the excessive and uncontrolled growth of cells; of course (in simple terms), cancer is considered to be a set of other diseases that ultimately causes normal cells to be transformed into neoplastic cells. One of the most important causes of the onset and exacerbation of cancer is excessive oxidative stress. One of the most important proteins in the inner membrane of mitochondria is Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Modulator 1 (ROMO1) that interferes with the production of ROS, and with increasing the rate of this protein, oxidative stress will increase, which ultimately leads to some diseases, especially cancer. In this overview, we use some global databases to provide information about ROMO1 cellular signaling pathways, their related proteins and molecules, and some of the diseases associated with the mitochondrial protein, especially cancer.

Overexpression of PURPL and downregulation of NONHSAT062994 as potential biomarkers in gastric cancer.

AIMS: Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play central roles in the formation and development of gastric cancer (GC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of PURPL and NONHSAT062994 and the relationship between their expressions with clinical characteristics in GC. MAIN METHODS: PURPL and NONHSAT062994 LncRNAs and p53 gene expression levels were analyzed both in 50 pairs of cancerous and adjacent noncancerous tissue samples in GC patients using qRT-PCR and in four sets of data obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Chi-square (χ2) test was used to determine the relationship between PURPL, NONHSAT062994 RNA levels and the clinicopathological characteristics of GC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to represent sensitivity and specificity of PURPL and NONHSAT062994 expression as markers of GC. KEY FINDINGS: Expression of PURPL was significantly upregulated in 50 GC samples as well as in GC tissues from GSE13911 and GSE27342 datasets. Our results demonstrated that PURPL RNA level in GC was significantly related to tumor size and histopathological grade. p53 expression at both protein and mRNA levels were significantly decreased in GC tissues compared to adjacent control samples. NONHSAT062994 expression was downregulated in 50-pair GC and GC tissues from GSE13915 dataset. However, NONHSAT062994 showed no consistently differential expression in GSE2637dataset. NONHSAT062994 was significantly associated with histological grade and tumor size. SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, these results suggest that PURPL and NONHSAT062994 may play critical roles in the progression of GC and therefore might be considered as candidate tumor markers for therapeutic goals.

Intricate role of yes-associated protein1 in human liver cirrhosis: TGF-ß1 still is a giant player.

Numerous investigations have been performed on the role of the transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) pathway in the development of chronic liver diseases (CLDs); however, they failed to explain the underlying mechanism of its pathogenesis, suggesting that other alternative pathways might have been overlooked. The involvement of yes-associated protein1 (YAP1) has been attributed to liver fibrosis; yet, the precise function of this protein has not been fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the activity of the YAP1 pathway in human liver cirrhosis (regardless of its causality) and its correlation with the TGF-ß1 and sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathways. In this case-control study, the immunohistochemical and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses were carried out to determine the activation of the YAP1 pathway in patients with liver cirrhosis (n = 38) and control 1 individuals (n = 10). The western blot analysis and ELISA method were also performed to assess the SHH and TGF-ß1 pathways. Although significantly increased expression of cytoplasmic YAP1 was found in patients with liver cirrhosis (P < 0.045), the rate of the nuclear YAP1 expression was similar to that of the control 1 subjects. Moreover, the hepatic expression of amphiregulin (AREG), known as the YAP1 target, along with proteins involved in the TGF-ß1 pathway was significantly elevated in all cirrhotic patients, compared with the control subjects. Our results showed that the increased activity of the TGF-ß1 pathway is strongly associated with the expression of AREG, denoting a direct and positive relationship between the TGF-ß1 and YAP1 pathways. It seems that, unlike the TGF-ß1 and SHH pathways, the YAP1 pathway does not play a significant role in the development of liver cirrhosis.

Anticancer activity, calf thymus DNA and human serum albumin binding properties of Farnesiferol C from Ferula pseudalliacea.

In this study, Farnesiferol C was introduced as an anti-colon cancer agent. Its cytotoxicity was investigated on two cancer cell lines, HCT116 and CT26, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as normal cells employing MTT assay. Moreover, Farnesiferol C interactions with ct-DNA and HSA were investigated by various techniques. The IC50 values of Farnesiferol C on HCT116 and CT26 cells were 42 and 46 µM, respectively, while its IC50 value on MSCs cells was 92 µM, indicating that Farnesiferol C was more efficacious against cancer cell lines than normal cells. DNA competitive binding studies, viscosity and zeta potential measurements confirmed that Farnesiferol C bound to DNA through intercalation binding. HSA binding investigations revealed that there were two different binding sites for Far C on HSA with higher binding affinity in site 2 compared to site 1. Furthermore, Farnesiferol C could bind to HSA and quench its intrinsic fluorescence in a static quenching mechanism, with a distance of 2.54 nm. Competitive binding in the presence of warfarin and ibuprofen was carried out and the resulting quenching constant was strongly changed in the presence of warfarin. Consequently, Farnesiferol C most probably will be located within sub-domain IIA. In this study, molecular modeling buttressed and confirmed our laboratory results. Conclusively, we proposed that DNA is an appropriate target for Farnesiferol C. Therefore, Farnesiferol C and its semisynthetic analogues can be one of the priority innovations in research on anticancer drugs.

Association between rs2278426 (C/T) and rs892066 (C/G) variants of ANGPTL8 (betatrophin) and susceptibility to type2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) is a hormone that mainly secreted from the liver and adipose tissue and plays an important role in the proliferation of pancreatic beta cells and lipid metabolism. Therefore, we studied the association of ANGPTL8 rs2278426 (C/T) and rs892066 (C/G) polymorphisms with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their association with biochemical parameters. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-eight subjects (controls; n = 138 and type 2 diabetic patients; n = 150) were enrolled in this study. Direct haplotyping was performed using amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS)-RFLP-PCR. RESULTS: The CT genotype frequency of rs2278426 (C/T) variant was significantly higher in T2DM patients compared to the controls group (P = 0.02), and there was a significant association between this genotype and increased risk of T2DM (OR: 2.41, CI: 1.26-4.59, P = 0.007). In addition, there was a significant relationship between CT genotype of this variant and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, insulin resistance and glycated hemoglobin (P < 0.05). Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis revealed that arginine (Arg) to tryptophan (Trp) substitution at rs2278426 position causes structural instability of ANGPTL8 protein. Genotype and allele distribution of rs892066 (C/G) was not statistically significant in T2DM patients compared to the control group. The distribution of haplotypes had no significant difference between controls and T2DM patients (P = 0.24). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the rs2278426 (C/T) variant is associated with increased risk of T2DM and may cause dyslipidemia due to its effect on decreasing HDL-C levels.

In vitro cytotoxicity and DNA/HSA interaction study of triamterene using molecular modelling and multi-spectroscopic methods.

The anticancer activity of triamterene on HCT116 and CT26 colon cancer cells lines was investigated. Furthermore, the mechanism of interaction between triamterene and calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) and also human serum albumin (HSA) was conducted using spectroscopic and molecular docking techniques. In vitro cytotoxicity of triamterene against HCT116 and CT26 cells showed promising anticancer effects with IC50 values of 31.30 and 24.45 µM, respectively. Competitive studies of the triamterene with NR (neutral red) and MB (methylene blue) as intercalator probes showed that triamterene can be replaced by these probes. The viscosity data also confirmed that triamterene binds to calf-thymus DNA through intercalation binding mode. Binding properties of triamterene with HSA in the presence of warfarin and ibuprofen showed that triamterene competes with warfarin for the site I of human serum albumin (HSA). In addition, the binding modes of triamterene with DNA and HSA were verified by molecular docking technique. Abbreviations ct-DNA calf thymus DNA CV cyclic voltammetry DNA deoxyribonucleic acid DPV differential pulse voltammetry FBS fetal bovine serum HSA human serum albumin NR neutral red MB methylene blue MTT 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

MiR-185 enhances radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells by targeting IGF1R and IGF2.

OBJECTIVE: Radioresistance is a significant obstacle for effective treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent studies have indicated that miR-185 inhibits proliferation, survival, and invasion of CRC; however, the role of this miRNA in radioresistance of CRC has not been identified yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of miR-185 in radiosensitivity of CRC. METHODS: After transfecting the cells with mimic miR-185, expressions of IGF1R and IGF2 were evaluated by real-time PCR and western blot. The radiation response of transfected cells was also examined by colony forming assay. Sub-G1 fraction analysis through flow cytometry and caspase 3 activity was used to evaluate apoptosis. RESULTS: The results of real-time PCR and western blot indicated that IGF1R and IGF2 are downregulated in the transfected cells. Colony forming assay revealed that transfected cells were more radiosensitive than other cells. On the other hand,following irradiation the rate of apoptosis was significantly higher in the transfected cells than in the other cells. CONCLUSION: In summary, our study is the first to show that upregulation of miR-185 enhances the sensitivity of CRC cells to ionizing radiation. miR-185 may act as a novel biomarker of radioresistance and may clinically enhance the radiation response of CRC.

Evaluation of the p53 and Thioredoxin reductase in sperm from asthenozoospermic males in comparison to normozoospermic males.

Thioredoxin (Trx) system has a defensive role against the harmful effect of oxidative stress in sperm. p53 is an important regulator of apoptosis and normal process of spermatogenesis. Regulation of p53 by redox state of the cell and Thioredoxin system has been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ROS level, Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity and p53 protein levels in sperm of asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic males. Semen samples from 80 donors were divided into asthenozoospermic (n = 40) and normozoospermic (n = 40) groups using the WHO criteria. DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay) of spermatozoa was identified·H2O2 and O2•- were determined by flow cytometry. p53 protein levels and TrxR activity were measured in sperm cell lysate by appropriate kit. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and thiol groups in seminal plasma were measured spectrophotometery. MDA content in seminal plasma was determined fluorometrically. RESULTS: The percentage of cells with H2O2, O2•- and DNA fragmentation was higher in asthenozoospermic compared to normozoospermic groups (p < 0.05). The p53 protein level was significantly higher in asthenozoospermic group (P < 0.001). TrxR activity in normozoospermic was significantly higher than asthenozoospermic group (P < 0.001). Total thiol groups and TAC levels were significantly higher in normozoospermic samples (P < 0.05). A significantly high negative correlation was seen between p53 protein levels with TrxR activity (r = - 0.49, P < 0.001), total motility (r = - 0.65, P < 0.001). p53 and ROS levels were increased in asthenozoospermic males while the TrxR activity was decreased. These changes lead to an increase in apoptotic, immotile and immature spermatozoa in the ejaculatory semen.

Hepatoprotective effect of parthenolide in rat model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

CONTEXT: The active ingredients of traditional medical herbs have been the focus of scientific interests. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to explore the mechanisms of actions of parthenolide on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks with or without an intraperitoneal injection of parthenolide to develop NAFLD. Liver triacylglycerol (TG), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS), thiobarbituric acid reactant substances (TBARs), total thiol groups and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) levels as well as liver ALT, AST and catalase activities were determined. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR was performed to obtain hepatic gene expression levels of TNF-α, CYP2E1 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). RESULTS: HFD caused a significant weight gain and increased liver TG content as well as alteration in ALT and AST activities, which were attenuated after administration of parthenoide (p < .05). Weakened liver antioxidant system (TAC, total thiol groups and catalase activity) and increased oxidative stress markers (TBARs and TOS) were mainly ameliorated by parthenolide treatment (p < .05). Increased hepatic TNF-α, NF-κB and CYP2E1 at the both gene expression and protein levels were found associated with necroinflammatory changes in histopathological observations and were abrogated almost completely after parthenolide treatment. Oxidative and inflammatory changes observed in HFD fed rats were indicative of NAFLD, which were suppressed with parthenolide treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, parthenolide might be a candidate agent for preventing NAFLD due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative potency.