The Role of Cancer and Somatic Stem Cells in the Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Effects of Aconitum baicalense Extract on Experimental Breast Cancer.

We studied the effects of the extract of the terrestrial part of Aconitum baicalense in BALB/c female mice at the early stages after the injection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). The extract reduced inflammatory activity and tumor growth in the mammary gland. The antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract are based on the inhibition of cancer stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and hematopoietic progenitor cells that promote inflammation. The extract of A. baicalense disrupted the recruitment of epithelial progenitor cells and angiogenesis precursors to the mammary gland preventing neovascularization and transformation of epithelial cells into tumor cells.

Functional and Phenotypic Characterisations of Common Syngeneic Tumour Cell Lines as Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Models.

Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers (ER+ BCas) are the most common form of BCa and are increasing in incidence, largely due to changes in reproductive practices in recent decades. Tamoxifen is prescribed as a component of standard-of-care endocrine therapy for the treatment and prevention of ER+ BCa. However, it is poorly tolerated, leading to low uptake of the drug in the preventative setting. Alternative therapies and preventatives for ER+ BCa are needed but development is hampered due to a paucity of syngeneic ER+ preclinical mouse models that allow pre-clinical experimentation in immunocompetent mice. Two ER-positive models, J110 and SSM3, have been reported in addition to other tumour models occasionally shown to express ER (for example 4T1.2, 67NR, EO771, D2.0R and D2A1). Here, we have assessed ER expression and protein levels in seven mouse mammary tumour cell lines and their corresponding tumours, in addition to their cellular composition, tamoxifen sensitivity and molecular phenotype. By immunohistochemical assessment, SSM3 and, to a lesser extent, 67NR cells are ER+. Using flow cytometry and transcript expression we show that SSM3 cells are luminal in nature, whilst D2.0R and J110 cells are stromal/basal. The remainder are also stromal/basal in nature; displaying a stromal or basal Epcam/CD49f FACS phenotype and stromal and basal gene expression signatures are overrepresented in their transcript profile. Consistent with a luminal identity for SSM3 cells, they also show sensitivity to tamoxifen in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the data indicate that the SSM3 syngeneic cell line is the only definitively ER+ mouse mammary tumour cell line widely available for pre-clinical research.

Zingiberene exerts chemopreventive activity against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced breast cancer in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Breast cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related death in females, wherein increased mortality of breast cancer patients is recorded worldwide. Zingiberene is a monocyclic sesquiterpene from the ginger plant and has many pharmacological benefits. In this exploration, we assessed the anticancer actions of Zingiberene against the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-stimulated mammary carcinogenesis in rats and MDA-MB-231 cells. Breast cancer was induced in the Female Sprague-Dawley rats through the 25 mg/kg of DMBA in 0.5 ml of corn oil and then treated with 20 and 40 mg/kg of Zingiberene, respectively. The body weight of animals and tumor volume was measured. Hematological parameters, transaminases, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidants status were scrutinized using standard techniques. The estrogen receptor-α and inflammatory markers were inspected by using respective assay kits. Histological damage scores were determined. In vitro experiments were conducted to scrutinize Zingiberene's effect on cell viability and apoptotic cell death in MDA-MB-231 cells. Zingiberene substantially modulated the DMBA-stimulated physiological and hematological changes and decreased the transaminases, and lipid peroxidation in the DMBA-stimulated animals. Zingiberene also elevated the antioxidant level and suppressed the inflammatory markers. Histological study revealed the protective effects of Zingiberene. The viability of MDA-MB-231 cells was noticeably diminished by the Zingiberene, thus inducing apoptotic cell death. Overall, our findings reliably proved the anticancer potential of Zingiberene against the DMBA-stimulated mammary tumorigenesis, and it could be a promising chemotherapeutic agent.

Salvadora persica attenuates DMBA-induced mammary cancer through downregulation oxidative stress, estrogen receptor expression and proliferation and augmenting apoptosis.

Naturally occurring phytochemicals especially polyphenolic compounds have received increasing attention as chemopreventive agents. The chemopreventive potential of the ethanolic extract of Salvadora persica L. fruits SP, (the arak tree or miswak) on 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinogenesis in female albino rats was investigated in this work. Ethanolic extract of SP fruits was supplemented to the experimental groups at a concentration of 500 mg/kg body weight for 22 weeks. Administration of SP extract suppressed DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis as revealed by incidence of tumors in histological investigation. There was a significant reduction in cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis with downregulation of estrogen receptor expression in the mammary tissue of SP-treated animals. Additionally, SP extract prevented the oxidative damage induced in breast tissues of DMBA-treated rats. SP treatment also decreased the viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and induced early and late apoptosis and induced S cell cycle arrest. The chemo-preventive properties and anticancer effects of SP could be attributed to its anti-oxidative and a high percentage of phenolic compounds and esters which were detected here in the SP fruit extract.

Investigation of the Anticancer Effect of α-Aminophosphonates and Arylidine Derivatives of 3-Acetyl-1-aminoquinolin-2(1H)-one on the DMBA Model of Breast Cancer in Albino Rats with In Silico Prediction of Their Thymidylate Synthase Inhibitory Effect.

Breast cancer is a major cause of death in women worldwide. In this study, 60 female rats were classified into 6 groups; negative control, α-aminophosphonates, arylidine derivatives of 3-acetyl-1-aminoquinolin-2(1H)-one, DMBA, DMBA & α-aminophosphonates, and DMBA & arylidine derivatives of 3-acetyl-1-aminoquinolin-2(1H)-one. New α-aminophosphonates and arylidine derivatives of 3-acetyl-1-aminoquinolin-2(1H)-one were synthesized and elucidated by different spectroscopic and elemental analysis. Histopathological examination showed marked proliferation of cancer cells in the DMBA group. Treatment with α-aminophosphonates mainly decreased tumor mass. Bcl2 expression increased in DMBA-administered rats and then declined in the treated groups, mostly with α-aminophosphonates. The level of CA15-3 markedly declined in DMBA groups treated with α-aminophosphonates and arylidine derivatives of 3-acetyl-1-aminoquinolin-2(1H)-one. Gene expression of GST-P, PCNA, PDK, and PIK3CA decreased in the DMBA group treated with α-aminophosphonates and arylidine derivatives of 3-acetyl-1-aminoquinolin-2(1H)-one, whereas PIK3R1 and BAX increased in the DMBA group treated with α-aminophosphonates and arylidine derivatives of 3-acetyl-1-aminoquinolin-2(1H)-one. The molecular docking postulated that the investigated compounds can inhibt the Thymidylate synthase TM due to high hydrophobicity charachter.

The attenuation effect of low piperine Piper nigrum extract on doxorubicin-induced toxicity of blood chemical and immunological properties in mammary tumour rats.

CONTEXT: Many natural extracts have been shown to minimize the toxicity of doxorubicin (Dox). Low piperine Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae) extract (PFPE) is a natural extract containing many types of antioxidants that may reduce Dox toxicities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of PFPE in attenuating the side effects of Dox. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tumour-bearing Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups including normal, vehicle, 100 mg/kg BW of PFPE plus 2 mg/kg BW of Dox (P100 + Dox), 100 mg/kg BW of PFPE plus 2 mg/kg BW of Dox (P200 + Dox) and Dox. Rats were treated with Dox and/or PFPE three times/week for 4 weeks. Tumour burden, blood parameters, weight of internal organs and immunological data were investigated. RESULTS: The addition of 200 mg/kg PFPE significantly restored the levels of AST from 174.60 ± 45.67 U/L in the Dox group near to normal levels at 109.80 ± 4.99 U/L. The combination of PFPE and Dox also decreased the levels of CXCL7, TIMP-1, sICAM-1 and l-selectin about 1.4-1.6-fold compared to Dox group. Feeding rats with 200 mg/kg BW of PFPE combination with Dox slightly increased Th1 from 161.67 ± 14.28 cells in Dox group to 200.75 ± 5.8 cells meanwhile suppressed Treg from 3088 ± 78 cells in Dox to 2561 ± 71 cells. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that PFPE ameliorated Dox toxicity in many aspects indicating the role of antioxidant and other substances in the extract on toxicity attenuation. This suggested the using of PFPE may be valuable for Dox treated patients.

A DNA Nanocomplex Containing Cascade DNAzymes and Promoter-Like Zn-Mn-Ferrite for Combined Gene/Chemo-dynamic Therapy.

Sequential control of exogenous chemical events inside cells is a promising way to regulate cell functions and fate. Herein we report a DNA nanocomplex containing cascade DNAzymes and promoter-like Zn-Mn-Ferrite (ZMF), achieving combined gene/chemo-dynamic therapy. The promoter-like ZMF decomposed in response to intratumoral glutathione to release a sufficient quantity of metal ions, thus promoting cascade DNA/RNA cleavage and free radical generation. Two kinds of DNAzymes were designed for sequential cascade enzymatic reaction, in which metal ions functioned as cofactors. The primary DNAzyme self-cleaved the DNA chain with Zn2+ as cofactor, and produced the secondary DNAzyme; the secondary DNAzyme afterwards cleaved the EGR-1 mRNA, and thus downregulated the expression of target EGR-1 protein, achieving DNAzyme-based gene therapy. Meanwhile, the released Zn2+ , Mn2+ and Fe2+ induced Fenton/Fenton-like reactions, during which free radicals were catalytically generated and efficient chemo-dynamic therapy was achieved. In a breast cancer mouse model, the administration of DNA nanocomplex led to a significant therapeutic efficacy of tumor growth suppression.

Chiral Cu2-xSe Nanoparticles for Enhanced Synergistic Cancer Chemodynamic/Photothermal Therapy in the Second Near-Infrared Biowindow.

Chiral nanomaterials have great potential in improving the clinical therapeutic effect due to the unique chiral selectivity of biosystems. However, such a promising therapeutic strategy has so far received little attention in cancer treatment. Here, we report a first chiral Fenton catalyst, d-/l-penicillamine-modified Cu2-xSe nanoparticles (d-/l-NPs), for enhanced synergistic cancer chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) under the second near-infrared (NIR-II) light irradiation. The chiral effect study of chiral Cu2-xSe NPs on cancer cells shows that d-NPs exhibit stronger CDT-induced cytotoxicity than l -NPs due to the stronger internalization ability. Moreover, the hydroxyl radicals (•OH) produced in d-NP-treated cancer cells via the CDT effect can be further improved by NIR-II light irradiation, thereby increasing the apoptosis of cancer cells. In vivo experiments show that, compared with l-NPs, d-NPs exhibit a stronger photothermal effect on the tumor site under NIR-II light irradiation and could completely eliminate the tumor under the synergistic effect of CDT and PTT. This work shows that the chirality of the surface ligand of the nanomaterials could significantly affect their cancer curative effect, which opens up a new way for the development of anticancer nanomedicine.

Can Photothermal Post-Operative Cancer Treatment Be Induced by a Thermal Trigger?

One of the current challenges in the post-operative treatment of breast cancer is to develop a local therapeutic vector for preventing recurrence and metastasis. Herein, we develop a core-shell fibrous scaffold comprising phase-change materials and photothermal/chemotherapy agents, as a thermal trigger for programmable-response drug release and synergistic treatment. The scaffold is obtained by in situ growth of a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) shell on the surface of poly(butylene succinate)/lauric acid (PBS/LA) phase-change fibers (PCFs) to create PCF@ZIF-8. After optimizing the core-shell and phase transition behavior, gold nanorods (GNRs) and doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) co-loaded PCF@ZIF-8 scaffolds were shown to significantly enhance in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy. In a healthy tissue microenvironment at pH 7.4, the ZIF-8 shell ensures the sustained release of DOX. If the tumor recurs, the acidic microenvironment induces the decomposition of the ZIF-8 shell. Under the second near-infrared (NIR-II) laser treatment, GNR-induced thermal not only directly destroys the relapsed tumor cells but also accelerates DOX release by inducing the phase transition of LA. Our study sheds light on a well-designed programmable-response trigger, which provides a promising strategy for post-operative recurrence prevention of cancer.

Antitumor Potential of Annona muricata Linn. An Edible and Medicinal Plant in Mexico: In Vitro, In Vivo, and Toxicological Studies.

Annona muricata (Am) is a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat cancer. In this study, ethanol extracts of Am collected in Acapulco and Tecpan from Guerrero state were evaluated orally on Balb/c mice inoculated with 4T1 cells, for cytotoxic activity (CA) on 4T1 cells, in brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA), and for acute oral toxicity in mice. In addition, ethanol extracts were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detection. Results showed that the extracts collected in December in Acapulco (AcDe) and Tecpan (TeDe) exhibited the most significant antitumor and cytotoxic activity. In the BSLA, the most important effect was observed in the extracts from Acapulco and Tecpan collected in June (AcJu) and August (TeAg), respectively. The samples from Acapulco (AcJu, and AcAg) and Tecpan (TeJu and TeAg) showed the highest toxicity. The analysis of the extracts, AcDe and TeDe, by HPLC revealed that flavonoids, rutin, narcissin, and nicotinflorin were the major components. These findings suggest that extracts from Am collected in Acapulco and Tecpan in the month of December may be an important source to obtain flavonoid glycosides with anticancer potential specifically against breast cancer. This also supports the use of Am to treat cancer in Mexican traditional medicine.

Attenuation of Tumor Development in Mammary Carcinoma Rats by Theacrine, an Antagonist of Adenosine 2A Receptor.

Caffeine has been reported to induce anti-tumor immunity for attenuating breast cancer by blocking the adenosine 2A receptor. Molecular modeling showed that theacrine, a purine alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine, might be an antagonist of the adenosine 2A receptor equivalent to or more effective than caffeine. Theacrine was further demonstrated to be an effective antagonist of the adenosine 2A receptor as its concurrent supplementation significantly reduced the elevation of AMPK phosphorylation level in MCF-7 human breast cells induced by CGS21680, an agonist of adenosine 2A receptors. In an animal model, the development of mammary carcinoma induced by 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in Sprague-Dawley rats could be attenuated by daily supplement of theacrine of 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight. Both expression levels of cleaved-caspase-3/pro-caspase-3 and granzyme B in tumor tissues were significantly elevated when theacrine was supplemented, indicating the induction of programmed cell death in tumor cells might be involved in the attenuation of mammary carcinoma. Similar to the caffeine, significant elevation of interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α was observed in the serum and tumor tissues of rats after the theacrine supplement of 50 mg/kg body weight. Taken together, theacrine is an effective antagonist of adenosine 2A receptors and possesses great potential to be used to attenuate breast cancer.

Mitochondria-Targeting MoS2-Based Nanoagents for Enhanced NIR-II Photothermal-Chemodynamic Synergistic Oncotherapy.

The synergy of chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) can improve anticancer efficacy, while the limited diffusion distance and the short lifetime of •OH still greatly restrict the therapeutic efficacy of PTT-CDT. Herein, MoS2@PDA-Fe@PEG/TPP (MPFPT) nanosheets (NSs) with mitochondria-targeting ability were reported for enhanced PTT-CDT synergistic oncotherapy. MPFPT NSs were prepared by covalent modification of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and triphenylphosphonium (TPP) on polydopamine (PDA)-Fe3+coated MoS2 NSs. Co-localization experiments showed that MPFPT NSs can efficiently target mitochondria via the direction of TPP. Moreover, MPFPT NSs have good photothermal performance in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) region and can greatly accelerate the Fenton reaction from H2O2 to generate more hydroxyl radicals (•OH). In vitro experimental results showed that MPFPT NSs have improved therapeutic efficacy to cancer cells than similar MoS2-based nanoagents without mitochondria-targeting units, which can be attributed to the short distance between mitochondria and MPFPT NSs and the efficient damage of mitochondria by in situ generated •OH. In the 4T1 tumor-bearing mice model, MPFPT NSs demonstrated significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy by PTT-CDT, suggesting the superiority of the mitochondria-targeting strategy. This study reveals that mitochondria-targeting MPFPT NSs are promising nanoagents for oncotherapy.

Intelligent Tumor Microenvironment-Activated Multifunctional Nanoplatform Coupled with Turn-on and Always-on Fluorescence Probes for Imaging-Guided Cancer Treatment.

Intrinsic tumor microenvironment (TME)-related therapeutic resistance and nontumor-specific imaging have limited the application of imaging-guided cancer therapy. Herein, a TME-responsive MnO2-based nanoplatform coupled with turn-on and always-on fluorescence probes was designed through a facile biomineralization method for imaging-guided photodynamic/chemodynamic/photothermal therapy (PDT/CDT/PTT). After the tumor-targeting delivery of the AuNCs@MnO2-ICG@AS1411 (AMIT) nanoplatform via aptamer AS1411, the TME-responsive dissociation of MnO2 generated sufficient O2 and Mn2+ with the consumption of GSH for improving PDT efficacy and Fenton-like reaction-mediated CDT. Simultaneously, the released small-sized ICG and AuNCs facilitated PDT and PTT efficacy via the deep tumor penetration. Moreover, the turn-on fluorescence of AuNCs revealed the real-time TME-responsive MnO2 degradation process, and the always-on ICG fluorescence enabled the in situ monitoring of the payload distribution in vitro and in vivo. The AMIT NPs also provided magnetic resonance and thermal imaging guidance for the enhanced PDT, CDT, and PTT. Therefore, this all-in-one nanosystem provides a simple and versatile strategy for multiple imaging-guided theranostic applications.

Photo-Driven Delivery of 125I-Labeled Nanomicelles for Nucleus-Targeted Internal Conversion Electron-Based Cancer Therapy.

As a kind of high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, internal conversion electrons are emitted from some radionuclides, such as 125I, triggering severe DNA damage to tumor cells when transported into the nucleus. Herein, we develop a curcumin-loaded nanomicelle composed of a photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) and amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol) (poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene)-poly(ethylene glycol) (C18-PMH-PEG)) to deliver 125I into the nucleus under 660 nm laser irradiation, leading to the optimized imaging-guided internal conversion electron therapy of cancer. Ce6-containing nanomicelles (Ce6-C18-PEG) self-assemble with nucleus-targeted curcumin (Cur), obtaining Ce6-C18-PEG/Cur nanoparticles. After labeling Cur with 125I, Ce6-C18-PEG/Cur enables single-photon emission computed tomography and fluorescence imaging of the tumor, serving as a guide for follow-up laser irradiation. Notably, the 660 nm laser-triggered photodynamic reaction of Ce6 optimizes the delivery of Ce6-C18-PEG/125I-Cur at various stages, including tumor accumulation, cellular uptake, and lysosome escape, causing plenty of 125I-Cur to enter the nucleus. By this strategy, Ce6-C18-PEG/125I-Cur showed optimal antitumor efficacy and high biosafety in mice treated with local 660 nm laser irradiation using efficient energy deposition of internally converted electrons over short distances. Therefore, our work provides a novel strategy to optimize 125I delivery for tumor treatment.

Se-modified gold nanorods for enhancing the efficiency of photothermal therapy: avoiding the off-target problem induced by biothiols.

Tumor-targeting gold nanorods (AuNRs) assembled through Au-S bonds have been widely used for photothermal therapy (PTT) via intravenous injection. However, with extended in vivo circulation times, biothiols can replace some S-modified targeting ligands on the surface of the AuNRs, which lowers their targeting efficacy towards cancer cells, resulting in a non-ideal PTT effect. To address this problem, herein, we utilized Se-modified AuNRs to establish a dual functional nanoprobe (Casp-RGD-Se-AuNRs) for improving the therapeutic effect and real-time monitoring of Caspase-9 levels to indicate the degree of cell apoptosis. The experiments demonstrated that the Casp-RGD-Se-AuNRs are better at avoiding interference from biothiols than the S-modified nanoprobe (Casp-RGD-S-AuNRs) for extended blood-circulation times after intravenous injection, significantly improving the PTT efficacy via more effectively targeting cancer cells. Simultaneously, the change of Caspase-9 levels visually shows the degree of apoptosis. Moreover, an in vivo study showed that, compared with the S-modified nanoprobe, the Se-modified nanoprobe exhibits a higher delivery efficiency to the tumor region after intravenous injection (accumulation in the tumor increased by 87%) and a better anticancer efficacy under NIR light irradiation (the tumor inhibition rate increased 6-fold). This work provides a valuable strategy to overcome the off-target problem, and new ideas for avoiding interference by biomolecules during blood circulation.

Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract Concomitantly Supplemented with Chemotherapy Worsens Tumor Progression in Mice with Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Obesity.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and highly metastatic breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options. Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with a worse prognosis in those with TNBC. Moringa oleifera (moringa) is a tropical edible plant used for both food and medicinal purposes and found to have anti-obesity and anti-cancer effects in vitro and in preclinical models. The anti-cancer effects of moringa seed extract alone and in combination with chemotherapy were evaluated in immunocompromised female mice with diet-induced obesity bearing MDA-MB-231-derived xenograft tumors. Moringa supplementation protected against high-fat diet- and chemotherapy-induced increases in fasting glucose and improved insulin sensitivity. Moringa supplementation alone did not attenuate tumor growth relative to chemotherapy alone, and in combination worsened tumor progression. Moringa supplementation alone reduced angiogenesis, but this effect was abrogated in combination with chemotherapy. Moringa supplementation may be an effective strategy to improve metabolic health in mice with obesity and TNBC and reduce angiogenesis in tumors, but may have a negative interaction when used as a concurrent complementary therapy. Caution should be taken when considering the consumption of moringa seed extracts while receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment. Further investigations of alternative timings of moringa therapy are warranted.

Facile synthesis of biocompatible magnetic titania nanorods for T1-magnetic resonance imaging and enhanced phototherapy of cancers.

Cancer treatment has been recently energized by nanomaterials that simultaneously offer diagnostic and therapeutic effects. Among the imaging and treatment modalities in frontline research today, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and phototherapy have gained significant interest due to their noninvasiveness among other intriguing benefits. Herein, Fe(iii) was adsorbed on titanium dioxide to develop magnetic Fe-TiO2 nanocomposites (NCs) which leverage the Fe moiety in a double-edge-sword approach to: (i) achieve T1-weighted MRI contrast enhancement, and (ii) improve the well-established photodynamic therapeutic efficacy of TiO2 nanoparticles. Interestingly, the proposed NCs exhibit classic T1 MRI contrast agent properties (r1 = 1.16 mM-1 s-1) that are comparable to those of clinically available contrast agents. Moreover, the NCs induce negligible cytotoxicity in traditional methods and show remarkable support to the proliferation of intestine organoids, an advanced toxicity evaluation system based on three-dimensional organoids, which could benefit their potential safe application for in vivo cancer theranostics. Aided by the Fenton reaction contribution of the Fe component of the Fe-TiO2 NCs, considerable photo-killing of cancer cells is achieved upon UV irradiation at very low (2.5 mW cm-2) intensity in typical cancer PDT. It is therefore expected that this study will guide the engineering of other biocompatible magnetic titania-based nanosystems with multi-faceted properties for biomedical applications.

Discovery of 8,9-seco-ent-Kaurane Diterpenoids as Potential Leads for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a lethal malignancy without safe and effective therapeutic drugs. In this study, the anti-TNBC bioassay-guided isolation of the medicinal plant Croton kongensis followed by the structural modification led to the construction of a small ent-kaurane diterpenoid library (1-25). With subsequent biological screening, 20 highly potent compounds (IC50s < 3 µM) were identified. Among them, 8,9-seco-ent-kaurane 6 displayed comparable activity (IC50s ∼ 80 nM) to doxorubicin but with better selectivity. The analysis of structure-activity relationships suggested that the cleavage of the C8-C9 bond and the presence of α,ß-unsaturated ketone moiety were essential for the activity. The mechanistic study revealed that 6 induced apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis suppression in TNBC cells via inhibition of Akt. In vivo, 6 significantly suppressed the TNBC tumor growth without causing side effects. All these results suggested that 6 may serve as a promising lead for the development of novel anti-TNBC agents in the future.

An "all-in-one" strategy based on the organic molecule DCN-4CQA for effective NIR-fluorescence-imaging-guided dual phototherapy.

Dual phototherapy combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) is considered to be a more effective therapeutic method against cancer than single treatment. Therefore, the development of a single material with both near-infrared (NIR)-laser-triggered PDT and PTT abilities is highly desirable but remains a great challenge. A design philosophy for photosensitizers for integrated PDT and PTT treatment has been put forward: (1) a high molar extinction coefficient in the NIR region; (2) suitable LUMO and T1 energy levels to regulate intersystem crossing for effective singlet oxygen (1O2) generation for PDT; and (3) the suppression of fluorescence emission to enhance the process of nonradiative transition with appropriate chemical modifications. Herein, an "all-in-one" functional material, di-cyan substituted 5,12-dibutylquinacridone (DCN-4CQA), for diagnosis and therapy was obtained. DCN-4CQA possesses dual-functional phototherapeutic activity and NIR fluorescence and it was produced via a facile synthesis process from the classic organic photoelectric material quinacridone. We then prepared smart water-soluble nanoparticles (NPs), DCN-4CQA/F127, using Pluronic® 127 (F127) as a drug carrier. The NPs exhibited excellent biocompatibility, robust photostability, NIR fluorescence, a high photothermal conversion efficiency (η = 47.3%), and sufficient 1O2 generation (ΦΔ = 24.3%) under NIR laser irradiation. Remarkably, the DCN-4CQA/F127 NPs significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice subjected to NIR laser irradiation. This study provides a new route for the development of highly efficient, low-cytotoxicity photosensitizers for fluorescence-imaging-guided PTT/PDT.

Effect of Genistein Supplementation on the Progression of Neoplasms and the Level of the Modified Nucleosides in Rats With Mammary Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of nano-, micro-, and macro-sized-genistein on the growth and development of neoplasms in rats with mammary cancer. Additionally, the effect on the kinetics of changes (9-11-17-20 week of a rat's life) in the levels of methyl derivatives: 1-methyladenine, 3-methyladenine, 7-methylguanine, 1-methylguanine, 1-methyladenosine, 7-methylguanosine, O-methyl-guanosine and N6-methyl-2'-deoxyguanosine in the urine of rats was analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 4 groups were used in the study. Animals were fed only a control diet or diets supplemented with the nano-, micro- and macro-sized genistein. To induce the mammary adenocarcinoma, rats were treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Modified nucleosides were determined by a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: The supplementation of the diet of animals with genistein resulted in an increase in the excretion of methylated derivatives in the urine of rats. In the animals receiving standard diet, the levels of methyl derivatives increased during the study or remained relatively low. In the case of animals whose diet was supplemented with the various forms of genistein, the levels of methylated derivatives were very high from the beginning. CONCLUSION: High levels of methyl derivatives can influence carcinogenesis.