The numerous facets of 1q21+ in multiple myeloma: Pathogenesis, clinicopathological features, prognosis and clinical progress (Review).

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm characterized by the clonal proliferation of abnormal plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow and recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities. The incidence of MM worldwide is on the rise. 1q21+ has been found in ~30-40% of newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients.1q21+ is associated with the pathophysiological mechanisms of disease progression and drug resistance in MM. In the present review, the pathogenesis and clinicopathological features of MM patients with 1q21+ were studied, the key data of 1q21+ on the prognosis of MM patients were summarized, and the clinical treatment significance of MM patients with 1q21+ was clarified, in order to provide reference for clinicians to develop treatment strategies targeting 1q21+.

Paris saponin-induced autophagy promotes breast cancer cell apoptosis via the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Paris saponins possess anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects. However, the anticancer effect of Paris saponins has not been well elucidated and the mechanisms underlying the potential function of Paris saponins in cancer therapy are needed to be further identify. In this study, we report that saponin compounds isolated from Paris polyphylla exhibited antitumor activity against breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Paris saponin XA-2 induced apoptosis in both cell lines, as evidenced by the activation of caspases and cleavage of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. The ability of XA-2 to induce autophagy was confirmed by acridine orange staining, accumulation of autophagosome-bound Long chain 3 (LC3)-II, and measurement of autophagic flux. XA-2-induced autophagy was observed to promote apoptosis by the combined treatment of breast cancer cell lines with XA-2 and autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine and bafilomycin A1, respectively. Moreover, we report a decrease in the levels of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway proteins, such as the phosphorylated forms of Akt, mTOR, P70S6K, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1). Taken together, these results provide important insights explaining the anticancer activity of Paris saponins and the potential development of XA-2 as a new therapeutic agent.