OBJECTIVE: To examine the mechanism of action of tanshinone II A (Tan II A) in promoting chemosensitization of osteosarcoma cells to cisplatin (DDP). METHODS: The effects of different concentrations of Tan II A (0-80 µ mol/L) and DDP (0-2 µ mol/L) on the proliferation of osteosarcoma cell lines (U2R, U2OS, 143B, and HOS) at different times were examined using the cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays. Migration and invasion of U2R and U2OS cells were detected after 24 h treatment with 30 µ mol/L Tan II A, 0.5 µ mol/L DDP alone, and a combination of 10 µ mol/L Tan II A and 0.25 µ mol/L DDP using the transwell assay. After 48 h of treatment of U2R and U2OS cells with predetermined concentrations of each group of drugs, the cell cycle was analyzed using a cell cycle detection kit and flow cytometry. After 48 h treatment, apoptosis of U2R and U2OS cells was detected using annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection kit and flow cytometry. U2R cells were inoculated into the unilateral axilla of nude mice and then the mice were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 nude mice each. The 4 groups were treated with equal volume of Tan II A (15 mg/kg), DDP (3 mg/kg), Tan II A (7.5 mg/kg) + DDP (1.5 mg/kg), and normal saline, respectively. The body weight of the nude mice was weighed, and the tumor volume and weight were measured. Cell-related gene and signaling pathway expression were detected by RNA sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. p38 MAPK signaling pathway proteins and apoptotic protein expressions were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: In vitro studies have shown that Tan II A, DDP and the combination of Tan II A and DDP inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. The inhibitory effect was more pronounced in the Tan II A and DDP combined treatment group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Osteosarcoma cells underwent significantly cell-cycle arrest and cell apoptosis by Tan II A-DDP combination treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In vivo studies demonstrated that the Tan II A-DD combination treatment group significantly inhibited tumor growth compared to the Tan II A and DDP single drug group (P<0.01). Additionally, we found that the combination of Tan II A and DDP treatment enhanced the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Western blot assays showed higher p-p38, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax and lower caspase-3, and Bcl-2 expressions with the combination of Tan II A and DDP treatment compared to the single drug treatment (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Tan II A synergizes with DDP by activating the p38/MAPK pathway to upregulate cleaved caspase-3 and Bax pro-apoptotic gene expressions, and downregulate caspase-3 and Bcl-2 inhibitory apoptotic gene expressions, thereby enhancing the chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to DDP.
Abietanes/therapeutic use* ; Osteosarcoma/enzymology* ; Cisplatin/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Animals ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Mice, Nude ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Bone Neoplasms/enzymology* ; Cell Cycle/drug effects* ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Mice ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects* ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic potential of pseudolaric acid B (PAB) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its underlying molecular mechanism in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice (n=32) were fed either a normal chow diet (NCD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. The HFD mice were divided into 3 groups according to a simple random method, including HFD, PAB low-dose [10 mg/(kg·d), PAB-L], and PAB high-dose [20 mg/(kg·d), PAB-H] groups. After 8 weeks of treatment, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance were assessed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). Biochemical assays were used to measure the serum and cellular levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). White adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT) and liver tissue were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining or Oil Red O staining to observe the alterations in adipose tissue and liver injury. PharmMapper and DisGeNet were used to predict the NAFLD-related PAB targets. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) pathway involvement was suggested by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and search tool Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) analyses. Luciferase reporter assay, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and drug affinity responsive target stability assay (DARTS) were conducted to confirm direct binding of PAB with PPARα. Molecular dynamics simulations were applied to further validate target engagement. RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to assess the downstream genes and proteins expression, and validated by PPARα inhibitor MK886. RESULTS: PAB significantly reduced serum TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, and ALT levels, and increased HDL-C level in HFD mice (P<0.01). Target prediction analysis indicated a significant correlation between PAB and PPARα pathway. PAB direct target binding with PPARα was confirmed through luciferase reporter assay, CETSA, and DARTS (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The target engagement between PAB and PPARα protein was further confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations and the top 3 amino acid residues, LEU321, MET355, and PHE273 showed the most significant changes in mutational energy. Subsequently, PAB upregulated the genes expressions involved in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis downstream of PPARα (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Significantly, the PPARα inhibitor MK886 effectively reversed the lipid-lowering and PPARα activation properties of PAB (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION PAB mitigates lipid accumulation, ameliorates liver damage, and improves mitochondrial biogenesis by binding with PPARα, thus presenting a potential candidate for pharmaceutical development in the treatment of NAFLD.
Animals ; PPAR alpha/metabolism* ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/pathology* ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Lipid Metabolism/drug effects* ; Diterpenes/therapeutic use* ; Organelle Biogenesis ; Diet, High-Fat ; Humans ; Mice ; Liver/metabolism* ; Insulin Resistance ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Molecular Docking Simulation

OBJECTIVES: Oxaliplatin (OXA) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are 2 commonly used chemotherapeutic agents for colorectal cancer (CRC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) play crucial roles in the development of chemoresistance in various cancers. However, the role and mechanism of miR-224-5p in regulating CRC chemoresistance remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the function of miR-224-5p in chemoresistant CRC cells and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: CRC datasets GSE28702 and GSE69657 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed miRNAs between drug-sensitive and resistant groups (OXA or 5-FU) were analyzed, and miR-224-5p was identified as the target miRNA. Chemoresistant cell lines HCT15-OXR, HCT15-5-FU, SW480-OXR, and SW480-5-FU were established. Transient transfections were performed using miR-224-5p mimics, inhibitors, and their respective negative controls (control mimic, control inhibitor) in these cell lines. Cells were treated with different concentrations of OXA or 5-FU post-transfection, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was determined using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. The expression levels of miR-224-5p, LC3, and P62 were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and/or Western blotting. Autophagic flux was assessed using a tandem fluorescent-tagged LC3 reporter assay. TargetScan 8.0, miRTarBase, miRPathDB, and HADb were used to predict B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) as a potential miR-244-5p target, which was further validated by dual-luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS: Chemoresistant CRC cells exhibited down-regulated miR-224-5p expression, whereas up-regulation of miR-224-5p enhanced chemotherapy sensitivity. Exposure to OXA or 5-FU significantly increased autophagic activity in chemoresistant CRC cells, which was reversed by miR-224-5p overexpression. Dual-luciferase assays verified Bcl-2 as a direct target of miR-224-5p. CONCLUSIONS MiR-224-5p regulates chemoresistance in CRC by modulating autophagy through direct targeting of Bcl-2.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/physiology* ; Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Fluorouracil/pharmacology* ; Oxaliplatin ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

Objective:Multi-drug resistant bacterial infection（MRSA） complications occurring in cochlear implant recipients is rare and of serious consequence. This paper aimed to summarize the treatment experience of a patient with MRSA infection after cochlear implantation. A patient with nasopharyngeal malignant tumor after radiotherapy developed to severe sensorineural deafness. She suffered MRSA infection nine days after cochlear implantation. Since the wound failed to heal after weeks of topical and systemic sensitive antibiotic therapy, the patient underwent surgery for wound debridement. The stimulator-receiver and the electrode of the implant was removed, negative pressure wound therapy was applied, and systemic anti-infection treatment with sensitive antibiotics for weeks, the patients recovered and was discharged from hospital 69 days after infection.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation/adverse effects* ; Female ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Staphylococcal Infections/therapy* ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Cochlear Implants ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use* ; Postoperative Complications ; Middle Aged

Five novel nor-eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids, peniroqueforins E-H and J (1-4 and 7), two new eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids, peniroqueforins I and K (5 and 8), and a new eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoid, peniroqueforin L (9), along with four known compounds (6 and 10-12), were isolated and characterized from fungus Penicillium roqueforti (P. roqueforti). The structures and absolute configurations of these compounds were determined through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data analyses, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The anti-multi-drug resistance (MDR) cancer activity of these compounds was evaluated using SW620/Ad300 cells. Notably, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of paclitaxel (PTX) combined with 1 in SW620/Ad300 cells was 50.36 nmol·L^-1, which was 65-fold more potent than PTX alone (IC₅₀ 3.26 μmol·L^-1). Subsequent molecular docking studies revealed an affinity between compound 1 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), suggesting that this nor-eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoid (1) could serve as a potential lead for MDR reversal in cancer cells through P-gp inhibition.
Penicillium/chemistry* ; Humans ; Sesquiterpenes/isolation & purification* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Molecular Structure ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects* ; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology* ; Drug Resistance, Multiple/drug effects* ; Molecular Docking Simulation

Coptis chinensis Franch. and Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. are traditional herbal medicines with millennia of documented use and broad therapeutic applications, including anti-diabetic properties. However, the synergistic effect of total alkaloids from Coptis chinensis and total ginsenosides from Panax ginseng on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. The research demonstrated that the optimal ratio of total alkaloids from Coptis chinensis and total ginsenosides from Panax ginseng was 4∶1, exhibiting maximal efficacy in improving insulin resistance and gluconeogenesis in primary mouse hepatocytes. This combination demonstrated significant synergistic effects in improving glucose tolerance, reducing fasting blood glucose (FBG), the weight ratio of epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice. Subsequently, a T2DM liver-specific network was constructed based on RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments and public databases by integrating transcriptional properties of disease-associated proteins and protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The network recovery index (NRI) score of the combined treatment group with a 4∶1 ratio exceeded that of groups treated with individual components. The research identified that activated adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) signaling in the liver played a crucial role in the synergistic treatment of T2DM, as verified by western blot experiment in db/db mice. These findings demonstrate that the 4∶1 combination of total alkaloids from Coptis chinensis and total ginsenosides from Panax ginseng significantly improves insulin resistance and glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice, surpassing the efficacy of individual treatments. The synergistic mechanism correlates with enhanced AMPK/ACC signaling pathway activity.
Animals ; Panax/chemistry* ; Ginsenosides/administration & dosage* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism* ; Mice ; Male ; Alkaloids/pharmacology* ; Coptis/chemistry* ; Drug Synergism ; Insulin Resistance ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Humans ; Transcriptome/drug effects* ; Blood Glucose/metabolism* ; Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Hepatocytes/metabolism*

Cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) impairs the therapeutic efficacy of various chemotherapeutics. Novel approaches, particularly the development of MDR reversal agents, are critically needed to address this challenge. This study demonstrates that tenacissoside I (TI), a compound isolated from Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Wight et Arn, traditionally used in clinical practice as an ethnic medicine for cancer treatment, exhibits significant MDR reversal effects in ABCB1-mediated MDR cancer cells. TI reversed the resistance of SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells to doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PAC) by downregulating ABCB1 expression and reducing ABCB1 drug transport function. Mechanistically, protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), whose expression correlates with poor prognosis and shows positive association with both ABCB1 and EGFR expressions in tumor tissues, was differentially expressed in TI-treated SW620/AD300 cells. SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells exhibited elevated levels of EGFR asymmetric dimethylarginine (aDMA) and enhanced PRMT1-EGFR interaction compared to their parental cells. Moreover, TI-induced PRMT1 downregulation impaired PRMT1-mediated aDMA of EGFR, PRMT1-EGFR interaction, and EGFR downstream signaling in SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells. These effects were significantly reversed by PRMT1 overexpression. Additionally, TI demonstrated resistance reversal to PAC in xenograft models without detectable toxicities. This study establishes TI's MDR reversal effect in ABCB1-mediated MDR human cancer cells through inhibition of PRMT1-mediated aDMA of EGFR, suggesting TI's potential as an MDR modulator for improving chemotherapy outcomes.
Humans ; Protein-Arginine N-Methyltransferases/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects* ; ErbB Receptors/genetics* ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Resistance, Multiple/drug effects* ; Methylation/drug effects* ; Saponins/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/genetics* ; Doxorubicin/pharmacology* ; Paclitaxel/pharmacology* ; Female ; Repressor Proteins

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen widely distributed in hospital settings. It can survive for a long time and cause a variety of infections, including pneumonia, septicemia, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. The bacterium demonstrates extensive resistance, particularly to critical antibiotics like carbapenems and polymyxins, posing a serious threat to the recovery of severely ill patients. Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii has been designated as a pathogen of critical priority on the World Health Organization (WHO) Bacterial Pathogen Priority List, requiring urgent development of new therapeutic agents. Phages, as a novel biological control approach, exhibit substantial potential in combating A. baumannii infections due to their specific ability to infect and lyse bacteria. This review highlights the application and potential of phages and phage-derived enzymes against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii, considering the epidemiological trends of A. baumannii in China, with the aim of providing innovative insights and strategies for phage therapy of drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects* ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Phage Therapy/methods* ; Acinetobacter Infections/microbiology* ; Humans ; Bacteriophages/physiology* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent type of cancer with a high mortality rate in its late stages. One of the major challenges in OSCC treatment is the resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. Therefore, it is imperative to elucidate the mechanism underlying drug resistance and develop appropriate precision therapy strategies to enhance clinical efficacy. METHODS: To evaluate the efficacy of the combination of the Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMK2) inhibitor KN93 and EGFR inhibitors, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using two FAT atypical cadherin 1 ( FAT1 )-deficient (SCC9 and SCC25) and two FAT1 wild-type (SCC47 and HN12) OSCC cell lines. We assessed the effects of EGFR inhibitors (afatinib or cetuximab), KN93, or their combination on the malignant phenotype of OSCC in vivo and in vitro . The alterations in protein expression levels of members of the EGFR signaling pathway and SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2) were analyzed. Changes in the yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) protein were characterized. Moreover, we analyzed mitochondrial dysfunction. Besides, the effects of combination therapy on mitochondrial dynamics were also evaluated. RESULTS: OSCC with FAT1 mutations exhibited resistance to EGFR inhibitors treatment. The combination of KN93 and EGFR inhibitors significantly inhibited the proliferation, survival, and migration of FAT1 -mutated OSCC cells and suppressed tumor growth in vivo . Mechanistically, combination therapy enhanced the therapeutic sensitivity of FAT1 -mutated OSCC cells to EGFR inhibitors by modulating the EGFR pathway and downregulated tumor stemness-related proteins. Furthermore, combination therapy induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and disrupted mitochondrial dynamics, ultimately resulting in tumor suppression. CONCLUSION Combination therapy with EGFR inhibitors and KN93 could be a novel precision therapeutic strategy and a potential clinical solution for EGFR-resistant OSCC patients with FAT1 mutations.
Humans ; ErbB Receptors/metabolism* ; Mouth Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Animals ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics* ; Cadherins/metabolism* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism* ; Mice ; Mutation/genetics* ; Mice, Nude ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Cetuximab/pharmacology* ; Afatinib/therapeutic use* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

The Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog ( KRAS ) mutation is one of the most prevalent activating alterations in cancer. It indicates a poor overall prognosis due to its highly invasive nature. Although several KRAS inhibitors have been developed in recent years, a significant clinical challenge has emerged as a substantial proportion of patients eventually develop resistance to these therapies. Therefore, identifying determinants of drug resistance is critical for guiding treatment strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mutation landscape and molecular mechanisms of KRAS activity in various cancers. Meanwhile, it summaries the progress and prospects of small molecule KRAS inhibitors undergoing clinical trials. Furthemore, this review explores potential strategies to overcome drug resistance, with the ultimate goal of steering toward patient-centric precision oncology in the foreseeable future.
Humans ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/metabolism* ; Mutation/genetics* ; Neoplasms/genetics* ; Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use*