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Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors that arise from connective tissue and can occur anywhere in the body. Among the plethora of over 50 different STS types, liposarcoma (LPS) is one of the most common. The subtypes of STS are characterized by distinct differences in tumor biology that drive responses to pharmacologic therapy and disparate oncologic outcomes. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) are a heterogeneous class of regulatory RNAs involved in the regulation of gene expression by targeting mRNAs. Among the several types of sncRNAs, miRNAs and tRNA-derived ncRNAs are the most studied in the context of tumor biology, and we are learning more about the role of these molecules as important regulators of STS tumorigenesis and differentiation. However, challenges remain in translating these findings and no biomarkers or therapeutic approaches targeting sncRNAs have been developed for clinical use. In this review, we summarize the current landscape of sncRNAs in the context of STS with an emphasis on LPS, including the role of sncRNAs in the tumorigenesis and differentiation of these rare malignancies and their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Finally, we provide an appraisal of published studies and outline future directions to study sncRNAs in STS, including tRNA-derived ncRNAs.

In biology and medicine, hypoxia refers to reduced oxygen tension or oxygen starvation resulting from various environmental or pathological conditions. Prolonged hypoxia may lead to an imbalance in protein production and a loss of muscle mass in animals. The physiological response to hypoxia includes oxidative stress-induced activation of complex cell-signaling networks such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT). Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural sulfur compound that regulates HIF-1α expression and provides cytoprotection from oxidative stress. In this study, we explored the anti-hypoxic activity and cytoprotective effect of MSM in cobalt chloride (CoClWe used western blotting, real time PCR, flow cytometry for molecular signaling studies and we also used MTT assay and ChIP assay along with comet assay for cellular processes.MSM prevented the CoClWe suggest MSM can be considered as a candidate drug for reducing the effects of hypoxia in both animals and humans.

Background/aim Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Small molecule-based chemotherapy is an attractive approach for the chemoprevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural organosulfur compound with anticancer properties, as revealed by studies on in vitro models of gingival, prostate, lung, hepatic, and breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of MSM in colon cancer cells remain unclear. Materials and methods Here, we investigated the effects of MSM, especially on the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, in HT-29 cells. Results MSM suppressed the viability of HT-29 cells by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. MSM suppressed the sphere-forming ability and expression of stemness markers in HT-29 cells. Conclusion MSM has anti-cancer effects on HT-29 cells, and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, while suppressing the stemness potential.

Background/aim Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one among the most common cancers worldwide. Recently, dietary phytochemicals have been reported as an attractive approach to improve the symptoms of NSCLC patients. Tannic acid is a natural polyphenol, which is known to have anticancer effects on in vitro models of breast, gingival and colon cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms associated with the actions of tannic acid on A549 human lung cancer cells have not been elucidated. Materials and methods In this study, we analyzed the effect of tannic acid on A549 cells and their underlying mechanisms using western blotting, flow cytometry, invasion assay and tumorsphere formation assay. Results Tannic acid treatment suppressed the viability of A549 cells through cell cycle arrest and induction of the intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. In addition, the various malignant phenotypes of A549 cells including invasion, migration, and stemness were inhibited by tannic acid treatment. Conclusion Tannic acid could be used as an effective inhibitor of lung cancer progression.

Embryonic cancer cells (CSCs) could cause different types of cancer, a skill that makes them even more dangerous than other cancer cells. Identifying CSCs using natural products is a good option as it inhibits the recurrence of cancer with moderate various effects. Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted from fruit and herbal remedies and has known anticancer functions against various cancer cells. However, its potential against CSCs remains uncertain. This study was planned to examine the induction of cell apoptosis by the UA. For cell signaling studies, we performed experiments, which are real-time qPCR and immunoblotting. Also, various cellular processes were analyzed using flow cytometry. The results raised a barrier to cell proliferation by the UA in NTERA-2 and NCCIT cells. Morphological studies also confirmed the UA’s ability to cause cell death in embryonic CSCs. Examination of cell death importation showed that the UA formed the expression of the iNOS and thus the cell generation and mitochondrial reactive oxygen generation, which created a reaction to cellular DNA damage by raising the protein levels of phospho-histone ATR and ATM. In addition, the UA created the binding of the G0/G1 cell cycle to NTERA-2 and NCCIT cells, improved the expression levels of p21 and p27, and reduced the expression levels of CDK4, cyclin D1, and cyclin E, confirming the UA’s ability to initiate cell cycle arrest. Finally, the UA created an internal mechanism of apoptosis in the embryonic CSC using BAX and cytochrome c regulation as well as the regulation of BCL-xL and BCL-2 proteins. Therefore, UA could be the best candidate for targeting CSCs and thus suppressing the emergence of cancer.

Recently, natural compounds have been used globally for cancer treatment studies. Silibinin is a natural compound extracted from Silybum marianum (milk thistle), which has been suggested as an anticancer drug through various studies. Studies on its activity in various cancers are undergoing. This study demonstrated the molecular signaling behind the anticancer activity of silibinin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis were performed for molecular signaling analysis. Wound healing assay, invasion assay, and in vitro angiogenesis were performed for the anticancer activity of silibinin. The results indicated that silibinin inhibited A549, H292, and H460 cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner, as confirmed by the induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, migration, and invasion. This study also assessed the role of silibinin in suppressing tumorsphere formation using the tumorsphere formation assay. By binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), silibinin downregulated phosphorylated EGFR expression, which then inhibited its downstream targets, the JAK2/STAT5 and PI3K/AKT pathways, and thereby reduced matrix metalloproteinase, PD-L1, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Binding analysis demonstrated that STAT5 binds to the PD-L1 promoter region in the nucleus and silibinin inhibited the STAT5/PD-L1 complex. Altogether, silibinin could be considered as a candidate for tumor immunotherapy and cancer stem cell-targeted therapy.

Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and STAT3 signaling is considered a major pathway in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) is an inflammatory response receptor that activates JAK2 during inflammation. STAT3 is a transcription factor for the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in inflammation. Sulfur is an essential element in the amino acids and is required for growth and development. Non-toxic sulfur (NTS) can be used in livestock feeds as it lacks toxicity. The present study aimed to inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in C2C12 myoblasts using NTS by regulating TLR-4 and JAK2/STAT3 signaling via the modulation of IL-6. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was conducted to analyze cell viability and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting performed to measure mRNA and protein expression levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the binding activity of proteins. The results indicated that NTS demonstrated a protective effect against LPS-induced cell death and inhibited LPS-induced expression of TLR-4, JAK2, STAT3 and IL-6. In addition, NTS inhibited the expression of nuclear phosphorylated-STAT3 and its binding to the IL-6 promoter. Therefore, NTS may be a potential candidate drug for the treatment of inflammation.

Ketosis is a condition where ketone bodies are produced as an alternative energy source, due to insufficient glucose for energy production so that the body switches from carbohydrate metabolism to mostly fat metabolism. In this study, we examined the anti-ketosis effects of silibinin, a major active component of silymarin. We induced ketosis in FL83B mouse hepatocytes in vitro by culturing in low glucose media and compared results to hepatocytes maintained in high-glucose conditions. We quantified β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels with a colorimetric assay. In low-glucose conditions, silibinin reduced the amount of BHB produced, compared to high-glucose conditions; thus, silibinin exhibited an anti-ketotic effect. Ketone body formation during beta oxidation is mediated by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2). The nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) regulates the transcription of HMGCS2, and plays a vital role in BHB levels. We showed that silibinin inhibited the expression of HMGCS2 and NF-kB at transcriptional and translational levels. Silibinin also inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-kB and its DNA binding activity. To elucidate the relationship between HMGCS2 and NF-kB, we tested inhibited and over-expressed NF-kB. We found that NF-kB acted as a positive regulator for HMGCS2 under ketosis treatment conditions.

Targeted therapy based on natural compounds is one of the best approaches against non-small cell lung cancer. Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from medicinal herbs, has anticancer activity. Studies on the molecular mechanism underlying UA’s anticancer activity are ongoing. Here, we demonstrated UA’s anticancer activity and the underlying signaling mechanisms. We used Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for molecular signaling analysis. We also used in vitro angiogenesis, wound healing, and invasion assays to study UA’s anticancer activity. In addition, we used tumorsphere formation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays for binding studies. The results showed that UA inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H460 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. UA exerted anticancer effects by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. It also inhibited tumor angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and tumorsphere formation. The molecular mechanism underlying UA activity involves UA’s binding to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), reducing the level of phospho-EGFR, and thus inhibiting the downstream JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Furthermore, UA reduced the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), metalloproteinases (MMPs) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), as well as the formation of STAT3/MMP2 and STAT3/PD-L1 complexes. Altogether, UA exhibits anticancer activities by inhibiting MMP2 and PD-L1 expression through EGFR/JAK2/STAT3 signaling.

Background: γ-Poly-Glutamic Acid (γ-PGA) is a naturally occurring homo-polyamide produced by various strains of Bacillus. It is made from repeating units of L-glutamic acid, D-glutamic acid, or both connected through amide linkages between α-amino and γ-carboxylic acid groups. As a biopolymer substance, the attractive properties of γ-PGA are that it is water-soluble, biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic, non-immunogenic, and edible. Therefore, it can be used as a green and environmentally friendly biological material. Methods: The review concentrates on the reports revealing the functions and potential use of γ-PGA and its derivatives in medicine. Results & Discussion: γ-PGA is described to possess several properties that may be exploited in medicine. The biopolymer reportedly has been successfully applied not only as a metal chelator, drug carrier/ deliverer, and gene vector, but also used safely as a vaccine adjuvant, tissue engineering material, and contrast agent. Conclusion: γ-PGA could be potentially considered as a potential biomedical material in the field of medicine.

High glucose-induced inflammation leads to atherosclerosis, which is considered a major cause of death in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-&kappa, B) plays a central role in high glucose-induced inflammation and is activated through toll-like receptors (TLRs) as well as canonical and protein kinase C-dependent (PKC) pathways. Non-toxic sulfur (NTS) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) are two sulfur-containing natural compounds that can induce anti-inflammation. Using Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and flow cytometry, we found that high glucose-induced inflammation occurs through activation of TLRs. An effect of NTS and MSM on canonical and PKC-dependent NF-&kappa, B pathways was also demonstrated by western blotting. The effects of proinflammatory cytokines were investigated using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results showed inhibition of the glucose-induced expression of TLR2 and TLR4 by NTS and MSM. These sulfur compounds also inhibited NF-&kappa, B activity through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated canonical and PKC-dependent pathways. Finally, NTS and MSM inhibited the high glucose-induced expression of interleukin (IL)-1&beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-&alpha, and binding of NF-&kappa, B protein to the DNA of proinflammatory cytokines. Together, these results suggest that NTS and MSM may be potential drug candidates for anti-inflammation therapy.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one among the most common cancers worldwide. Recently, dietary phytochemicals have been reported as an attractive approach to improve the symptoms of NSCLC patients. Tannic acid is a natural polyphenol, which is known to have anticancer effects on in vitro models of breast, gingival and colon cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms associated with the actions of tannic acid on A549 human lung cancer cells have not been elucidated.In this study, we analyzed the effect of tannic acid on A549 cells and their underlying mechanisms using western blotting, flow cytometry, invasion assay and tumorsphere formation assay.Tannic acid treatment suppressed the viability of A549 cells through cell cycle arrest and induction of the intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. In addition, the various malignant phenotypes of A549 cells including invasion, migration, and stemness were inhibited by tannic acid treatment.Tannic acid could be used as an effective inhibitor of lung cancer progression.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus nonstructural protein 13 (SCV nsP13), a superfamily 1 helicase, plays a central role in viral RNA replication through the unwinding of duplex RNA and DNA with a 5′ single-stranded tail in a 5′ to 3′ direction. Despite its putative role in viral RNA replication, nsP13 readily unwinds duplex DNA by cooperative translocation. Herein, nsP13 exhibited different characteristics in duplex RNA unwinding than that in duplex DNA. nsP13 showed very poor processivity on duplex RNA compared with that on duplex DNA. More importantly, nsP13 inefficiently unwinds duplex RNA by increasing the 5′-ss tail length. As the concentration of nsP13 increased, the amount of unwound duplex DNA increased and that of unwound duplex RNA decreased. The accumulation of duplex RNA/nsP13 complexes increased as the concentration of nsP13 increased. An increased ATP concentration in the unwinding of duplex RNA relieved the decrease in duplex RNA unwinding. Thus, nsP13 has a strong affinity for duplex RNA as a substrate for the unwinding reaction, which requires increased ATPs to processively unwind duplex RNA. Our results suggest that duplex RNA is a preferred substrate for the helicase activity of nsP13 than duplex DNA at high ATP concentrations.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer subtype and accounts for more than 80% of all lung cancer cases. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation by binding growth factors such as EGF activates downstream prooncogenic signaling pathways including KRAS-ERK, JAK-STAT, and PI3K-AKT. These pathways promote the tumor progression of NSCLC by inducing uncontrolled cell cycle, proliferation, migration, and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. New cytotoxic drugs have facilitated considerable progress in NSCLC treatment, but side effects are still a significant cause of mortality. Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, GA) is a phenolic natural compound, isolated from plant derivatives, that has been reported to show anticancer effects. We demonstrated the tumor-suppressive effect of GA, which induced the decrease of PD-L1 expression through binding to EGFR in NSCLC. This binding inhibited the phosphorylation of EGFR, subsequently inducing the inhibition of PI3K and AKT phosphorylation, which triggered the activation of p53. The p53-dependent upregulation of miR-34a induced PD-L1 downregulation. Further, we revealed the combination effect of GA and anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody in an NSCLC-cell and peripheral blood mononuclear&ndash, cell coculture system. We propose a novel therapeutic application of GA for immunotherapy and chemotherapy in NSCLC.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural organic compound that displays anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. MSM reportedly has potential in inhibition of tumor cells. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of MSM on lung cancer remain unclear.In this study, the effect of MSM on A549 cells was examined. We focused on the mode of apoptosis induced by MSM and investigated alterations in the integrity of the outer membrane of mitochondria.Our results showed that MSM inhibited viability of A549 cells and changed the shape and permeability of nuclei. In addition, MSM induced GMSM is a potential anticancer agent for the treatment of lung cancer.

Cortisol is a hormone involved in stress during exercise. The application of natural compounds is a new potential approach for controlling cortisol-induced stress. Tumour suppressor protein p53 is activated during cellular stress. Succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit A (SDHA) and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase 1 (HPRT1) are considered to be two of the most stable reference genes when measuring stress during exercise in horses. In the present study cells were considered to be in a ‘stressed state’ if the levels of these stable genes and the highly stress responsive gene p53 were altered. It was hypothesized that a natural organic sulphur-containing compound, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), could inhibit cortisol-induced stress in racing horse skeletal muscle cells by regulating SDHA, HPRT1 and p53 expression. After assessing cell viability using MTT assays, 20 µg/ml cortisol and 50 mM MSM were applied to horse skeletal muscle cell cultures. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated increases in SDHA, HPRT1 and p53 expression in cells in response to cortisol treatment, which was inhibited or normalized by MSM treatment. To determine the relationship between p53 and SDHA/HPRT1 expression at a transcriptional level, horse gene sequences of SDHA and HPRT1 were probed to identify novel binding sites for p53 in the gene promoters, which were confirmed using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The relationship between p53 and SDHA/HPRT1 expression was confirmed using western blot analysis following the application of pifithrin-α, a p53 inhibitor. These results suggested that MSM is a potential candidate drug for the inhibition of cortisol-induced stress in racehorse skeletal muscle cells.

Iron metabolism and heme biosynthesis are essential processes in cells during the energy cycle. Alteration in these processes could create an inflammatory condition, which results in tumorigenesis. Studies are conducted on the exact role of iron/heme metabolism in induced inflammatory conditions. This study used lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or high-glucose-induced inflammation conditions in THP-1 cells to study how iron/heme metabolism participates in inflammatory responses. Here, we used iron and heme assays for measuring total iron and heme. We also used flow cytometry and Western blotting to analyze molecular responses. Our results demonstrated that adding LPS or high-glucose induced iron formation and heme synthesis and elevated the expression levels of proteins responsible for iron metabolism and heme synthesis. We then found that further addition of heme or 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) increased heme biosynthesis and promoted inflammatory responses by upregulating TLR4/NF-κB and inflammatory cytokine expressions. We also demonstrated the inhibition of heme synthesis using succinylacetone (SA). Moreover, N-MMP inhibited LPS- or high-glucose-induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Hence, iron/heme metabolism checkpoints could be considered a target for treating inflammatory conditions.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response leads to serious damage, up to and including tumorigenesis. Natural mineral sulfur, non-toxic sulfur (NTS), and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) have anti-inflammatory activity that may inhibit LPS-induced inflammation. We hypothesized that sulfur compounds could inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses in CCD-986Sk skin fibroblasts. We used Western blotting and real-time PCR to analyze molecular signaling in treated and untreated cultures. We also used flow cytometry for cell surface receptor analysis, comet assays to evaluate DNA damage, and ELISA-based cytokine detection. LPS induced TLR4 activation and NF-κB signaling via canonical and protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent pathways, while NTS and MSM downregulated that response. NTS and MSM also inhibited LPS-induced nuclear accumulation and binding of NF-κB to proinflammatory cytokines COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6. Finally, the sulfur compounds suppressed LPS-induced ROS accumulation and DNA damage in CCD-986Sk cells. These results suggest that natural sulfur compounds could be used to treat inflammation and may be useful in the development of cosmetics.

Hormone-specific anticancer drugs for breast cancer treatment can cause serious side effects. Thus, treatment with natural compounds has been considered a better approach as this minimizes side effects and has multiple targets. 6-Gingerol is an active polyphenol in ginger with various modalities, including anticancer activity, although its mechanism of action remains unknown. Increases in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to DNA damage and the induction of DNA damage response (DDR) mechanism, leading to cell cycle arrest apoptosis and tumorsphere suppression. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) promotes tumor growth by stimulating signaling of downstream targets that in turn activates tumor protein 53 (p53) to promote apoptosis. Here we assessed the effect of 6-gingerol treatment on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. 6-Gingerol induced cellular and mitochondrial ROS that elevated DDR through ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and p53 activation. 6-Gingerol also induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial apoptosis by mediating the BAX/BCL-2 ratio and release of cytochrome c. It also exhibited a suppression ability of tumorsphere formation in breast cancer cells. EGFR/Src/STAT3 signaling was also determined to be responsible for p53 activation and that 6-gingerol induced p53-dependent intrinsic apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Therefore, 6-gingerol may be used as a candidate drug against hormone-dependent breast cancer cells.

Insulin‑like growth factor‑1 (IGF‑1) regulates cell growth, glucose uptake and protein metabolism, and is required for growth hormone (GH) signaling‑mediated insulin production and secretion. IGF1 expression is associated with STAT5, which binds to a region (TTCNNNGAA) of the gene. Although sulfur is used in various fields, the toxicity of this element is a significant disadvantage as it causes indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, pain and migraine. Therefore, it is difficult to conduct in vitro experiments to directly determine the effects of dietary sulfur. Additionally, it is difficult to dissolve non‑toxic sulfur (NTS). The present study aimed to identify the role of NTS in GH signaling as a Jak2/STAT5b/IGF‑1 pathway regulator. MTT assay was used to identify an optimum NTS concentration for C2C12 mouse muscle cells. Western blotting, RT‑PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, overexpression and small interfering RNA analyses were performed. NTS was dissolved in 1 mg/ml DMSO and could be used in vitro. Therefore, the present study determined whether NTS induced mouse muscle cell growth via GH signaling. NTS notably increased STAT5b binding to the Igf1 promoter. NTS also promoted GH signaling by upregulating GH receptor expression, similar to GH treatment. NTS enhanced GH signaling by regulating Jak2/STAT5b/IGF‑1 signaling pathway factor expression in C2C12 mouse muscle cells. Thus, NTS may be used as a GH‑enhancing growth stimulator.

As human lifespans have increased, the incidence of osteoporosis has also increased. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) affects the process of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into osteoblasts via the Janus kinase 2 (Jak2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)5b signaling pathway, and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‑2) is also known to significantly affect bone health. In addition, the phosphorylation of small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad)1/5/8 regulates the Runt‑related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) gene, which encodes a transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation markers. In the present study, the differentiation of MSCs treated with MSM, BMP‑2, and their combination were examined. The differentiation of osteoblasts was demonstrated through observation of morphological changes and mineralization, using alizarin red and Von Kossa staining. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that the combination of MSM and BMP-2 increased the phosphorylation of the BMP signaling-associated protein, Smad1/5/8. Combination of MSM and BMP-2 significantly increased osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of the MSCs compared with either MSM or BMP-2 alone. Additionally, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that combination of MSM and BMP-2 increased the expression level of the Runx2 gene and the osteoblast differentiation marker genes, alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin, in MSCs compared with controls. Thus, the combination of MSM and BMP-2 may promote the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally. The factors that increase risk include: late age at first birth, alcohol, radiation exposure, family history of breast cancer, and postmenopausal hormone therapy. Numerous drugs are being developed to treat breast cancer. Among them, Herceptin is used for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cases and targets HER2 effectively and efficiently, but it is very expensive. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing natural compound having no reported toxicity. We examined MSM in breast cancer cell lines and found it inhibited the proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. It also suppressed the activation of STAT5b and expression of HER2 in breast cancer cells. We determined the STAT5b binding site (GAS element) in the HER2 gene. Detailed analysis showed that MSM decreased the ability of STAT5b to bind the promoter of the HER2 gene and a luciferase assay demonstrated reduced activity. We confirmed that MSM can effectively regulate STAT5b, and thereby decrease HER2 expression. Therefore, we recommend the use of MSM as an inhibitor for the management of HER2-positive breast cancers.

Human embryonic carcinoma (EC, NCCIT) cells have self-renewal ability and pluripotency. Cancer stem cell markers are highly expressed in NCCIT cells, imparting them with the pluripotent nature to differentiate into other cancer types, including breast cancer. As one of the main cancer stem cell pathways, Wnt/&beta, catenin is also overexpressed in NCCIT cells. Thus, inhibition of these pathways defines the ability of a drug to target cancer stem cells. Tannic acid (TA) is a natural polyphenol present in foods, fruits, and vegetables that has anti-cancer activity. Through Western blotting and PCR, we demonstrate that TA inhibits cancer stem cell markers and the Wnt/&beta, catenin signaling pathway in NCCIT cells and through a fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis we demonstrated that TA induces sub-G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The mechanism underlying this is the induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) (mROS), which then induce the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated extrinsic apoptosis pathway instead of intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Moreover, ribonucleic acid sequencing data with TA in NCCIT cells show an elevation in TRAIL-induced extrinsic apoptosis, which we confirm by Western blotting and real-time PCR. The induction of human TRAIL also proves that TA can induce extrinsic apoptosis in NCCIT cells by regulating mROS.

The major hallmarks of tumor progression are angiogenesis, migration and metastasis. Among the components of Rhodiola rosea, salidroside (p‑hydroxyphenethyl-β‑d-glucoside) is one of the most potent, and is present in all Rhodiola species. Recent data have revealed the anticancer effects of salidroside; however, the mechanism underlying its ability to inhibit tumor angiogenesis remains unknown. The present study aimed to analyze how salidroside affects major factors involved in breast cancer, and to elucidate its ability to inhibit angiogenesis and invasion. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a marker for tumor angiogenesis and migration, which interacts with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Specifically, MMPs act as a downstream target for STAT3. Using western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, the present study demonstrated that treatment of MDA‑MB 231 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells with salidroside led to inhibition of invasion and migration markers, and of STAT3 signaling. Furthermore, in vitro angiogenesis analyses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells confirmed the anti-angiogenic activity of salidroside. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay also demonstrated that salidroside may inhibit the DNA-binding activity of STAT3, preventing STAT3 from binding to a novel binding site of the MMP2 gene promoter. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated that salidroside may downregulate the STAT3 signaling pathway, and inhibit cell viability, migration and invasion through MMPs in breast cancer cells.

Targeted cancer therapy with natural compounds is more effective than nontargeted therapy. Nobiletin is a flavonoid derived from citrus peel that has anticancer activity. Cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) is a member of the class B scavenger receptor family that is involved in importing fatty acids into cells. CD36 plays a role in tumor angiogenesis by binding to its ligand, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), and then interacting with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1). CD36 is implicated in tumor metastasis through its roles in fatty acid metabolism. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying nobiletin’s anticancer activity by characterizing its interactions with CD36 as the target molecule. We hypothesize that the anti-angiogenic activity of nobiletin involving its regulation of CD36 via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) rather than through TSP-1. Gene analysis identified a Gamma interferon activation site (GAS) element in the CD36 gene promoter that acts as a STAT3 binding site, an interaction that was confirmed by ChIP assay. STAT3 interacts with nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), suggesting that nobiletin also acts through the CD36/ (STAT3)/NF-κB signaling axis. Nobiletin inhibited CD36-dependent breast cancer cell migration and invasion as well as CD36-mediated tumor sphere formation. Taken together, these results suggest that nobiletin inhibits cancer stem cells in multiple ways.

Tannic acid (TA), is a potent anti-oxidant, showing anti-proliferative effects on numerous cancers. The ability of TA to induce proliferation inhibition on the rare tumor, gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC), comprising

Tumor angiogenesis is one of the major hallmarks of tumor progression. Nobiletin is a natural flavonoid isolated from citrus peel that has anti-angiogenic activity. Steroid receptor coactivator (Src) is an intracellular tyrosine kinase so that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) binds to Src to play a role in tumor angiogenesis. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a marker for tumor angiogenesis which interacts with Src. Paxillin (PXN) acts as a downstream target for both FAK and STAT3. The main goal of this study was to assess inhibition of tumor angiogenesis by nobiletin in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cells via Src, FAK, and STAT3-mediated signaling through PXN. Treatment with nobiletin in MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells inhibited angiogenesis markers, based on western blotting and RT-PCR. Validation of in vitro angiogenesis in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) endothelial cell line proved the anti-angiogenic activity of nobiletin. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and the ChIP assay showed that nobiletin inhibits STAT3/DNA binding activity and STAT3 binding to a novel binding site of the PXN gene promoter. We also investigated the migration and invasive ability of nobiletin in ER+ cells. Nobiletin inhibited tumor angiogenesis by regulating Src, FAK, and STAT3 signaling through PXN in ER+ breast cancer cells.

Tannic acid (TA), a naturally occurring polyphenol, is a potent anti‐oxidant with anti‐proliferative effects on multiple cancers. However, its ability to modulate gene‐specific expression of tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes has not been assessed. This work investigates the mechanism of TA to regulate canonical and non‐canonical STAT pathways to impose the gene‐specific induction of G1‐arrest and apoptosis. Regardless of the p53 status and membrane receptors, TA induced G1‐arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Tannic acid distinctly modulated both canonical and non‐canonical STAT pathways, each with a specific role in TA‐induced anti‐cancer effects. Tannic acid enhanced STAT1 ser727 phosphorylation via upstream serine kinase p38. This STAT1 ser727 phosphorylation enhanced the DNA‐binding activity of STAT1 and in turn enhanced expression of p21Waf1/Cip1. However, TA binds to EGF‐R and inhibits the tyrosine phosphorylation of both STAT1 and STAT3. This inhibition leads to the inhibition of STAT3/BCL‐2 DNA‐binding activity. As a result, the expression and mitochondrial localization of BCl‐2 are declined. This altered expression and localization of mitochondrial anti‐pore factors resulted in the release of cytochrome c and the activation of intrinsic apoptosis cascade involving caspases. Taken together, our results suggest that TA modulates EGF‐R/Jak2/STAT1/3 and P38/STAT1/p21Waf1/Cip1 pathways and induce G1‐arrest and intrinsic apoptosis in breast carcinomas.

Worldwide, breast cancer (BCa) is the most common cancer in women. Among its subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form associated with diminished survival. TNBCs are characterized by their absence, or minimal expression, of the estrogen and progesterone receptors, as well as the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (i.e. ER-/-, PR-/-, Her2-/Low). Consequently, treatment for this subtype of BCa remains problematic. Silibinin, a derivative of the flavonoid silymarin, is reported to have anticancer activities against hepatic and non-small cell lung cancers. We hypothesized that silibinin might inhibit cell-extracellular matrix interactions via the regulation, expression, and activation of STAT3 in TNBCs, which could directly inhibit metastasis in silibinin-treated BCa cells. Using proliferation assays, we found that exposure to silibinin at a concentration of 200 µM inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer (BCa) cells; this concentration also inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3 and its principal upstream kinase, Jak2. Furthermore, we found that silibinin inhibited the nuclear translocation of STAT3, as well as its binding to the MMP2 gene promoter. The ability of silibinin to inhibit metastasis was further studied using an in vitro invasion assay. The results confirm the role of STAT3 as a critical mediator in the invasive potential of BCa cells, and STAT3 knock-down resulted in inhibition of invasion. The invasion ability of silibinin-treated BCa cells was studied in detail with the expression of MMP2. Prevention of STAT3 activation also resulted in the inhibition of MMP2 expression. Use of a small interfering RNA to knock down STAT3 (siSTAT3) allowed us to confirm the role of STAT3 in regulating MMP2 expression, as well as the mechanism of action of silibinin in inhibiting MMP2. Taken together, we found that silibinin inhibits the Jak2/STAT3/MMP2 signaling pathway, and inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of triple-negative BCa cells.

Osteoclast differentiation is dependent on the activities of receptor activator NF-kB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Given that RANKL plays a critical role in osteoclast formation and bone resorption, any new compounds found to alter its activity would be predicted to have therapeutic potential for disorders associated with bone loss. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound with well-documented anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; currently its effects on osteoclast differentiation are unknown. We sought to investigate whether MSM could regulate osteoclastogenesis, and if so, its mechanism of action. In this study, we investigated the effects of MSM on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, together with STAT3's involvement in the expression of osteoclastic gene markers. These experiments were conducted using bone marrow derived macrophages (BMMs) and cell line material, together with analyses that interrogated both protein and mRNA levels, as well as signaling pathway activity. Although MSM was not toxic to osteoclast precursors, MSM markedly inhibited RANKL-induced TRAP activity, multinucleated osteoclast formation, and bone resorptive activity. Additionally, the expression of several osteoclastogenesis-related marker genes, including TRAF6, c-Fos, NFATc1, cathepsin K, and OSCAR were suppressed by MSM. MSM mediated suppression of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis involved inhibition of ITAM signaling effectors such as PLCγ and Syk, with a blockade of NF-kB rather than MAPK activity. Furthermore, MSM inhibited RANKL-induced phosphorylation of STAT3 Ser727. Knockdown of STAT3 using shRNAs resulted in reduced RANKL-mediated phosphorylation of Ser727 STAT3, and TRAF6 in cells for which depletion of STAT3 was confirmed. Additionally, the expression of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenic marker genes were significantly decreased by MSM and STAT3 knockdown. Taken together, these results indicate that STAT3 plays a pivotal role in RANKL-induced osteoclast formation, and that MSM can attenuate RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by blocking both NF-kB and STAT3 activity.

Background Combination therapy, which reduces the dosage intensity of the individual drugs while increasing their efficacy, is not a novel approach for the treatment of cancer. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur compound shown to act against tumor cells. Tamoxifen is a commercially available therapeutic agent for breast malignancies. Methods In the current study, we analyzed the combinatorial effect of MSM and tamoxifen on the suppression of ER-positive breast cancer xenograft growth and metastasis. Additionally, we also validated the molecular targets by which the drug combination regulated tumor growth and metastasis. Results We observed that the combination of MSM and tamoxifen regulated cell viability and migration in vitro. The intragastric administration of MSM and subcutaneous implantation of tamoxifen tablets led to tumor growth suppression and inhibition of the Janus kinase 2 (Jak2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 5b (STAT5b) pathway. Our study also assessed the regulation of signaling molecules implicated in the growth, progression, differentiation, and migration of cancer cells, such as Jak2, STAT5b, insulin-like growth factor-1Rβ, and their phosphorylation status. Conclusions Study results indicated that this combination therapy inhibited tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, this drug combination may have a synergistic and powerful anticancer effect against breast cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1445-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Human urinary bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer, with a worldwide estimate of about two million patients. Recurrence after complete transurethral prostatic resection is the most important problem in therapy. Combination therapy is a new approach in the treatment of cancers that do not respond to current therapies. These therapies have many advantages over conventional therapies, such as fewer side-effects and greater efficiency. Research efforts using natural compounds for the elimination or growth suppression of the cancer arise from studies on methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). MSM is a natural sulfur compound with no side-effects. AG490 is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been extensively used for inhibiting Jak2 in vitro and in vivo. In our study, the combinatorial effect of these two agents on human bladder cancer cell lines and xenografts was analyzed. We observed that the combination of AG490 and MSM inhibited cancer cell viability and cell migration in vitro. This combination inhibited VEGF mRNA expression in bladder cancer cell lines. In vivo experiments showed that oral administration of AG490 and MSM combination significantly inhibited the growth of tumor xenografts in mice. Our study clearly demonstrates that the predominant effect of this combination is the reduction of signaling molecules including STAT3, STAT5b, IGF-1R, VEGF and VEGF-R2 which are involved in the growth, progression and metastasis of human bladder cancer. The anti-metastatic ability of this drug combination is confirmed using metastatic animal models. Therefore, this combination could have the effect of genesistasis and powerful anticancer effects against bladder cancer.