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Simple Summary: Standard chemotherapy is still ineffective in metastatic colon cancer and does not target cancer stem cells (CSCs). The combination of standard cytostatic drugs with natural compounds is considered a promising approach to improving cancer cell sensitivity to treatment. Here, a combination of camptothecin (CPT) with celastrol (CEL) or resveratrol (RSV) as a potential strategy to target metastatic and CSCs of colon cancer was investigated in vitro. γH2AX+ and Fast-Halo assays were used to evaluate genotoxicity, an annexin-V assay was used to rate the level of apoptosis, and a scratch test was used to assess antimigratory capacity. All combinations improved the genotoxicity of CPT, achieving a better efficacy with CPT-CEL combination in LOVO and CPT-RSV in LOVO/DX cells. No improvement in the pro-apoptotic effect of CPT was observed. Furthermore, higher efficiency in inhibiting cancer cell migration was noted. Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the leading and most lethal neoplasms. Standard chemotherapy is ineffective, especially in metastatic cancer, and does not target cancer stem cells. A promising approach to improve cancer treatment is the combination therapy of standard cytostatic drugs with natural compounds. Several plant-derived compounds have been proven to possess anticancer properties, including the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cancer invasion. This study was focused on investigating in vitro the combination of camptothecin (CPT) with celastrol (CEL) or resveratrol (RSV) as a potential strategy to target metastatic (LOVO) and stem-like (LOVO/DX) colon cancer cells. Methods: The genotoxic effects that drive cancer cells into death-inducing pathways and the ability to inhibit the migratory properties of cancer cells were evaluated. The γH2AX+ assay and Fast-Halo Assay (FHA) were used to evaluate genotoxic effects, the annexin-V apoptosis assay to rate the level of apoptosis, and the scratch test to assess antimigratory capacity. Results: The results showed that both combinations CPT-CEL and CPT-RSV improve general genotoxicity of CPT alone on metastatic cells and CSCs. However, the assessment of specific double-stranded breaks (DSBs) indicated a better efficacy of the CPT-CEL combination on LOVO cells and CPT-RSV in LOVO/DX cells. Interestingly, the combinations CPT-CEL and CPT-RSV did not improve the pro-apoptotic effect of CPT alone, with both LOVO and LOVO/DX cells suggesting activation of different cell death mechanisms. Furthermore, it was found that the combinations of CPT-CEL and CPT-RSV improve the inhibitory effect of camptothecin on cell migration. Conclusions: These findings suggest the potential utility of combining camptothecin with celastrol or resveratrol in the treatment of colon cancer, including more aggressive forms of the disease. So far, no studies evaluating the effects of combinations of these compounds have been published in the available medical databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacists in the healthcare system play an important role in providing safe, optimal pharmacotherapy and patient education. During their studies, in which they acquire the competencies to fulfill the pharmacist's future tasks, pharmacy students are exposed to significant stress and pressure., Objectives: This study aims to demonstrate the extent to which the unique demands and obstacles of Polish pharmacy schools contribute to the deterioration of students' mental health and overall wellbeing., Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 420 pharmacy students in Poland evaluates the quality of education at Polish universities and presents the impact of studying on students' mental health. The criteria for choosing the field of study, the particular major, the university itself, the quality of education, the academic work, and their impact on students' wellbeing were evaluated. The evaluation of the quality of education was influenced by mentoring and tutoring at the university. Pearson's ÷2 test and principal component analysis (PCA) were used in the statistical analyses., Results: Unequal treatment of pharmacy students relative to students in other areas of medical study was marked by 90.2% of respondents, and opportunities for scientific development were indicated as good by 60.0% of pharmacy students. It was shown that 82.1% of the students rated studying as very stressful; the level of test difficulty and exams, as well as an inadequate level of knowledge imparted during classes contributed to this response. According to 75.2% of the respondents, the perceived stress had long-term effects in the form of anxiety and depression, with the need for pharmacotherapy., Conclusions: It was shown that studies contributed to the onset and/or exacerbation of depressive and anxiety symptoms. The results indicate the need to support psychological care and extend it to to pharmacy students.