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Simple Summary: NSCLC is one of the most life-threatening forms of oncological diseases. Although targeted and immunotherapy treatments have improved NSCLC prognosis, the chance of surviving is still limited for many patients. Therefore, further efforts are required to improve NSCLC care. AdipoRon is emerging as an antineoplastic molecule in the treatment of different cancers, but its potential in NSCLC is yet to be explored. Herein, we demonstrated that AdipoRon strongly impairs viability, growth and stemness in NSCLC cells. We also recorded higher glucose consumption and lactate accumulation as a result of AdipoRon treatment. Remarkably, the employment of glycolytic-interfering agents enhanced its antiproliferative features. A signaling pathways analysis revealed a marked AMPK phosphorylation, while, in contrast, its abrogation by Compound-C significantly counteracted AdipoRon effectiveness. Altogether, these findings emphasize AdipoRon's anticancer feature even in NSCLC, supporting its endorsement as a future candidate in cancer and NSCLC therapy. Despite the countless therapeutic advances achieved over the years, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. To this primacy contribute both non-oncogene addicted and advanced NSCLCs, in which conventional therapies are only partially effective. The adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoRon has revealed antiproliferative action in different cancers, including osteosarcoma and pancreatic cancer. Herein, we investigated its potential anticancer role in NSCLC for the first time. We proved that AdipoRon strongly inhibits viability, growth and colony formation in H1299 and A549 NSCLC cells, mainly through a slowdown in cell cycle progression. Along with the biological behaviors, a metabolic switching was observed after AdipoRon administration in NSCLC cells, consisting of higher glucose consumption and lactate accumulation. Remarkably, both 2-Deoxy Glucose and Oxamate glycolytic-interfering agents greatly enhanced AdipoRon's antiproliferative features. As a master regulator of cell metabolism, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was activated by AdipoRon. Notably, the ablation of AdipoRon-induced AMPK phosphorylation by Compound-C significantly counteracted its effectiveness. However, the engagement of other pathways should be investigated afterwards. With a focus on NSCLC, our findings further support the ability of AdipoRon in acting as an anticancer molecule, driving its endorsement as a future candidate in NSCLC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, we have demonstrated that miR-423-5p modulates the growth and metastases of prostate cancer (PCa) cells both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we have studied the effects of miR-423-5p on the proteomic profile in order to identify its intracellular targets and the affected pathways. Applying a quantitative proteomic approach, we analyzed the effects on the protein expression profile of miR-423-5p-transduced PCa cells. Moreover, a computational analysis of predicted targets of miR-423-5p was carried out by using several target prediction tools. Proteomic analysis showed that 63 proteins were differentially expressed in miR-423-5-p-transfected LNCaP cells if compared to controls. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that stable overexpression of miR-423-5p in LNCaP PCa cells induced inhibition of glycolysis and the metabolism of several amino acids and a parallel downregulation of proteins involved in transcription and hypoxia, the immune response through Th17-derived cytokines, inflammation via amphorin signaling, and ion transport. Moreover, upregulated proteins were related to the S phase of cell cycle, chromatin modifications, apoptosis, blood coagulation, and calcium transport. We identified seven proteins commonly represented in miR-423-5p targets and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and analyzed their expression and influence on the survival of PCa patients from publicly accessible datasets. Overall, our findings suggest that miR-423-5p induces alterations in glucose and amino acid metabolism in PCa cells paralleled by modulation of several tumor-associated processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cardiotoxicity is a major complication of anticancer drugs, including anthracyclines and 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) and it can have detrimental effects both in patients and workers involved in the preparation of chemotherapy. Methods Specifically, we have assessed the effects of increasing concentrations of 5-FU and doxorubicin (DOXO) on proliferation of H9c2 rat cardiocytes and HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells by MTT assay. Cells were treated for 24, 48 and 72 h with different concentrations of the two drugs alone or with 5-FU in combination with 10-4 M of levofolene (LF). Results 5-FU induced a time- and dose-dependent growth inhibition in both cell lines. The 50% growth inhibition (IC:50) was reached at 72 h with concentrations of 4 μM and 400 μM on HT-29 and H9c2, respectively. The addition of LF to 5-FU enhanced this effect. On the other hand, the IC:50 of DOXO was reached at 72 h with concentrations of 0.118 μM on H9c2 and of 0.31 μM for HT-29. We have evaluated the cell death mechanism induced by 50% growth inhibitory concentrations of 5-FU or DOXO in cardiocytes and colon cancer cells. We have found that the treatment with 400 μM 5-FU induced apoptosis in 32% of H9c2 cells. This effect was increased by the addition of LF to 5-FU (38% of apoptotic cells). Apoptosis occurred in only about 10% of HT-29 cells treated with either 5-FU or 5-FU and LF in combination. DOXO induced poor effects on apoptosis of both H9c2 and HT-29 cells (5–7% apoptotic cells, respectively). The apoptosis induced by 5-FU and LF in cardiocytes was paralleled by the activation of caspases 3, 9 and 7 and by the intracellular increase of O2− levels. Conclusions These results suggest that cardiotoxic mechanism of chemotherapy agents are different and this disclose a new scenario for prevention of this complication.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a very aggressive metastatic pediatric and adolescent tumor. Due to its recurrent development of chemotherapy resistance, clinical outcome for OS patients remains poor. Therefore, discovering more effective anticancer agents is needed. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a phenolic compound contained in plant‐related products that modulates many cellular functions and inhibits cell proliferation in several cancer types. However, few evidence is available in OS. Here, we investigate the effects of CGA in U2OS, Saos‐2, and MG‐63 OS cells. By multiple approaches, we demonstrate that CGA acts as anticancer molecule affecting the cell cycle and provoking cell growth inhibition mainly by apoptosis induction. We also provide evidence that CGA strongly activates extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2). Strikingly, ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 sensitizes the cells to CGA. Altogether, our data enforce the evidence of the anticancer activity mediated by CGA and provide the rationale for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies in OS cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diets rich in antioxidant compounds are correlated to more favorable health outcomes. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants, thanks to their effectiveness as scavengers of free radicals. The unique acrylic structure together with the presence of two additional double bonds make lycopene one of the most efficient carotenoids oxygen quenchers. Tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum, from which it takes its name) and their derivatives represent the major dietary source of lycopene. Other natural sources of lycopene are melons, guava and pink grapefruits. Cooking food can affect lycopene bioavailability that appears higher in heat-treated compared to raw products. Since lycopene is a lipophilic substance, its intestinal absorption and its distribution in body is related to the presence of lipids in diet and tissues, respectively. For this reason, plasma concentration of lycopene differs widely in individuals, as a result of the influence of different factors. In this review, we provide a complete and up-to-date overview of chemical, biochemical and metabolic properties, addressing the state of art on lycopene as protective molecule and the methods used to produce lycopene enriched foods and supplements from tomato industrial waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]