Int J Med Sci
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Embryonic development and tumor genesis share numerous similarities, with OCT4 standing out as a pivotal transcription factor in embryonic development. Expression of OCT4 is associated with poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. VEGF-correlated chemokine-1 (VCC-1), also known as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 17 (CXCL17), has been suggested to play a role in promoting tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. ⋯ NOD/SCID mice inoculated with VCC-1-knockdown A549 lung cancer cells exhibited significantly smaller tumors than those inoculated with control cells. On the basis of these findings, we highlight the importance of the OCT4-VCC-1 axis in lung cancer progression. Our findings also provide therapeutic targets for lung cancer.
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Nephrotoxicity remains a significant concern associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as dasatinib (DASA). Previous studies have shown that DASA can induce renal tubular cell death, contributing to its nephrotoxic effects. In contrast, naringenin (NGN) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. ⋯ Notably, DASA treatment upregulated the gene expression of the pro-apoptotic gene BAX while downregulating the expression of BCL-2 and Caspase-3 in kidney tissues. These findings suggest that NGN exerts nephroprotective effects against DASA-induced nephrotoxicity through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved.
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Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a major global health challenge owing to late diagnosis and inherently metastatic nature. Although surgical intervention offers a potential remedy, only few patients are eligible, and drug resistance further complicates treatment. The therapeutic limitations have catalyzed a search for alternative treatments, particularly natural products. ⋯ Molecular docking analysis revealed that HMTA potentially could interact with tubulin, and in vitro assay confirmed it suppresses tubulin polymerization. HMTA significantly inhibited BxPC-3 xenograft tumor growth in mice. Overall, these findings suggested that HMTA is a promising candidate for PDAC therapy.
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Allergic diseases are a group of chronic inflammatory disorders driven by abnormal immune responses. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of allergic diseases by modulating T cell responses. Extensive progress has been made in characterizing crucial roles of metabolic reprogramming in the regulation of immune cell functions. ⋯ In this review, we summarize the metabolic characteristics of DCs, and how the cellular microenvironment shapes DC function. We also elucidate the metabolic regulation of DC biology in the context of allergic diseases and targeted therapeutic strategies based on DC metabolism regulation. Understanding the functional alterations in DCs during allergic responses and the underlying mechanisms governing its metabolic regulation is crucial for the development of effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.
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Persistent methamphetamine use causes many toxic effects in various organs, including the brain, heart, liver, kidney and eyes. The extent of its toxicity depends on numerous pharmacological factors, including route of administration, dose, genetic polymorphism related to drug metabolism and polysubstance abuse. ⋯ This review revisits the pharmacological profiles of methamphetamine and its effects on the brain, heart, liver, eyes, kidneys and endothelium. Understanding the mechanisms of methamphetamine toxicity is essential in developing treatment strategies to reverse or attenuate the progress of methamphetamine-associated organ damage.