Novel Nitrogen-Based Chalcone Analogs Provoke Substantial Apoptosis in HER2-Positive Human Breast Cancer Cells via JNK and ERK1/ERK2 Signaling Pathways.

Natural chalcones possess antitumor properties and play a role as inducers of apoptosis, antioxidants and cytotoxic compounds. We recently reported that novel nitrogen chalcone-based compounds, which were generated in our lab, have specific effects on triple-negative breast cancer cells. However, the outcome of these two new compounds on human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer remains nascent.

Mesoporous silica coated carbon nanofibers reduce embryotoxicity via ERK and JNK pathways.

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have been implicated in biomedical applications, yet, they are still considered as a potential hazard. Conversely, mesoporous silica is a biocompatible compound that has been used in various biomedical applications. In this regard, we recently reported that CNFs induce significant toxicity on the early stage of embryogenesis in addition to the inhibition of its angiogenesis.

Dasatinib and PD-L1 inhibitors provoke toxicity and inhibit angiogenesis in the embryo.

Dasatinib is a targeted cancer therapy, while programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors are a form of immune checkpoint therapy used to treat various types of cancers. Several studies showed the potential efficacy of these drugs in the management of triple-negative breast cancer- an aggressive subtype of breast cancer, which can develop during pregnancy. Nevertheless, side effects of Dasatinib (DA) and PD-L1 drugs during pregnancy, especially in the early stages of embryogenesis are not explored yet.

Significant Toxic Effect of Carbon Nanofibers at the Early Stage of Embryogenesis.

Implementation of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in biomedical applications have successful outcomes, however, they are still considered as a potential hazard. We herein used avian embryos at 3 days and its chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) at 6 days of incubation to evaluate the impact of synthesized CNFs on the early stage of embryogenesis and angiogenesis. Our data point out that 50 g/embryo concentration of CNFs provoke adverse effects as 75% of CNFs-exposed embryos die within 1-5 days after exposure compared with their matched controls.

Circulating miRNAs in HER2-Positive and Triple Negative Breast Cancers: Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases among women worldwide and is highly associated with cancer-related mortality. Of the four major molecular subtypes, HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprise more than 30% of all breast cancers. While the HER2-positive subtype lacks estrogen and progesterone receptors and overexpresses HER2, the TNBC subtype lacks estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors.

Novel role of BRCA1 interacting C-terminal helicase 1 (BRIP1) in breast tumour cell invasion.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy and the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Only 5%-10% of mutations in BRCA genes are associated with familial breast tumours in Eastern countries, suggesting the contribution of other genes. Using a microarray gene expression profiling study of BC, we have recently identified BRIP1 (fivefold up-regulation) as a potential gene associated with BC progression in the Omani population.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Lung Cancer: Potential Therapeutic Modalities.

Human coronaviruses, especially SARS-CoV-2, are emerging pandemic infectious diseases with high morbidity and mortality in certain group of patients. In general, SARS-CoV-2 causes symptoms ranging from the common cold to severe conditions accompanied by lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome in addition to other organs' destruction. The main impact upon SARS-CoV-2 infection is damage to alveolar and acute respiratory failure.

The Power of Phytochemicals Combination in Cancer Chemoprevention.

Conventional therapies for cancer treatment have posed many challenges, including toxicity, multidrug resistance and economic expenses. In contrast, complementary alternative medicine (CAM), employing phytochemicals have recently received increased attention owing to their capability to modulate a myriad of molecular mechanisms with a less toxic effect. Increasing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggest that phytochemicals can favorably modulate several signaling pathways involved in cancer development and progression.

The Role of CCL21/CCR7 Chemokine Axis in Breast Cancer Progression.

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, predominantly caused by metastasis. It is generally accepted that the pattern of breast cancer metastasis is largely determined by the interaction between the chemokine receptors on cancer cells and the chemokines expressed at the sites of metastatic disease. Chemokine receptors belong to the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) family that appear to be implicated in inflammatory diseases, tumor growth and metastasis.

Plasmonic MXene-based nanocomposites exhibiting photothermal therapeutic effects with lower acute toxicity than pure MXene.

Here, we fabricated two plasmonic 2D TiCT-based nanocomposites (Au/MXene and Au/FeO/MXene) with similarly high anti-cancer photothermal therapy (PTT) capabilities, but with less in vivo toxicity than a pure MXene. Au/MXene was synthesized by in situ reduction of tetrachloroauric acid using NaBH on TiCT flakes. For targeted PTT, magnetic Au/FeO/MXene was synthesized via a reaction between freshly prepared magnetite FeO NPs and MXene solution, followed by in situ integration of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Hepatitis B Virus Molecular Epidemiology, Host-Virus Interaction, Coinfection, and Laboratory Diagnosis in the MENA Region: An Update.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped partial double-stranded DNA virus that can cause acute and chronic hepatitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 257 million people are living with HBV. Moreover, 20,900 acute hepatitis B cases were reported in 2016.

Novel CD44-downstream signaling pathways mediating breast tumor invasion.

CD44, also known as homing cell adhesion molecule is a multi-structural cell molecule involved in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix communications. CD44 regulates a number of central signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, Rho GTPases and the Ras-MAPK pathways, but also acts as a growth/arrest sensor, and inhibitor of angiogenesis and invasion, in response to signals from the microenvironment. The function of CD44 has been very controversial since it acts as both, a suppressor and a promoter of tumor growth and progression.

Adipose tissue dysfunction in cancer cachexia.

Cancer cachexia is a complex disorder that is driven by inflammation and metabolic imbalances, resulting in extreme weight loss. Adipose tissue, a main player in cancer cachexia, is an essential metabolic and secretory organ consisting of both white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue. Its secretory products, including adipokines and cytokines, affect a wide variety of central and peripheral organs, such as the skeletal muscle, brain, pancreas, and liver.

Towards understanding the mechanisms of actions of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 in cancer progression.

Human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the prototypic member of a family of highly related cell surface glycoproteins that includes carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) and others. CEACAM6 (formerly NCA), which belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily, is a cell adhesion protein of the CEA family. It is normally expressed on the epithelial surfaces and on the surface of myeloid cells (CD66c).