MMPs as potential molecular targets in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition driven COPD progression.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of mortality globally and the risk of developing lung cancer is six times greater in individuals with COPD who smoke compared to those who do not smoke. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of respiratory diseases by promoting inflammation and tissue degradation. Furthermore, MMPs are involved in key processes like epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and invasion in lung cancer.

Fisetin induces G2/M phase arrest and caspase-mediated cleavage of p21 and p27 leading to apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition in HNSCC.

The anticancer potential and associated mechanisms of flavonoid fisetin are yet to be fully investigated on human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In the present study, fisetin (25-75 µM for 24-48 h) dose-dependently inhibited growth and induced death in HNSCC Cal33 and UM-SCC-22B cells, without showing any death in normal cells. Fisetin (25-50 µM) induced G2/M phase arrest via decrease in Cdc25C, CDK1, cyclin B1 expression, and an increase in p53.

7--tyrosyl Silybin Derivatives as a Novel Set of Anti-Prostate Cancer Compounds.

Silybin is a natural compound extensively studied for its hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anticancer properties. Envisioning the enhancement of silybin potential by suitable modifications in its chemical structure, here, a series of new 7--alkyl silybins derivatives were synthesized by the Mitsunobu reaction starting from the silybins and tyrosol-based phenols, such as tyrosol (TYR, ), 3-methoxytyrosol (MTYR, ), and 3-hydroxytyrosol (HTYR, ). This research sought to explore the antioxidant and anticancer properties of eighteen new derivatives and their mechanisms.

Dexamethasone targets actin cytoskeleton signaling and inflammatory mediators to reverse sulfur mustard-induced toxicity in rabbit corneas.

Sulfur mustard (SM), a bi-functional alkylating agent, was used during World War I and the Iran-Iraq war. SM toxicity is ten times higher in eyes than in other tissues. Cornea is exceptionally susceptible to SM-injuries due to its anterior positioning and mucous-aqueous interphase.

Phenylarsine oxide induced corneal injury involves oxidative stress mediated unfolded protein response and ferroptotic cell death: Amelioration by NAC.

Phenylarsine oxide (PAO), an analog of lewisite, is a highly toxic trivalent arsenical and a potential chemical warfare agent. PAO-induced toxicity has been studied in lung, liver, and skin tissues. Nevertheless, very few studies have been published to comprehend the impact of PAO-induced toxicity on ocular tissues, even though eyes are uniquely vulnerable to injury by vesicants.