Publications by authors named "Sara R El-Mahrouk"

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has emerged as a potent therapeutic agent for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), yet its clinical application is often limited by significant adverse effects. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying ATO's impact on cellular detoxification pathways, focusing on the regulation of NAD(P)H/quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), a crucial enzyme in maintaining cellular homeostasis and cancer prevention. We explored ATO's effects on NQO1 expression in C57BL/6 mice and Hepa-1c1c7 cells, both independently and in combination with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo--dioxin (TCDD), a known NQO1 inducer.

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Arsenic, a naturally occurring toxic element, manifests in various chemical forms and is widespread in the environment. Exposure to arsenic is a well-established risk factor for an elevated incidence of various cancers and chronic diseases. The crux of arsenic-mediated toxicity lies in its ability to induce oxidative stress, characterized by an unsettling imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, accompanied by the rampant generation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals.

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Ponatinib and tofacitinib, established kinase inhibitors and FDA-approved for chronic myeloid leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis, are recently undergoing investigation in diverse clinical trials for potential repurposing. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor influencing a spectrum of physiological and pathophysiological activities, stands as a therapeutic target for numerous diseases. This study employs molecular modelling tools and in vitro assays to identify ponatinib and tofacitinib as AhR ligands, elucidating their binding and molecular interactions in the AhR PAS-B domain.

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The success of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in acute promyelocytic leukemia has driven a plethora studies to investigate its efficacy in other malignancies. However, the inherent toxicity of ATO limits the expansion of its clinical applications. Such toxicity may be linked to ATO-induced metabolic derangements of endogenous substrates.

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Dimethylmonothioarsinic acid (DMMTA), a pentavalent thio-arsenic derivative, has been found in bodily fluids and tissues including urine, liver, kidney homogenates, plasma, and red blood cells. Although DMMTA is a minor metabolite in humans and animals, its substantial toxicity raises concerns about potential carcinogenic effects. This toxicity could be attributed to arsenicals' ability to regulate cytochrome P450 1 A (CYP1A) enzymes, pivotal in procarcinogen activation or detoxification.

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Methylmercury (MeHg) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) are potent environmental pollutants implicated in the modulation of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, particularly the cytochrome P450 1 family (CYP1) which is regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). However, the co-exposure to MeHg and TCDD raises concerns about their potential combined effects, necessitating thorough investigation. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of MeHg and TCDD on AHR-regulated CYP1 enzymes in mouse extrahepatic tissues.

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The detoxification of quinones through NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) is a crucial mechanism to maintain cellular homeostasis. The exposure to heavy metals, specifically methylmercury (MeHg), induces several antioxidant enzymes, including NQO1. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF2) is known to regulate the expression of gene and also the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is another gene regulator.

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Arsenic is a hazardous heavy metalloid that imposes threats to human health globally. It is widely spread throughout the environment in various forms. Arsenic-based compounds are either inorganic compounds (iAs) or organoarsenicals (oAs), where the latter are biotically generated from the former.

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Several human cancers including the breast display elevated expression of Lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDH-A), the enzyme that converts pyruvate to lactate and oxidizes NADH to NAD. Indeed, tumor lactate levels correlate with increased metastasis, tumor recurrence, and poor outcome. Lactate also plays roles in promoting tumor inflammation and as a signaling molecule that stimulates tumor angiogenesis.

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