Tumor heterogeneity is in part determined by the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and more differentiated tumor cells. CSCs are considered to be the tumorigenic root of cancers and suggested to be chemotherapy resistant. Here we exploited an assay that allowed us to measure chemotherapy-induced cell death in CSCs and differentiated tumor cells simultaneously. This confirmed that CSCs are selectively resistant to conventional chemotherapy, which we revealed is determined by decreased mitochondrial priming. In agreement, lowering the anti-apoptotic threshold using ABT-737 and WEHI-539 was sufficient to enhance chemotherapy efficacy, whereas ABT-199 failed to sensitize CSCs. Our data therefore point to a crucial role of BCLXL in protecting CSCs from chemotherapy and suggest that BH3 mimetics, in combination with chemotherapy, can be an efficient way to target chemotherapy-resistant CSCs.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/cdd.2014.37 | DOI Listing |
Drug Metab Dispos
January 2025
Drug Metabolism and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Japan; WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Japan.
Pirfenidone (PIR) is used in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. After oral administration, it is metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 to 5-hydroxylpirfenidone (5-OH PIR) and further oxidized to 5-carboxylpirfenidone (5-COOH PIR), a major metabolite excreted in the urine (90% of the dose). This study aimed to identify enzymes that catalyze the formation of 5-COOH PIR from 5-OH PIR in the human liver.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Ethnopharmacol
January 2025
School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China. Electronic address:
Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Zuo Gui Wan (ZGW) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine decoction used for approximately 400 years to treat age-related degenerative conditions, including cognitive impairment in older adults, osteoporosis, and general aging. However, the mechanism of action for ZGW remains unclear.
Aims Of The Study: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of ZGW in improving cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) animal models and to explore the underlying mechanisms, presenting a novel perspective in the field.
J Ethnopharmacol
January 2025
Health Medical Center, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, Hubei, 445000, PR China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Occurrence and Intervention of Rheumatic Disease, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, Hubei, 445000, PR China. Electronic address:
Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Qiangji Decoction (QJD), a Chinese medicine, is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat amnesia and Alzheimer's disease (AD), showing significant anti-AD effects. However, the precise mechanisms behind these effects are not well understood and require more research.
Aim Of The Study: This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which QJD ameliorates neuronal damage, synaptic dysfunction, and mitochondrial impairment in AD through the regulation of ROCK2/Drp1-mediated mitochondrial dynamics.
J Photochem Photobiol B
January 2025
Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. Electronic address:
Neglecting proper skin care and repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have serious consequences, including skin burns, photoaging and even the development of skin cancer. UV radiation-induced damage is mediated by highly unstable and reactive molecules, named reactive oxygen species (ROS). To counteract ROS, the skin has an endogenous antioxidant system.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Plant senescence is a genetically controlled process that results in the programmed death of plant cells, organs, or the entire plant. This process is essential for nutrient recycling and supports the production of plant offspring. Environmental stresses such as drought and heat can hasten senescence, reducing photosynthetic efficiency and significantly affecting crop quality and yield.
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