Multi-targeted Natural Products as Cancer Therapeutics: Challenges and Opportunities, Volume I, 2nd edition

Multi-targeted Natural Products as Cancer Therapeutics: Challenges and Opportunities, Volume I, 2nd edition
Author: Jiang-Jiang Qin
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Total Pages: 699
Release: 2024-01-11
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 2832541984

This Research Topic is part of a series with: Multi-targeted Natural Products as Cancer Therapeutics: Challenges and Opportunities, Volume II Cancer remains a leading cause of disease-related deaths worldwide, despite recent advances in our understanding of cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been used as standard non-surgical treatments of human cancer for decades, however, the survival rates of patients with cancer, especially those with advanced diseases are still very low due to the high toxicities of these treatments as well as the severe side effects. This fact has motivated researchers to discover new cancer therapeutics with minimum side effects, which intensively promotes the rapid development of single specific molecule-targeted therapies (SSMTT). Many efforts have been made in world-wide cancer drug discovery research and several single molecule-targeted therapies have been successfully developed. Unfortunately, most of the investments failed because cancer is a genetic disease and always harbors multiple alternations of molecules or genes at the genomic, genetic and epigenetic levels. The inhibition of a single molecule or signaling pathway by SSMTT frequently results in a hyperactive compensation of other cancer-related molecules and signaling pathways as well as the subsequent development of drug resistance. Therefore, identifying multi-targeted therapies, i.e. drugs that are able to target multiple cancer-related genes, proteins, or signaling pathways is a more promising way to success in developing new cancer therapeutics. Natural products, especially those from traditional Chinese medicine and folk remedies in other countries are an extraordinarily important source for new drug discovery over the past decades. Of note, many natural products have often been demonstrated to target several crucial genes or proteins in cancer-related signaling networks and exert synergistic effects. For example, Japonicone A, a dimeric sesquiterpenoid from the medicinal plant Inula japonica, has been found to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis by dually targeting the TNF-α/NF-κB and p53/MDM2 signaling pathways. Traditionally, researchers have believed that the multi-targeting mechanisms of natural products have limited their use in cancer treatment due to the low specificity and potential side effects. The growing interest in developing multi-targeted cancer therapies may provide another golden opportunity to develop natural products as new cancer therapeutics. Nevertheless, critical investigations for a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of natural products also mean more challenges. Our long-term goals are to fully understand the molecular targets and mechanisms of action of anticancer natural products and develop them as novel cancer preventive and therapeutic agents. The specific goal of this Research Topic is to bring together the recent findings of newly identified anticancer natural products, especially those with multiple molecular targets. Papers (Original Research articles or Reviews) which discuss the in vitro and in vivo efficacy and pharmacological and toxicological properties of natural products are also welcome to be submitted. Guidelines for the conception and review of submissions As many anticancer drugs working as cytotoxic compounds have non-selective effects annihilating their potential therapeutic benefits, manuscripts are advised to provide evidence of a significant selectivity towards cancer cells (vs. healthy cells). Specifically, if the studied anticancer drug or modality does not target an oncogenic pathway, the authors should make every effort possible to prove that the cytotoxic or cytostatic effects they have identified exhibit selectivity for cancer cells (ideally 1 log difference in EC50 or IC50) vs. non-malignant cells (eg, fibroblasts or primary culture of cells). The authors should also demonstrate the applicability of their anticancer modalities on a minimum of two well-authenticated cancer cell lines (ideally originating from distinct organs/tissues). For manuscripts dealing with plant extracts or other natural substances/compounds, the composition and the stability of the study material must be described in sufficient detail. In particular, for extracts, chromatograms with characterization of the dominating compound(s) are requested. The level of purity must be proven and included. Please refer to the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology, a subset of which concerning general standards in natural product research are applied to all such studies in all sections of Frontiers in Pharmacology.

Epidermal Langerhans Cells

Epidermal Langerhans Cells
Author: Gerold Schuler
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 336
Release: 1990-12-26
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9780849356469

Epidermal Langerhans Cells focuses on epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) and the important role they play in the induction of contact hypersensitivity and graft rejection. This in-depth work discusses how these antigen-presenting cells are modulated by various physicochemical agents (such as UV light) and how they can be infected by the AIDS virus. It also reveals that cytokines mediate their development into potent T cell-stimulatory dendritic cells. This comprehensive review covers important experimental details and methods, and fascinating information on LCs. It also provides an overview of the immune system as it relates to the skin in health and disease. This up-to-date publication is an indispensable resource for all investigative and clinical dermatologists, as well as immunologists interested in antigen-presenting cells.

Inflammation and Cancer

Inflammation and Cancer
Author: Bharat B. Aggarwal
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 489
Release: 2014-05-12
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3034808372

This volume examines in detail the role of chronic inflammatory processes in the development of several types of cancer. Leading experts describe the latest results of molecular and cellular research on infection, cancer-related inflammation and tumorigenesis. Further, the clinical significance of these findings in preventing cancer progression and approaches to treating the diseases are discussed. Individual chapters cover cancer of the lung, colon, breast, brain, head and neck, pancreas, prostate, bladder, kidney, liver, cervix and skin as well as gastric cancer, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma.

Crosstalk: Skin Cells and Immune Cells in Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Crosstalk: Skin Cells and Immune Cells in Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Author: Jeong Eun Kim
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Total Pages: 196
Release: 2024-09-11
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 2832552986

The skin is the human body's largest organ consisting of two layers: epidermis and dermis, and appendages: hair, and sweat glands. The skin not only wraps the body but also protects it from external stimuli and infection, perceives sensations such as pain and itch, and coordinates with various circulating immune cells for immune response/regulation. Recent studies have shown that inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, harbor systemic inflammation/immune abnormalities such as strong Th activation and expansion of specific immune cell subsets. Novel biologics and small molecule inhibitors targeting specific biomarkers and immune signals are much more effective and safer than conventional systemic therapies for these skin diseases.

Natural Products Targeting Clinically Relevant Enzymes

Natural Products Targeting Clinically Relevant Enzymes
Author: Paula B. Andrade
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 348
Release: 2017-12-04
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3527342052

The past decade has seen the reappearance of natural products as a valuable source of potent therapeutics. Here, experts on bioactive natural products cover the full spectrum of clinically relevant enzymes that are known to be targeted by natural products. Key enzymes include acetylcholine esterase, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme, cyclooxygenase, dihydrofolate reductase, phospholipase A2, respiratory complexes, and many more. By connecting the diversity of medicinal natural product sources with their potential clinical applications, this volume serves as a companion for the medicinal chemist looking for innovative small molecule compounds as well as for pharmacologist interested in the clinical effects and mode of action of herbal and traditional medicines.

Temporomandibular Disorders

Temporomandibular Disorders
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 427
Release: 2020-07-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309670489

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), are a set of more than 30 health disorders associated with both the temporomandibular joints and the muscles and tissues of the jaw. TMDs have a range of causes and often co-occur with a number of overlapping medical conditions, including headaches, fibromyalgia, back pain and irritable bowel syndrome. TMDs can be transient or long-lasting and may be associated with problems that range from an occasional click of the jaw to severe chronic pain involving the entire orofacial region. Everyday activities, including eating and talking, are often difficult for people with TMDs, and many of them suffer with severe chronic pain due to this condition. Common social activities that most people take for granted, such as smiling, laughing, and kissing, can become unbearable. This dysfunction and pain, and its associated suffering, take a terrible toll on affected individuals, their families, and their friends. Individuals with TMDs often feel stigmatized and invalidated in their experiences by their family, friends, and, often, the health care community. Misjudgments and a failure to understand the nature and depths of TMDs can have severe consequences - more pain and more suffering - for individuals, their families and our society. Temporomandibular Disorders: Priorities for Research and Care calls on a number of stakeholders - across medicine, dentistry, and other fields - to improve the health and well-being of individuals with a TMD. This report addresses the current state of knowledge regarding TMD research, education and training, safety and efficacy of clinical treatments of TMDs, and burden and costs associated with TMDs. The recommendations of Temporomandibular Disorders focus on the actions that many organizations and agencies should take to improve TMD research and care and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with a TMD.