Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a highly lethal undifferentiated malignancy without reliable therapies. Retinoic acid (RA) has been employed to promote redifferentiation of thyroid cancers by increasing their I¹³¹ uptake and radio-sensitivity, but its effect(s) on ATCs has not yet been ascertained. Likewise, resveratrol induces cancer redifferentiation but, also in this case, its effects on ATCs remain unknown. These issues have been addresses in the current study using three human ATC cell lines (THJ-11T, THJ-16T, and THJ-21T) through multiple experimental approaches. The results reveal that RA exerts a small inhibitory effect on these cell lines. In comparison with normally cultured cells, the total cell number in resveratrol-treated THJ-16T and THJ-21T cultures significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and this effect was accompanied by reduced Cyclin D1 immuno-labeling, increased apoptotic fractions, and distinct caspase-3 activation. Resveratrol failed to inhibit growth but enhanced RA sensitivity of THJ-11T cells, suppressed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ (PPAR-β/δ), and upregulated cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2 (CRABP2) and retinoic acid receptor beta (RAR-β) expression. Increased thyroglobulin (Tg) and E-cadherin levels and appearance of membranous E-cadherin were evidenced in resveratrol-treated THJ-11T cells. Our results demonstrate for the first time: (1) the therapeutic value of resveratrol by itself or in combination with RA in the management of ATCs, (2) the capacity of resveratrol to overcome RA resistance in ATC cells by reprogramming CRABP2/RAR- and fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5)/PPAR-β/δ-mediated RA signaling, and (3) the redifferentiating potential of resveratrol in ATC cells.

Cisplatin is a platinum-based drug that is frequently used to treat multiple tumors. The anti-tumor effect of cisplatin is closely related to the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), which includes several immune cell types, such as the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs), dendritic cells (DCs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and natural killer (NK) cells. The interaction between these immune cells can promote tumor survival and chemoresistance, and decrease the efficacy of cisplatin monotherapy. Therefore, various combination treatment strategies have been devised to enhance patient responsiveness to cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin can augment anti-tumor immune responses in combination with immune checkpoint blockers (such as PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA4 inhibitors), lipid metabolism disruptors (like FASN inhibitors and SCD inhibitors) and nanoparticles (NPs), resulting in better outcomes. Exploring the interaction between cisplatin and the TIME will help identify potential therapeutic targets for improving the treatment outcomes in cancer patients.

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy without reliable preventive agent. Resveratrol possesses in vitro anti-TC activities; while its effect(s) on thyroid tumorigenesis remains unknown. This study aims to address this issue using DEN/MNU/DHPN-induced rat carcinogenesis model. 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into four groups as Group-1 (5 rats); normally fed; Group-2 (15 rats); DEN/MNU/DHPN treatment only; Group-3 (15 rats) and -4 (15 rats); DEN/MNU/DHPN treatment; followed by resveratrol intragastric (IG) injection and intraperitoneal (IP) injection; respectively; in two-day intervals for 30 weeks. The results revealed that the average resveratrol concentration in thyroid tissues was 1.278 ± 0.419 nmol/g in IG group and 1.752 ± 0.398 nmol/g in IP group. The final body weights of Group-3 and Group-4 were lighter than that (p > 0.05) of Group-1; but heavier than Group-2 (p < 0.05). TC-related lesions (hyperplasia and adenomas) were found in 53.3% of Group-2; 33.3% Group-3 and 26.7% Group-4. Lower serum carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) and thyroglobulin (Tg) levels; down-regulated expression of IL-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); reduction of NF-κB/p65 nuclear translocation; and elevated IkBα expression were found in the thyroid tissues of Group-3 and Group-4 in comparison with that of Group-2. These results demonstrate that IG and IP administered resveratrol efficiently reduces the frequency and severity of DEN/MNU/DHPN-caused TC-related lesions and would be of values in thyroid tumor prevention.

Natural bioactive chemicals sourced from marine species have attracted growing interest due to their immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and gut microbiota-regulating characteristics. These chemicals, especially peptides, offer therapeutic approaches for addressing inflammation, immunological dysfunction, and intestinal barrier disturbance, which are frequently observed in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This review centers on current discoveries about marine-derived peptides from octopus, sea conch, and scallop. These substances have demonstrated a considerable ability to restore intestinal integrity, regulate immune cell function, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and rebalance dysbiotic gut microbiota. We consider several in vivo scenarios, encompassing dextran sulphate sodium (DDS)-induced colitis and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. These compounds raise the expression of tight junction proteins (including ZO-1 and occludin), boost the production of mucin, and encourage the growth of good bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae. Their effects are mechanistically associated with the inhibition of critical inflammatory pathways (e.g., Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4)) and the modulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. These versatile bioactives can serve as dietary supplements or complementary therapies for gastrointestinal and cancer-related issues. This review emphasizes the therapeutic potential of marine peptides, concentrating on gut–immune–microbiota interactions, as well as exploring future avenues for clinical translation and drug development

As life expectancy rises and the aging population grows, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become a significant global health concern. AD is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with an unclear etiology. Current hypotheses primarily focus on β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation as key pathological processes. Given the limited efficacy of existing therapeutic strategies, there is an urgent need to explore novel treatment options. Marine natural products have garnered significant attention due to their unique chemical structures and diverse bioactivities, demonstrating potential for multi-target interventions in AD. This review systematically summarizes the roles of marine-derived compounds, including polysaccharides, carotenoids, and polyphenols, in modulating Aβ aggregation, mitigating tau protein pathology, and regulating gut–brain axis dysfunction. Furthermore, the challenges of current research are discussed, with an emphasis on improving blood–brain barrier permeability and optimizing drug delivery systems to facilitate clinical translation.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of diseases characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). In recent years, probiotics have attracted more and more attention as a potential adjuvant therapy. Probiotics can improve the symptoms and quality of life of IBD patients mainly by regulating intestinal microflora, regulating immune response, enhancing intestinal barrier function and exerting anti-inflammatory effect. However, although a large number of studies have explored the role of probiotics, there are still individual differences and uncertainties in clinical application. This paper reviews the mechanism, clinical effect and future prospect of probiotics in the treatment of IBD, and analyzes the existing clinical research and experimental data to provide reference for further research. Finally, this paper looks forward to the research direction of probiotics in the treatment of IBD, aiming at providing evidence for clinical practice.