Background: We sought to investigate the interaction between signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway in human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells. Methods: The STAT3-overexpressing SCLC cell lines H146 and H446 were established by plasmid DNA transfection for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results: Overexpression of STAT3 increased YAP protein expression in H146 and H446 cells. STAT3 overexpression significantly increased YAP mRNA expression and the mRNA expression of the YAP signaling downstream genes CTGF and CYR61 in H146 and H446 cells (p < 0.05). We showed that STAT3 overexpression promoted EMT (epithelial–mesenchymal transition) with increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP9 expression. Transwell assays showed that STAT3 overexpression increased the invasion ability of H146 and H446 cells. In addition, STAT3-overexpressing H146 cells grew significantly more rapidly than control H146 cells in the xenograft mouse model (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and Western blotting (WB) showed that STAT3-overexpressing H146 tumors had increased p-STAT3 and YAP staining and protein expression compared with control tumors. Increased EMT was also observed in STAT3-overexpressed xenograft tumors. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that the overexpression of STAT3 promotes SCLC EMT, invasion, and proliferation through the activation of the YAP signaling pathway.

Bladder cancer is becoming one of the most common malignancies across the world. Although treatment strategy has been continuously improved, which has led to cisplatin-based chemotherapy becoming the standard medication, cancer recurrence and metastasis still occur in a high proportion of patients because of drug resistance. The high efficacy of regorafenib, a broad-spectrum kinase inhibitor, has been evidenced in treating a variety of advanced cancers. Hence, this study investigated whether regorafenib could also effectively antagonize the survival of cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer and elucidate the underlying mechanism. Two types of cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cells, T24R1 and T24R2, were isolated from T24 cisplatin-sensitive bladder cancer cells. These cells were characterized, and T24R1- and T24R2-xenografted tumor mice were created to examine the therapeutic efficacy of regorafenib. T24R1 and T24R2 cells exhibited higher expression levels of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness markers compared to the T24 cells, and regorafenib could simultaneously inhibit the viability and the expression of EMT/stemness markers of both T24R1 and T24R2 cells. Moreover, regorafenib could efficiently arrest the cell cycle, promote apoptosis, and block the transmigration/migration capabilities of both types of cells. Finally, regorafenib could significantly antagonize the growth of T24R1- and T24R2-xenografted tumors in mice. These results demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of regorafenib in cisplatin-resistant bladder cancers. This study, thus, provides more insights into the mechanism of action of regorafenib and demonstrates its great potential in the future treatment of cisplatin-resistant advanced bladder cancer patients.

Background/Aim: Lung cancer has a high morbidity rate and remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Most patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are diagnosed at advanced stages, rendering surgical resection unfeasible and prognosis poor. Therefore, effective therapeutic agents for NSCLC are urgently needed. Physalin F, a steroid derivative isolated from Physalis angulata L., reduces cancer cell viability through unclear mechanisms. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential of physalin F in NSCLC cells in vitro. Materials and Methods: Four NSCLC cell lines, harboring either wild-type (H460 and A549) or mutant (H1650 and H1975) EGFR, were treated with various concentrations of physalin F. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 reagent. Apoptosis and cell-cycle progression were analyzed via flow cytometry and western blotting. Results: Physalin F significantly inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis through the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in NSCLC cells. It caused G₂/M-phase cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, physalin F down-regulated AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. Conversely, enforced AKT expression reversed physalin F-induced suppression of cell viability in NSCLC cells. Conclusion: Physalin F suppresses NSCLC cell growth via PI3K/AKT and RAS/MAPK signaling pathways. These findings suggest that physalin F holds potential as an effective therapeutic agent for NSCLC harboring both wild-type and mutant EGFR.

Background: This study examined the effects of a diet supplemented with peanut skin and bromelain on egg production, egg quality, blood parameters and fat accumulation in middle-aged and aged laying hens. Methods: In Trial 1, 120, 62-week-old Hisex Brown laying hens were grouped into five treatments: a control and high and low concentrations of peanut skin and bromelain groups. In Trial 2, 96, 93-week-old Hisex Brown laying hens were grouped into four groups: control, high concentrations of peanut skin and bromelain and a peanut skin and bromelain combination. Egg production and quality were monitored over an 8-w period and included egg weight, shell thickness and yolk color. Blood samples were analyzed for lipid profiles and liver function. Fat accumulation was observed in the abdominal cavity. Result: Egg production of hens receiving supplementation of peanut skin and bromelain improved substantially in 62-w-old hens (but not in 93-w-old hens) compared with the control group. Substantially reduced blood glucose levels and beneficial changes in yolk color were observed in the supplemented groups. The addition of peanut skin and bromelain to the diet positively affects the productivity and health of middle-aged laying hens.