Defects in the opioid growth factor receptor in human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

The Opioid Growth Factor in Growth Regulation and Immune Responses in Cancer

It has become apparent that endogenous opioids act not only as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, but have multiple functions in the body. Activation of the opioid system by opiate drugs is associated with a risk of cancer development through direct stimulation of tumor cell proliferation and through immunosuppression. In contrast, the endogenous peptide opioid [Met5]-enkephalin, now commonly referred to as Opioid Growth Factor (OGF), negatively regulates cell proliferation in a wide number of cells during development, homeostasis, and neoplasia. This action is mediated through the opioid growth factor receptor, originally designated the zeta (ζ) opioid receptor. Further, contrary to the traditional notion of opiates as immunosuppressive, endogenous OGF has been shown to possess a number of positive immunomodulatory properties and may provide a beneficial effect in cancer by augmenting the activity of cells involved in both innate and acquired immunity. Taken together, the evidence supports consideration of opioid peptides such as OGF as new strategies for cancer therapy.

Opioid Growth Factor and its Derivatives as Potential Non-toxic Multifunctional Anticancer and Analgesic Compounds

Despite significant research progress on the pathogenesis, molecular biology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer, its morbidity and mortality are still high around the world. The emerging resistance of cancer cells to anticancer drugs remains still a significant problem in oncology today. Furthermore, an important challenge is the inability of anticancer drugs to selectively target tumor cells thus sparing healthy cells. One of the new potential options for efficient and safe therapy can be provided by opioid growth factor (OGF), chemically termed Met-enkephalin. It is an endogenous pentapeptide (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met) with antitumor, analgesic, and immune-boosting properties. Clinical trials have demonstrated that OGF therapy alone, as well as in combination with standard chemotherapies, is a safe, non-toxic anticancer agent that reduces tumor size. In this paper, we review the structure-activity relationship of OGF and its analogues. We highlight also OGF derivatives with analgesic, immunomodulatory activity and the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and may be used as safe agents enhancing chemotherapy efficacy and improving quality of life in cancer patients. The reviewed papers indicate that Met-enkephalin and its analogues are interesting candidates for the development of novel, non-toxic, and endowed with an analgesic activity anticancer drugs. More preclinical and clinical studies are needed to explore these opportunities.

The paradoxical role of methionine enkephalin in tumor responses

Methionine enkephalin (MENK) is an opioid peptide composed of five amino acids with multiple biological activities. Since its discovery, MENK has become prominent in neuroregulation and immunoregulation. Tumors have increasingly been a spotlight because of their terrible trends and refractory characteristic. The therapeutic potential of MENK was investigated on a large scale, and there are numerous evidences that MENK exerts anti-tumor effects via two mechanisms. The first mechanism explains the enhanced anti-tumor immune effects of MENK. The second mechanism shows that MENK directly inhibits tumor cell proliferation. However, numerous reports have clarified the pro-tumor role of MENK by inhibiting T and B cell proliferation, promoting tumor cell growth by binding to opioid receptors, leading to desensitization of lymphocytes, and inducing tolerance. It is particularly intriguing that dual reactions are triggered when MENK combines with its opioid receptors; thus, anti-tumor response of the whole body is influenced. This review will expound the dual roles of MENK in tumor responses based on immune cells, cytokines, and tumor cells to provide better suggestions for its application in tumor treatment.

Prospective oncotarget for gynecological cancer: Opioid growth factor (OGF) - opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) axis

The standard treatments for neoplasia include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone antagonists and radiotherapy, which can prolong survival, but rarely cure the tumors of gynecological cancer patients. OGF - OGFr expression, in various gynecologic cells and tissues, is an intersection point between cell development, neuroendocrine function and immune modulation. It has been identified that OGF and OGFr expression differs between gynecological tumor and normal cells. Further, exogenous or endogenous OGF and OGFr antagonists have been known to have a role in regulating cell viability and apoptosis. Moreover, the expression of proteins in the OGF - OGFr axis modulate differentiation and membrane expression of immune cells, which can enhance the immune response. In vivo and in vitro assays have shown that OGF and OGFr antagonists inhibit mitosis as well as induce apoptosis in gynecologic cancer cells. Although immune augmentation combination therapies can intensify cytotoxic activity, OGF or OGFr antagonists do not increase toxicities associated with dual-immune regulation. In conclusion, the OGF - OGFr axis provides significant strategies for antitumor efficiency in gynecological cancer.

Morphine Suppresses Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation Through the Interaction with Opioid Growth Factor Receptor: An In Vitro and Human Lung Tissue Study

BACKGROUND

There have been inconsistent reports on whether opioids promote or inhibit lung cancer growth. In this study, we suggest that opioid growth factor receptor (OGFR), a negative regulator of cell proliferation, is a binding site of morphine and is involved in subsequent morphine-induced lung cancer growth suppression.

METHODS

The expression and distribution of OGFR in human lung cancer tissues and cell lines were assessed with immunohistochemistry and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The human lung cancer cell line, H1975 (adenocarcinoma), which overexpressed OGFR but not μ-opioid receptors, was selected for further analysis to verify the interaction between morphine and OGFR and the impact of morphine on cancer cell growth.

RESULTS

OGFR was expressed in lung cancer tissues and all cancer cell lines tested. Adenocarcinoma showed a higher OGFR expression than squamous cell carcinoma (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction relative quantitation value: median [interquartile range], 13.1 [9.3-20.0] vs 4.3 [2.2-6.6]; P = 0.003). OGFR expression showed an inverse correlation with cell proliferation (r = -0.92, P = 0.0001). Morphine treatment reduced the median H1975 cell number by approximately 23% (P = 0.03). Growth suppression by morphine was attenuated when OGFR was knocked down. A confocal experiment demonstrated binding of morphine to OGFR. Growth suppression by morphine occurred in the S phase of the cell cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung cancer tissues and cell lines express OGFR. Morphine interacts with OGFR and may suppress lung cancer progression.

Opioid growth factor - opioid growth factor receptor axis inhibits proliferation of triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents approximately 15% of the newly diagnosed cancers worldwide and is characterized by tissue lacking in estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptors. TNBC disproportionately affects younger women and women of colour, and new treatments are needed. The opioid growth factor (OGF) - opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) axis is a determinant of cell proliferation in neoplasia, and OGF is an endogenously produced pentapeptide that inhibits cell replication by interacting with OGFr and upregulating cyclin-dependent inhibitory kinase pathways thus reducing DNA synthesis. In these studies we investigated the presence and function of the OGF-OGFr axis in two human TNBC cell lines, as well as in breast cancer cell lines containing hormonal receptors. TNBC cell lines MDA-MD-231 and BT-20, as well as human breast cancer cells SK-BR-3 and MCF-7, were examined for the presence of pentapeptide and receptors, as well as their response to OGF. Specificity of peptide and receptor was confirmed by antibody neutralization and molecular studies to knockdown classical receptor protein. The requirement for protein transcription and translation and RNA transcription were investigated. Growth of TNBC cells in the presence of OGF and standard of care chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel was evaluated to determine both efficacy and protective effects against toxicity. OGF treatment inhibited TNBC cells in a dosage related, receptor mediated, and reversible manner. OGF was the specific endogenous opioid to inhibit cell proliferation, and this was mediated by p21 cyclin dependent inhibitory kinase pathways, and required protein and RNA synthesis. OGFr was the specific receptor involved; both peptide and receptor were detected in all four cell lines. OGF treatment inhibited growth of all cancer cell lines evaluated, and reduced cell death in cultures exposed to paclitaxel. The OGF-OGFr axis is present and functioning in TNBC cell lines, and provides a novel biological pathway as potential therapy.

Targeting the opioid growth factor: Opioid growth factor receptor axis for treatment of human ovarian cancer

The opioid growth factor (OGF) – opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) axis is a biological pathway that is present in human ovarian cancer cells and tissues. OGF, chemically termed [Met5]-enkephalin, is an endogenous opioid peptide that interfaces with OGFr to delay cells moving through the cell cycle by upregulation of cyclin-dependent inhibitory kinase pathways. OGF inhibitory activity is dose dependent, receptor mediated, reversible, protein and RNA dependent, but not related to apoptosis or necrosis. The OGF-OGFr axis can be targeted for treatment of human ovarian cancer by (i) administration of exogenous OGF, (ii) genetic manipulation to over-express OGFr and (iii) use of low dosages of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, which stimulates production of OGF and OGFr for subsequent interaction following blockade of the receptor. The OGF-OGFr axis may be a feasible target for treatment of cancer of the ovary (i) in a prophylactic fashion, (ii) following cytoreduction or (iii) in conjunction with standard chemotherapy for additive effectiveness. In summary, preclinical data support the transition of these novel therapies for treatment of human ovarian cancer from the bench to bedside to provide additional targets for treatment of this devastating disease.

Tissue-based proteomics reveals FXYD3, S100A11 and GSTM3 as novel markers for regional lymph node metastasis in colon cancer

Regional lymph node metastasis negatively affects prognosis in colon cancer patients. The molecular processes leading to regional lymph node metastasis are only partially understood and proteomic markers for metastasis are still scarce. Therefore, a tissue-based proteomic approach was undertaken for identifying proteins associated with regional lymph node metastasis. Two complementary tissue-based proteomic methods have been employed. MALDI imaging was used for identifying small proteins (≤25 kDa) in situ and label-free quantitative proteomics was used for identifying larger proteins. A tissue cohort comprising primary colon tumours without metastasis (UICC II, pN0, n = 21) and with lymph node metastasis (UICC III, pN2, n = 33) was analysed. Subsequent validation of identified proteins was done by immunohistochemical staining on an independent tissue cohort consisting of primary colon tumour specimens (n = 168). MALDI imaging yielded ten discriminating m/z species, and label-free quantitative proteomics 28 proteins. Two MALDI imaging-derived candidate proteins (FXYD3 and S100A11) and one from the label-free quantitative proteomics (GSTM3) were validated on the independent tissue cohort. All three markers correlated significantly with regional lymph node metastasis: FXYD3 (p = 0.0110), S100A11 (p = 0.0071), and GSTM3 (p = 0.0173). FXYD3 and S100A11 were more highly expressed in UICC II patient tumour tissues. GSTM3 was more highly expressed in UICC III patient tumour tissues. By our tissue-based proteomic approach, we could identify a large panel of proteins which are associated with regional lymph node metastasis and which have not been described so far. Here we show that novel markers for regional lymph metastasis can be identified by MALDI imaging or label-free quantitative proteomics and subsequently validated on an independent tissue cohort.

Low-dose naltrexone targets the opioid growth factor-opioid growth factor receptor pathway to inhibit cell proliferation: mechanistic evidence from a tissue culture model

Naltrexone (NTX) is an opioid antagonist that inhibits or accelerates cell proliferation in vivo when utilized in a low (LDN) or high (HDN) dose, respectively. The mechanism of opioid antagonist action on growth is not well understood. We established a tissue culture model of LDN and HDN using short-term and continuous opioid receptor blockade, respectively, in human ovarian cancer cells, and found that the duration of opioid receptor blockade determines cell proliferative response. The alteration of growth by NTX also was detected in cells representative of pancreatic, colorectal and squamous cell carcinomas. The opioid growth factor (OGF; [Met(5)]-enkephalin) and its receptor (OGFr) were responsible for mediating the action of NTX on cell proliferation. NTX upregulated OGF and OGFr at the translational but not at the transcriptional level. The mechanism of inhibition by short-term NTX required p16 and/or p21 cyclin-dependent inhibitory kinases, but was not dependent on cell survival (necrosis, apoptosis). Sequential administration of short-term NTX and OGF had a greater inhibitory effect on cell proliferation than either agent alone. Given the parallels between short-term NTX in vitro and LDN in vivo, we now demonstrate at the molecular level that the OGF-OGFr axis is a common pathway that is essential for the regulation of cell proliferation by NTX.

The opioid growth factor-opioid growth factor receptor axis regulates cell proliferation of human hepatocellular cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with a mortality rate approximating its incidence. Understanding the biology of these tumors, as well as treatment modalities, has been challenging. The opioid growth factor (OGF; [Met(5)]-enkephalin) and the OGF receptor (OGFr) form an endogenous growth-regulating pathway in homeostasis and neoplasia. In this investigation, we examined the relationship of the OGF-OGFr axis in HCC and define its presence, function, and mechanism. Using SK-HEP-1, Hep G2, and Hep 3B human HCC cell lines, we found that OGF and OGFr were present and functional. Exogenous OGF was observed to have a dose-dependent, reversible, and receptor-mediated inhibitory action on cell proliferation. Endogenous OGF was found to be constitutively produced and tonically active on cell replicative activities, with neutralization of this peptide accelerating cell proliferation. Silencing of OGFr using siRNA stimulated cell replication, even when exogenous OGF was added to the cultures, documenting its importance in mediating OGF activity. The mechanism of OGF-OGFr action on cell number was related to inhibition of DNA synthesis and not to apoptotic or necrotic pathways. Both OGF and OGFr were detected in surgical specimens of HCC, and no quantitative differences were recorded in peptide or receptor between pathological and normal specimens. These data are the first to report that the OGF-OGFr system is a native biological regulator of cell proliferation in HCC. The findings may provide important insight in designing treatment strategies for this deadly disease.

Growth inhibition of thyroid follicular cell-derived cancers by the opioid growth factor (OGF) - opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) axis

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma of the thyroid gland is an uncommon cancer, but the most frequent malignancy of the endocrine system. Most thyroid cancers are derived from the follicular cell. Follicular carcinoma (FTC) is considered more malignant than papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most lethal human cancers. Opioid Growth Factor (OGF; chemical term - [Met5]-enkephalin) and its receptor, OGFr, form an inhibitory axis regulating cell proliferation. Both the peptide and receptor have been detected in a wide variety of cancers, and OGF is currently used clinically as a biotherapy for some non-thyroid neoplasias. This study addressed the question of whether the OGF-OGFr axis is present and functional in human thyroid follicular cell - derived cancer.

METHODS

Utilizing human ATC (KAT-18), PTC (KTC-1), and FTC (WRO 82-1) cell lines, immunohistochemistry was employed to ascertain the presence and location of OGF and OGFr. The growth characteristics in the presence of OGF or the opioid antagonist naltrexone (NTX), and the specificity of opioid peptides for proliferation of ATC, were established in KAT-18 cells. Dependence on peptide and receptor were investigated using neutralization studies with antibodies and siRNA experiments, respectively. The mechanism of peptide action on DNA synthesis and cell survival was ascertained. The ubiquity of the OGF-OGFr axis in thyroid follicular cell-derived cancer was assessed in KTC-1 (PTC) and WRO 82-1 (FTC) tumor cells.

RESULTS

OGF and OGFr were present in KAT-18 cells. Concentrations of 10-6 M OGF inhibited cell replication up to 30%, whereas NTX increased cell growth up to 35% relative to cultures treated with sterile water. OGF treatment reduced cell number by as much as 38% in KAT-18 ATC in a dose-dependent and receptor-mediated manner. OGF antibodies neutralized the inhibitory effects of OGF, and siRNA knockdown of OGFr negated growth inhibition by OGF. Cell survival was not altered by OGF, but DNA synthesis as recorded by BrdU incorporation was depressed by 28% in OGF-treated cultures compared to those exposed to sterile water. The OGF-OGFr axis was detected and functional in PTC (KTC-1) and FTC (WRO 82-1) cell lines.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that OGF and OGFr are present in follicular-derived thyroid cancers, and that OGF serves in a tonically active inhibitory manner to maintain homeostasis of cell proliferation. These results may provide a biotherapeutic strategy in the treatment of these cancers.

Opioid growth factor-opioid growth factor receptor axis is a physiological determinant of cell proliferation in diverse human cancers

The opioid growth factor (OGF) regulates cell proliferation of human cancer cells through the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitory pathway, with mediation of this action by the OGF receptor (OGFr). The ubiquity of the OGF-OGFr axis in human cancer is unknown. We used 31 human cancer cell lines, representative of more than 90% of neoplasias occurring in humans, and found that OGF and OGFr were detected in the cytoplasm and nucleus by immunohistochemistry. The addition of OGF to cultures depressed cell number up to 41%, whereas naltrexone (NTX) increased cell proliferation by up to 44%, a total of 85% in the modulating capacity for the OGF-OGFr axis. Neutralization of OGF by specific antibodies led to a marked increase in cell number. Knockdown of OGFr by OGFr-siRNA resulted in a significant increase in the number of cells, even in the face of the addition of exogenous OGF. The cultures to which NTX was added and subjected to OGFr-siRNA were similar to those with OGF-siRNA alone. The OGF-OGFr axis, a physiological determinant of cell-proliferative activity, is a ubiquitous feature of human cancer cells. The identification of this native biological system in neoplasia may be important in understanding the pathophysiology of neoplasia, and in designing treatment modalities that utilize the body's own chemistry.

Cell proliferation of human ovarian cancer is regulated by the opioid growth factor-opioid growth factor receptor axis

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies. Understanding the biology of these tumors, as well as treatment modalities, has been challenging. The opioid growth factor (OGF; [Met(5)]-enkephalin) and the OGF receptor (OGFr) form an endogenous growth-regulating pathway in homeostasis and neoplasia. In this investigation, we examined the relationship of the OGF-OGFr axis to ovarian cancer, and defined its presence, function, and mechanisms. Using OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cell lines, we found that OGF and OGFr were present and functional. Exogenous OGF was observed to have a dose-dependent, serum-independent, reversible, and receptor-mediated inhibitory action on cell proliferation that was dependent on RNA and protein synthesis. The repressive effect of OGF on cell proliferation also was observed in SW626, CAOV-3, and HEY ovarian cancer cell lines. Endogenous OGF was found to be constitutively produced and tonically active on cell replicative activities, with neutralization of this peptide accelerating cell proliferation. Silencing of OGFr using siRNA technology stimulated cell replication, documenting its integral role. The mechanism of OGF-OGFr action on DNA synthesis was related to the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitory pathway because knockdown of p16 or p21 in OVCAR-3 cells, and p21 in SKOV-3 cells, eliminated OGF's inhibitory effect on growth. These data are the first to report that the OGF-OGFr system is a native biological regulator of cell proliferation in human ovarian cancer. This information will be important in designing treatment strategies for this deadly disease.

Expression of opioid growth factor (OGF)-OGF receptor (OGFr) axis in human nonmedullary thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Although thyroid cancers are readily treatable with surgery and radioactive iodine, there are problems in managing recurring, as well as locally advanced, thyroid cancer. The opioid growth factor (OGF) and its receptor, OGF receptor (OGFr), form a tonically active, autocrine-paracrine loop that serves to inhibit cell proliferation in a wide variety of normal and abnormal cells and tissues. In the present study we examined the presence and distribution of OGF and OGFr in nonmedullary thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular, and anaplastic, as well as thyroid tissue from patients with nonmalignant disease.

METHODS

Patient samples of thyroid cancers and goiter were collected at the time of resection and processed for immunohistochemistry of OGF and OGFr, as well as pharmacological binding assays for OGFr.

RESULTS

Both peptide and receptor were detected in the cytoplasm and nucleus of all nonmedullary thyroid cancers, as well as in goiter. Specific and saturable binding of OGFr was found in all thyroid samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding that a potent negative growth regulator and its receptor are present in nonmedullary thyroid cancers and thyroid tissues from patients with nonmalignant disease lead us to suggest that the OGF-OGFr axis serves as a regulator of cell proliferation in these tissues. Moreover, modulation of this biological system may be used to treat progression of nonmedullary thyroid neoplasias.

The opioid growth factor (OGF)-OGF receptor axis uses the p16 pathway to inhibit head and neck cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents 5.5% of malignancies worldwide, with approximately 30,000 new cases and approximately 11,000 deaths reported in the United States annually. The opioid growth factor (OGF; [Met(5)]-enkephalin) and the OGF receptor (OGFr) form an endogenous growth regulating system; the OGF-OGFr axis influences the G(0)-G(1) phase of the cell cycle in HNSCC. Cells treated with small interfering RNA (siRNA) for OGFr no longer responded to the growth inhibitory effects of OGF or the growth stimulatory effects of naltrexone, indicating that these activities are entirely mediated by OGFr. In this investigation, we examined the precise target of OGF in the cell cycle. Using SCC-1 cells, OGF decreased the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein. This change was correlated with reduced Cdk4, but not Cdk2, kinase activity. OGF treatment increased cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16 protein expression. Importantly, p16 complexed with Cdk4 was increased by OGF treatment at all time points, consistent with the hypothesis that OGF mediated growth inhibition through p16. Blockade of OGF-OGFr interactions with naloxone abolished the increased expression of p16 protein by OGF. Inhibition of p16 (INK4a) activation by p16-specific siRNA blocked OGF's repressive action on proliferation of SCC-1, CAL-27, and SCC-4 HNSCC cells. These data are the first to reveal that the target of cell proliferative inhibitory action of OGF in human HNSCC is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitory pathway, and this may be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of HNSCC.

Nucleocytoplasmic distribution of opioid growth factor and its receptor in tongue epithelium

The subcellular distributions of the opioid growth factor (OGF), [Met(5)]-enkephalin, and opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) in the epithelium of the rat tongue were determined in order to reveal structure-function relationships. Laser scanning confocal microscopic analysis showed that both OGF and OGFr were colocalized in the paranuclear cytoplasm and in the nuclei of keratinocytes in the stratum basale. Using immunoelectron microscopy and postembedding techniques, double labeling experiments disclosed that complexes of OGF-OGFr were colocalized on the outer nuclear envelope, in the paranuclear cytoplasm, perpendicular to the nuclear envelope in a putative nuclear pore complex, and in the nucleus adjacent to heterochromatin. Anti-OGF IgG alone was detected in the cytoplasm, and anti-OGFr IgG alone was associated with the outer nuclear envelope. Study of chronic treatment with the opioid antagonist, naltrexone (NTX), which blocks opioid-receptor binding, revealed the presence of OGFr immunoreactivity alone in the cytoplasm and the nucleus; some OGF-OGFr complexes were also observed. Colocalization of OGFr and karyopherin (importin) beta was recorded in the cytoplasm and nucleus. These results in tongue epithelium are the first to suggest that OGFr resides on the outer nuclear envelope, where OGF interacts with OGFr; that the OGF-OGFr complex translocates between cytoplasm and nucleus at the nuclear pore; and that the nuclear localization signal of OGFr interacts with karyopherin beta for nuclear transport. These novel data also indicate that signal transduction for cell proliferation appears to involve an OGF-OGFr complex that interfaces with chromatin in the nucleus. Moreover, the unique finding that OGFr was found in the cytoplasm and nucleus in NTX-treated specimens may suggest that NTX-OGFr complexes have the same pathway as OGF-OGFr.

Opioid growth factor enhances tumor growth inhibition and increases the survival of paclitaxel-treated mice with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Paclitaxel is used as a single agent, and in combination with other drugs, as a standard of care in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). However, the use of paclitaxel for therapy of SCCHN may be accompanied by serious side effects. Paclitaxel is a known cytotoxic inhibitor of cell proliferation that acts by stabilizing microtubules and inducing apoptosis. Opioid growth factor (OGF), [Met(5)]-enkephalin, is an endogenous peptide that has tonically active inhibitory effects on the growth of SCCHN in vitro and in vivo. OGF action is rapid, reversible, mediated by the nuclear-associated OGF receptor (OGFr), and is not cytotoxic (nor apoptotic related). The present study was designed to examine whether a combination of chemotherapy with paclitaxel and biotherapy with OGF is more effective than either agent alone in inhibiting tumor growth. Moreover, focus was placed on whether there are changes in the side effects known to occur with paclitaxel alone, following this combined therapy. Human SCC-1 cells, derived from a well differentiated SCCHN, were transplanted into athymic mice. The mice were randomized to receive intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of sterile saline (controls), OGF (10 mg/kg, daily), paclitaxel (8 mg/kg, every other day), or both paclitaxel (8 mg/kg, every other day) and OGF (10 mg/kg, daily) beginning on the day of tumor inoculation. OGF, but not paclitaxel, delayed measurable and visible tumor appearance of mice with SCCHN. Treatment with paclitaxel, but not with other agents, had a marked effect on the body weights. Survival only was reduced in the paclitaxel group, with an average life span of 34.3+/-3.1 days recorded, in comparison to the 50-day survival (date of termination) for all other groups. Beginning after week 4 of tumor inoculation and drug treatment, the tumor weight of the paclitaxel/OGF group was significantly reduced from the control, OGF, and paclitaxel-exposed mice. The OGFr number of the SCCHN tumors was 2.1-fold greater in the animals exposed to OGF or paclitaxel, and elevated 38% in the paclitaxel/OGF group; significant differences from the control group were found for the OGF and paclitaxel groups. These data suggest that combined chemotherapy (i.e., paclitaxel) and biotherapy (OGF) provides a valuable alternative to the standard of care for SCCHN patients.

Imiquimod treatment induces expression of opioid growth factor receptor: a novel tumor antigen induced by interferon-alpha?

PURPOSE

Imiquimod represents a synthetic local immune response modifier that has demonstrated efficacy in clearing basal cell carcinoma. Via interaction with Toll-like receptor 7 on immune cells, imiquimod induces local production of cytokines, such as interferon (IFN)-alpha.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

To more closely define and elucidate mechanisms leading to basal cell carcinoma clearance in vivo, we examined gene expression profiles of skin basal cell carcinoma before and after treatment with 5% imiquimod cream (Aldara) by using high-density oligonucleotide arrays.

RESULTS

We show that imiquimod predominantly induces genes involved in different aspects of immune response. In addition to effects on immunity, imiquimod treatment modulates the expression of genes involved in the control of apoptosis and oncogenesis. Array data indicated that imiquimod treatment induces expression of opioid growth factor receptor, a molecule recently reported to be a target for antitumor antibody responses. Immunohistochemistry revealed in vivo up-regulation of opioid growth factor receptor protein on tumor and on infiltrating cells after treatment. By using basal cell carcinoma cell lines treated with IFN-alpha or imiquimod, we show that opioid growth factor receptor up-regulation is IFN-alpha-mediated, rather then directly imiquimod-mediated. By using tissue microarray containing 52 basal cell carcinomas, we demonstrate opioid growth factor receptor expression in almost half of the cases. Expression of opioid growth factor receptor correlated with a longer recurrence-free period in basal cell carcinoma that recurred after radiotherapy (Kaplan-Meier analysis, P = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to its immunomodulatory and antiproliferative activity, opioid growth factor receptor seems to have a prognostic significance in basal cell carcinoma patients. Our data add to the growing list of basal cell carcinoma-associated tumor antigens.

Signaling pathway involved in methionine enkephalin-promoted survival of lymphocytes infected by simian immunodeficiency virus in the early stage in vitro

Methionine enkephalin, the endogenous opioid peptide, has a diversity of effects on the immune system. Although the biological effects of the pentapeptide have been well documented, little is known about the intracellular events involved in the effects of opioids on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected immune cells. In the present investigation, the possible mechanism of apoptosis alleviated by exposure of methionine enkephalin at 1 micromol/l to CEM x 174 cells, the hybrid lymphocytes, infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in vitro is elucidated. Apoptosis and cell cycle analysis is carried out by flow cytometry, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) ERK1 and ERK2 is detected by Western blotting assay, and changes of calcium concentration were analyzed using the calcium-sensitive dye Fluo-3 AM. The results exhibit that methionine enkephalin at the concentrations of 1 micromol/l increase remarkably the proportion of vital cells and decrease the apoptotic cells based on annexin V binding assay. In response to the treatment with methionine enkephalin, SIV-infected cells display a prolonged survival and are accumulated in G1 phase. Methionine enkephalin increase obviously the content of intracellular calcium in normal cells within 1-2 min and maintains a high level within monitoring time. However, the intracellular calcium reaches the highest level at 1 min and subsequently decline to background in SIV infected group. In addition, methionine enkephalin also elevates the levels of protein kinase C (PKC) activity and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. It is proposed that calcium-PKC-MAPK cascade is involved in methionine enkephalin-prolonged survival of SIV-infected cells in the early stages of virus infection. The results provide a further evidence for potential use of methionine enkephalin on the therapy of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Opioid growth factor (OGF) inhibits the progression of human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck transplanted into nude mice

Opioid growth factor (OGF) interacts with the OGF receptor (OGFr) and serves as a native inhibitory growth factor. OGF and OGFr are present in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), and OGF represses the replication of SCCHN in tissue culture. In this study, OGF-treated nude mice with xenografts of SCCHN displayed delays in tumor appearance and had reduced tumor size compared to controls. OGF activity was receptor-mediated. Opioid-receptor blockade by the potent opioid antagonist, naltrexone, stimulated tumorigenic processes. Both OGF and OGFr were detected in the tumors by immunohistochemistry, and OGFr was characterized by receptor binding analysis. These results indicate that the OGF-OGFr axis functions in vivo, OGF is a constitutively active molecule, and OGF modulation of SCCHN may have clinical application.