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Figueira MI, Carvalho TMA, Macário-Monteiro J, Cardoso HJ, Correia S, Vaz CV, Duarte AP, Socorro S. The Pros and Cons of Estrogens in Prostate Cancer: An Update with a Focus on Phytoestrogens. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1636. [PMID: 39200101 PMCID: PMC11351860 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of estrogens in prostate cancer (PCa) is shrouded in mystery, with its actions going from angelic to devilish. The findings by Huggins and Hodges establishing PCa as a hormone-sensitive cancer have provided the basis for using estrogens in therapy. However, despite the clinical efficacy in suppressing tumor growth and the panoply of experimental evidence describing its anticarcinogenic effects, estrogens were abolished from PCa treatment because of the adverse secondary effects. Notwithstanding, research work over the years has continued investigating the effects of estrogens, reporting their pros and cons in prostate carcinogenesis. In contrast with the beneficial therapeutic effects, many reports have implicated estrogens in the disruption of prostate cell fate and tissue homeostasis. On the other hand, epidemiological data demonstrating the lower incidence of PCa in Eastern countries associated with a higher consumption of phytoestrogens support the beneficial role of estrogens in counteracting cancer development. Many studies have investigated the effects of phytoestrogens and the underlying mechanisms of action, which may contribute to developing safe estrogen-based anti-PCa therapies. This review compiles the existing data on the anti- and protumorigenic actions of estrogens and summarizes the anticancer effects of several phytoestrogens, highlighting their promising features in PCa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sílvia Socorro
- CICS-UBI, Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (M.I.F.)
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2
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Bastian P, Konieczna L, Dulski J, Daca A, Jacewicz D, Płoska A, Knap N, Sławek J, Bączek T, Kalinowski L, Drzeżdżon J, Roszmann A, Belka M, Górska-Ponikowska M. 2-Methoxyestradiol and Hydrogen Peroxide as Promising Biomarkers in Parkinson's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:148-166. [PMID: 37589832 PMCID: PMC10791893 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03575-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens function in numerous physiological processes including controlling brain cell growth and differentiation. 2-Methoxestradiol (2-ME2), a 17β-estradiol (E2) metabolite, is known for its anticancer effects as observed both in vivo and in vitro. 2-ME2 affects all actively dividing cells, including neurons. The study aimed to determine whether 2-ME2 is a potentially cancer-protective or rather neurodegenerative agent in a specific tissue culture model as well as a clinical setup. In this study, 2-ME2 activity was determined in a Parkinson's disease (PD) in vitro model based on the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. The obtained results suggest that 2-ME2 generates nitro-oxidative stress and controls heat shock proteins (HSP), resulting in DNA strand breakage and apoptosis. On the one hand, it may affect intensely dividing cells preventing cancer development; however, on the other hand, this kind of activity within the central nervous system may promote neurodegenerative diseases like PD. Thus, the translational value of 2-ME2's neurotoxic activity in a PD in vitro model was also investigated. LC-MS/MS technique was used to evaluate estrogens and their derivatives, namely, hydroxy and methoxyestrogens, in PD patients' blood, whereas the stopped-flow method was used to assess hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. Methoxyestrogens and H2O2 levels were increased in patients' blood as compared to control subjects, but hydoxyestrogens were simultaneously decreased. From the above, we suggest that the determination of plasma levels of methoxyestrogens and H2O2 may be a novel PD biomarker. The presented research is the subject of the pending patent application "The use of hydrogen peroxide and 17β-estradiol and its metabolites as biomarkers in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases," no. P.441360.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Bastian
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Lucyna Konieczna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-416, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jarosław Dulski
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Department of Neurological-Psychiatric Nursing, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
- Neurology & Stroke Dpt. St. Adalbert Hospital, "Copernicus" Ltd, 80-462, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Daca
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Rheumatology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dagmara Jacewicz
- Department of Environmental Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Agata Płoska
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics-Fahrenheit Biobank BBMRI.pl, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Narcyz Knap
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jarosław Sławek
- Department of Neurological-Psychiatric Nursing, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
- Neurology & Stroke Dpt. St. Adalbert Hospital, "Copernicus" Ltd, 80-462, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Bączek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-416, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Leszek Kalinowski
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics-Fahrenheit Biobank BBMRI.pl, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
- BioTechMed Centre, Department of Mechanics of Materials and Structures, Gdansk University of Technology, Narutowicza Street 11/12, 80-233, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Joanna Drzeżdżon
- Department of Environmental Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Roszmann
- Department of Neurological-Psychiatric Nursing, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
- Neurology & Stroke Dpt. St. Adalbert Hospital, "Copernicus" Ltd, 80-462, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Mariusz Belka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-416, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Górska-Ponikowska
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210, Gdansk, Poland.
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, 90139, Palermo, Italy.
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Kumar BS, Raghuvanshi DS, Hasanain M, Alam S, Sarkar J, Mitra K, Khan F, Negi AS. Recent Advances in chemistry and pharmacology of 2-methoxyestradiol: An anticancer investigational drug. Steroids 2016; 110:9-34. [PMID: 27020471 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2), an estrogen hormone metabolite is a potential cancer chemotherapeutic agent. Presently, it is an investigational drug under various phases of clinical trials alone or in combination therapy. Its anticancer activity has been attributed to its antitubulin, antiangiogenic, pro-apoptotic and ROS induction properties. This anticancer drug candidate has been explored extensively in last twenty years for its detailed chemistry and pharmacology. Present review is an update of its chemistry and biological activity. It also extends an assessment of potential of 2ME2 and its analogues as possible anticancer drug in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Sathish Kumar
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India
| | - Dushyant Singh Raghuvanshi
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India
| | - Mohammad Hasanain
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Sarfaraz Alam
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India
| | - Jayanta Sarkar
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Kalyan Mitra
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Feroz Khan
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India
| | - Arvind S Negi
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India.
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Tian F, Hu Y, Sun X, Lu G, Li Y, Yang J, Tao J. Suppression of c‑FLIPL promotes JNK activation in malignant melanoma cells. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:2904-8. [PMID: 26847085 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.4856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The up‑regulation of cellular Fas‑associated death domain‑like interleukin‑1β‑converting enzyme (FLICE)‑like inhibitory protein (c‑FLIP) has been reported in various tumor types, and has been previously shown to be associated with the clinicopathological features of melanoma. To assess its potential role in cancer therapy, the present study evaluated the effects of short hairpin (sh)RNAs of different c‑FLIP isoforms on cellular proliferation and c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK) signaling. Human c‑FLIP shRNA plasmids were constructed and transfected into the A875 melanoma cell line. It was observed that c‑FLIP shRNA exhibited strong inhibitory effects against the levels of phosphorylated‑JNK and inhibited cellular proliferation in A875 cells. Thus, this indicated that c‑FLIP long form shRNA serves a specific inhibitory role in cellular proliferation through inducing the activation of the JNK pathway in A875 cells. The present study provided insight into the development of RNAi based therapies for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Tian
- Department of Dermatology, Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan 450015, P.R. China
| | - Yange Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan 450015, P.R. China
| | - Xixi Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan 450015, P.R. China
| | - Gaihui Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan 450015, P.R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Juan Tao
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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Yang F, Song L, Wang H, Wang J, Xu Z, Xing N. Combination of Quercetin and 2-Methoxyestradiol Enhances Inhibition of Human Prostate Cancer LNCaP and PC-3 Cells Xenograft Tumor Growth. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128277. [PMID: 26011145 PMCID: PMC4444352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Quercetin and 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME) are promising anti-cancer substances. Our previous in vitro study showed that quercetin synergized with 2-Methoxyestradiol exhibiting increased antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity in both androgen-dependent LNCaP and androgen-independent PC-3 human prostate cancer cell lines. In the present study, we determined whether their combination could inhibit LNCaP and PC-3 xenograft tumor growth in vivo and explored the underlying mechanism. Human prostate cancer LNCaP and PC-3 cells were inoculated subcutaneously in male BALB/c nude mice. When xenograft tumors reached about 100 mm3, mice were randomly allocated to vehicle control, quercetin or 2-Methoxyestradiol singly treated and combination treatment groups. After therapeutic intervention for 4 weeks, combination treatment of quercetin and 2-ME i) significantly inhibited prostate cancer xenograft tumor growth by 46.8% for LNCaP and 51.3% for PC-3 as compared to vehicle control group, more effective than quercetin (28.4% for LNCaP, 24.8% for PC3) or 2-ME (32.1% for LNCaP, 28.9% for PC3) alone; ii) was well tolerated by BALB/c mice and no obvious toxic reactions were observed; iii) led to higher Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, cleaved caspase-3 protein expression and apoptosis rate; and iv) resulted in lower phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) protein level, vascular endothelial growth factor protein and mRNA expression, microvascular density and proliferation rate than single drug treatment. These effects were more remarkable compared to vehicle group. Therefore, combination of quercetin and 2-ME can serve as a novel clinical treatment regimen owning the potential of enhancing antitumor effect on prostate cancer in vivo and lessening the dose and side effects of either quercetin or 2-ME alone. These in vivo results will lay a further solid basis for subsequent researches on this novel therapeutic regimen in human prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiya Yang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Liming Song
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Huiping Wang
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqing Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Nianzeng Xing
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
- * E-mail:
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Dimethylfumarate inhibits tumor cell invasion and metastasis by suppressing the expression and activities of matrix metalloproteinases in melanoma cells. Cell Biol Int 2013; 33:1087-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellbi.2009.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2009] [Revised: 05/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Parrondo R, de las Pozas A, Reiner T, Rai P, Perez-Stable C. NF-kappaB activation enhances cell death by antimitotic drugs in human prostate cancer cells. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:182. [PMID: 20618955 PMCID: PMC2908581 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Accepted: 07/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NF-κB is a transcription factor that promotes inhibition of apoptosis and resistance to chemotherapy. It is commonly believed that inhibition of NF-κB activity can increase sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy. However, there is evidence that NF-κB activation can sensitize cells to apoptosis and that inhibition of NF-κB results in resistance to chemotherapy. In prostate cancer, it is not clear in the different cell types (androgen-dependent and castration-resistant) if activation or inhibition of NF-κB is required for stimulation of apoptosis by chemotherapy. Results Our data indicate that the response of prostate cancer (PC) cells to the antimitotic drugs docetaxel (Doc) and 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is dependent on the levels of NF-κB activity. In androgen-dependent LNCaP cells, Doc and 2ME2 treatment increased the low basal NF-κB activity, as determined by Western blot analysis of phospho-IκBα/p65, NF-κB promoter reporter assays, and p65 localization. Treatment of LNCaP cells with parthenolide, a pharmacologic inhibitor of NF-κB, or introduction of dominant-negative IκBα, or an shRNA specific for p65, a component of the NF-κB heterodimer, blocked apoptosis induced by Doc and 2ME2. In castration-resistant DU145 and PC3 cells, Doc and 2ME2 had little effect on the high basal NF-κB activity and addition of parthenolide did not enhance cell death. However, the combination of Doc or 2ME2 with betulinic acid (BA), a triterpenoid that activates NF-κB, stimulated apoptosis in LNCaP and non-apoptotic cell death in DU145 and PC3 cells. Increased sensitivity to cell death mediated by the Doc or 2ME2 + BA combination is likely due to increased NF-κB activity. Conclusions Our data suggest that the combination of antimitotic drugs with NF-κB inhibitors will have antagonistic effects in a common type of PC cell typical of LNCaP. However, combination strategies utilizing antimitotic drugs with BA, an activator of NF-κB, will universally enhance cell death in PC cells, notably in the aggressive, castration-resistant variety that does not respond to conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Parrondo
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center and Research Service, Bruce W, Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
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Reiner T, Pozas ADL, Gomez LA, Perez-Stable C. Low dose combinations of 2-methoxyestradiol and docetaxel block prostate cancer cells in mitosis and increase apoptosis. Cancer Lett 2009; 276:21-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2008] [Revised: 09/25/2008] [Accepted: 10/22/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Choi K, Choi C. Proapoptotic ginsenosides compound K and Rh enhance Fas-induced cell death of human astrocytoma cells through distinct apoptotic signaling pathways. Cancer Res Treat 2009; 41:36-44. [PMID: 19688070 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2009.41.1.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Malignant astrocytomas are among the commonest primary brain tumors and they have a grave prognosis, and so there is an urgent need to develop effective treatment. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the anti-tumor effect of ginsenosides on human astrocytoma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS We tested 13 different ginsenosides for their anti-tumor effect on human malignant astrocytoma cells in conjunction with Fas stimulation. In addition, the cell signaling pathways were explored by using pharmacological inhibitors and performing immunoblot analysis. DCF-DA staining and antioxidant experiments were performed to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species as one of the apoptosis-inducing mechanisms. RESULTS Among the 13 different ginsenoside metabolites, compound K and Rh(2) induced apoptotic cell death of the astrocytoma cells in a caspase- and p38 MAPK-dependent manner, yet the same treatment had no cytotoxic effect on the primary cultured human astrocytes. Combined treatment with ginsenosides and Fas ligand showed a synergistic cytotoxic effect, which was mediated by the reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species. CONCLUSION These results suggest that ginsenoside metabolites in combination with Fas ligand may provide a new strategy to treat malignant astrocytomas, which are tumors that are quite resistant to conventional anti-cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsun Choi
- Laboratory of Computational Cell Biology, Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Korea
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Ganapathy M, Ghosh R, Jianping X, Zhang X, Bedolla R, Schoolfield J, Yeh IT, Troyer DA, Olumi AF, Kumar AP. Involvement of FLIP in 2-methoxyestradiol-induced tumor regression in transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate model. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:1601-11. [PMID: 19223508 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-1389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Fas-associated death domain interleukin-1 converting enzyme like inhibitory protein (FLIP) inhibition is a therapeutic target associated with 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME2)-mediated tumor regression. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Expression and levels of FLIP were analyzed using (a) real-time PCR and immunoblot analysis in androgen-independent PC-3 cells treated with the newly formulated 2-ME2 and (b) immunohistochemistry in different Gleason pattern human prostate tumors. Transient transfections and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to identify the transcription factors that regulate FLIP. Involvement of FLIP in 2-ME2-induced tumor regression was evaluated in transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice. RESULTS High Gleason pattern (5+5) human prostate tumors exhibit significant increase in FLIP compared with low Gleason pattern 3+3 (P=or<0.04). 2-ME2 reduced the levels and promoter activity of FLIP (P=0.001) in PC-3 cells. Transient expression assays show sequences between -503/+242 being sufficient for 2-ME2-induced inhibition of FLIP promoter activity. Cotransfection experiments show that overexpression of Sp1 activated, whereas Sp3 inhibited, Sp1 transactivation of FLIP promoter activity (P=0.0001). 2-ME2 treatment reduced binding of Sp1 to the FLIP promoter as evidenced by ChIP. Further, levels of FLIP associated with Fas or FADD decreased, whereas cleavage of caspase-8, levels of Bid, and apoptosis increased in response to 2-ME2 treatment in PC-3 cells. Administration of 2-ME2 regressed established prostate tumors in TRAMP mice that were associated with reduced expression of FLIP and Sp1. CONCLUSION Targeting Sp1-mediated FLIP signaling pathway may provide a novel approach for prostate cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manonmani Ganapathy
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA
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Wang P, Yang L, You X, Singh GK, Zhang L, Yan Y, Sung KLP. Mechanical stretch regulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Connect Tissue Res 2009; 50:98-109. [PMID: 19296301 DOI: 10.1080/03008200802348625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical stretch plays a crucial role in articular joints. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is well known that fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), resulting in local invasion into and degradation of bone and cartilage. We sought to examine whether mechanical stretch regulates the expression and underlying signal pathways of MMP secretion (MMP-1, -3, -13) in RA-FLS. FLS were grown on elastic silicone membrane in an equibiaxial strain apparatus and were exposed to 6% mechanical stretch (equivalent to gentle stretch exercise) for 15 min and 75 min, respectively. Semiquantitative PCR and real-time PCR were used to measure and analyze gene expression. Protein levels were determined by Western blotting. The results showed that 15 min of mechanical stretch inhibited MMP-1 and MMP-13 mRNA and protein level. However, the degree of inhibition by 75 min of stretch in expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13 was lower compared with 15 min stretch groups. The mRNA expression of ERK-1, ets-1 and citied-2 were increased by 6% mechanical stretch under both time points, however c-jun and c-fos mRNA level were affected differently after 15 min and 75 min mechanical stretch compared to control group. There were no significant changes on MMP-3 and ets-2 mRNA level under both 6% mechanical stretch time points. In the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta and TNF-alpha), the stretch also reduced the mRNA expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13. In short, our results showed that gentle mechanical strain affects MMP-1 and MMP-13 expression, potentially through the ERK-1-ets-1-cited-2-c-jun signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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12
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Kunigal S, Lakka SS, Joseph P, Estes N, Rao JS. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 inhibition down-regulates radiation-induced nuclear factor-kappa B activity leading to apoptosis in breast tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:3617-26. [PMID: 18519796 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-2060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Novel strategies are needed to prevent the high mortality rates of several types of cancer. These high rates stem from tumor resistance to radiation therapy, which is thought to result from the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and plasminogen activators. In the present study, we show that the modulation of MMP-9 expression, using adenoviral-mediated transfer of the antisense MMP-9 gene (MMP-9 adenoviral construct, Ad-MMP-9), affects breast cancer sensitivity to radiation. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In the present study, we used antisense Ad-MMP-9 to down-regulate the expression of MMP-9 in MDA MB 231 breast cancer cell lines in vitro before irradiation and subsequently incubated cells in hypoxic condition. In vivo studies were done with orthotopic breast tumors, and radiosensitivity was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Ad-MMP-9 infection resulted in down-regulation of radiation-induced levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha and MMP-9 under hypoxic conditions in MDA MB 231 breast cancer cells. In addition, Ad-MMP-9, in combination with radiation, decreased levels of the transcription factors nuclear factor-kappaB and activator protein 1, both of which contribute to the radioresistance of breast tumors. Finally, the triggering of the Fas-Fas ligand apoptotic cascade, which resulted in the cleavage of PARP-1 and caspase-10, caspase-3, and caspase-7, signifies the efficiency of combined treatment of Ad-MMP-9 and radiation. Treatment with Ad-MMP-9 plus radiation completely regressed tumor growth in orthotopic breast cancer model. CONCLUSIONS In summary, integrating gene therapy (adenovirus-mediated inhibition of MMP-9) with radiotherapy could have a synergistic effect, thereby improving the survival of patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sateesh Kunigal
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, One Illini Drive, Peoria, IL 61605, USA
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Fukui M, Zhu BT. Mechanism of 2-methoxyestradiol-induced apoptosis and growth arrest in human breast cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2008; 48:66-78. [DOI: 10.1002/mc.20458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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14
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Jia L, Yu W, Wang P, Sanders BG, Kline K. In vivo and in vitro studies of anticancer actions of alpha-TEA for human prostate cancer cells. Prostate 2008; 68:849-60. [PMID: 18324647 DOI: 10.1002/pros.20750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin E analog, 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2R-(4R,8R, 12-trimethyltridecyl) chroman-6-yloxyacetic acid, referred to as alpha-TEA induces apoptosis in a variety of human cancer cells in cell culture and reduces tumor burden and metastases in preclinical animal models of breast and ovarian cancer. The goal of this study was to determine in vivo anticancer efficacy of alpha-TEA against human prostate cancer cells and identify mechanisms of action. METHODS A PC-3-GFP xenograft model was used to assess the effects of alpha-TEA formulated in liposomes and administered orally on tumor burden and metastases. Tumor tissue was examined by immunohistochemical staining for percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis by TUNEL or cell proliferation by Ki-67. In vitro analyses of mechanisms employed western immunoblotting to examine effects of alpha-TEA-treatments in LNCaP and PC-3-GFP cells on levels of pro-survival and pro-death factors. Functional significance was determined using ectopically expressed constitutively active forms, inhibitors, or siRNA. RESULTS alpha-TEA significantly reduced tumor burden and metastases, increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation of tumor cells (P < 0.05). alpha-TEA treatment of both LNCaP and PC-3-GFP cells in vitro reduced levels of pAkt1, pAkt2; FOXO1, c-FLIP(L) and survivin. Constitutively active Akt1, Akt2, c-FLIP or survivin reduced alpha-TEA-induced apoptosis. PI3K inhibitor enhanced apoptosis. Constitutively active FOXO1 enhanced alpha-TEA induced Fas ligand expression; whereas, FOXO1 siRNA reduced alpha-TEA induced Fas ligand expression. CONCLUSIONS alpha-TEA is an effective anticancer agent for human prostate cancer cells. Downregulation of pro-survival and upregulation of pro-death factors play roles in alpha-TEA-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jia
- Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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15
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Targeting human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase to mitochondria protects cells from 2-methoxyestradiol-induced-mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Oncogene 2008; 27:3710-20. [PMID: 18246124 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2008.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME), an endogenous estrogen metabolite of 17beta-estradiol, is known to induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis through several mechanisms. We sought to study the effect of mitochondrialy targeted hOGG1 (MTS-hOGG1) on HeLa cells exposed to 2-ME. MTS-hOGG1-expressing cells exposed to 2-ME showed increased cellular survival and had significantly less G(2)/M cell cycle arrest compared to vector-only-transfected cells. In addition, 2-ME exposure resulted in an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential, increased apoptosis, accompanied by higher activation of caspase-3, -9, cleavage of Bid to tBid and protein poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage in HeLa cells lacking MTS-hOGG1. Fas inhibitors cerulenin or C75 inhibited 2-ME-induced caspase activation, PARP cleavage, apoptosis and reversed mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization, thereby recapitulating the increased expression of MTS-hOGG1. Hence, MTS-hOGG1 plays an important protective role against 2-ME-mediated mitochondrial damage by blocking apoptosis induced through the Fas pathway.
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16
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Chow JM, Liu CR, Lin CP, Lee CN, Cheng YC, Lin S, Liu HE. Downregulation of c-Myc determines sensitivity to 2-methoxyestradiol–induced apoptosis in human acute myeloid leukemia. Exp Hematol 2008; 36:140-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2007.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2007] [Revised: 10/15/2007] [Accepted: 10/25/2007] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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17
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Rajkumar SV, Richardson PG, Lacy MQ, Dispenzieri A, Greipp PR, Witzig TE, Schlossman R, Sidor CF, Anderson KC, Gertz MA. Novel therapy with 2-methoxyestradiol for the treatment of relapsed and plateau phase multiple myeloma. Clin Cancer Res 2007; 13:6162-7. [PMID: 17947482 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-0807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is an endogenous product of estradiol metabolism with antiangiogenic and antineoplastic properties. We report on the first phase II trial of 2ME2 in multiple myeloma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN 2ME2 was administered orally at a dose of 1,000 mg daily. Sixty patients (31 men and 29 women) were treated. After 39 patients were accrued, the dose was increased to 800 mg twice daily for the remaining patients. RESULTS Thirty-one patients had relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, and 29 had plateau phase multiple myeloma. Median age was 60 years (range, 27-84 years). Therapy was well tolerated. Common adverse events included anemia (35%), fatigue (35%), nausea (25%), diarrhea (20%), hot flushes (20%), headache (17%), muscle cramps (15%), and upper respiratory tract infection (15%). Most adverse events were mild (grade 1-2); 12% experienced grade 3-4 adverse events. Median time to progression was 3.8 months, with 5.6 months for plateau phase disease and 2.3 months for relapsed multiple myeloma. Estimated progression-free survival rates for all patients at 1, 2, and 3 years were 24%, 17%, and 11%, respectively. Three patients, all with plateau phase disease, have been on study for over 4 years without progression at 50, 60, and 63 months, respectively. Minor response was noted in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS Although no partial responses have been seen thus far, the minor responses and prolonged stable disease seen with 2ME2 therapy are promising. Plasma levels indicate that the dose of 2ME2 was inadequate. A new formulation with better bioavailability will be tested soon in multiple myeloma.
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Lin HL, Yang MH, Wu CW, Chen PM, Yang YP, Chu YR, Kao CL, Ku HH, Lo JF, Liou JP, Chi CW, Chiou SH. 2-Methoxyestradiol attenuates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway-mediated metastasis of gastric cancer. Int J Cancer 2007; 121:2547-55. [PMID: 17680560 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.22963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The major obstacle for the treatment of gastric cancer is recurrence and metastasis; yet, its molecular mechanism is largely unknown. 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME), a metabolite of the estradiol-17beta, has recently been demonstrated to have multifactorial effects against tumor proliferation and angiogenesis; how these effects are interrelated and act cooperatively is the key question to be elucidated. Akt activation was shown to promote cancer cell invasiveness, and inhibition of Akt phosphorylation by 2-ME was also noted. We herein investigated the significance of PI3K/Akt activation in gastric cancer metastasis and the anti-metastatic effect of 2-ME through attenuation of Akt activity. Immunohistochemistry of PI3K, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated Erk (p-Erk) was performed in tumors from 56 gastric cancer patients, and a significant correlation between PI3K/p-Akt and tumor stage/prognosis was demonstrated (p < 0.05). An in vitro study of 7 gastric cancer cell lines showed a remarkable correlation between PI3K and p-Akt. PI3K/p-Akt overexpression was associated with invasiveness/migration; in contrast, phosphorylation of Erk was not shown to be correlated with invasiveness. In addition, metastatic gastric cancer clones expressed a higher level of PI3K/p-Akt. The anti-metastatic effect of a low dose of 2-ME and inactivation of Akt was demonstrated. 2-ME also exhibited an ability to inhibit gastric cancer cell proliferation and induce G2/M cell cycle arrest at a higher concentration than that required for inhibition of migration. We conclude that the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in the late-stage progression and metastasis of gastric cancer, and attenuation of p-Akt by 2-ME suppresses metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Liang Lin
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Casarez EV, Dunlap-Brown ME, Conaway MR, Amorino GP. Radiosensitization and modulation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase by 2-Methoxyestradiol in prostate cancer models. Cancer Res 2007; 67:8316-24. [PMID: 17804747 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-1755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is an endogenous estradiol metabolite that inhibits microtubule polymerization, tumor growth, and angiogenesis. Because prostate cancer is often treated with radiotherapy, and 2ME2 has shown efficacy as a single agent against human prostate carcinoma, we evaluated 2ME2 as a potential radiosensitizer in prostate cancer models. A dose-dependent decrease in mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation was observed in human PC3 prostate cancer cells treated with 2ME2 for 18 h. This decrease correlated with in vitro radiosensitization measured by clonogenic assays, and these effects were blocked by the expression of constitutively active MEK. Male nude mice with subcutaneous PC3 xenografts in the hind leg were treated with 2ME2 (75 mg/kg) p.o. for 5 days, and 2 Gy radiation fractions were delivered each day at 4 h after drug treatment. A statistically significant super-additive effect between radiation and 2ME2 was observed in this subcutaneous model, using analysis of within-animal slopes. A PC-3M orthotopic model was also used, with bioluminescence imaging as an end point. PC-3M cells stably expressing the luciferase gene were surgically implanted into the prostates of male nude mice. Mice were given oral doses of 2ME2 (75 mg/kg), with radiation fractions (3 Gy) delivered 4 h later. Mice were then imaged weekly for 4 to 5 weeks with a Xenogen system. A significant super-additive effect was also observed in the orthotopic model. These data show that 2ME2 is an effective radiosensitizing agent against human prostate cancer xenografts, and that the mechanism may involve a decrease in mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation by 2ME2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli V Casarez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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20
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Choi K, Han YH, Choi C. N-acetyl cysteine and caffeic acid phenethyl ester sensitize astrocytoma cells to Fas-mediated cell death in a redox-dependent manner. Cancer Lett 2007; 257:79-86. [PMID: 17692455 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2007.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2007] [Revised: 06/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/02/2007] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Fas-induced cell death in human astrocytoma cells. Fas activation increased intracellular ROS levels in a NADPH oxidase- and caspase-dependent manner. ROS inhibitors such as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) dramatically sensitized astocytoma cells to Fas-induced loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and subsequent cell death, which were abrogated by pretreatment with z-VAD-fmk, a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor. These results collectively indicate that NAC and CAPE sensitize astrocytoma cells to Fas-induced apoptosis in a redox-dependent manner, suggesting a potential use in the treatment of malignant brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsun Choi
- Laboratory of Computational Cell Biology, Department of Brain and Bioengineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
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21
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Angelucci A, Valentini A, Millimaggi D, Gravina GL, Miano R, Dolo V, Vicentini C, Bologna M, Federici G, Bernardini S. Valproic acid induces apoptosis in prostate carcinoma cell lines by activation of multiple death pathways. Anticancer Drugs 2007; 17:1141-50. [PMID: 17075313 DOI: 10.1097/01.cad.0000236302.89843.fc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid is a well-known antiepileptic drug that was recently discovered to have a wide-spectrum antitumoral action in several tumors. In our work, we tested the proapoptotic activity of valproic acid in prostate cancer. Valproic acid-induced apoptosis was described by several in-vitro assays in three prostate cancer cell lines: two representing the prototype of advanced, clinically untreatable stages of prostate progression, PC3 and DU145, and one resembling a more differentiated androgen-sensitive tumor, LNCaP. We observed that valproic acid was a potent and early apoptotic inducer, mainly in less-differentiated prostate cancer cell lines. The molecular analysis of the apoptotic machinery involved in valproic acid action revealed a central role in Bcl-2 downmodulation. When prostate cancer cells were treated for a longer time with valproic acid, we detected an enhancement of Fas-dependent apoptosis associated with an overexpression in Fas and Fas ligand. Our data indicate that the use of valproic acid may be a suitable therapeutic agent in the control of prostate cancer progression and its action appears particularly relevant in the control of refractory stages of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Angelucci
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, Science School, University of L'Aquila, and Bambino Gesù Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Ray G, Dhar G, Van Veldhuizen PJ, Banerjee S, Saxena NK, Sengupta K, Banerjee SK. Modulation of cell-cycle regulatory signaling network by 2-methoxyestradiol in prostate cancer cells is mediated through multiple signal transduction pathways. Biochemistry 2006; 45:3703-13. [PMID: 16533053 DOI: 10.1021/bi051570k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME(2)), a promising anticancer drug, induces growth arrest and apoptosis in various androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and -independent (DU145 and PC-3) prostate cancer cell lines. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis indicated a novel dual impact of 2-ME(2) on the cell division cycle of prostate cancer cells. Chronic exposure of high doses of 2-ME(2) enhance the accumulation of cells in S and G2/M phases, while cell numbers in the G1 phase were reduced significantly by this treatment. Because cyclin B1 overexpression, induction of cdc2 phosphorylation, and its regulatory proteins wee1 and phospho-cdc25C (interphase and mitotic forms) by 2-ME(2) treatment correlated with the induction of apoptosis, growth arrest at the G2/M phase, and accumulation of the S phase, we reasoned that cyclin B1 and cdc2 phosphorylation and its upstream regulatory molecular networks may be associated with the ultimate impacts of 2-ME(2). Because phosphorylation of cdc2 and upregulation of wee1 by 2-ME(2) can be abolished by both extracellular receptor kinase (ERK) inhibitor (U0126) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125), our studies indicate that the 2-ME(2)-induced upregulation of wee1 and subsequent cdc2 phosphorylation are mediated through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-ERK-JNK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gibanananda Ray
- Cancer Research Unit, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
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23
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Liu SQ, Yu JP, Yu HG, Lv P, Chen HL. Activation of Akt and ERK signalling pathways induced by etoposide confer chemoresistance in gastric cancer cells. Dig Liver Dis 2006; 38:310-8. [PMID: 16527552 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2006.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2005] [Revised: 12/19/2005] [Accepted: 01/20/2006] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To identify whether phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-regulated protein kinases signalling pathways are implicated in the chemoresistance of gastric cancer and to explore the possible mechanisms. METHODS Gastric cancer cell lines SGC7901 and BGC823 were exposed to etoposide, Wortmannin+etoposide or PD98059+etoposide. Cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were detected using flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 staining. Cells viability was determined by a colourimetric assay utilising 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). Akt activity was detected using non-radioactive immunoprecipitation-kinase assay. Western blotting was exploited to evaluate the level of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and expressions of c-Myc and p53 protein. RESULTS Etoposide suppressed the viability of SGC7901 and BGC823 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner; PD98059 and Wortmannin were able to enhance the cytotoxicity of etoposide. The apoptotic levels of cells treated with Wortmannin+etoposide or PD98059+etoposide were significantly higher than those of cells treated with etoposide only. Phospho-ERK1/2, Akt activity and expression of c-Myc were significantly induced by etoposide in a time-dependent manner; moreover, there was a weak effect on the expression of p53 protein. Both Wortmannin and PD98059 elevated the level of p53 expression strikingly, however, only PD98059 suppressed the up-regulation trend of c-Myc expression induced by etoposide. CONCLUSION Chemotherapy reagent activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-regulated protein kinases signalling pathways, which decreased the chemotherapy sensitivity of gastric cancer cell lines SGC7901 and BGC823 via suppressing the expression of p53 and enhancing the expression of c-Myc. This may be one of the molecular mechanisms of gastric cancer chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-Q Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238, Wuhan 430060, China
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24
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Shimada K, Nakamura M, Matsuyoshi S, Ishida E, Konishi N. Specific positive and negative effects of FLIP on cell survival in human prostate cancer. Carcinogenesis 2006; 27:1349-57. [PMID: 16537561 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgi380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate here for the first time novel positive and negative effects of the FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP) on human prostate cancer cell survival. A proteaosome inhibitor, MG132, mediated cell cycle arrest at G2/M and apoptosis through p38 activation. Interestingly, FLIP was stabilized by MG132 and interacted with Raf-1, resulting in enhancement of p38 signals and cytotoxicity. In contrast, overexpression of FLIP inhibited ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation of beta-catenin, resulting in increase of the target gene cyclin D1, colony formation and invasive activity. Immunohistochemical analysis and in vitro experiments in primary culture showed FLIP to be overexpressed, statistically associated with expression of beta-catenin/cyclin D1 in metastatic cells, the FLIP/beta-catenin/cyclin D1 signals contributing to colony formation and invasion, which were canceled by FLIP knock down. In contrast, MG132-induced cytotoxicity including apoptosis was strongly inhibited by reduction of FLIP. Taken together, the results indicate that FLIP plays an important role in development of metastatic prostate cancer by inhibiting proteasomal degradation of beta-catenin, whereas it is mainly involved in proteasome inhibitior-mediated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through activating the Raf-1/p38 pathway. Furthermore, proteasome inhibitors may be effective drugs for advanced prostate cancers overexpressing FLIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Shimada
- Department of Pathology, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
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25
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Roswall P, Bu S, Rubin K, Landström M, Heldin NE. 2-methoxyestradiol induces apoptosis in cultured human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells. Thyroid 2006; 16:143-50. [PMID: 16676399 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2006.16.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most malignant tumors in humans, and currently there is no effective treatment. In the present study we investigated the effect of an endogenous estrogen metabolite, 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME), on the growth of human ATC cells. 2-ME treatment had a strong growth inhibitory effect on five human ATC cell lines (HTh7, HTh 74, HTh83, C643, and SW1736), but showed no effect on one cell line (KAT-4). Cell cycle analysis of the growth-inhibited cells showed that 2-ME induced a G2/M-arrest, followed by an increased fraction of cells in sub-G1. Analysis of internucleosomal DNA laddering as well as DNA fragmentation in a terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay demonstrated a high number of cells undergoing apoptosis after 2-ME treatment. An increased activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8 by 2-ME was observed, and inhibition of caspase-3 decreased the apoptotic effect. Addition of 2-ME increased activity of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the sensitive HTh7 as well as the refractory KAT-4 cells, however, activation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-jun aminoterminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) was seen only in the HTh7 cells. Inhibitors of p38 MAPK and SAPK/JNK significantly attenuated the 2-ME effect. Taken together, our data demonstrate an antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of 2-ME on ATC cells involving activation of MAPKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernilla Roswall
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden
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26
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Luwor RB, Lu Y, Li X, Mendelsohn J, Fan Z. The antiepidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody cetuximab/C225 reduces hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha, leading to transcriptional inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Oncogene 2005; 24:4433-41. [PMID: 15806152 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1208625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that the antiepidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody cetuximab (C225; Erbitux), which was recently approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, has antiangiogenic properties, inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion in culture and in animal models. Here, we have furthered the study by demonstrating that cetuximab reduces cellular levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1alpha), a transcriptional regulator of VEGF expression, in A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells under both normoxic and hypoxic culture conditions. Expression of a constitutively active Ras in A431 cells rendered cellular resistance to the cetuximab-mediated reduction of the HIF-1alpha level. Cell lines with naturally occurring phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 mutations or deletions were also resistant to cetuximab-mediated reduction of the HIF-1alpha level. Pharmacologic inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with LY294002 reduced the HIF-1alpha level in both normoxic and hypoxic A431 cells, whereas inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase by PD98059 reduced the level of HIF-1alpha only in normoxic A431 cells. In addition, cetuximab reduced the cellular level of HIF-1alpha in the presence of a proteasome inhibitor, lactacystin, indicating that cetuximab acts mainly at the level of protein synthesis. The reduction of HIF-1alpha in response to cetuximab treatment was accompanied by transcriptional inhibition of VEGF expression, measured by a luciferase assay in A431 cells transfected with a vector containing the VEGF hypoxia response element. Taken together, our results indicate that the previously demonstrated inhibition of VEGF by cetuximab occurs at the level of transcription in response to a reduced level of HIF-1alpha and justify further testing of therapeutic strategies that combine cetuximab with approaches inhibiting the function of VEGF or the VEGF receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney B Luwor
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 036, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Kalach JJ, Joly-Pharaboz MO, Chantepie J, Nicolas B, Descotes F, Mauduit C, Benahmed M, André J. Divergent biological effects of estradiol and diethylstilbestrol in the prostate cancer cell line MOP. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2005; 96:119-29. [PMID: 15950459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2005.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2005] [Accepted: 02/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of mutated androgen receptors (mut-AR) in the actions of estrogens in prostate cancer cells is controversial. This work was designed to determine the role of such receptors in the growth inhibition by estradiol (E2) and androgens of the MOP cell line, a derivative of the LNCaP cell line. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was used as a "tool". E2 like DHT and R1881 inhibits MOP cell proliferation while DES does not. E2 and R1881 down regulate mut-AR mRNA, DES does not. E2 enhances mut-AR transcriptional activity less efficiently than R1881 while DES does not. E2 and R1881 up regulate PSA secretion in a dose-dependent manner, DES does it marginally at 10(-6)M. MOP cells express low amounts of ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA but neither DES nor E2 and R1881 do enhance ER transcriptional activity. DES and E2 bind to mut-AR with relative binding affinities which are respectively 1/175 and 1/10 that of DHT. The E2 and androgen-repressed proliferation is prevented by DES and by the anti-androgen bicalutamide. In LNCaP cells, DES prevents the androgen-enhanced proliferation. These results strongly suggest that: (a) the putative endogenous ERs are biologically inactive in MOP cells, (b) the E2-repressed proliferation results from hormone binding to mut-AR and, (c) DES is an anti-androgen in mut-AR expressing cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Jacques Kalach
- INSERM U407, Oullins, Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Sud, BP 12, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69 921 Oullins Cédex, France
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Gao N, Rahmani M, Dent P, Grant S. 2-Methoxyestradiol-induced apoptosis in human leukemia cells proceeds through a reactive oxygen species and Akt-dependent process. Oncogene 2005; 24:3797-809. [PMID: 15782127 PMCID: PMC1679904 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1208530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The effects of 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME)-induced apoptosis was examined in human leukemia cells (U937 and Jurkat) in relation to mitochondrial injury, oxidative damage, and perturbations in signaling pathways. 2ME induced apoptosis in these cells in a dose-dependent manner associated with release of mitochondrial proteins (cytochrome c, AIF), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), downregulation of Mcl-1 and XIAP, and inactivation (dephosphorylation) of Akt accompanied by activation of JNK. In these cells, enforced activation of Akt by a constitutively active myristolated Akt construct prevented 2ME-mediated mitochondrial injury, XIAP and Mcl-1 downregulation, JNK activation, and apoptosis, but not ROS generation. Conversely, 2ME lethality was potentiated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002. Furthermore, in U937 cells, the hydrogen peroxide scavenger catalase and a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic, TBAP, blocked these events, as well as Akt inactivation. Interruption of the JNK pathway by pharmacologic or genetic (e.g. siRNA) means attenuated 2ME-induced mitochondrial injury, XIAP and Mcl-1 downregulation, and apoptosis. Collectively, these findings suggest a hierarchical model of 2ME-related apoptosis induction in human leukemia cells in which 2ME-induced oxidative injury represents a primary event resulting in Akt inactivation, leading, in turn, to JNK activation, and culminating in XIAP and Mcl-1 downregulation, mitochondrial injury, and apoptosis. They also suggest that in human leukemia cells, the Akt pathway plays a critical role in mediating the response to oxidative stress induced by 2ME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Gao
- Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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29
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Choi YJ, Jeong YJ, Lee YJ, Kwon HM, Kang YH. (-)Epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin enhance survival signaling in response to oxidant-induced human endothelial apoptosis. J Nutr 2005; 135:707-13. [PMID: 15795422 DOI: 10.1093/jn/135.4.707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We reported recently that (-)epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin inhibited H2O2-induced apoptosis through modulation of the expression of apoptosis-related Bcl-2 and Bax in endothelial cells. This study attempted to identify possible regulatory sites and mechanisms of antiapoptotic flavonoids, focusing on ROS-mediated signaling in HUVEC. The effects of apigenin on the signaling pathway downstream were compared. Submillimolar H2O2 caused >30% cell killing with intracellular oxidant generation. H2O2-induced oxidant generation markedly decreased total intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels. Micromolar (-)epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin partially eliminated the dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) and phospho-p53 staining, suggesting that these flavonoids inhibited the accumulation of intracellular oxidants and nuclear transactivation of p53 in H2O2-exposed cells. In contrast, cells treated with apigenin remained DCF and phospho-p53 staining positive in response to H2O2. (-)Epigallocatechin gallate significantly raised the total GSH level that had been depleted by H2O2. Caspase-3 activity was enhanced by H2O2, and this increase was inhibited by (-)epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin. Additionally, the upregulation of caspase-3 activation was reversed by these flavonoids at > or =10 micromol/L; these inhibitory effects were dose dependent. Western blot data revealed that H2O2 upregulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which was rapidly reversed by quercetin within 30 min; H2O2 activation of c-Jun was downregulated. (-)Epigallocatechin gallate inhibited H2O2-induced phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK after 60 min. These results reveal that quercetin blocks JNK- and p38 MAPK-related signaling triggered by the oxidant and may regulate expression of apoptotic downstream genes, preventing apoptosis and promoting cell survival. (-)Epigallocatechin gallate may function as an antiapoptotic agent through other antiapoptotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yean-Jung Choi
- Division of Life Sciences and Silver Biotechnology Research Center, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
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