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Travaglini S, Gurnari C, Antonelli S, Silvestrini G, Noguera NI, Ottone T, Voso MT. The Anti-Leukemia Effect of Ascorbic Acid: From the Pro-Oxidant Potential to the Epigenetic Role in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930205. [PMID: 35938170 PMCID: PMC9352950 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Data derived from high-throughput sequencing technologies have allowed a deeper understanding of the molecular landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic options, with a higher efficacy and a lower toxicity than conventional chemotherapy. In the antileukemia drug development scenario, ascorbic acid, a natural compound also known as Vitamin C, has emerged for its potential anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities on leukemic cells. However, the role of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the treatment of AML has been debated for decades. Mechanistic insight into its role in many biological processes and, especially, in epigenetic regulation has provided the rationale for the use of this agent as a novel anti-leukemia therapy in AML. Acting as a co-factor for 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDDs), ascorbic acid is involved in the epigenetic regulations through the control of TET (ten-eleven translocation) enzymes, epigenetic master regulators with a critical role in aberrant hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. In line with this discovery, great interest has been emerging for the clinical testing of this drug targeting leukemia epigenome. Besides its role in epigenetics, ascorbic acid is also a pivotal regulator of many physiological processes in human, particularly in the antioxidant cellular response, being able to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) to prevent DNA damage and other effects involved in cancer transformation. Thus, for this wide spectrum of biological activities, ascorbic acid possesses some pharmacologic properties attractive for anti-leukemia therapy. The present review outlines the evidence and mechanism of ascorbic acid in leukemogenesis and its therapeutic potential in AML. With the growing evidence derived from the literature on situations in which the use of ascorbate may be beneficial in vitro and in vivo, we will finally discuss how these insights could be included into the rational design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Gurnari
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - S. Antonelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Silvestrini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - N. I. Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - T. Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - M. T. Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: M. T. Voso,
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2
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Banella C, Catalano G, Travaglini S, Pelosi E, Ottone T, Zaza A, Guerrera G, Angelini DF, Niscola P, Divona M, Battistini L, Screnci M, Ammatuna E, Testa U, Nervi C, Voso MT, Noguera NI. Ascorbate Plus Buformin in AML: A Metabolic Targeted Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102565. [PMID: 35626170 PMCID: PMC9139619 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Acute Myeloid Leukemias (AMLs) are rapidly progressive clonal neoplastic diseases. The overall 5-year survival rate is very poor: less than 5% in older patients aged over 65 years old. Elderly AML patients are often “unfit” for intensive chemotherapy, further highlighting the need of highly effective, well-tolerated new treatment options for AMLs. Growing evidence indicates that AML blasts feature a highly diverse and flexible metabolism consistent with the aggressiveness of the disease. Based on these evidences, we targeted the metabolic peculiarity and plasticity of AML cells with an association of ascorbate, which causes oxidative stress and interferes with hexokinase activity, and buformin, which completely shuts down mitochondrial contributions in ATP production. The ascorbate–buformin combination could be an innovative therapeutic option for elderly AML patients that are resistant to therapy. Abstract In the present study, we characterized the metabolic background of different Acute Myeloid Leukemias’ (AMLs) cells and described a heterogeneous and highly flexible energetic metabolism. Using the Seahorse XF Agilent, we compared the metabolism of normal hematopoietic progenitors with that of primary AML blasts and five different AML cell lines. We assessed the efficacy and mechanism of action of the association of high doses of ascorbate, a powerful oxidant, with the metabolic inhibitor buformin, which inhibits mitochondrial complex I and completely shuts down mitochondrial contributions in ATP production. Primary blasts from seventeen AML patients, assayed for annexin V and live/dead exclusion by flow cytometry, showed an increase in the apoptotic effect using the drug combination, as compared with ascorbate alone. We show that ascorbate inhibits glycolysis through interfering with HK1/2 and GLUT1 functions in hematopoietic cells. Ascorbate combined with buformin decreases mitochondrial respiration and ATP production and downregulates glycolysis, enhancing the apoptotic effect of ascorbate in primary blasts from AMLs and sparing normal CD34+ bone marrow progenitors. In conclusion, our data have therapeutic implications especially in fragile patients since both agents have an excellent safety profile, and the data also support the clinical evaluation of ascorbate–buformin in association with different mechanism drugs for the treatment of refractory/relapsing AML patients with no other therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Banella
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Catalano
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Travaglini
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (U.T.)
| | - Tiziana Ottone
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zaza
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gisella Guerrera
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (D.F.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Daniela Francesca Angelini
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (D.F.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Pasquale Niscola
- Hematology Unit, Saint’ Eugenio Hospital, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Luca Battistini
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (D.F.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Maria Screnci
- Banca Regionale Sangue Cordone Ombelicale UOC Immunoematologia e Medicina Trasfusionale, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Ammatuna
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (U.T.)
| | - Clara Nervi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Roma La Sapienza, 04100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.V.); (N.I.N.); Tel.: +39-06-501-703-225 (N.I.N.)
| | - Nelida Ines Noguera
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.V.); (N.I.N.); Tel.: +39-06-501-703-225 (N.I.N.)
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Zhang S, Yu H, Li J, Fan J, Chen J. 2-Methoxyestradiol combined with ascorbic acid facilitates the apoptosis of chronic myeloid leukemia cells via the microRNA-223/Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3/phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B axis. Bioengineered 2022; 13:3470-3485. [PMID: 35068331 PMCID: PMC8973755 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2024327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant myeloproliferative tumor. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME) is an endogenous estrogen metabolite that shows efficacy in human malignancies. Ascorbic acid (AA) possesses antioxidant activity. This study explored the mechanism of 2-ME combined with AA in the apoptosis of CML cells. Firstly, human CML cell lines were treated with 2-ME and AA. The cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected. miR-223 expression in CML cells was detected. In addition, CML cells were transfected with miR-223 inhibitor. The binding relationship between miR-223 and FLT3 was verified. Subsequently, the FLT3 was overexpressed or silenced for the function rescue experiment to confirm the role of FLT3 in CML cell apoptosis. The expression levels of key factors of the PI3K/AKT pathway were detected. Finally, xenograft nude mouse models were established for in vivo verification. 2-ME + AA treatment inhibited CML cell viability and promoted apoptosis, elevated ROS content, and reduced MMP. 2-ME + AA treatment promoted miR-223 expression in CML cells. miR-223 targeted FLT3. Moreover, miR-223 inhibitor or FLT3 overexpression partially annulled the effect of 2-ME + AA on CML cells. 2-ME + AA inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway via the miR-223/FLT3 axis. Furthermore, 2-ME + AA suppressed CML xenograft growth in mice. Collectively, 2-ME + AA promoted miR-223 expression and suppressed FLT3 and the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby facilitating the apoptosis of CML cells and inhibiting CML xenograft growth in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou,Guangdong, China
| | - Hanhui Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery,Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiazhen Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou,Guangdong, China
| | - Jingru Fan
- Department of Emergency,Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingchao Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou,Guangdong, China
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4
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Chen Z, Huang Y, Cao D, Qiu S, Chen B, Li J, Bao Y, Wei Q, Han P, Liu L. Vitamin C Intake and Cancers: An Umbrella Review. Front Nutr 2022; 8:812394. [PMID: 35127793 PMCID: PMC8812486 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.812394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses, we conducted this umbrella review aiming at evaluating the quality of evidence, validity and biases of the relationship between vitamin C (VC) intake and incidence and outcomes of multiple cancers. We identified 22 cancer outcomes within 3,562 articles. VC consumption was associated with lower incidence of bladder cancer, breast cancer, cervical tumors, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, glioma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, renal cell cancer, and total cancer occurrence. VC intake was also related to decreased risk of breast cancer prognosis (recurrence, cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Chen
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yin Huang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dehong Cao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shi Qiu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yige Bao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Han
| | - Liangren Liu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Liangren Liu
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5
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Böttger F, Vallés-Martí A, Cahn L, Jimenez CR. High-dose intravenous vitamin C, a promising multi-targeting agent in the treatment of cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:343. [PMID: 34717701 PMCID: PMC8557029 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02134-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that vitamin C has the potential to be a potent anti-cancer agent when administered intravenously and in high doses (high-dose IVC). Early phase clinical trials have confirmed safety and indicated efficacy of IVC in eradicating tumour cells of various cancer types. In recent years, the multi-targeting effects of vitamin C were unravelled, demonstrating a role as cancer-specific, pro-oxidative cytotoxic agent, anti-cancer epigenetic regulator and immune modulator, reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inhibiting hypoxia and oncogenic kinase signalling and boosting immune response. Moreover, high-dose IVC is powerful as an adjuvant treatment for cancer, acting synergistically with many standard (chemo-) therapies, as well as a method for mitigating the toxic side-effects of chemotherapy. Despite the rationale and ample evidence, strong clinical data and phase III studies are lacking. Therefore, there is a need for more extensive awareness of the use of this highly promising, non-toxic cancer treatment in the clinical setting. In this review, we provide an elaborate overview of pre-clinical and clinical studies using high-dose IVC as anti-cancer agent, as well as a detailed evaluation of the main known molecular mechanisms involved. A special focus is put on global molecular profiling studies in this respect. In addition, an outlook on future implications of high-dose vitamin C in cancer treatment is presented and recommendations for further research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Böttger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Vallés-Martí
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Loraine Cahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Connie R Jimenez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Giansanti M, De Gabrieli A, Prete SP, Ottone T, Divona MD, Karimi T, Ciccarone F, Voso MT, Graziani G, Faraoni I. Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors for Arsenic Trioxide-Resistant Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: Synergistic In Vitro Antitumor Effects with Hypomethylating Agents or High-Dose Vitamin C. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 377:385-397. [PMID: 33820831 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an anticancer agent used for the treatment ofacute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, 5%-10% of patients fail to respond or experience disease relapse. Based on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1 involvement in the processing of DNA demethylation, here we have tested the in vitro susceptibility of ATO-resistant clones (derived from the human APL cell line NB4) to PARP inhibitors (PARPi) in combination with hypomethylating agents (azacitidine and decitabine) or high-dose vitamin C (ascorbate), which induces 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC)-mediated DNA demethylation. ATO-sensitive and -resistant APL cell clones were generated and initially analyzed for their susceptibility to five clinically used PARPi (olaparib, niraparib, rucaparib, veliparib, and talazoparib). The obtained PARPi IC50 values were far below (olaparib and niraparib), within the range (talazoparib), or above (rucaparib and veliparib) the C max reported in patients, likely as a result of differences in the mechanisms of their cytotoxic activity. ATO-resistant APL cells were also susceptible to clinically relevant concentrations of azacitidine and decitabine and to high-dose ascorbate. Interestingly, the combination of these agents with olaparib, niraparib, or talazoparib resulted in synergistic antitumor activity. In combination with ascorbate, PARPi increased the ascorbate-mediated induction of 5hmC, which likely resulted in stalled DNA repair and cytotoxicity. Talazoparib was the most effective PARPi in synergizing with ascorbate, in accordance with its marked ability to trap PARP1 at damaged DNA. These findings suggest that ATO and PARPi have nonoverlapping resistance mechanisms and support further investigation on PARPi combination with hypomethylating agents or high-dose ascorbate for relapsed/ATO-refractory APL, especially in frail patients. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study found that poly(ADP-ribose) inhibitors (PARPi) show activity as single agents against human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells resistant to arsenic trioxide at clinically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, PARPi enhance the in vitro efficacy of azacitidine, decitabine, and high-dose vitamin C, all agents that alter DNA methylation. In combination with vitamin C, PARPi increase the levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, likely as a result of altered processing of the oxidized intermediates associated with DNA demethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Giansanti
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Antonio De Gabrieli
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Salvatore Pasquale Prete
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Tiziana Ottone
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Maria Domenica Divona
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Terry Karimi
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Fabio Ciccarone
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Isabella Faraoni
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
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7
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Koç A, Karabay AZ, Yaprak A, Büyükbingöl Z, Aktan F. Effect of Probucol on Proliferation of Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, Lymphoma, and Fibroblast Cells. Turk J Pharm Sci 2021; 18:75-79. [PMID: 33634671 DOI: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2019.04657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Probucol is a bisphenol antioxidant with antiinflammatory, antilipidemic and antidiabetic effect. Development and progression of cancer is closely related to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Agents that target these processes have been shown to modulate cancer cell proliferation. In this regard, the effect of probucol on proliferation of different cancer cell lines was investigated. Materials and Methods Different concentrations of probucol solutions were prepared and applied to the following cancer cell lines: K562S (imatinib sensitive) and K562R (imatinib resistant) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells; U937 histiocytic lymphoma cells; HL60 acute myeloid leukemia cells; U266, H929, and RPMI8226 multiple myeloma cells; and L929 fibroblast cells. Cell viability was conducted by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Results Significant toxicity was not exhibited due to probucol treatment (0.1-10 µM) in K562S and K562R CML cells, U937 histiocytic lymphoma cells, HL60 acute myeloid leukemia cells, U266 multiple myeloma cells, and L929 fibroblast cells. However, probucol treatment significantly inhibited the viability of H929 and RPMI8226 multiple myeloma cells at the concentration of 0.5-10 µM and 5-10 µM, respectively. Conclusion Probucol treatment slightly inhibited the viability of other cancer cell lines, but significantly inhibited the viability of H929 and RPMI8226 multiple myeloma cells. However, its effect was not potent, since a 50% reduction in cell viability could not be achieved at the concentrations of probucol treatment administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslı Koç
- Ankara Universtiy Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Arzu Zeynep Karabay
- Ankara Universtiy Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ali Yaprak
- Ankara Universtiy Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zeliha Büyükbingöl
- Ankara Universtiy Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fügen Aktan
- Ankara Universtiy Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
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8
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New promising developments for potential therapeutic applications of high-dose ascorbate as an anticancer drug. Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther 2020; 14:179-191. [PMID: 33278349 DOI: 10.1016/j.hemonc.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (ascorbate) is an essential dietary requirement, with fundamental redox, anti-oxidant functions at physiologic concentrations. Vitamin C is a cofactor for Fe2+ and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, englobing large families of enzymes, including also epigenetic regulators of DNA and histone methylation. Importantly, vitamin C is involved in the control of the activity of TET (ten-eleven translocation) enzymes, key epigenetic regulators. For this spectrum of activities, often involving pathways deregulated in cancer cells, vitamin C possesses some pharmacologic activities that can be exploited in anticancer therapy. In particular, the capacity of pharmacological doses of vitamin C to target redox imbalance and to rescue deregulated epigenetic program observed in some cancer cells represents a consistent therapeutic potentiality. Several recent studies have identified some cancer subsets that could benefit from the pharmacological activities of vitamin C. The identification of these potentially responsive patients will help to carefully define controlled clinical trials aiming to evaluate the anticancer activity of Vitamin C.
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High-Dose Vitamin C Tends to Kill Colorectal Cancer with High MALAT1 Expression. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2020; 2020:2621308. [PMID: 33293956 PMCID: PMC7714606 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2621308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Vitamin C (Vc) deficiency is frequently observed in cancer sites and has been proposed to have an antitumor effect. However, the mechanism of Vc's killing effect is not clear. Besides, epigenetic alterations exhibit significant effects on colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Vc's killing effect and its association to epigenetic alterations in CRC. Methods Cell morphology, apoptosis, proliferation, and cycle were assayed to test Vc's suppressive function in CRC cell lines. Xenograft and peritoneal implantation metastasis models were performed to evaluate the high-dose Vc's inhibitory effect on tumor growth and metastasis. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure CD31 expression in solid tumors. A literature summary was applied for screening differently expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in CRC tissues and was closely associated with CRC progression. The qPCR was used to detect the expression of these lncRNAs. The association between Vc and metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) was evaluated in MALAT1-transfected CRC cells and a xenograft model. Results Vc was confirmed to function in proliferation suppression, apoptosis induction, and S phase arresting in CRC cell lines. High-dose Vc, but not physiologically low-dose Vc, was identified as a suppressive function on tumor growth in xenograft models and an inhibitory effect on implantation metastasis in peritoneal implantation metastasis mice. Furthermore, a consistent downregulation of MALAT1 induced by Vc was verified among CRC cell lines and tumor tissues from both mouse models. Finally, experiments on MALAT1-knockdown CRC cells and its xenograft model suggested that Vc had a tendency in killing CRC with high MALAT1 expression. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that high-dose Vc has more efficiency in suppressing CRC with higher MALAT1 expression. It gives high-dose Vc the possibility of a better curative effect on CRC with overexpressed MALAT1. Further clinical studies are still needed.
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10
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Darwiche W, Gomila C, Ouled-Haddou H, Naudot M, Doualle C, Morel P, Nguyen-Khac F, Garçon L, Marolleau JP, Ghamlouch H. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) synergistically enhances the therapeutic effect of targeted therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:228. [PMID: 33115525 PMCID: PMC7594454 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01738-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Novel, less toxic, cost-effective and safe therapeutic strategies are needed to improve treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Ascorbic acid (AA, vitamin C) has shown a potential anti-cancer therapeutic activity in several cancers. However, the anti-cancer effects of ascorbic acid on CLL B-cells have not been extensively studied. We aimed in this study to evaluate the in vitro therapeutic activity using clinically relevant conditions. Methods Primary CLL B-cells and two CLL cell lines were exposed to a dose that is clinically achievable by AA oral administration (250 μM), and cell death and potential mechanisms were assessed. The role of the protective CLL microenvironment was studied. Synergistic interaction between AA and CLL approved drugs (Ibrutinib, Idelalisib and Venetoclax) was also evaluated. Results Ascorbic acid is cytotoxic for CLL B-cells at low dose (250 μM) but spares healthy B-cells. Ascorbic-acid-induced cytotoxicity involved pro-oxidant damage through the generation of reactive oxygen species in the extracellular media and in CLL cells, and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis. We also found that AA treatment overcame the supportive survival effect provided by microenvironment including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, T-cell cues (CD40L + IL-4), cytokines and hypoxia. Our data suggest that resistance to AA could be mediated by the expression of the enzyme catalase in some CLL samples and by the glucose metabolite pyruvate. We also demonstrated that AA synergistically potentiates the cytotoxicity of targeted therapies used in or being developed for CLL. Conclusion These preclinical results point to AA as an adjuvant therapy with potential to further improve CLL treatments in combination with targeted therapies. Supplementary information Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s13046-020-01738-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa Darwiche
- EA 4666, HEMATIM, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, D408, 80054, Amiens Cedex, France. .,Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Amiens Picardie, D408, 80054, Amiens Cedex, France.
| | - Cathy Gomila
- EA 4666, HEMATIM, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, D408, 80054, Amiens Cedex, France
| | - Hakim Ouled-Haddou
- EA 4666, HEMATIM, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, D408, 80054, Amiens Cedex, France
| | - Marie Naudot
- EA 7516, CHIMERE, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Cécile Doualle
- INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Morel
- Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Amiens Picardie, D408, 80054, Amiens Cedex, France
| | - Florence Nguyen-Khac
- INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, APHP, Service d'Hématologie Biologique, Paris, France
| | - Loïc Garçon
- EA 4666, HEMATIM, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, D408, 80054, Amiens Cedex, France.,Service d'hématologie Biologique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Amiens Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Marolleau
- EA 4666, HEMATIM, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, D408, 80054, Amiens Cedex, France. .,Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Amiens Picardie, D408, 80054, Amiens Cedex, France.
| | - Hussein Ghamlouch
- EA 4666, HEMATIM, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, D408, 80054, Amiens Cedex, France. .,INSERM U1170, équipe labélisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Gustave Roussy, 39 rue Camille Desmoulins, 94805, Villejuif Cedex, France.
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11
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Mendivil-Perez M, Velez-Pardo C, David-Yepes GE, Fox JE, Jimenez-Del-Rio M. TPEN exerts selective anti-leukemic efficacy in ex vivo drug-resistant childhood acute leukemia. Biometals 2020; 34:49-66. [PMID: 33098492 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-020-00262-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite some advances in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic (ALL) and myeloid leukemia (AML) in recent years, there is still a prominent percentage of pediatric patients with a reduced overall prognosis. Therefore, other therapeutic approaches are needed to treat those patients. In the present study, we report that the metal chelator TPEN affected ΔΨm and DNA content in isolated CD34+ refractory cells from bone marrow ALL (n = 7; B-cell, n = 4; T-cell, n = 3) and AML (n = 3) pediatric patients. Furthermore, TPEN induced oxidation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor protein DJ-1, induced up-regulation of BH3-only pro-apoptotic protein PUMA, transcription factor p53 and activated the executor protease CASPASE-3 as apoptosis markers, and reduced the reactivity of the cellular proliferating marker Ki-67 in all acute leukemic groups, and reduced the phosphorylation of c-ABL protein signal in an AML case. Remarkably, bone marrow cells from non-leukemic patients' cells (n = 2) displayed neither loss of ΔΨm nor loss of DNA content when exposed to TPEN. We conclude that TPEN selectively induces apoptosis in acute leukemic cells via reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling mechanism. Understanding the pathways of TPEN-induced cell death may provide insight into more effective therapeutic ROS-inducing anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Mendivil-Perez
- Neuroscience Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Institute, University of Antioquia (UdeA), SIU Medellin, Calle 70 No. 52-21, and Calle 62 # 52-59, Building 1, Room 412, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Carlos Velez-Pardo
- Neuroscience Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Institute, University of Antioquia (UdeA), SIU Medellin, Calle 70 No. 52-21, and Calle 62 # 52-59, Building 1, Room 412, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Gloria E David-Yepes
- Children's Hospital San Vicente Foundation, Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit, Calle 64 # 51 D-154, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Javier E Fox
- Children's Hospital San Vicente Foundation, Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit, Calle 64 # 51 D-154, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Marlene Jimenez-Del-Rio
- Neuroscience Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Institute, University of Antioquia (UdeA), SIU Medellin, Calle 70 No. 52-21, and Calle 62 # 52-59, Building 1, Room 412, Medellin, Colombia.
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12
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Banella C, Catalano G, Travaglini S, Divona M, Masciarelli S, Guerrera G, Fazi F, Lo-Coco F, Voso MT, Noguera NI. PML/RARa Interferes with NRF2 Transcriptional Activity Increasing the Sensitivity to Ascorbate of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010095. [PMID: 31905996 PMCID: PMC7016898 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
NRF2 (NF-E2 p45-related factor 2) orchestrates cellular adaptive responses to stress. Its quantity and subcellular location is controlled through a complex network and its activity increases during redox perturbation, inflammation, growth factor stimulation, and energy fluxes. Even before all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment era it was a common experience that acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells are highly sensitive to first line chemotherapy. Since we demonstrated how high doses of ascorbate (ASC) preferentially kill leukemic blast cells from APL patients, we aimed to define the underlying mechanism and found that promyelocytic leukemia/retinoic acid receptor α (PML/RARa) inhibits NRF2 function, impedes its transfer to the nucleus and enhances its degradation in the cytoplasm. Such loss of NRF2 function alters cell metabolism, demarcating APL tissue from both normal promyelocytes and other acute myeloide leukemia (AML) blast cells. Resistance to ATRA/arsenic trioxide (ATO) treatment is rare but grave and the metabolically-oriented treatment with high doses of ASC, which is highly effective on APL cells and harmless on normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), could be of use in preventing clonal evolution and in rescuing APL-resistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Banella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (F.L.-C.); (M.T.V.)
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Catalano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (F.L.-C.); (M.T.V.)
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (F.L.-C.); (M.T.V.)
| | | | - Silvia Masciarelli
- Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, I.R.C.C.S., 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gisella Guerrera
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Fondazione Santa Lucia I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Lo-Coco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (F.L.-C.); (M.T.V.)
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (F.L.-C.); (M.T.V.)
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Nelida Ines Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (F.L.-C.); (M.T.V.)
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00143 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-065-0170-3214; Fax: +39-065-0170-3318
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13
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Pro- and Antioxidant Effects of Vitamin C in Cancer in correspondence to Its Dietary and Pharmacological Concentrations. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:7286737. [PMID: 31934267 PMCID: PMC6942884 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7286737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may scavenge reactive oxygen species preventing DNA damage and other effects important in cancer transformation. Dietary vitamin C from natural sources is taken with other compounds affecting its bioavailability and biological effects. High pharmacological doses of vitamin C may induce prooxidant effects, detrimental for cancer cells. An oxidized form of vitamin C, dehydroascorbate, is transported through glucose transporters, and cancer cells switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis in energy production so an excess of vitamin C may limit glucose transport and ATP production resulting in energetic crisis and cell death. Vitamin C may change the metabolomic and epigenetic profiles of cancer cells, and activation of ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins and downregulation of pluripotency factors by the vitamin may eradicate cancer stem cells. Metastasis, the main reason of cancer-related deaths, requires breakage of anatomical barriers containing collagen, whose synthesis is promoted by vitamin C. Vitamin C induces degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor, HIF-1, essential for the survival of tumor cells in hypoxic conditions. Dietary vitamin C may stimulate the immune system through activation of NK and T cells and monocytes. Pharmacological doses of vitamin C may inhibit cancer transformation in several pathways, but further studies are needed to address both mechanistic and clinical aspects of this effect.
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14
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Noguera NI, Catalano G, Banella C, Divona M, Faraoni I, Ottone T, Arcese W, Voso MT. Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: Update on the Mechanisms of Leukemogenesis, Resistance and on Innovative Treatment Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101591. [PMID: 31635329 PMCID: PMC6826966 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review highlights new findings that have deepened our understanding of the mechanisms of leukemogenesis, therapy and resistance in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor α (PML-RARa) sets the cellular landscape of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) by repressing the transcription of RARa target genes and disrupting PML-NBs. The RAR receptors control the homeostasis of tissue growth, modeling and regeneration, and PML-NBs are involved in self-renewal of normal and cancer stem cells, DNA damage response, senescence and stress response. The additional somatic mutations in APL mainly involve FLT3, WT1, NRAS, KRAS, ARID1B and ARID1A genes. The treatment outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed APL improved dramatically since the advent of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). ATRA activates the transcription of blocked genes and degrades PML-RARα, while ATO degrades PML-RARa by promoting apoptosis and has a pro-oxidant effect. The resistance to ATRA and ATO may derive from the mutations in the RARa ligand binding domain (LBD) and in the PML-B2 domain of PML-RARa, but such mutations cannot explain the majority of resistances experienced in the clinic, globally accounting for 5-10% of cases. Several studies are ongoing to unravel clonal evolution and resistance, suggesting the therapeutic potential of new retinoid molecules and combinatorial treatments of ATRA or ATO with different drugs acting through alternative mechanisms of action, which may lead to synergistic effects on growth control or the induction of apoptosis in APL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- N I Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - G Catalano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - C Banella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - M Divona
- Policlinico Tor vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - I Faraoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - T Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - W Arcese
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - M T Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00143 Rome, Italy.
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Faraoni I, Giansanti M, Voso MT, Lo-Coco F, Graziani G. Targeting ADP-ribosylation by PARP inhibitors in acute myeloid leukaemia and related disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 167:133-148. [PMID: 31028744 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation, block in myeloid differentiation and recurrent genetic abnormalities. In the search of new effective therapies, identification of synthetic lethal partners of AML genetic alterations might represent a suitable approach to tailor patient treatment. Genetic mutations directly affecting DNA repair genes are not commonly present in AML. Nevertheless, several studies indicate that AML cells show high levels of DNA lesions and genomic instability. Leukaemia-driving oncogenes (e.g., RUNX1-RUNXT1, PML-RARA, TCF3-HLF, IDH1/2, TET2) or treatment with targeted agents directed against aberrant kinases (e.g., JAK1/2 and FLT3 inhibitors) have been associated with reduced DNA repair gene expression/activity that would render leukaemia blasts selectively sensitive to synthetic lethality induced by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). Thus, specific oncogenic chimeric proteins or gene mutations, rare or typically distinctive of certain leukaemia subtypes, may allow tagging cancer cells for destruction by PARPi. In this review, we will discuss the rationale for using PARPi in AML subtypes characterized by a specific genetic background and summarize the preclinical and clinical evidence reported so far on their activity when used as single agents or in combination with classical cytotoxic chemotherapy or with agents targeting AML-associated mutated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Faraoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Manuela Giansanti
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lo-Coco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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Saitoh Y. Comments to the article “Artefacts with ascorbate and other redox-active compounds in cell culture: epigenetic modifications, and cell killing due to hydrogen peroxide generation in cell culture media”. Free Radic Res 2018; 52:910-912. [DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2018.1524891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasukazu Saitoh
- Laboratory of Bioscience and Biotechnology for Cell Function Control, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, Japan
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Shin H, Nam A, Song KH, Lee K, Rebhun RB, Seo KW. Anticancer effects of high-dose ascorbate on canine melanoma cell lines. Vet Comp Oncol 2018; 16:616-621. [DOI: 10.1111/vco.12429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeri Shin
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine; Chungnam National University; Daejeon South Korea
| | - Aryung Nam
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul South Korea
| | - Kun-Ho Song
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine; Chungnam National University; Daejeon South Korea
| | - Kupil Lee
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine; Chungnam National University; Daejeon South Korea
| | - Robert B. Rebhun
- Comparative Oncology Laboratory and Center for Companion Animal Health, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine; University of California-Davis; Davis California
| | - Kyoung-Won Seo
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine; Chungnam National University; Daejeon South Korea
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Pires AS, Marques CR, Encarnação JC, Abrantes AM, Marques IA, Laranjo M, Oliveira R, Casalta-Lopes JE, Gonçalves AC, Sarmento-Ribeiro AB, Botelho MF. Ascorbic Acid Chemosensitizes Colorectal Cancer Cells and Synergistically Inhibits Tumor Growth. Front Physiol 2018; 9:911. [PMID: 30083105 PMCID: PMC6064950 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is continuously classified as one of the most incidental and mortal types of cancer worldwide. The positive outcomes of the conventional chemotherapy are frequently associated with high toxicity, which often leads to the suspension of the treatment. Growing evidences consider the use of pharmacological concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA), better known as vitamin C, in the treatment of cancer. The use of AA in a clinical context is essentially related to the adoption of new therapeutic strategies based on combination regimens, where AA plays a chemosensitizing role. The reduced sensitivity of some tumors to chemotherapy and the highly associated adverse effects continue to be some of the major obstacles in the effective treatment of CRC. So, this paper aimed to study the potential of a new therapeutic approach against this neoplasia with diminished side effects for the patient. This approach was based on the study of the combination of high concentrations of AA with reduced concentrations of drugs conventionally used in CRC patients and eligible for first and second line chemotherapeutic regimens, namely 5-fluorouracilo (5-FU), oxaliplatin (Oxa) or irinotecan (Iri). The evaluation of the potential synergy between the compounds was first assessed in vitro in three CRC cell lines with different genetic background and later in vivo using one xenograft animal model of CRC. AA and 5-FU act synergistically in vitro just for longer incubation times, however, in vivo showed no benefit compared to 5-FU alone. In contrast to the lack of synergy seen in in vitro studies with the combination of AA with irinotecan, the animal model revealed the therapeutic potential of this combination. AA also potentiated the effect of Oxa, since a synergistic effect was demonstrated, in almost all conditions and in the three cell lines. Moreover, this combined therapy (CT) caused a stagnation of the tumor growth rate, being the most promising tested combination. Pharmacological concentrations of AA increased the efficacy of Iri and Oxa against CRC, with promising results in cell lines with more aggressive phenotypes, namely, tumors with mutant or null P53 expression and tumors resistant to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Pires
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia R Marques
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João C Encarnação
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana M Abrantes
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês A Marques
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Laranjo
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Oliveira
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João E Casalta-Lopes
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana C Gonçalves
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Oncobiology and Hematology Laboratory, Applied Molecular Biology and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana B Sarmento-Ribeiro
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Oncobiology and Hematology Laboratory, Applied Molecular Biology and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Hematology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria F Botelho
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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19
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Pei Z, Zhang X, Ji C, Liu SM, Wang J. Transcriptomic and functional pathways analysis of ascorbate-induced cytotoxicity and resistance of Burkitt lymphoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:63950-63959. [PMID: 27590508 PMCID: PMC5325416 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascorbate is a pro-oxidant that generates hydrogen peroxide–dependent cytotoxity in cancer cells without adversely affecting normal cells. To determine the mechanistic basis for this phenotype, we selected Burkitt lymphoma cells resistant to ascorbate (JLPR cells) and their ascorbate-sensitive parental cells (JLPS cells). Compared with JLPS cells, the increased glucose uptake in JLPR cells (with upregulated glucose transporters, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and altered cell cycling) conferred ascorbate–induced cytotoxicity and resistance. Transcriptomic profiles and function pathway analysis identified differentially expressed gene signatures for JLPR cells and JLPS cells, which differential expression levels of five genes (ATF5, CD79B, MHC, Myosin, and SAP18) in ascorbate-resistant cells were related to phosphoinositide 3 kinase, cdc42, DNA methylation and transcriptional repression, polyamine regulation, and integrin-linked kinase signaling pathways. These results suggested that coordinated changes occurred in JLPR cells to enable their survival when exposed to the cytotoxic pro-oxidant stress elicited by pharmacologic ascorbate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenglin Pei
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Jinshan District, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Jinshan District, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Chunxia Ji
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Jinshan District, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Song-Mei Liu
- Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Jinshan District, Shanghai 201508, China
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20
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Noguera NI, Pelosi E, Angelini DF, Piredda ML, Guerrera G, Piras E, Battistini L, Massai L, Berardi A, Catalano G, Cicconi L, Castelli G, D'Angiò A, Pasquini L, Graziani G, Fioritoni G, Voso MT, Mastrangelo D, Testa U, Lo-Coco F. High-dose ascorbate and arsenic trioxide selectively kill acute myeloid leukemia and acute promyelocytic leukemia blasts in vitro. Oncotarget 2018; 8:32550-32565. [PMID: 28427227 PMCID: PMC5464808 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of high-dose ascorbate (ASC) for the treatment of human cancer has been attempted several decades ago and has been recently revived by several in vitro and in vivo studies in solid tumors. We tested the cytotoxic effects of ASC, alone or in combination with arsenic trioxide (ATO) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Leukemic cell lines and primary blasts from AML and APL patients were treated with graded concentrations of ASC, alone or in association with standard concentration (1 μM) of ATO. The ASC/ATO combination killed myeloid blasts, including leukemic CD34+ cells, while sparing CD34+ progenitors obtained from normal cord blood and bone marrow. Actually, approximately one-third (11/36) of primary AML cases were highly sensitive to the ASC/ATO combination. The mechanism of cell killing appeared to be related to increased oxidative stress and overproduction of ROS in a non-quantitative fashion, which resulted in induction of apoptosis. These effects were reverted by the addition of the antioxidant N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC). In the APL NB4 model, ASC induced direct degradation of the PML and PML/RARA proteins via caspase activation, while the transcriptional repressor DAXX was recruited in re-constituted PML nuclear bodies. Our findings encourage the design of pilot studies to explore the potential clinical benefit of ASC alone or in combination with ATO in advanced AML and APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nélida I Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela F Angelini
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Fondazione Santa Lucia-I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Liliana Piredda
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Gisella Guerrera
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Fondazione Santa Lucia-I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Piras
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Fondazione Santa Lucia-I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Battistini
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Fondazione Santa Lucia-I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
| | - Lauretta Massai
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Polo Scientifico San Miniato, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Berardi
- Pescara Cell Factory Foundation Onlus, Pescara, Italy
| | | | - Laura Cicconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese D'Angiò
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Pasquini
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Mastrangelo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Polo Scientifico San Miniato, Siena, Italy
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lo-Coco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
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21
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Mastrangelo D, Pelosi E, Castelli G, Lo-Coco F, Testa U. Mechanisms of anti-cancer effects of ascorbate: Cytotoxic activity and epigenetic modulation. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2017; 69:57-64. [PMID: 28954710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin C (Vit C or Ascorbate) is essential for many fundamental biochemical processes. Vit C is an essential nutrient with redox functions at normal physiologic concentrations. The main physiologic function of this vitamin is related to its capacity to act as a co-factor for a large family of enzymes, collectively known as Fe and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases. It also modulates epigenetic gene expression through the control of TET enzymes activity. Vit C also has several biological properties allowing to restore the deregulated epigenetic response observed in many tumors. High-dose Vit C has been investigated as a treatment for cancer patients since the 1969. Pharmacologic ascorbate acts as a pro-drug for hydrogen peroxide formation (H2O2) and, through this mechanism, kills cancer cells. To achieve high in vivo concentrations, Ascorbate must be injected by i.v. route. Initial clinical studies of Ascorbate cancer treatment have provided encouraging results, not confirmed in subsequent studies. Recent clinical studies using i.v. injection of high-dose Ascorbate have renewed the interest in the field, showing that significant anti-tumor activity. Pre-clinical studies have led to identify tumors sensitive to Ascorbate that could potentially benefit from this treatment either through an epigenetic modulator effect or through tumor killing by oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Mastrangelo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Polo Scientifico San Miniato, Siena, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lo-Coco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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