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Wilkerson JL, Tatum SM, Holland WL, Summers SA. Ceramides are fuel gauges on the drive to cardiometabolic disease. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:1061-1119. [PMID: 38300524 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00008.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ceramides are signals of fatty acid excess that accumulate when a cell's energetic needs have been met and its nutrient storage has reached capacity. As these sphingolipids accrue, they alter the metabolism and survival of cells throughout the body including in the heart, liver, blood vessels, skeletal muscle, brain, and kidney. These ceramide actions elicit the tissue dysfunction that underlies cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, metabolic-associated steatohepatitis, and heart failure. Here, we review the biosynthesis and degradation pathways that maintain ceramide levels in normal physiology and discuss how the loss of ceramide homeostasis drives cardiometabolic pathologies. We highlight signaling nodes that sense small changes in ceramides and in turn reprogram cellular metabolism and stimulate apoptosis. Finally, we evaluate the emerging therapeutic utility of these unique lipids as biomarkers that forecast disease risk and as targets of ceramide-lowering interventions that ameliorate disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Wilkerson
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Sean M Tatum
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - William L Holland
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Scott A Summers
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
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2
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Takahashi N. [Prevention and Treatment of Cancer with Vitamin A and Its Derivatives: Cell Differentiation and Proliferation]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2024; 144:203-222. [PMID: 38296498 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.23-00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Normal differentiation and proliferation of cells are essential for maintaining homeostasis. Following the successful completion of whole genome sequencing, protein modification has been attracted increasing attention in order to understand the roles of protein diversification in protein function and to elucidate molecular targets in mechanisms of signal transduction. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for health maintenance. It is present as β-carotene in green and yellow vegetables and retinyl ester in animal products and absorbed into the body from the intestines. After ingestion, it is converted to retinol and oxidized in target cells to retinal, which plays critical roles in vision. It is then further oxidized to retinoic acid (RA), which exhibits a number of effects prior to being metabolized by cytochrome P450 and excreted from the body. Since RA exhibits cell differentiation-inducing actions, it is used as a therapeutic agent for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. The current paper describes: (1) HL60 cell differentiation and cell differentiation induction therapy by RA; (2) roles played by RA and retinal and their mechanisms of action; (3) retinoylation, post-translational protein-modified by RA, a novel non-genomic RA mechanism of action without RA receptor; (4) new actions of β-carotene and retinol in vivo and (5) potent anticancer effects of p-dodecylaminophenol (p-DDAP), a novel vitamin A derivative created from the RA derivative fenretinide. We propose that nutritional management of vitamin A can be effective at preventing and treating diseases, and that p-DDAP is a promising anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Takahashi
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
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3
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Al-Bustany HA, Muhammad HA, Chawsheen MA, Dash PR. Fenretinide induces apoptosis and synergises the apoptosis inducing effect of gemcitabine through inhibition of key signalling molecules involved in A549 cell survival in in silico and in vitro analyses. Cell Signal 2023; 111:110885. [PMID: 37704095 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Fenretinide is a synthetic retinoid compound, which induces apoptosis via generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. We hypothesise that fenretinide's mechanism of action in triggering apoptosis may involve other targets, beside mTOR signalling pathway and it may augment apoptosis inducing effects of chemotherapeutic drugs in lung cancer. Time-lapse microscopy and Western blotting were used to evaluate apoptosis and apoptotic marker cleaved-Caspase 3 in A549 cells. Relative levels of protein phosphorylation and ROS were quantified by Human Phospho-Kinase Array Kit and CellROX® Green Reagent, respectively. Docking and simulation analyses of proteins and fenretinide interactions were identified and visualised by Discovery Studio Visualizer and AutoDock Vina software. Our results showed that fenretinide induced apoptosis in a dose dependant manner and combinations of fenretinide (5 μg/mL) and gemcitabine (1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 μg/mL) synergistically enhanced apoptosis in A549 cells. Fenretinide caused significant increase of cleaved-Caspase 3, de-phosphorylated p-S473 of Akt and failed to inhibit mTORC1 downstream targets. In silico results revealed that Akt required the lowest energy (-10.2 kcal/mol) to interact with fenretinide in comparison with other proteins. In conclusion, Akt may be exploited as a good target for induction of apoptosis in A549 cells and fenretinide has great potentials to fulfil this task. The mechanism by which fenretinide boosts the apoptosis inducing effects of gemcitabine, which is likely expected to be via inhibiting mTORC2 downstream targets. However, docking investigation revealed that fenretinide lacks specificity as it may also interact with several secondary targets beside Akt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem A Al-Bustany
- Department of Basic Science, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Hawzheen A Muhammad
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mahmoud A Chawsheen
- Department of General Sciences, Faculty of Education, Soran University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; Medical Research Centre, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region. Iraq.
| | - Phil R Dash
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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4
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Zhu K, Xia Y, Tian X, He Y, Zhou J, Han R, Guo H, Song T, Chen L, Tian X. Characterization and therapeutic perspectives of differentiation-inducing therapy in malignant tumors. Front Genet 2023; 14:1271381. [PMID: 37745860 PMCID: PMC10514561 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1271381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major public health issue globally and is one of the leading causes of death. Although available treatments improve the survival rate of some cases, many advanced tumors are insensitive to these treatments. Cancer cell differentiation reverts the malignant phenotype to its original state and may even induce differentiation into cell types found in other tissues. Leveraging differentiation-inducing therapy in high-grade tumor masses offers a less aggressive strategy to curb tumor progression and heightens chemotherapy sensitivity. Differentiation-inducing therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in a variety of tumor cells. For example, differentiation therapy has become the first choice for acute promyelocytic leukemia, with the cure rate of more than 90%. Although an appealing concept, the mechanism and clinical drugs used in differentiation therapy are still in their nascent stage, warranting further investigation. In this review, we examine the current differentiation-inducing therapeutic approach and discuss the clinical applications as well as the underlying biological basis of differentiation-inducing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangwei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuren Xia
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xindi Tian
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuchao He
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Chiyoda, Japan
| | - Ruyu Han
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianqiang Song
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangdong Tian
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
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5
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Scheinberg T, Mak B, Butler L, Selth L, Horvath LG. Targeting lipid metabolism in metastatic prostate cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231152839. [PMID: 36743527 PMCID: PMC9893394 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231152839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite key advances in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa), a proportion of men have de novo resistance, and all will develop resistance to current therapeutics over time. Aberrant lipid metabolism has long been associated with prostate carcinogenesis and progression, but more recently there has been an explosion of preclinical and clinical data which is informing new clinical trials. This review explores the epidemiological links between obesity and metabolic syndrome and PCa, the evidence for altered circulating lipids in PCa and their potential role as biomarkers, as well as novel therapeutic strategies for targeting lipids in men with PCa, including therapies widely used in cardiovascular disease such as statins, metformin and lifestyle modification, as well as novel targeted agents such as sphingosine kinase inhibitors, DES1 inhibitors and agents targeting FASN and beta oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahlia Scheinberg
- Medical Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown NSW, Australia,Advanced Prostate Cancer Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia,University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Blossom Mak
- Medical Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown NSW, Australia,Advanced Prostate Cancer Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia,University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Butler
- Prostate Cancer Research Group, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia,South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute and Freemason’s Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luke Selth
- South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute and Freemason’s Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia,Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Labs, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia,Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Bedford Park, Australia
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6
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Takahashi N. Inhibitory Effects of Vitamin A and Its Derivatives on Cancer Cell Growth Not Mediated by Retinoic Acid Receptors. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:1213-1224. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b22-00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Takahashi
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
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7
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Potenza RL, Lodeserto P, Orienti I. Fenretinide in Cancer and Neurological Disease: A Two-Face Janus Molecule. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137426. [PMID: 35806431 PMCID: PMC9266536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, several chemotherapeutic drugs have been repositioned in neurological diseases, based on common biological backgrounds and the inverse comorbidity between cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Fenretinide (all-trans-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide, 4-HPR) is a synthetic derivative of all-trans-retinoic acid initially proposed in anticancer therapy for its antitumor effects combined with limited toxicity. Subsequently, fenretinide has been proposed for other diseases, for which it was not intentionally designed for, due to its ability to influence different biological pathways, providing a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. Here, we review the most relevant preclinical and clinical findings from fenretinide and discuss its therapeutic role towards cancer and neurological diseases, highlighting the hormetic behavior of this pleiotropic molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Luisa Potenza
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-49902389
| | - Pietro Lodeserto
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (P.L.); (I.O.)
| | - Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (P.L.); (I.O.)
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8
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Companioni O, Mir C, Garcia-Mayea Y, LLeonart ME. Targeting Sphingolipids for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:745092. [PMID: 34737957 PMCID: PMC8560795 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.745092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are an extensive class of lipids with different functions in the cell, ranging from proliferation to cell death. Sphingolipids are modified in multiple cancers and are responsible for tumor proliferation, progression, and metastasis. Several inhibitors or activators of sphingolipid signaling, such as fenretinide, safingol, ABC294640, ceramide nanoliposomes (CNLs), SKI-II, α-galactosylceramide, fingolimod, and sonepcizumab, have been described. The objective of this review was to analyze the results from preclinical and clinical trials of these drugs for the treatment of cancer. Sphingolipid-targeting drugs have been tested alone or in combination with chemotherapy, exhibiting antitumor activity alone and in synergism with chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. As a consequence of treatments, the most frequent mechanism of cell death is apoptosis, followed by autophagy. Aslthough all these drugs have produced good results in preclinical studies of multiple cancers, the outcomes of clinical trials have not been similar. The most effective drugs are fenretinide and α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). In contrast, minor adverse effects restricted to a few subjects and hepatic toxicity have been observed in clinical trials of ABC294640 and safingol, respectively. In the case of CNLs, SKI-II, fingolimod and sonepcizumab there are some limitations and absence of enough clinical studies to demonstrate a benefit. The effectiveness or lack of a major therapeutic effect of sphingolipid modulation by some drugs as a cancer therapy and other aspects related to their mechanism of action are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Companioni
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Mir
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yoelsis Garcia-Mayea
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Matilde E LLeonart
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Network Center in Oncology, CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Synthetic Retinoids as Potential Therapeutics in Prostate Cancer-An Update of the Last Decade of Research: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910537. [PMID: 34638876 PMCID: PMC8508817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common tumor in males. The search for appropriate therapeutic options against advanced PC has been in process for several decades. Especially after cessation of the effectiveness of hormonal therapy (i.e., emergence of castration-resistant PC), PC management options have become scarce and the prognosis is poor. To overcome this stage of disease, an array of natural and synthetic substances underwent investigation. An interesting and promising class of compounds constitutes the derivatives of natural retinoids. Synthesized on the basis of the structure of retinoic acid, they present unique and remarkable properties that warrant their investigation as antitumor drugs. However, there is no up-to-date compilation that consecutively summarizes the current state of knowledge about synthetic retinoids with regard to PC. Therefore, in this review, we present the results of the experimental studies on synthetic retinoids conducted within the last decade. Our primary aim is to highlight the molecular targets of these compounds and to identify their potential promise in the treatment of PC.
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10
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Orienti I, Armida M, Dobrowolny G, Pepponi R, Sollazzini G, Pezzola A, Casola I, Musarò A, Popoli P, Potenza RL. Fenretinide Beneficial Effects on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-associated SOD1 G93A Mutant Protein Toxicity: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidences. Neuroscience 2021; 473:1-12. [PMID: 34363869 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.07.033] [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: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most frequent motor neuron disease for which effective treatment options are still lacking. ALS occurs in sporadic and familial forms which are clinically indistinguishable; about 20% of familial ALS cases are linked to mutations of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. Fenretinide (FEN), a cancer chemopreventive and antiproliferative agent currently used in several clinical trials, is a multi-target drug which also exhibits redox regulation activities. We analyzed the effects of FEN on mutant SOD1 (mSOD1) toxicity in motoneuronal (NSC34) and a muscle (C2C12) cell lines and evaluated the impacts of chronic administration of a new nanomicellar fenretinide formulation (NanoMFen) on ALS disease progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model. The results showed that FEN significantly prevents the toxicity of mSOD1 expression in NSC34 motor neuron; furthermore, FEN is able to partially overcome the toxic effect of mSOD1 on the myogenic program of C2C12 muscle cells. Administration of NanoMFen ameliorates the disease progression and increases median survival of mSOD1G93A ALS mice, even when given after disease onset; beneficial effects in ALS mice, however, is restricted to female sex. Our data support the therapeutic potential of FEN against ALS-associated SOD1G93A mutant protein toxicity and promote further studies to elucidate specific cellular targets of the drug in ALS. Furthermore, the sex-related efficacy of NanoMFen in mSOD1G93A ALS mice strengthens the importance, in the perspective of a precision medicine approach, of gender pharmacology in ALS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Armida
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Pepponi
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Sollazzini
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Pezzola
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Casola
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Popoli
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Luisa Potenza
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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11
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Retinoids as Chemo-Preventive and Molecular-Targeted Anti-Cancer Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147731. [PMID: 34299349 PMCID: PMC8304138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) agents possess anti-tumor activity through their ability to induce cellular differentiation. However, retinoids have not yet been translated into effective systemic treatments for most solid tumors. RA signaling is mediated by the following two nuclear retinoic receptor subtypes: the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and the retinoic X receptor (RXR), and their isoforms. The identification of mutations in retinoid receptors and other RA signaling pathway genes in human cancers offers opportunities for target discovery, drug design, and personalized medicine for distinct molecular retinoid subtypes. For example, chromosomal translocation involving RARA occurs in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a highly effective and even curative therapeutic for APL patients. Thus, retinoid-based target discovery presents an important line of attack toward designing new, more effective strategies for treating other cancer types. Here, we review retinoid signaling, provide an update on retinoid agents and the current clinical research on retinoids in cancer, and discuss how the retinoid pathway genotype affects the ability of retinoid agents to inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. We also deliberate on why retinoid agents have not shown clinical efficacy against solid tumors and discuss alternative strategies that could overcome the lack of efficacy.
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12
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Takahashi N, Saito D, Hasegawa S, Yamasaki M, Imai M. Vitamin A in health care: Suppression of growth and induction of differentiation in cancer cells by vitamin A and its derivatives and their mechanisms of action. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 230:107942. [PMID: 34175370 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin A is an important micro-essential nutrient, whose primary dietary source is retinyl esters. In addition, β-carotene (pro-vitamin A) is a precursor of vitamin A contained in green and yellow vegetables that is converted to retinol in the body after ingestion. Retinol is oxidized to produce visual retinal, which is further oxidized to retinoic acid (RA), which is used as a therapeutic agent for patients with promyelocytic leukemia. Thus, the effects of retinal and RA are well known. In this paper, we will introduce (1) vitamin A circulation in the body, (2) the actions and mechanisms of retinal and RA, (3) retinoylation: another RA mechanism not depending on RA receptors, (4) the relationship between cancer and actions of retinol or β-carotene, whose roles in vivo are still unknown, and (5) anti-cancer actions of vitamin A derivatives derived from fenretinide (4-HPR). We propose that vitamin A nutritional management is effective in the prevention of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Takahashi
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Saito
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Shinya Hasegawa
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamasaki
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Masahiko Imai
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
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13
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Dulińska-Litewka J, Hałubiec P, Łazarczyk A, Szafrański O, Sharoni Y, McCubrey JA, Gąsiorkiewicz B, Bohn T. Recent Progress in Discovering the Role of Carotenoids and Metabolites in Prostatic Physiology and Pathology-A Review-Part II: Carotenoids in the Human Studies. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:319. [PMID: 33672578 PMCID: PMC7924028 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the vast variety of plant-derived phytochemicals, the group of carotenoids has continuously been investigated in order to optimize their potential application in the area of dietary intervention related to chronic diseases. One organ that has been especially targeted in many of these studies and clinical trials is the human prostate. Without doubt, carotenoids (and their endogenous derivatives-retinoids and apo-carotenoids) are involved in a plethora of intra- and intercellular signaling, cell growth, and differentiation of prostate tissue. Due to the accumulation of new data on the role of different carotenoids, such as lycopene (LYC) and β-carotene (BC), in prostatic physiology and pathology, the present review aimed to cover the past ten years of research in this regard. Data from experimental studies are presented in the first part of the review, while epidemiological studies are disclosed in this second part. The objective of this compilation was to emphasize the present state of knowledge about the most potent molecular targets of carotenoids, as well as to propose promising carotenoid agents for the prevention and possible treatment of prostatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Dulińska-Litewka
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry Medical College, Jagiellonian University, 31-034 Cracow, Poland; (P.H.); (A.Ł.); (O.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Przemysław Hałubiec
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry Medical College, Jagiellonian University, 31-034 Cracow, Poland; (P.H.); (A.Ł.); (O.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Agnieszka Łazarczyk
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry Medical College, Jagiellonian University, 31-034 Cracow, Poland; (P.H.); (A.Ł.); (O.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Oskar Szafrański
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry Medical College, Jagiellonian University, 31-034 Cracow, Poland; (P.H.); (A.Ł.); (O.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Yoav Sharoni
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653 Beer Sheva, Israel;
| | - James A. McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody Medical Sciences Building, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Bartosz Gąsiorkiewicz
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry Medical College, Jagiellonian University, 31-034 Cracow, Poland; (P.H.); (A.Ł.); (O.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Torsten Bohn
- Nutrition and Health Research Group 1 A-B, Population Health Department, Luxembourg Institute of Health, rue Thomas Edison, L-23 1445 Strassen, Luxembourg;
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14
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Orienti I, Farruggia G, Nguyen F, Guan P, Calonghi N, Kolla V, Chorny M, Brodeur GM. Nanomicellar Lenalidomide-Fenretinide Combination Suppresses Tumor Growth in an MYCN Amplified Neuroblastoma Tumor. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:6873-6886. [PMID: 32982239 PMCID: PMC7502401 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s262032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In a previous study, we demonstrated that the combination of fenretinide with lenalidomide, administered by a novel nanomicellar formulation (FLM), provided a strong antitumor effect in a neuroblastoma TrkB-expressing tumor. In this study, we tested the nanomicellar combination in an MYCN amplified neuroblastoma xenograft to assess its efficacy in different tumor genotypes and evaluate the interactions of the nanomicelles with the tumor cells. Experimental Design FLM was administered to mice bearing human NLF xenografts to evaluate its efficacy in comparison with the nanomicelles containing fenretinide alone (FM). Confocal laser-scanning fluorescence microscopy images of the NLF cells treated with FLM and FM allowed us to estimate the nanomicelle ability to transport the encapsulated drugs inside the tumor cells. Flow cytometric analysis of the cells from treated tumors was performed to assess the effect of treatment on GD2 expression and NK cell infiltration. Results FLM and FM decreased the growth of NLF xenografts at comparable extents during the treatment period. Afterwards, FLM induced a progressive tumor regression without regrowth, while FM treatment was followed by regrowth within 15-20 days after the end of treatment. Both FLM and FM were able to penetrate the tumor cells transporting the encapsulated drugs. FLM transported higher amount of fenretinide inside the cells. Also, FLM treatment strongly increased GD2 expression in treated tumors and slightly decreased the NK infiltration compared to FM. Conclusion FLM treatment induced a superior antitumor response than FM in NLF xenografts, presumably due to the combined effects of fenretinide cytotoxicity and lenalidomide antiangiogenic activity. The ability of FLM to penetrate tumor cells, transporting the encapsulated drugs, substantially improved the therapeutic efficiency of this system. Moreover, the enhancement of GD2 expression in FLM treated tumors offers the possibility to further increase the antitumor effect by the use of anti-GD2 CAR-T cells and anti-GD2 antibodies in combination with FLM in multimodal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Ferro Nguyen
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peng Guan
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Calonghi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Venkatadri Kolla
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Chorny
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Garrett M Brodeur
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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15
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Koklesova L, Liskova A, Samec M, Buhrmann C, Samuel SM, Varghese E, Ashrafizadeh M, Najafi M, Shakibaei M, Büsselberg D, Giordano FA, Golubnitschaja O, Kubatka P. Carotenoids in Cancer Apoptosis-The Road from Bench to Bedside and Back. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2425. [PMID: 32859058 PMCID: PMC7563597 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An incidence and mortality of cancer are rapidly growing worldwide, especially due to heterogeneous character of the disease that is associated with irreversible impairment of cellular homeostasis and function. Targeting apoptosis, one of cancer hallmarks, represents a potent cancer treatment strategy. Carotenoids are phytochemicals represented by carotenes, xanthophylls, and derived compounds such as apocarotenoids that demonstrate a broad spectrum of anti-cancer effects involving pro-apoptotic signaling through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. As demonstrated in preclinical oncology research, the apoptotic modulation is performed at post-genomic levels. Further, carotenoids demonstrate additive/synergistic action in combination with conventional oncostatic agents. In addition, a sensitization of tumor cells to anti-cancer conventional treatment can be achieved by carotenoids. The disadvantage of anti-cancer application of carotenoids is associated with their low solubility and, therefore, poor bioavailability. However, this deficiency can be improved by using nanotechnological approaches, solid dispersions, microemulsions or biofortification that significantly increase the anti-cancer and pro-apoptotic efficacy of carotenoids. Only limited number of studies dealing with apoptotic potential of carotenoids has been published in clinical sphere. Pro-apoptotic effects of carotenoids should be beneficial for individuals at high risk of cancer development. The article considers the utility of carotenoids in the framework of 3P medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Koklesova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Alena Liskova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Marek Samec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Constanze Buhrmann
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumour Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany; (C.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Samson Mathews Samuel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar; (S.M.S.); (E.V.); (D.B.)
| | - Elizabeth Varghese
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar; (S.M.S.); (E.V.); (D.B.)
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, 51368 Tabriz, Iran;
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, 67146 Kermanshah, Iran;
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumour Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany; (C.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar; (S.M.S.); (E.V.); (D.B.)
| | - Frank A. Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Olga Golubnitschaja
- Predictive, Preventive Personalised (3P) Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia
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16
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Orienti I, Gentilomi GA, Farruggia G. Pulmonary Delivery of Fenretinide: A Possible Adjuvant Treatment In COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3812. [PMID: 32471278 PMCID: PMC7312074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, there is no vaccine or effective standard treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (or coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19)), which frequently leads to lethal pulmonary inflammatory responses. COVID-19 pathology is characterized by extreme inflammation and amplified immune response with activation of a cytokine storm. A subsequent progression to acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can take place, which is often followed by death. The causes of these strong inflammatory responses in SARS-CoV-2 infection are still unknown. As uncontrolled pulmonary inflammation is likely the main cause of death in SARS-CoV-2 infection, anti-inflammatory therapeutic interventions are particularly important. Fenretinide N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide is a bioactive molecule characterized by poly-pharmacological properties and a low toxicity profile. Fenretinide is endowed with antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulating properties other than efficacy in obesity/diabetic pathologies. Its anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities, in particular, could likely have utility in multimodal therapies for the treatment of ALI/ARDS in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, fenretinide administration by pulmonary delivery systems could further increase its therapeutic value by carrying high drug concentrations to the lungs and triggering a rapid onset of activity. This is particularly important in SARS-CoV-2 infection, where only a narrow time window exists for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via S. Donato 19/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Angela Gentilomi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Unit of Microbiology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via S. Donato 19/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
- Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute (BBNI), 00136 Roma, Italy
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17
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Efficacy of Optimized Treatment Protocol Using LAU-7b Formulation against Ovalbumin (OVA) and House Dust Mite (HDM) -Induced Allergic Asthma in Atopic Hyperresponsive A/J Mice. Pharm Res 2020; 37:31. [PMID: 31915990 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-019-2743-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the efficacy of the novel clinical formulation of fenretinide (LAU-7b) for the treatment of allergic asthma. To study the association between LAU-7b treatment in allergic asthma and the modulation of very long chain ceramides (VLCC). METHODS We used two allergens (OVA and HDM) to induce asthma in mouse models and we established a treatment protocol with LAU-7b. The severity of allergic asthma reaction was quantified by measuring the airway resistance, quantifying lung inflammatory cell infiltration (Haematoxylin and eosin stain) and mucus production (Periodic acid Schiff satin). IgE levels were measured by ELISA. Immunophenotyping of T cells was done using Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. The analysis of the specific species of lipids and markers of oxidation was performed using mass spectrometry. RESULTS Our data demonstrate that 10 mg/kg of LAU-7b was able to protect OVA- and HDM-challenged mice against increase in airway hyperresponsiveness, influx of inflammatory cells into the airways, and mucus production without affecting IgE levels. Treatment with LAU-7b significantly increased percentage of regulatory T cells and CD4+ IL-10-producing T cells and significantly decreased percentage of CD4+ IL-4-producing T cells. Our data also demonstrate a strong association between the improvement in the lung physiology and histology parameters and the drug-induced normalization of the aberrant distribution of ceramides in allergic mice. CONCLUSION 9 days of 10 mg/kg of LAU-7b daily treatment protects the mice against allergen-induced asthma and restores VLCC levels in the lungs and plasma.
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18
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Orienti I, Nguyen F, Guan P, Kolla V, Calonghi N, Farruggia G, Chorny M, Brodeur GM. A Novel Nanomicellar Combination of Fenretinide and Lenalidomide Shows Marked Antitumor Activity in a Neuroblastoma Xenograft Model. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:4305-4319. [PMID: 31908416 PMCID: PMC6930389 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s221909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Currently >50% of high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) patients, despite intensive therapy and initial partial or complete response, develop recurrent NB due to the persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD) that is resistant to conventional antitumor drugs. Indeed, their low therapeutic index prevents drug-dose escalation and protracted administration schedules, as would be required for MRD treatment. Thus, more effective and less toxic therapies are urgently needed for the management of MRD. To address this aim, we evaluated a new combination of fenretinide and lenalidomide, both endowed with antitumor activity and low-toxicity profiles. New nanomicelles were prepared as carriers for this combination to maximize bioavailability and accumulation at the tumor site because of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Experimental design New nanomicelles containing the fenretinide–lenalidomide combination (FLnMs) were prepared by a one-step method, providing high drug encapsulation and micelle dimensions suitable for tumor accumulation. Their administration to mice bearing human NB xenografts allowed us to evaluate their efficacy in comparison with the nanomicelles containing fenretinide alone (FnMs). Results Treatment by FLnMs significantly decreased the tumor growth of NB xenografts. FLnMs were more active than FnMs despite comparable fenretinide concentrations in tumors, and lenalidomide alone did not show cytotoxic activity in vitro against NB cells. The tumor mass at the end of treatment with FLnMs was predominantly necrotic, with a decreased Ki-67 proliferation index. Conclusion FLnMs provided superior antitumor efficacy in NB xenografts compared to FnMs. The enhanced efficacy of the combination was likely due to the antiangiogenic effect of lenalidomide added to the cytotoxic effect of fenretinide. This new nanomicellar combination is characterized by a low-toxicity profile and offers a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of high-risk tumors where the persistence of MRD requires repeated administrations of therapeutic agents over long periods of time to avoid recurrent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Ferro Nguyen
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peng Guan
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Venkatadri Kolla
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Calonghi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Michael Chorny
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Garrett M Brodeur
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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19
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Dong S, Kang S, Dimopoulos G. Identification of anti-flaviviral drugs with mosquitocidal and anti-Zika virus activity in Aedes aegypti. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007681. [PMID: 31430351 PMCID: PMC6716673 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), an emerging arbovirus belonging to the genus Flavivirus, is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. ZIKV infection can cause microcephaly of newborn babies and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Because no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment is available for ZIKV infection, the most commonly used approach to control the spread of ZIKV is suppression of the mosquito vector population. A novel proposed strategy to block arthropod virus (arbovirus) transmission is based on the chemical inhibition of virus infection in mosquitoes. However, only a few drugs and compounds have been tested with such properties. Here we present a comprehensive screen of 55 FDA-approved anti-flaviviral drugs for potential anti-ZIKV and mosquitocidal activity. Four drugs (auranofin, actinomycin D (Act-D), bortezomib and gemcitabine) were toxic to C6/36 cells, and two drugs (5-fluorouracil and mycophenolic acid (MPA)) significantly reduced ZIKV production in C6/36 cells at 2 μM and 0.5 μM, respectively. Three drugs (Act-D, cyclosporin A, ivermectin) exhibited a strong adulticidal activity, and six drugs (U18666A, retinoic acid p-hydroxyanilide (4-HPR), clotrimazole, bortezomib, MPA, imatinib mesylate) significantly suppressed ZIKV infection in mosquito midguts. Some of these FDA-approved drugs may have potential for use for the development of ZIKV transmission-blocking strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengzhang Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Seokyoung Kang
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
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20
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Orienti I, Francescangeli F, De Angelis ML, Fecchi K, Bongiorno-Borbone L, Signore M, Peschiaroli A, Boe A, Bruselles A, Costantino A, Eramo A, Salvati V, Sette G, Contavalli P, Zolla L, Oki T, Kitamura T, Spada M, Giuliani A, Baiocchi M, La Torre F, Melino G, Tartaglia M, De Maria R, Zeuner A. A new bioavailable fenretinide formulation with antiproliferative, antimetabolic, and cytotoxic effects on solid tumors. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:529. [PMID: 31332161 PMCID: PMC6646369 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1775-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Fenretinide is a synthetic retinoid characterized by anticancer activity in preclinical models and favorable toxicological profile, but also by a low bioavailability that hindered its clinical efficacy in former clinical trials. We developed a new formulation of fenretinide complexed with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (nanofenretinide) characterized by an increased bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Nanofenretinide was active in cell lines derived from multiple solid tumors, in primary spheroid cultures and in xenografts of lung and colorectal cancer, where it inhibited tumor growth independently from the mutational status of tumor cells. A global profiling of pathways activated by nanofenretinide was performed by reverse-phase proteomic arrays and lipid analysis, revealing widespread repression of the mTOR pathway, activation of apoptotic, autophagic and DNA damage signals and massive production of dihydroceramide, a bioactive lipid with pleiotropic effects on several biological processes. In cells that survived nanofenretinide treatment there was a decrease of factors involved in cell cycle progression and an increase in the levels of p16 and phosphorylated p38 MAPK with consequent block in G0 and early G1. The capacity of nanofenretinide to induce cancer cell death and quiescence, together with its elevated bioavailability and broad antitumor activity indicate its potential use in cancer treatment and chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Francescangeli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Laura De Angelis
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Fecchi
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucilla Bongiorno-Borbone
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Signore
- RPPA Unit, Proteomics, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Peschiaroli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boe
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bruselles
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelita Costantino
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences BIOMETEC, University of Catania, via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Adriana Eramo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvati
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sette
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Contavalli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lello Zolla
- DAFNE Department, University Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Toshihiko Oki
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.,Division of Stem Cell Signaling, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Toshio Kitamura
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.,Division of Stem Cell Signaling, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Massimo Spada
- Center of Animal research and Welfare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Baiocchi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo La Torre
- Surgical Sciences and Emergency Department, Division of Emergency & Trauma Surgery, Emergency Department, Policlinico Umberto I/Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Viale di San Paolo 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Institute of General Pathology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ann Zeuner
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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21
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Dobrotkova V, Chlapek P, Mazanek P, Sterba J, Veselska R. Traffic lights for retinoids in oncology: molecular markers of retinoid resistance and sensitivity and their use in the management of cancer differentiation therapy. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:1059. [PMID: 30384831 PMCID: PMC6211450 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4966-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, retinoids and their synthetic derivatives have been well established anticancer treatments due to their ability to regulate cell growth and induce cell differentiation and apoptosis. Many studies have reported the promising role of retinoids in attaining better outcomes for adult or pediatric patients suffering from several types of cancer, especially acute myeloid leukemia and neuroblastoma. However, even this promising differentiation therapy has some limitations: retinoid toxicity and intrinsic or acquired resistance have been observed in many patients. Therefore, the identification of molecular markers that predict the therapeutic response to retinoid treatment is undoubtedly important for retinoid use in clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on candidate markers, including both genetic alterations and protein markers, for retinoid resistance and sensitivity in human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viera Dobrotkova
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Chlapek
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Mazanek
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Cernopolni 9, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Sterba
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 65691 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Cernopolni 9, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Renata Veselska
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 65691 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Cernopolni 9, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic
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22
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Pitts JD, Li PC, de Wispelaere M, Yang PL. Antiviral activity of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR) against Zika virus. Antiviral Res 2017; 147:124-130. [PMID: 29051080 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The rapid spread of Zika virus (ZIKV) in recent years has highlighted the severe diseases associated with ZIKV infection, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults and microcephaly in newborns; yet no vaccines or antivirals currently exist to prevent or treat ZIKV infection. We and others have previously identified N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (fenretinide or 4-HPR) as an antiviral compound that inhibits dengue virus 2 (DV2) and other flaviviruses by limiting the steady-state accumulation of viral RNA. Here we show that 4-HPR potently inhibits ZIKV in mammalian cell culture and significantly reduces both serum viremia and brain viral burden in a murine model of ZIKV infection. Consistent with previous observations with dengue virus, this antiviral activity is associated with a significant reduction in the steady-state abundance of viral genomic RNA. We show this reduction is due to a major decrease in the rate of viral RNA synthesis, though not via direct inhibition of the activity of the viral replicase. These results establish 4-HPR's mode of action against DV and ZIKV and, taken with previous clinical trials that established 4-HPR's safety and tolerability, illustrate the potential utility of 4-HPR as an agent for treatment of ZIKV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared D Pitts
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pi-Chun Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 360 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Melissanne de Wispelaere
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Priscilla L Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Anzaldi M, Viale M, Macciò C, Castagnola P, Oliveri V, Rosano C, Balbi A. Synthesis of short retinoidal amides related to fenretinide: antioxidant activities and differentiation-inducing ability. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2017; 79:725-736. [PMID: 28275870 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-017-3265-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE By a scaffold shortening strategy, a small series of retinoidal amides fenretinide (4-HPR) analogs have been synthesized from α, β-ionones and tested for their antiproliferative and differentiating activities, and antioxidant effect. METHODS The antiproliferative activity and triggering of apoptosis of our short retinoids were evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and microscope evaluation after 3- or 6-day exposure, while their differentiating activity was established by the analysis of the expression of the CD11b marker of differentiation in treated HL60 target cells and by the superoxide production assayed colorimetrically by the nitro blue tetrazolium-reducing activity assay. Finally, the antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation decolourisation assay utilizing the antioxidant Trolox (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid) as reference (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, or TEAC). Docking analysis was performed to study the binding features to the Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha (RARα). RESULTS While no pharmacologically relevant antiproliferative activity was evidenced, some of our short retinoids showed a differentiating and antioxidant activity similar to that of 4-HPR. In particular, compound 2b6 displayed a scavenging activity two times more efficient than 4-HPR itself. Finally, the docking analysis showed that these short retinoids, like 4-HPR, bind to the RARα protein with good fitness scores. CONCLUSION Our data could pave the way for the design of new potent and less toxic antioxidant and differentiating compounds related to 4-HPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anzaldi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viale
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, U.O.C. Bioterapie, L.go R. Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Macciò
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patrizio Castagnola
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, U.O.C. Bioterapie, L.go R. Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentina Oliveri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Camillo Rosano
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, U.O.S. Biopolimeri e Proteomica, L.go R. Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Balbi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
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24
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Cowan AJ, Stevenson PA, Gooley TA, Frayo SL, Oliveira GR, Smith SD, Green DJ, Roden JE, Pagel JM, Wood BL, Press OW, Gopal AK. Results of a phase I-II study of fenretinide and rituximab for patients with indolent B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Br J Haematol 2017; 176:583-590. [PMID: 28055107 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fenretinide, a synthetic retinoid, induces apoptotic cell death in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) and acts synergistically with rituximab in preclinical models. We report results from a phase I-II study of fenretinide with rituximab for B-NHLs. Eligible diagnoses included indolent B-NHL or mantle cell lymphoma. The phase I design de-escalated from fenretinide at 900 mg/m2 PO BID for days 1-5 of a 7-day cycle. The phase II portion added 375 mg/m2 IV rituximab weekly on weeks 5-9 then every 3 months. Fenretinide was continued until progression or intolerance. Thirty-two patients were treated: 7 in phase I, and 25 in phase II of the trial. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. The phase II component utilized fenretinide 900 mg/m2 twice daily with rituximab. The most common treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher were rash (n = 3) and neutropenia (n = 3). Responses were seen in 6 (24%) patients on the phase II study, with a median duration of response of 47 months (95% confidence interval, 2-56). The combination of fenretinide and rituximab was well tolerated, yielded a modest overall response rate, but with prolonged remission durations. Further study should focus on identifying the responsive subset of B-NHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Cowan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Phillip A Stevenson
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ted A Gooley
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shani L Frayo
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George R Oliveira
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, MGH Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen D Smith
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Damian J Green
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer E Roden
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Brent L Wood
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Oliver W Press
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ajay K Gopal
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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25
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Bassani B, Bartolini D, Pagani A, Principi E, Zollo M, Noonan DM, Albini A, Bruno A. Fenretinide (4-HPR) Targets Caspase-9, ERK 1/2 and the Wnt3a/β-Catenin Pathway in Medulloblastoma Cells and Medulloblastoma Cell Spheroids. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154111. [PMID: 27367907 PMCID: PMC4930187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), a neuroectodermal tumor arising in the cerebellum, represents the most frequent childhood brain malignancy. Current treatments for MB combine radiation and chemotherapy and are often associated with relevant side effects; novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR, fenretinide), a synthetic analogue of all-trans retinoic acid, has emerged as a promising and well-tolerated cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent for various neoplasms, from breast cancer to neuroblastoma. Here we investigated the effects of 4-HPR on MB cell lines and identified the mechanism of action for a potential use in therapy of MB. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate 4-HPR induction of apoptosis and oxygen reactive species (ROS) production, as well as cell cycle effects. Functional analysis to determine 4-HPR ability to interfere with MB cell migration and invasion were performed. Western Blot analysis were used to investigate the crucial molecules involved in selected signaling pathways associated with apoptosis (caspase-9 and PARP-1), cell survival (ERK 1/2) and tumor progression (Wnt3a and β-catenin). We show that 4-HPR induces caspase 9-dependent cell death in DAOY and ONS-76 cells, associated with increased ROS generation, suggesting that free radical intermediates might be directly involved. We observed 4-HPR induction of cell cycle arrest in G1/S phase, inactivated β-catenin, and inhibition of MB cell migration and invasion. We also evaluated the ability of 4-HPR to target MB cancer-stem/cancer-initiating cells, using an MB spheroids model, followed by flow cytometry and quantitative real-time PCR. 4-HPR treatment reduced DAOY and ONS-76 spheroid formation, in term of number and size. Decreased expression of the surface markers CD133+ and ABCG2+ as well as Oct-4 and Sox-2 gene expression were observed on BTICs treated with 4-HPR further reducing BITIC invasive activities. Finally, we analyzed 4-HPR ability to inhibit MB tumor cell growth in vivo in nude mice. Taken together, our data suggest that 4-HPR targets both parental and MB tumor stem/initiating cell-like populations. Since 4-HPR exerts low toxicity, it could represent a valid compound in the treatment of human MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bassani
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Arianna Pagani
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Principi
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Zollo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Douglas M. Noonan
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Adriana Albini
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
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26
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Bortezomib and fenretinide induce synergistic cytotoxicity in mantle cell lymphoma through apoptosis, cell-cycle dysregulation, and IκBα kinase downregulation. Anticancer Drugs 2015; 26:974-83. [PMID: 26237500 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) remains incurable for most patients, and proteasome inhibitors like bortezomib induce responses in a minority of patients with relapsed disease. Fenretinide is a retinoid that has shown preclinical activity in B-cell lymphomas. We hypothesized that these agents could yield augmented antitumor activity. MCL lines (Granta-519, Jeko-1, and Rec-1) were treated with escalating concentrations of bortezomib and fenretinide singly and in combination. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay. Flow cytometric methods were used to assess apoptosis and necrosis, with annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining, and G1 and G2 cell-cycle changes were assessed by DAPI staining. Changes in cyclin D1, cyclin B, IκBα, and IKKα expressions were quantified by western blotting. Cytotoxicity was mediated through apoptosis; both agents showed observed versus expected cytotoxicities of 92.2 versus 55.1% in Granta-519, of 87.6 versus 36.3% in Jeko-1, and of 63.2 versus 29.8% in Rec-1. Isobolographic analysis confirmed synergy in Jeko-1 and Rec-1 cell lines. Bortezomib induced G2-phase arrest, with a 1.7-fold increase compared with control, and fenretinide resulted in G1-phase arrest, with an increase of 1.3-fold compared with control. In the combination, G2-phase arrest predominated, with a 1.4-fold increase compared with control, and there was reduced expression of cyclin D1 to 24%, cyclin B to 52 and 64%, cyclin D3 to 25 and 43%, IκBα to 23 and 46%, and IκBα kinase to 34 and 44%. Bortezomib and fenretinide exhibit synergistic cytotoxicity against MCL cell lines. This activity is mediated by IκBα kinase modulation, decreased cyclin expression, cell cycle dysregulation, and apoptotic cell death.
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27
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di Masi A, Leboffe L, De Marinis E, Pagano F, Cicconi L, Rochette-Egly C, Lo-Coco F, Ascenzi P, Nervi C. Retinoic acid receptors: from molecular mechanisms to cancer therapy. Mol Aspects Med 2015; 41:1-115. [PMID: 25543955 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA), the major bioactive metabolite of retinol or vitamin A, induces a spectrum of pleiotropic effects in cell growth and differentiation that are relevant for embryonic development and adult physiology. The RA activity is mediated primarily by members of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) subfamily, namely RARα, RARβ and RARγ, which belong to the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of transcription factors. RARs form heterodimers with members of the retinoid X receptor (RXR) subfamily and act as ligand-regulated transcription factors through binding specific RA response elements (RAREs) located in target genes promoters. RARs also have non-genomic effects and activate kinase signaling pathways, which fine-tune the transcription of the RA target genes. The disruption of RA signaling pathways is thought to underlie the etiology of a number of hematological and non-hematological malignancies, including leukemias, skin cancer, head/neck cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, glioblastoma and neuroblastoma. Of note, RA and its derivatives (retinoids) are employed as potential chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive agents because of their differentiation, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-oxidant effects. In humans, retinoids reverse premalignant epithelial lesions, induce the differentiation of myeloid normal and leukemic cells, and prevent lung, liver, and breast cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that regulate the RA and retinoid signaling pathways. Moreover, mechanisms through which deregulation of RA signaling pathways ultimately impact on cancer are examined. Finally, the therapeutic effects of retinoids are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra di Masi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, Roma I-00146, Italy
| | - Loris Leboffe
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, Roma I-00146, Italy
| | - Elisabetta De Marinis
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Corso della Repubblica 79, Latina I-04100
| | - Francesca Pagano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Corso della Repubblica 79, Latina I-04100
| | - Laura Cicconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Roma "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Roma I-00133, Italy; Laboratory of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina, 306, Roma I-00142, Italy
| | - Cécile Rochette-Egly
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104 - Inserm U 964, University of Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP10142, Illkirch Cedex F-67404, France.
| | - Francesco Lo-Coco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Roma "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Roma I-00133, Italy; Laboratory of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina, 306, Roma I-00142, Italy.
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Via della Vasca Navale 79, Roma I-00146, Italy.
| | - Clara Nervi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Corso della Repubblica 79, Latina I-04100.
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28
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Ledet GA, Graves RA, Glotser EY, Mandal TK, Bostanian LA. Preparation and in vitro evaluation of hydrophilic fenretinide nanoparticles. Int J Pharm 2014; 479:329-37. [PMID: 25542987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fenretinide is an effective anti-cancer drug with high in vitro cytotoxicity and low in vivo systemic toxicity. In clinical trials, fenretinide has shown poor therapeutic efficacy following oral administration - attributed to its low bioavailability and solubility. The long term goal of this project is to develop a formulation for the oral delivery of fenretinide. The purpose of this part of the study was to prepare and characterize hydrophilic nanoparticle formulations of fenretinide. Three different ratios of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) to fenretinide were used, namely, 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1. Both drug and polymer were dissolved in a mixture of methanol and dichloromethane (2:23 v/v). Rotary evaporation was used to remove the solvents, and, following reconstitution with water, a high pressure homogenizer was used to form nanoparticles. The particle size and polydispersity index were measured before and after lyophilization. The formulations were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). The effectiveness of the formulations was assessed by release studies and Caco-2 cell permeability assays. As the PVP content increased, the recovered particle size following lyophilization became more consistent with the pre-lyophilization particle size, especially for those formulations with less lactose. The DSC scans of the formulations did not show any fenretinide melting endotherms, indicating that the drug was either present in an amorphous form in the formulation or that a solid solution of the drug in PVP had formed. For the release studies, the highest drug release among the formulations was 249.2±35.5ng/mL for the formulation with 4:1 polymer-to-drug. When the permeability of the formulations was evaluated in a Caco-2 cell model, the mean normalized flux for each treatment group was significantly higher (p<0.05) from the fenretinide control. The formulation containing 4:1 polymer-to-drug ratio and 6:5 lactose-to-formulation ratio emerged as the optimal choice for further evaluation as a potential oral delivery formulation for fenretinide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A Ledet
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Richard A Graves
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Elena Y Glotser
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Tarun K Mandal
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Levon A Bostanian
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.
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29
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Abstract
This review is intended to summarize the current knowledge from basic science and clinical medical literature cited within PubMed that pertain to gender-related factors and affect those individuals with hereditary ocular disorders. We consider gender-related biological factors that (a) affect disease onset and progression, (b) gender differences for major X-linked ocular disorders, (c) gender-specific conditions, (d) medications that may influence genetic eye disorders, and finally, (e) gender-related issues that influence the management and quality of life of these patients. Several studies have demonstrated the manner in which sex-related hormones in animal models are capable of influencing cell pathway and survival that are likely to affect hereditary eye disorders. There are very few clinical studies that provide compelling evidence for gender differences in human ocular conditions, other than for a number of X-linked disorders. Disease expression for X-linked disorders may be impacted by genetic mechanisms such as lyonization or uniparental disomy. Clinical evidence regarding the impact of gender-related medical conditions and therapies on eye conditions is extremely limited and primarily based on anecdotal evidence. Gender-specific factors may play a major role in the underlying biological pathways that influence the onset, rate of progression, and clinical findings associated with ocular genetic conditions. Clinicians need to be aware of the variable phenotypes observed in female carriers of X-linked disorders of gender specific issues, many of which are inadequately addressed in the current literature. Clinicians need to be sensitive to gender differences in social, cultural, and religious systems and they should also be aware of how their own gender biases may influence how they counsel patients. Finally, it is clear that the lack of effective clinical studies in this area creates an opportunity for future research that will have real benefits for these patients.
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30
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Abstract
Sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes are becoming targets for chemotherapeutic development with an increasing interest in the recent years. In this chapter we introduce the sphingolipid family of lipids, and the role of individual species in cell homeostasis. We also discuss their roles in several rare diseases and overall, in cancer transformation. We follow the biosynthesis pathway of the sphingolipid tree, focusing on the enzymes in order to understand how using small molecule inhibitors makes it possible to modulate cancer progression. Finally, we describe the most used and historically significant inhibitors employed in cancer research, their relationships to sphingolipid metabolism, and some promising results found in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Canals
- Department of Medicine, University of Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Yusuf A. Hannun
- Health Science Center, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, L-4, 178, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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31
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Smith DG, Magwere T, Burchill SA. Oxidative stress and therapeutic opportunities: focus on the Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2011; 11:229-49. [PMID: 21342042 DOI: 10.1586/era.10.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive by-products of energy production that can have detrimental as well as beneficial effects. Unchecked, high levels of ROS result in an imbalance of cellular redox state and oxidative stress. High levels of ROS have been detected in most cancers, where they promote tumor development and progression. Many anticancer agents work by further increasing cellular levels of ROS, to overcome the antioxidant detoxification capacity of the cancer cell and induce cell death. However, adaptation of the level of cellular antioxidants can lead to drug resistance. The challenge for the design of effective cancer therapeutics exploiting oxidative stress is to tip the cellular redox balance to induce ROS-dependent cell death but without increasing the antioxidant activity of the cancer cell or inducing toxicity in normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle G Smith
- Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
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