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Enevoldsen FC, Sahana J, Wehland M, Grimm D, Infanger M, Krüger M. Endothelin Receptor Antagonists: Status Quo and Future Perspectives for Targeted Therapy. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9030824. [PMID: 32197449 PMCID: PMC7141375 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The endothelin axis, recognized for its vasoconstrictive action, plays a central role in the pathology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Treatment with approved endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs), such as bosentan, ambrisentan, or macitentan, slow down PAH progression and relieves symptoms. Several findings have indicated that endothelin is further involved in the pathogenesis of certain other diseases, making ERAs potentially beneficial in the treatment of various conditions. In addition to PAH, this review summarizes the use and perspectives of ERAs in cancer, renal disease, fibrotic disorders, systemic scleroderma, vasospasm, and pain management. Bosentan has proven to be effective in systemic sclerosis PAH and in decreasing the development of vasospasm-related digital ulcers. The selective ERA clazosentan has been shown to be effective in preventing cerebral vasospasm and delaying ischemic neurological deficits and new infarcts. Furthermore, in the SONAR (Study Of Diabetic Nephropathy With Atrasentan) trial, the selective ERA atrasentan reduced the risk of renal events in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. These data suggest atrasentan as a new therapy in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy and possibly other renal diseases. Preclinical studies regarding heart failure, cancer, and fibrotic diseases have demonstrated promising effects, but clinical trials have not yet produced measurable results. Nevertheless, the potential benefits of ERAs may not be fully realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik C. Enevoldsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (F.C.E.); (J.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Jayashree Sahana
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (F.C.E.); (J.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Markus Wehland
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.W.); (M.I.)
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (F.C.E.); (J.S.); (D.G.)
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.W.); (M.I.)
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.W.); (M.I.)
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.W.); (M.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-391-6721267
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Shen W, Xi H, Li C, Bian S, Cheng H, Cui J, Wang N, Wei B, Huang X, Chen L. Endothelin-A receptor in gastric cancer and enhanced antitumor activity of trastuzumab in combination with the endothelin-A receptor antagonist ZD4054. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1448:30-41. [PMID: 30937921 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Endothelin-A receptor (ETAR) is overexpressed in cancers and can function through transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor. We explored ETAR in gastric cancer and investigated the antitumor effect of trastuzumab in combination with the ETAR antagonist ZD4054. The expression of ETAR was significantly correlated with the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. Univariate and multivariate analyses further showed that ETAR expression correlated with reduced survival in gastric cancer patients. In vitro, ZD4054 increased the antiproliferative effect of trastuzumab in gastric cancer cell lines. Moreover, the addition of ZD4054 to trastuzumab significantly increased apoptosis in gastric cancer cell lines. In vivo, tumor growth was considerably inhibited by treatment with ZD4054 and trastuzumab, and the tumor volume in the trastuzumab and ZD4054 combination group was smaller than in the other groups. The detection of ETAR could help predict the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Additionally, this study provides support for the therapeutic use of the combination of ZD4054 and trastuzumab as an anticancer treatment, especially for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisong Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongqing Xi
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chenyang Li
- School of Nursing, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shibo Bian
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haidong Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxin Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Rosanò L, Spinella F, Bagnato A. Endothelin 1 in cancer: biological implications and therapeutic opportunities. Nat Rev Cancer 2013; 13:637-51. [PMID: 23884378 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Activation of autocrine and paracrine signalling by endothelin 1 (ET1) binding to its receptors elicits pleiotropic effects on tumour cells and on the host microenvironment. This activation modulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, chemoresistance and neovascularization, thus providing a strong rationale for targeting ET1 receptors in cancer. In this Review, we discuss the advances in our understanding of the diverse biological roles of ET1 in cancer and describe the latest preclinical and clinical progress that has been made using small-molecule antagonists of ET1 receptors that inhibit ET1-driven signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rosanò
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology A, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome 00144, Italy
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Petrillo M, Scambia G, Ferrandina G. Novel targets for VEGF-independent anti-angiogenic drugs. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2012; 21:451-72. [PMID: 22339615 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2012.661715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the last decades, the active research in the field of tumor angiogenesis led to the development of a class of agents providing an effective inhibition of neovessels formation through the blockade of VEGF-related pathways. More recently, the identification of several non-VEGF factors such as PDGF, FGF, HGF, angiopoietins, ALK1/endoglin, endothelis and ephrins involved in tumor angiogenesis have emphasized the need to develop agents targeting multiple pro-angiogenic pathways. AREAS COVERED This review aimed at summarizing the role of non-VEGF molecular pathways in targeting tumor angiogenesis. Preclinical and clinical data for investigational agents against non-VEGF targets have been reviewed emphasizing the role of combined inhibition strategies. EXPERT OPINION Besides the successful development of drugs providing a specific VEGF blockade, novel agents targeting alternative angiogenesis-related pathways are being tested. Although it seems that the potential clinical usefulness of these novel compounds have been not yet fully investigated, sunitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib and other multikinase inhibitors have certainly displayed encouraging results. A more in-depth clarification of anti-angiogenic agents is still needed, in order to design the best clinical setting and schedule for target-based agents and possibly anticipate potential tools to overcome the emerging issue of anti-angiogenic drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Petrillo
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, Campobasso, Italy
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Bagnato A, Loizidou M, Pflug BR, Curwen J, Growcott J. Role of the endothelin axis and its antagonists in the treatment of cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 163:220-33. [PMID: 21232046 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01217.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelins (ET) are a group of proteins that act through G-protein coupled receptors. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) was initially identified as a potent vasoconstrictor and dysregulation of the ET axis contributes to pathological processes responsible for cardiovascular disease states. More recently, the ET axis, in particular ET-1 acting through the endothelin A receptor (ET(A) ), has been implicated in the development of several cancers through activation of pathways involved in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, osteogenesis and angiogenesis. The endothelin B receptor (ET(B) ) may counter tumour progression by promoting apoptosis and clearing ET-1; however, it has recently been implicated in the development of some tumour types including melanomas and oligodendrogliomas. Here, we review emerging preclinical and clinical data outlining the role of the ET axis in cancer, and its antagonism as an attractive and challenging approach to improve clinical cancer management. Clinical data of ET(A) antagonists in patients with prostate cancer are encouraging and provide promise for new ET(A) antagonist-based treatment strategies. Given the unexpected opportunities to affect pleiotrophic tumorigenic signals by targeting ET(A)-mediated pathways in a number of cancers, the evaluation of ET-targeted therapy in cancer warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bagnato
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory 'A', Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Kandalaft LE, Facciabene A, Buckanovich RJ, Coukos G. Endothelin B receptor, a new target in cancer immune therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:4521-8. [PMID: 19567593 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-0543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The endothelins and their G protein-coupled receptors A and B have been implicated in numerous diseases and have recently emerged as pivotal players in a variety of malignancies. Tumors overexpress the endothelin 1 (ET-1) ligand and the endothelin-A-receptor (ET(A)R). Their interaction induces tumor growth and metastasis by promoting tumor cell survival and proliferation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. On the basis of results from xenograft models, drug development efforts have focused on antagonizing the autocrine-paracrine effects mediated by ET-1/ET(A)R. In this review, we discuss a novel role of the endothelin-B-receptor (ET(B)R) in tumorigenesis and the effect of its blockade during cancer immune therapy. We highlight key characteristics of the B receptor such as its specific overexpression in the tumor compartment; and specifically, in the tumor endothelium, where its activation by ET-1 suppresses T-cell adhesion and homing to tumors. We also review our recent findings on the effects of ET(B)R-specific blockade in increasing T-cell homing to tumors and enhancing the efficacy of otherwise ineffective immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana E Kandalaft
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Smollich M, Wülfing P. Targeting the endothelin system: novel therapeutic options in gynecological, urological and breast cancers. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2008; 8:1481-93. [PMID: 18759699 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.8.9.1481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The endothelin system comprises the three peptide hormones endothelin (ET)-1, -2, -3, their G protein-coupled receptors, endothelin-A-receptor (ET(A)R) and endothelin-B-receptor (ET(B)R), and the enzymes of endothelin biosynthesis and degradation. In the past two decades, an impressive amount of data has been accumulated investigating the role of the endothelin system in a variety of malignancies. In many cancers, ET-1/ET(A)R interaction induces proliferation, angiogenesis, antiapoptosis and resistance to chemotherapy. Data indicate a pivotal role of the endothelin system in tumorigenesis, local progression and metastasis. Subsequently, novel drugs have been designed inhibiting ET-1 biosynthesis or ET(A)R interaction. A wide range of preclinical data is available on the role of ET(A)R antagonists in gynecological, urological and breast cancers providing evidence for their antiangiogenic, proapoptotic and growth inhibitory effects. Of particular interest is the anti-invasive and antimetastatic efficacy of ET(A)R antagonists and synergism when co-administered with established cancer therapies. Data indicate a future role of ET(A)R antagonists in oncologic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Smollich
- University of Münster, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33, 48129, Münster, Germany.
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Cheng WL, Wang CS, Huang YH, Liang Y, Lin PY, Hsueh C, Wu YC, Chen WJ, Yu CJ, Lin SR, Lin KH. Overexpression of a secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in human gastric cancer. Int J Cancer 2008; 123:1787-96. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.23746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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