1
|
Mollinedo F, Gajate C. Direct Endoplasmic Reticulum Targeting by the Selective Alkylphospholipid Analog and Antitumor Ether Lipid Edelfosine as a Therapeutic Approach in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4173. [PMID: 34439330 PMCID: PMC8394177 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common malignancy of the pancreas, shows a dismal and grim overall prognosis and survival rate, which have remained virtually unchanged for over half a century. PDAC is the most lethal of all cancers, with the highest mortality-to-incidence ratio. PDAC responds poorly to current therapies and remains an incurable malignancy. Therefore, novel therapeutic targets and drugs are urgently needed for pancreatic cancer treatment. Selective induction of apoptosis in cancer cells is an appealing approach in cancer therapy. Apoptotic cell death is highly regulated by different signaling routes that involve a variety of subcellular organelles. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress acts as a double-edged sword at the interface of cell survival and death. Pancreatic cells exhibit high hormone and enzyme secretory functions, and thereby show a highly developed ER. Thus, pancreatic cancer cells display a prominent ER. Solid tumors have to cope with adverse situations in which hypoxia, lack of certain nutrients, and the action of certain antitumor agents lead to a complex interplay and crosstalk between ER stress and autophagy-the latter acting as an adaptive survival response. ER stress also mediates cell death induced by a number of anticancer drugs and experimental conditions, highlighting the pivotal role of ER stress in modulating cell fate. The alkylphospholipid analog prototype edelfosine is selectively taken up by tumor cells, accumulates in the ER of a number of human solid tumor cells-including pancreatic cancer cells-and promotes apoptosis through a persistent ER-stress-mediated mechanism both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we discuss and propose that direct ER targeting may be a promising approach in the therapy of pancreatic cancer, opening up a new avenue for the treatment of this currently incurable and deadly cancer. Furthermore, because autophagy acts as a cytoprotective response to ER stress, potentiation of the triggering of a persistent ER response by combination therapy, together with the use of autophagy blockers, could improve the current gloomy expectations for finding a cure for this type of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faustino Mollinedo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Laboratory of Cell Death and Cancer Therapy, Department of Molecular Biomedicine, C/Ramiro de Maeztu 9, E-28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Berberine: A nematocidal alkaloid from Argemone mexicana against Strongyloides venezuelensis. Exp Parasitol 2020; 220:108043. [PMID: 33197440 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is a parasitosis that represents a public health problem, in tropical regions. The present study aimed to investigate the anthelmintic effects of several extracts of Argemone mexicana, as well as its main component berberine (Ber) against the third-stage larvae (L3) of Strongyloides venezuelensis in-vitro experiments. Also, the anti-hemolytic activity of the extract, fractions, and Ber were tested in human erythrocytes. A dose-response anthelminthic bioassay demonstrated Ber as the most effective component, followed by methanolic subfraction (Fr3) and finally the crude extract of A. mexicana (Am) showing LC50 response values of 1.6, 19.5, and 92.1 μg/mL, at 96 h respectively. Also, Am, Fr3, and Ber did not produce significant hemolysis against human erythrocytes (p ≤ 0.05). Am and Fr3 showed erythrocyte protection effect capacity at the membrane level (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, Ber was found to have an antioxidant activity of 168.18 μg/mL. According to the results, the Fr3 of A. mexicana, and particularly Ber, exhibited potent in-vitro effects against L3 of S. venezuelensis, without hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes and presented good antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, the extracts of A. mexicana and the main component have activity against S. venezuelensis, nevertheless, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of action.
Collapse
|
3
|
Rodrigues JP, Vasconcelos Azevedo FVP, Zoia MAP, Maia LP, Correia LIV, Costa-Cruz JM, de Melo Rodrigues V, Goulart LR. The Anthelmintic Effect on Strongyloides venezuelensis Induced by BnSP- 6, a Lys49-phospholipase A2 Homologue from Bothrops pauloensis Venom. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2032-2040. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190723152520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) from snake venoms have a broad potential as
pharmacological tools on medicine. In this context, strongyloidiasis is a neglected parasitic disease
caused by helminths of the genus Strongyloides. Currently, ivermectin is the drug of choice for treatment,
however, besides its notable toxicity, therapeutic failures and cases of drug resistance have been
reported. BnSP-6, from Bothorps pauloensis snake venom, is a PLA2 with depth biochemical characterization,
reporting effects against tumor cells and bacteria.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to demonstrate for the first time the action of the PLA2 on Strongyloides
venezuelensis.
Methods:
After 72 hours of treatment with BnSP-6 mortality of the infective larvae was assessed by motility
assay. Cell and parasite viability was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl
tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Furthermore, autophagic vacuoles were labeled with Monodansylcadaverine
(MDC) and nuclei of apoptotic cells were labeled with Propidium Iodide (PI). Tissue degeneration
of the parasite was highlighted by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
Results:
The mortality index demonstrated that BnSP-6 abolishes the motility of the parasite. In addition,
the MTT assay attested the cytotoxicity of BnSP-6 at lower concentrations when compared with
ivermectin, while autophagic and apoptosis processes were confirmed. Moreover, the anthelmintic effect
was demonstrated by tissue degeneration observed by TEM. Furthermore, we report that BnSP-6
showed low cytotoxicity on human intestinal cells (Caco-2).
Conclusion:
Altogether, our results shed light on the potential of BNSP-6 as an anthelmintic agent,
which can lead to further investigations as a tool for pharmaceutical discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Peixoto Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Campus Umuarama BL-2E, SL-248, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Van Petten Vasconcelos Azevedo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Campus Umuarama BL-2E, SL-227, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Mariana Alves Pereira Zoia
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Campus Umuarama BL-2E, SL-248, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Larissa Prado Maia
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Campus Umuarama BL-2E, SL-248, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Lucas Ian Veloso Correia
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Campus Umuarama BL-2E, SL-227, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Julia Maria Costa-Cruz
- Laboratory of Parasitological Diagnostics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Campus Umuarama BL-4C, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Veridiana de Melo Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Campus Umuarama BL-2E, SL-227, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Luiz Ricardo Goulart
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Campus Umuarama BL-2E, SL-248, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gastrointestinal effects of ivermectin treatment in rats infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis. Acta Trop 2019; 194:69-77. [PMID: 30914242 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effects of ivermectin treatment on gastrointestinal morphology and function after Strongyloides venezuelensis infection. Male rats composed Control (C), Parasitized (Sv), Ivermectin (IVM) and Parasitized and treated with Ivermectin (Sv/IVM) groups. IVM and Sv/IVM groups were subdivided according to IVM: single dose of 200 μg/kg (IVM1 and Sv/IVM1) or three repeated doses of 200 μg/kg at 24 h intervals (IVM3 and Sv/IVM3). First dose of IVM was administered after peak of infection. Eggs per gram (EPG), mean gastric emptying time (MGET), mean cecum arrival time (MCAT) and mean small intestinal transit time (MSITT) were evaluated. Measurements were performed before drug and at peak of infection, first day post peak of infection and 30 days post infection. Same time intervals were simulated for uninfected animals. Number of recovered worms and intestinal morphometry were also rated. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and correlated by Dunnett and Pearson (p < 0.05). Sv/IVM1 and Sv/IVM3 showed reduction of EPG and worms, although only group SV/IVM3 eradicate them. Hastened gastric emptying and slowed intestinal transit provoked by S. venezuelensis infection can be reverted by a single administration of IVM after peak of infection, even without total parasite elimination. Although three consecutive doses of IVM were more efficient to eradicate the parasite, drug administration impaired gastrointestinal function and morphology. IVM alone affected gastrointestinal parameters in uninfected animals for prolonged periods, especially in high doses. In control, there were strong negative correlations between MSITT and muscle layers. Strongyloides venezuelensis infection abolishes such correlations. Longitudinal muscle was thinner in IVM3 and Sv/IVM3 groups and circular thicker in Sv group. Revisiting the action of traditional drugs broadens knowledge in the parasite-host interface and may result in the development of more accurate therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ausili A, Martínez-Valera P, Torrecillas A, Gómez-Murcia V, de Godos AM, Corbalán-García S, Teruel JA, Gómez Fernández JC. Anticancer Agent Edelfosine Exhibits a High Affinity for Cholesterol and Disorganizes Liquid-Ordered Membrane Structures. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:8333-8346. [PMID: 29924618 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b01539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Edelfosine is an anticancer drug with an asymmetric structure because, being a derivative of glycerol, it possesses two hydrophobic substituents of very different lengths. We showed that edelfosine destabilizes liquid-ordered membranes formed by either 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, sphingomyelin (SM), and cholesterol (1:1:1 molar ratio) or SM and cholesterol (2:1 molar ratio). This was observed by differential scanning calorimetry in which phase transition arises from either of these membrane systems after the addition of edelfosine. The alteration in the liquid-ordered domains was characterized by using a small-angle X-ray diffraction that revealed the formation of gel phases as a consequence of the addition of edelfosine at low temperatures and by a wide-angle X-ray diffraction that confirmed changes in the membranes, indicating the formation of these gel phases. The increase in phase transition derived by the edelfosine addition was further confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of edelfosine was compared with that of structurally analogue lipids: platelet-activating factor and 1-palmitoyl-2-acetyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, which also have the capacity of destabilizing liquid-ordered domains, although they are less potent than edelfosine for this activity, and lysophosphatidylcholine, which lacks this capacity. It was concluded that edelfosine may be associated with cholesterol favorably competing with sphingomyelin, and that this sets sphingomyelin free to undergo a phase transition. Finally, the experimental observations can be described by molecular dynamics calculations in terms of intermolecular interaction energies in phospholipid-cholesterol membranes. Higher interaction energies between asymmetric phospholipids and cholesterol than between sphingomyelin and cholesterol were obtained. These results are interesting because they biophysically characterize one of the main molecular mechanisms to trigger apoptosis of the cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Ausili
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular "A", Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" , Universidad de Murcia , Apartado de Correos 4021 , E-30080 Murcia , Spain
| | - Pablo Martínez-Valera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular "A", Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" , Universidad de Murcia , Apartado de Correos 4021 , E-30080 Murcia , Spain
| | - Alejandro Torrecillas
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular "A", Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" , Universidad de Murcia , Apartado de Correos 4021 , E-30080 Murcia , Spain
| | - Victoria Gómez-Murcia
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular "A", Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" , Universidad de Murcia , Apartado de Correos 4021 , E-30080 Murcia , Spain
| | - Ana M de Godos
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular "A", Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" , Universidad de Murcia , Apartado de Correos 4021 , E-30080 Murcia , Spain
| | - Senena Corbalán-García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular "A", Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" , Universidad de Murcia , Apartado de Correos 4021 , E-30080 Murcia , Spain
| | - José A Teruel
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular "A", Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" , Universidad de Murcia , Apartado de Correos 4021 , E-30080 Murcia , Spain
| | - Juan C Gómez Fernández
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular "A", Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum" , Universidad de Murcia , Apartado de Correos 4021 , E-30080 Murcia , Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sant’Anna V, Railbolt M, Oliveira-Menezes A, Calogeropoulou T, Pinheiro J, de Souza W. Ultraestructural study of effects of alkylphospholipid analogs against nematodes. Exp Parasitol 2018; 187:49-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|