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Coveñas R, Rodríguez FD, Robinson P, Muñoz M. The Repurposing of Non-Peptide Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists as Antitumor Drugs: An Urgent Challenge for Aprepitant. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15936. [PMID: 37958914 PMCID: PMC10650658 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115936] [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] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) system is involved in cancer progression. NK-1R, activated by SP, promotes tumor cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, the Warburg effect, and the prevention of apoptosis. Tumor cells overexpress NK-1R, which influences their viability. A typical specific anticancer strategy using NK-1R antagonists, irrespective of the tumor type, is possible because these antagonists block all the effects mentioned above mediated by SP on cancer cells. This review will update the information regarding using NK-1R antagonists, particularly Aprepitant, as an anticancer drug. Aprepitant shows a broad-spectrum anticancer effect against many tumor types. Aprepitant alone or in combination therapy with radiotherapy or chemotherapy could reduce the sequelae and increase the cure rate and quality of life of patients with cancer. Current data open the door to new cancer research aimed at antitumor therapeutic strategies using Aprepitant. To achieve this goal, reprofiling the antiemetic Aprepitant as an anticancer drug is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Coveñas
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Group GIR-BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Francisco D. Rodríguez
- Group GIR-BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Prema Robinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Employee Health, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Miguel Muñoz
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Research Laboratory on Neuropeptides (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Seville, Spain;
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Isorna I, González-Moles MÁ, Muñoz M, Esteban F. Substance P and Neurokinin-1 Receptor System in Thyroid Cancer: Potential Targets for New Molecular Therapies. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6409. [PMID: 37835053 PMCID: PMC10573850 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196409] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, numerous approaches have been developed to comprehend the molecular alterations underlying thyroid cancer (TC) oncogenesis and explore novel therapeutic strategies for TC. It is now well established that the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) is overexpressed in cancer cells and that NK-1R is essential for the viability of cancer cells. The binding of substance P (SP) to NK-1R in neoplastic cells plays a pivotal role in cancer progression by promoting neoplastic cell growth, protecting tumor cells from apoptosis, triggering invasion and metastasis through the enhanced migration of cancer cells, and stimulating endothelial cell proliferation for tumor angiogenesis. Remarkably, all types of human TC (papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic), as well as metastatic lesions, exhibit the overexpression of SP and NK-1R compared to the normal thyroid gland. TC cells synthesize and release SP, which exerts its multiple functions through autocrine, paracrine, intracrine, and neuroendocrine processes, including the regulation of tumor burden. Consequently, the secretion of SP from TC results in increased SP levels in plasma, which are significantly higher in TC patients compared to controls. Additionally, NK-1R antagonists have demonstrated a dose-dependent antitumor action. They impair cancer cell proliferation on one side and induce apoptosis of tumor cells on the other side. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that NK-1R antagonists inhibit neoplastic cell migration, thereby impairing both invasiveness and metastatic abilities, as well as angiogenesis. Given the consistent overexpression of NK-1R in all types of TC, targeting this receptor represents a promising therapeutic approach for TC. Therefore, NK-1R antagonists, such as the drug aprepitant, may represent novel drugs for TC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Isorna
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, 41013 Seville, Spain; (I.I.); (F.E.)
| | | | - Miguel Muñoz
- Research Laboratory on Neuropeptides, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Francisco Esteban
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, 41013 Seville, Spain; (I.I.); (F.E.)
- School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
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Wang Y, Yuan S, Ma J, Liu H, Huang L, Zhang F. Substance P is overexpressed in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and promoted proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells <em>in vitro</em>. Eur J Histochem 2023; 67:3746. [PMID: 37522867 PMCID: PMC10476533 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2023.3746] [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] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the expression and function of substance P in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of 20 patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma in our hospital were collected. The expression of substance P was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Cervical squamous cell carcinoma line SiHa was treated with different concentrations of substance P. The proliferation of SiHa cells was detected by EdU assay, and the invasion ability of SiHa cells was detected by transwell assay. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and the expression of MMP9 were detected by Western blot analysis. The results showed that substance P was expressed in the cytoplasm and some cell membranes of cervical squamous cell carcinoma cells. The expression of substance P in cervical cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in the adjacent tissues. Compared with the control group, substance P significantly promoted the proliferation and invasion of SiHa cells in a concentration dependent manner and activated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and upregulated the expression of MMP9 in SiHa cells. In conclusion, substance P is highly expressed in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and can promote cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion. The mechanism is related to the activation of ERK1/2 pathway to upregulate MMP9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang.
| | - Shifa Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Hebei Province Crop of Chinese Armed Police Force, Shijiazhuang.
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang.
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang.
| | - Lizhen Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang.
| | - Fengzhen Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang.
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The Neurokinin-1 Receptor Is Essential for the Viability of Human Glioma Cells: A Possible Target for Treating Glioblastoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:6291504. [PMID: 35434136 PMCID: PMC9006081 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6291504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma or glioma is the most common malignant brain tumor. Patients have a prognosis of approximately 15 months, despite the current aggressive treatment. Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) occurs naturally in human glioma, and it is necessary for the tumor development. Objective The purpose of the study was to increase the knowledge about the involvement of the substance P (SP)/NK-1R system in human glioma. Methods Cellular localization of NK-1R and SP was studied in GAMG and U-87 MG glioma cell lines by immunofluorescence. The contribution of both SP and NK-1R to the viability of these cells was also assessed after applying the tachykinin 1 receptor (TAC1R) or the tachykinin 1 (TAC1) small interfering RNA gene silencing method, respectively. Results Both SP and the NK-1R (full-length and truncated isoforms) were localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm of GAMG and U-87 MG glioma cells. The presence of full-length NK-1R isoform was mainly observed in the nucleus, while the level of truncated isoform was higher in the cytoplasm. Cell proliferation was decreased when glioma cells were transfected with TAC1R siRNA, but not with TAC1. U-87 MG cells were more sensitive to the effect of the TAC1R inhibition than GAMG cells. The decrease in the number of glioma cells after silencing of the TAC1R siRNA gene was due to apoptotic and necrotic mechanisms. In human primary fibroblast cultured cells, TAC1R silencing by siRNA did not produce any change in cell viability. Conclusions Our results show for the first time that the expression of the TAC1R gene (NK-1R) is essential for the viability of GAMG and U-87 MG glioma cells. On the contrary, the TAC1R gene is not essential for the viability of normal cells, confirming that NK-1R could be a promising and specific therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.
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The Role of Tachykinins in the Initiation and Progression of Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/ijcm.100717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Isorna I, Esteban F, Solanellas J, Coveñas R, Muñoz M. The substance P and neurokinin-1 receptor system in human thyroid cancer: an immunohistochemical study. Eur J Histochem 2020; 64. [PMID: 32363847 PMCID: PMC7196935 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2020.3117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To develop a new therapeutic strategy against thyroid cancer (TC), the expression of both substance P (SP) and neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) must be demonstrated in TC cells. This study aims to examine by immunohistochemistry, the localization of SP and the NK-1R in human TC samples (papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic), in metastasis and in healthy thyroid samples. SP and the NK-1R were expressed in all normal and TC samples. In healthy glands, SP was located in follicular cells (nucleus) and colloid and NK-1R in follicular cells (cytoplasm) and stroma. In TC samples, SP was visualized in follicular cells (nucleus and cytoplasm), stroma and colloid and NK-1R in follicular cells (cytoplasm), stroma and colloid. A semiquantitative scoring system (Allred Unit Scoring System) was applied. The expression (Allred total score) of SP and NK-1R was weaker in normal thyroid glands than in TC. In comparison with TC samples, a lower intensity/proportion of SP (nucleus and cytoplasm of follicular cells; stroma) was observed in normal samples. By contrast, in the colloid of TC samples the presence of SP was lower than in normal samples. In comparison with TC samples, the presence of the NK-1R in the cytoplasm of follicular cells and colloid was lower in normal thyroid samples, whereas the expression of this receptor in the stroma was higher. The results reported in this study suggest that the NK-1R could be a new target for the treatment of TC and use of the NK-1R antagonists could serve as a new anti-TC therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Isorna
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, Seville.
| | - Francisco Esteban
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, Seville.
| | - Juan Solanellas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nuestra Señora de Valme University Hospital, Seville.
| | - Rafael Coveñas
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCYL), Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, University of Salamanca.
| | - Miguel Muñoz
- Research Laboratory on Neuropeptides, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (IBIS), Seville.
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Rowe CW, Dill T, Griffin N, Jobling P, Faulkner S, Paul JW, King S, Smith R, Hondermarck H. Innervation of papillary thyroid cancer and its association with extra-thyroidal invasion. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1539. [PMID: 32001748 PMCID: PMC6992619 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58425-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerves are emerging regulators of cancer progression and in several malignancies innervation of the tumour microenvironment is associated with tumour aggressiveness. However, the innervation of thyroid cancer is unclear. Here, we investigated the presence of nerves in thyroid cancers and the potential associations with clinicopathological parameters. Nerves were detected by immunohistochemistry using the pan-neuronal marker PGP9.5 in whole-slide sections of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) (n = 75), compared to follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) (n = 13), and benign thyroid tissues (n = 26). Nerves were detected in most normal thyroid tissues and thyroid cancers, but nerve density was increased in PTC (12 nerves/cm2 [IQR 7–21]) compared to benign thyroid (6 nerves/cm2 [IQR: 3–10]) (p = 0.001). In contrast, no increase in nerve density was observed in FTC. In multivariate analysis, nerve density correlated positively with extrathyroidal invasion (p < 0.001), and inversely with tumour size (p < 0.001). The majority of nerves were adrenergic, although cholinergic and peptidergic innervation was detected. Perineural invasion was present in 35% of PTC, and was independently associated with extrathyroidal invasion (p = 0.008). This is the first report of infiltration of nerves into the tumour microenvironment of thyroid cancer and its association with tumour aggressiveness. The role of nerves in thyroid cancer pathogenesis should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Rowe
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,Department of Endocrinology, John Hunter Hospital, Locked Bag 1, Newcastle, NSW, 2310, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, 2305, NSW, Australia.
| | - Tony Dill
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology (Hunter), Locked Bag 1, HMRC, Newcastle, NSW, 2310, Australia.,ACT Pathology, Canberra Health Services, ACT Government, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nathan Griffin
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, 2305, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Phil Jobling
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Sam Faulkner
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, 2305, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jonathan W Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, 2305, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon King
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology (Hunter), Locked Bag 1, HMRC, Newcastle, NSW, 2310, Australia
| | - Roger Smith
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, John Hunter Hospital, Locked Bag 1, Newcastle, NSW, 2310, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, 2305, NSW, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, 2305, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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Wang K, Zhao XH, Liu J, Zhang R, Li JP. Nervous system and gastric cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1873:188313. [PMID: 31647986 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.188313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system has been recently shown to exert impact on gastric cancer directly and indirectly. Gastric cancer cells invade nerve fibers to induce outgrowth and branching of neural cells, and nerve fibers in turn infiltrate into tumor microenvironment to promote progression of gastric cancer. Additionally, the neuro-immune interaction also plays an important role in gastric cancer development. The interplay of nerves and gastric cancer is mediated by many nervous system-associated factors, which can not only be synthesized and released by both cancer cells and nerve terminals, but also participate in regulation of many aspects of gastric cancer such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and recurrence. Furthermore, clinical researches indicate that some of these factors are significant diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers for gastric cancer. Herein, we reviewed recent advances and future prospects of the interaction between nervous system and gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin-Hui Zhao
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Ji-Peng Li
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China; Department of Experimental Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China.
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Abstract
Background::Human tumor cells lines and tumor samples overexpress the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R). Substance P (SP), after binding to NK-1Rs, induces tumor cell proliferation, an antiapoptotic effect and promotes angiogenesis and the migration of cancer cells for invasion and metastasis.Methods: :In contrast, NK-1R antagonists block the previous pathophysiological actions mediated by SP. These antagonists promote the death of tumor cells by apoptosis. Peptide and non-peptide NK-1R antagonists have been reported.Results: :Peptide NK-1R antagonists show chemical modifications of the SP molecule (L-amino acids being replaced by D-amino acids), whereas non-peptide NK-1R antagonists include numerous compounds with different chemical compositions while showing similar stereochemical features (affinity for the NK- 1R). Currently, there are more than 300 NK-1R antagonists.Conclusion::In combination therapy with classic cytostatics, NK-1R antagonists have additive or synergic effects and minimize the side-effects of cytostatics. The effect of NK-1R antagonists as broad-spectrum anticancer drugs is reviewed and the use of these antagonists for the treatment of cancer is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Muñoz
- Research Laboratory on Neuropeptides, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (IBIS), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rafael Coveñas
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCYL) University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Evaluation of serum level of substance P and tissue distribution of NK-1 receptor in breast cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:1285-1293. [PMID: 30684188 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04599-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women with increasing incidence. Hence, finding a diagnostic factor and/or potential drug target could lead to an earlier diagnosis or a more effective therapeutic protocol. It is shown that substance P (SP) through its receptor neurokinin-1 (NK1R) could initiate tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and migration. This was a case-control study on 41 women with breast cancer and 34 healthy controls. Serum level of SP was measured using an ELISA method, and immunohistochemistry staining was performed to study NK1R expression in different cell compartments. Assessing serum SP values of patients showed significantly higher levels than those of healthy individuals. However, no significant correlation was found between SP levels and tumor criteria, but between SP and HER-2. Moreover, the percentage, intensity of staining as well as tissue distribution of NK1R were significantly higher in tumor tissues as compared with controls. Increased serum SP levels and NK1R tissue distribution were observed in patients with breast cancer as compared with their controls, highlighting the involvement of SP/NK1R complex in breast cancer incidence. NK1R profound expression in tumor cell cytoplasm and its significant correlation with the majority of cancer features can be of importance to be taken into consideration as a possible potential therapeutic target in future targeted therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, cytoplasmic expression of NK1R can be suggested as a potent prognostic factor as it has shown significant correlation with TNM and tumor grade.
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