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Strik H, Efferth T, Kaina B. Artesunate in glioblastoma therapy: Case reports and review of clinical studies. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155274. [PMID: 38142662 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artesunate, a derivative of the active ingredient artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. used for centuries in the traditional Chinese medicine, is being applied as front-line drug in malaria treatment. As it is cytotoxic for cancer cells, trials are ongoing to include this drug as supplement in cancer therapy. In glioblastoma cells, artesunate was shown to induce oxidative stress, DNA base damage and double-strand breaks (DSBs), apoptosis, and necroptosis. It also inhibits DNA repair functions and bears senolytic activity. Compared to ionizing radiation, DNA damages accumulate over the whole exposure period, which makes the agent unique in its genotoxic profile. Artesunate has been used in adjuvant therapy of various cancers. PURPOSE As artesunate has been used in adjuvant therapy of different types of cancer and clinical trials are lacking in brain cancer, we investigated its activity in glioma patients with focus on possible side effects. STUDY DESIGN Between 2014 and 2020, twelve patients were treated with artesunate for relapsing glioma and analyzed retrospectively: 8 males and 4 females, median age 45 years. HISTOLOGY 4 glioblastomas WHO grade 4, 5 astrocytomas WHO grade 3, 3 oligodendrogliomas grade 2 or 3. All patients were pretreated with radiation and temozolomide-based chemotherapy. Artesunate 100 mg was applied twice daily p.o. combined with dose-dense temozolomide alone (100 mg/m2 day 1-5/7, 10 patients) or with temozolomide (50 mg/m2 day 1-5/7) plus lomustine (CCNU, 40 mg day 6/7). Blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), liver enzymes, and renal parameters were monitored weekly. RESULTS Apart from one transient grade 3 hematological toxicity, artesunate was well tolerated. No liver toxicity was observed. While 8 patients with late stage of the disease had a median survival of 5 months after initiation of artesunate treatment, 4 patients with treatment for remission maintenance showed a median survival of 46 months. We also review clinical trials that have been performed in other cancers where artesunate was included in the treatment regimen. CONCLUSIONS Artesunate administered at a dose of 2 × 100 mg/day was without harmful side effects, even if combined with alkylating agents used in glioma therapy. Thus, the phytochemical, which is also utilized as food supplement, is an interesting, well tolerated supportive agent useful for long-term maintenance treatment. Being itself cytotoxic on glioblastoma cells and enhancing the cytotoxicity of temozolomide as well as in view of its senolytic activity, artesunate has clearly a potential to enhance the efficacy of malignant brain cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herwig Strik
- Department of Neurology, Sozialstiftung Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Bernd Kaina
- Institute of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Obere Zahlbacher Str. 67, D-55131 Mainz, Germany.
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Seo EJ, Khelifi D, Fayez S, Feineis D, Bringmann G, Efferth T, Dawood M. Molecular determinants of the response of cancer cells towards geldanamycin and its derivatives. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 383:110677. [PMID: 37586545 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110677] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Geldanamycin is an ansamycin-derivative of a benzoquinone isolated from Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It inhibits tyrosine kinases and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Geldanamycin and 11 derivatives were subjected to molecular docking to HSP90, and 17-desmethoxy-17-N,N-dimethylamino-geldanamycin (17-DMAG) was the compound with the highest binding affinity (-7.73 ± 0.12 kcal/mol) and the lowest inhibition constant (2.16 ± 0.49 μM). Therefore, 17-DMAG was selected for further experiments in comparison to geldanamycin. Multidrug resistance (MDR) represents a major problem for successful cancer therapy. We tested geldanamycin and 17-DMAG against various drug-resistant cancer cell lines. Although geldanamycin and 17-DMAG inhibited the proliferation in all cell lines tested, multidrug-resistant P-glycoprotein-overexpressing CEM/ADR5000 cells were cross-resistant, ΔEGFR-overexpressing tumor cells and p53 knockout cells were sensitive to these two compounds. COMPARE and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed, and 60 genes were identified to predict the sensitivity or resistance of 59 NCI tumor cell lines towards geldanamycin and 17-DMAG. The distribution of cell lines according to their mRNA expression profiles indicated sensitivity or resistance to both compounds with statistical significance. Moreover, bioinformatic tools were used to study possible mechanisms of action of geldanamycin and 17-DMAG. Galaxy Cistrome analyses were carried out to predict transcription factor binding motifs in the promoter regions of the candidate genes. Interestingly, the NF-ĸB DNA binding motif (Rel) was identified as the top transcription factor. Furthermore, these 60 genes were subjected to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to study the signaling pathway interactions of these genes. Interestingly, IPA also revealed the NF-ĸB pathway as the top network among these genes. Finally, NF-ĸB reporter assays confirmed the bioinformatic prediction, and both geldanamycin and 17-DMAG significantly inhibited NF-κB activity after exposure for 24 h. In conclusion, geldanamycin and 17-DMAG exhibited cytotoxic activity against different tumor cell lines. Their activity was not restricted to HSP90 but indicated an involvement of the NF-KB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ean-Jeong Seo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daycem Khelifi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Shaimaa Fayez
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Germany; Department of Pharmacognosy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doris Feineis
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mona Dawood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany; Department of Molecular Biology, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan.
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Zeng ZW, Chen D, Chen L, He B, Li Y. A comprehensive overview of Artemisinin and its derivatives as anticancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115000. [PMID: 36538859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin is the crucial ingredient of artemisia annua, a traditional Chinese medicine used for the therapy of malaria in China for hundreds of years. In recent years, the anticancer properties of artemisinin and its derivatives have also been reported. This review has summarized the research and development of artemisinin and its derivatives as anticancer agents, which included both natural and synthetic monomers as well as their dimers. In addition, it highlights the antitumor effects of artemisinin and its derivatives after site-modification or after transformation to a nano-delivery system. Moreover, we have further explored their potential mechanisms of action and also discussed the clinical trials of ARTs used to treat cancer, which will facilitate in further development of novel anticancer drugs based on the scaffold of artemisinin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Wei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Di Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
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Medeiros M, Candido MF, Valera ET, Brassesco MS. The multifaceted NF-kB: are there still prospects of its inhibition for clinical intervention in pediatric central nervous system tumors? Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6161-6200. [PMID: 34333711 PMCID: PMC11072991 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03906-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the basic biology and pathogenesis of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, patients still have an extremely unfavorable prognosis. Over the years, a plethora of natural and synthetic compounds has emerged for the pharmacologic intervention of the NF-kB pathway, one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling cascades in human cancer with key roles in cell growth, survival, and therapy resistance. Here, we provide a review about the state-of-the-art concerning the dysregulation of this hub transcription factor in the most prevalent pediatric CNS tumors: glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma. Moreover, we compile the available literature on the anti-proliferative effects of varied NF-kB inhibitors acting alone or in combination with other therapies in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. As the wealth of basic research data continues to accumulate, recognizing NF-kB as a therapeutic target may provide important insights to treat these diseases, hopefully contributing to increase cure rates and lower side effects related to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Medeiros
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Ferreira Candido
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, FFCLRP-USP, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Bairro Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, CEP 14040-901, Brazil.
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Efferth T, Oesch F. The immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin-type drugs towards inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:3023-3061. [PMID: 34288018 DOI: 10.1002/med.21842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. is well established for malaria therapy, but its bioactivity spectrum is much broader. In this review, we give a comprehensive and timely overview of the literature regarding the immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin-type compounds toward inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Numerous receptor-coupled signaling pathways are inhibited by artemisinins, including the receptors for interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), β3-integrin, or RANKL, toll-like receptors and growth factor receptors. Among the receptor-coupled signal transducers are extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK), phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ), and others. All these receptors and signal transduction molecules are known to contribute to the inhibition of the transcription factor nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB). Artemisinins may inhibit NF-κB by silencing these upstream pathways and/or by direct binding to NF-κB. Numerous NF-κB-regulated downstream genes are downregulated by artemisinin and its derivatives, for example, cytokines, chemokines, and immune receptors, which regulate immune cell differentiation, apoptosis genes, proliferation-regulating genes, signal transducers, and genes involved in antioxidant stress response. In addition to the prominent role of NF-κB, other transcription factors are also inhibited by artemisinins (mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR], activating protein 1 [AP1]/FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homologue [FOS]/JUN oncogenic transcription factor [JUN]), hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NF-ATC1), Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT), NF E2-related factor-2 (NRF-2), retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor γ (ROR-γt), and forkhead box P-3 (FOXP-3). Many in vivo experiments in disease-relevant animal models demonstrate therapeutic efficacy of artemisinin-type drugs against rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus erythematosus, arthrosis, and gout), lung diseases (asthma, acute lung injury, and pulmonary fibrosis), neurological diseases (autoimmune encephalitis, Alzheimer's disease, and myasthenia gravis), skin diseases (dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis), inflammatory bowel disease, and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Randomized clinical trials should be conducted in the future to translate the plethora of preclinical results into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz Oesch
- Oesch-Tox Toxicological Consulting and Expert Opinions, Ingelheim, Germany and Institute of Toxicology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Meng Y, Ma N, Lyu H, Wong YK, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Gao P, Sun P, Song Y, Lin L, Wang J. Recent pharmacological advances in the repurposing of artemisinin drugs. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:3156-3181. [PMID: 34148245 DOI: 10.1002/med.21837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinins are a family of sesquiterpene lactones originally derived from the sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua). Beyond their well-characterized role as frontline antimalarial drugs, artemisinins have also received increased attention for other potential pharmaceutical effects, which include antiviral, antiparsitic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. With concerted efforts in further preclinical and clinical studies, artemisinin-based drugs have the potential to be viable treatments for a great variety of human diseases. Here, we provide a comprehensive update on recent reports of pharmacological actions and applications of artemisinins outside of their better-known antimalarial role and highlight their potential therapeutic viability for various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Meng
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haining Lyu
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xing Zhang
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongping Zhu
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yali Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dongguan Maternal And Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Lizhu Lin
- Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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Kadioglu O, Saeed MEM, Mahmoud N, Azawi S, Mrasek K, Liehr T, Efferth T. Identification of novel drug resistance mechanisms by genomic and transcriptomic profiling of glioblastoma cells with mutation-activated EGFR. Life Sci 2021; 284:119601. [PMID: 33991550 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is not only involved in carcinogenesis, but also in chemoresistance. We characterized U87.MGΔEGFR glioblastoma cells with constitutively active EGFR due to deletion at the ligand binding domain in terms of gene expression profiling and chromosomal aberrations. Wild-type U87.MG cells served as control. MATERIALS AND METHODS RNA sequencing and network analyses (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis) were performed to identify novel drug resistance mechanisms related to expression of mutation activated EGFR. Chromosomal aberrations were characterized by multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH) and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). KEY FINDINGS U87.MGΔEGFR cells presented much more chromosomal aberrations, amplifications and deletions than wild-type U87.MG cells. Still, both cell lines were near-triploid. Numerous genes were overexpressed in U87.MGΔEGFR cells, some of which have been already linked to drug resistance. PXDN, which is associated with epithelial mesenchymal transition, was the most upregulated gene (901.8-fold). TENM1 was 331.6-fold upregulated, and it was previously reported to modulate neural development. EGFR-AS1 (161.2-fold upregulated) has been reported to increase the EGFR mRNA stability and its expression - in accordance with that of EGFR - was upregulated (85.5-fold). In addition to well-known resistance genes, numerous novel genes and genomic aberrations were identified. ANGPT2 upregulation and CPM downregulation were validated by Western blotting. SIGNIFICANCE Transcriptomics and genomics analyses in U87.MGΔEGFR cells unraveled a range of novel drug resistance mechanisms including apoptosis, DNA repair, ferroptosis, glutathione related gene activities, heat shock, oxidative stress, transcription factor activities, which may have important implications for future treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onat Kadioglu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mohamed E M Saeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nuha Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Shaymaa Azawi
- Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Human Genetics, Jena, Germany
| | - Kristin Mrasek
- Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Human Genetics, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Liehr
- Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Human Genetics, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
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Li Y, Zhou X, Liu J, Yuan X, He Q. Therapeutic Potentials and Mechanisms of Artemisinin and its Derivatives for Tumorigenesis and Metastasis. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:520-535. [PMID: 31958040 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200120100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor recurrence and metastasis are still leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. The influence of traditional treatment strategies against metastatic tumors may still be limited. To search for novel and powerful agents against tumors has become a major research focus. In this study, Artemisinin (ARM), a natural compound isolated from herbs, Artemisia annua L., proceeding from drug repurposing methods, attracts more attention due to its good efficacy and tolerance in antimalarial practices, as well as newly confirmed anticancer activity. METHODS We have searched and reviewed the literatures about ARM and its derivatives (ARMs) for cancer using keywords "artemisinin" until May 2019. RESULTS In preclinical studies, ARMs can induce cell cycle arrest and cell death by apoptosis etc., to inhibit the progression of tumors, and suppress EMT and angiogenesis to inhibit the metastasis of tumors. Notably, the complex relationships of ARMs and autophagy are worth exploring. Inspired by the limitations of its antimalarial applications and the mechanical studies of artemisinin and cancer, people are also committed to develop safer and more potent ARM-based modified compounds (ARMs) or combination therapy, such as artemisinin dimers/ trimers, artemisinin-derived hybrids. Some clinical trials support artemisinins as promising candidates for cancer therapy. CONCLUSION ARMs show potent therapeutic potentials against carcinoma including metastatic tumors. Novel compounds derived from artemisinin and relevant combination therapies are supposed to be promising treatment strategies for tumors, as the important future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiaohong Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Qian He
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
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Lu X, Efferth T. Repurposing of artemisinin-type drugs for the treatment of acute leukemia. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 68:291-312. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Xu C, Zhang H, Mu L, Yang X. Artemisinins as Anticancer Drugs: Novel Therapeutic Approaches, Molecular Mechanisms, and Clinical Trials. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:529881. [PMID: 33117153 PMCID: PMC7573816 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.529881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives have shown broad-spectrum antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, outcomes from a limited number of clinical trials provide encouraging evidence for their excellent antitumor activities. However, some problems such as poor solubility, toxicity and controversial mechanisms of action hamper their use as effective antitumor agents in the clinic. In order to accelerate the use of ARTs in the clinic, researchers have recently developed novel therapeutic approaches including developing novel derivatives, manufacturing novel nano-formulations, and combining ARTs with other drugs for cancer therapy. The related mechanisms of action were explored. This review describes ARTs used to induce non-apoptotic cell death containing oncosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Moreover, it highlights the ARTs-caused effects on cancer metabolism, immunosuppression and cancer stem cells and discusses clinical trials of ARTs used to treat cancer. The review provides additional insight into the molecular mechanism of action of ARTs and their considerable clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cangcang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lingli Mu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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Liang Y, Zhang T, Zhang J. Natural tyrosine kinase inhibitors acting on the epidermal growth factor receptor: Their relevance for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2020; 161:105164. [PMID: 32846211 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), also known as ErbB-1/HER-1, plays a key role in the regulation of the cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival. Since the constitutive activation or overexpression of EGFR is nearly found in various cancers, the applications focused on EGFR are the most widely used in the clinical level, including the therapeutic drugs of targeting EGFR, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).Over the past decades, the compounds from natural sources have been a productive source of novel drugs, especially in both discovery and development of anti-tumor drugs by targeting the EGFR pathways as the TKIs. This work presents a review of the compounds from natural sources as potential EGFR-TKIs involved in the regulation of cancer. Moreover, high-throughput drug screening of EGFR-TKIs from the natural compounds has also been summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Tiehua Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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Kiani BH, Kayani WK, Khayam AU, Dilshad E, Ismail H, Mirza B. Artemisinin and its derivatives: a promising cancer therapy. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:6321-6336. [PMID: 32710388 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The world is experiencing a cancer epidemic and an increase in the prevalence of the disease. Cancer remains a major killer, accounting for more than half a million deaths annually. There is a wide range of natural products that have the potential to treat this disease. One of these products is artemisinin; a natural product from Artemisia plant. The Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded in 2015 for the discovery of artemisinin in recognition of the drug's efficacy. Artemisinin produces highly reactive free radicals by the breakdown of two oxygen atoms that kill cancerous cells. These cells sequester iron and accumulate as much as 1000 times in comparison with normal cells. Generally, chemotherapy is toxic to both cancerous cells and normal cells, while no significant cytotoxicity from artemisinin to normal cells has been found in more than 4000 case studies, which makes it far different than conventional chemotherapy. The pleiotropic response of artemisinin in cancer cells is responsible for growth inhibition by multiple ways including inhibition of angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, disruption of cell migration, and modulation of nuclear receptor responsiveness. It is very encouraging that artemisinin and its derivatives are anticipated to be a novel class of broad-spectrum antitumor agents based on efficacy and safety. This review aims to highlight these achievements and propose potential strategies to develop artemisinin and its derivatives as a new class of cancer therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Hafeez Kiani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Waqas Khan Kayani
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Växtskyddsvägen 1, 23053, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Asma Umer Khayam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Erum Dilshad
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biosciences, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Hammad Ismail
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, 50700, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Mirza
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
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Wang Z, Wang Q, He T, Li W, Liu Y, Fan Y, Wang Y, Wang Q, Chen J. The combination of artesunate and carboplatin exerts a synergistic anti-tumour effect on non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:1083-1091. [PMID: 32072678 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Carboplatin (CBP) is a widely used targeted anticancer therapeutic drug; however, multi-drug resistance induced by the accumulation of CBP eventually causes diseases progression. The anti-malarial drug artesunate (ART) also exerts anticancer effects in various cancers; however, the combined effect of ART and CBP on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. In the present study, the NSCLC cell line A549 was pretreated with various concentrations of CBP, ART and gemcitabine (GEM). 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were conducted to detect cell viability. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by both flow cytometry and TUNEL apoptotic assay. The expression profiles of cell cycle-related proteins and apoptotic proteins were determined by western blot. Cell clone numbers were visualized using crystal violet staining. Here, we found that both CBP and ART suppressed cell viability, and promoted cell apoptosis, and the combined application of ART and CBP at a lower concentration exhibited synergistic effects. Specifically, the combination of ART and CBP at a lower concentration suppressed cell clone numbers, promoted cell cycle arrest at the G2 /M phase, and induced the expression of the cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins BAX, p21, p53, and Caspase-3, while decreasing Bcl-2 and Cyclin B1 expression. Based on these results, we concluded that combined application of ART and CBP exerts synergistic anti-tumour effects on NSCLC by enhancing cell apoptosis in a mitochondria-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tao He
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Li
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Fan
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Deprtment of Pharmacy, Luzhou People's Hospital, Luzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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van Stuijvenberg J, Proksch P, Fritz G. Targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) by natural compounds. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115279. [PMID: 31980363 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.115279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Natural compounds (NC) are an important source of anticancer drugs. The genomic DNA of tumor cells is a major target of conventional anticancer therapeutics (cAT). DNA damage elicits a complex stress response programme termed DNA damage response (DDR), with the PI3-like kinase ATM and ATR being the key regulators. Since the DDR coordinates mechanisms of DNA repair and apoptosis, hence regulating the balance between death and survival, it is an attractive target of novel anticancer strategies. The aim of the study was to identify natural compounds derived from endophytic fungi, lichens, marine sponges or plants that interfere with mechanisms of the DDR. To this end, the cytotoxic and DDR modulating potency of 296 natural compounds, used alone or in combination with the cAT cisplatin (Cis) and doxorubicin (Doxo) was investigated by fluorescence-based analysis of the ATM/ATR-catalyzed S139 phosphorylation of histone 2AX (γH2AX), a surrogate marker of DNA damage-triggered DDR. After initial screening, a total of ten natural compounds were identified that were toxic in pancreatic carcinoma cells and activated the DDR on their own and/or promoted the DDR if used in combination with cAT. Their mode of action was shown to be independent of drug transport mechanisms. Based on their chemical structures, DDR modulatory activity and published data we suggest the marine NC 5-epi-nakijiquinone Q and 5-epi-ilimaquinone as well as the fungal compound secalonic acid F as most promising NC-based drug candidates for future synthesis of DDR-modulating chemical derivatives and their preclinical in vitro and in vivo testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana van Stuijvenberg
- Institute of Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Proksch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gerhard Fritz
- Institute of Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Luo H, Vong CT, Chen H, Gao Y, Lyu P, Qiu L, Zhao M, Liu Q, Cheng Z, Zou J, Yao P, Gao C, Wei J, Ung COL, Wang S, Zhong Z, Wang Y. Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine. Chin Med 2019; 14:48. [PMID: 31719837 PMCID: PMC6836491 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Luo
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Chi Teng Vong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peng Lyu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zehua Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peifen Yao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Caifang Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
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Chen YX, Zhang XQ, Yu CG, Huang SL, Xie Y, Dou XT, Liu WJ, Zou XP. Artesunate exerts protective effects against ulcerative colitis via suppressing Toll‑like receptor 4 and its downstream nuclear factor‑κB signaling pathways. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:1321-1332. [PMID: 31173225 PMCID: PMC6625425 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Artesunate (ART) is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin used in the treatment of patients with malaria, which has also been reported to have immunoregulatory, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of ART on ulcerative colitis (UC) rats and to detect the possible mechanisms underlying these effects. A UC rat model was established using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Rats were randomly divided into the following groups: Normal control, UC model group, UC rats treated with a low, medium or high dose of ART (10, 30 and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively), and the positive control group (50 mg/kg/day 5-aminosalicylic acid). The damage status of colonic mucosal epithelial tissue was investigated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and then the weight, colon length and disease activity index (DAI) were measured. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis were used to detect the levels of cytokines associated with UC and proteins associated with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. ELISA was also performed to measure the levels of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the viability and infiltration of RAW264.7 cells were examined using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays. The results demonstrated that treatment with ART significantly alleviated the UC symptoms induced by DSS in the rat model, lowered the DAI, ameliorated pathological changes, attenuated colon shortening, inhibited the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and myeloperoxidase activity, and increased hemoglobin expression. Additionally, inflammatory and apoptotic markers were found to be significantly downregulated following treatment with ART in UC rats and RAW264.7 cells. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate that ART exerts anti-inflammatory effects via regulating the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway in UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xuan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Qi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Cheng-Gong Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Ling Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Tan Dou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jia Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ping Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
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Repression of Septin9 and Septin2 suppresses tumor growth of human glioblastoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:514. [PMID: 29724999 PMCID: PMC5938713 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0547-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignancy of the central nervous system (CNS) with <10% 5-year survival rate. The growth and invasion of GBM cells into normal brain make the resection and treatment difficult. A better understanding of the biology of GBM cells is crucial to the targeted therapies for the disease. In this study, we identified Septin9 (SEPT9) and Septin2 (SEPT2) as GBM-related genes through integrated multi-omics analysis across independent transcriptomic and proteomic studies. Further studies revealed that expression of SEPT9 and SEPT2 was elevated in glioma tissues and cell lines (A172, U87-MG). Knockdown of SEPT9 and SEPT2 in A172/U87-MG was able to inhibit GBM cell proliferation and arrest cell cycle progression in the S phase in a synergistic mechanism. Moreover, suppression of SEPT9 and SEPT2 decreased the GBM cell invasive capability and significantly impaired the growth of glioma xenografts in nude mice. Furthermore, the decrease in GBM cell growth caused by SEPT9 and SEPT2 RNAi appears to involve two parallel signaling pathway including the p53/p21 axis and MEK/ERK activation. Together, our integration of multi-omics analysis has revealed previously unrecognized synergistic role of SEPT9 and SEPT2 in GBM, and provided novel insights into the targeted therapy of GBM.
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Deeken JF, Wang H, Hartley M, Cheema AK, Smaglo B, Hwang JJ, He AR, Weiner LM, Marshall JL, Giaccone G, Liu S, Luecht J, Spiegel JY, Pishvaian MJ. A phase I study of intravenous artesunate in patients with advanced solid tumor malignancies. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2018; 81:587-596. [PMID: 29392450 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-018-3533-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The artemisinin class of anti-malarial drugs has shown significant anti-cancer activity in pre-clinical models. Proposed anti-cancer mechanisms include DNA damage, inhibition of angiogenesis, TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, and inhibition of signaling pathways. We performed a phase I study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of intravenous artesunate (IV AS). METHODS Patients were enrolled in an accelerated titration dose escalation study with planned dose levels of 8, 12, 18, 25, 34 and 45 mg/kg given on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Toxicities were assessed using the NCI CTCAE (ver. 4.0), and response was assessed using RECIST criteria (version 1.1). Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies were performed during cycle 1. RESULTS A total of 19 pts were enrolled, 18 of whom were evaluable for toxicity and 15 were evaluable for efficacy. DLTs were seen at dosages of 12 (1 of 6 patients), 18 (1 of 6) and 25 mg/kg (2 of 2), and were neutropenic fever (Gr 4), hypersensitivity reaction (Gr 3), liver function test abnormalities (Gr 3/4) along with neutropenic fever, and nausea/vomiting (Gr 3) despite supportive care. The MTD was determined to be 18 mg/kg. No responses were observed, while four patients had stable disease, including three with prolonged stable disease for 8, 10, and 11 cycles, for a disease control rate of 27%. PK parameters of AS and its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin (DHA), correlated with dose. CONCLUSION The MTD of intravenous artesunate is 18 mg/kg on this schedule. Treatment was well tolerated. Modest clinical activity was seen in this pre-treated population. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER NCT02353026.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Deeken
- Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Inova Health System, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA, 22042, USA.
| | - Hongkun Wang
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marion Hartley
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amrita K Cheema
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brandon Smaglo
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jimmy J Hwang
- Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Aiwu Ruth He
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Louis M Weiner
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - John L Marshall
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Giuseppe Giaccone
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stephen Liu
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jim Luecht
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jay Y Spiegel
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael J Pishvaian
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Efferth T. Cancer combination therapy of the sesquiterpenoid artesunate and the selective EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 37:58-61. [PMID: 29174651 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The shift from cytotoxic to targeted chemotherapy led to improved treatment outcomes in oncology. Nevertheless, many cancer patients cannot be cured from their disease because of the development of drug resistance and side effects. PURPOSE There is an ongoing quest for novel compounds, which raised not only the interest in natural products but also in novel combination therapy regimens. STUDY DESIGN In this review, we report on the inhibition epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by targeted small molecules and their combination with natural products from medicinal plants. RESULTS The combination of erlotinib with artesunate leads to synergistic inhibition of cell growth in isobologram analyses. Artesunate is an approved anti-malaria drug, which is also active against cancer as shown in vitro, in vivo and in preliminary clinical phase I/II trials. CONCLUSION The combination of natural products (e.g. the sesquiterpenoid artesunate) and synthetic compounds (e.g. the small molecule EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib) may lead to improved clinical success rates in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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Jawhari S, Bessette B, Hombourger S, Durand K, Lacroix A, Labrousse F, Jauberteau MO, Ratinaud MH, Verdier M. Autophagy and TrkC/NT-3 signaling joined forces boost the hypoxic glioblastoma cell survival. Carcinogenesis 2017; 38:592-603. [PMID: 28402394 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgx029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiform (GBM), the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor, is characterized by a high degree of hypoxia and resistance to therapy because of its adaptation capacities, including autophagy and growth factors signaling. In this study, we show an efficient hypoxia-induced survival autophagy in four different GBM cell lines (U87MG, M059K, M059J and LN-18) and an activation of a particular neurotrophin signaling pathway. Indeed, the enhancement of both TrkC and NT-3 was followed by downstream p38MAPK phosphorylation, suggesting the occurrence of a survival autocrine loop. Autophagy inhibition increased the hypoxia-induced expression of TrkC and its phosphorylated form as well as the phosphorylation of p38, suggesting a complementary effect of the two processes, leading to cell survival. Alone, autophagy inhibition reduced cellular growth without inducing cell death. However, the double inhibition of autophagy and TrkC signaling was necessary to bring cells to death as shown by PARP cleavage, particularly important in hypoxia. Moreover, a very high expression of TrkC and NT-3 was found in tumor sections from GBM patients, highlighting the importance of neurotrophic signaling in GBM tumor cell survival. These data suggest that a combined treatment targeting these two pathways could be considered in order to induce the death of GBM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soha Jawhari
- EA 3842, Cellular Homeostasis and Pathologies, Limoges University, France
| | - Barbara Bessette
- EA 3842, Cellular Homeostasis and Pathologies, Limoges University, France
| | - Sophie Hombourger
- EA 3842, Cellular Homeostasis and Pathologies, Limoges University, France
| | - Karine Durand
- EA 3842, Cellular Homeostasis and Pathologies, Limoges University, France
| | - Aurélie Lacroix
- EA 3842, Cellular Homeostasis and Pathologies, Limoges University, France
| | - François Labrousse
- EA 3842, Cellular Homeostasis and Pathologies, Limoges University, France
| | | | | | - Mireille Verdier
- EA 3842, Cellular Homeostasis and Pathologies, Limoges University, France
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21
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Cancer combination therapies with artemisinin-type drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 139:56-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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22
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Prospective open uncontrolled phase I study to define a well-tolerated dose of oral artesunate as add-on therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer (ARTIC M33/2). Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 164:359-369. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4261-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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23
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The Potential Therapeutic Effects of Artesunate on Stroke and Other Central Nervous System Diseases. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:1489050. [PMID: 28116289 PMCID: PMC5223005 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1489050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Artesunate is an important agent for cerebral malaria and all kinds of other severe malaria because it is highly efficient, lowly toxic, and well-tolerated. Loads of research pointed out that it had widespread pharmacological activities such as antiparasites, antitumor, anti-inflammation, antimicrobes activities. As we know, the occurrence and development of neurological disorders usually refer to intricate pathophysiologic mechanisms and multiple etiopathogenesis. Recent progress has also demonstrated that drugs with single mechanism and serious side-effects are not likely the candidates for treatment of the neurological disorders. Therefore, the pluripotent action of artesunate may result in it playing an important role in the prevention and treatment of these neurological disorders. This review provides an overview of primary pharmacological mechanism of artesunate and its potential therapeutic effects on neurological disorders. Meanwhile, we also briefly summarize the primary mechanisms of artemisinin and its derivatives. We hope that, with the evidence presented in this review, the effect of artesunate in prevention and curing for neurological disorders can be further explored and studied in the foreseeable future.
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Uhl M, Schwab S, Efferth T. Fatal Liver and Bone Marrow Toxicity by Combination Treatment of Dichloroacetate and Artesunate in a Glioblastoma Multiforme Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature. Front Oncol 2016; 6:204. [PMID: 27774434 PMCID: PMC5053977 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2016.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A 52-year-old male patient was treated with standard radiochemotherapy with temozolomide for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). After worsening of his clinical condition, further tumor-specific treatment was unlikely to be successful, and the patient seeked help from an alternative practitioner, who administered a combination of dichloroacetate (DCA) and artesunate (ART). A few days later, the patient showed clinical and laboratory signs of liver damage and bone marrow toxicity (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia). Despite successful restoration of laboratory parameters upon symptomatic treatment, the patient died 10 days after the infusion. DCA bears a well-documented hepatotoxic risk, while ART can be considered as safe concerning hepatotoxicity. Bone marrow toxicity can appear upon ART application as reduced reticulocyte counts and disturbed erythropoiesis. It can be assumed that the simultaneous use of both drugs caused liver injury and bone marrow toxicity. The compassionate use of DCA/ART combination therapy outside of clinical trials cannot be recommended for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Uhl
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Stefan Schwab
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University , Mainz , Germany
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25
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Repurposing the anti-malarial drug artesunate as a novel therapeutic agent for metastatic renal cell carcinoma due to its attenuation of tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Oncotarget 2016; 6:33046-64. [PMID: 26426994 PMCID: PMC4741748 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in the development of molecularly targeted therapies, metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still incurable. Artesunate (ART), a well-known anti-malarial drug with low toxicity, exhibits highly selective anti-tumor actions against various tumors through generation of cytotoxic carbon-centered free radical in the presence of free iron. However, the therapeutic efficacy of ART against metastatic RCC has not yet been fully elucidated. In the analysis on a dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (n = 469) and a tissue microarray set from Samsung Medical Center (n = 119) from a cohort of patients with clear cell RCC (ccRCC), up-regulation of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), which is a well-known predictive marker for ART, was correlated with the presence of distant metastasis and an unfavorable prognosis. Moreover, ART exerted potent selective cytotoxicity against human RCC cell lines (Caki-1, 786-O, and SN12C-GFP-SRLu2) and sensitized these cells to sorafenib in vitro, and the extent of ART cytotoxicity correlated with TfR1 expression. ART-mediated growth inhibition of human RCC cell lines was shown to result from the induction of cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and oncosis-like cell death. Furthermore, ART inhibited cell clonogenicity and invasion of human RCC cells and anti-angiogenic effects in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with these in vitro data, anti-tumor, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects of ART were also validated in human 786-O xenografts. Taken together, ART is a promising novel candidate for treating human RCC, either alone or in combination with other therapies.
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26
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Hepatotoxicity by combination treatment of temozolomide, artesunate and Chinese herbs in a glioblastoma multiforme patient: case report review of the literature. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:1833-1846. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1810-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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27
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Venkatesan S, Lamfers MLM, Dirven CMF, Leenstra S. Genetic biomarkers of drug response for small-molecule therapeutics targeting the RTK/Ras/PI3K, p53 or Rb pathway in glioblastoma. CNS Oncol 2016; 5:77-90. [PMID: 26986934 DOI: 10.2217/cns-2015-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most deadly and frequently occurring primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Genomic studies have shown that mutated oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in glioblastoma mainly occur in three pathways: the RTK/Ras/PI3K signaling, the p53 and the Rb pathways. In this review, we summarize the modulatory effects of genetic aberrations in these three pathways to drugs targeting these specific pathways. We also provide an overview of the preclinical efforts made to identify genetic biomarkers of response and resistance. Knowledge of biomarkers will finally promote patient stratification in clinical trials, a prerequisite for trial design in the era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanian Venkatesan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, London, UK
| | - Martine L M Lamfers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens M F Dirven
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sieger Leenstra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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28
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Alifieris C, Trafalis DT. Glioblastoma multiforme: Pathogenesis and treatment. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 152:63-82. [PMID: 25944528 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 496] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Each year, about 5-6 cases out of 100,000 people are diagnosed with primary malignant brain tumors, of which about 80% are malignant gliomas (MGs). Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) accounts for more than half of MG cases. They are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite current multimodality treatment efforts including maximal surgical resection if feasible, followed by a combination of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, the median survival is short: only about 15months. A deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of these tumors has presented opportunities for newer therapies to evolve and an expectation of better control of this disease. Lately, efforts have been made to investigate tumor resistance, which results from complex alternate signaling pathways, the existence of glioma stem-cells, the influence of the blood-brain barrier as well as the expression of 0(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase. In this paper, we review up-to-date information on MGs treatment including current approaches, novel drug-delivering strategies, molecular targeted agents and immunomodulative treatments, and discuss future treatment perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitrios T Trafalis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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29
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A Randomised, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of Oral Artesunate Therapy for Colorectal Cancer. EBioMedicine 2014; 2:82-90. [PMID: 26137537 PMCID: PMC4484515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2014.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artesunate is an antimalarial agent with broad anti-cancer activity in in vitro and animal experiments and case reports. Artesunate has not been studied in rigorous clinical trials for anticancer effects. AIM To determine the anticancer effect and tolerability of oral artesunate in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS This was a single centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients planned for curative resection of biopsy confirmed single primary site CRC were randomised (n = 23) by computer-generated code supplied in opaque envelopes to receive preoperatively either 14 daily doses of oral artesunate (200 mg; n = 12) or placebo (n = 11). The primary outcome measure was the proportion of tumour cells undergoing apoptosis (significant if > 7% showed Tunel staining). Secondary immunohistochemical outcomes assessed these tumour markers: VEGF, EGFR, c-MYC, CD31, Ki67 and p53, and clinical responses. FINDINGS 20 patients (artesunate = 9, placebo = 11) completed the trial per protocol. Randomization groups were comparable clinically and for tumour characteristics. Apoptosis in > 7% of cells was seen in 67% and 55% of patients in artesunate and placebo groups, respectively. Using Bayesian analysis, the probabilities of an artesunate treatment effect reducing Ki67 and increasing CD31 expression were 0.89 and 0.79, respectively. During a median follow up of 42 months 1 patient in the artesunate and 6 patients in the placebo group developed recurrent CRC. INTERPRETATION Artesunate has anti-proliferative properties in CRC and is generally well tolerated.
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30
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Artesunate induces G2/M cell cycle arrest through autophagy induction in breast cancer cells. Anticancer Drugs 2014; 25:652-62. [DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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31
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Konkimalla VB, Suhas VL, Chandra NR, Gebhart E, Efferth T. Diagnosis and therapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 7:317-29. [PMID: 17338652 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.7.3.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma ranks among the top ten most common cancers worldwide. Despite the success in diagnosis and therapy during the past 30 years, oral squamous cell carcinoma still belongs to the tumor types with a very unfavorable prognosis. In an effort to identify genomic alterations with prognostic relevance, we applied the comparative genomic hybridization technique on oral squamous cell carcinoma. The tumors exhibited from five up to 47 DNA copy number alterations, indicating a considerable degree of genomic imbalance. Out of 35 tumors, 19 showed a gain of chromosome band 7p12. Genomic imbalances were investigated by hierarchical cluster analysis and clustered image mapping to investigate whether genomic profiles correlate with clinical data. Results of the present investigation show that profiling of genomic imbalances in general, and especially of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on 7p12, may be suitable as prognostic factors. In order to identify small-molecule inhibitors for EGFR, we established a database of 531 natural compounds derived from medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. Candidate compounds were identified by correlation analysis using the Kendall tau-test of IC50 values of tumor cell lines and microarray-based EGFR mRNA expression. Further validation was performed by molecular docking studies using the AutoDock program with the crystal structure of EGFR tyrosine kinase domain as docking template. We estimate these results will be a further step toward the ultimate goal of individualized, patient-adapted tumor treatment based on tumor molecular profiling.
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MESH Headings
- Age Factors
- Alcohol Drinking/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Aporphines/chemistry
- Aporphines/pharmacology
- Azo Compounds/chemistry
- Azo Compounds/pharmacology
- Azo Compounds/therapeutic use
- Berberine/analogs & derivatives
- Berberine/chemistry
- Berberine/pharmacology
- Berberine/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnosis
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/therapy
- Chromosome Aberrations
- Crystallography, X-Ray
- DNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- Databases, Factual
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use
- ErbB Receptors/antagonists & inhibitors
- ErbB Receptors/chemistry
- ErbB Receptors/physiology
- Erlotinib Hydrochloride
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Genes, erbB-1
- Humans
- Mouth Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Mouth Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Mouth Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Neoplasm Proteins/chemistry
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Nucleic Acid Hybridization
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Prognosis
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/chemistry
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Quinazolines/chemistry
- Quinazolines/pharmacology
- Risk Factors
- Smoking/adverse effects
- Stilbenes/chemistry
- Stilbenes/pharmacology
- Stilbenes/therapeutic use
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- V Badireenath Konkimalla
- German Cancer Research Centre, Pharmaceutical Biology of Natural Products (C015), Heidelberg, Germany
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32
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Söderberg-Nauclér C. Treatment of cytomegalovirus infections beyond acute disease to improve human health. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 12:211-22. [PMID: 24404994 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2014.870472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus is a common virus that establishes latency and persistence after a primary infection in 50-90% of populations worldwide. In otherwise healthy persons, the infection is generally mild or asymptomatic, although it may cause mononucleosis, prolonged episodes of fever, and hepatitis. However, in AIDS patients and transplant recipients who are immunosuppressed, severe, life-threatening infections may develop. CMV is also the most common congenital infection and may cause birth defects and deafness. Emerging evidence shows a high prevalence of this virus in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases or tumours of different origin, such as breast, colon, and prostate cancer, neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, and glioblastoma. Several drugs are available to treat CMV infections. This review will highlight the possibility of using anti-CMV therapy to improve outcome not only in patients with acute CMV infections but also in patients with inflammatory diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Söderberg-Nauclér
- Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
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33
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Kast RE, Ellingson BM, Marosi C, Halatsch ME. Glioblastoma treatment using perphenazine to block the subventricular zone’s tumor trophic functions. J Neurooncol 2013; 116:207-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-013-1308-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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34
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A conceptually new treatment approach for relapsed glioblastoma: coordinated undermining of survival paths with nine repurposed drugs (CUSP9) by the International Initiative for Accelerated Improvement of Glioblastoma Care. Oncotarget 2013; 4:502-30. [PMID: 23594434 PMCID: PMC3720600 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To improve prognosis in recurrent glioblastoma we developed a treatment protocol based on a combination of drugs not traditionally thought of as cytotoxic chemotherapy agents but that have a robust history of being well-tolerated and are already marketed and used for other non-cancer indications. Focus was on adding drugs which met these criteria: a) were pharmacologically well characterized, b) had low likelihood of adding to patient side effect burden, c) had evidence for interfering with a recognized, well-characterized growth promoting element of glioblastoma, and d) were coordinated, as an ensemble had reasonable likelihood of concerted activity against key biological features of glioblastoma growth. We found nine drugs meeting these criteria and propose adding them to continuous low dose temozolomide, a currently accepted treatment for relapsed glioblastoma, in patients with recurrent disease after primary treatment with the Stupp Protocol. The nine adjuvant drug regimen, Coordinated Undermining of Survival Paths, CUSP9, then are aprepitant, artesunate, auranofin, captopril, copper gluconate, disulfiram, ketoconazole, nelfinavir, sertraline, to be added to continuous low dose temozolomide. We discuss each drug in turn and the specific rationale for use- how each drug is expected to retard glioblastoma growth and undermine glioblastoma's compensatory mechanisms engaged during temozolomide treatment. The risks of pharmacological interactions and why we believe this drug mix will increase both quality of life and overall survival are reviewed.
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35
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Yu Y, Fan SM, Ye YC, Tashiro SI, Onodera S, Ikejima T. The tyrphostin AG1478 augments oridonin-induced A431 cell apoptosis by blockage of JNK MAPK and enhancement of oxidative stress. Free Radic Res 2012; 46:1393-405. [PMID: 22881126 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2012.720017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Oridonin, a diterpenoid compound, extracted and purified from Rabdosia rubescen has been reported to have cytotoxic effect on tumour cells through apoptosis, and tyrosine kinase pathways are involved in these processes. A specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor AG1478 was used to examine the relationship between EGFR signal pathways and oridonin-induced apoptosis and autophagy in EGFR abundant human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. Inhibition of EGFRaugmented oridonin-induced A431 cell apoptosis, while the changes of expression of downstream proteins, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bax, cytochrome c, pro-caspase-3, Fas, FADD and pro-caspase-8 suggested that both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways are involved in these processes. Pretreatment with AG1478 aggravated oridonin-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and increased ROS generation in A431 cells, while a ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) completely reversed oridonin- and AG1478-induced ROS generation and apoptosis. Therefore, AG1478 augmented oridonin-induced apoptosis by enhancing oxidative stress. Pretreatment with AG1478 decreased the expression of downstream MAPK proteins ERK, JNK and P38 and their phosphorylated forms to varying degrees compared with oridonin alone treatment. Then after administration of ERK, JNK and P38 inhibitors, only JNK inhibitor SP600125 effectively augmented oridonin-induced apoptosis and ROS generation. Therefore, in EGFR downstream pathways, JNK played a major role in preventing oridonin-induced apoptosis. Autophagy antagonised apoptosis and exerted a protective effect in A431 cells, and both AG1478 and SP600125 decreased oridonin-induced autophagy. Inhibition of EGFR augmented oridonin-induced apoptosis and this was caused by enhanced oxidative stress, and JNK played a major protective role by increasing autophagy, leading to antagonising apoptosis and ROS generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- China-Japan Research Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
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36
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Development of artemisinin compounds for cancer treatment. Invest New Drugs 2012; 31:230-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-012-9873-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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37
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Steglich B, Mahringer A, Li Y, Posner GH, Fricker G, Efferth T. Inhibition of P-glycoprotein by two artemisinin derivatives. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2012; 2:59-64. [PMCID: PMC4131583 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-012-0006-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
P-Glycoprotein/MDR1 represents an important component of the blood brain barrier and contributes to multidrug resistance. We investigated two derivatives of the anti-malarial artemisinin, SM616 and GHP-AJM-3/23, concerning their ability to interact with P-glycoprotein. The ability of the two compounds to inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity was examined in sensitive CCRF-CEM and P-gp over-expressing and multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 cells as well as in porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (PBCEC) by means of calcein-AM assays. Verapamil as well-known P-gp inhibitor was used as control drug. CEM/ADR5000 cells exhibited cross-resistance to GHP-AJM-3/23, but slight collateral sensitivity to SM616. Furthermore, SM616 inhibited calcein efflux both in CEM/ADR5000 and PBCEC, whereas GHP-AJM-3/23 did only increase calcein fluorescence in PBCEC, but not CEM/ADR5000. This may be explained by the fact that CEM/ADR5000 only express P-gp but not other ATP-binding cassette transporters, whereas PBCEC are known to express several ABC transporters and calcein is transported by more than one ABC transporter. Hence, SM616 may be the more specific P-gp inhibitor. In conclusion, the collateral sensitivity of SM616 as well as the inhibition of calcein efflux in both CEM/ADR5000 cells and PBCEC indicate that this compound may be a promising P-gp inhibitor to treat cancer therapy and to overcome the blood brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babette Steglich
- />Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 551 Mainz, Germany
- />Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Karl Ruprecht University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Mahringer
- />Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Karl Ruprecht University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ying Li
- />Department of Synthetic Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gary H. Posner
- />Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Gert Fricker
- />Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Karl Ruprecht University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- />Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 551 Mainz, Germany
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38
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Eichhorn T, Schloissnig S, Hahn B, Wendler A, Mertens R, Lehmann WD, Krauth-Siegel RL, Efferth T. Bioinformatic and experimental fishing for artemisinin-interacting proteins from human nasopharyngeal cancer cells. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2012; 8:1311-8. [PMID: 22311186 DOI: 10.1039/c2mb05437j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Determining interacting cellular partners of drugs by chemical proteomic techniques is complex and tedious. Most approaches rely on activity-based probe profiling and compound-centric chemical proteomics. The anti-malarial artemisinin also exerts profound anti-cancer activity, but the mechanisms of action are incompletely understood. In the present investigation, we present a novel approach to identify artemisinin-interacting target proteins. Our approach overcomes usual problems in traditional fishing procedures, because the drug was attached to a surface without further chemical modification. The proteins identified effect among others, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, disruption of cell migration, and modulation of nuclear receptor responsiveness. Furthermore, a bioinformatic approach confirmed experimentally identified proteins and suggested a large number of other interacting proteins. Theoretically predicted interaction partners may serve as a starting point to complete the whole set of proteins binding artemisinin.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Eichhorn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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39
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Jiang W, Li B, Zheng X, Liu X, Cen Y, Li J, Pan X, Cao H, Zheng J, Zhou H. Artesunate in combination with oxacillin protect sepsis model mice challenged with lethal live methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) via its inhibition on proinflammatory cytokines release and enhancement on antibacterial activity of oxacillin. Int Immunopharmacol 2011; 11:1065-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2011.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Revised: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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40
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Tan W, Lu J, Huang M, Li Y, Chen M, Wu G, Gong J, Zhong Z, Xu Z, Dang Y, Guo J, Chen X, Wang Y. Anti-cancer natural products isolated from chinese medicinal herbs. Chin Med 2011. [PMID: 21777476 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-6- 27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of natural products isolated from Chinese herbs have been found to inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, suppress angiogenesis, retard metastasis and enhance chemotherapy, exhibiting anti-cancer potential both in vitro and in vivo. This article summarizes recent advances in in vitro and in vivo research on the anti-cancer effects and related mechanisms of some promising natural products. These natural products are also reviewed for their therapeutic potentials, including flavonoids (gambogic acid, curcumin, wogonin and silibinin), alkaloids (berberine), terpenes (artemisinin, β-elemene, oridonin, triptolide, and ursolic acid), quinones (shikonin and emodin) and saponins (ginsenoside Rg3), which are isolated from Chinese medicinal herbs. In particular, the discovery of the new use of artemisinin derivatives as excellent anti-cancer drugs is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jinjian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Rd., Binjiang Dist., Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingqing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1 Huatuo Rd., Shangjie University Town, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Yingbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Guosheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jian Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zengtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yuanye Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jiajie Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
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Tan W, Lu J, Huang M, Li Y, Chen M, Wu G, Gong J, Zhong Z, Xu Z, Dang Y, Guo J, Chen X, Wang Y. Anti-cancer natural products isolated from chinese medicinal herbs. Chin Med 2011; 6:27. [PMID: 21777476 PMCID: PMC3149025 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-6-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of natural products isolated from Chinese herbs have been found to inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, suppress angiogenesis, retard metastasis and enhance chemotherapy, exhibiting anti-cancer potential both in vitro and in vivo. This article summarizes recent advances in in vitro and in vivo research on the anti-cancer effects and related mechanisms of some promising natural products. These natural products are also reviewed for their therapeutic potentials, including flavonoids (gambogic acid, curcumin, wogonin and silibinin), alkaloids (berberine), terpenes (artemisinin, β-elemene, oridonin, triptolide, and ursolic acid), quinones (shikonin and emodin) and saponins (ginsenoside Rg3), which are isolated from Chinese medicinal herbs. In particular, the discovery of the new use of artemisinin derivatives as excellent anti-cancer drugs is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jinjian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Rd., Binjiang Dist., Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingqing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1 Huatuo Rd., Shangjie University Town, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Yingbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Guosheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jian Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zengtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yuanye Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jiajie Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
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Liu WM, Gravett AM, Dalgleish AG. The antimalarial agent artesunate possesses anticancer properties that can be enhanced by combination strategies. Int J Cancer 2010; 128:1471-80. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Accepted: 09/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary tumor of the CNS in the adult. It is characterized by exponential growth and diffuse invasiveness. Among many different genetic alterations in GBM, e.g., mutations of PTEN, EGFR, p16/p19 and p53 and their impact on aberrant signaling have been thoroughly characterized. A major barrier to develop a common therapeutic strategy is founded on the fact that each tumor has its individual genetic fingerprint. Nonetheless, the PI3K pathway may represent a common therapeutic target to most GBM due to its central position in the signaling cascade affecting proliferation, apoptosis and migration. The read-out of blocking PI3K alone or in combination with other cancer pathways should mainly focus, besides the cytostatic effect, on cell death induction since sublethal damage may induce selection of more malignant clones. Targeting more than one pathway instead of a single agent approach may be more promising to kill GBM cells.
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Geoerger B, Hargrave D, Thomas F, Ndiaye A, Frappaz D, Andreiuolo F, Varlet P, Aerts I, Riccardi R, Jaspan T, Chatelut E, Le Deley MC, Paoletti X, Saint-Rose C, Leblond P, Morland B, Gentet JC, Méresse V, Vassal G. Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer pediatric phase I study of erlotinib in brainstem glioma and relapsing/refractory brain tumors. Neuro Oncol 2010; 13:109-18. [PMID: 20974795 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noq141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This multicenter phase I study aimed to establish the recommended dose (RD) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor erlotinib, given as monotherapy or with radiotherapy to children with malignant brain tumors. Group 1 included patients with refractory or relapsing brain tumors receiving erlotinib alone, and group 2 included newly diagnosed patients with brainstem gliomas receiving radiotherapy and erlotinib. A conventional 3 + 3 dose escalation and a continual reassessment method, respectively, were utilized in 4 dose levels: 75, 100, 125, and 150 mg/m² per day. Fifty-one children were enrolled (30 and 21, respectively); 50 received treatment. The RD of erlotinib was 125 mg/m² per day as monotherapy or in combination with radiotherapy. Overall, 230 adverse events in 44 patients were possibly treatment related (216, grades 1 and 2; 9, grade 3; 1, grade 4; 4, grade 5). Dermatologic and neurologic symptoms were common; intratumoral hemorrhage was confirmed in 3 patients. In group 1, 8 of 29 patients (28%) had stable disease with tumor regression approaching 50% in a malignant glioma and an anaplastic oligoastrocytoma. In group 2, overall survival was 12.0 months. EGFR overexpression by immunohistochemistry was found in 17 of 38 (45%) tumor samples analyzed, with a partial gain of 7p11.2 in 1 glioblastoma; phosphate and tensin homolog loss was frequent in brainstem glioma (15 of 19). Mean (95% CI) apparent clearance and volume of distribution for erlotinib were 4.0 L/h (3.4-4.5 L/h) and 98.6 L (69.8-127.0 L), respectively, and were independent of the dose level; mean half-life was 16.6 hours. Thus, erlotinib 125 mg/m² per day has an acceptable tolerability profile in pediatric patients with brain tumors and can be combined with radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Geoerger
- Department of Pediatrics, UPRES EA 3535 Pharmacology and New Treatments with Cancer, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France.
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Kang N, Zhang JH, Qiu F, Tashiro SI, Onodera S, Ikejima T. Inhibition of EGFR signaling augments oridonin-induced apoptosis in human laryngeal cancer cells via enhancing oxidative stress coincident with activation of both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Cancer Lett 2010; 294:147-58. [PMID: 20202741 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2010.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2009] [Revised: 01/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Oridonin, a bioactive diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia rubescens, has been reported to have anti-tumor effects, while the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signal pathway has been reported to play a vital role in the biological progression of several tumors and to be a target for therapeutic intervention. In this work, we show that inhibition of EGFR with tyrphostin AG1478 enhances oridonin-induced cell death in human laryngeal cancer cells HEp-2, a cell line characterized by EGFR gene amplification. The enhanced apoptotic effect correlates with high expression and activation of Bax, FADD, caspase-8 as well as caspase-3 and decreased protein levels of Bcl(2) and SIRT1, suggesting that both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways are involved in the apoptotic processes. However, treatment with oridonin and AG1478 greatly enhances nuclear translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) without caspase-9 activation, indicating that the apoptosis occurs via a caspase-9-independent mitochondrial pathway. Here, it is the active form of caspase-8 but not caspase-9 that activates downstream effector caspase-3, resulting in the cleavage of critical cellular proteins and apoptosis. Furthermore, the combined use of AG1478 and oridonin augments the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Incubation of cells with N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) attenuates the apoptosis and the mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim) disruption induced by the combination of oridonin and AG1478, which indicates that ROS plays a pivotal role in cell death. In conclusion, targeting EGFR combined with other conventional pro-apoptotic drugs should be a potentially very effective anti-neoplastic therapy for laryngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Kang
- China-Japan Research Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China.
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Efferth T, Kaina B. Toxicity of the antimalarial artemisinin and its dervatives. Crit Rev Toxicol 2010; 40:405-21. [DOI: 10.3109/10408441003610571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Abstract
The antimalarial artesunate also exerts profound cytotoxicity toward tumor cells. Earlier investigations controversially discussed a possible immunosuppressive function of artemsinin and its derivatives. This poses the question, whether immunosuppressive activity counteracts the anticancer activity in vivo. To clarify this issue, we used a transgenic mouse spontaneous melanoma model, in which ret transgene is expressed in melanocytes under the control of metallothionein-I promoter. ret-transgenic mice were previously reported to accumulate melanoma-specific effector memory T cells and natural killer (NK) cells in the primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes. In the present investigation, we monitored effects of artesunate on the CD4 and CD8 T cells as well as Treg and NK cells from ret-transgenic tumor-bearing mice and nontransgenic littermates in vivo. In addition, we investigated cytostatic and cytotoxic activity of artesunate on ret-tumor cells established from the mouse primary tumor. Artesunate inhibited growth of ret-tumor cells and induces their apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner (0.1-200 micromol/l). Furthermore, we did not find considerable effects of artesunate on the immune function as measured by major cell populations of the immune system; that is, CD4 and CD8 T cells as well as Treg and NK cells both from ret-transgenic mice and nontransgenic C57BL/6 littermates treated for 2 weeks with a daily dose of 1 mg artesunate. These results indicate that the cytostatic and apoptotic effects of artesunate are not diminished by concomitant immunosuppression.
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Abstract
Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone derived from the sweet wormwood plant Artemisia annua, and its bioactive derivatives exhibit potent anticancer effects in a variety of human cancer cell model systems. The pleiotropic response in cancer cells includes growth inhibition by cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, disruption of cell migration, and modulation of nuclear receptor responsiveness. These effects of artemisinin and its derivatives result from perturbations of many cellular signalling pathways. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of these cellular responses, and considers the ramifications for the potential development of artemisinin-based compounds in anticancer therapeutic and preventative strategies.
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Differential sensitivity of colorectal cancer cell lines to artesunate is associated with expression of beta-catenin and E-cadherin. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 588:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2007] [Revised: 03/06/2008] [Accepted: 03/19/2008] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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50
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Inhibition of the EGF receptor blocks autocrine growth and increases the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin in rat hepatoma cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2008; 75:1935-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2008.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2007] [Revised: 02/12/2008] [Accepted: 02/13/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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