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Ye W, Lv H, Zhang Q, Zhao J, Zhao X, Zhao G, Yan C, Sun F, Zhao Z, Jia X. A cisplatin and disulphiram co-loaded inclusion complex overcomes drug resistance by inhibiting cancer cell stemness in non-small cell lung cancer. J Drug Target 2024; 32:159-171. [PMID: 38133515 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2298844] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for about 80-85% of all lung cancer cases is one of the fastest-growing malignancies in terms of incidence and mortality worldwide and is commonly treated with cisplatin (DDP). Although treatment may initially be effective, the DDP therapy often leads to the development of chemoresistance and treatment failure. Disulphiram (DSF), an old alcohol-aversion drug, has been revealed to help reverse drug resistance in several cancers. In addition, several studies have shown a close relationship between drug resistance and cancer cell stemness.Methods: In this study, DDP and DSF were embedded in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (CD) to prepare a co-loaded inclusion complex of DDP and DSF (DDP-DSF/CD) with enhanced solubility and therapeutic effects. The effects and mechanism of DSF on the DDP resistance from the perspective of cancer cell stemness were determined.Results: Our data show that DDP-DSF/CD increased cytotoxicity and apoptosis of DDP-resistant A549 (A549/DDP) cells, inhibited stem cell transcriptional regulatory genes and drug resistance-associated proteins and reversed the DDP resistance in vitro and in vivo.Discussion: Overall, DDP-DSF/CD could be a promising formulation for the reversal of DDP resistance in NSCLC by inhibiting cancer cell stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Ye
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huaiyou Lv
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qinxiu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianxiong Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guozhi Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chongzheng Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fengqin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongxi Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiumei Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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Hefnawy A, Abdelhamid AS, Abdelaziz MM, Elzoghby AO, Khalil IA. Recent Advances in Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Treatment of Liver Cancer. J Pharm Sci 2024:S0022-3549(24)00313-7. [PMID: 39151795 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the aggressive primary tumors as evident by high rate of incidence and mortality. Conventional treatments (e.g. chemotherapy) suffer from various drawbacks including wide drug distribution, low localized drug concentration, and severe off-site toxicity. Therefore, they cannot satisfy the mounting need for safe and efficient cancer therapeutics, and alternative novel strategies are needed. Nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) are among these novel approaches that can improve the overall therapeutic outcomes. NDDSs are designed to encapsulate drug molecules and target them specifically to liver cancer. Thus, NDDSs can selectively deliver therapeutic agents to the tumor cells and avoid distribution to off-target sites which should improve the safety profile of the active agents. Nonetheless, NDDSs should be well designed, in terms of the preparing materials, nanocarriers structure, and the targeting strategy, in order to accomplish these objectives. This review discusses the latest advances of NDDSs for cancer therapy with emphasis on the aforementioned essential design components. The review also entails the challenges associated with the clinical translation of NDDSs, and the future perspectives towards next-generation NDDSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Hefnawy
- Smyth Lab, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Ahmed Salah Abdelhamid
- Cancer Nanotechnology Research Laboratory (CNRL), Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt.
| | - Moustafa M Abdelaziz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA.
| | - Ahmed O Elzoghby
- Cancer Nanotechnology Research Laboratory (CNRL), Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt; Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt; Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Islam A Khalil
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6th of October City 12582, Giza, Egypt.
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Mohapatra D, Senapati PC, Senapati S, Pandey V, Dubey PK, Singh S, Sahu AN. Quality-by-design-based microemulsion of disulfiram for repurposing in melanoma and breast cancer therapy. Ther Deliv 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38949622 DOI: 10.1080/20415990.2024.2363136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: The current study aims to develop and optimize microemulsions (ME) through Quality-by-Design (QbD) approach to improve the aqueous solubility and dissolution of poorly water-soluble drug disulfiram (DSF) for repurposing in melanoma and breast cancer therapy. Materials & methods: The ME was formulated using Cinnamon oil & Tween® 80, statistically optimized using a D-optimal mixture design-based QbD approach to develop the best ME with low vesicular size (Zavg) and polydispersity index (PDI). Results: The DSF-loaded optimized stable ME showed enhanced dissolution, in-vitro cytotoxicity and improved cellular uptake in B16F10 and MCF-7 cell lines compared with their unformulated free DSF. Conclusion: Our investigations suggested the potential of the statistically designed DSF-loaded optimized ME for repurposing melanoma and breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debadatta Mohapatra
- Phytomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, IIT (BHU), Varanasi- 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Shantibhusan Senapati
- Tumor Microenvironment & Animal Models Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar- 751023, Odisha, India
| | - Vivek Pandey
- Centre for Genetics Disorders, Institute of Science (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pawan K Dubey
- Centre for Genetics Disorders, Institute of Science (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, IIT (BHU), Varanasi- 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Alakh N Sahu
- Phytomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, IIT (BHU), Varanasi- 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Dumbuya I, Pereira AM, Tolaymat I, Al Dalaty A, Arafat B, Webster M, Pierscionek B, Khoder M, Najlah M. Exploring Disulfiram's Anticancer Potential: PLGA Nano-Carriers for Prolonged Drug Delivery and Potential Improved Therapeutic Efficacy. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:1133. [PMID: 38998738 PMCID: PMC11243172 DOI: 10.3390/nano14131133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DS) has been shown to have potent anti-cancer activity; however, it is also characterised by its low water solubility and rapid metabolism in vivo. Biodegradable polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) polymers have been frequently employed in the manufacturing of PLGA nano-carrier drug delivery systems. Thus, to develop DS-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) capable of overcoming DS's limitations, two methodologies were used to formulate the NPs: direct nanoprecipitation (DNP) and single emulsion/solvent evaporation (SE), followed by particle size reduction. The DNP method was demonstrated to produce NPs of superior characteristics in terms of size (151.3 nm), PDI (0.083), charge (-37.9 mV), and loading efficiency (65.3%). Consequently, NPs consisting of PLGA and encapsulated DS coated with mPEG2k-PLGA at adjustable ratios were prepared using the DNP method. Formulations were then characterised, and their stability in horse serum was assessed. Results revealed the PEGylated DS-loaded PLGA nano-carriers to be more efficient; hence, in-vitro studies testing these formulations were subsequently performed using two distinct breast cancer cell lines, showing great potential to significantly enhance cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Dumbuya
- Pharmaceutical Research Group, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishops Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Ana Maria Pereira
- Pharmaceutical Research Group, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishops Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
- GMPriority Pharma Ltd., Priors Way, Coggeshall CO6 1TW, UK
| | - Ibrahim Tolaymat
- Pharmaceutical Research Group, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishops Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Adnan Al Dalaty
- Pharmaceutical Research Group, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishops Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Basel Arafat
- Pharmaceutical Research Group, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishops Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Matt Webster
- University of Winchester Sparkford Road, Winchester SO22 4NR, UK
| | - Barbara Pierscionek
- Pharmaceutical Research Group, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishops Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Mouhamad Khoder
- Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education, Kingston University London, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Mohammad Najlah
- Pharmaceutical Research Group, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishops Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
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Shen X, Sheng H, Zhang Y, Dong X, Kou L, Yao Q, Zhao X. Nanomedicine-based disulfiram and metal ion co-delivery strategies for cancer treatment. Int J Pharm X 2024; 7:100248. [PMID: 38689600 PMCID: PMC11059435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2024.100248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is a second-line drug for the clinical treatment of alcoholism and has long been proven to be safe for use in clinical practice. In recent years, researchers have discovered the cancer-killing activity of DSF, which is highly dependent on the presence of metal ions, particularly copper ions. Additionally, free DSF is highly unstable and easily degraded within few minutes in blood circulation. Therefore, an ideal DSF formulation should facilitate the co-delivery of metal ions and safeguard the DSF throughout its biological journey before reaching the targeted site. Extensive research have proved that nanotechnology based formulations can effectively realize this goal by strategic encapsulation therapeutic agents within nanoparticle. To be more specific, this is accomplished through precise delivery, coordinated release of metal ions at the tumor site, thereby amplifying its cytotoxic potential. Beyond traditional co-loading techniques, innovative approaches such as DSF-metal complex and metal nanomaterials, have also demonstrated promising results at the animal model stage. This review aims to elucidate the anticancer mechanism associated with DSF and its reliance on metal ions, as well as to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the arena of nanomedicine based co-delivery strategies for DSF and metal ion in the context of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Shen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huixiang Sheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xuan Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Longfa Kou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qing Yao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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6
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Liu Y, Tang R, Cao Y, Wu N, Qin Q, Chen Y, Wei X, Ren J, Sun Y, Zhou H, Zhou Y, Li P. LIFU/MMP-2 dual-responsive release of repurposed drug disulfiram from nanodroplets for inhibiting vasculogenic mimicry and lung metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:209. [PMID: 38664830 PMCID: PMC11046851 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02492-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), when microvascular channels are formed by cancer cells independent of endothelial cells, often occurs in deep hypoxic areas of tumors and contributes to the aggressiveness and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. However, well-developed VM inhibitors exhibit inadequate efficacy due to their low drug utilization rate and limited deep penetration. Thus, a cost-effective VM inhibition strategy needs to be designed for TNBC treatment. RESULTS Herein, we designed a low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) dual-responsive nanoplatform termed PFP@PDM-PEG for the cost-effective and efficient utilization of the drug disulfiram (DSF) as a VM inhibitor. The PFP@PDM-PEG nanodroplets effectively penetrated tumors and exhibited substantial accumulation facilitated by PEG deshielding in a LIFU-mediated and MMP-2-sensitive manner. Furthermore, upon exposure to LIFU irradiation, DSF was released controllably under ultrasound imaging guidance. This secure and controllable dual-response DSF delivery platform reduced VM formation by inhibiting COL1/pro-MMP-2 activity, thereby significantly inhibiting tumor progression and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Considering the safety of the raw materials, controlled treatment process, and reliable repurposing of DSF, this dual-responsive nanoplatform represents a novel and effective VM-based therapeutic strategy for TNBC in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 82 Qinglong Street, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuting Cao
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nianhong Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiaoxi Qin
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 82 Qinglong Street, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Wei
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Ultrasonography, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianli Ren
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 82 Qinglong Street, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 82 Qinglong Street, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China.
| | - Pan Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering of Chongqing Medical University, No.76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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Lin J, Huang C, Wang P, He Y, Luo Q, Liu X, Li Y. Tumor-Microenvironment-Responsive Cerium-Enriched Copper Nanozyme with O 2 Supply and Oxidative Stress Amplification for In Situ Disulfiram Chemotherapy and Chemodynamic Therapy Intensification. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303955. [PMID: 38271271 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Traditional chemotherapy has faced tough challenges of systemic toxicity, hypoxia resistance, and inadequacy of monotherapy. Developing the tumor-specific O2-supply-enhanced chemotherapy without toxic drugs while combing other precise treatments can substantially improve therapeutic efficacy. Herein, a CeO2-enriched CuO nanozyme with O2 supply and oxidative stress amplification for tumor-specific disulfiram (DSF) chemotherapy and intensified chemodynamic therapy by synergistic in situ "nontoxicity-toxicity" activation is developed. Notably, CeO2 can not only act as a morphological "regulator," but also serve as a cascaded enzyme-mimetic catalyst via tumor-microenvironment-responsive cascaded-logical programmable valence conversion. Once internalized inside tumor cells, the nanozyme can be degraded by lysosomal acidity to release nontoxic DSF and Cu2+, which can trigger in situ "Cu2+-DSF" chelation, generating a highly toxic Cu(DTC)2 for in situ chemotherapy. Moreover, the enriched CeO2 with catalase-mimetic activity can decompose the endogenous H2O2 into O2, which can relieve the hypoxia to enhance the chemotherapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, the simultaneously generated Ce3+ can exert peroxidase-mimetic activity to catalyze H2O2 into hydroxyl radicals (•OH) for chemodynamic therapy. This Fenton-like chemistry is accompanied by the regeneration of Ce4+, which can deplete the intracellular overproduced GSH to amplify the oxidative stress. Therefore, this nanozyme can provide an alternative to precise cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Lin
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Department of Translational Medicine & Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Photoelectric Functional Materials, Xiamen Institute of Rare-Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, P. R. China
| | - Cailin Huang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Department of Translational Medicine & Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Photoelectric Functional Materials, Xiamen Institute of Rare-Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, P. R. China
- Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Peiyuan Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Department of Translational Medicine & Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Photoelectric Functional Materials, Xiamen Institute of Rare-Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, P. R. China
| | - Yueyang He
- Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Department of Translational Medicine & Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Photoelectric Functional Materials, Xiamen Institute of Rare-Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, P. R. China
- Cancer Center and Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361100, China
| | - Qiang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Department of Translational Medicine & Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Photoelectric Functional Materials, Xiamen Institute of Rare-Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Department of Translational Medicine & Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Photoelectric Functional Materials, Xiamen Institute of Rare-Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, P. R. China
- Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Yang Li
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
- Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Department of Translational Medicine & Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Photoelectric Functional Materials, Xiamen Institute of Rare-Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, P. R. China
- Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
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Xiao C, Li J, Hua A, Wang X, Li S, Li Z, Xu C, Zhang Z, Yang X, Li Z. Hyperbaric Oxygen Boosts Antitumor Efficacy of Copper-Diethyldithiocarbamate Nanoparticles against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Regulating Cancer Stem Cell Metabolism. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0335. [PMID: 38766644 PMCID: PMC11100349 DOI: 10.34133/research.0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Cuproptosis-based cancer nanomedicine has received widespread attention recently. However, cuproptosis nanomedicine against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is severely limited by cancer stem cells (CSCs), which reside in the hypoxic stroma and adopt glycolysis metabolism accordingly to resist cuproptosis-induced mitochondria damage. Here, we leverage hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) to regulate CSC metabolism by overcoming tumor hypoxia and to augment CSC elimination efficacy of polydopamine and hydroxyethyl starch stabilized copper-diethyldithiocarbamate nanoparticles (CuET@PH NPs). Mechanistically, while HBO and CuET@PH NPs inhibit glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, respectively, the combination of HBO and CuET@PH NPs potently suppresses energy metabolism of CSCs, thereby achieving robust tumor inhibition of PDAC and elongating mice survival importantly. This study reveals novel insights into the effects of cuproptosis nanomedicine on PDAC CSC metabolism and suggests that the combination of HBO with cuproptosis nanomedicine holds significant clinical translation potential for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xiao
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Jiayuan Li
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Ao Hua
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Shiyou Li
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medical,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Zifu Li
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medical,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
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9
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Meng X, Wu J, Hu Z, Zheng X. Intelligent responsive copper-diethyldithiocarbamate-based multifunctional nanomedicine for photothermal-augmented synergistic cancer therapy. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1285-1295. [PMID: 38189142 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02491a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The design of multifunctional nanomedicine through the combination of multimodal treatments to achieve the optimal antitumor effect is essential for cancer therapy. Herein, we design and develop a multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform using an iron ion-doxorubicin (DOX) nanoscale coordination polymer (Fe/DOX NCP) as a shell coating on the surface of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) stabilized copper-diethyldithiocarbamate nanoparticles (Cu(DDC)2 NPs) for combined tumor chemo-/photothermal/chemodynamic therapy. The obtained Cu(DDC)2@Fe/DOX NPs display pH/laser dual-responsive degradation behavior and also exhibit favorable photothermal performance. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, Cu(DDC)2@Fe/DOX NPs can convert light into heat, which not only kills tumor cells via hyperthermia in photothermal therapy (PTT), but also accelerates the degradation of Fe/DOX NCPs to release Fe3+ and DOX. The liberated Fe3+ can be used to catalyze hydrogen peroxide via the Fenton reaction to produce highly toxic hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) in chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The released DOX and the exposed Cu(DDC)2 can cause significant cell death in combined chemotherapy via a superimposed effect. In vitro and in vivo results prove that Cu(DDC)2@Fe/DOX NPs with laser irradiation present remarkable anticancer performances in hyperthermia-enhanced chemo-/CDT. Therefore, this study provides a new strategy for highly efficient synergistic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Meng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials and Nanomedicine in Universities of Shandong, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China.
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China
| | - Jiayi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials and Nanomedicine in Universities of Shandong, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China.
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China
| | - Zunfu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials and Nanomedicine in Universities of Shandong, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China.
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China
| | - Xiuwen Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials and Nanomedicine in Universities of Shandong, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P. R. China.
- Qilu Normal University, Jinan, 250200, P. R. China
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10
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Fernandes Q, Therachiyil L, Khan AQ, Bedhiafi T, Korashy HM, Bhat AA, Uddin S. Shrinking the battlefield in cancer therapy: Nanotechnology against cancer stem cells. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 191:106586. [PMID: 37729956 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106586] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, presenting a significant healthcare challenge owing to the limited efficacy of current treatments. The application of nanotechnology in cancer treatment leverages the unique optical, magnetic, and electrical attributes of nanomaterials to engineer innovative, targeted therapies. Specifically, manipulating nanomaterials allows for enhanced drug loading efficiency, improved bioavailability, and targeted delivery systems, reducing the non-specific cytotoxic effects characteristic of conventional chemotherapies. Furthermore, recent advances in nanotechnology have demonstrated encouraging results in specifically targeting CSCs, a key development considering the role of these cells in disease recurrence and resistance to treatment. Despite these breakthroughs, the clinical approval rates of nano-drugs have not kept pace with research advances, pointing to existing obstacles that must be addressed. In conclusion, nanotechnology presents a novel, powerful tool in the fight against cancer, particularly in targeting the elusive and treatment-resistant CSCs. This comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of nanotherapy, explicitly targeting cancer stem cells, their markers, and associated signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Queenie Fernandes
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Hamad Medical Corporation, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, PO. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lubna Therachiyil
- Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Translational Research Institute, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Abdul Q Khan
- Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Translational Research Institute, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Takwa Bedhiafi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Hesham M Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Dermatology Institute, Doha 3050, Qatar; Laboratory of Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 22602, India.
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11
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Zhang S, Zong Y, Chen L, Li Q, Li Z, Meng R. The immunomodulatory function and antitumor effect of disulfiram: paving the way for novel cancer therapeutics. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:103. [PMID: 37326784 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 60 years ago, disulfiram (DSF) was employed for the management of alcohol addiction. This promising cancer therapeutic agent inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of malignant tumor cells. Furthermore, divalent copper ions can enhance the antitumor effects of DSF. Molecular structure, pharmacokinetics, signaling pathways, mechanisms of action and current clinical results of DSF are summarized here. Additionally, our attention is directed towards the immunomodulatory properties of DSF and we explore novel administration methods that may address the limitations associated with antitumor treatments based on DSF. Despite the promising potential of these various delivery methods for utilizing DSF as an effective anticancer agent, further investigation is essential in order to extensively evaluate the safety and efficacy of these delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yan Zong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Leichong Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qianwen Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Rui Meng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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12
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Cheng FT, Geng YD, Liu YX, Nie X, Zhang XG, Chen ZL, Tang LQ, Wang LH, You YZ, Zhang L. Co-delivery of a tumor microenvironment-responsive disulfiram prodrug and CuO 2 nanoparticles for efficient cancer treatment. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:3336-3347. [PMID: 37325521 PMCID: PMC10262962 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00004d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) has been used as a hangover drug for more than seven decades and was found to have potential in cancer treatment, especially mediated by copper. However, the uncoordinated delivery of disulfiram with copper and the instability of disulfiram limit its further applications. Herein, we synthesize a DSF prodrug using a simple strategy that could be activated in a specific tumor microenvironment. Poly amino acids are used as a platform to bind the DSF prodrug through the B-N interaction and encapsulate CuO2 nanoparticles (NPs), obtaining a functional nanoplatform Cu@P-B. In the acidic tumor microenvironment, the loaded CuO2 NPs will produce Cu2+ and cause oxidative stress in cells. At the same time, the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) will accelerate the release and activation of the DSF prodrug and further chelate the released Cu2+ to produce the noxious copper diethyldithiocarbamate complex, which causes cell apoptosis effectively. Cytotoxicity tests show that the DSF prodrug could effectively kill cancer cells with only a small amount of Cu2+ (0.18 μg mL-1), inhibiting the migration and invasion of tumor cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that this functional nanoplatform could kill tumor cells effectively with limited toxic side effects, showing a new perspective in DSF prodrug design and cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen-Ting Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230001 China
| | - Ya-Di Geng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230001 China
| | - Yun-Xiao Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230032 China
| | - Xuan Nie
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 China
| | - Xin-Ge Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230032 China
| | - Zhao-Lin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230001 China
| | - Li-Qin Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230001 China
| | - Long-Hai Wang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 China
| | - Ye-Zi You
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230001 China
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230001 China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230032 China
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13
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Kang X, Jadhav S, Annaji M, Huang CH, Amin R, Shen J, Ashby CR, Tiwari AK, Babu RJ, Chen P. Advancing Cancer Therapy with Copper/Disulfiram Nanomedicines and Drug Delivery Systems. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1567. [PMID: 37376016 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is a thiocarbamate based drug that has been approved for treating alcoholism for over 60 years. Preclinical studies have shown that DSF has anticancer efficacy, and its supplementation with copper (CuII) significantly potentiates the efficacy of DSF. However, the results of clinical trials have not yielded promising results. The elucidation of the anticancer mechanisms of DSF/Cu (II) will be beneficial in repurposing DSF as a new treatment for certain types of cancer. DSF's anticancer mechanism is primarily due to its generating reactive oxygen species, inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity inhibition, and decreasing the levels of transcriptional proteins. DSF also shows inhibitory effects in cancer cell proliferation, the self-renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs), angiogenesis, drug resistance, and suppresses cancer cell metastasis. This review also discusses current drug delivery strategies for DSF alone diethyldithocarbamate (DDC), Cu (II) and DSF/Cu (II), and the efficacious component Diethyldithiocarbamate-copper complex (CuET).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejia Kang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Sanika Jadhav
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Manjusha Annaji
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Chung-Hui Huang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rajesh Amin
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Jianzhong Shen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Charles R Ashby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11431, USA
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - R Jayachandra Babu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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14
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Hydroxyethyl starch stabilized copper-diethyldithiocarbamate nanocrystals for cancer therapy. J Control Release 2023; 356:288-305. [PMID: 36870542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been recognized as the culprit for tumor progression, treatment resistance, metastasis, and recurrence while redox homeostasis represents the Achilles' Heel of CSCs. However, few drugs or formulations that are capable of elevating oxidative stress have achieved clinical success for eliminating CSCs. Here, we report hydroxyethyl starch stabilized copper-diethyldithiocarbamate nanoparticles (CuET@HES NPs), which conspicuously suppress CSCs not only in vitro but also in numerous tumor models in vivo. Furthermore, CuET@HES NPs effectively inhibit CSCs in fresh tumor tissues surgically excised from hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Mechanistically, we uncover that hydroxyethyl starch stabilized copper-diethyldithiocarbamate nanocrystals via copper‑oxygen coordination interactions, thereby promoting copper-diethyldithiocarbamate colloidal stability, cellular uptake, intracellular reactive oxygen species production, and CSCs apoptosis. As all components are widely used in clinics, CuET@HES NPs represent promising treatments for CSCs-rich solid malignancies and hold great clinical translational potentials. This study has critical implications for design of CSCs targeting nanomedicines.
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15
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Disulfiram: Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030524. [PMID: 36978391 PMCID: PMC10044060 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Since disulfiram’s discovery in the 1940s and its FDA approval for alcohol use disorder, other indications have been investigated. This review describes potential clinical applications, associated risks, and challenges. Methods: For this narrative review, a PubMed search was conducted for articles addressing in vivo studies of disulfiram with an emphasis on drug repurposing for the treatment of human diseases. The key search terms were “disulfiram” and “Antabuse”. Animal studies and in vitro studies highlighting important mechanisms and safety issues were also included. Results: In total, 196 sources addressing our research focus spanning 1948–2022 were selected for inclusion. In addition to alcohol use disorder, emerging data support a potential role for disulfiram in the treatment of other addictions (e.g., cocaine), infections (e.g., bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Borrelia burgdorferi, viruses, parasites), inflammatory conditions, neurological diseases, and cancers. The side effects range from minor to life-threatening, with lower doses conveying less risk. Caution in human use is needed due to the considerable inter-subject variability in disulfiram pharmacokinetics. Conclusions: While disulfiram has promise as a “repurposed” agent in human disease, its risk profile is of concern. Animal studies and well-controlled clinical trials are needed to assess its safety and efficacy for non-alcohol-related indications.
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16
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Swetha KL, Paul M, Maravajjala KS, Kumbham S, Biswas S, Roy A. Overcoming drug resistance with a docetaxel and disulfiram loaded pH-sensitive nanoparticle. J Control Release 2023; 356:93-114. [PMID: 36841286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that breast cancer cells deploy a myriad array of strategies to thwart the activity of anticancer drugs like docetaxel (DTX), including acquired drug resistance due to overexpression of drug-efflux pumps like P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and innate drug resistance by cancer stem cells (CSCs). As disulfiram (DSF) can inhibit both P-gp and CSCs, we hypothesized that co-treatment of DTX and DSF could sensitize the drug-resistant breast cancer cells. To deliver a fixed dose ratio of DTX and DSF targeted to the tumor, a tumor extracellular pH-responsive nanoparticle (NP) was developed using a histidine-conjugated star-shaped PLGA with TPGS surface decoration ([DD]NpH-T). By releasing the encapsulated drugs in the tumor microenvironment, pH-sensitive NPs can overcome the tumor stroma-based resistance against nanomedicines. In in-vitro studies, [DD]NpH-T exhibited increased drug release at pH 6.8, improved penetration in a 3D tumor spheroid, reduced serum protein adsorption, and enhanced cytotoxic efficacy against both innate and acquired DTX-resistant breast cancer cells. In in-vivo studies, a significant increase in plasma AUC and tumor drug delivery was observed with [DD]NpH-T, which resulted in an enhanced in-vivo anti-tumor efficacy against a mouse orthotopic breast cancer, with a significantly increased intratumoral ROS and apoptosis, while decreasing P-gp expression and prevention of lung metastasis. Altogether, the current study demonstrated that the DTX and DSF combination could effectively target multiple drug-resistance pathways in-vitro, and the in-vivo delivery of this drug combination using TPGS-decorated pH-sensitive NPs could increase tumor accumulation, resulting in improved anti-tumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Laxmi Swetha
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Milan Paul
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Kavya Sree Maravajjala
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Soniya Kumbham
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Swati Biswas
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India.
| | - Aniruddha Roy
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India.
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Tsering Dongsar T, Sonam Dongsar T, Abourehab MA, Gupta N, Kesharwani P. Emerging application of magnetic nanoparticles for breast cancer therapy. Eur Polym J 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2023.111898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
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18
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Chang MR, Rusanov DA, Arakelyan J, Alshehri M, Asaturova AV, Kireeva GS, Babak MV, Ang WH. Targeting emerging cancer hallmarks by transition metal complexes: Cancer stem cells and tumor microbiome. Part I. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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19
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Araújo D, Ribeiro E, Amorim I, Vale N. Repurposed Drugs in Gastric Cancer. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010319. [PMID: 36615513 PMCID: PMC9822219 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major causes of death worldwide, ranking as the fifth most incident cancer in 2020 and the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality. The majority of GC patients are in an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis, presenting a poor prognosis and outcome. Current GC treatment approaches involve endoscopic detection, gastrectomy and chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy in an adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting. Drug development approaches demand extreme effort to identify molecular mechanisms of action of new drug candidates. Drug repurposing is based on the research of new therapeutic indications of drugs approved for other pathologies. In this review, we explore GC and the different drugs repurposed for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Araújo
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Ribeiro
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irina Amorim
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-220426537
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20
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Multifunctional nanoparticles for targeting liver cancer stem cells and efficient endocytosis. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-022-02566-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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21
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Sun Y, Li B, Cao Q, Liu T, Li J. Targeting cancer stem cells with polymer nanoparticles for gastrointestinal cancer treatment. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:489. [PMID: 36182897 PMCID: PMC9526954 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03180-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanomaterials are developing rapidly in the medical field, bringing new hope for treating various refractory diseases. Among them, polymer nanomaterials, with their excellent properties, have been used to treat various diseases, such as malignant tumors, diabetes, and nervous system diseases. Gastrointestinal cancer is among the cancers with the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cancer stem cells are believed to play an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. This article summarizes the characteristics of gastrointestinal cancer stem cells and reviews the latest research progress in treating gastrointestinal malignant tumors using polymer nanoparticles to target cancer stem cells. In addition, the review article highlights the potential of polymer nanoparticles in targeting gastrointestinal cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Qian Cao
- Department of Education, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Tongjun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, China.
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22
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Yao Z, Li X, Gao J, Wang Y, Xiao L, Chang X, Liu F, Feng Z, Zhang X. Transcription factor p8 regulates autophagy in response to disulfiram via PI3K/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer cells. Hum Cell 2022; 35:1464-1474. [PMID: 35749047 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00731-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF), which is an inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and approved by the FDA for the treatment of alcoholism previously, has been repurposed for use as a cancer treatment because of its potent effect in preclinical studies. In this study, we found that disulfiram forms potent complexes with copper (DSF/Cu) inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells, which was detected by flow cytometry and western blotting. Meanwhile, autophagy and autophagic flux also clearly observed by transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Our results also showed that DSF/Cu induced transcription factor p8 upregulation and PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway activation detected by real-time PCR and western blotting. Additionally, suppression of p8 inactivated the mTOR signaling pathway and autophagic flux maintained. Furthermore, mechanism study indicated that autophagy induced by DSF/Cu was regulated by p8 and was related to PI3K/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer cells. Our findings provide insights into the role of p8 in regulating autophagy induced by DSF/Cu effects in pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyu Yao
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Antibody Drug, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, 42 Baiziting Street, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Antibody Drug, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Gao
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Antibody Drug, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yutao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Antibody Drug, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linmei Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Antibody Drug, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinxia Chang
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Antibody Drug, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fangzhou Liu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, 42 Baiziting Street, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenqing Feng
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Antibody Drug, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Antibody Drug, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.
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Disulfiram: A Food and Drug Administration-approved multifunctional role in synergistically drug delivery systems for tumor treatment. Int J Pharm 2022; 626:122130. [PMID: 36007849 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF), a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug for the treatment of alcoholism, has been found to have antitumor activity. DSF showed better antitumor efficiency when it was used in combination with certain antitumor drugs. DSF plays an important role in cancer treatment. It has been used as multidrug resistance (MDR) modulator to reverse MDR and can also combine with copper ions (Cu2+), which will produce copper diethyldithiocarbamate (Cu[DDC]2) complex with antitumor activity. The synergistic targeted drug delivery for cancer treatment based on DSF, especially the combination with exogenous Cu2+ and its forms of administration, has attracted extensive attention in the biomedical field. In this review, we summarize these synergistic delivery systems, in the hope that they will contribute to the continuous optimization and development of more advanced drug delivery systems. Furthermore, we discuss the current limitation and future directions of DSF-based drug delivery systems in the field of tumor therapy. Hopefully, our work may inspire further innovation of DSF-based antitumor drug delivery systems.
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24
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Preparation of curcumin loaded hyaluronic acid-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) micelles with pH response and tumor targeting. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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25
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Kannappan V, Liu Y, Wang Z, Azar K, Kurusamy S, Kilari RS, Armesilla AL, Morris MR, Najlah M, Liu P, Bian XW, Wang W. PLGA-nano-encapsulated Disulfiram inhibits hypoxia-induced NFκB, cancer stem cells and targets glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1273-1284. [PMID: 35579893 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) is the major cause of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) chemotherapy failure. Hypoxia is one of the determinants of GSC. NFκB plays a pivotal link between hypoxia and cancer stem cells (CSCs). Disulfiram (DS), an antialcoholism drug, has very strong NFκB-inhibiting and anti-CSC activity. In this study, the in vitro anti-GSC activity of DS and in vivo anti-GBM efficacy of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticle-encapsulated DS (DS-PLGA) were examined. We attempt to elucidate the molecular network between hypoxia and GSCs, and also examined the anti-GSC activity of DS in vitro and in vivo. The influence of GSCs and hypoxia on GBM chemoresistance and invasiveness was studied in hypoxic and spheroid cultures. The molecular regulatory roles of NFκB, HIF1α and HIF2α were investigated using stably transfected U373MG cell lines. The hypoxia in neurospheres determines the cancer stem cell characters of the sphere-cultured GBM cell lines (U87MG, U251MG, U373MG). NFκB is located at a higher hierarchical position than HIF1α/HIF2α in hypoxic regulatory network and plays a key role in hypoxia-induced GSC characters. DS inhibits NFκB activity and targets hypoxia-induced GSCs. It showed selective toxicity to GBM cells, eradicates GSC and blocks migration and invasion at very low concentrations. DS-PLGA efficaciously inhibits orthotopic and subcutaneous U87MG xenograft in mouse models with no toxicity to vital organs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Liu
- Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Karim Azar
- University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Mark R Morris
- University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampoton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Peng Liu
- Queen Mary University of London, LONDON, United Kingdom
| | - Xiu-Wu Bian
- Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiguang Wang
- University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
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26
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Cao HZ, Yang WT, Zheng PS. Cytotoxic effect of disulfiram/copper on human cervical cancer cell lines and LGR5-positive cancer stem-like cells. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:521. [PMID: 35534815 PMCID: PMC9082913 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09574-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor resistance is a global challenge for tumor treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the main population of tumor cells for drug resistance. We have reported that high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity represents a functional marker for cervical CSCs. Here, we aimed at disulfiram (DSF), an ALDH inhibitor, that has the potential to be used for cervical cancer treatment. METHODS MTT assay, western blot, vector construction and transfection, cell sorting and in vivo anti-tumor assays were performed using cervical cancer cell lines SiHa and HeLa. Cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were carried out by flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity of DSF was detected by MTT assay and cervical cancer xenograft models. RESULTS DSF was cytotoxic to cervical cancer cell lines in a copper (Cu)-dependent manner. Disulfiram/copper (DSF/Cu) complex induced deregulation of S-phase and inhibited the expression of stemness markers in cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, DSF/Cu could also reduce the cancer stem cell-like LGR5+ cells which lead to cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer cells. DSF/Cu complex had the greater antitumor efficacy on cervical cancer than cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the cytotoxicity of DSF/Cu complex may be superior to cisplatin because of targeting LGR5-positive cervical cancer stem-like cells in cervical cancer. Thus, the DSF/Cu complex may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Zhe Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical School, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wen-Ting Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical School, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Peng-Sheng Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical School, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China. .,Division of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical School, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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27
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Chen C, Nie D, Huang Y, Yu X, Chen Z, Zhong M, Liu X, Wang X, Sui S, Liu Z, Tan J, Yu Z, Li Y, Zeng C. Anticancer effects of disulfiram in T-cell malignancies through NPL4-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:919-929. [PMID: 35363385 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ma1121-644r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell malignancies, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoma (TCL), are characterized by inferior treatment effects, high heterogeneity, poor prognosis, and a lack of specific therapeutic targets and drugs to improve outcome. Disulfiram (DSF) is a drug used to clinically control alcoholism that has recently been shown to be cytotoxic for multiple cancers. However, the underlying effects and mechanisms of DFS treatment in patients with T-cell malignancies are not well characterized. In this study, we report that DSF promotes apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of malignant T-cell cell lines and primary T-ALL cells. We provide evidence that DSF exerts anticancer activity in T-cell malignancies by targeting the NPL4-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Notably, high expression of NPL4 and 2 ubiquitin-proteasome pathway genes, anaphase-promoting complex subunit 1 (ANAPC1) and proteasome 26S subunit ubiquitin receptor, non-ATPase 2 (PSMD2), was significantly associated with unfavorable overall survival (OS) for patients with TCL and T-ALL (p < 0.05). More importantly, the weighted combination of NPL4, ANAPC1, and PSMD2 could visually display the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates for patients with T-cell malignancies in a nomogram model and facilitate risk stratification. Specifically, risk stratification was an independent predictor of OS for patients with T-cell malignancies. In conclusion, DSF might induce apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of malignant T-cells via the NPL4-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and offer a potential therapeutic option for T-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunte Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingrui Nie
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youxue Huang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xibao Yu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengjun Zhong
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songnan Sui
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuandi Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Yu
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengwu Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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28
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Baishya T, Sharma P, Gomila RM, Frontera A, Barceló-Oliver M, Verma AK, Bhattacharyya MK. Fumarato and Phthalato Bridged Dinuclear Metal-Organic Cu(II) and Mn(II) Compounds involving Infinite Fumarate-water Assemblies and Unusual Structure-guiding H-bonded Synthons: Antiproliferative Evaluation and Theoretical Studies. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2nj01860h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Two new dinuclear coordination compounds viz. [Cu2(µ-fum)(phen)2(H2O)6](fum)•6H2O (1) and [Mn2(µ-phth)2(phen)4]•2H2O (2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, fum = fumarate and phth = phthalate) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, single...
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29
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Leveraging disulfiram to treat cancer: Mechanisms of action, delivery strategies, and treatment regimens. Biomaterials 2021; 281:121335. [PMID: 34979419 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) has been used as an alcoholism drug for 70 years. Recently, it has attracted increasing attention owing to the distinguished anticancer activity, which can be further potentiated by the supplementation of Cu2+. Although encouraging anticancer results are obtained in lab, the clinical outcomes of oral DSF are not satisfactory, which urges an in-depth understanding of the underlying mechanisms, bottlenecks, and proposal of potential methods to address the dilemma. In this review, a critical summarization of various molecular biological anticancer mechanisms of DSF/Cu2+ is provided and the predicament of orally delivering DSF in clinical oncotherapy is explained by the metabolic barriers. We highlight the recent advances in the DSF/Cu2+ delivery strategies and the emerging treatment regimens for cancer treatment. Last but not the least, we summarize the clinical trials regarding DSF and make a prospect of DSF/Cu-based cancer therapy.
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30
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Kannappan V, Ali M, Small B, Rajendran G, Elzhenni S, Taj H, Wang W, Dou QP. Recent Advances in Repurposing Disulfiram and Disulfiram Derivatives as Copper-Dependent Anticancer Agents. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:741316. [PMID: 34604310 PMCID: PMC8484884 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.741316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper (Cu) plays a pivotal role in cancer progression by acting as a co-factor that regulates the activity of many enzymes and structural proteins in cancer cells. Therefore, Cu-based complexes have been investigated as novel anticancer metallodrugs and are considered as a complementary strategy for currently used platinum agents with undesirable general toxicity. Due to the high failure rate and increased cost of new drugs, there is a global drive towards the repositioning of known drugs for cancer treatment in recent years. Disulfiram (DSF) is a first-line antialcoholism drug used in clinics for more than 65 yr. In combination with Cu, it has shown great potential as an anticancer drug by targeting a wide range of cancers. The reaction between DSF and Cu ions forms a copper diethyldithiocarbamate complex (Cu(DDC)2 also known as CuET) which is the active, potent anticancer ingredient through inhibition of NF-κB and ubiquitin-proteasome system as well as alteration of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Importantly, DSF/Cu inhibits several molecular targets related to drug resistance, stemness, angiogenesis and metastasis and is thus considered as a novel strategy for overcoming tumour recurrence and relapse in patients. Despite its excellent anticancer efficacy, DSF has proven unsuccessful in several cancer clinical trials. This is likely due to the poor stability, rapid metabolism and/or short plasma half-life of the currently used oral version of DSF and the inability to form Cu(DDC)2 at relevant concentrations in tumour tissues. Here, we summarize the scientific rationale, molecular targets, and mechanisms of action of DSF/Cu in cancer cells and the outcomes of oral DSF ± Cu in cancer clinical trials. We will focus on the novel insights on harnessing the immune system and hypoxic microenvironment using DSF/Cu complex and discuss the emerging delivery strategies that can overcome the shortcomings of DSF-based anticancer therapies and provide opportunities for translation of DSF/Cu or its Cu(DDC)2 complex into cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinodh Kannappan
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.,Disulfican Ltd, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Misha Ali
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Benjamin Small
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Gowtham Rajendran
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Salena Elzhenni
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Hamza Taj
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Weiguang Wang
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.,Disulfican Ltd, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Q Ping Dou
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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31
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Meng Z, Wang H, Fang X, Liu Z, Yang Z, Yong J, Yang Q, Bai Y, Ren H, Xu H, Li X. Surface Decoration via Physical Interaction of Cupric Diethyldithiocarbamate Nanocrystals and Its Impact on Biodistribution and Tumor Targeting. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:36894-36908. [PMID: 34328715 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c09346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The vascular wall is the first physiologic barrier that circulating nanoparticles (NPs) encounter, which also is a key biological barrier to cancer drug delivery. NPs can continually scavenge the endothelium for biomarkers of cancer, and the chance of NPs' extravasation into the tumors can be enhanced. Here, we envision P-selectin as a target for specific delivery of drug nanocrystals to tumors. The cupric diethyldithiocarbamate nanocrystals (CuET NCs) were first prepared by an antisolvent method, and then nanocrystals were coated with fucoidan via physical interaction. The fucoidan-coated CuET nanocrystals (CuET@Fuc) possess high drug loading and have the ability to interact with human umbilical vein endothelial cells expressing P-selectin, which transiently enhances the endothelial permeability and facilitates CuET@Fuc extravasation from the peritumoral vascular to achieve higher tumor accumulation of drugs than bare CuET NCs. The CuET NC shows poorer anticancer efficacy than CuET@Fuc at the same dose of CuET. Upon repeated dosing of CuET@Fuc for 2 weeks, no mortality was observed in treated melanoma-bearing mice, while the mortality in the control group and excipient-treated groups reached 23%. The growth rate of melanoma in the CuET@Fuc-treated group was significantly lower than those in other groups. Furthermore, an acute toxicity study revealed that CuET@Fuc is a safe formulation for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjie Meng
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Hao Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xue Fang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Zhangya Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Zheng Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Jiahui Yong
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Qingqing Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Yunhao Bai
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Hao Ren
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xueming Li
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
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32
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Torres-Martinez Z, Delgado Y, Ferrer-Acosta Y, Suarez-Arroyo IJ, Joaquín-Ovalle FM, Delinois LJ, Griebenow K. Key genes and drug delivery systems to improve the efficiency of chemotherapy. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2021; 4:163-191. [PMID: 34142021 PMCID: PMC8208690 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells can develop resistance to anticancer drugs, thereby becoming tolerant to treatment through different mechanisms. The biological mechanisms leading to the generation of anticancer treatment resistance include alterations in transmembrane proteins, DNA damage and repair mechanisms, alterations in target molecules, and genetic responses, among others. The most common anti-cancer drugs reported to develop resistance to cancer cells include cisplatin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and fluorouracil. These anticancer drugs have different mechanisms of action, and specific cancer types can be affected by different genes. The development of drug resistance is a cellular response which uses differential gene expression, to enable adaptation and survival of the cell to diverse threatening environmental agents. In this review, we briefly look at the key regulatory genes, their expression, as well as the responses and regulation of cancer cells when exposed to anticancer drugs, along with the incorporation of alternative nanocarriers as treatments to overcome anticancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zally Torres-Martinez
- Chemistry Department, University of Puerto Rico- Rio Piedras campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Yamixa Delgado
- Biochemistry & Pharmacology Department, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, PR 00726, USA
| | - Yancy Ferrer-Acosta
- Neuroscience Department, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamon, PR 00956, USA
| | | | - Freisa M Joaquín-Ovalle
- Chemistry Department, University of Puerto Rico- Rio Piedras campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Louis J Delinois
- Chemistry Department, University of Puerto Rico- Rio Piedras campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Kai Griebenow
- Chemistry Department, University of Puerto Rico- Rio Piedras campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
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Drug repurposing supported by nanotechnology: a promising strategy to fight cancer. Ther Deliv 2021; 12:267-269. [PMID: 33657869 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2021-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Lu C, Li X, Ren Y, Zhang X. Disulfiram: a novel repurposed drug for cancer therapy. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 87:159-172. [PMID: 33426580 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a major health issue worldwide and the global burden of cancer is expected to reduce the costs of treatment as well as prolong the survival time. One of the promising approaches is drug repurposing, because it reduces costs and shortens the production cycle of research and development. Disulfiram (DSF), which was originally approved as an anti-alcoholism drug, has been proven safe and shows the potential to target tumours. Its anti-tumour effect has been reported in many preclinical studies and recently on seven types of cancer in humans: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), liver cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma (GBM) and melanoma and has a successful breakthrough in the treatment of NSCLC and GBM. The mechanisms, particularly the intracellular signalling pathways, still remain to be completely elucidated. As shown in our previous study, DSF inhibits NF-kB signalling, proteasome activity, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. It induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy and has been used as an adjuvant therapy with irradiation or chemotherapy drugs. On the other hand, DSF not only kills the normal cancer cells but also has the ability to target cancer stem cells, which provides a new approach to prevent tumour recurrence and metastasis. Furthermore, other researchers have reported the ability of DSF to bind to nuclear protein localization protein 4 (NPL4), induce its immobilization and dysfunction, ultimately leading to cell death. Here, we provide an overview of DSF repurposing as a treatment in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and review studies describing the mechanisms underlying its anti-neoplastic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lu
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongya Ren
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Huang X, Hou Y, Weng X, Pang W, Hou L, Liang Y, Wang Y, Du L, Wu T, Yao M, Wang J, Meng X. Diethyldithiocarbamate-copper complex (CuET) inhibits colorectal cancer progression via miR-16-5p and 15b-5p/ALDH1A3/PKM2 axis-mediated aerobic glycolysis pathway. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:4. [PMID: 33419984 PMCID: PMC7794448 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-020-00295-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploring novel anticancer drugs to optimize the efficacy may provide a benefit for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Disulfiram (DSF), as an antialcoholism drug, is metabolized into diethyldithiocarbamate-copper complex (CuET) in vivo, which has been reported to exert the anticancer effects on various tumors in preclinical studies. However, little is known about whether CuET plays an anti-cancer role in CRC. In this study, we found that CuET had a marked effect on suppressing CRC progression both in vitro and in vivo by reducing glucose metabolism. Mechanistically, using RNA-seq analysis, we identified ALDH1A3 as a target gene of CuET, which promoted cell viability and the capacity of clonal formation and inhibited apoptosis in CRC cells. MicroRNA (miR)-16-5p and 15b-5p were shown to synergistically regulate ALDH1A3, which was negatively correlated with both of them and inversely correlated with the survival of CRC patients. Notably, using co-immunoprecipitation followed with mass spectrometry assays, we identified PKM2 as a direct downstream effector of ALDH1A3 that stabilized PKM2 by reducing ubiquitination. Taken together, we disclose that CuET treatment plays an active role in inhibiting CRC progression via miR-16-5p and 15b-5p/ALDH1A3/PKM2 axis-mediated aerobic glycolysis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
- Digestive Disease Research and Clinical Translation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichao Hou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
- Digestive Disease Research and Clinical Translation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Weng
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Pang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
- Digestive Disease Research and Clinical Translation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Lidan Hou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
- Digestive Disease Research and Clinical Translation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
- Digestive Disease Research and Clinical Translation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
- Digestive Disease Research and Clinical Translation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Leilei Du
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianqi Wu
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengfei Yao
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiangjun Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China.
- Digestive Disease Research and Clinical Translation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200011, Shanghai, China.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The worldwide increase in the occurrence of cancer associated with the limitations of immunotherapy and the emergence of resistance have impaired the prognosis of cancer patients, which leads to the search for alternative treatment methods. Drug repositioning, a well-established process approved by regulatory agencies, is considered an alternative strategy for the fast identification of drugs, because it is relatively less costly and represents lower risks for patients. AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY We report the most relevant studies about drug repositioning in oncology, emphasizing that its implementation faces financial and regulatory obstacles, making the creation of incentives necessary to stimulate the involvement of the pharmaceutical industry. DATA SOURCES We present 63 studies in which 52 non-anticancer drugs with anticancer activity against a number of malignancies are described. THERAPEUTIC INNOVATIONS Some have already been the target of phase III studies, such as the Add-Aspirin trial for nonmetastatic solid tumors, as well as 9 other drugs (aprepitant, artesunate, auranofin, captopril, celecoxib, disulfiram, itraconazole, ritonavir, and sertraline) in the CUSP9* clinical trial for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma. Others have already been successful in repositioning such as thalidomide, zoledronic acid, celecoxib, methotrexate, and gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, drug repositioning represents a promising alternative for the treatment of oncological disorders; however, the support from funding agencies and from the government is still needed, the latter regarding regulatory issues.
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Shi H, Suo Y, Zhang Z, Liu R, Liu H, Cheng Z. Copper(II)-disulfiram loaded melanin-dots for cancer theranostics. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2020; 32:102340. [PMID: 33227540 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2020.102340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Copper(II) diethyldithiocarbamate complex (CuET), the metabolite of disulfiram complexed with copper, is the component responsible for cancer treatment efficacy of disulfiram. But the hydrophobic property of CuET limits its use in vivo, and an appropriate drug delivery system needs to be developed. Ultrasmall melanin nanoparticle (M-Dot) with excellent biosafety and biocompatibility properties has been synthesized in our previous studies. Herein we prepared CuET loaded with M-Dots through hydrophobic interaction, which could enhance the water solubility significantly. After the administration of M-Dots-CuET in mice tumor models, the nanoparticles showed good tumor accumulation as evidenced by the enhanced photoacoustic signal in tumor regions. M-Dots-CuET also displayed excellent tumor inhibition capability, and the tumor growth inhibition value (TGI) was 45.1%. When combined with photothermal therapy, the TGI reached up to 78.6%. In summary, M-Dots-CuET provide a new potential strategy for cancer theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Shi
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yongkuan Suo
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhiling Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruiqi Liu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hongguang Liu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Zhen Cheng
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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Tang HX, Cai YY, Liu CG, Zhang JT, Kankala RK, Wang SB, Chen AZ. Sub-micronization of disulfiram and disulfiram-copper complexes by Rapid expansion of supercritical solution toward augmented anticancer effect. J CO2 UTIL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2020.101187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Yang Q, Yao Y, Li K, Jiao L, Zhu J, Ni C, Li M, Dou QP, Yang H. An Updated Review of Disulfiram: Molecular Targets and Strategies for Cancer Treatment. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:3248-3256. [PMID: 31419930 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190816233755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Repurposing already approved drugs as new anticancer agents is a promising strategy considering the advantages such as low costs, low risks and less time-consumption. Disulfiram (DSF), as the first drug for antialcoholism, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over 60 years ago. Increasing evidence indicates that DSF has great potential for the treatment of various human cancers. Several mechanisms and targets of DSF related to cancer therapy have been proposed, including the inhibition of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), cancer cell stemness and cancer metastasis, and alteration of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). This article provides a brief review about the history of the use of DSF in humans and its molecular mechanisms and targets of anticancer therapy, describes DSF delivery strategies for cancer treatment, summarizes completed and ongoing cancer clinical trials involving DSF, and offers strategies to better use DSF in cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhu Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yao Yao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Jiao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Jiazhen Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Cheng Ni
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Q Ping Dou
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States
| | - Huanjie Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
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Krasnovskaya O, Naumov A, Guk D, Gorelkin P, Erofeev A, Beloglazkina E, Majouga A. Copper Coordination Compounds as Biologically Active Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3965. [PMID: 32486510 PMCID: PMC7312030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper-containing coordination compounds attract wide attention due to the redox activity and biogenicity of copper ions, providing multiple pathways of biological activity. The pharmacological properties of metal complexes can be fine-tuned by varying the nature of the ligand and donor atoms. Copper-containing coordination compounds are effective antitumor agents, constituting a less expensive and safer alternative to classical platinum-containing chemotherapy, and are also effective as antimicrobial, antituberculosis, antimalarial, antifugal, and anti-inflammatory drugs. 64Сu-labeled coordination compounds are promising PET imaging agents for diagnosing malignant pathologies, including head and neck cancer, as well as the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease amyloid-β (Aβ). In this review article, we summarize different strategies for possible use of coordination compounds in the treatment and diagnosis of various diseases, and also various studies of the mechanisms of antitumor and antimicrobial action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Krasnovskaya
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1,3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (D.G.); (A.E.); (E.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Materials Science of Semiconductors and Dielectrics, National University of Science and Technology (MISIS), Leninskiy prospect 4, 101000 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexey Naumov
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1,3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (D.G.); (A.E.); (E.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Dmitry Guk
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1,3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (D.G.); (A.E.); (E.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Peter Gorelkin
- Department of Materials Science of Semiconductors and Dielectrics, National University of Science and Technology (MISIS), Leninskiy prospect 4, 101000 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexander Erofeev
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1,3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (D.G.); (A.E.); (E.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Materials Science of Semiconductors and Dielectrics, National University of Science and Technology (MISIS), Leninskiy prospect 4, 101000 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Elena Beloglazkina
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1,3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (D.G.); (A.E.); (E.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Alexander Majouga
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1,3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (D.G.); (A.E.); (E.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Materials Science of Semiconductors and Dielectrics, National University of Science and Technology (MISIS), Leninskiy prospect 4, 101000 Moscow, Russia;
- Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Miusskaya Ploshchad’ 9, 125047 Moscow, Russia
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Liu YC, Yeh CT, Lin KH. Cancer Stem Cell Functions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061331. [PMID: 32466488 PMCID: PMC7349579 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality owing to resistance to traditional treatments and tumor recurrence after therapy, which leads to poor therapeutic outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a small subset of tumor cells with the capability to influence self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. A number of surface markers for liver cancer stem cell (LCSC) subpopulations (EpCAM, CD133, CD44, CD13, CD90, OV-6, CD47, and side populations) in HCC have been identified. LCSCs play critical roles in regulating HCC stemness, self-renewal, tumorigenicity, metastasis, recurrence, and therapeutic resistance via genetic mutations, epigenetic disruption, signaling pathway dysregulation, or alterations microenvironment. Accumulating studies have shown that biomarkers for LCSCs contribute to diagnosis and prognosis prediction of HCC, supporting their utility in clinical management and development of therapeutic strategies. Preclinical and clinical analyses of therapeutic approaches for HCC using small molecule inhibitors, oncolytic measles viruses, and anti-surface marker antibodies have demonstrated selective, efficient, and safe targeting of LCSC populations. The current review focuses on recent reports on the influence of LCSCs on HCC stemness, tumorigenesis, and multiple drug resistance (MDR), along with LCSC-targeted therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-3-211-8263
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Farooq MA, Xu L, Aquib M, Ahsan A, Baig MMFA, Wang B. Denatured food protein-coated nanosuspension: A promising approach for anticancer delivery of hydrophobic drug. J Mol Liq 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.112690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Chang Y, Jiang J, Chen W, Yang W, Chen L, Chen P, Shen J, Qian S, Zhou T, Wu L, Hong L, Huang Y, Li F. Biomimetic metal-organic nanoparticles prepared with a 3D-printed microfluidic device as a novel formulation for disulfiram-based therapy against breast cancer. APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY 2020; 18:100492. [PMID: 34746366 PMCID: PMC8570539 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmt.2019.100492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is currently tested in several clinical trials for cancer treatment in combination with copper (Cu) ions. Usually, DSF and Cu are administered in two separate formulations. In the body, DSF and Cu ions form diethyldithiocarbamate copper complex [Cu(DDC)2] which has potent antitumor activities. However, the "two formulation" approach often achieved low Cu(DDC)2 concentration at tumor regions and resulted in compromised anticancer efficacy. Therefore, preformed Cu(DDC)2 complex administered in a single formulation will have better anticancer efficacy. However, the poor aqueous solubility of Cu(DDC)2 is a significant challenge for its clinical use. In this work, a biomimetic nanoparticle formulation of Cu(DDC)2 was produced with a novel SMILE ( Stabilized Metal Ion Ligand complex) method developed in our laboratory to address the drug delivery challenges. The Metal-organic Nanoparticle (MON) is composed of Cu(DDC)2 metal-organic complex core and surface decorated bovine serum albumin (BSA). Importantly, we designed a 3D-printed microfluidic device to further improve the fabrication of BSA/Cu(DDC)2 MONs. This method could precisely control the MON preparation process and also has great potential for large scale production of Cu(DDC)2 MON formulations. We also used a computational modeling approach to simulate the MON formation process in the microfluidic device. The optimized BSA/Cu(DDC)2 MONs demonstrated good physicochemical properties. The MONs also showed potent antitumor activities in the breast cancer cell monolayers as well as the 3D-cultured tumor spheroids. The BSA/Cu(DDC)2 MONs also effectively inhibited the growth of tumors in an orthotopic 4T1 breast tumor model. This current study provided a novel method to prepare a biomimetic MON formulation for DSF/Cu cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Chang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Jizong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wu Chen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Wen Yang
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Lili Chen
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Jianzhong Shen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Shizhi Qian
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
| | - Teng Zhou
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
| | - Linfeng Wu
- College of Dentistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Liang Hong
- College of Dentistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Yongzhuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Corresponding author at: 501 Haike Rd., Shanghai, 201203, China. (Y. Huang)
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- Corresponding author at: 720 S. Donahue Dr. Auburn, AL, 36849, USA, (F. Li)
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Ekinci E, Rohondia S, Khan R, Dou QP. Repurposing Disulfiram as An Anti-Cancer Agent: Updated Review on Literature and Patents. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2020; 14:113-132. [PMID: 31084595 DOI: 10.2174/1574892814666190514104035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite years of success of most anti-cancer drugs, one of the major clinical problems is inherent and acquired resistance to these drugs. Overcoming the drug resistance or developing new drugs would offer promising strategies in cancer treatment. Disulfiram, a drug currently used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism, has been found to have anti-cancer activity. OBJECTIVE To summarize the anti-cancer effects of Disulfiram through a thorough patent review. METHODS This article reviews molecular mechanisms and recent patents of Disulfiram in cancer therapy. RESULTS Several anti-cancer mechanisms of Disulfiram have been proposed, including triggering oxidative stress by the generation of reactive oxygen species, inhibition of the superoxide dismutase activity, suppression of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. In addition, Disulfiram can reverse the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs by inhibiting the P-glycoprotein multidrug efflux pump and suppressing the activation of NF-kB, both of which play an important role in the development of drug resistance. Furthermore, Disulfiram has been found to reduce angiogenesis because of its metal chelating properties as well as its ability to inactivate Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and matrix metalloproteinases. Disulfiram has also been shown to inhibit the proteasomes, DNA topoisomerases, DNA methyltransferase, glutathione S-transferase P1, and O6- methylguanine DNA methyltransferase, a DNA repair protein highly expressed in brain tumors. The patents described in this review demonstrate that Disulfiram is useful as an anti-cancer drug. CONCLUSION For years the FDA-approved, well-tolerated, inexpensive, orally-administered drug Disulfiram was used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism, but it has recently demonstrated anti-cancer effects in a range of solid and hematological malignancies. Its combination with copper at clinically relevant concentrations might overcome the resistance of many anti-cancer drugs in vitro, in vivo, and in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Ekinci
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology & Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Sagar Rohondia
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology & Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Raheel Khan
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology & Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Qingping P Dou
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology & Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
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Old wine in new bottles: Advanced drug delivery systems for disulfiram-based cancer therapy. J Control Release 2020; 319:352-359. [PMID: 31911155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is an FDA-approved drug that has been repurposed for cancer treatment. It showed excellent anticancer efficacy in combination with copper ions (Cu). Several active clinical trials testing the anticancer efficacy of DSF against various cancers are underway. In this review article, we summarized different delivery strategies for DSF-based cancer therapy. In many studies, DSF and Cu were delivered in two separate formulations. DSF and Cu formed copper diethyldithiocarbamate [Cu(DDC)2] complex which was reported as a major active anticancer ingredient for DSF/Cu combination therapy. Various delivery systems for DSF and Cu were developed to enhance their delivery into tumors. The administration of preformed Cu(DDC)2 complex was also explored to achieve better anticancer efficacy. Several studies developed formulations that were capable of delivering Cu(DDC)2 complex in a single formulation. These novel formulations will address drug delivery challenges and have great potential to improve the efficacy of DSF-based cancer therapy. DSF is an off-patent drug molecule. The novel drug formulations of DSF will also serve as a good strategy for developing intellectual properties which will be critical for product development and commercialization.
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Farooq MA, Li L, Parveen A, Wang B. Globular protein stabilized nanoparticles for delivery of disulfiram: fabrication, characterization, in vitro toxicity, and cellular uptake. RSC Adv 2020; 10:133-144. [PMID: 35492513 PMCID: PMC9047253 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra09468g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF), an FDA-approved anti-alcoholic drug, has recently shown that it possesses anti-cancer effects. However, DSF is hydrophobic in nature with less stability. Therefore, new approaches are required for the effective delivery of DSF to treat cancers. Herein, we prepared DSF loaded soy protein isolate (SPI) nanosuspension (Ns) for enhancing the anti-cancer delivery of DSF. The optimized DSF-SPI-Ns had an average particle size of 164.28 ± 2.07 nm with a narrow size distribution of 0.217 ± 0.035 and zeta potential around −22.30 ± 2.11 mV, respectively. The highest drug loading and entrapment efficiency achieved was 5.516 ± 1.98%, and 91.61 ± 1.15%, respectively. The surface morphology of Ns was revealed by TEM, and the FTIR DSC, PXRD, and TGA were used for physicochemical characterization. Further, fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking studies were carried out to understand the interactions between (SPI and DSF) and binding sites of DSF on the surface of SPI, respectively. In vitro release studies showed a sustained release pattern and followed a Fickian diffusion release from the Ns. The in vitro cytotoxicity of SPI indicated the excellent biocompatibility, and DSF-SPI-Ns were found to be more cytotoxic compared to the free DSF solution. Moreover, the cellular uptake studies also indicated the effective delivery of the formulation to the cancer cells. Results of the current study suggested that the SPI coated Ns might be a promising drug delivery system for hydrophobic DSF, and the potential application of SPI as a coating/stabilizing agent for the delivery of hydrophobic/hydrophilic cancer therapeutics. Disulfiram (DSF), an FDA-approved anti-alcoholic drug, has recently shown that it possesses anti-cancer effects.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asim Farooq
- Department of Pharmaceutics
- School of Pharmacy
- China Pharmaceutical University
- Nanjing
- PR China
| | - Lei Li
- The First Peoples Hospital of Xuzhou
- Xuzhou
- China
| | - Amna Parveen
- College of Pharmacy
- Gachon University
- Incheon 406-799
- Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics
- School of Pharmacy
- China Pharmaceutical University
- Nanjing
- PR China
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Basati G, Khaksarian M, Abbaszadeh S, Lashgarian HE, Marzban A. Cancer stem cells and nanotechnological approaches for eradication. Stem Cell Investig 2019; 6:38. [PMID: 31853454 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2019.10.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are currently known as the main cause of tumor recurrence. After chemotherapy is completed, CSCs proliferate and then differentiate to generate new tumor tissues. Similar to normal stem cells, this non-uniformly distributed cell population in the tumor tissue has self-renewal capacity and is responsible for survival of the tumor and difference in its genetic and metabolic characteristics. Followed by gene instability in CSCs, new phenotypic markers are aberrantly expressed in CSCs subpopulation. Hence, some of the surface markers and metabolic pathways that are upregulated in CSCs may be applied as specific targets for development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In this review article, the distinctive properties of CSCs including signal pathways implicated in self-renewal and surface markers were discussed. Moreover, targeting CSCs based on their specific properties using nanodrugs was reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholam Basati
- Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Khaksarian
- Razi Herbal Medicine Research Center & Department of Physiology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Saber Abbaszadeh
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hamed Esmaeil Lashgarian
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Abdolrazagh Marzban
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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Recent advances in the delivery of disulfiram: a critical analysis of promising approaches to improve its pharmacokinetic profile and anticancer efficacy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 27:853-862. [PMID: 31758497 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-019-00308-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disulfiram (DSF) has a long history of being used as a first-line promising therapy for treatment of alcoholism in human. Besides its prominence in the treatment of alcoholism, extensive investigations have been carried out to explore other biomedical and pharmacological effects of DSF. Amongst other biomedical implications, plenty researches have shown evidence of promising anticancer efficacy of this agent for treatment of wide range of cancers such as breast cancer, liver cancer and lung carcinoma. METHODS Electronic databases, including Google scholar, PubMed and Web of science were searched with the keywords disulfiram, nanoparticles, cancer, drug delivery systems. RESULT Despite its excellent anticancer efficacy, the pharmaceutical significance and clinical applicability of DSF are hampered due to poor stability, low solubility, short plasma half-life, rapid metabolism, and early clearance from systemic circulation. Various attempts have been made to eradicate these issues. Nanotechnology based interventions have gained remarkable recognition in improving pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of DSF by improving its stability and avoiding its degradation. CONCLUSION The aim of the present review is to critically analyse all recent developments in designing various nanotechnology-based delivery systems, to ponder their relevance in improving stability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile, and achieving target-specific delivery of this agent to cancer cells to effectively eradicate cancer and abolish its metastasis. Nanotechnology is a novel approach for overcoming such obstacles faced presently, the results obtained so far using different novel drug delivery systems seem to be very promising to increase the stability and half-life of DSF. Graphical abstract Nanocrrier mediated drug delivery systems for disulfiram.
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Najlah M, Said Suliman A, Tolaymat I, Kurusamy S, Kannappan V, Elhissi AMA, Wang W. Development of Injectable PEGylated Liposome Encapsulating Disulfiram for Colorectal Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11110610. [PMID: 31739556 PMCID: PMC6920821 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11110610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DS), an anti-alcoholism medicine, shows strong anti-cancer activity in the laboratory, but the application in clinics for anti-cancer therapy has been limited by its prompt metabolism. Conventional liposomes have shown limited ability to protect DS. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop PEGylated liposomes of DS for enhanced bio-stability and prolonged circulation. PEGylated liposomes were prepared using ethanol-based proliposome methods. Various ratios of phospholipids, namely: hydrogenated soya phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) or dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and N-(Carbonyl-methoxypolyethylenglycol-2000)-1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE-PEG2000) with cholesterol were used. DS was dissolved in the alcoholic solution in different lipid mol% ratios. The size of the resulting multilamellar liposomes was reduced by high-pressure homogenization. Liposomal formulations were characterized by size analysis, zeta potential, drug loading efficiency and stability in horse serum. Small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs; nanoliposomes) were generated with a size of approximately 80 to 120 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) in the range of 0.1 to 0.3. Zeta potential values of all vesicles were negative, and the negative surface charge intensity tended to increase by PEGylation. PEGylated liposomes had a smaller size (80–90 nm) and a significantly lower PDI. All liposomes showed similar loading efficiencies regardless of lipid type (HSPC or DPPC) or PEGylations. PEGylated liposomes provided the highest drug biostability amongst all formulations in horse serum. PEGylated DPPC liposomes had t1/2 =77.3 ± 9.6 min compared to 9.7 ± 2.3 min for free DS. In vitro cytotoxicity on wild type and resistant colorectal cancer cell lines was evaluated by MTT assay. All liposomal formulations of DS were cytotoxic to both the wild type and resistant colorectal cancer cell lines and were able to reverse chemoresistance at low nanomolar concentrations. In conclusion, PEGylated liposomes have a greater potential to be used as an anticancer carrier for disulfiram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Najlah
- Pharmaceutical Research Group, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishops Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK; (A.S.S.); (I.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44(0)124568-4682
| | - Ammar Said Suliman
- Pharmaceutical Research Group, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishops Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK; (A.S.S.); (I.T.)
| | - Ibrahim Tolaymat
- Pharmaceutical Research Group, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishops Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK; (A.S.S.); (I.T.)
| | - Sathishkumar Kurusamy
- Faculty of Science & Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK; (S.K.); (V.K.); (W.W.)
| | - Vinodh Kannappan
- Faculty of Science & Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK; (S.K.); (V.K.); (W.W.)
| | - Abdelbary M. A. Elhissi
- College of Pharmacy and Office of the Vice President (Research and Graduate Studies), Qatar University, Doha, Qatar;
| | - Weiguang Wang
- Faculty of Science & Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK; (S.K.); (V.K.); (W.W.)
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Systematic chemical screening identifies disulfiram as a repurposed drug that enhances sensitivity to cisplatin in bladder cancer: a summary of preclinical studies. Br J Cancer 2019; 121:1027-1038. [PMID: 31673101 PMCID: PMC6964684 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0609-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since the standard gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) chemotherapy for advanced bladder cancer yields limited therapeutic effect due to chemoresistance, it is a clinical challenge to enhance sensitivity to GC. Methods We performed high-throughput screening by using a library of known chemicals and repositionable drugs. A total of 2098 compounds were administered alone or with GC to human bladder cancer cells, and chemicals that enhanced GC effects were screened. Results Disulfiram (DSF), an anti-alcoholism drug, was identified as a candidate showing synergistic effects with cisplatin but not with gemcitabine in multiple cell lines. Co-administration of DSF with GC affected cellular localisation of a cisplatin efflux transporter ATP7A, increased DNA–platinum adducts and promoted apoptosis. Micellar DSF nanoparticles (DSF-NP) that stabilised DSF in vivo, enhanced the inhibitory effect of cisplatin in patient-derived and cell-based xenograft models without severe adverse effects. A drug susceptibility evaluation system by using cancer tissue-originated spheroid culture showed promise in identifying cases who would benefit from DSF with cisplatin. Conclusions The present study highlighted the advantage of drug repurposing to enhance the efficacy of anticancer chemotherapy. Repurposing of DSF to a chemotherapy sensitiser may provide additional efficacy with less expense by using an available drug with a well-characterised safety profile.
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