1
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Gaumond SI, Abdin R, Costoya J, Schally AV, Jimenez JJ. Exploring the role of GHRH antagonist MIA-602 in overcoming Doxorubicin-resistance in acute myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget 2024; 15:248-254. [PMID: 38588464 PMCID: PMC11001269 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28579] [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] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by the rapid proliferation of mutagenic hematopoietic progenitors in the bone marrow. Conventional therapies include chemotherapy and bone marrow stem cell transplantation; however, they are often associated with poor prognosis. Notably, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor antagonist MIA-602 has been shown to impede the growth of various human cancer cell lines, including AML. This investigation examined the impact of MIA-602 as monotherapy and in combination with Doxorubicin on three Doxorubicin-resistant AML cell lines, KG-1A, U-937, and K-562. The in vitro results revealed a significant reduction in cell viability for all treated wild-type cells. Doxorubicin-resistant clones were similarly susceptible to MIA-602 as the wild-type counterpart. Our in vivo experiment of xenografted nude mice with Doxorubicin-resistant K-562 revealed a reduction in tumor volume with MIA-602 treatment compared to control. Our study demonstrates that these three AML cell lines, and their Doxorubicin-resistant clones, are susceptible to GHRH antagonist MIA-602.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta I Gaumond
- Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Rama Abdin
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Joel Costoya
- Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | | | - Joaquin J Jimenez
- Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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2
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Condor Capcha JM, Kamiar A, Robleto E, Saad AG, Cui T, Wong A, Villano J, Zhong W, Pekosz A, Medina E, Cai R, Sha W, Ranek MJ, Webster KA, Schally AV, Jackson RM, Shehadeh LA. Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor antagonist MIA-602 attenuates cardiopulmonary injury induced by BSL-2 rVSV-SARS-CoV-2 in hACE2 mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308342120. [PMID: 37983492 PMCID: PMC10691341 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308342120] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pneumonia causes acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) characterized by early pulmonary endothelial and epithelial injuries with altered pulmonary diffusing capacity and obstructive or restrictive physiology. Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRH-R) is expressed in the lung and heart. GHRH-R antagonist, MIA-602, has been reported to modulate immune responses to bleomycin lung injury and inflammation in granulomatous sarcoidosis. We hypothesized that MIA-602 would attenuate rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-induced pulmonary dysfunction and heart injury in a BSL-2 mouse model. Male and female K18-hACE2tg mice were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2/USA-WA1/2020, BSL-2-compliant recombinant VSV-eGFP-SARS-CoV-2-Spike (rVSV-SARS-CoV-2), or PBS, and lung viral load, weight loss, histopathology, and gene expression were compared. K18-hACE2tg mice infected with rVSV-SARS-CoV-2 were treated daily with subcutaneous MIA-602 or vehicle and conscious, unrestrained plethysmography performed on days 0, 3, and 5 (n = 7 to 8). Five days after infection mice were killed, and blood and tissues collected for histopathology and protein/gene expression. Both native SARS-CoV-2 and rVSV-SARS-CoV-2 presented similar patterns of weight loss, infectivity (~60%), and histopathologic changes. Daily treatment with MIA-602 conferred weight recovery, reduced lung perivascular inflammation/pneumonia, and decreased lung/heart ICAM-1 expression compared to vehicle. MIA-602 rescued altered respiratory rate, increased expiratory parameters (Te, PEF, EEP), and normalized airflow parameters (Penh and Rpef) compared to vehicle, consistent with decreased airway inflammation. RNASeq followed by protein analysis revealed heightened levels of inflammation and end-stage necroptosis markers, including ZBP1 and pMLKL induced by rVSV-SARS-CoV-2, that were normalized by MIA-602 treatment, consistent with an anti-inflammatory and pro-survival mechanism of action in this preclinical model of COVID-19 pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M. Condor Capcha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136
| | - Ali Kamiar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136
| | - Emely Robleto
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136
| | - Ali G. Saad
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136
| | - Tengjiao Cui
- Research Service, Miami Veterans Affairs Health System (VAHS), Miami, FL33125
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33101
| | - Amanda Wong
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - Jason Villano
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - William Zhong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - Andrew Pekosz
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - Edgar Medina
- Qualityminds Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH), Munchen, Munich81549, Germany
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136
- Research Service, Miami Veterans Affairs Health System (VAHS), Miami, FL33125
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33101
| | - Wei Sha
- Research Service, Miami Veterans Affairs Health System (VAHS), Miami, FL33125
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33101
| | - Mark J. Ranek
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21205
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - Keith A. Webster
- Integene International Holdings, Miami, FL33179
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Andrew V. Schally
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136
- Research Service, Miami Veterans Affairs Health System (VAHS), Miami, FL33125
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33101
| | - Robert M. Jackson
- Research Service, Miami Veterans Affairs Health System (VAHS), Miami, FL33125
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33101
| | - Lina A. Shehadeh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136
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3
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Granato G, Gesmundo I, Pedrolli F, Kasarla R, Begani L, Banfi D, Bruno S, Lopatina T, Brizzi MF, Cai R, Sha W, Ghigo E, Schally AV, Granata R. Growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonist MIA-602 inhibits inflammation induced by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and bacterial lipopolysaccharide synergism in macrophages and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1231363. [PMID: 37649486 PMCID: PMC10462983 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1231363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is characterized by an excessive inflammatory response and macrophage hyperactivation, leading, in severe cases, to alveolar epithelial injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Recent studies have reported that SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein interacts with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to boost inflammatory responses in vitro, in macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and in vivo. The hypothalamic hormone growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), in addition to promoting pituitary GH release, exerts many peripheral functions, acting as a growth factor in both malignant and non-malignant cells. GHRH antagonists, in turn, display potent antitumor effects and antinflammatory activities in different cell types, including lung and endothelial cells. However, to date, the antinflammatory role of GHRH antagonists in COVID-19 remains unexplored. Here, we examined the ability of GHRH antagonist MIA-602 to reduce inflammation in human THP-1-derived macrophages and PBMCs stimulated with S protein and LPS combination. Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis revealed the presence of GHRH receptor and its splice variant SV1 in both THP-1 cells and PBMCs. Exposure of THP-1 cells to S protein and LPS combination increased the mRNA levels and protein secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as IL-8 and MCP-1 gene expression, an effect hampered by MIA-602. Similarly, MIA-602 hindered TNF-α and IL-1β secretion in PBMCs and reduced MCP-1 mRNA levels. Mechanistically, MIA-602 blunted the S protein and LPS-induced activation of inflammatory pathways in THP-1 cells, such as NF-κB, STAT3, MAPK ERK1/2 and JNK. MIA-602 also attenuated oxidative stress in PBMCs, by decreasing ROS production, iNOS and COX-2 protein levels, and MMP9 activity. Finally, MIA-602 prevented the effect of S protein and LPS synergism on NF-кB nuclear translocation and activity. Overall, these findings demonstrate a novel antinflammatory role for GHRH antagonists of MIA class and suggest their potential development for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as COVID-19 and related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Granato
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Iacopo Gesmundo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Pedrolli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ramesh Kasarla
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Begani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Dana Banfi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefania Bruno
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Tatiana Lopatina
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Renzhi Cai
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Wei Sha
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Ezio Ghigo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrew V. Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Medical/Oncology and Endocrinology, and the Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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4
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Halmos G, Szabo Z, Juhasz E, Schally AV. Signaling mechanism of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:1-26. [PMID: 37717982 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic peptide growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) stimulates the secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary through binding and activation of the pituitary type of GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), which belongs to the family of G protein-coupled receptors with seven potential membrane-spanning domains. Splice variants of GHRH-Rs (SV) in human tumors and other extra pituitary tissues were identified and their cDNA was sequenced. Among the SVs, splice variant 1 (SV1) possesses the greatest similarity to the full-length GHRH-R and remains functional by eliciting cAMP signaling and mitogenic activity upon GHRH stimulation. A large body of work have evaluated potential clinical applications of agonists and antagonists of GHRH in diverse fields, including endocrinology, oncology, cardiology, diabetes, obesity, metabolic dysfunctions, Alzheimer's disease, ophthalmology, wound healing and other applications. In this chapter, we briefly review the expression and potential function of GHRH-Rs and their SVs in various tissues and also elucidate and summarize the activation, molecular mechanism and signalization pathways of these receptors. Therapeutic applications of GHRH analogs are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Halmos
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Miami, FL, United States.
| | - Zsuzsanna Szabo
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Eva Juhasz
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Miami, FL, United States; Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States; Department of Medicine, Divisions of Hematology-Oncology and Endocrinology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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5
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Chale RS, Almeida SM, Rodriguez M, Jozic I, Gaumond SI, Schally AV, Jimenez JJ. The Application of GHRH Antagonist as a Treatment for Resistant APL. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3104. [PMID: 37370714 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123104] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
GHRH is a hypothalamic peptide shown to stimulate the proliferation of malignant cells in humans. We have previously shown that the use of GHRH antagonist MIA-602 successfully suppressed the growth of many human cancer cell lines, spanning more than 20 types of cancers. In this study, we demonstrate the presence of GHRH-R in the NB4, NB4-RAA, and K-562 model cell lines. Furthermore, we demonstrate the inhibited proliferation of all three cell lines in vitro after incubation with MIA-602. The treatment of xenografts of human APL cell lines with MIA-602 led to a significant reduction in tumor growth. Additionally, combination therapy with both doxorubicin (DOX) and MIA-602 showed a marked synergistic effect in reducing the proliferation of the K-562 AML cell line. These findings suggest that MIA-602 could be utilized to address resistance to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) therapies, as well as in augmenting anthracycline-based regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder S Chale
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1600 NW 10th Ave RMSB R250, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Stephanie M Almeida
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1600 NW 10th Ave RMSB R250, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Mario Rodriguez
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1600 NW 10th Ave RMSB R250, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ivan Jozic
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1600 NW 10th Ave RMSB R250, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Simonetta I Gaumond
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1600 NW 10th Ave RMSB R250, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Joaquin J Jimenez
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1600 NW 10th Ave RMSB R250, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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6
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Du L, Ho BM, Zhou L, Yip YWY, He JN, Wei Y, Tham CC, Chan SO, Schally AV, Pang CP, Li J, Chu WK. Growth hormone releasing hormone signaling promotes Th17 cell differentiation and autoimmune inflammation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3298. [PMID: 37280225 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39023-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of Th17 cell differentiation and pathogenicity contributes to multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Previously growth hormone releasing hormone receptor (GHRH-R) deficient mice have been reported to be less susceptible to the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Here, we show GHRH-R is an important regulator of Th17 cell differentiation in Th17 cell-mediated ocular and neural inflammation. We find that GHRH-R is not expressed in naïve CD4+ T cells, while its expression is induced throughout Th17 cell differentiation in vitro. Mechanistically, GHRH-R activates the JAK-STAT3 pathway, increases the phosphorylation of STAT3, enhances both non-pathogenic and pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation and promotes the gene expression signatures of pathogenic Th17 cells. Enhancing this signaling by GHRH agonist promotes, while inhibiting this signaling by GHRH antagonist or GHRH-R deficiency reduces, Th17 cell differentiation in vitro and Th17 cell-mediated ocular and neural inflammation in vivo. Thus, GHRH-R signaling functions as a critical factor that regulates Th17 cell differentiation and Th17 cell-mediated autoimmune ocular and neural inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Bo Man Ho
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Linbin Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yolanda Wong Ying Yip
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jing Na He
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yingying Wei
- Department of Statistics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Clement C Tham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sun On Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Wai Kit Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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7
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Cui T, Wangpaichitr M, Schally AV, Griswold AJ, Vidaurre I, Sha W, Jackson RM. Alveolar epithelial cell growth hormone releasing hormone receptor in alveolar epithelial inflammation. Exp Lung Res 2023; 49:152-164. [PMID: 37584484 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2023.2246074] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a 44-amino acid peptide that regulates growth hormone (GH) secretion. We hypothesized that GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) in alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells could modulate pro-inflammatory and possibly subsequent pro-fibrotic effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or cytokines, such that AT2 cells could participate in lung inflammation and fibrosis. Methods: We used human alveolar type 2 (iAT2) epithelial cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to investigate how GHRH-R modulates gene and protein expression. We tested iAT2 cells' gene expression in response to LPS or cytokines, seeking whether these mechanisms caused endogenous production of pro-inflammatory molecules or mesenchymal markers. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to investigate differential expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers. Result: Incubation of iAT2 cells with LPS increased expression of IL1-β and TNF-α in addition to mesenchymal genes, including ACTA2, FN1 and COL1A1. Alveolar epithelial cell gene expression due to LPS was significantly inhibited by GHRH-R peptide antagonist MIA-602. Incubation of iAT2 cells with cytokines like those in fibrotic lungs similarly increased expression of genes for IL1-β, TNF-α, TGFβ-1, Wnt5a, smooth muscle actin, fibronectin and collagen. Expression of mesenchymal proteins, such as N-cadherin and vimentin, were also elevated after prolonged exposure to cytokines, confirming epithelial production of pro-inflammatory molecules as an important mechanism that might lead to subsequent fibrosis. Conclusion: iAT2 cells clearly expressed the GHRH-R. Exposure to LPS or cytokines increased iAT2 cell production of pro-inflammatory factors. GHRH-R antagonist MIA-602 inhibited pro-inflammatory gene expression, implicating iAT2 cell GHRH-R signaling in lung inflammation and potentially in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengjiao Cui
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Andrew V Schally
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Pathology and Sylvester Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Anthony J Griswold
- Dr. John T. McDonald Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Wei Sha
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Robert M Jackson
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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8
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Antagonist of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Potentiates the Antitumor Effect of Pemetrexed and Cisplatin in Pleural Mesothelioma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911248. [PMID: 36232554 PMCID: PMC9569772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis and no effective therapies, mainly caused by exposure to asbestos. Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) display strong antitumor effects in many experimental cancers, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Here, we aimed to determine whether GHRH antagonist MIA-690 potentiates the antitumor effect of cisplatin and pemetrexed in PM. In vitro, MIA-690, in combination with cisplatin and pemetrexed, synergistically reduced cell viability, restrained cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis, compared with drugs alone. In vivo, the same combination resulted in a strong growth inhibition of MSTO-211H xenografts, decreased tumor cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. Mechanistically, MIA-690, particularly with chemotherapeutic drugs, inhibited proliferative and oncogenic pathways, such as MAPK ERK1/2 and cMyc, and downregulated cyclin D1 and B1 mRNAs. Inflammatory pathways such as NF-kB and STAT3 were also reduced, as well as oxidative, angiogenic and tumorigenic markers (iNOS, COX-2, MMP2, MMP9 and HMGB1) and growth factors (VEGF and IGF-1). Overall, these findings strongly suggest that GHRH antagonists of MIA class, such as MIA-690, could increase the efficacy of standard therapy in PM.
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9
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Cai R, Zhang X, Wang H, Cui T, Halmos G, Sha W, He J, Popovics P, Vidaurre I, Zhang C, Mirsaeidi M, Schally AV. Synthesis of potent antagonists of receptors for growth hormone-releasing hormone with antitumor and anti-inflammatory activity. Peptides 2022; 150:170716. [PMID: 34952135 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The syntheses and biological evaluation of GHRH antagonists of AVR series with high anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities are described. Compared to our previously reported GHRH antagonist 602 of MIAMI series, AVR analogs contain additional modifications at positions 0, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 20, 21, 29 and 30, which induce greater antitumor activities. Five of nineteen tested AVR analogs presented binding affinities to the membrane GHRH receptors on human pituitary, 2-4-fold better than MIA-602. The antineoplastic properties of these analogs were evaluated in vitro using proliferation assays and in vivo in nude mice xenografted with various human cancer cell lines including lung (NSCLC-ADC HCC827 and NSCLC H460), gastric (NCI-N87), pancreatic (PANC-1 and CFPAC-1), colorectal (HT-29), breast (MX-1), glioblastoma (U87), ovarian (SK-OV-3 and OVCAR-3) and prostatic (PC3) cancers. In vitro AVR analogs showed inhibition of cell viability equal to or greater than MIA-602. After subcutaneous administration at 5 μg/day doses, some AVR antagonists demonstrated better inhibition of tumor growth in nude mice bearing various human cancers, with analog AVR-353 inducing stronger suppression than MIA-602 in lung, gastric, pancreatic and colorectal cancers and AVR-352 in ovarian cancers and glioblastoma. Both antagonists induced greater inhibition of GH release than MIA-602 in vitro in cultured rat pituitary cells and in vivo in rats. AVR-352 also demonstrated stronger anti-inflammatory effects in lung granulomas from mice with lung inflammation. Our studies demonstrate the merit of further investigation of AVR GHRH antagonists and support their potential use for clinical therapy of human cancers and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzhi Cai
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States; South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States
| | - Xianyang Zhang
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States; Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Haibo Wang
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States; Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Tengjiao Cui
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States; South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States; Department of Medicine, Divisions of Medical/Oncology and Endocrinology, and the Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Gabor Halmos
- Department of Biopharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Wei Sha
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States; Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Jinlin He
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States; South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States
| | - Petra Popovics
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States
| | - Irving Vidaurre
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States; South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States
| | - Chongxu Zhang
- Section of Pulmonary Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States
| | - Mehdi Mirsaeidi
- Section of Pulmonary Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States; South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, FL 33125, United States; Department of Medicine, Divisions of Medical/Oncology and Endocrinology, and the Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States.
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10
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Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Veschi S, Di Valerio V, Lattanzio R, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Gesmundo I, Granata R, Cai R, Sha W, Schally AV, Brunetti L, Leone S. Antagonist of growth hormone-releasing hormone MIA-690 attenuates the progression and inhibits growth of colorectal cancer in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 146:112554. [PMID: 34923341 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an aggressive tumor in which new treatment options deliver negative results on cure rates and long-term survival. The anticancer effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonists have been reported in various experimental tumors, but their activity in CRC is unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that chronic treatment with GHRH antagonist of MIAMI class, MIA-690, promoted survival and gradually blunted tumor progression in experimentally induced colitis-associated cancer in mice, paralleled by reduced inflammation in colon tissue. In particular, MIA-690 improved disease activity index score, and reduced loss of weight and mortality, by improving the survival rates, compared with vehicle-treated group. MIA-690 was also found to reduce various inflammatory and oxidative markers, such as serotonin, prostaglandin (PG)E2 and 8-iso-PGF2α levels, as well as COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and NF-kB gene expression. Moreover, MIA-690 inhibited the protein expression of c-Myc, P-AKT and Bcl-2 and upregulated p53 protein expression. In conclusion, we showed that MIA-690 suppresses CRC progression and growth by reducing inflammatory and oxidative markers and modulating apoptotic and oncogenic pathways. Further investigations are required for translating these findings into the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Chiavaroli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Valentina Di Valerio
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Rossano Lattanzio
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Iacopo Gesmundo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Wei Sha
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
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11
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Li T, Xie R, Zhao J, Xu H, Cui Y, Sun C, Wang C, Liu Y. Effectiveness of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Therapy for Children With Phelan-McDermid Syndrome: An Open-Label, Cross-Over, Preliminary Study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:763565. [PMID: 35250656 PMCID: PMC8888442 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.763565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS), also known as the 22q13. 3 deletion syndrome, is a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome with approximately 2,800 patients reported worldwide. Previous pilot study demonstrated that IGF-1 could significantly improve in both social impairment and restrictive behaviors of the patients. However, most of the patients in the developing countries like China cannot afford the high cost of using IGF-1. Our research team speculated that rhGH might serve as a low-cost and more accessible treatment for PMS. Therefore, the purpose of this open-label, cross-over, pilot study was to further investigate the safety and efficiency of rhGH in patients with PMS. METHODS A total of six children with PMS were enrolled in in this open-label, cross-over, pilot study. The children were randomly divided into two different groups. Group A received placebo followed by rhGH, while group B was treated with rhGH first. Neuropsychological and behavior assessments of the patients were performed before the stage I of study and 3 months after the intervention of stage I. After a 4-week period of washout, these assessments were conducted again before the stage II of study and 3 months after the intervention of stage II. Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding-protein (IGFBP)-3 were also evaluated monthly during the intervention phases of the pilot study. RESULTS Compared with the placebo, rhGH treatment significantly decreased subscale scores of GDS (P < 0.0085) and trended to improve the total scores of GDS (P < 0.05), while the total scores and subscale scores of SC-ABC significantly decreased (P < 0.0085) following 3-months rhGH treatment. The similar results were also observed in comparison with baseline. Compared with the baseline, the level of serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 increased significantly (P < 0.05) following 3-months rhGH treatment, while the placebo group had no significant impact on serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 (P > 0.05). One child developed skin allergy the day after the first rhGH treatment, which were resolved later. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this pilot study involving six PMS children patients reveals that rhGH has a positive treatment effect on PMS. These results encourage the undertaking of a large, randomized placebo-controlled trial to conclusively prove rhGH efficacy and tolerability in PMS, thereby promoting it as a low-cost, more accessible treatment for PMS, as compared to IGF-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- TianXiao Li
- Affiliated Hospital of JiangNan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ruijin Xie
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jinling Zhao
- Affiliated Hospital of JiangNan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hua Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of JiangNan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ying Cui
- Affiliated Hospital of JiangNan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Chenyu Sun
- AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chunhong Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of JiangNan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yueying Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of JiangNan University, Wuxi, China
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12
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Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Veschi S, Cama A, Marconi GD, Diomede F, Gesmundo I, Granata R, Cai R, Sha W, Schally AV, Brunetti L, Leone S. Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor antagonist MIA-602 in mice with emotional disorders: a potential treatment for PTSD. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7465-7474. [PMID: 34331008 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01228-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and depression have been suggested to increase the risk for post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). A link between all these mental illnesses, inflammation and oxidative stress is also well established. Recent behavior studies by our group clearly demonstrate a powerful anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of a novel growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonist of MIAMI class, MIA-690, probably related to modulatory effects on the inflammatory and oxidative status. In the present work we investigated the potential beneficial effects of MIA-602, another recently developed GHRH antagonist, in mood disorders, as anxiety and depression, and the possible brain pathways involved in its protective activity, in adult mice. MIA-602 exhibited antinflammatory and antioxidant effects in ex vivo and in vivo experimental models, inducing anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavior in mice subcutaneously treated for 4 weeks. The beneficial effect of MIA-602 on inflammatory and oxidative status and synaptogenesis resulting in anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects could be related by increases of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathways in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These results strongly suggest that GHRH analogs should be tried clinically for the treatment of mood disorders including PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chiavaroli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cama
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Guya Diletta Marconi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca Diomede
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Iacopo Gesmundo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Wei Sha
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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13
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Gesmundo I, Granato G, Fuentes-Fayos AC, Alvarez CV, Dieguez C, Zatelli MC, Congiusta N, Banfi D, Prencipe N, Leone S, Brunetti L, Castaño JP, Luque RM, Cai R, Sha W, Ghigo E, Schally AV, Granata R. Antagonists of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Inhibit the Growth of Pituitary Adenoma Cells by Hampering Oncogenic Pathways and Promoting Apoptotic Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13163950. [PMID: 34439107 PMCID: PMC8393969 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Many studies have demonstrated that the antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) exert inhibitory activities in a variety of experimental cancers; however, their potential antitumor role in pituitary adenomas (PAs) remains largely unknown. Here, we show that GHRH antagonists of Miami (MIA) class, MIA-602 and MIA-690, are able to reduce the growth and promote cell death in hormone-secreting PA cell lines, through the inhibition of mechanisms implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. MIA-602 and MIA-690 also decreased the viability of tumor cells derived from human pituitary tumors. Overall, these findings suggest that GHRH antagonists may represent new therapeutic tools for the treatment of PAs, both alone or in combination with standard pharmacological treatments. Abstract Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are intracranial tumors, often associated with excessive hormonal secretion and severe comorbidities. Some patients are resistant to medical therapies; therefore, novel treatment options are needed. Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) exert potent anticancer effects, and early GHRH antagonists were found to inhibit GHRH-induced secretion of pituitary GH in vitro and in vivo. However, the antitumor role of GHRH antagonists in PAs is largely unknown. Here, we show that the GHRH antagonists of MIAMI class, MIA-602 and MIA-690, inhibited cell viability and growth and promoted apoptosis in GH/prolactin-secreting GH3 PA cells transfected with human GHRH receptor (GH3-GHRHR), and in adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH-secreting AtT20 PA cells. GHRH antagonists also reduced the expression of proteins involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, upregulated proapoptotic molecules, and lowered GHRH receptor levels. The combination of MIA-690 with temozolomide synergistically blunted the viability of GH3-GHRHR and AtT20 cells. Moreover, MIA-690 reduced both basal and GHRH-induced secretion of GH and intracellular cAMP levels. Finally, GHRH antagonists inhibited cell viability in human primary GH- and ACTH-PA cell cultures. Overall, our results suggest that GHRH antagonists, either alone or in combination with pharmacological treatments, may be considered for further development as therapy for PAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iacopo Gesmundo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (I.G.); (G.G.); (N.C.); (D.B.); (N.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Giuseppina Granato
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (I.G.); (G.G.); (N.C.); (D.B.); (N.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Antonio C. Fuentes-Fayos
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba and Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (A.C.F.-F.); (J.P.C.); (R.M.L.)
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara V. Alvarez
- Centro de Investigaciones Médicas (CIMUS) e Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias, University of Santiago de Compostela and Complexo Hospitalario Universitario of Santiago de Compostela, 14004 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (C.V.A.); (C.D.)
| | - Carlos Dieguez
- Centro de Investigaciones Médicas (CIMUS) e Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias, University of Santiago de Compostela and Complexo Hospitalario Universitario of Santiago de Compostela, 14004 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (C.V.A.); (C.D.)
| | - Maria Chiara Zatelli
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 15706 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Noemi Congiusta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (I.G.); (G.G.); (N.C.); (D.B.); (N.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Dana Banfi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (I.G.); (G.G.); (N.C.); (D.B.); (N.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Nunzia Prencipe
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (I.G.); (G.G.); (N.C.); (D.B.); (N.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.L.); (L.B.)
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.L.); (L.B.)
| | - Justo P. Castaño
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba and Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (A.C.F.-F.); (J.P.C.); (R.M.L.)
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl M. Luque
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba and Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (A.C.F.-F.); (J.P.C.); (R.M.L.)
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (R.C.); (W.S.); (A.V.S.)
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Wei Sha
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (R.C.); (W.S.); (A.V.S.)
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Ezio Ghigo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (I.G.); (G.G.); (N.C.); (D.B.); (N.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Andrew V. Schally
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (R.C.); (W.S.); (A.V.S.)
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (I.G.); (G.G.); (N.C.); (D.B.); (N.P.); (E.G.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Gesmundo I, Granata R, Cai R, Sha W, Schally AV, Brunetti L, Leone S. Growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonistic analog MIA-690 stimulates food intake in mice. Peptides 2021; 142:170582. [PMID: 34051291 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In addition to its metabolic and endocrine effects, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) was found to modulate feeding behavior in mammals. However, the role of recently synthetized GHRH antagonist MIA-690 and MR-409, a GHRH agonist, on feeding regulation remains to be evaluated. We investigated the effects of chronic subcutaneous administration of MIA-690 and MR-409 on feeding behavior and energy metabolism, in mice. Compared to vehicle, MIA-690 increased food intake and body weight, while MR-409 had no effect. Both analogs did not modify locomotor activity, as well as subcutaneous, visceral and brown adipose tissue (BAT) mass. A significant increase of hypothalamic agouti-related peptide (AgRP) gene expression and norepinephrine (NE) levels, along with a reduction of serotonin (5-HT) levels were found after MIA-690 treatment. MIA-690 was also found able to decrease gene expression of leptin in visceral adipose tissue. By contrast, MR-409 had no effect on the investigated markers. Concluding, chronic peripheral administration of MIA-690 could play an orexigenic role, paralleled by an increase in body weight. The stimulation of feeding could be mediated, albeit partially, by elevation of AgRP gene expression and NE levels and decreased 5-HT levels in the hypothalamus, along with reduced leptin gene expression, in the visceral adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.
| | | | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Iacopo Gesmundo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Hospital, Turin, 10126, Italy.
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Hospital, Turin, 10126, Italy.
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, United States; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL33136 and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, 33136, United States.
| | - Wei Sha
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, United States; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL33136 and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, 33136, United States.
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, United States; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL33136 and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, 33136, United States.
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.
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15
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Protective effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone analogs in DSS-induced colitis in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2530. [PMID: 33510215 PMCID: PMC7844299 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81778-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides its metabolic and endocrine effects, growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH) is involved in the modulation of inflammation. Recently synthetized GHRH antagonist MIA-690 and MR-409, GHRH agonist, developed by us have shown potent pharmacological effects in various experimental paradigms. However, whether their administration modify resistance to chronic inflammatory stimuli in colon is still unknown. Ex vivo results demonstrated that MIA-690 and MR-409 inhibited production of pro-inflammatory and oxidative markers induced by lipopolysaccharide on isolated mouse colon specimens. In vivo, both MIA-690 and MR-409 have also been able to decrease the responsiveness to nociceptive stimulus, in hot plate test. Additionally, both peptides also induced a decreased sensitivity to acute and persistent inflammatory stimuli in male mice, in formalin test and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model, respectively. MIA-690 and MR-409 attenuate DSS-induced colitis with particular regard to clinical manifestations, histopathological damage and release of pro-inflammatory and oxidative markers in colon specimens. Respect to MR-409, MIA-690 showed higher efficacy in inhibiting prostaglandin (PG)E2, 8-iso-PGF2α and serotonin (5-HT) levels, as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and nitric oxide synthase gene expression in colon specimens of DSS-induced colitis. Furthermore, MIA-690 decreased serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels in mice DSS-treated, respect to MR-409. Thus, our findings highlight the protective effects of MIA-690 and MR-409 on inflammation stimuli. The higher antinflammatory and antioxidant activities observed with MIA-690 could be related to decreased serum IGF-1 levels.
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16
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Zhang C, Cui T, Cai R, Wangpaichitr M, Mirsaeidi M, Schally AV, Jackson RM. Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone in Lung Physiology and Pulmonary Disease. Cells 2020; 9:E2331. [PMID: 33096674 PMCID: PMC7589146 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is secreted primarily from the hypothalamus, but other tissues, including the lungs, produce it locally. GHRH stimulates the release and secretion of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary and regulates the production of GH and hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Pituitary-type GHRH-receptors (GHRH-R) are expressed in human lungs, indicating that GHRH or GH could participate in lung development, growth, and repair. GHRH-R antagonists (i.e., synthetic peptides), which we have tested in various models, exert growth-inhibitory effects in lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo in addition to having anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and pro-apoptotic effects. One antagonist of the GHRH-R used in recent studies reviewed here, MIA-602, lessens both inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of bleomycin lung injury. GHRH and its peptide agonists regulate the proliferation of fibroblasts through the modulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt pathways. In addition to downregulating GH and IGF-1, GHRH-R antagonist MIA-602 inhibits signaling pathways relevant to inflammation, including p21-activated kinase 1-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/nuclear factor-kappa B (PAK1-STAT3/NF-κB and ERK). MIA-602 induces fibroblast apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, which is an effect that is likely important in antifibrotic actions. Taken together, the novel data reviewed here show that GHRH is an important peptide that participates in lung homeostasis, inflammation, wound healing, and cancer; and GHRH-R antagonists may have therapeutic potential in lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongxu Zhang
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.Z.); (T.C.); (R.C.); (M.W.); (M.M.); (A.V.S.)
| | - Tengjiao Cui
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.Z.); (T.C.); (R.C.); (M.W.); (M.M.); (A.V.S.)
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.Z.); (T.C.); (R.C.); (M.W.); (M.M.); (A.V.S.)
| | - Medhi Wangpaichitr
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.Z.); (T.C.); (R.C.); (M.W.); (M.M.); (A.V.S.)
| | - Mehdi Mirsaeidi
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.Z.); (T.C.); (R.C.); (M.W.); (M.M.); (A.V.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA
| | - Andrew V. Schally
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.Z.); (T.C.); (R.C.); (M.W.); (M.M.); (A.V.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA
- Department of Pathology and Sylvester Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA
| | - Robert M. Jackson
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.Z.); (T.C.); (R.C.); (M.W.); (M.M.); (A.V.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA
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17
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Splice variant of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor drives esophageal squamous cell carcinoma conferring a therapeutic target. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:6726-6732. [PMID: 32156725 PMCID: PMC7104313 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1913433117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An explanation has been lacking for the suppressive action of antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors (GHRH-Rs) on cancers that do not express GHRH-Rs, an established target of the antagonists. We demonstrate here that esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), a representative cancer type that barely expresses GHRH-Rs, responds to GHRH-R antagonists. Hypoxia induces GHRH-R splice variant 1 (SV1) and activates a key glycolytic enzyme. Glycolytic metabolism and tumor progression are promoted by activation of SV1 and reversed by the GHRH-R antagonist MIA-602. A high expression of SV1 in ESCC patients predicts a poor prognosis. These findings document the importance of SV1 as a target of GHRH-R antagonists and underline the therapeutic potential of GHRH-R antagonists against SV1-expressing cancers. The extrahypothalamic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and its cognate receptors (GHRH-Rs) and splice variants are expressed in a variety of cancers. It has been shown that the pituitary type of GHRH-R (pGHRH-R) mediates the inhibition of tumor growth induced by GHRH-R antagonists. However, GHRH-R antagonists can also suppress some cancers that do not express pGHRH-R, yet the underlying mechanisms have not been determined. Here, using human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) as a model, we were able to reveal that SV1, a known splice variant of GHRH-R, is responsible for the inhibition induced by GHRH-R antagonist MIA-602. We demonstrated that GHRH-R splice variant 1 (SV1) is a hypoxia-driven promoter of tumor progression. Hypoxia-elevated SV1 activates a key glycolytic enzyme, muscle-type phosphofructokinase (PFKM), through the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, which enhances glycolytic metabolism and promotes progression of ESCC. The malignant actions induced by the SV1–NF-κB–PFKM pathway could be reversed by MIA-602. Altogether, our studies demonstrate a mechanism by which GHRH-R antagonists target SV1. Our findings suggest that SV1 is a hypoxia-induced oncogenic promoter which can be an alternative target of GHRH-R antagonists.
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18
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Signaling mechanisms of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor in LPS-induced acute ocular inflammation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:6067-6074. [PMID: 32123064 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1904532117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular inflammation is a major cause of visual impairment attributed to dysregulation of the immune system. Previously, we have shown that the receptor for growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH-R) affects multiple inflammatory processes. To clarify the pathological roles of GHRH-R in acute ocular inflammation, we investigated the inflammatory cascades mediated by this receptor. In human ciliary epithelial cells, the NF-κB subunit p65 was phosphorylated in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), resulting in transcriptional up-regulation of GHRH-R. Bioinformatics analysis and coimmunoprecipitation showed that GHRH-R had a direct interaction with JAK2. JAK2, but not JAK1, JAK3, and TYK2, was elevated in ciliary body and iris after treatment with LPS in a rat model of endotoxin-induced uveitis. This elevation augmented the phosphorylation of STAT3 and production of proinflammatory factors, including IL-6, IL-17A, COX2, and iNOS. In explants of iris and ciliary body, the GHRH-R antagonist, MIA-602, suppressed phosphorylation of STAT3 and attenuated expression of downstream proinflammatory factors after LPS treatment. A similar suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation was observed in human ciliary epithelial cells. In vivo studies showed that blocking of the GHRH-R/JAK2/STAT3 axis with the JAK inhibitor Ruxolitinib alleviated partially the LPS-induced acute ocular inflammation by reducing inflammatory cells and protein leakage in the aqueous humor and by repressing expression of STAT3 target genes in rat ciliary body and iris and in human ciliary epithelial cells. Our findings indicate a functional role of the GHRH-R/JAK2/STAT3-signaling axis in acute anterior uveitis and suggest a therapeutic strategy based on treatment with antagonists targeting this signaling pathway.
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Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Marconi GD, Gesmundo I, Granata R, Cai R, Sha W, Schally AV, Brunetti L, Leone S. Antinflammatory, antioxidant, and behavioral effects induced by administration of growth hormone-releasing hormone analogs in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:732. [PMID: 31959947 PMCID: PMC6971229 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57292-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonist MIA-690 and GHRH agonist MR-409, previously synthesized and developed by us have demonstrated potent antitumor effects. However, little is known about the effects of these analogs on brain functions. We investigated the potential antinflammatory and antioxidant effects of GHRH antagonist MIA-690 and GHRH agonist MR-409, on isolated mouse prefrontal cortex specimens treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, we studied their effects on emotional behavior after chronic in vivo treatment. Ex vivo, MIA-690 and MR-409 inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory and pro-oxidative markers. In vivo, both MIA-690 and MR-409 induced anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, increased norepinephrine and serotonin levels and decreased nuclear factor-kB, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 gene expression in prefrontal cortex. Increased nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 expression was also found in mice treated with MIA-690 and MR-409. MIA-690 showed higher efficacy in inhibiting all tested inflammatory and oxidative markers. In addition, MR-409 induced a down regulation of the gene and protein expression of pituitary-type GHRH-receptor in prefrontal cortex of mice after 4 weeks of treatment at 5 µg/day. In conclusion, our results demonstrate anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of GHRH analogs that could involve modulatory effects on monoaminergic signaling, inflammatory and oxidative status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Iacopo Gesmundo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Hospital, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Hospital, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Pathology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Wei Sha
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Pathology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Pathology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.
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20
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Uddin MA, Akhter MS, Singh SS, Kubra KT, Schally AV, Jois S, Barabutis N. GHRH antagonists support lung endothelial barrier function. Tissue Barriers 2019; 7:1669989. [PMID: 31578921 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2019.1669989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) regulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. GHRH also acts as a growth and inflammatory factor in a variety of experimental models in oncology. In the current study, we used bovine pulmonary arterial cells in order to investigate the effects of GHRH and its antagonistic and agonistic analogs in key intracellular pathways that regulate endothelial permeability. GHRH antagonists suppressed the activation of MLC2, ERK1/2, JAK2/STAT3 pathway and increased the intracellular P53 and pAMPK levels. In contrast, both GHRH and GHRH agonist MR409 exerted the opposite effects. Furthermore, GHRH antagonists supported the integrity of endothelial barrier, while GHRH and GHRH agonists had the contrary effects, as reflected in measurements of transendothelial resistance. Our observations support the evidence for the anti - inflammatory role of GHRH antagonists in the vasculature. Moreover, our results suggest that GHRH antagonists should be considered as promising therapeutic agents for treating severe respiratory abnormalities, such as the lethal Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Uddin
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
| | - Mohammad S Akhter
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
| | - Sitanshu S Singh
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
| | - Khadeja-Tul Kubra
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.,Divisions of Medical Oncology and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Seetharama Jois
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
| | - Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
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21
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Zhang C, Cai R, Lazerson A, Delcroix G, Wangpaichitr M, Mirsaeidi M, Griswold AJ, Schally AV, Jackson RM. Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Receptor Antagonist Modulates Lung Inflammation and Fibrosis due to Bleomycin. Lung 2019; 197:541-549. [PMID: 31392398 PMCID: PMC6778540 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-019-00257-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a 44-amino acid peptide that regulates growth hormone (GH) secretion. We hypothesized that a GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) antagonist, MIA-602, would inhibit bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and/or fibrosis in C57Bl/6J mice. METHODS We tested whether MIA-602 (5 μg or vehicle given subcutaneously [SC] on days 1-21) would decrease lung inflammation (at day 14) and/or fibrosis (at day 28) in mice treated with intraperitoneal (IP) bleomycin (0.8 units on days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21). Bleomycin resulted in inflammation and fibrosis around airways and vessels evident histologically at days 14 and 28. RESULTS Inflammation (histopathologic scores assessed blindly) was visibly less evident in mice treated with MIA-602 for 14 days. After 28 days, lung hydroxyproline (HP) content increased significantly in mice treated with vehicle; in contrast, lung HP did not increase significantly compared to naïve controls in mice treated with GHRH-R antagonist. GHRH-R antagonist increased basal and maximal oxygen consumption of cultured lung fibroblasts. Multiple genes related to chemotaxis, IL-1, chemokines, regulation of inflammation, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) were upregulated in lungs of mice treated with bleomycin and MIA-602. MIA-602 also prominently suppressed multiple genes related to the cellular immune response including those for T-cell differentiation, receptor signaling, activation, and cytokine production. CONCLUSIONS MIA-602 reduced lung inflammation and fibrosis due to bleomycin. Multiple genes related to immune response and T-cell functions were downregulated, supporting the view that MIA-602 can modulate the cellular immune response to bleomycin lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
| | - Aaron Lazerson
- Department of Comparative Pathology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33101, USA
| | | | | | - Mehdi Mirsaeidi
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33101, USA
| | - Anthony J Griswold
- Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33101, USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33101, USA
- Department of Pathology and Sylvester Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33101, USA
| | - Robert M Jackson
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, Miami, FL, 33125, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33101, USA.
- Research Service, Miami VAHS, 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, FL, 33125, USA.
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22
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Schally AV, Zhang X, Cai R, Hare JM, Granata R, Bartoli M. Actions and Potential Therapeutic Applications of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Agonists. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1600-1612. [PMID: 31070727 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we briefly review the identification of GHRH, provide an abridged overview of GHRH antagonists, and focus on studies with GHRH agonists. Potent GHRH agonists of JI and MR class were synthesized and evaluated biologically. Besides the induction of the release of pituitary GH, GHRH analogs promote cell proliferation and exert stimulatory effects on various tissues, which express GHRH receptors (GHRH-Rs). A large body of work shows that GHRH agonists, such as MR-409, improve pancreatic β-cell proliferation and metabolic functions and facilitate engraftment of islets after transplantation in rodents. Accordingly, GHRH agonists offer a new therapeutic approach to treating diabetes. Various studies demonstrate that GHRH agonists promote repair of cardiac tissue, producing improvement of ejection fraction and reduction of infarct size in rats, reduction of infarct scar in swine, and attenuation of cardiac hypertrophy in mice, suggesting clinical applications. The presence of GHRH-Rs in ocular tissues and neuroprotective effects of GHRH analogs in experimental diabetic retinopathy indicates their possible therapeutic applications for eye diseases. Other effects of GHRH agonists, include acceleration of wound healing, activation of immune cells, and action on the central nervous system. As GHRH might function as a growth factor, we examined effects of GHRH agonists on tumors. In vitro, GHRH agonists stimulate growth of human cancer cells and upregulate GHRH-Rs. However, in vivo, GHRH agonists inhibit growth of human cancers xenografted into nude mice and downregulate pituitary and tumoral GHRH-Rs. Therapeutic applications of GHRH analogs are discussed. The development of GHRH analogs should lead to their clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
- Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Xianyang Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Joshua M Hare
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartoli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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23
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Jeanne Dit Fouque K, Moreno J, Fernandez-Lima F. Exploring the Conformational Space of Growth-Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analogues Using Dopant Assisted Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry–Mass Spectrometry. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:6169-6177. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b03777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Jeanne Dit Fouque
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC4-233, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Javier Moreno
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC4-233, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Francisco Fernandez-Lima
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC4-233, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC4-211, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
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24
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Qin YJ, Chu WK, Huang L, Ng CHY, Chan TCY, Cao D, Yang C, Zhang L, Huang SP, Li J, Lin HL, Li WQ, Chen L, Schally AV, Chan SO, Zhang HY, Pang CP. Induction of Apoptosis in Pterygium Cells by Antagonists of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Receptors. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:5060-5066. [PMID: 30357400 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the signaling of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRH-R) in the pathogenesis of pterygium and determine the apoptotic effect of GHRH-R antagonist on pterygium epithelial cells (PECs). Methods Fourteen samples of primary pterygium of grade T3 with size of corneal invasion ≥ 4 mm were obtained for investigation by histology, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, explant culture, and flow cytometry. Results We found that PECs were localized in the basal layer of the epithelium in advancing regions of the head of pterygium. These cells harbored clusters of rough endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, and mitochondria, which were consistent with their aggressive proliferation. Immunofluorescence studies and Western blots showed that GHRH-R and the downstream growth hormone receptor (GH-R) were intensively expressed in PECs. Their respective ligands, GHRH and GH, were also elevated in the pterygium tissues as compared to conjunctival cells. Explanted PECs were strongly immunoreactive to GHRH-R and exhibited differentiation and proliferation that led to lump formation. Treatment with GHRH-R antagonist MIA-602 induced apoptosis of PECs in a dose-dependent manner, which was accompanied by a downregulation of ERK1 and upregulation of Caspase 3 expression. Conclusions Our results revealed that GHRH-R signaling is involved in survival and proliferation of PECs and suggest a potential therapeutic approach for GHRH-R antagonist in the treatment of pterygium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Jie Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wai Kit Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Clara Hoi Yen Ng
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tommy Chung Yan Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Di Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shao Ping Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Liang Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Qian Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Department of Pathology and Department of Medicine, University of Miami Medical School, Miami, Florida, United States.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Sun On Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hong Yang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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25
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Boguszewski CL, Boguszewski MCDS. Growth Hormone's Links to Cancer. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:558-574. [PMID: 30500870 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Several components of the GH axis are involved in tumor progression, and GH-induced intracellular signaling has been strongly associated with breast cancer susceptibility in genome-wide association studies. In the general population, high IGF-I levels and low IGF-binding protein-3 levels within the normal range are associated with the development of common malignancies, and components of the GH-IGF signaling system exhibit correlations with clinical, histopathological, and therapeutic parameters in cancer patients. Despite promising findings in preclinical studies, anticancer therapies targeting the GH-IGF signaling system have led to disappointing results in clinical trials. There is substantial evidence for some degree of protection against tumor development in several animal models and in patients with genetic defects associated with GH deficiency or resistance. In contrast, the link between GH excess and cancer risk in acromegaly patients is much less clear, and cancer screening in acromegaly has been a highly controversial issue. Recent studies have shown that increased life expectancy in acromegaly patients who attain normal GH and IGF-I levels is associated with more deaths due to age-related cancers. Replacement GH therapy in GH deficiency hypopituitary adults and short children has been shown to be safe when no other risk factors for malignancy are present. Nevertheless, the use of GH in cancer survivors and in short children with RASopathies, chromosomal breakage syndromes, or DNA-repair disorders should be carefully evaluated owing to an increased risk of recurrence, primary cancer, or second neoplasia in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Luiz Boguszewski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Division (SEMPR), University Hospital, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
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Lu M, Flanagan JU, Langley RJ, Hay MP, Perry JK. Targeting growth hormone function: strategies and therapeutic applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2019; 4:3. [PMID: 30775002 PMCID: PMC6367471 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-019-0036-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human growth hormone (GH) is a classical pituitary endocrine hormone that is essential for normal postnatal growth and has pleiotropic effects across multiple physiological systems. GH is also expressed in extrapituitary tissues and has localized autocrine/paracrine effects at these sites. In adults, hypersecretion of GH causes acromegaly, and strategies that block the release of GH or that inhibit GH receptor (GHR) activation are the primary forms of medical therapy for this disease. Overproduction of GH has also been linked to cancer and the microvascular complications that are associated with diabetes. However, studies to investigate the therapeutic potential of GHR antagonism in these diseases have been limited, most likely due to difficulty in accessing therapeutic tools to study the pharmacology of the receptor in vivo. This review will discuss current and emerging strategies for antagonizing GH function and the potential disease indications. Emerging therapies are offering an expanded toolkit for combatting the effects of human growth hormone overproduction. Human growth hormone (GH) is a major driver of postnatal growth; however, systemic or localized overproduction is implicated in the aberrant growth disease acromegaly, cancer, and diabetes. In this review, researchers led by Jo Perry, from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, discuss strategies that either inhibit GH production, block its systemic receptor, or interrupt its downstream signaling pathways. The only licensed GH receptor blocker is pegvisomant, but therapies are in development that include long-acting protein and antibody-based blockers, and nucleotide complexes that degrade GHR production have also shown promise. Studies investigating GHR antagonism are limited, partly due to difficulty in accessing therapeutic tools which block GHR function, but overcoming these obstacles may yield advances in alleviating chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Lu
- 1Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jack U Flanagan
- 2Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,3Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ries J Langley
- 3Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand.,4Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael P Hay
- 2Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,3Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jo K Perry
- 1Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,3Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) inhibit the growth of human malignant pleural mesothelioma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:2226-2231. [PMID: 30659154 PMCID: PMC6369772 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1818865116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. MPM remains a serious public health problem, and novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. The antitumor properties of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonists have been demonstrated in different cancers; however, their influence in MPM remains unexplored. Our work shows that GHRH antagonists MIA-602 and MIA-690 reduce survival, proliferation, and migration of human MPM cell lines and primary MPM cells in vitro by modulating apoptotic and oncogenic pathways. In vivo, GHRH antagonists inhibited the growth of MPM xenografts and blunted the production of growth factors in tumors. Overall, the inhibitory activities described in this study suggest that GHRH antagonists may be considered for development of therapies for MPM. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy associated with exposure to asbestos, with poor prognosis and no effective therapies. The strong inhibitory activities of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonists have been demonstrated in different experimental human cancers, including lung cancer; however, their role in MPM remains unknown. We assessed the effects of the GHRH antagonists MIA-602 and MIA-690 in vitro in MPM cell lines and in primary MPM cells, and in vivo in MPM xenografts. GHRH, GHRH receptor, and its main splice variant SV1 were found in all the MPM cell types examined. In vitro, MIA-602 and MIA-690 reduced survival and proliferation in both MPM cell lines and primary cells and showed synergistic inhibitory activity with the chemotherapy drug pemetrexed. In MPM cells, GHRH antagonists also regulated activity and expression of apoptotic molecules, inhibited cell migration, and reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. These effects were accompanied by impairment of mitochondrial activity and increased production of reactive oxygen species. In vivo, s.c. administration of MIA-602 and MIA-690 at the dose of 5 μg/d for 4 wk strongly inhibited the growth of MPM xenografts in mice, along with reduction of tumor insulin-like growth factor-I and vascular endothelial growth factor. Overall, these results suggest that treatment with GHRH antagonists, alone or in association with chemotherapy, may offer an approach for the treatment of MPM.
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Agonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) inhibit human experimental cancers in vivo by down-regulating receptors for GHRH. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:12028-12033. [PMID: 30373845 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1813375115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) agonist MR409 on various human cancer cells were investigated. In H446 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and HCC827 and H460 (non-SCLC) cells, MR409 promoted cell viability, reduced cell apoptosis, and induced the production of cellular cAMP in vitro. Western blot analyses showed that treatment of cancer cells with MR409 up-regulated the expression of cyclins D1 and D2 and cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6, down-regulated p27kip1, and significantly increased the expression of the pituitary-type GHRH receptor (pGHRH-R) and its splice-variant (SV1). Hence, in vitro MR409 exerts agonistic action on lung cancer cells in contrast to GHRH antagonists. However, in vivo, MR409 inhibited growth of lung cancers xenografted into nude mice. MR409 given s.c. at 5 μg/day for 4 to 8 weeks significantly suppressed growth of HCC827, H460, and H446 tumors by 48.2%, 48.7%, and 65.6%, respectively. This inhibition of tumor growth by MR409 was accompanied by the down-regulation of the expression of pGHRH-R and SV1 in the pituitary gland and tumors. Tumor inhibitory effects of MR409 in vivo were also observed in other human cancers, including gastric, pancreatic, urothelial, prostatic, mammary, and colorectal. This inhibition of tumor growth parallel to the down-regulation of GHRH-Rs is similar and comparable to the suppression of sex hormone-dependent cancers after the down-regulation of receptors for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) by LHRH agonists. Further oncological investigations with GHRH agonists are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Popovics P, Cai R, Sha W, Rick FG, Schally AV. Growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists reduce prostatic enlargement and inflammation in carrageenan-induced chronic prostatitis. Prostate 2018; 78:970-980. [PMID: 29786867 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation plays a key role in the etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through multiple pathways involving the stimulation of proliferation by cytokines and growth factors as well as the induction of the focal occurrence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We have previously reported that GHRH acts as a prostatic growth factor in experimental BPH and in autoimmune prostatitis models and its blockade with GHRH antagonists offer therapeutic approaches for these conditions. Our current study was aimed at the investigation of the beneficial effects of GHRH antagonists in λ-carrageenan-induced chronic prostatitis and at probing the downstream molecular pathways that are implicated in GHRH signaling. METHODS To demonstrate the complications triggered by recurrent/chronic prostatic inflammation in Sprague-Dawley rats, 50 μL 3% carrageenan was injected into both ventral prostate lobes two times, 3 weeks apart. GHRH antagonist, MIA-690, was administered 5 days after the second intraprostatic injection at 20 μg daily dose for 4 weeks. GHRH-induced signaling events were identified in BPH-1 and in primary prostate epithelial (PrEp) cells at 5, 15, 30, and 60 min with Western blot. RESULTS Inflammation induced prostatic enlargement and increased the area of the stromal compartment whereas treatment with the GHRH antagonist significantly reduced these effects. This beneficial activity was consistent with a decrease in prostatic GHRH, inflammatory marker COX-2, growth factor IGF-1 and inflammatory and EMT marker TGF-β1 protein levels and the expression of multiple genes related to EMT. In vitro, GHRH stimulated multiple pathways involved in inflammation and growth in both BPH-1 and PrEp cells including NFκB p65, AKT, ERK1/2, EGFR, STAT3 and increased the levels of TGF-β1 and Snail/Slug. Most interestingly, GHRH also stimulated the transactivation of the IGF receptor. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates that GHRH antagonists could be beneficial for the treatment of prostatic inflammation and BPH in part by inhibiting the growth-promoting and inflammatory effects of locally produced GHRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Popovics
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Wei Sha
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Ferenc G Rick
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
- Department of Urology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International, University, Miami, Florida
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
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Jeanne Dit Fouque K, Salgueiro LM, Cai R, Sha W, Schally AV, Fernandez-Lima F. Structural Motif Descriptors as a Way To Elucidate the Agonistic or Antagonistic Activity of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Peptide Analogues. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:7432-7440. [PMID: 31458901 PMCID: PMC6644384 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of analogues of hypothalamic neuropeptide growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is an efficient strategy for designing new therapeutic agents. Several promising synthetic agonist and antagonist analogues of GHRH have been developed based on amino acid mutations of the GHRH (1-29) sequence. Because structural information on the activity of the GHRH agonists or antagonists is limited, there is a need for more effective analytical workflows capable of correlating the peptide sequence with biological activity. In the present work, three GHRH agonists-MR-356, MR-406, and MR-409-and three GHRH antagonists-MIA-602, MIA-606, and MIA-690-were investigated to assess the role of substitutions in the amino acid sequence on structural motifs and receptor binding affinities. The use of high resolution trapped ion mobility spectrometry coupled to mass spectrometry allowed the observation of a large number of peptide-specific mobility bands (or structural motif descriptors) as a function of the amino acid sequence and the starting solution environment. A direct correlation was observed between the amino acid substitutions (i.e., basic residues and d/l-amino acids), the structural motif descriptors, and the biological function (i.e., receptor binding affinities of the GHRH agonists and antagonists). The simplicity, ease, and high throughput of the proposed workflow based on the structural motif descriptors can significantly reduce the cost and time during screening of new synthetic peptide analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Jeanne Dit Fouque
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International
University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC4-233, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Luis M. Salgueiro
- Veterans
Affairs Medical Center, 1201 NW 16th Street, Research Service (151), Room
2A103C, Miami, Florida 33125, United States
- Departments
of Pathology and Medicine, Divisions of Hematology/Oncology and Endocrinology,
Miller School of Medicine, University of
Miami, 1600 NW 10th Avenue
#1140, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans
Affairs Medical Center, 1201 NW 16th Street, Research Service (151), Room
2A103C, Miami, Florida 33125, United States
- Departments
of Pathology and Medicine, Divisions of Hematology/Oncology and Endocrinology,
Miller School of Medicine, University of
Miami, 1600 NW 10th Avenue
#1140, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Wei Sha
- Veterans
Affairs Medical Center, 1201 NW 16th Street, Research Service (151), Room
2A103C, Miami, Florida 33125, United States
- Departments
of Pathology and Medicine, Divisions of Hematology/Oncology and Endocrinology,
Miller School of Medicine, University of
Miami, 1600 NW 10th Avenue
#1140, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Andrew V. Schally
- Veterans
Affairs Medical Center, 1201 NW 16th Street, Research Service (151), Room
2A103C, Miami, Florida 33125, United States
- Departments
of Pathology and Medicine, Divisions of Hematology/Oncology and Endocrinology,
Miller School of Medicine, University of
Miami, 1600 NW 10th Avenue
#1140, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Francisco Fernandez-Lima
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International
University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC4-233, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
- Biomolecular
Sciences Institute, Florida International
University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC4-211, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
- E-mail:
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Cui T, Schally AV. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and its agonists inhibit hepatic and tumoral secretion of IGF-1. Oncotarget 2018; 9:28745-28756. [PMID: 29983893 PMCID: PMC6033336 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of hypothalamic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) in the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary is well established. However, direct effects of GHRH and its agonistic analogs on extra-pituitary cells and tissues have not been completely elucidated. In the present study, we first demonstrated that human and rat hepatocytes express receptors for GHRH. We then showed that GHRH(1-29)NH 2 and GHRH agonist, MR-409, downregulated mRNA levels for IGF-1 in human cancer cell lines and inhibited IGF-1 secretion in vitro when these cancer lines were exposed to rhGH. Another GHRH agonist, MR-356, lowered serum IGF-l and inhibited tumor growth in nude mice bearing xenografted NCI-N87 human stomach cancers. GHRH(1-29)NH 2 and MR-409 also suppressed the expression of mRNA for IGF-1 and IGF-2 in rat and human hepatocytes, decreased the secretion of IGF-1 in vitro from rat hepatocytes stimulated with rhGH, and lowered serum IGF-l levels in hypophysectomized rats injected with rhGH. Vasoactive intestinal peptide had no effect on the release of IGF-1 from the hepatocytes. Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with MR-409 reduced serum levels of IGF-l from days 1 to 5. These results show that GHRH and its agonists can, by a direct action, inhibit the secretion of IGF-1 from the liver and from tumors. The inhibitory effect of GHRH appears to be mediated by the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) and GH receptor (GHR), with the involvement of JAK2/STAT5 pathways. Further studies are required to investigate the possible physiopathological role of GHRH in the control of secretion of IGF-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengjiao Cui
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Hematology, Oncology and Endocrinology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrew V. Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Hematology, Oncology and Endocrinology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Jimenez JJ, DelCanto GM, Popovics P, Perez A, Vila Granda A, Vidaurre I, Cai RZ, Rick FG, Swords RT, Schally AV. A new approach to the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia targeting the receptor for growth hormone-releasing hormone. Br J Haematol 2018; 181:476-485. [PMID: 29663325 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is secreted by the hypothalamus and acts on the pituitary gland to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH). GHRH can also be produced by human cancers, in which it functions as an autocrine/paracrine growth factor. We have previously shown that synthetic antagonistic analogues of GHRH are able to successfully suppress the growth of 60 different human cancer cell lines representing over 20 cancers. Nevertheless, the expression of GHRH and its receptors in leukaemias has never been examined. Our study demonstrates the presence of GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) on 3 of 4 human acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cell lines-K-562, THP-1, and KG-1a-and significant inhibition of proliferation of these three cell lines in vitro following incubation with the GHRH antagonist MIA-602. We further show that this inhibition of proliferation is associated with the upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes and inhibition of Akt signalling in leukaemic cells. Treatment with MIA-602 of mice bearing xenografts of these human AML cell lines drastically reduced tumour growth. The expression of GHRH-R was further confirmed in 9 of 9 samples from patients with AML. These findings offer a new therapeutic approach to this malignancy and suggest a possible role of GHRH-R signalling in the pathology of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin J Jimenez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gina M DelCanto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Petra Popovics
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Aymee Perez
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ailin Vila Granda
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Ren-Zhi Cai
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ferenc G Rick
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Urology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ronan T Swords
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Wang H, Zhang X, Vidaurre I, Cai R, Sha W, Schally AV. Inhibition of experimental small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancers by novel antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone. Int J Cancer 2018; 142:2394-2404. [PMID: 29435973 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of novel antagonists of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)-MIA602 and MIA690-on three human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) lines (H446, DMS53 and H69) and two non-SCLC (NSCLC) lines (HCC827 and H460). In vitro exposure of cancer cells to these GHRH antagonists significantly inhibited cell viability, increased cell apoptosis, decrease cellular levels of cAMP and reduced cell migration. In vivo, the antagonists strongly inhibited tumor growth in xenografted nude mice models. Subcutaneous administration of MIA602 at the dose of 5 μg/day for 4-8 weeks reduced the growth of HCC827, H460 and H446 tumors by 69.9%, 68.3% and 53.4%, respectively, while MIA690 caused a reduction of 76.8%, 58.3% and 54.9%, respectively. Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses demonstrated a downregulation of expression of the pituitary-type GHRH-R and its splice-variant, cyclinD1/2, cyclin-dependent kinase4/6, p21-activated kinase-1, phosphorylation of activator of transcription 3 and cAMP response element binding protein; and an upregulation of expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin and P27kip1 in cancer cells and in xenografted tumor tissues. The study demonstrates the involvement of GHRH antagonists in multiple signaling pathways in lung cancers. Our findings suggest the merit of further investigation with these GHRH antagonists on the management of both SCLC and NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Wang
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL.,Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL.,South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL
| | - Xianyang Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL.,Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL.,South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL
| | - Irving Vidaurre
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL.,South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL.,South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL.,Department of Medicine, Divisions of Endocrinology and Hematology/Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Wei Sha
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL.,South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL.,Department of Medicine, Divisions of Endocrinology and Hematology/Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL.,South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL.,Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL.,Department of Medicine, Divisions of Endocrinology and Hematology/Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
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Stewart TS, Nagesetti A, Guduru R, Liang P, Stimphil E, Hadjikhani A, Salgueiro L, Horstmyer J, Cai R, Schally A, Khizroev S. Magnetoelectric nanoparticles for delivery of antitumor peptides into glioblastoma cells by magnetic fields. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2018; 13:423-438. [PMID: 29345190 PMCID: PMC5810849 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM We studied externally controlled anticancer effects of binding tumor growth inhibiting synthetic peptides to magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENs) on treatment of glioblastomas. METHODS Hydrothermally synthesized 30-nm MENs had the core-shell composition of CoFe2O4@BaTiO3. Molecules of growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonist of the MIA class (MIA690) were chemically bound to MENs. In vitro experiments utilized human glioblastoma cells (U-87MG) and human brain microvascular endothelial cells. RESULTS The studies demonstrated externally controlled high-efficacy binding of MIA690 to MENs, targeted specificity to glioblastoma cells and on-demand release of the peptide by application of d.c. and a.c. magnetic fields, respectively. CONCLUSION The results support the use of MENs as an effective drug delivery carrier for growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists in the treatment of human glioblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffanie S Stewart
- Center for Personalized Nanomedicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
- Center for Nano Science & Technology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Abhignyan Nagesetti
- Center for Personalized Nanomedicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rakesh Guduru
- Center for Personalized Nanomedicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ping Liang
- Cellular Nanomed, Coral Springs, FL, USA
| | - Emmanuel Stimphil
- Center for Personalized Nanomedicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ali Hadjikhani
- Center for Personalized Nanomedicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Luis Salgueiro
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrew Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sakhrat Khizroev
- Center for Personalized Nanomedicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
- Brain Center, Miami, FL, USA
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Protective effects of agonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) in early experimental diabetic retinopathy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:13248-13253. [PMID: 29180438 PMCID: PMC5740669 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1718592114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The studies described here are relevant to the cure of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness with currently limited therapeutic options. Here we provided evidence showing that agonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) can significantly diminish retinal neurovascular injury characterizing the early stages of diabetic retinopathy through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The results of the presented studies provide information on the potential therapeutic effects of GHRH agonists and shed light on the role of hypothalamic hormones in retinal physiology and their effect on visual disorders. In addition, our findings suggest protective effects of GHRH analogs in other disease conditions affecting retinal neuronal cells and, possibly, other nonretinal neurons. The potential therapeutic effects of agonistic analogs of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and their mechanism of action were investigated in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-rats) were treated with 15 μg/kg GHRH agonist, MR-409, or GHRH antagonist, MIA-602. At the end of treatment, morphological and biochemical analyses assessed the effects of these compounds on retinal neurovascular injury induced by hyperglycemia. The expression levels of GHRH and its receptor (GHRH-R) measured by qPCR and Western blotting were significantly down-regulated in retinas of STZ-rats and in human diabetic retinas (postmortem) compared with their respective controls. Treatment of STZ-rats with the GHRH agonist, MR-409, prevented retinal morphological alteration induced by hyperglycemia, particularly preserving survival of retinal ganglion cells. The reverse, using the GHRH antagonist, MIA-602, resulted in worsening of retinal morphology and a significant alteration of the outer retinal layer. Explaining these results, we have found that MR-409 exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in retinas of the treated rats, as shown by up-regulation of NRF-2-dependent gene expression and down-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. MR-409 also significantly down-regulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor while increasing that of pigment epithelium-derived factor in diabetic retinas. These effects correlated with decreased vascular permeability. In summary, our findings suggest a neurovascular protective effect of GHRH analogs during the early stage of diabetic retinopathy through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Pópulo H, Nunes B, Sampaio C, Batista R, Pinto MT, Gaspar TB, Miranda-Alves L, Cai RZ, Zhang XY, Schally AV, Sobrinho-Simões M, Soares P. Inhibitory Effects of Antagonists of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) in Thyroid Cancer. Discov Oncol 2017; 8:314-324. [PMID: 28924876 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-017-0307-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a peptide hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that regulates the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone (GH) in the pituitary. The extra-hypothalamic GHRH and its cognate receptors (GHRHR and splice variants) play a mitogenic role by stimulating cell proliferation and preventing apoptotic cell death. It is well established that GHRH antagonists inhibit the growth, tumorigenicity, and metastasis of various human malignancies. In this work, we studied the effect of two new GHRH antagonists, MIA602 and MIA690, on thyroid cancer. We studied the effect of MIA602 and MIA690 on thyroid cancer in vitro, using human thyroid cancer cell lines, and in vivo, using chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays. We found that mRNA for GHRH and GHRH receptor is expressed in thyroid cell lines and in samples of thyroid tumors. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of GHRHR protein in specimens of thyroid tumor. We observed that GHRH antagonists inhibited the growth and increased apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells. In vivo, the antagonists inhibited growth and angiogenesis of engrafted thyroid tumors. Our results suggest that GHRH expression may play a role in growth of thyroid cancer and that GHRH antagonists can be a therapeutic option for thyroid cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pópulo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Experimental Endocrinology-GPEEx Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Postgraduate Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristina Sampaio
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Batista
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Teixeira Pinto
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tiago B Gaspar
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Leandro Miranda-Alves
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Experimental Endocrinology-GPEEx Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Postgraduate Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ren-Zhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Endocrinology and Hematology-Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xian Yang Zhang
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Endocrinology and Hematology-Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Endocrinology and Hematology-Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Divisions of Endocrinology and Hematology-Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Hospital S. João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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