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Alsharif ST, Gardouh AM, Mandour MF, Alaqais ZM, Alharbi LK, Almarwani MJ, Mokhtar HI, Hisham FA, Abdellah MM, Mohamed GM, Shorog EM, Almaeen AH, Atteia HH, Zaitone SA. Antitumor activity and targeting p53-PUMA mRNA expression by 5-flurouracil PLGA-lipid polymeric nanoparticles in mouse mammary carcinomas: comparison to free 5-flurouracil. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024; 34:385-397. [PMID: 38083807 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2023.2294083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Polymeric poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PNPs)-based therapy are powerful carriers for various therapeutic agents. This study was conducted to evaluate the chemotherapeutic potential of free 5-flurouracil (5FU) and synthetized 5FU-PNPs and impact on p53-dependent apoptosis in mammary carcinomas (MCs) grown in mice. Breast cancer cells were injected in Swiss albino female mice and 2 bilateral masses of MC were confirmed after one week. Mice were distributed to five experimental groups; Group 1: MC control group. Groups 2 and 3: MC + free 5FU [5 or 10 mg per kg] groups. Groups 4 and 5: synthetized MC+ 5FU-PNPs [5 or 10 mg per kg] groups. Medications were administered orally, twice weekly for 3 weeks. Then, tumors were dissected, and sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) while the other MC was used for measuring of cell death and inflammatory markers. Treatment with 5FU-PNPs suppressed the MC masses and pathologic scores based on HE-staining. Similarly, greater proapoptotic activity was recorded in 5FU-PNPs groups compared to free 5FU groups as shown by significant upregulation in tumoral p53 immunostaining. The current results encourage the utility of PNPs for improving the antitumor effect of 5FU. The chemotherapeutic potential was mediated through enhancement of tumoral p53-mediated p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) genes. Additional studies are warranted for testing the antitumor activity of this preparation in other mouse models of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara T Alsharif
- PharmD program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Gardouh
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jadara University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mohamed F Mandour
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Zood M Alaqais
- PharmD program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lama K Alharbi
- PharmD program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha J Almarwani
- PharmD program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatem I Mokhtar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University-Kantara Branch, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Fatma Azzahraa Hisham
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Mahmoud Abdellah
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Galala University, Suez, Egypt
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Ghena M Mohamed
- Nutrition and Food Science Department, College of Home Economics, Tabuk University, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman M Shorog
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hebatallah H Atteia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sawsan A Zaitone
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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Schwarztrauber M, Edwards N, Hiryak J, Chandrasekaran R, Wild J, Bommareddy A. Antitumor and chemopreventive role of major phytochemicals against breast cancer development. Nat Prod Res 2023:1-21. [PMID: 37646820 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2251167] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer continues to be one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers around the world. Despite the decrease in mortality, there has been a steady increase in its incidence. There is much evidence that naturally occurring phytochemicals could prove to be safer alternatives aimed at prevention and development of breast cancer. In the present review, we discuss important phytochemicals, namely capsaicin, alpha-santalol and diallyl trisulphide that are shown to have chemopreventive and anti-tumour properties against breast cancer development. We examined current knowledge of their bioavailability, safety and modulation of molecular mechanisms including their ability to induce apoptotic cell death, promote cell cycle arrest, and inhibit cellular proliferation in different breast cancer cell lines and in vivo models. This review emphasises the importance of these naturally occurring phytochemicals and their potential of becoming therapeutic options in the arsenal against breast cancer development provided further scientific and clinical validation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathaniel Edwards
- Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA
| | - James Hiryak
- Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA
| | - Ritesh Chandrasekaran
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine, FL Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Jayson Wild
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine, FL Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Ajay Bommareddy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine, FL Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
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Abouelezz HM, El-Kashef DH, Abdеlaziz RR, Nader MA. Tenofovir alone or combined with doxorubicin abrogates DMBA-induced mammary cell carcinoma: An insight into its modulatory impact on oxidative/Notch/apoptotic signaling. Life Sci 2023:121798. [PMID: 37236603 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Breast cancer incidence keeps on growing and emerging as one of the major global challenges, therefore, the introduction of new approaches is of great demand. Drug repurposing is crucial to faster and cheaper discovery of anti-cancer drugs. The antiviral tenofovir disproxil fumarate (TF) was reported to decrease hepatocellular carcinoma risk by interfering with cell cycle and proliferation. This study aimed to scrutinize the role of TF alone or combined with doxorubicin (DOX) in 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast carcinoma rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Breast carcinoma was induced by DMBA (7.5 mg/kg, twice/week, SC into mammary gland) for 4 successive weeks. TF (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) was given orally and DOX (2 mg/kg) was injected once/week by tail vein starting from day 1. KEY FINDINGS The anti-cancerous effect of TF was mediated by suppression of oxidative stress markers and Notch signaling proteins (Notch1, JAG1, and HES1), attenuation of tumor proliferation markers (cyclin-D1 and Ki67), and boosting of apoptosis (P53 and Caspase3) and autophagy biomarkers (Beclin1 and LC3). In parallel, histopathological assessment displayed that mammary glands from animals treated with TF alone or combined with DOX showed better histopathological scores. Interestingly, TF and DOX co-treatment markedly decreased myocardial injury markers (AST, LDH, and CK-MB), restored the balance between GSH and ROS, prohibited lipid peroxidation, and preserved microscopic myocardial architecture. SIGNIFICANCE TF elicited antitumor activity via multiple molecular mechanisms. Moreover, combining TF with DOX might be a potential novel strategy to enhance DOX-anticancer activity and decrease its cardiac side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeer M Abouelezz
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Dalia H El-Kashef
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Rania R Abdеlaziz
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Manar A Nader
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Astrain-Redin N, Sanmartin C, Sharma AK, Plano D. From Natural Sources to Synthetic Derivatives: The Allyl Motif as a Powerful Tool for Fragment-Based Design in Cancer Treatment. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3703-3731. [PMID: 36858050 PMCID: PMC10041541 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the beginning of history, natural products have been an abundant source of bioactive molecules for the treatment of different diseases, including cancer. Many allyl derivatives, which have shown anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo in a large number of cancers, are bioactive molecules found in garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg, or mustard. In addition, synthetic products containing allyl fragments have been developed showing potent anticancer properties. Of particular note is the allyl derivative 17-AAG, which has been evaluated in Phase I and Phase II/III clinical trials for the treatment of multiple myeloma, metastatic melanoma, renal cancer, and breast cancer. In this Perspective, we compile extensive literature evidence with descriptions and discussions of the most recent advances in different natural and synthetic allyl derivatives that could generate cancer drug candidates in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Astrain-Redin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, University of Navarra, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carmen Sanmartin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, University of Navarra, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arun K Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Cancer Institute, CH72, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Daniel Plano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, University of Navarra, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Cancer Institute, CH72, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
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α-Hederin Saponin Augments the Chemopreventive Effect of Cisplatin against Ehrlich Tumors and Bioinformatic Approach Identifying the Role of SDF1/CXCR4/p-AKT-1/NFκB Signaling. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030405. [PMID: 36986504 PMCID: PMC10056433 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1) and its C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 receptor (CXCR4) are significant mediators for cancer cells’ proliferation, and we studied their expression in Ehrlich solid tumors (ESTs) grown in mice. α-Hederin is a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin found in Hedera or Nigella species with biological activity that involves suppression of growth of breast cancer cell lines. The aim of this study was to explore the chemopreventive activity of α-hederin with/without cisplatin; this was achieved by measuring the reduction in tumor masses and the downregulation in SDF1/CXCR4/pAKT signaling proteins and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). Ehrlich carcinoma cells were injected in four groups of Swiss albino female mice (Group1: EST control group, Group2: EST + α-hederin group, Group3: EST + cisplatin group, and Group4: EST+α-hederin/cisplatin treated group). Tumors were dissected and weighed, one EST was processed for histopathological staining with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and the second MC was frozen and processed for estimation of signaling proteins. Computational analysis for these target proteins interactions showed direct-ordered interactions. The dissected solid tumors revealed decreases in tumor masses (~21%) and diminished viable tumor regions with significant necrotic surrounds, particularly with the combination regimens. Immunohistochemistry showed reductions (~50%) in intratumoral NFκβ in the mouse group that received the combination therapy. The combination treatment lowered the SDF1/CXCR4/p-AKT proteins in ESTs compared to the control. In conclusion, α-hederin augmented the chemotherapeutic potential of cisplatin against ESTs; this effect was at least partly mediated through suppressing the chemokine SDF1/CXCR4/p-AKT/NFκB signaling. Further studies are recommended to verify the chemotherapeutic potential of α-hederin in other breast cancer models.
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Canagliflozin interrupts mTOR-mediated inflammatory signaling and attenuates DMBA-induced mammary cell carcinoma in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113675. [PMID: 36115110 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer prevalence has been globally increasing, therefore, introducing novel interventions in cancer treatment is of a significant importance. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-cancer effect of Canagliflozin (CNG) in an experimental model of DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma in female rats. METHODS 18 female rats were divided into three experimental groups: Normal control, DMBA control, DMBA+ CNG treated group. DMBA (7.5 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously in the mammary cells twice weekly for 4 weeks and CNG (10 mg/kg) was orally administered daily for an additional 3 weeks while DMBA control rats only received the vehicle for 3 weeks. Tumors' weight and volume were measured, BRCA-1 and TAC were quantified in serum samples, mTOR, caspase-1, NFκB, IL-1β, NLRP3, GSDMD and MDA were quantified in tumors' homogenates. RESULTS CNG treatment increased the BRCA-1 expression, suppressed mTOR inflammatory pathway, attenuated tumor inflammatory mediators; NLRP3, GSDMD, NFκB, IL-1β, suppressed the oxidative stress and inhibited tumor expression of the proliferation biomarker; Ki67. CONCLUSION CNG modulated mTOR-mediated signaling pathway and attenuated pyroptotic, inflammatory pathways, suppressed oxidative stress and eventually inhibited DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma proliferation.
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Hahm ER, Mathan SV, Singh RP, Singh SV. Breast Cancer Selective Disruption of Actin Cytoskeleton by Diallyl Trisulfide. J Cancer Prev 2022; 27:101-111. [PMID: 35864856 PMCID: PMC9271405 DOI: 10.15430/jcp.2022.27.2.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is an attractive anti-cancer phytochemical with in vitro and in vivo growth inhibitory effects against different solid tumors including breast cancer. We have shown previously that an immortalized mammary epithelial cell line (MCF-10A) is resistant to growth inhibition by DATS. In this study, we performed RNA-seq analysis using a breast cancer cell line (SK-BR-3) and MCF-10A cells to gain insights into cancer selective effects of DATS. The Gene Ontology analysis revealed upregulation of genes associated with actin cytoskeleton but downregulation of mitochondria-related genes in the SK-BR-3 human breast cancer cell line but not in the non-oncogenic MCF-10A cell line upon treatment with DATS. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed DATS-mediated upregulation of several actin cytoskeleton-related genes in the SK-BR-3 cell line. The DATS treatment dose-dependently disrupted actin cytoskeleton in the SK-BR-3 cell line, whereas the MCF-10A cell line was more resistant to this effect. The DATS treatment caused a marked increase in phosphorylation of dynamin-1-like (DRP1) protein in the SK-BR-3 cell line. However, the DATS-mediated apoptosis was not affected by genetic deletion of DRP1 protein. The Reactome pathway analysis showed downregulation of genes associated with citric acid cycle in the SK-BR-3 cell line but not in the MCF-10A cells. However, expression of aconitase 2 or dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase was not affected by DATS treatment. In conclusion, this study reveals that actin cytoskeleton is a novel target of DATS in the SK-BR-3 cell line, which may explain its inhibitory effect on breast cancer cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ryeong Hahm
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sivapar V. Mathan
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rana P. Singh
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Shivendra V. Singh
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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El-Salam MA, Samy G, Bastos J, Metwaly H. Novel antitumor activity of the combined treatment of galloylquinic acids from Copaifera lucens and doxorubicin in solid Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice via the modulation of the Notch signaling pathway. Life Sci 2022; 299:120497. [PMID: 35339508 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study aims to investigate the potential synergistic effect of the combined treatment of galloylquinic acids compounds from Copaifera lucens with doxorubicin via the modulation of the Notch pathway in Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice model. MAIN METHODS The solid tumor model was induced in mice by s.c. injection of Ehrlich cancerous cells in the right hind limb. Sixty mice were allocated into five different groups which included treated groups with galloylquinic acids compounds, doxorubicin and their combination. Normal and tumor control groups were also used. Different biological samples were collected to measure the levels of Notch1, Hes1, Jagged1, TNF-α, IL-6, and VEGF. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of tumor tissues using specific anti-NF-kβ and anti-cyclin D1 antibodies were also performed. KEY FINDINGS Our results showed that the combined treatment of galloylquinic acids compounds with doxorubicin significantly inhibited Notch1, Hes1, Jagged1, TNF-α, IL-6, VEGF, NF-kβ, and cyclin D1 activities. SIGNIFICANCE Galloylquinic acids compounds exhibited promising synergistic chemotherapeutic and oncostatic effects and promoted the chemosensitivity of doxorubicin, mainly by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway and its downstream effectors. These compounds may be considered in cancer therapy exhibiting improved efficacy and reduced side effects of chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abd El-Salam
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, 11152, Egypt; Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02115, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02132, USA.
| | - Ghada Samy
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, 11152, Egypt
| | - Jairo Bastos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14040-900 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heba Metwaly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, 21500 Alexandria, Egypt.
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Zhdanovskaya N, Firrincieli M, Lazzari S, Pace E, Scribani Rossi P, Felli MP, Talora C, Screpanti I, Palermo R. Targeting Notch to Maximize Chemotherapeutic Benefits: Rationale, Advanced Strategies, and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205106. [PMID: 34680255 PMCID: PMC8533696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Notch signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation in a context-dependent fashion both during embryonic development and in adult tissue homeostasis. Consistent with its pleiotropic physiological role, unproper activation of the signaling promotes or counteracts tumor pathogenesis and therapy response in distinct tissues. In the last twenty years, a wide number of studies have highlighted the anti-cancer potential of Notch-modulating agents as single treatment and in combination with the existent therapies. However, most of these strategies have failed in the clinical exploration due to dose-limiting toxicity and low efficacy, encouraging the development of novel agents and the design of more appropriate combinations between Notch signaling inhibitors and chemotherapeutic drugs with improved safety and effectiveness for distinct types of cancer. Abstract Notch signaling guides cell fate decisions by affecting proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation depending on cell and tissue context. Given its multifaceted function during tissue development, both overactivation and loss of Notch signaling have been linked to tumorigenesis in ways that are either oncogenic or oncosuppressive, but always context-dependent. Notch signaling is critical for several mechanisms of chemoresistance including cancer stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor-stroma interaction, and malignant neovascularization that makes its targeting an appealing strategy against tumor growth and recurrence. During the last decades, numerous Notch-interfering agents have been developed, and the abundant preclinical evidence has been transformed in orphan drug approval for few rare diseases. However, the majority of Notch-dependent malignancies remain untargeted, even if the application of Notch inhibitors alone or in combination with common chemotherapeutic drugs is being evaluated in clinical trials. The modest clinical success of current Notch-targeting strategies is mostly due to their limited efficacy and severe on-target toxicity in Notch-controlled healthy tissues. Here, we review the available preclinical and clinical evidence on combinatorial treatment between different Notch signaling inhibitors and existent chemotherapeutic drugs, providing a comprehensive picture of molecular mechanisms explaining the potential or lacking success of these combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Zhdanovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Mariarosaria Firrincieli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Lazzari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Eleonora Pace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Pietro Scribani Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
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Atteia HH, Arafa MH, Mohammad NS, Amin DM, Sakr AT. Thymoquinone upregulates miR-125a-5p, attenuates STAT3 activation, and potentiates doxorubicin antitumor activity in murine solid Ehrlich carcinoma. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 35:e22924. [PMID: 34605108 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In breast cancer, there has been evidence of atypical activation of signal transduction and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Thymoquinone (TQ) exerts its anti-neoplastic effect through diverse mechanisms, including STAT3 inhibition. The tumor suppressor, microRNA-125a-5p was reported to be downregulated in various breast cancer cells. Therefore, we investigated the influence of TQ and/or doxorubicin on microRNA-125a-5p and its correlation with STAT3 activation as well as tumor growth in mice bearing solid Ehrlich tumors. We found that TQ markedly suppressed inducible and constitutive phosphorylation of STAT3 in tumor tissue without affecting STAT5. Moreover, it attenuated tumor growth, downregulated STAT3 downstream target proteins, and increased the apoptotic activities of caspase-3 and -9. Interestingly, TQ-elicited synergism of doxorubicin anti-neoplastic activity was coupled with upregulation of tumoral microRNA-125a-5p. Taken together, the current findings raise the potential of TQ as a promising chemomodulatory adjuvant to augment mammary carcinoma sensitivity to doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebatallah H Atteia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar H Arafa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nanies S Mohammad
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Dalia M Amin
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Amr T Sakr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City (USC), Menoufia, Egypt
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11
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Aguiar J, Gonçalves JL, Alves VL, Câmara JS. Relationship between Volatile Composition and Bioactive Potential of Vegetables and Fruits of Regular Consumption-An Integrative Approach. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123653. [PMID: 34203867 PMCID: PMC8232647 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in studying and exploring the potential health benefits of foods, mainly from vegetables and fruits from regular intake. The presence of secondary metabolites, namely polyphenols, carotenoids and terpenes, in certain food matrices seems to contribute to their functional properties, expressed through an increased prevention in the development of certain chronic diseases, namely coronary heart diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and diabetes. However, some foods' volatile secondary metabolites also present important bioactive properties, although this is a poorly scientifically explored field. In this context, and in order to explore the potential bioactivity of volatile metabolites in different vegetables and fruits from regular consumption, the volatile composition was established using a green extraction technique, solid phase microextraction in headspace mode (HS-SPME), combined with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 320 volatile metabolites, comprising 51 terpenic compounds, 45 organosulfur compounds, 31 aldehydes, 37 esters, 29 ketones, 28 alcohols, 23 furanic compounds, 22 hydrocarbons, 19 benzene compounds, 13 nitrogenous compounds, 9 carboxylic acids, 7 ethers, 4 halogenated compounds and 3 naphthalene derivatives, were positively identified. Each investigated fruit and vegetable showed a specific volatile metabolomic profile. The obtained results revealed that terpenic compounds, to which are associated antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, are the most predominant chemical family in beetroot (61%), orange carrot (58%) and white carrot (61%), while organosulfur compounds (antiviral activity) are dominant in onion, garlic and watercress. Broccoli and spinach are essentially constituted by alcohols and aldehydes (enzyme-inhibition and antimicrobial properties), while fruits from the Solanaceae family are characterized by esters in tamarillo and aldehydes in tomato.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselin Aguiar
- CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; (J.A.); (J.L.G.); (V.L.A.)
| | - João L. Gonçalves
- CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; (J.A.); (J.L.G.); (V.L.A.)
| | - Vera L. Alves
- CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; (J.A.); (J.L.G.); (V.L.A.)
| | - José S. Câmara
- CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; (J.A.); (J.L.G.); (V.L.A.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-291-705-112; Fax: +351-291-705-149
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