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Peng X, Li L, Liu Y, Guo Y, Pang Y, Ding S, Zhou J, Wang L, Chen L. Effects of low-frequency ultrasound combined with microbubbles on breast cancer xenografts in nude mice. Glob Health Med 2024; 6:236-243. [PMID: 39219582 PMCID: PMC11350361 DOI: 10.35772/ghm.2024.01037] [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: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the effects of low-frequency ultrasound (US) combined with microbubbles (MBs) on breast cancer xenografts and explain its underlying mechanisms. A total of 20 xenografted nude mice were randomly divided into four groups: a group treated with US plus MBs (the US + MBs group), a group treated with US alone (the US group), a group treated with MBs alone (the MBs group), and a control group. In different groups, mice were treated with different US and injection regimens on an alternate day, three times in total. Histological changes, apoptosis of cells, microvascular changes, and the apoptosis index (AI) and microvascular density (MVD) of the breast cancer xenograft were analyzed after the mice were sacrificed. Results indicated that the tumor volume in the US + MBs group was smaller than that in the other three groups (p < 0.001 for all). The rate of tumor growth inhibition in the US + MBs group was significantly higher than that in the US and MBs groups (p < 0.001 for both). There were no significant differences in histological changes among the four groups. However, the AI was higher in the US + MBs group than that in the other three groups while the MVD was lower (p < 0.001 for all). All in all, low-frequency US combined with MBs can effectively slow down the growth of breast cancer in nude mice. In summary, low-frequency US combined with MBs has a significant effect on breast cancer treatment. Cavitation, thermal effects, and mechanical effects all play a vital role in the inhibition of tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Peng
- Department of Ultrasound, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lisha Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchun Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqing Guo
- Department of Ultrasound, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Pang
- Department of Ultrasound, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengnan Ding
- Department of Ultrasound, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wang N, Luo L, Xu X, Zhou H, Li F. Focused ultrasound-induced cell apoptosis for the treatment of tumours. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17886. [PMID: 39184389 PMCID: PMC11344538 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a serious public health problem worldwide. Traditional treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, do not always yield satisfactory results; therefore, an efficient treatment for tumours is urgently needed. As a convenient and minimally invasive modality, focused ultrasound (FUS) has been used not only as a diagnostic tool but also as a therapeutic tool in an increasing number of studies. FUS can help treat malignant tumours by inducing apoptosis. This review describes the three apoptotic pathways, apoptotic cell clearance, and how FUS affects these three apoptotic pathways. This review also discusses the role of thermal and cavitation effects on apoptosis, including caspase activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and Ca2+ elease. Finally, this article reviews various aspects of FUS combination therapy, including sensitization by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, gene expression upregulation, and the introduction of therapeutic gases, to provide new ideas for clinical tumour therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- Chongqing University, School of Medicine, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Ultrasound Department, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Luo
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Ultrasound Department, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinzhi Xu
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Ultrasound Department, Chongqing, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Ultrasound Department, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Li
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Ultrasound Department, Chongqing, China
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Meng FD, Yuan L, Xu DJ, Che MY, Hou SZ, Lu DD, Liu WJ, Nan Y. Exploring the targets and molecular mechanism of glycyrrhetinic acid against diabetic nephropathy based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. World J Diabetes 2023; 14:1672-1692. [DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v14.i11.1672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN) stands as the most prevalent chronic microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Approximately 50% of DN patients progress to end-stage renal disease, posing a substantial health burden.
AIM To employ network pharmacology and molecular docking methods to predict the mechanism by which glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) treats DN, subsequently validating these predictions through experimental means.
METHODS The study initially identified GA targets using Pharm Mapper and the TCMSP database. Targets relevant to DN were obtained from the Genecards, OMIM, and TTD databases. The Venny database facilitated the acquisition of intersecting targets between GA and DN. The String database was used to construct a protein interaction network, while DAVID database was used to conducted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. Molecular docking experiments were performed using Autodock software with selected proteins. Experimental validation was conducted using renal proximal tubular cells (HK-2) as the study subjects. A hyperglycemic environment was simulated using glucose solution, and the effect of GA on cell viability was assessed through the cell counting kit-8 method. Flow cytometry was employed to detect cell cycle and apoptosis, and protein immunoblot (western blot) was used to measure the expression of proteins of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway and insulin resistance pathway, including insulin receptor (INSR), PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3).
RESULTS A total of 186 intersecting targets between GA and DN were identified, which were associated with 144 KEGG-related enrichment pathways, 375 GO biological process entries, 45 GO cellular component entries, and 112 GO cellular function entries. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding of GA to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-1, SRC, PIK3R1, HSP90AA1, CASPASE9, HARS, KRAS, and MAPK14. In vitro experiments revealed that GA inhibited HK-2 cell viability, induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and reduced apoptosis with increasing drug concentration. Western blot analysis showed that GA differentially up-regulated GSK3 protein expression, up-regulated AKT/p-AKT expression, down-regulated INSR, AKT, p-AKT, PI3K, and p-PI3K protein expression, and reduced p-PI3K/PI3K levels under high glucose conditions.
CONCLUSION GA may protect renal intrinsic cells by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting HK-2 cell viability, reducing HK-2 cell apoptosis, and inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan-Di Meng
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Ethnomedicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Duo-Jie Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Meng-Ying Che
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shao-Zhang Hou
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Dou-Dou Lu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wen-Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Ethnomedicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Ethnomedicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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Hu Y, Wei J, Shen Y, Chen S, Chen X. Barrier-breaking effects of ultrasonic cavitation for drug delivery and biomarker release. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2023; 94:106346. [PMID: 36870921 PMCID: PMC10040969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2023.106346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Recently, emerging evidence has demonstrated that cavitation actually creates important bidirectional channels on biological barriers for both intratumoral drug delivery and extratumoral biomarker release. To promote the barrier-breaking effects of cavitation for both therapy and diagnosis, we first reviewed recent technical advances of ultrasound and its contrast agents (microbubbles, nanodroplets, and gas-stabilizing nanoparticles) and then reported the newly-revealed cavitation physical details. In particular, we summarized five types of cellular responses of cavitation in breaking the plasma membrane (membrane retraction, sonoporation, endocytosis/exocytosis, blebbing and apoptosis) and compared the vascular cavitation effects of three different types of ultrasound contrast agents in breaking the blood-tumor barrier and tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we highlighted the current achievements of the barrier-breaking effects of cavitation in mediating drug delivery and biomarker release. We emphasized that the precise induction of a specific cavitation effect for barrier-breaking was still challenged by the complex combination of multiple acoustic and non-acoustic cavitation parameters. Therefore, we provided the cutting-edge in-situ cavitation imaging and feedback control methods and suggested the development of an international cavitation quantification standard for the clinical guidance of cavitation-mediated barrier-breaking effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Hu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China; National-regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China
| | - Jianpeng Wei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China; National-regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Shen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China; National-regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China
| | - Siping Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China; National-regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China; National-regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China.
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Mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 induces cell apoptosis in pancreatic cancer by ultrasound with microbubbles. iScience 2022; 25:103733. [PMID: 35118354 PMCID: PMC8792083 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound (US), as a safe and non-invasive tool, has drawn researchers' attention to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Piezo1, a mechanosensitive channel, can be activated by various mechanical stimuli. In this study, we tested the expression of Piezo1 in PDAC cell lines and tissues, and cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo with siRNA, a lentivirus system, and a subcutaneous xenograft tumor-bearing model under the condition of US with microbubbles (MBs). We found that Piezo1 was highly expressed in PDAC cells; it was activated by US with MBs and was closely related to the apoptosis of PDAC cell lines and tumors. This study highlighted the idea of utilizing the high expression of Piezo1 in PDAC and US with MBs to provide a non-invasive strategy for the treatment of PDAC from the aspect of mechanotransduction. Mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells Ultrasound with microbubbles induces apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells Piezo1 is activated by ultrasound with microbubbles and mediates calcium influx
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Chen J, Bao Y, Song Y, Zhang C, Qiu F, Sun Y, Xin L, Cao J, Jiang Y, Luo J, Zhang C, Wang G, Li Q, Liu Y, Tong W, Huang P. Hypoxia-alleviated nanoplatform to enhance chemosensitivity and sonodynamic effect in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 520:100-108. [PMID: 34245853 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a severe disease that threatens human health. The hypoxic tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer leads to resistance to conventional therapies and helps to maintain tumor malignancy. First-line drugs present the disadvantage of systemic side effects, and a synergistic method with sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has been established as an emerging approach. In this study, we produced hypoxia-alleviating nanoplatforms (denoted as PZGI NPs) with zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-90 (ZIF-90) nanoparticles nucleating on platinum (Pt) nanoparticles and co-loaded with gemcitabine and IR780. This platform can catalyze peroxide to oxygen with loaded Pt nanoparticles to alleviate tumor hypoxia. Moreover, the loaded drugs could be quickly released in the lysosome microenvironment, which has a low pH value and high ATP level microenvironment in the mitochondria. This strategy could enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Further, under ultrasound exposure, it could transfer the produced oxygen into a highly cytotoxic singlet oxygen for the augmented sonodynamic effect. Therefore, this multifunctional hypoxia-alleviating nanoplatform offers a promising strategy for chemo-sonodynamic therapy against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifan Chen
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yuheng Bao
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yue Song
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Fuqiang Qiu
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Lei Xin
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yifan Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Jiali Luo
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Guowei Wang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Qunyin Li
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yajing Liu
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Weijun Tong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China.
| | - Pintong Huang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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