1
|
Natale G, Fini E, Calabrò PF, Carli M, Scarselli M, Bocci G. Valproate and lithium: Old drugs for new pharmacological approaches in brain tumors? Cancer Lett 2023; 560:216125. [PMID: 36914086 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Beyond its use as an antiepileptic drug, over time valproate has been increasingly used for several other therapeutic applications. Among these, the antineoplastic effects of valproate have been assessed in several in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, suggesting that this agent significantly inhibits cancer cell proliferation by modulating multiple signaling pathways. During the last years various clinical trials have tried to find out if valproate co-administration could enhance the antineoplastic activity of chemotherapy in glioblastoma patients and in patients suffering from brain metastases, demonstrating that the inclusion of valproate in the therapeutic schedule causes an improved median overall survival in some studies, but not in others. Thus, the effects of the use of concomitant valproate in brain cancer patients are still controversial. Similarly, lithium has been tested as an anticancer drug in several preclinical studies mainly using the unregistered formulation of lithium chloride salts. Although, there are no data showing that the anticancer effects of lithium chloride are superimposable to the registered lithium carbonate, this formulation has shown preclinical activity in glioblastoma and hepatocellular cancers. However, few but interesting clinical trials have been performed with lithium carbonate on a very small number of cancer patients. Based on published data, valproate could represent a potential complementary therapeutic approach to enhance the anticancer activity of brain cancer standard chemotherapy. Same advantageous characteristics are less convincing for lithium carbonate. Therefore, the planning of specific phase III studies is necessary to validate the repositioning of these drugs in present and future oncological research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Natale
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy; Museum of Human Anatomy "Filippo Civinini", University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Marco Carli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Scarselli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Guido Bocci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Safdar A, Ismail F. A comprehensive review on pharmacological applications and drug-induced toxicity of valproic acid. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:265-278. [PMID: 36942277 PMCID: PMC10023552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid, a branching short chain fatty acid, is a popular drug to treat epilepsy and acts as a mood-stabilizing drug. The obstruction of ion channels and Gamma Amino Butyrate transamino butyrate GABA has been linked to antiepileptic effects. Valproic acid has been characterized as a Histone deacetylase inhibitor, functioning directly transcription of gene levels by blocking the deacetylation of histones and increasing the accessibility of transcription sites. Study has been extensively focused on pharmaceutical activity of valproic acid through various pharmacodynamics activity from absorption, distribution and excretion particularly in patients who are resistant to or intolerant of lithium or carbamazepine, as well as those with mixed mania or rapid cycling.
Collapse
|
3
|
Singh D, Gupta S, Verma I, Morsy MA, Nair AB, Ahmed ASF. Hidden pharmacological activities of valproic acid: A new insight. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:112021. [PMID: 34463268 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is an approved drug for managing epileptic seizures, bipolar disorders, and migraine. VPA has been shown to elevate the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain through competitive inhibition of GABA transaminase, thus promoting the availability of synaptic GABA and facilitating GABA-mediated responses. VPA, which is a small chain of fatty acids, prevents histone deacetylases (HDACs). HDACs play a crucial role in chromatin remodeling and gene expression through posttranslational changes of chromatin-associated histones. Recent studies reported a possible effect of VPA against particular types of cancers. This effect was partially attributed to its role in regulating epigenetic modifications through the inhibition of HDACs, which affect the expression of genes associated with cell cycle control, cellular differentiation, and apoptosis. In this review, we summarize the current information on the actions of VPA in diseases such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, muscular dystrophy, and cardiovascular disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhirendra Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, M.M. College of Pharmacy, M.M. (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Sumeet Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, M.M. College of Pharmacy, M.M. (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India.
| | - Inderjeet Verma
- Department of Pharmacology, M.M. College of Pharmacy, M.M. (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Mohamed A Morsy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt
| | - Anroop B Nair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Al-Shaimaa F Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Son MS, Park CH, Kim JW. Effect of Valproic Acid on Nitric Oxide and Nitric Oxide Synthase in Trabecular Meshwork Cell. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2018. [DOI: 10.3341/jkos.2018.59.6.543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Myung Seo Son
- Department of Ophthalmology, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | | | - Jae Woo Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lee SE, Kim JW. Effects of Valproic Acid on the Survival of Human Tennon's Capsule Fibroblasts. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2018. [DOI: 10.3341/jkos.2018.59.11.1056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- See Eun Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jae Woo Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fan HC, Lee HS, Chang KP, Lee YY, Lai HC, Hung PL, Lee HF, Chi CS. The Impact of Anti-Epileptic Drugs on Growth and Bone Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E1242. [PMID: 27490534 PMCID: PMC5000640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder worldwide and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are always the first choice for treatment. However, more than 50% of patients with epilepsy who take AEDs have reported bone abnormalities. Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoenzymes are induced by AEDs, especially the classical AEDs, such as benzodiazepines (BZDs), carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (PT), phenobarbital (PB), and valproic acid (VPA). The induction of CYP450 isoenzymes may cause vitamin D deficiency, hypocalcemia, increased fracture risks, and altered bone turnover, leading to impaired bone mineral density (BMD). Newer AEDs, such as levetiracetam (LEV), oxcarbazepine (OXC), lamotrigine (LTG), topiramate (TPM), gabapentin (GP), and vigabatrin (VB) have broader spectra, and are safer and better tolerated than the classical AEDs. The effects of AEDs on bone health are controversial. This review focuses on the impact of AEDs on growth and bone metabolism and emphasizes the need for caution and timely withdrawal of these medications to avoid serious disabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hueng-Chuen Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tungs' Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, Wuchi, 435 Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Nursing, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, 356 Miaoli, Taiwan.
| | - Herng-Shen Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, 813 Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Kai-Ping Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 112 Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Yen Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 112 Taipei, Taiwan.
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, 112 Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Hsin-Chuan Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, Tungs' Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, Wuchi, 435 Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Nursing, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, 356 Miaoli, Taiwan.
| | - Pi-Lien Hung
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Medical Center, 833 Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiu-Fen Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 407 Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Shiang Chi
- Department of Pediatrics, Tungs' Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, Wuchi, 435 Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Nursing, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, 356 Miaoli, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Marchion D, Münster P. Development of histone deacetylase inhibitors for cancer treatment. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 7:583-98. [PMID: 17428177 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.7.4.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are an exciting new addition to the arsenal of cancer therapeutics. The inhibition of HDAC enzymes by HDAC inhibitors shifts the balance between the deacetylation activity of HDAC enzymes and the acetylation activity of histone acetyltransferases, resulting in hyperacetylation of core histones. Exposure of cancer cells to HDAC inhibitors has been associated with a multitude of molecular and biological effects, ranging from transcriptional control, chromatin plasticity, protein-DNA interaction to cellular differentiation, growth arrest and apoptosis. In addition to the antitumor effects seen with HDAC inhibitors alone, these compounds may also potentiate cytotoxic agents or synergize with other targeted anticancer agents. The exact mechanism by which HDAC inhibitors cause cell death is still unclear and the specific roles of individual HDAC enzymes as therapeutic targets has not been established. However, emerging evidence suggests that the effects of HDAC inhibitors on tumor cells may not only depend on the specificity and selectivity of the HDAC inhibitor, but also on the expression patterns of HDAC enzymes in the tumor tissue. In this review, the recent advances in the understanding and clinical development of HDAC inhibitors, as well as their current role in cancer therapy, will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Marchion
- H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Experimental Therapeutics Program, Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
A proapoptotic effect of valproic acid on progenitors of embryonic stem cell-derived glutamatergic neurons. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e677. [PMID: 23788034 PMCID: PMC3702299 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is a branched-chain saturated fatty acid with a long history of clinical use as an antiepileptic drug (AED). VPA is also known to inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs) and to cause diverse effects on neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and neurons. Although the neuroprotective or neurodestructive effects of VPA have been investigated in heterogeneous cell populations, in this study, we used homogeneous populations of NPCs and glutamatergic cortical pyramidal neurons, which were differentiated from embryonic stem (ES) cells. At therapeutic concentrations, VPA had a proapoptotic effect on ES cell-derived NPCs of glutamatergic neurons, but not on their progeny. This effect of VPA most likely occurred through the inhibition of HDACs, because similar phenotypes were observed following treatment with other HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) such as trichostatin A and sodium butyrate. The proapoptotic phenotype was not observed when cells were exposed to a structural analog of VPA, valpromide (VPM), which has the same antiepileptic effect as VPA, but does not inhibit HDACs. Western blotting confirmed that treatment with HDACis, but not VPM, significantly increased the levels of histone H3 acetylation in NPCs. HDACi treatments did not affect the survival of neurons, although the acetylation levels were increased to a limited extent. These results, which are based on a homogeneous culture system, suggest that VPA inhibits HDAC activity and induces the apoptosis of NPCs that are fated to differentiate into glutamatergic neurons. The dose-dependent effects of VPA both on apoptosis and hyperacetylation of histone H3 in NPCs supported this notion. These cell type- and differentiation stage-specific effects of VPA imply that dysfunction of HDACs during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of congenital malformations associated with VPA administration.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kwiecińska P, Taubøll E, Gregoraszczuk EŁ. Comparison of the effects of valproic acid and levetiracetam on apoptosis in the human ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR-3. Pharmacol Rep 2012; 64:603-14. [DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(12)70856-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Revised: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
10
|
Fey SJ, Wrzesinski K. Determination of drug toxicity using 3D spheroids constructed from an immortal human hepatocyte cell line. Toxicol Sci 2012; 127:403-11. [PMID: 22454432 PMCID: PMC3355318 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfs122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous publications have documented that the immortal cells grown in three-dimensional (3D) cultures possess physiological behavior, which is more reminiscent of their parental organ than when the same cells are cultivated using classical two-dimensional (2D) culture techniques. The goal of this study was to investigate whether this observation could be extended to the determination of LD50 values and whether 3D data could be correlated to in vivo observations. We developed a noninvasive means to estimate the amount of protein present in a 3D spheroid from it is planar area (± 21%) so that a precise dose can be provided in a manner similar to in vivo studies. This avoided correction of the actual dose given based on a protein determination after treatment (when some cells may have lysed). Conversion of published in vitro LC50 data (mM) for six common drugs (acetaminophen, amiodarone, diclofenac, metformin, phenformin, and valproic acid) to LD50 data (mg compound/mg cellular protein) showed that the variation in LD50 values was generally less than that suggested by the original LC50 data. Toxicological analysis of these six compounds in 3D spheroid culture (either published or presented here) demonstrated similar LD50 values. Although in vitro 2D HepG2 data showed a poor correlation, the primary hepatocyte and 3D spheroid data resulted in a much higher degree of correlation with in vivo lethal blood plasma levels. These results corroborate that 3D hepatocyte cultures are significantly different from 2D cultures and are more representative of the liver in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Fey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark.
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Molecular and therapeutic potential and toxicity of valproic acid. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010. [PMID: 20798865 PMCID: PMC2926634 DOI: 10.1155/2010/479364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Revised: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA), a branched short-chain fatty acid, is widely used as an antiepileptic drug and a mood stabilizer. Antiepileptic properties have been attributed to inhibition of Gamma Amino Butyrate (GABA) transaminobutyrate and of ion channels. VPA was recently classified among the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors, acting directly at the level of gene transcription by inhibiting histone deacetylation and making transcription sites more accessible. VPA is a widely used drug, particularly for children suffering from epilepsy. Due to the increasing number of clinical trials involving VPA, and interesting results obtained, this molecule will be implicated in an increasing number of therapies. However side effects of VPA are substantially described in the literature whereas they are poorly discussed in articles focusing on its therapeutic use. This paper aims to give an overview of the different clinical-trials involving VPA and its side effects encountered during treatment as well as its molecular properties.
Collapse
|
12
|
Participation of lipid transport and fatty acid metabolism in valproate sodium-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2010; 24:1086-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2010.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2009] [Revised: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
13
|
Plant KE, Anderson E, Simecek N, Brown R, Forster S, Spinks J, Toms N, Gibson GG, Lyon J, Plant N. The neuroprotective action of the mood stabilizing drugs lithium chloride and sodium valproate is mediated through the up-regulation of the homeodomain protein Six1. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2009; 235:124-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2008.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2008] [Revised: 10/24/2008] [Accepted: 10/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
14
|
Wang D, Wang Z, Tian B, Li X, Li S, Tian Y. Two hour exposure to sodium butyrate sensitizes bladder cancer to anticancer drugs. Int J Urol 2008; 15:435-41. [PMID: 18452462 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2042.2008.02025.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the inhibitory effect of sodium butyrate (NaB) on the proliferation of human bladder cancer cell lines and its synergetic effect with anticancer drugs in treating bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The inhibitory effects of NaB on human bladder cancer cell lines in vitro and the synergetic effect of NaB with mitomycin c, cisplatin (CDDP) and adriamycin were detected by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Hoechst staining and electron microscopy were used to observe morphology for apoptotic cells after NaB treatment. Fas, bcl-2 and caspase-3 were determined with flow cytometry. In vivo synergetic effects were detected in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea induced bladder cancer model rats. RESULTS NaB significantly inhibited the growth of bladder cancer cell lines in a concentration and time dependent manner. Better results of tumor inhibition have been achieved when NaB was combined with CDDP, mitomycin c and adriamycin, rather than used alone. Furthermore, 2 h exposure to NaB can sensitize bladder cancer to chemotherapy agents. The Bcl-2 expression in bladder cancer cells is decreased and caspase-3 expression increased after NaB treatment. Intravesical application of NaB combined with CDDP can significantly inhibit tumor growth and progression. CONCLUSIONS NaB has a direct anticancer effect and can markedly enhance the action of several chemotherapy agents. 2 h expose to NaB can also sensitize bladder cancer to anticancer drugs. NaB may be an excellent candidate agent for intravesical application in treating bladder cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Degui Wang
- Institute of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Plant N. Can systems toxicology identify common biomarkers of non-genotoxic carcinogenesis? Toxicology 2008; 254:164-9. [PMID: 18674585 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2008.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2008] [Revised: 06/30/2008] [Accepted: 07/01/2008] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
For the rapid development of safe, efficacious chemicals it is important that any potential liabilities are identified as early as possible in the discovery/development pipeline. Once identified it is then possible to make rational decisions on whether to progress a chemical and/or series further; one such liability is chemical carcinogenesis, a highly undesirable characteristic in a novel chemical entity. Chemical carcinogens may be roughly divided into two classes, those that elicit their actions through direct damage to DNA (genotoxic carcinogens) and those that cause carcinogenesis through mechanisms that involve direct damage of the DNA by the agent (non-genotoxic carcinogens). Whereas the former group can be identified by in vitro screens to a good degree of accuracy, the latter group are far more problematic due to their diverse modes of action. This review will focus on the latter class of chemical carcinogens, examining how modern '-omic' technologies have begun to identify signatures that may represent sensitive, early markers for these processes. In addition to their use in signature generation the role of -omic level approaches to delineating molecular mechanisms of action will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nick Plant
- Centre for Toxicology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Angelucci A, Valentini A, Millimaggi D, Gravina GL, Miano R, Dolo V, Vicentini C, Bologna M, Federici G, Bernardini S. Valproic acid induces apoptosis in prostate carcinoma cell lines by activation of multiple death pathways. Anticancer Drugs 2007; 17:1141-50. [PMID: 17075313 DOI: 10.1097/01.cad.0000236302.89843.fc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid is a well-known antiepileptic drug that was recently discovered to have a wide-spectrum antitumoral action in several tumors. In our work, we tested the proapoptotic activity of valproic acid in prostate cancer. Valproic acid-induced apoptosis was described by several in-vitro assays in three prostate cancer cell lines: two representing the prototype of advanced, clinically untreatable stages of prostate progression, PC3 and DU145, and one resembling a more differentiated androgen-sensitive tumor, LNCaP. We observed that valproic acid was a potent and early apoptotic inducer, mainly in less-differentiated prostate cancer cell lines. The molecular analysis of the apoptotic machinery involved in valproic acid action revealed a central role in Bcl-2 downmodulation. When prostate cancer cells were treated for a longer time with valproic acid, we detected an enhancement of Fas-dependent apoptosis associated with an overexpression in Fas and Fas ligand. Our data indicate that the use of valproic acid may be a suitable therapeutic agent in the control of prostate cancer progression and its action appears particularly relevant in the control of refractory stages of prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Angelucci
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, Science School, University of L'Aquila, and Bambino Gesù Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Beste DJV, Laing E, Bonde B, Avignone-Rossa C, Bushell ME, McFadden JJ. Transcriptomic analysis identifies growth rate modulation as a component of the adaptation of mycobacteria to survival inside the macrophage. J Bacteriol 2007; 189:3969-76. [PMID: 17384194 PMCID: PMC1913408 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01787-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptation of the tubercle bacillus to the host environment is likely to involve a complex set of gene regulatory events and physiological switches in response to environmental signals. In order to deconstruct the physiological state of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vivo, we used a chemostat model to study a single aspect of the organism's in vivo state, slow growth. Mycobacterium bovis BCG was cultivated at high and low growth rates in a carbon-limited chemostat, and transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the gene regulation events associated with slow growth. The results demonstrated that slow growth was associated with the induction of expression of several genes of the dormancy survival regulon. There was also a striking overlap between the transcriptomic profile of BCG in the chemostat model and the response of M. tuberculosis to growth in the macrophage, implying that a significant component of the response of the pathogen to the macrophage environment is the response to slow growth in carbon-limited conditions. This demonstrated the importance of adaptation to a low growth rate to the virulence strategy of M. tuberculosis and also the value of the chemostat model for deconstructing components of the in vivo state of this important pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D J V Beste
- School of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lee MH, Hong I, Kim M, Lee BH, Kim JH, Kang KS, Kim HL, Yoon BI, Chung H, Kong G, Lee MO. Gene expression profiles of murine fatty liver induced by the administration of valproic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2006; 220:45-59. [PMID: 17292431 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2006.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2006] [Revised: 12/13/2006] [Accepted: 12/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) has been used as anticonvulsants, however, it induces hepatotoxicity such as microvesicular steatosis and necrosis in the liver. To explore the mechanisms of VPA-induced steatosis, we profiled the gene expression patterns of the mouse liver that were altered by treatment with VPA using microarray analysis. VPA was orally administered as a single dose of 100 mg/kg (low-dose) or 1000 mg/kg (high-dose) to ICR mice and the animals were killed at 6, 24, or 72 h after treatment. Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were not significantly altered in the experimental animals. However, symptoms of steatosis were observed at 72 h with low-dose and at 24 h and 72 h with high-dose. After microarray data analysis, 1910 genes were selected by two-way ANOVA (P<0.05) as VPA-responsive genes. Hierarchical clustering revealed that gene expression changes depended on the time rather than the dose of VPA treatment. Gene profiling data showed striking changes in the expression of genes associated with lipid, fatty acid, and steroid metabolism, oncogenesis, signal transduction, and development. Functional categorization of 1156 characteristically up- and down-regulated genes (cutoff >1.5-fold) revealed that 60 genes were involved in lipid metabolism that was interconnected with biological pathways for biosynthesis of triglyceride and cholesterol, catabolism of fatty acid, and lipid transport. This gene expression profile may be associated with the known steatogenic hepatotoxicity of VPA and it may provide useful information for prediction of hepatotoxicity of unknown chemicals or new drug candidates through pattern recognition.
Collapse
|
19
|
Dragunow M, Greenwood JM, Cameron RE, Narayan PJ, O'Carroll SJ, Pearson AG, Gibbons HM. Valproic acid induces caspase 3-mediated apoptosis in microglial cells. Neuroscience 2006; 140:1149-56. [PMID: 16600518 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.02.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2005] [Revised: 02/14/2006] [Accepted: 02/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid is widely used for the treatment of epilepsy and mood disorders, but its mode of action is unclear. Treatment of neuronal cells with valproic acid promotes neurite sprouting, is neuroprotective and drives neurogenesis; however its effects on non-neuronal brain cells are less clear. We report that valproic acid induces apoptosis in the mouse microglial cell line, BV-2, at concentrations within the therapeutic range. When BV-2 cells were incubated for 24 h with 500-1000 microM valproic acid we observed a reduction in cell number, the appearance of apoptotic morphology and increased caspase 3 cleavage. Exposure of a macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) to similar concentrations of valproic acid also led to reduced cell number but no caspase 3 cleavage, suggesting these cells responded to valproic acid with reduced proliferation rather than apoptosis. This was confirmed using bromodeoxyuridine incorporation studies. Similar concentrations of valproic acid added to Neuro-2a, SK-N-SH and C6 cell lines as well as human NTera-2 astrocytes did not evoke cell death. The caspase 3 inhibitor DEVD-CHO inhibited valproic acid-induced apoptosis in BV-2 cells whereas the MEK inhibitor U0126 potentiated valproic acid-mediated apoptosis. These results demonstrate that valproic acid selectively induces apoptosis in BV-2 cells by way of a caspase 3-mediated action. As activated microglia secrete neurotoxins in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and HIV dementia, valproic acid may alleviate these diseases by selectively killing microglia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Dragunow
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kang SK, Cha SH, Jeon HG. Curcumin-induced histone hypoacetylation enhances caspase-3-dependent glioma cell death and neurogenesis of neural progenitor cells. Stem Cells Dev 2006; 15:165-74. [PMID: 16646663 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2006.15.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylation of histones and nonhistone proteins is an important post-translational modification involved in the regulation of gene expression in mammalian cells. Dysfunction of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) is often associated with the manifestation of several diseases. In this report, HATs are new targets for the development of therapeutics. Our studies first proved that curcumin induces histone hypoacetylation in brain cancer cells and finally induces apoptotic cell death through a (PARP)- and caspase 3-mediated manner. In addition, curcumin induces recontrolling of neural stem cell fates. It induces effective neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and migration of neural progenitor cells in vitro in brain-derived adult neural stem cells. We also confirmed the neurogenic effect of curcumin in our in vivo experiments. Curcumin actively suppressed differentiation in astrocytes while promoting differentiation into the neurons associated with decrease of histone H3 and H4 acetylation. We suggest that histone hypoacetylation plays an important role in determine stem cell fate through controlling the simultaneous expression of many genes. Thus, the present finding that curcumin, a nontoxic dietary compound, is a histone acetyltransferase inhibitor would supply a new window to understand further the molecular mechanism of histone acetylase inhibitors (HAI) in cancer and neural stem cells and provide a new target molecule for treating central nervous system disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Kyung Kang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Biagini CP, Boissel E, Borde F, Bender VE, Bouskila M, Blazy F, Nicaise L, Mignot A, Cassio D, Chevalier S. Investigation of the hepatotoxicity profile of chemical entities using Liverbeads and WIF-B9 in vitro models. Toxicol In Vitro 2006; 20:1051-9. [PMID: 16504461 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2006.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2005] [Revised: 12/09/2005] [Accepted: 01/16/2006] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The cytotoxicity profile of various chemical entities was evaluated using two in vitro hepatocyte models. Liverbeads is a cryopreserved model consisting of primary hepatocytes entrapped in alginate beads. WIF-B9 is a hybrid cell line obtained by fusion of rat hepatoma (Fao) and human fibroblasts (WI38). Various reference hepatotoxicants were tested and ranked according to their equivalent concentration 50 (EC50) for various biochemical endpoints (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol 2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromure (MTT) activity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glutathione (GSH) levels). The ranking obtained was comparable in both models and consistent with previously published results on hepatocyte monolayers. Ketoconazole, erythromycin estolate, retinoic acid, telithromycin and alpha-naphthyl-isothiocyanate were among the most toxic chemicals in both models, with an EC50 < 200 microM. Troleandomycin, spiramycin, erythromycin, diclofenac, taurodeoxycholate, warfarin, galactosamine, valproic acid and isoniazid were found to be less toxic. Few marked differences, potentially linked to metabolism pathways, were observed between EC50s in the two models for compounds such as cyclosporine A (10 and > 831 microM) and warfarin (5904 and 1489 microM) in WIF-B9 and Liverbeads, respectively. The results obtained indicate that Liverbeads and WIF-B9 cells are reliable in vitro models to evaluate the hepatotoxic potential of a wide range of chemicals, irrespective of structure and pharmaceutical class.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine P Biagini
- Pfizer Global R&D, Safety Sciences Europe, Z.I. Pocé sur Cisse, 37401 Amboise, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Blaheta RA, Michaelis M, Driever PH, Cinatl J. Evolving anticancer drug valproic acid: insights into the mechanism and clinical studies. Med Res Rev 2005; 25:383-97. [PMID: 15637697 DOI: 10.1002/med.20027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The short chain fatty acid valproic acid (VPA) and VPA-analogs modulate the biology of diverse tumor cell entities by inducing differentiation, inhibiting proliferation, increasing apoptosis, and immunogenicity and by decreasing metastatic and angiogenetic potential. This review updates an earlier one in 2002, reflecting the interest in VPA as a potent anticancer drug. A number of in vitro studies show that the types of known tumor cells susceptible to VPA is steadily increasing. Of special note is the strong antineoplastic activity of VPA in chemoresistant cancer cells. A novel and promising approach is combining VPA with other drugs to achieve a broad therapeutic index. Clinical studies are underway and the preliminary results indicate that VPA alone or in combination offers a promising avenue of treatment, both in solid and hematopoetic malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roman A Blaheta
- Zentrum der Chirurgie, Klinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Klass CM, Krug LT, Pozharskaya VP, Offermann MK. The targeting of primary effusion lymphoma cells for apoptosis by inducing lytic replication of human herpesvirus 8 while blocking virus production. Blood 2005; 105:4028-34. [PMID: 15687238 PMCID: PMC1895088 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2004-09-3569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a B-cell lymphoma in which human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) is found within all tumor cells and represents a target for selectively destroying tumor cells. HHV-8 is latent in most PEL cells and, hence, resistant to antiviral agents that inhibit lytic replication. We demonstrate that PEL cell lines containing HHV-8 without and with coinfection with Epstein-Barr virus responded to the antiseizure medication valproate with entry into the lytic cascade and production of infectious virus. Minimal cell death occurred when noninfected BL-41 cells were incubated with valproate, whereas apoptosis occurred in response to valproate in PELs that supported lytic replication of HHV-8. The anti-viral agents ganciclovir and phosphonoformic acid (PFA) blocked valproate-induced production of infectious virus without blocking entry into the lytic cascade, and apoptosis occurred at levels that were as high as when virus production was not blocked. Ganciclovir and PFA also prevented most valproate-induced expression of the late lytic viral transcript open reading frame 26 (ORF-26), but they did not block the induction of either viral interleukin-6 (vIL-6) or viral G protein-coupled receptor (vGPCR). These studies provide evidence that incubation of PELs with valproate in the presence of ganciclovir or PFA can selectively target tumor cells for apoptosis without increasing viral load.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen M Klass
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, 1365-B Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hsieh J, Nakashima K, Kuwabara T, Mejia E, Gage FH. Histone deacetylase inhibition-mediated neuronal differentiation of multipotent adult neural progenitor cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:16659-64. [PMID: 15537713 PMCID: PMC527137 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0407643101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 557] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It has become apparent that chromatin modification plays a critical role in the regulation of cell-type-specific gene expression. Here, we show that an inhibitor of histone deacetylase, valproic acid (VPA), induced neuronal differentiation of adult hippocampal neural progenitors. In addition, VPA inhibited astrocyte and oligodendrocyte differentiation, even in conditions that favored lineage-specific differentiation. Among the VPA-up-regulated, neuron-specific genes, a neurogenic basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, NeuroD, was identified. Overexpression of NeuroD resulted in the induction and suppression of neuronal and glial differentiation, respectively. These results suggest that VPA promotes neuronal fate and inhibits glial fate simultaneously through the induction of neurogenic transcription factors including NeuroD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hsieh
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|