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Ashton A, Clark J, Fedo J, Sementilli A, Fragoso YD, McCaffery P. Retinoic Acid Signalling in the Pineal Gland Is Conserved across Mammalian Species and Its Transcriptional Activity Is Inhibited by Melatonin. Cells 2023; 12:286. [PMID: 36672220 PMCID: PMC9856906 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The pineal gland is integral to the circadian timing system due to its role in nightly melatonin production. Retinoic acid (RA) is a potent regulator of gene transcription and has previously been found to exhibit diurnal changes in synthesis and signalling in the rat pineal gland. This study investigated the potential for the interaction of these two systems. PCR was used to study gene expression in mouse and human pineal glands, ex-vivo organotypic cultured rat pineal gland and cell lines. The mouse and human pineal glands were both found to express the necessary components required for RA signalling. RA influences the circadian clock in the brain, therefore the short-term effect of RA on clock gene expression was determined in ex vivo rat pineal glands but was not found to rapidly regulate Per1, Per2, Bmal1, or Cry1. The interaction between RA and melatonin was also investigated and, unexpectedly, melatonin was found to suppress the induction of gene transcription by RA. This study demonstrates that pineal expression of the RA signalling system is conserved across mammalian species. There is no short-term regulation of the circadian clock but an inhibitory effect of melatonin on RA transcriptional activity was demonstrated, suggesting that there may be functional cross-talk between these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ashton
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Jason Clark
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Julia Fedo
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Angelo Sementilli
- Department of Physiopathology, Universidade Metropolitana de Santos and Centro, Universitario Lusíada, Santos 11050-071, SP, Brazil
| | - Yara D. Fragoso
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Department of Post Graduate Studies, Universidade Metropolitana de Santos, Santos 11045-002, SP, Brazil
| | - Peter McCaffery
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
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Socaciu AI, Ionuţ R, Socaciu MA, Ungur AP, Bârsan M, Chiorean A, Socaciu C, Râjnoveanu AG. Melatonin, an ubiquitous metabolic regulator: functions, mechanisms and effects on circadian disruption and degenerative diseases. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2020; 21:465-478. [PMID: 32691289 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-020-09570-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The last four decades, we assist to an increasing scientific interest on melatonin, a circadian hormone, a metabolic regulator which influences not only plants' metabolism and their defense against pathogens but mostly the animals and humans' metabolic pathways, their response to circadian disruption, stress and burnout syndrome. In humans, as a hormonal regulator, produced in the pineal grand as well in mitochondria, melatonin is involved in different, complex intracellular signaling pathways, with antioxidant and immune stimulating effects, proving to act as a circadian synchronizer, as a preventive and therapeutic agent in many degenerative diseases, and especially in hormone-dependent cancers. Preclinical or clinical studies showed recently the mechanisms involved in regulating the cellular activity, its role in aging and circadian disturbances and impact on degenerative diseases. Melatonin proved to have an anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and powerful antioxidant effect by subtle mechanisms in mitochondrial metabolic pathways. This overview includes recent and relevant literature data related to the impact of endogenous and exogeneous melatonin on the prevention of cancer progression and treatment of various degenerative diseases. Metabolomics, an emerging new omics' technology, based on high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry is presented as an encouraging technique to fingerprint and realize a precise evaluation and monitoring of the turnover of melatonin and its metabolites in different pathological circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Iulia Socaciu
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Răzvan Ionuţ
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihai Adrian Socaciu
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Petra Ungur
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Bârsan
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angelica Chiorean
- Department of Radiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carmen Socaciu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Armand Gabriel Râjnoveanu
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Samanta S. Melatonin: an endogenous miraculous indolamine, fights against cancer progression. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:1893-1922. [PMID: 32583237 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03292-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Melatonin is an amphipathic indolamine molecule ubiquitously present in all organisms ranging from cyanobacteria to humans. The pineal gland is the site of melatonin synthesis and secretion under the influence of the retinohypothalamic tract. Some extrapineal tissues (skin, lens, gastrointestinal tract, testis, ovary, lymphocytes, and astrocytes) also enable to produce melatonin. Physiologically, melatonin regulates various functions like circadian rhythm, sleep-wake cycle, gonadal activity, redox homeostasis, neuroprotection, immune-modulation, and anticancer effects in the body. Inappropriate melatonin secretion advances the aging process, tumorigenesis, visceral adiposity, etc. METHODS: For the preparation of this review, I had reviewed the literature on the multidimensional activities of melatonin from the NCBI website database PubMed, Springer Nature, Science Direct (Elsevier), Wiley Online ResearchGate, and Google Scholar databases to search relevant articles. Specifically, I focused on the roles and mechanisms of action of melatonin in cancer prevention. RESULTS The actions of melatonin are primarily mediated by G-protein coupled MT1 and MT2 receptors; however, several intracellular protein and nuclear receptors can modulate the activity. Normal levels of the melatonin protect the cells from adverse effects including carcinogenesis. Therapeutically, melatonin has chronomedicinal value; it also shows a remarkable anticancer property. The oncostatic action of melatonin is multidimensional, associated with the advancement of apoptosis, the arrest of the cell cycle, inhibition of metastasis, and antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION The present review has emphasized the mechanism of the anti-neoplastic activity of melatonin that increases the possibilities of the new approaches in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saptadip Samanta
- Department Physiology, Midnapore College, Paschim Medinipur, Midnapore, West Bengal, 721101, India.
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4
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Bojková B, Kajo K, Kubatka P, Solár P, Péč M, Adamkov M. Metformin and melatonin improve histopathological outcome of NMU-induced mammary tumors in rats. Pathol Res Pract 2019; 215:722-729. [PMID: 30642742 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Numerous reports showed inhibition of carcinogenesis after metformin (MF) and melatonin (MEL) administration. However, most in vivo studies used standard diet type, with relatively low fat content. As increase in fat intake may have a considerable impact on malignant transformation, we evaluated the effects of these two substances in a model of mammary carcinogenesis in rats fed a high-fat diet (10%). METHODS Mammary tumors were induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU) in female rats of sensitive Sprague-Dawley strain. MF was administered in a diet (0.2%), MEL was administered in drinking water (20 mg/L). The chemoprevention was initiated 12 days prior to tumor initiation, both substances were administered through the termination of the experiment on 16th week after carcinogen application. Analysis of basic parameters of tumor growth, histopathological profile, and serum IGF-1 level were performed together with immunohistochemical detection of Ki67 (proliferation marker) and caspase-3 and BCL-2 (apoptosis markers) in mammary cancer cells. RESULTS Although neither tumor incidence nor frequency were changed after MF and/or MEL administration, MF and MEL decreased high-grade/low-grade (HG/LG) tumor ratio. MEL decreased proliferation in mammary cancer cells; positive correlations between histological grade and Ki67 expressions were found after single administration of both MF and MEL. Serum IGF-1 levels were reduced to the level of intact rats in all groups receiving chemoprevention. CONCLUSIONS MF and MEL administration did not inhibit growth of NMU-induced mammary tumors in rats in a significant manner but both substances ameliorated tumor histopathological profile. Surprisingly, combined treatment had no such effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianka Bojková
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárová 2, 041 54, Košice, Slovak Republic.
| | - Karol Kajo
- St. Elisabeth Oncology Institute, Heydukova 10, 811 08, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Malá Hora 4, 036 01, Martin, Slovak Republic; Department of Experimental Carcinogenesis, Division of Oncology, Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Malá Hora 4C, 036 01, Martin, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Solár
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Martin Péč
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Malá Hora 4, 036 01, Martin, Slovak Republic
| | - Marián Adamkov
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Malá Hora 4, 036 01, Martin, Slovak Republic
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Bojková B, Kubatka P, Qaradakhi T, Zulli A, Kajo K. Melatonin May Increase Anticancer Potential of Pleiotropic Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3910. [PMID: 30563247 PMCID: PMC6320927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is not only a pineal hormone, but also an ubiquitary molecule present in plants and part of our diet. Numerous preclinical and some clinical reports pointed to its multiple beneficial effects including oncostatic properties, and as such, it has become one of the most aspiring goals in cancer prevention/therapy. A link between cancer and inflammation and/or metabolic disorders has been well established and the therapy of these conditions with so-called pleiotropic drugs, which include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, statins and peroral antidiabetics, modulates a cancer risk too. Adjuvant therapy with melatonin may improve the oncostatic potential of these drugs. Results from preclinical studies are limited though support this hypothesis, which, however, remains to be verified by further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianka Bojková
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárová 2, 041 54 Košice, Slovak Republic.
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Malá Hora 4, 036 01 Martin, Slovak Republic.
- Department of Experimental Carcinogenesis, Division of Oncology, Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Malá Hora 4C, 036 01 Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Tawar Qaradakhi
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia.
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia.
| | - Karol Kajo
- St. Elisabeth Oncology Institute, Heydukova 10, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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6
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Menéndez-Menéndez J, Martínez-Campa C. Melatonin: An Anti-Tumor Agent in Hormone-Dependent Cancers. Int J Endocrinol 2018; 2018:3271948. [PMID: 30386380 PMCID: PMC6189685 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3271948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland mainly during the night, since light exposure suppresses its production. Initially, an implication of this indoleamine in malignant disease was described in endocrine-responsive breast cancer. Data from several clinical trials and multiple experimental studies performed both in vivo and in vitro have documented that the pineal hormone inhibits endocrine-dependent mammary tumors by interfering with the estrogen signaling-mediated transcription, therefore behaving as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Additionally, melatonin regulates the production of estradiol through the control of the enzymes involved in its synthesis, acting as a selective estrogen enzyme modulator (SEEM). Many more mechanisms have been proposed during the past few years, including signaling triggered after activation of the membrane melatonin receptors MT-1 and MT-2, or else intracellular actions targeting molecules such as calmodulin, or binding intranuclear receptors. Similar results have been obtained in prostate (regulation of enzymes involved in androgen synthesis and modulation of androgen receptor levels and activity) and ovary cancer. Thus, tumor metabolism, gene expression, or epigenetic modifications are modulated, cell growth is impaired and angiogenesis and metastasis are inhibited. In the last decade, many more reports have demonstrated that melatonin is a promising adjuvant molecule with many potential beneficial consequences when included in chemotherapy or radiotherapy protocols designed to treat endocrine-responsive tumors. Therefore, in this state-of-the-art review, we aim to compile the knowledge about the oncostatic actions of the indoleamine in hormone-dependent tumors, and the latest findings concerning melatonin actions when administered in combination with radio- or chemotherapy in breast, prostate, and ovary cancers. As melatonin has no toxicity, it may be well deserve to be considered as an endogenously generated agent helpful in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Menéndez-Menéndez
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Campa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
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7
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Wang TH, Wu CH, Yeh CT, Su SC, Hsia SM, Liang KH, Chen CC, Hsueh C, Chen CY. Melatonin suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression via lncRNA-CPS1-IT-mediated HIF-1α inactivation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:82280-82293. [PMID: 29137263 PMCID: PMC5669889 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is the primary pineal hormone that relays light/dark cycle information to the circadian system. It was recently reported to exert intrinsic antitumor activity in various cancers. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of melatonin are poorly understood. Moreover, a limited number of studies have addressed the role of melatonin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major life-threatening malignancy in both sexes in Taiwan. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effects of melatonin in HCC and explored the regulatory mechanisms underlying these effects. We observed that melatonin significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells and significantly induced the expression of the transcription factor FOXA2 in HCC cells. This increase in FOXA2 expression resulted in upregulation of lncRNA-CPS1 intronic transcript 1 (CPS1-IT1), which reduced HIF-1α activity and consequently resulted in the suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression and HCC metastasis. Furthermore, the results of the in vivo experiments confirmed that melatonin exerts tumor suppressive effects by reducing tumor growth. In conclusion, our findings suggested that melatonin inhibited HCC progression by reducing lncRNA-CPS1-IT1-mediated EMT suppression and indicated that melatonin could be a promising treatment for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Hong Wang
- Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology and Research Center for Industry of Human Ecology, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,Liver Research Center, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hao Wu
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chi Su
- Whole-Genome Research Core Laboratory of Human Diseases, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Min Hsia
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kung-Hao Liang
- Liver Research Center, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chuan Chen
- Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chuen Hsueh
- Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yuan Chen
- Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology and Research Center for Industry of Human Ecology, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
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8
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Burattini S, Battistelli M, Codenotti S, Falcieri E, Fanzani A, Salucci S. Melatonin action in tumor skeletal muscle cells: an ultrastructural study. Acta Histochem 2016; 118:278-85. [PMID: 26953151 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin (Mel), or N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a circadian hormone that can diffuse through all the biological membranes thanks to its amphiphilic structure, also overcoming the blood-brain barrier and placenta. Although Mel has been reported to exhibit strong antioxidant properties in healthy tissues, studies carried out on tumor cultures gave a different picture of its action, often describing Mel as effective to trigger the cell death of tumor cells by enhancing oxidative stress. Based on this premise, here Mel effect was investigated using a tumor cell line representative of the human alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), the most frequent soft tissue sarcoma affecting childhood. For this purpose, Mel was given either dissolved in ethanol (EtOH) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at different concentrations and time exposures. Cell viability assays and ultrastructural observations demonstrated that Mel was able to induce a dose- and time-dependent cell death independently on the dissolution solvent. Microscopy analyses highlighted the presence of various apoptotic and necrotic patterns correlating with the increasing Mel dose and time of exposure. These findings suggest that Mel, triggering apoptosis in ARMS cells, could be considered as a promising drug for future multitargeted therapies.
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9
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Dagar A, Kuzmis A, Rubinstein I, Sekosan M, Onyuksel H. VIP-targeted Cytotoxic Nanomedicine for Breast Cancer. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2015; 2:454-62. [PMID: 23336096 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-012-0107-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer chemotherapy is hampered by serious toxicity to healthy tissues. Conceivably, encapsulation of cytotoxic drugs in actively-targeted, biocompatible nanocarriers could overcome this problem. Accordingly, we used sterically stabilized mixed micelles (SSMM) composed of biocompatible and biodegradable phospholipids to solubilize paclitaxel (P), a hydrophobic model cytotoxic drug, and deliver it to breast cancer in rats. To achieve active targeting, the surface of SSMM was grafted with a ligand, human vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) that selectively interacts with its cognate receptors overexpressed on breast cancer cells. We found that even in vitro cytotoxicity of P-SSMM-VIP was 2-fold higher that that of free paclitaxel (p<0.05). Given the unique attributes of P-SSMM and P-SSMM-VIP, most notable small hydrodynamic diameter (~15nm) and stealth properties, biodistribution of paclitaxel was significantly altered. Accumulation of paclitaxel in breast tumor was highest for P-SSMM-VIP, followed by P-SSMM and Cremophor based paclitaxel (PTX). Importantly, bone marrow accumulation of paclitaxel encapsulated in both SSMM-VIP and SSMM was significantly less than that of PTX. Administration of clinically-relevant dose of paclitaxel (5mg/kg) as P-SSMM-VIP and P-SSMM eradicated carcinogen-induced orthotopic breast cancer in rats, whereas PTX decreased tumor size by only 45%. In addition, a 5-fold lower dose (1mg/kg) of paclitaxel in actively targeted P-SSMM-VIP was associated with ~80% reduction in tumor size while the response to PTX and P-SSMM was significantly less. Hypotension was not observed when VIP was grafted onto SSMM. Based on our findings, we propose further development of effective and safe VIP-grafted phospholipid micelle nanomedicines of anti-cancer drugs for targeted treatment of solid tumors in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Dagar
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago
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10
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Mao L, Yuan L, Xiang S, Zeringue SB, Dauchy RT, Blask DE, Hauch A, Hill SM. Molecular deficiency (ies) in MT₁ melatonin signaling pathway underlies the melatonin-unresponsive phenotype in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. J Pineal Res 2014; 56:246-53. [PMID: 24372669 PMCID: PMC4868402 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin has been shown repeatedly to inhibit the growth of human breast tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Its antiproliferative effects have been well studied in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and several other estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive human breast cancer cell lines. However, the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line, an ERα-negative cell line widely used in breast cancer research, has been shown to be unresponsive to melatonin's growth-suppressive effect in vitro. Here, we examined the effect of melatonin on the cell proliferation of several ERα-negative breast cancer cell lines including MDA-MB-231, BT-20, and SK-BR-3 cells. Although the MT1 G-protein-coupled receptor is expressed in all three cell lines, melatonin significantly suppressed the proliferation of SK-BR-3 cells without having any significant effect on the growth of MDA-MB-231 and BT-20 cells. We confirmed that the MT1-associated Gα proteins are expressed in MDA-MB-231 cells. Further studies demonstrated that the melatonin unresponsiveness in MDA-MB-231 cells may be caused by aberrant signaling downstream of the Gαi proteins, resulting in differential regulation of ERK1/2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Mao
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Lin Yuan
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Shulin Xiang
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Samantha B. Zeringue
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Robert T. Dauchy
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Laboratory of Chrono-Neuroendocrine Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - David E. Blask
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Laboratory of Chrono-Neuroendocrine Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Adam Hauch
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Steven M. Hill
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Bizzarri M, Proietti S, Cucina A, Reiter RJ. Molecular mechanisms of the pro-apoptotic actions of melatonin in cancer: a review. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2013; 17:1483-96. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2013.834890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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12
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Aras U, Gandhi YA, Masso-Welch PA, Morris ME. Chemopreventive and anti-angiogenic effects of dietary phenethyl isothiocyanate in an N-methyl nitrosourea-induced breast cancer animal model. Biopharm Drug Dispos 2012; 34:98-106. [PMID: 23138465 DOI: 10.1002/bdd.1826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The effect of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a component of cruciferous vegetables, on the initiation and progression of cancer was investigated in a chemically induced estrogen-dependent breast cancer model. Breast cancer was induced in female Sprague Dawley rats (8 weeks old) by the administration of N-methyl nitrosourea (NMU). Animals were administered 50 or 150 µmol/kg oral PEITC and monitored for tumor appearance for 18 weeks. The PEITC treatment prolonged the tumor-free survival time and decreased the tumor incidence and multiplicity. The time to the first palpable tumor was prolonged from 69 days in the control, to 84 and 88 days in the 50 and 150 µmol/kg PEITC-treated groups. The tumor incidence in the control, 50 µmol/kg, and 150 µmol/kg PEITC-treated groups was 56.6%, 25.0% and 17.2%, while the tumor multiplicity was 1.03, 0.25 and 0.21, respectively. Differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) from the control, but there were no significant differences between the two dose levels. The intratumoral capillary density decreased from 4.21 ± 0.30 vessels per field in the controls to 2.46 ± 0.25 in the 50 µmol/kg and 2.36 ± 0.23 in the 150 µmol/kg PEITC-treated animals. These studies indicate that supplementation with PEITC prolongs the tumor-free survival, reduces tumor incidence and burden, and is chemoprotective in NMU-induced estrogen-dependent breast cancer in rats. For the first time, it is reported that PEITC has anti-angiogenic effects in a chemically induced breast cancer animal model, representing a potentially significant mechanism contributing to its chemopreventive activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urvi Aras
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214-8033, USA
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13
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Sánchez-Hidalgo M, Lee M, de la Lastra CA, Guerrero JM, Packham G. Melatonin inhibits cell proliferation and induces caspase activation and apoptosis in human malignant lymphoid cell lines. J Pineal Res 2012; 53:366-73. [PMID: 22582944 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2012.01006.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin exerts strong anti-tumour activity via several mechanisms, including anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in addition to its potent antioxidant activity. Several studies have investigated the effects of melatonin on haematological malignancies. However, the previous studies investigating lymphoid malignancies have been largely restricted to a single type of malignancy, Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). Thus, we examined the actions of melatonin on the growth and apoptosis in a small panel of cell lines representing different human lymphoid malignancies including Ramos (Epstein-Barr virus-negative BL), SU-DHL-4 (diffuse large B cell lymphoma), DoHH2 (follicular B non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and JURKAT (acute T cell leukaemia). We showed that melatonin promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in all these cells, although there was marked variations in responses among different cell lines (sensitivity; Ramos/DoHH2 > SU-DHL-4 > JURKAT). Melatonin-induced apoptosis was relatively rapid, with increased caspase 3 and PARP cleavage detected within 0.5-1 h following melatonin addition. Moreover, there was evidence for rapid processing of both caspase 9, as well as a breakdown of the mitochondrial inner transmembrane potential. On the contrary, caspase activation was detected only in SU-DHL-4 and Ramos cells following melatonin treatment suggesting that the extrinsic pathway does not make a consistent contribution to melatonin-induced apoptosis in malignant lymphocytes. Although all cell lines expressed the high-affinity melatonin receptors, MT1 and MT2, melatonin-induced caspase activation appeared to be independent these receptors. Our findings confirm that melatonin could be a potential chemotherapeutic/preventive agent for malignant lymphocytes. However, it is necessary to take into account that different lymphoid malignancies may differ in their response to melatonin.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Caspases/metabolism
- Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Enzyme Activation
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/drug effects
- Humans
- Jurkat Cells
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/enzymology
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/genetics
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/pathology
- Melatonin/pharmacology
- Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects
- Mitochondria/drug effects
- Mitochondria/metabolism
- Mitochondria/pathology
- Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases/metabolism
- Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/enzymology
- Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics
- Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/drug effects
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/genetics
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/metabolism
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/drug effects
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/genetics
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/metabolism
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Sánchez-Hidalgo
- Faculty of Medicine, Cancer Research UK Centre, Cancer Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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Alteration of the MT1 melatonin receptor gene and its expression in primary human breast tumors and breast cancer cell lines. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2008; 118:293-305. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-008-0220-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2008] [Accepted: 10/02/2008] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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15
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Aust S, Jaeger W, Klimpfinger M, Mayer K, Baravalle G, Ekmekcioglu C, Thalhammer T. Biotransformation of melatonin in human breast cancer cell lines: role of sulfotransferase 1A1. J Pineal Res 2005; 39:276-82. [PMID: 16150108 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2005.00246.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The biologically active melatonin metabolite, 6-hydroxymelatonin (6-OHMel), is conjugated to form 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6-OHMelS). To elucidate the role of the sulfotransferase (SULT) enzyme 1A1, considerably expressed in normal and malignant human breast cells, we measured the formation of 6-OHMelS by ELISA in hormone-dependent MCF-7 and hormone-independent MDA-MB231 (MDA) breast cancer cell lines after stable transfection with SULT1A1. In parent MDA cells, low SULT1A1 mRNA expression was associated with moderate 6-OHMelS formation as determined after application (24 hr) of 0.1 microM 6-OHMel. As expected, overexpression of SULT1A1 in MDA cells resulted in a 2.9- and 110-fold increase in 6-OHMelS in the cytosol and cellular supernatant respectively. Furthermore, 6.3- and 115-fold increases were observed after 0.5 microM, and 12.6- and 101-fold increases after 1 microM 6-OHMel respectively. In MCF-7 cells, because of high basal SULT1A1 expression, only two- to threefold increases in 6-OHMelS were observed after transfection with the enzyme. In total, 866 and 539 pmol/mg protein 6-OHMelS were formed from 1 microM 6-OHMel in SULT1A1 overexpressing MDA and MCF-7 cells, respectively, whereas application of 1 microM melatonin produced only <1% of 6-OHMelS. Possible interactions with the SULT1A1 substrate tamoxifen (tam), an anti-estrogen applied in the therapy of breast cancer, were also studied. A concentration of 1 microM tam increased 6-OHMelS formation by approximately threefold in the presence of 1 microM melatonin or 1 microM 6-OHMel respectively. However, no alterations were detected after application of 1 microM 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen. In summary, we demonstrate the importance of SULT1A1 for the biotransformation of 6-OHMel in human breast cancer cells. Our data further suggest that tam can modulate melatonin biotransformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Aust
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Hill M, Bausero M, Mazal D, Ménoret S, Khalife J, Anegón I, Osinaga E. Immunobiological Characterization of N-Nitrosomethylurea-Induced Rat Breast Carcinomas: Tumoral IL-10 Expression as a Possible Immune Escape Mechanism. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2004; 84:107-16. [PMID: 14999141 DOI: 10.1023/b:brea.0000018407.47909.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Improvement of immunotherapy-based protocols in cancer requires a better understanding of tumor microenvironment and tumor-host interaction. Stromal and immune cells and molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and metalloproteases mediate tumor-host interaction determining, at least in part, tumor development. In the present study, we used an immunohistochemical approach to explore leukocyte sub-populations, cytokine profiles and costimulatory molecule expression in rat N -Nitrosomethylurea (NMU)-induced breast tumors. Our results show a strong leukocyte infiltration mainly composed of macrophages and TCR alphabeta positive T cells. We observed a weak expression of costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86) and an absence of inflammatory cytokines (IFNgamma, TNFalpha, IP-10) and lymphocyte activation markers (CD25). Interestingly, this immunosuppressed status could be a consequence of IL-10 expression by malignant cells, as demonstrated by immunohistology and western blot analysis, which seems to be an early event during mammary carcinogenesis. Analysis of a cell line derived from an NMU-induced rat breast tumor showed that this cell line also expresses IL-10. This study shows that the NMU model of rat breast cancer could be used to evaluate different immune based therapies as well as to study the role of IL-10 in breast cancer. Furthermore, this rat breast cancer model shows an immunohistological profile similar to that found in human cancer and the fact that it develops like spontaneously arising malignancies make it interesting as a cancer model in immunobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Hill
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratorio de Oncologia Basica y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Freemantle SJ, Spinella MJ, Dmitrovsky E. Retinoids in cancer therapy and chemoprevention: promise meets resistance. Oncogene 2003; 22:7305-15. [PMID: 14576840 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1206936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Retinoids (natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A) signal potent differentiation and growth-suppressive effects in diverse normal, premalignant, and malignant cells. A strong rationale exists for the use of retinoids in cancer treatment and chemoprevention based on preclinical, epidemiological, and early clinical findings. Despite the success of all-trans-retinoic acid (RA)-based differentiation therapy in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), the broad promise of retinoids in the clinic has not yet been realized. In addition to the expected limited activity of any single therapeutic agent, translation of retinoid activities from the laboratory to the clinic has met with intrinsic or acquired retinoid resistance. Evidence suggests that solid tumors develop intrinsic resistance to retinoids during carcinogenesis. In contrast, relapse of APL is often associated with acquired resistance to retinoid maturation induction. This review discusses what is known about retinoid resistance mechanisms in cancer therapy and chemoprevention. Strategies to overcome this resistance will be discussed, including combination therapy with other differentiation-inducing, cytotoxic or chromatin-remodeling agents, as well as the use of receptor-selective and nonclassical retinoids. Opportunities exist in the post-genomic era to bypass resistance to classical retinoids by identifying target genes and associated pathways that directly mediate the antineoplastic effects of retinoids. In this regard, the retinoids are useful pharmacological tools to reveal important pathways targeted in cancer therapy and chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Freemantle
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
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Li A, Zhu X, Brown B, Craft CM. Melatonin enhances retinoic acid induction of cone arrestin gene expression in retinoblastoma cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2003; 533:361-8. [PMID: 15180286 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-0067-4_46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aimin Li
- The Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research, Doheny Eye Institute, Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, BMT401, 1333 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9112, USA
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