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Rakoczy K, Kaczor J, Sołtyk A, Jonderko L, Sędzik M, Lizon J, Lewandowska A, Saczko M, Kulbacka J. Pregnancy, abortion, and birth control methods' complicity with breast cancer occurrence. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 590:112264. [PMID: 38705365 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive factors play significantly important roles in determining the breast cancer (BC) risk. The impact of pregnancy, abortion, and birth control methods on tumor development remains unclear. It has been found that early full-term pregnancies in young women can lower their lifetime risk of developing the type of cancer in question. However, having a first full-term pregnancy at an older age can increase this risk. The relationship between pregnancy and breast cancer (BC) is, however, much more complicated. Both induced and spontaneous abortions lead to sudden changes in hormonal balance, which could cause different effects on sensitive breast epithelial cells, making abortion a potential risk factor for breast cancer. The influence of hormonal contraception on carcinogenesis is not comprehensively understood, and therefore, more exhaustive analysis of existing data and further investigation is needed. This review explores how the mentioned reproductive factors affect the risk of breast cancer (BC), focusing on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to its complexity. By comprehending this intricate network of relationships, we can develop new strategies for predicting and treating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Rakoczy
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Kaczor
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Adam Sołtyk
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Laura Jonderko
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Sędzik
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julia Lizon
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Lewandowska
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Saczko
- A. Falkiewicz Specialist Hospital in Wroclaw, Warszawska 2, 52-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211a, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; Department of Immunology and Bioelectrochemistry, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariškių 5, 08410, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Mondaca JM, Uzair ID, Castro Guijarro AC, Flamini MI, Sanchez AM. Molecular Basis of LH Action on Breast Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion via Kinase and Scaffold Proteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:630147. [PMID: 33614634 PMCID: PMC7893099 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.630147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health problem affecting women worldwide. Approximately 80% of diagnosed cases are hormone-dependent breast cancers. These hormones are known to stimulate tumor development and progression. In this setting, tentative evidence suggests that luteinizing hormone (LH) may also play a role in tumors. In BC cells that express functional LH receptors (LHR), this hormone regulates cell migration and invasion by controlling several kinases that activate actin cytoskeletal proteins. In this article, we show that LH induces phosphorylation of paxillin and its translocation toward the plasmatic membrane, where focal adhesion complexes are assembled. This process is triggered via a rapid extra-gonadal LHR signaling to Src/FAK/paxillin, which results in the phosphorylation/activation of the nucleation promoter factors cortactin and N-WASP. As a consequence, Arp2/3 complexes induce actin polymerization, essential to promote cell adhesion, migration, and invasion, thus enhancing metastatic spread of tumoral cells. Our findings provide relevant information about how gonadotrophins exert their action in BC. This information helps us understand the extragonadal effects of LH on BC metastasis. It may provide new perspectives for therapeutic treatment, especially for women with high serum levels of gonadotrophins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselina Magali Mondaca
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Movimiento Celular, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ivonne Denise Uzair
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Movimiento Celular, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ana Carla Castro Guijarro
- Laboratorio de Biología Tumoral, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Marina Inés Flamini
- Laboratorio de Biología Tumoral, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Angel Matias Sanchez
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Movimiento Celular, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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Kreinest T, Volkmer I, Staege MS. Melittin Increases Cisplatin Sensitivity and Kills KM-H2 and L-428 Hodgkin Lymphoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010343. [PMID: 33396195 PMCID: PMC7795649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is neoplasia with high cure rates. However, not all patients can be cured with the current treatment. Chemo-resistance of tumor cells is one factor involved in treatment failure. In addition to its pore-forming activity on lipid bilayer membranes, the toxin melittin from bee venom is an inhibitor of several cancer-related signaling pathways. Moreover, melittin analogs have been shown to inhibit the activity of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters which are known to play important roles in the chemo-resistance of tumor cells. Therefore, we tested the toxicity of melittin for HL cell lines KM-H2 and L-428 and whether melittin can increase the chemo-sensitivity of cisplatin-resistant HL cells. We found high toxicity of melittin for KM-H2 and L-428 cells. In co-cultures with normal blood cells, melittin preferentially killed KM-H2 and L-428 cells. In addition, we observed increased cisplatin sensitivity of chemo-resistant L-428 cells after treatment with melittin. ABC transporter activity was not reduced after treatment with melittin. Our data suggest that melittin or melittin analogs might be promising agents for the future development of treatment strategies for HL patients with resistant disease.
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Froehlich K, Schmidt A, Heger JI, Al-Kawlani B, Aberl CA, Jeschke U, Loibl S, Markert UR. Breast cancer, placenta and pregnancy. Eur J Cancer 2019; 115:68-78. [PMID: 31121525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2019.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies during pregnancy. Tumours often present characteristics of high malignancy and are hormone receptor negative/HER2 positive or triple negative. In general, pregnancy, including the postpartum period, is associated with a transiently increased risk of developing breast cancer but followed by a long-lasting protective period. Placental metastases are very rare and, thus far, breast cancer metastases in the foetal compartment have not been described. To discuss these apparently contradictory observations, this narrative review resumes immunological and hormonal alterations during pregnancy potentially affecting breast cancer risk as well as tumour growth and behaviour. OBSERVATIONS Upregulation of breast cancer-associated genes involved in immunological and reproductive processes has been observed in parous women and is potentially responsible for a transiently increased risk in pregnancy. In contrast, maternal immunisation and immunoglobulin production against antigens expressed on trophoblast cells, such as specific glycosylation patterns of mucin-1 or RCAS1-associated truncated glycans, seem to prevent breast cancer development in later years. Animal and human studies indicate that T cells are involved in these processes. Several placenta-derived factors, especially kisspeptin, have direct anti-tumour effects. The pregnancy-related increase of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones influence growth and characteristics of breast cancer while the role of further placenta-secreted factors is still controversially discussed. CONCLUSION Several factors and cells are involved in altered breast cancer risk during and after pregnancy and have potential for developing novel treatment strategies in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolin Froehlich
- University Hospital Jena, Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - André Schmidt
- University Hospital Jena, Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Julia Isabell Heger
- University Hospital Jena, Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Boodor Al-Kawlani
- University Hospital Jena, Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Caroline Anna Aberl
- LMU München, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- LMU München, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Sibylle Loibl
- German Breast Group, c/o GBG-Forschungs GmbH, Martin-Behaim-Str 12, 63263, Neu-Isenburg, Germany
| | - Udo Rudolf Markert
- University Hospital Jena, Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
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Zhang H, Zhang F, Zhu M, Wang J, Sheng X, Yuan Z, Han Y, Watanabe G, Taya K, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and luteinizing hormone receptor in the scented gland of the male muskrat ( Ondatra zibethicus). Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2017; 312:R569-R574. [PMID: 28228419 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00506.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) may influence the functions of nongonadal tissues in addition to their classic target gonads. Our previous studies revealed that the scented glands of male muskrats expressed prolactin receptor, steroidogenic enzymes, and inhibin/activin subunits. To further seek the evidence of the activities of pituitary gonadotropins in scented glands, we investigated the seasonal expression patterns of FSH receptor (FSHR) and LH/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR). The weight and size of scented glands during the breeding season were significantly higher than those during the nonbreeding season. Immunohistochemical studies showed that FSHR was present in the serous cells of scented glands, whereas LHCGR was present in the interstitial cells. The protein and mRNA expression levels of FSHR and LHCGR were significantly higher in the scented glands during the breeding season than those during the nonbreeding season. Importantly, the levels of circulating FSH and LH were remarkably higher during the breeding season. Taken together, these results suggested that gonadotropins may affect the function of muskrat scented gland via the locally expressed receptors in a season-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China; and
| | - Fengwei Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China; and
| | - Manyu Zhu
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China; and
| | - Junjie Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China; and
| | - Xia Sheng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China; and
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China; and
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China; and
| | - Gen Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Taya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China; and
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Sanchez AM, Flamini MI, Russo E, Casarosa E, Pacini S, Petrini M, Genazzani AR, Simoncini T. LH and FSH promote migration and invasion properties of a breast cancer cell line through regulatory actions on the actin cytoskeleton. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 437:22-34. [PMID: 27502036 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive hormones influence breast cancer development and progression. While the actions of sex steroids in this setting are established, tentative evidence suggests that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) may also play a role, yet this remains elusive. We here identify that T-47D breast cancer cells express functional receptors for FSH and LH, and that these hormones regulate breast cancer cell motility and invasion through the control of the actin cytoskeleton and the formation of cortical actin aggregates and focal adhesion complexes. Such actions are mediated by the cytoskeletal controllers Moesin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Moesin is recruited rapidly by FSH and LH through a signaling cascade requiring the G protein Gα13 and the Rho-associated kinase, ROCK-2. FSH and LH activate FAK via a Gαi/β and c-Src-dependent signaling cascade. Both cascades involve signaling to phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase and Akt. FSH and LH receptors and the related signaling intermediates are necessary for the actions of gonadotrophins on breast cancer cell cytoskeletal rearrangement, migration and invasion. These findings provide original information on the actions of gonadotrophins on breast cancer cells and may have clinical implications for the use of drugs that modulate gonadotrophins in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Matias Sanchez
- Molecular and Cellular Gynecological Endocrinology Laboratory (MCGEL), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56100, Italy; Institute of Medicine and Experimental Biology of Cuyo (IMBECU), CCT-CONICET Mendoza, National University of Cuyo, Parque General San Martin s/n, Mendoza, CP:5500, Argentina
| | - Marina Ines Flamini
- Molecular and Cellular Gynecological Endocrinology Laboratory (MCGEL), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56100, Italy; Institute of Medicine and Experimental Biology of Cuyo (IMBECU), CCT-CONICET Mendoza, National University of Cuyo, Parque General San Martin s/n, Mendoza, CP:5500, Argentina
| | - Eleonora Russo
- Molecular and Cellular Gynecological Endocrinology Laboratory (MCGEL), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56100, Italy
| | - Elena Casarosa
- Molecular and Cellular Gynecological Endocrinology Laboratory (MCGEL), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56100, Italy
| | - Simone Pacini
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56100, Italy
| | - Mario Petrini
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56100, Italy
| | - Andrea Riccardo Genazzani
- Molecular and Cellular Gynecological Endocrinology Laboratory (MCGEL), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56100, Italy
| | - Tommaso Simoncini
- Molecular and Cellular Gynecological Endocrinology Laboratory (MCGEL), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56100, Italy.
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Zaleska M, Waclawik A, Bodek G, Zezula-Szpyra A, Li X, Janowski T, Hansel WH, Rahman NA, Ziecik AJ. Growth Repression in Diethylstilbestrol/Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene–Induced Rat Mammary Gland Tumor Using Hecate-CGβ Conjugate. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 229:335-44. [PMID: 15044717 DOI: 10.1177/153537020422900408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, we have shown that Hecate-CGβ conjugate, which is a fusion of the lytic peptide Hecate and a 15–amino acid fragment of the β-chain of chorionic gonadotropin (CGβ), selectively destroys mammary gland carcinoma cells that possess luteinizing hormone receptors (LHR) in vitro. We induced mammary gland tumors using combined prenatal exposure to synthetic diethylstilbestrol (DES) and additional postnatal exposure to dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Rats with tumors were equally randomized (10/group) and treated with either sham (control) or 12 mg/kg body wt of either Hecate or Hecate-CGβ once a week for 3 weeks by tail vein injections. One week after the last injection, rats were kilted. Reverse-transcription–nested polymerase chain reaction/Southern blotting revealed alternatively spliced mRNA for LHR in tumor tissues of 5 of 30 females, which was further confirmed by Western blot analysis. The percentage of tumor volume increase was lowest in the group treated with Hecate-CGβ (45.3 ± 27.6), compared with Hecate- and shamtreated, control group (324.8 ± 78.1 and 309.9 ± 51.2, respectively; P < 0.001). Hecate-CGβ induced a significant decrease in tumor burden compared with controls (9.5 ± 2.1 mg/g body wt vs. 21.6 ± 2.9; P < 0.01). A smaller reduction in tumor burden was also observed in Hecate-treated females (17.6 ± 1.6 mg/g body wt vs. 21.6 ± 2.9; P < 0.05). Our results prove the principle that Hecate-CGβ conjugate is able to repress mammary gland tumor growth, even in tumor tissues that lack or have very low levels of LHR. The mechanism of Hecate-CGβ conjugate action in repression of DES/DMBA-induced tumor growth needs to be further analyzed to clarify the molecular mechanisms of Hecate-CGβ conjugate action in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Zaleska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747 Olsztyn, Poland
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Rao CV. Protective Effects of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Against Breast Cancer: How Can We Use This Information to Prevent/Treat the Disease? Reprod Sci 2016; 24:1102-1110. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719116676396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C. V. Rao
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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Tharkar P, Madani AU, Lasham A, Shelling AN, Al-Kassas R. Nanoparticulate carriers: an emerging tool for breast cancer therapy. J Drug Target 2014; 23:97-108. [DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2014.958844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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10
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Chrusciel M, Doroszko M, Stelmaszewska J, Li X, Ziecik AJ, Coelingh-Bennink HJT, Huhtaniemi I, Rahman NA. Transgenic mice expressing inhibin α-subunit promoter (inhα)/Simian Virus 40 T-antigen (Tag) transgene as a model for the therapy of granulosa cell-derived ovarian cancer. Reprod Biol 2013; 14:25-31. [PMID: 24607252 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Granulosa cell tumors are rare, 3-7.6% of primary ovarian tumors, although with poor prognosis as the tumor-related mortality rate is 37.3%, with 80% of deaths occurring on recurrence. We have created a transgenic (TG) murine model for gonadal somatic cell tumors by expressing the powerful viral oncogene, Simian Virus 40 T-antigen (Tag), under the regulation of murine inhibin α-subunit 6 kb promoter (inhα/Tag). Gonadotropin dependent ovarian granulosa cell tumors were formed in females by the age of 5-6 months, with a 100% penetrance. We have successfully used the inhα/Tag model to test different treatment strategies for ovarian tumors. With a gene therapy trial in inhα/Tag mice crossbred with inhα/HSV-TK (herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase) mice (double TG), we proved the principle that targeted expression of HSV-TK gene in gonadal somatic cell tumors enabled tumor ablation by anti-herpes treatment. When we aimed at targeted destruction of luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) expressing inhα/Tag tumor cells in vivo by a lytic peptide Hecate-CGβ conjugate, we could successfully kill the tumor cells, sparing the normal cells. We recently found high zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3) expression in inhα/Tag granulosa cell tumors, as well as in human granulosa cell tumors. We tested the concept of treating the ovarian tumors of inhα/Tag mice by vaccination against the ectopically expressed ZP3. Immunotherapy with recombinant human (rh) ZP3 was highly successful with no objective side effects in inhα/Tag females, suggesting rhZP3 immunization as a novel strategy for the immunotherapy of ovarian granulosa cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Chrusciel
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland; Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Milena Doroszko
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Joanna Stelmaszewska
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Xiangdong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agriculture University, Beijing, China
| | - Adam J Ziecik
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | | | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (IRDB), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nafis A Rahman
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland; Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland.
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11
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Zhou J, Chen Y, Huang Y, Long J, Wan F, Zhang S. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone level is associated with human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 and Ki67 expression in post-menopausal females with breast cancer. Oncol Lett 2013; 6:1128-1132. [PMID: 24137476 PMCID: PMC3796423 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2013.1516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the association between levels of the gender hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P) and prolactin (PRL), and two breast cancer molecular markers, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2) and Ki67, in post-menopausal patients with breast cancer. A retrospective study of the serum hormone levels of FSH, LH, P and PRL and the expression status of Her-2 and Ki67 was performed using 187 post-menopausal females with breast cancer. Her-2+ breast cancer patients exhibited higher serum FSH levels compared with Her-2− patients (69.47±3.219 vs. 58.56±1.516 IU/l). The patients with high Ki67 expression [immunohistochemistry (IHC), 3+] displayed higher FSH (72.51±4.616 vs. 60.53±1.476 IU/l) and LH (32.33±1.916 vs. 26.98±0.8852 IU/l) levels than those with lower Ki67 expression. No correlation was identified between the FSH, LH, P and PRL hormone levels, tumor stages and lymphovascular invasion (LVI). In conclusion, a higher serum FSH level was identified in Her-2+ post-menopausal patients with breast cancer. Higher serum FSH and LH levels were also observed in breast cancer patients with high Ki67 expression. FSH and LH may function in the progression of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences of Zhejiang, Cancer Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China ; Department of Surgery, The Women's Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
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12
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Lenhard M, Tsvilina A, Schumacher L, Kupka M, Ditsch N, Mayr D, Friese K, Jeschke U. Human chorionic gonadotropin and its relation to grade, stage and patient survival in ovarian cancer. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:2. [PMID: 22214378 PMCID: PMC3311592 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An influence of gonadotropins (hCG) on the development of ovarian cancer has been discussed. Therefore, we quantified serum hCG levels in patients with benign and malignant ovarian tumors and the hCG expression in ovarian cancer tissue in order to analyze its relation to grade, stage, gonadotropin receptor (LH-R, FSH-R) expression and survival in ovarian cancer patients. METHODS Patients diagnosed and treated for ovarian tumors from 1990 to 2002 were included. Patient characteristics, histology including histological subtype, tumor stage, grading and follow-up data were available. Serum hCG concentration measurement was performed with ELISA technology, hCG tissue expression determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS HCG-positive sera were found in 26.7% of patients with benign and 67% of patients with malignant ovarian tumors. In addition, significantly higher hCG serum concentrations were observed in patients with malignant compared to benign ovarian tumors (p = 0.000). Ovarian cancer tissue was positive for hCG expression in 68%. We identified significant differences in hCG tissue expression related to tumor grade (p = 0.022) but no differences with regard to the histological subtype. In addition, mucinous ovarian carcinomas showed a significantly increased hCG expression at FIGO stage III compared to stage I (p = 0.018). We also found a positive correlation of hCG expression to LH-R expression, but not to FSH-R expression. There was no significant correlation between tissue hCG expression and overall ovarian cancer patient survival, but subgroup analysis revealed an increased 5-year survival in LH-R positive/FSH-R negative and hCG positive tumors (hCG positive 75.0% vs. hCG negative 50.5%). CONCLUSIONS Serum human gonadotropin levels differ in patients with benign and malignant ovarian tumors. HCG is often expressed in ovarian cancer tissue with a certain variable relation to grade and stage. HCG expression correlates with LH-R expression in ovarian cancer tissue, which has previously been shown to be of prognostic value. Both, the hormone and its receptor, may therefore serve as targets for new cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Lenhard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Grosshadern Campus, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany.
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13
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Iles RK, Delves PJ, Butler SA. Does hCG or hCGβ play a role in cancer cell biology? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 329:62-70. [PMID: 20654692 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The role that hCG might play in the oncogenic process in cancer is certainly complex. We know that the expression of hCG and its beta subunit is a widespread phenomenon which has been described in many cancer subtypes. However, hCG's involvement in breast cancer has been antithetical: the detection of ectopically expressed hCG(β) by breast tumors has been employed as a biomarker of malignancy, and hCG has been proposed as a ligand vehicle for toxic drugs, with the aim of targeting the LH/hCG receptor which is reported to be expressed by malignant breast tissue. However, it has also been proposed that hCG is a protective agent against the development of breast cancer, leading some to advocate hCG administration to non-pregnant women as a prophylactic measure against cancer. Nevertheless, suggestions that hCG is involved in the angiogenesis, metastasis and immune escape that are central to cancer progression - are phenomena which clearly apply to breast cancer. Indeed, a tumor vaccine based upon hCG has very recently been shown to protect against mammary tumors in mice. We propose that this apparent paradox is resolved if the free beta subunit of hCG produced by tumors acts as an autocrine anti-apoptotic and angiogenic growth factor, whilst intact heterodimeric hCG, as in pregnancy, is part of developmental signaling that initiates tissue differentiation (including breast ductal tissue development), and hence reduces the population of stem-like cells which are susceptible to oncogenic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Iles
- Centre for Investigative and Diagnostic Oncology, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, Hendon, London NW4 4BT, UK.
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14
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Huhtaniemi I. Are gonadotrophins tumorigenic--a critical review of clinical and experimental data. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 329:56-61. [PMID: 20471448 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2009] [Revised: 04/12/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The growth of many gonadal and extragonadal tumors is stimulated by gonadal sex hormones. Because gonadal hormone production is regulated by pituitary gonadotrophins, the latter hormones can be considered as indirect tumor promoters. In addition, there is a growing body of evidence that both gonadal (e.g. ovarian cancer) and extragonadal (e.g. breast, uterus, prostate and adrenal) tumors express gonadotrophin receptors, indicating the possibility of a direct tumorigenic role for FSH and LH. The purpose of this brief review is to present a critical evaluation of the current information, both clinical and experimental, about the direct involvement of gonadotrophins in the induction and growth of gonadal and extragonadal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, IRDB Building, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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15
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Rahman NA, Rao C. Recent progress in luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotrophin hormone research. Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 15:703-11. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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16
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Kuijper TM, Ruigrok-Ritstier K, Verhoef-Post M, Piersma D, Bruysters MW, Berns EM, Themmen AP. LH receptor gene expression is essentially absent in breast tumor tissue: implications for treatment. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2009; 302:58-64. [PMID: 19356624 PMCID: PMC2692988 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2008] [Revised: 12/08/2008] [Accepted: 12/20/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, breast cancer is the most frequently occurring malignancy in women. Early age at full term pregnancy has a protective effect against breast cancer. Evidence coming from a rat breast cancer model suggests a possible role for the pregnancy hormone hCG, a ligand of the LH receptor, as a mediator for this effect. In a previous study, we found that a common polymorphism in the LH receptor associates with tumor progression in premenopausal breast cancer patients, as carriers of the variant receptor showed a shorter disease free survival compared to non-carriers. How hCG and its receptor exert their effects on breast cancer, however, is unclear. One possibility is that these effects take place through LH receptors present in the ovaries, thereby influencing steroid hormone production. Another possibility is that the effects take place through LH receptors present in breast tumor cells themselves, as some studies have detected the receptor in both normal and neoplastic breast tissues and in breast cancer cell lines. To investigate whether a direct effect of LH signaling in breast cancer is likely, we measured LH receptor mRNA expression levels in 1551 breast tumors and 42 different human breast cancer cell lines using a qRT-PCR with a wide dynamic range. In addition, associations between LH receptor expression and clinico-pathologic factors were investigated. Assay validation showed that as little as ?10 copies per reaction volume of LH receptor cDNA could still be detected by our assay. We show that LH receptors are undetectable in 62% of breast tumor samples and 41 of 42 breast cancer cell lines. For the remaining samples we found expression levels to be very low. Although low, expression of the LH receptor appears to be associated with normal breast cells, favorable tumor characteristics and low tumor percentage. Since expression of the LH receptor in breast cancer cells is very low, it almost excludes the possibility of direct signaling effects. We therefore conclude that signaling effects of the LH receptor on breast cancer most likely take place by an indirect pathway through the ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Martijn Kuijper
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Miriam Verhoef-Post
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Djura Piersma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn W.P. Bruysters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Els M.J.J. Berns
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Axel P.N. Themmen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Jia L, Noker PE, Piazza GA, Leuschner C, Hansel W, Gorman GS, Coward LU, Tomaszewski J. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Phor21-betaCG(ala), a lytic peptide conjugate. J Pharm Pharmacol 2008; 60:1441-8. [PMID: 18957164 DOI: 10.1211/jpp.60.11.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Phor21-betaCG(ala), a 36-amino acid peptide comprised of a lytic peptide (Phor21) conjugated to a modified 15-amino acid segment of the beta-chain of chorionic gonadotropin (betaCG(ala)), selectively kills cancer cells that over-express luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin (LH/CG) receptors by disrupting cellular membrane structure. These studies were designed to further characterize its in-vitro inhibition and in-vivo destruction of prostate cancer cells, biostability and pharmacokinetics to determine its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile. Inhibitory effects of Phor21-betaCG(ala) were tested in PC-3 and Caco-2 cells as well as in nude mice bearing PC-3 cells transfected with the luciferase gene (PC-3.luc). Plasma stability, protease hydrolysis and pharmacokinetics of Phor21-betaCG(ala) were measured by using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Phor21-betaCG(ala) selectively inhibited proliferation in-vitro and in-vivo metastases of PC-3 cells. Phor21-betaCG(ala) was relatively stable in mouse, rat, dog and human plasma. Its degradation was partially due to protease hydrolysis and thermodynamic catalysis. Intravenous administration of Phor21-betaCG(ala) showed its blood C(max) and AUC(0-->infinity) around the in-vitro effective levels. In the tested rodents, Phor21-betaCG(ala) displayed a moderate volume of distribution at steady state (Vd(ss)) and slow clearance (Cl) in the rodents. In conclusion, Phor21-betaCG(ala) displayed promising in-vitro and in-vivo anti-cancer activity with favourable pharmacokinetics, and may offer a novel approach to metastatic cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Jia
- The National Cancer Institute/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
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18
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Ziecik AJ, Kaczmarek MM, Blitek A, Kowalczyk AE, Li X, Rahman NA. Novel biological and possible applicable roles of LH/hCG receptor. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2007; 269:51-60. [PMID: 17367919 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2006.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2006] [Revised: 08/01/2006] [Accepted: 08/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin (LH/hCG) receptors are widely expressed in gonadal cells, however, the presence of these receptors has also been demonstrated in several other non-gonadal female and male tissues. The expression level of non-gonadal LH/hCG receptors is much lower than in gonads, although their expression is regulated by similar mechanisms and they also exert biological effects using similar signaling pathways. Hormonally regulated LH/hCG receptor expression in the oviduct suggests that LH could be involved in the regulation of its contraction, gametes/embryos transport and synchronization of the fertilization. One of the major roles of the myometrial LH/hCG receptors may also be the stimulation of growth and maintenance of the uterine relaxation during pregnancy. In pigs, LH seems to be one of the pleiotropic factors which influence the endometrial prostaglandin F(2alpha) synthesis and initiation of the luteolysis. The LH/hCG receptor expression in several cancer cells provides new possibilities for developing new strategies for targeted cancer therapy based on lytic LH/hCG conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Ziecik
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-747 Olsztyn, Poland.
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19
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Vuorenoja S, Rivero-Muller A, Kiiveri S, Bielinska M, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB, Huhtaniemi IT, Rahman NA. Adrenocortical tumorigenesis, luteinizing hormone receptor and transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2007; 269:38-45. [PMID: 17337116 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2006.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2006] [Revised: 11/12/2006] [Accepted: 11/12/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH/hCG) responsiveness of normal and pathological human adrenal glands as well as the possibility of constitutive expressions of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) in adrenal cortex has been reported. Some recent studies showed a correlation between the LHR and abundant GATA-4 expression in both metastasizing and non-metastasizing human adrenocortical tumors, but not in normal adrenals, implicating the putative relevance of LHR and GATA-4 for adrenocortical pathophysiology. However, the physio- and pathophysiological significance of LHR and GATA-4 in the mechanism of adrenocortical tumorigenesis remains unclear. The paucity of suitable models for adrenal tumorigenesis makes the establishment of proper animal models highly important. LHR expression in the murine adrenal gland is an exception and not found in wild-type (WT) animal. We have previously shown that ectopic LHR expression in the murine adrenal gland can be induced by chronically elevated LH levels. We have generated a gonadotropin-responsive adrenal tumor model in gonadectomized transgenic (TG) mice expressing the inhibin alpha promoter/Simian Virus 40 T antigen transgene (inhalpha/Tag). Given the induction of expression and regulation of GATA-4 and GATA-6 zinc finger transcription factors in the gonads by gonadotropins, this review will explore their relationship to LHR expression and their role in adrenocortical tumorigenesis. A functional link between LHR and GATA-4 actions in the adrenal pathophysiology is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Vuorenoja
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
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20
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Hansel W, Enright F, Leuschner C. Destruction of breast cancers and their metastases by lytic peptide conjugates in vitro and in vivo. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2007; 260-262:183-9. [PMID: 17101210 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2005.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2005] [Accepted: 12/24/2005] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments, the concept has been established that breast cancer cells that express LH/CG or LHRH receptors can be targeted and destroyed by constructs consisting of a lytic peptide moiety and a 15-amino acid segment of the beta-chain of CG or by an LHRH lytic peptide conjugate. Data obtained in vitro established the validity of this concept, showed the specificities of the Hecate-betaCG, and Phor14 and Phor21-betaCG conjugates in killing cells that express functional LH/CG receptors and proved that the LH/CG receptor capacity is directly related to the compound's specificity. In in vivo experiments, Hecate-betaCG, Phor14-betaCG, and Phor21-betaCG(ala) each caused highly significant reductions of tumor volume and tumor burden in nude mice bearing breast cancer xenografts; Hecate and Phor21 alone or conjugated with non-specific peptides were not effective. Most importantly, the lytic peptide conjugates were all highly effective in targeting and destroying disseminated breast cancer metastases in lymph nodes, bones, lungs and other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Hansel
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, United States.
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21
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Zhou J, Leuschner C, Kumar C, Hormes JF, Soboyejo WO. Sub-cellular accumulation of magnetic nanoparticles in breast tumors and metastases. Biomaterials 2005; 27:2001-8. [PMID: 16280161 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2005.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2005] [Accepted: 10/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the sub-cellular accumulation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in breast tumors and peripheral organs were investigated. MNPs were conjugated with luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), whose receptors are expressed by most types of breast cancer cells. After the nanoparticles were injected into female nude mice bearing MDA-MB-435S.luc tumors, the mice were sacrificed to collect tumors and peripheral organs for biological and TEM analyses. LHRH conjugated SPIONs (LHRH- SPIONs) were found to accumulate in cancer cells, mainly in the primary tumors and the metastatic lungs, where they aggregated to form clusters. In contrast, most of the unconjugated SPIONs were collected in the liver cells. The results suggest that LHRH- SPIONs can be used to target cancer cells in the primary breast tumors and the lung metastases. TEM is also shown to be a useful tool for the studies of sub-cellular distributions of SPIONs in tumors and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jikou Zhou
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Princeton Institute for the Science and Engineering of Materials, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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22
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Abstract
A targeted treatment that effectively destroys human breast, prostate, ovarian, and testicular cancer cells that express luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin (LH/CG) receptors has been developed. The treatment consists of a conjugate of a membrane-disrupting lytic peptide (Hecate, Phor14, or Phor21) and a 15-amino acid segment of the beta chain of CG. Because these conjugates act primarily by destroying cell membranes, their effects are independent of cell proliferation. The conjugates are relatively small molecules, are rapidly metabolized, and are not antigenic. In a series of independent experiments conducted in three different laboratories, the validity of the concept has been established, and it has been shown that the LH/CG receptor capacity of the cancer cells is directly related to the sensitivity of the lytic peptide conjugates. Sensitivity to the drugs can be increased by pretreating prostate or breast cancer cells with FSH or estradiol to up-regulate LH/CG receptors. A series of 23 in vivo experiments involving a total of 1630 nude mice bearing xenografts of human prostate or breast cancer cells showed convincingly that all three lytic peptide-betaCG compounds were highly effective in destroying tumors and reducing tumor burden. Hecate-betaCG was less effective in mice bearing ovarian epithelial cancer cell xenografts, but was highly effective in treating granulosa cell tumors in transgenic mice. In addition, Hecate-betaCG and Phor14-betaCG were highly effective in targeting and destroying prostate and breast cancer cell metastases in the presence or absence of the primary tumors. Although effective in vitro, neither Hecate nor Phor14 alone were effective in reducing primary tumor volume or burden in nude mice bearing prostate or breast cancer xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Leuschner
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, USA
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23
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Bodek G, Vierre S, Rivero-Müller A, Huhtaniemi I, Ziecik AJ, Rahman NA. A novel targeted therapy of Leydig and granulosa cell tumors through the luteinizing hormone receptor using a hecate-chorionic gonadotropin beta conjugate in transgenic mice. Neoplasia 2005; 7:497-508. [PMID: 15967102 PMCID: PMC1501163 DOI: 10.1593/neo.04751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2004] [Revised: 12/31/2004] [Accepted: 01/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the antitumoral efficacy, endocrine consequences, and molecular mechanisms underlying cell death induced by the Hecate-chorionic gonadotropin (CG)beta conjugate, a fusion protein of a 23-amino acid lytic peptide Hecate with a 15-amino acid (81-95) fragment of the human CGbeta chain. Transgenic (TG) mice expressing the inhibin alpha-subunit promoter (inhalpha)/Simian Virus 40 T-antigen (Tag) transgene, developing luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor (R) expressing Leydig and granulosa cell tumors, and wild-type control littermates were treated either with vehicle, Hecate, or Hecate-CGbeta conjugate for 3 weeks. Hecate-CGbeta conjugate treatment reduced the testicular and ovarian tumor burden (P < .05), whereas a concomitant increase (testis; P < .05) or no change (ovary) in tumor volumes occured with Hectate treatment. A drop in serum progesterone, produced by the tumors, and an increase in LH levels occured in Hecate-CGbeta treated mice, in comparison with vehicle and Hecate groups, providing further support for the positive treatment response. Hecate-CGbeta conjugate induced a rapid and cell-specific membrane permeabilization of LHR-expressing cells in vitro, suggesting a necrotic mode of cell death without activation of apoptosis. These results prove the principle that the Hecate-CGbeta conjugate provides a novel specific lead into gonadal somatic cell cancer therapy by targeted destruction of LHR-expressing tumor cells.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Chloromethyl Ketones/pharmacology
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Blotting, Northern
- Caspase 3
- Caspases/metabolism
- Cell Death
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Separation
- Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human/chemistry
- Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human/therapeutic use
- Disease Models, Animal
- Enzyme Activation
- Female
- Flow Cytometry
- Granulosa Cell Tumor/therapy
- Humans
- Leydig Cell Tumor/therapy
- Male
- Melitten/analogs & derivatives
- Melitten/chemistry
- Melitten/therapeutic use
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Necrosis
- Ovarian Neoplasms/therapy
- Progesterone/blood
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Receptors, LH/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism
- Testicular Neoplasms/therapy
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Bodek
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn 10-714, Poland
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24
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Bodek G, Kowalczyk A, Waclawik A, Huhtaniemi I, Ziecik AJ. Targeted ablation of prostate carcinoma cells through LH receptor using Hecate-CGbeta conjugate: functional characteristic and molecular mechanism of cell death pathway. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2005; 230:421-8. [PMID: 15956772 DOI: 10.1177/15353702-0323006-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A Hecate-CGbeta conjugate (lytic peptide and beta-chorionic gonadotropin) selectively destroyed cells possessing LH receptors. This study described functional characteristics of the conjugate and the molecular mechanism of the cell death pathway in prostate cancer cells. Based on in vitro studies, we conclude that the conjugate kills cells possessing luteinizing hormone receptors (LHR) faster than Hecate alone. Competitive studies have shown that blocking of LHR by preincubation with chorionic gonadotropin (100 ng/ml) reduced toxicity of the conjugate in low concentrations. Further studies have also shown that the conjugate in treated cells both did not induce internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and did not induce morphological changes in cells characterized as having apoptotic features. These results proved that cells died by necrosis rather than apoptosis after the conjugate treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Line, Tumor/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor/pathology
- Cell Membrane/drug effects
- Cell Membrane/pathology
- Chorionic Gonadotropin/pharmacology
- Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human/antagonists & inhibitors
- Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human/pharmacology
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis
- Male
- Melitten/analogs & derivatives
- Melitten/antagonists & inhibitors
- Melitten/pharmacology
- Mice
- Necrosis
- Prostatic Neoplasms
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- Receptors, LH/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, LH/genetics
- Receptors, LH/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Bodek
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-714 Olsztyn, Poland.
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25
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Ziecik AJ, Bodek G, Blitek A, Kaczmarek M, Waclawik A. Nongonadal LH receptors, their involvement in female reproductive function and a new applicable approach. Vet J 2005; 169:75-84. [PMID: 15683766 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2003] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Luteinising hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) share a common receptor in gonadal cells. The receptors have also been detected in several nongonadal but reproduction-associated tissues of pigs, cattle, and other species including the uterus (myometrium, endometrium), oviduct, cervix, blood vessels, mammary gland and other tissues. The main role of LH/hCG receptors in the myometrium is stimulation of growth and hyperplasia, and relaxation of uterine motility; hCG also boosts blood flow in the uterine artery. LH and hCG can increase production of prostaglandins in the endometrium, oviduct, and blood vessels. We suggest that the preovulatory surge of LH plays an important role in controlling oviductal contractions. Awareness of LH binding to many tissues of the female reproductive tract and integration with embryonic factors may lead to the elaboration of new strategies for improved reproductive efficiency in domestic species. Mammary glands also possess LH/hCG receptors through which gonadotropins can affect the metabolism of steroid hormones and could play an inhibitory role in mammary carcinogenesis and in the growth of breast tumours. A novel approach to target and ablate carcinoma cells through LH receptors is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Ziecik
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Tuwima 10, P.O. Box 55, 10-747 Olsztyn, Poland.
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