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Wang X, He J, Sun M, Wang S, Qu J, Shi H, Rao B. High-dose vitamin C as a metabolic treatment of cancer: a new dimension in the era of adjuvant and intensive therapy. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03553-x. [PMID: 39259387 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
The anti-cancer mechanism of High-dose Vitamin C (HDVC) is mainly to participate in the Fenton reaction, hydroxylation reaction, and epigenetic modification, which leads to the energy crisis, metabolic collapse, and severe peroxidation stress that results in the proliferation inhibition or death of cancer cells. However, the mainstream view is that HDVC does not significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes. In clinical work and scientific research, we found that some drugs or therapies can significantly improve the anti-cancer effects of HDVC, such as PD-1 inhibitors that can increase the anti-cancer effects of cancerous HDVC by nearly three times. Here, the adjuvant and intensive therapy and synergistic mechanisms including HDVC combined application of chemoradiotherapies multi-vitamins, targeted drugs, immunotherapies, and oncolytic virus are discussed in detail. Adjuvant and intensive therapy of HDVC can significantly improve the therapeutic effect of HDVC in the metabolic treatment of cancer, but more clinical evidence is needed to support its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Center of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer FSMP for State Market Regulation, Beijing, China
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Cancer Metabolism and Nutrition, Beijing, China
| | - Jia He
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Center of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer FSMP for State Market Regulation, Beijing, China
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Cancer Metabolism and Nutrition, Beijing, China
| | - Minmin Sun
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiwan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Center of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer FSMP for State Market Regulation, Beijing, China
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Cancer Metabolism and Nutrition, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxiu Qu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Center of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer FSMP for State Market Regulation, Beijing, China
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Cancer Metabolism and Nutrition, Beijing, China
| | - Hanping Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Center of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer FSMP for State Market Regulation, Beijing, China.
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Cancer Metabolism and Nutrition, Beijing, China.
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Benqiang Rao
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Center of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer FSMP for State Market Regulation, Beijing, China.
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Cancer Metabolism and Nutrition, Beijing, China.
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2
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Isola S, Gammeri L, Furci F, Gangemi S, Pioggia G, Allegra A. Vitamin C Supplementation in the Treatment of Autoimmune and Onco-Hematological Diseases: From Prophylaxis to Adjuvant Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7284. [PMID: 39000393 PMCID: PMC11241675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin introduced through the diet with anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and antioxidant activities. Today, this vitamin is integrated into the treatment of many inflammatory pathologies. However, there is increasing evidence of possible use in treating autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. We reviewed the literature to delve deeper into the rationale for using vitamin C in treating this type of pathology. There is much evidence in the literature regarding the beneficial effects of vitamin C supplementation for treating autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and neoplasms, particularly hematological neoplastic diseases. Vitamin C integration regulates the cytokines microenvironment, modulates immune response to autoantigens and cancer cells, and regulates oxidative stress. Moreover, integration therapy has an enhanced effect on chemotherapies, ionizing radiation, and target therapy used in treating hematological neoplasm. In the future, integrative therapy will have an increasingly important role in preventing pathologies and as an adjuvant to standard treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Isola
- School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Policlinico “G. Martino”, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.I.); (S.G.)
| | - Luca Gammeri
- School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Policlinico “G. Martino”, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.I.); (S.G.)
| | - Fabiana Furci
- Provincial Healthcare Unit, Section of Allergy, 89900 Vibo Valentia, Italy;
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Policlinico “G. Martino”, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.I.); (S.G.)
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy;
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3
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Talib WH, Ahmed Jum’AH DA, Attallah ZS, Jallad MS, Al Kury LT, Hadi RW, Mahmod AI. Role of vitamins A, C, D, E in cancer prevention and therapy: therapeutic potentials and mechanisms of action. Front Nutr 2024; 10:1281879. [PMID: 38274206 PMCID: PMC10808607 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1281879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a leading global cause of mortality, arises from intricate interactions between genetic and environmental factors, fueling uncontrolled cell growth. Amidst existing treatment limitations, vitamins have emerged as promising candidates for cancer prevention and treatment. This review focuses on Vitamins A, C, E, and D because of their protective activity against various types of cancer. They are essential as human metabolic coenzymes. Through a critical exploration of preclinical and clinical studies via PubMed and Google Scholar, the impact of these vitamins on cancer therapy was analyzed, unraveling their complicated mechanisms of action. Interestingly, vitamins impact immune function, antioxidant defense, inflammation, and epigenetic regulation, potentially enhancing outcomes by influencing cell behavior and countering stress and DNA damage. Encouraging clinical trial results have been observed; however, further well-controlled studies are imperative to validate their effectiveness, determine optimal dosages, and formulate comprehensive cancer prevention and treatment strategies. Personalized supplementation strategies, informed by medical expertise, are pivotal for optimal outcomes in both clinical and preclinical contexts. Nevertheless, conclusive evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamins in cancer prevention and treatment is still pending, urging further research and exploration in this compelling area of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wamidh H. Talib
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Zeena Shamil Attallah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohanned Sami Jallad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Lina T. Al Kury
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rawan Wamidh Hadi
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Asma Ismail Mahmod
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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4
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Kietzmann T. Vitamin C: From nutrition to oxygen sensing and epigenetics. Redox Biol 2023; 63:102753. [PMID: 37263060 PMCID: PMC10245123 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is unbeatable - at least when it comes to sales. Of all the vitamin preparations, those containing vitamin C sell best. This is surprising because vitamin C deficiency is extremely rare. Nevertheless, there is still controversy about whether the additional intake of vitamin C supplements is essential for our health. In this context, the possible additional benefit is in most cases merely reduced to the known effect as an antioxidant. However, new findings in recent years on the mechanisms of oxygen-sensing and epigenetic control underpin the multifaceted role of vitamin C in a biological context and have therefore renewed interest in it. In the present article, therefore, known facts are linked to these new key data. In addition, available clinical data on vitamin C use of cancer therapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kietzmann
- University of Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
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He X, Wei Y, Wu J, Wang Q, Bergholz JS, Gu H, Zou J, Lin S, Wang W, Xie S, Jiang T, Lee J, Asara JM, Zhang K, Cantley LC, Zhao JJ. Lysine vitcylation is a novel vitamin C-derived protein modification that enhances STAT1-mediated immune response. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.546774. [PMID: 37425798 PMCID: PMC10327172 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.546774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin C (vitC) is a vital nutrient for health and also used as a therapeutic agent in diseases such as cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying vitC's effects remain elusive. Here we report that vitC directly modifies lysine without enzymes to form vitcyl-lysine, termed "vitcylation", in a dose-, pH-, and sequence-dependent manner across diverse proteins in cells. We further discover that vitC vitcylates K298 site of STAT1, which impairs its interaction with the phosphatase PTPN2, preventing STAT1 Y701 dephosphorylation and leading to increased STAT1-mediated IFN pathway activation in tumor cells. As a result, these cells have increased MHC/HLA class-I expression and activate immune cells in co-cultures. Tumors collected from vitC-treated tumor-bearing mice have enhanced vitcylation, STAT1 phosphorylation and antigen presentation. The identification of vitcylation as a novel PTM and the characterization of its effect in tumor cells opens a new avenue for understanding vitC in cellular processes, disease mechanisms, and therapeutics.
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Allegra A, Murdaca G, Mirabile G, Gangemi S. Redox Signaling Modulates Activity of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Patients. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051325. [PMID: 37238995 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although immunotherapy is already a staple of cancer care, many patients may not benefit from these cutting-edge treatments. A crucial field of research now focuses on figuring out how to improve treatment efficacy and assess the resistance mechanisms underlying this uneven response. For a good response, immune-based treatments, in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors, rely on a strong infiltration of T cells into the tumour microenvironment. The severe metabolic environment that immune cells must endure can drastically reduce effector activity. These immune dysregulation-related tumour-mediated perturbations include oxidative stress, which can encourage lipid peroxidation, ER stress, and T regulatory cells dysfunction. In this review, we have made an effort to characterize the status of immunological checkpoints, the degree of oxidative stress, and the part that latter plays in determining the therapeutic impact of immunological check point inhibitors in different neoplastic diseases. In the second section of the review, we will make an effort to assess new therapeutic possibilities that, by affecting redox signalling, may modify the effectiveness of immunological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Murdaca
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, n. 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mirabile
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Morris-Blanco KC, Chokkalla AK, Kim T, Bhatula S, Bertogliat MJ, Gaillard AB, Vemuganti R. High-Dose Vitamin C Prevents Secondary Brain Damage After Stroke via Epigenetic Reprogramming of Neuroprotective Genes. Transl Stroke Res 2022; 13:1017-1036. [PMID: 35306630 PMCID: PMC9485293 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-022-01007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin C has recently been identified as an epigenetic regulator by activating ten-eleven translocases (TETs), enzymes involved in generating DNA hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Currently, we investigated whether high-dose vitamin C promotes neuroprotection through epigenetic modulation of 5hmC, if there are sex-specific differences in outcome, and the therapeutic potential of vitamin C in stroke-related comorbidities in adult mice. Post-stroke treatment with ascorbate (reduced form), but not dehydroascorbate (oxidized form), increased TET3 activity and 5hmC levels and reduced infarct following focal ischemia. Hydroxymethylation DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing showed that ascorbate increased 5hmC across the genome and specifically in promoters of several stroke pathophysiology-related genes, particularly anti-inflammatory genes. Ascorbate also decreased markers of oxidative stress, mitochondrial fragmentation, and apoptosis in cortical peri-infarct neurons and promoted motor and cognitive functional recovery in both sexes via TET3. Furthermore, post-stroke ascorbate treatment reduced infarct volume and improved motor function recovery in aged, hypertensive and diabetic male and female mice. Delayed ascorbate treatment at 6 h of reperfusion was still effective at reducing infarct volume and motor impairments in adult mice. Collectively, this study shows that post-stroke treatment with high-dose ascorbate protects the brain through epigenetic reprogramming and may function as a robust therapeutic against stroke injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kahlilia C Morris-Blanco
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mail code CSC-8660, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
- William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anil K Chokkalla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mail code CSC-8660, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - TaeHee Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mail code CSC-8660, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Saivenkateshkomal Bhatula
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mail code CSC-8660, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
- William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mario J Bertogliat
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mail code CSC-8660, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Alexis B Gaillard
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mail code CSC-8660, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mail code CSC-8660, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
- William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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8
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Hu L, Zhang X, Li H, Lin S, Zang S. Targeting TET2 as a Therapeutic Approach for Angioimmunoblastic T Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225699. [PMID: 36428791 PMCID: PMC9688210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), a type of malignant lymphoma with unique genomic aberrations, significant clinicopathological features, and poor prognosis, is characterized by immune system dysregulation. Recent sequencing studies have identified recurrent mutations and interactions in tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2), ras homology family member A (RHOA), DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A), and mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase II (IDH2). Notably, since B-cell lymphomas are frequently observed along with AITL, this review first summarizes its controversial mechanisms based on traditional and recent views. Epigenetic regulation represented by TET2 plays an increasingly important role in understanding the multi-step and multi-lineage tumorigenesis of AITL, providing new research directions and treatment strategies for patients with AITL. Here, we review the latest advances in our understanding of AITL and highlight relevant issues that have yet to be addressed in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Hu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xuanye Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huifeng Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Suxia Lin
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Shengbing Zang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-13559131526
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9
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Gęgotek A, Skrzydlewska E. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ascorbic Acid. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:1993. [PMID: 36290716 PMCID: PMC9598715 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11101993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascorbic acid, as a one of the basic exogenous vitamins, occurs in the body in the form of ascorbate, known for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The presented review shows not only the importance of ascorbate as a free radical scavenger but also summarizes its antioxidant action based on other mechanisms, including the activation of intracellular antioxidant systems and its effect on the NFκB/TNFα pathway and apoptosis. Ascorbate interacts with small-molecule antioxidants, including tocopherol, glutathione, and thioredoxin; it can also stimulate biosynthesis and the activation of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, or glutathione peroxidase. Moreover, ascorbate promotes the activity of transcription factors (Nrf2, Ref-1, AP-1), which enables the expression of genes encoding antioxidant proteins. Additionally, it supports the action of other exogenous antioxidants, mainly polyphenols. In this regard, both DNA, proteins, and lipids are protected against oxidation, leading to an inflammatory reaction and even cell death. Although ascorbate has strong antioxidant properties, it can also have pro-oxidant effects in the presence of free transition metals. However, its role in the prevention of DNA mutation, inflammation, and cell apoptosis, especially in relation to cancer cells, is controversial.
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10
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Zaher A, Stephens LM, Miller AM, Hartwig SM, Stolwijk JM, Petronek MS, Zacharias ZR, Wadas TJ, Monga V, Cullen JJ, Furqan M, Houtman JCD, Varga SM, Spitz DR, Allen BG. Pharmacological ascorbate as a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:989000. [PMID: 36072595 PMCID: PMC9444023 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.989000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological ascorbate (i.e., intravenous infusions of vitamin C reaching ~ 20 mM in plasma) is under active investigation as an adjuvant to standard of care anti-cancer treatments due to its dual redox roles as an antioxidant in normal tissues and as a prooxidant in malignant tissues. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are highly promising therapies for many cancer patients but face several challenges including low response rates, primary or acquired resistance, and toxicity. Ascorbate modulates both innate and adaptive immune functions and plays a key role in maintaining the balance between pro and anti-inflammatory states. Furthermore, the success of pharmacological ascorbate as a radiosensitizer and a chemosensitizer in pre-clinical studies and early phase clinical trials suggests that it may also enhance the efficacy and expand the benefits of ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Zaher
- Cancer Biology Program, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Laura M. Stephens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Ann M. Miller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Stacey M. Hartwig
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jeffrey M. Stolwijk
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Michael S. Petronek
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Zeb R. Zacharias
- Human Immunology Core & Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Thaddeus J. Wadas
- Department of Radiology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Varun Monga
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Joseph J. Cullen
- Department of Surgery, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Muhammad Furqan
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jon C. D. Houtman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Steven M. Varga
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Douglas R. Spitz
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Bryan G. Allen
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Bryan G. Allen,
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11
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Travaglini S, Gurnari C, Antonelli S, Silvestrini G, Noguera NI, Ottone T, Voso MT. The Anti-Leukemia Effect of Ascorbic Acid: From the Pro-Oxidant Potential to the Epigenetic Role in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930205. [PMID: 35938170 PMCID: PMC9352950 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Data derived from high-throughput sequencing technologies have allowed a deeper understanding of the molecular landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic options, with a higher efficacy and a lower toxicity than conventional chemotherapy. In the antileukemia drug development scenario, ascorbic acid, a natural compound also known as Vitamin C, has emerged for its potential anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities on leukemic cells. However, the role of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the treatment of AML has been debated for decades. Mechanistic insight into its role in many biological processes and, especially, in epigenetic regulation has provided the rationale for the use of this agent as a novel anti-leukemia therapy in AML. Acting as a co-factor for 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDDs), ascorbic acid is involved in the epigenetic regulations through the control of TET (ten-eleven translocation) enzymes, epigenetic master regulators with a critical role in aberrant hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. In line with this discovery, great interest has been emerging for the clinical testing of this drug targeting leukemia epigenome. Besides its role in epigenetics, ascorbic acid is also a pivotal regulator of many physiological processes in human, particularly in the antioxidant cellular response, being able to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) to prevent DNA damage and other effects involved in cancer transformation. Thus, for this wide spectrum of biological activities, ascorbic acid possesses some pharmacologic properties attractive for anti-leukemia therapy. The present review outlines the evidence and mechanism of ascorbic acid in leukemogenesis and its therapeutic potential in AML. With the growing evidence derived from the literature on situations in which the use of ascorbate may be beneficial in vitro and in vivo, we will finally discuss how these insights could be included into the rational design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Gurnari
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - S. Antonelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Silvestrini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - N. I. Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - T. Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - M. T. Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: M. T. Voso,
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High-Dose Vitamin C for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060711. [PMID: 35745630 PMCID: PMC9231292 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the idea that Vitamin C (Vit-C) could be utilized as a form of anti-cancer therapy has generated many contradictory arguments. Recent insights into the physiological characteristics of Vit-C, its pharmacokinetics, and results from preclinical reports, however, suggest that high-dose Vit-C could be effectively utilized in the management of various tumor types. Studies have shown that the pharmacological action of Vit-C can attack various processes that cancerous cells use for their growth and development. Here, we discuss the anti-cancer functions of Vit-C, but also the potential for the use of Vit-C as an epigenetic regulator and immunotherapy enhancer. We also provide a short overview of the current state of systems for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially in the context of their influencing high-dose Vit-C toxicity for the inhibition of cancer growth. Even though the mechanisms of Vit-C action are promising, they need to be supported with robust randomized and controlled clinical trials. Moreover, upcoming studies should focus on how to define the most suitable cancer patient populations for high-dose Vit-C treatments and develop effective strategies that combine Vit-C with various concurrent cancer treatment regimens.
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Role of Vitamin C in Selected Malignant Neoplasms in Women. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14040882. [PMID: 35215535 PMCID: PMC8876016 DOI: 10.3390/nu14040882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first reports describing the anti-cancer properties of vitamin C published several decades ago, its actual effectiveness in fighting cancer has been under investigation and widely discussed. Some scientific reports indicate that vitamin C in high concentrations can contribute to effective and selective destruction of cancer cells. Furthermore, preclinical and clinical studies have shown that relatively high doses of vitamin C administered intravenously in ‘pharmacological concentrations’ may not only be well-tolerated, but significantly improve patients’ quality of life. This seems to be particularly important, especially for terminal cancer patients. However, the relatively high frequency of vitamin C use by cancer patients means that the potential clinical benefits may not be obvious. For this reason, in this review article, we focus on the articles published mainly in the last two decades, describing possible beneficial effects of vitamin C in preventing and treating selected malignant neoplasms in women, including breast, cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. According to the reviewed studies, vitamin C use may contribute to an improvement of the overall quality of life of patients, among others, by reducing chemotherapy-related side effects. Nevertheless, new clinical trials are needed to collect stronger evidence of the role of this nutrient in supportive cancer treatment.
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Ma J, Zhang C, Shi G, Yue D, Shu Y, Hu S, Qi Z, Chen Y, Zhang B, Zhang Y, Huang A, Su C, Zhang Y, Deng H, Cheng P. High-dose VitC plus oncolytic adenoviruses enhance immunogenic tumor cell death and reprogram tumor immune microenvironment. Mol Ther 2022; 30:644-661. [PMID: 34547462 PMCID: PMC8821933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies have validated the antitumor effects of several oncolytic viruses (OVs). However, the efficacy of OVs is limited when they are administered as monotherapies. Combination therapy is a promising direction for oncolytic virotherapy in the future. A high dose of vitamin C (VitC) exerts anticancer effects by triggering the accretion of substantial amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). OVs can induce immunogenic tumor cell death and elicit an antitumor immune response. ROS play an important role in immunogenic cell death (ICD). This study aimed to explore whether high-dose VitC in combination with oncolytic adenoviruses (oAds) exhibited a synergistic antitumor effect. High-dose VitC synergized with oAds against tumor by enhancing immunogenic tumor cell death. Combination therapy with high-dose VitC and oAds significantly increased the number of T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and promoted the activation of T cells. Furthermore, the antitumor effect of the combination therapy was CD8+ T cell dependent. In addition, combination therapy with high-dose VitC and oAds reprogramed the immunosuppressive TME. Our study provides a new strategy for combination therapy of OVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Chunxue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Gang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Dan Yue
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, PR China
| | - Yongheng Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Shichuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Zhongbing Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yanwei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Anliang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chao Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Hongxin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Ping Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China,Corresponding author: Prof. Ping Cheng, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 17 People’s South Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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15
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Vitamin C and cancer risk and treatment. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/ahem-2021-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) works as a strong reductant, radical scavenger, and protector of cell membranes against primary peroxidative damage in tissues and in the extracellular fluid. L-ascorbic acid is involved in the synthesis of collagen and many other biologically relevant substances, enzyme activity, xenobiotic detoxification, and prevention of forming carcinogenic nitrosamines. It also plays a role in the immune system. Numerous data indicate that cancer patients suffer from vitamin C deficiency. Studies show that people with a low vitamin C intake have an increased risk of head and neck cancers as well as lung, gastric, pancreatic, cervical, rectal, or breast cancer. On the other hand, there is no clinical evidence to support the thesis that antioxidant supplements (including vitamin C) prevent cancer. Observational trials investigating high doses of intravenous L-ascorbic acid in previously treated cancer patients have shown that it allows an increase in quality of life and may improve physical, mental, and emotional functions, as well as reducing adverse effects of standard anticancer treatment, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss. So far, there were a few randomized controlled trials and they have not reported any statistically significant improvements in the overall or progression-free survival with vitamin C, as compared to the control arm. However, preclinical data indicating a role of L-ascorbic acid in modulation of immune response and its involvement in epigenome remodeling suggest its new potential clinical applications in cancer patients, especially in combination with immunotherapy. It seems reasonable to further investigate the value of vitamin C as a supportive treatment or in combination with anticancer targeted therapy.
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16
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Bedhiafi T, Inchakalody VP, Fernandes Q, Mestiri S, Billa N, Uddin S, Merhi M, Dermime S. The potential role of vitamin C in empowering cancer immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112553. [PMID: 34923342 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C also known as L-ascorbic acid is a nutrient naturally occurring in many fruits and vegetables and widely known for its potent antioxidant activity. Several studies have highlighted the importance of using high dose vitamin C as an adjuvant anti-cancer therapy. Interestingly, it has been shown that vitamin C is able to modulate the anti-cancer immune response and to help to overcome the resistance to immune checkpoints blockade (ICB) drugs such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CLTA-4) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1/PD-1) inhibitors. Indeed, it was reported that vitamin C regulates several mechanisms developed by cancer cells to escape T cells immune response and resist ICB. Understanding the role of vitamin C in the anti-tumor immune response will pave the way to the development of novel combination therapies that would enhance the response of cancer patients to ICB immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the effect of vitamin C on the immune system and its potential role in empowering cancer immunotherapy through its pro-oxidant potential, its ability to modulate epigenetic factors and its capacity to regulate the expression of different cytokines involved in the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takwa Bedhiafi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Philipose Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Queenie Fernandes
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarra Mestiri
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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17
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Kouakanou L, Peters C, Brown CE, Kabelitz D, Wang LD. Vitamin C, From Supplement to Treatment: A Re-Emerging Adjunct for Cancer Immunotherapy? Front Immunol 2021; 12:765906. [PMID: 34899716 PMCID: PMC8663797 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.765906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (VitC), in addition to its role as a general antioxidant, has long been considered to possess direct anti-cancer activity at high doses. VitC acts through oxidant and epigenetic mechanisms, which at high doses can exert direct killing of tumor cells in vitro and delay tumor growth in vivo. Recently, it has also been shown that pharmacologic-dose VitC can contribute to control of tumors by modulating the immune system, and studies have been done interrogating the role of physiologic-dose VitC on novel adoptive cellular therapies (ACTs). In this review, we discuss the effects of VitC on anti-tumor immune cells, as well as the mechanisms underlying those effects. We address important unanswered questions concerning both VitC and ACTs, and outline challenges and opportunities facing the use of VitC in the clinical setting as an adjunct to immune-based anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léonce Kouakanou
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christine E Brown
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Leo D Wang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
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Cuenca-Micó O, Delgado-González E, Anguiano B, Vaca-Paniagua F, Medina-Rivera A, Rodríguez-Dorantes M, Aceves C. Effects of Molecular Iodine/Chemotherapy in the Immune Component of Breast Cancer Tumoral Microenvironment. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11101501. [PMID: 34680134 PMCID: PMC8533888 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular iodine (I2) induces apoptotic, antiangiogenic, and antiproliferative effects in breast cancer cells. Little is known about its effects on the tumor immune microenvironment. We studied the effect of oral (5 mg/day) I2 supplementation alone (I2) or together with conventional chemotherapy (Cht+I2) on the immune component of breast cancer tumors from a previously published pilot study conducted in Mexico. RNA-seq, I2 and Cht+I2 samples showed significant increases in the expression of Th1 and Th17 pathways. Tumor immune composition determined by deconvolution analysis revealed significant increases in M0 macrophages and B lymphocytes in both I2 groups. Real-time RT-PCR showed that I2 tumors overexpress T-BET (p = 0.019) and interferon-gamma (IFNγ; p = 0.020) and silence tumor growth factor-beta (TGFβ; p = 0.049), whereas in Cht+I2 tumors, GATA3 is silenced (p = 0.014). Preliminary methylation analysis shows that I2 activates IFNγ gene promoter (by increasing its unmethylated form) and silences TGFβ in Cht+I2. In conclusion, our data showed that I2 supplements induce the activation of the immune response and that when combined with Cht, the Th1 pathways are stimulated. The molecular mechanisms involved in these responses are being analyzed, but preliminary data suggest that methylation/demethylation mechanisms could also participate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Cuenca-Micó
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; (O.C.-M.); (E.D.-G.); (B.A.)
| | - Evangelina Delgado-González
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; (O.C.-M.); (E.D.-G.); (B.A.)
| | - Brenda Anguiano
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; (O.C.-M.); (E.D.-G.); (B.A.)
| | - Felipe Vaca-Paniagua
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City 14160, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Medina-Rivera
- Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación sobre el Genoma Humano, UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
| | | | - Carmen Aceves
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; (O.C.-M.); (E.D.-G.); (B.A.)
- Correspondence:
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19
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Functional succinate dehydrogenase deficiency is a common adverse feature of clear cell renal cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2106947118. [PMID: 34551979 PMCID: PMC8488664 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106947118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study demonstrates that underexpression of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) subunits resulting in accumulation of oncogenic succinate is a common, adverse, epigenetic modulating feature in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), during pathogenesis and progression. The study sheds light on the mechanisms of down-regulation of SDH subunits in ccRCC and deciphers the consequent oncogenic effects. It shows that functional SDH deficiency is a common feature of ccRCC (∼80% of all kidney cancers), and not just limited to the 0.05 to 0.5% of kidney cancers with germline SDH mutations. Reduced succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity resulting in adverse succinate accumulation was previously considered relevant only in 0.05 to 0.5% of kidney cancers associated with germline SDH mutations. Here, we sought to examine a broader role for SDH loss in kidney cancer pathogenesis/progression. We report that underexpression of SDH subunits resulting in accumulation of oncogenic succinate is a common feature in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) (∼80% of all kidney cancers), with a marked adverse impact on survival in ccRCC patients (n = 516). We show that SDH down-regulation is a critical brake in the TCA cycle during ccRCC pathogenesis and progression. In exploring mechanisms of SDH down-regulation in ccRCC, we report that Von Hippel-Lindau loss-induced hypoxia-inducible factor–dependent up-regulation of miR-210 causes direct inhibition of the SDHD transcript. Moreover, shallow deletion of SDHB occurs in ∼20% of ccRCC. We then demonstrate that SDH loss-induced succinate accumulation contributes to adverse loss of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, gain of 5-methylcytosine, and enhanced invasiveness in ccRCC via inhibition of ten-eleven translocation (TET)-2 activity. Intriguingly, binding affinity between the catalytic domain of recombinant TET-2 and succinate was found to be very low, suggesting that the mechanism of succinate-induced attenuation of TET-2 activity is likely via product inhibition rather than competitive inhibition. Finally, exogenous ascorbic acid, a TET-activating demethylating agent, led to reversal of the above oncogenic effects of succinate in ccRCC cells. Collectively, our study demonstrates that functional SDH deficiency is a common adverse feature of ccRCC and not just limited to the kidney cancers associated with germline SDH mutations.
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El Omari N, Bakha M, Imtara H, Guaouguaoua FE, Balahbib A, Zengin G, Bouyahya A. Anticancer mechanisms of phytochemical compounds: focusing on epigenetic targets. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:47869-47903. [PMID: 34308524 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15594-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
It has recently been proven that epigenetic dysregulation is importantly involved in cell transformation and therefore induces cancerous diseases. The development of molecules called epidrugs, which target specifically different epigenetic modifications to restore cellular memory and therefore the treatment, became a real challenge currently. Currently, bioactive compounds of medicinal plants as epidrugs have been can identified and explored in cancer therapy. Indeed, these molecules can target specifically different epigenetic modulators including DNMT, HDAC, HAT, and HMT. Moreover, some compounds exhibit stochastic epigenetic actions on different pathways regulating cell memory. In this work, pharmacodynamic actions of natural epidrugs belonging to cannabinoids, carotenoids, chalcones, fatty acids, lignans, polysaccharides, saponins, secoiridoids, steroids, tannins, tanshinones, and other chemical classes we reported and highlighted. In this review, the effects of several natural bioactive compounds of epigenetic medications on cancerous diseases were highlighted. Numerous active molecules belonging to different chemical classes such as cannabinoids, carotenoids, fatty acids, lignans, polysaccharides, saponins, secoiridoids, steroids, tannins, and tanshinones are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasreddine El Omari
- Laboratory of Histology, Embryology, and Cytogenetic, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Bakha
- Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, BP2121, 93002, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Hamada Imtara
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Arab American University, Jenin, 240, Palestine
| | | | - Abdelaali Balahbib
- Laboratory of Biodiversity, Ecology, and Genome, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Physiology and Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
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Understanding the Therapeutic Potential of Ascorbic Acid in the Battle to Overcome Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081130. [PMID: 34439796 PMCID: PMC8392841 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a fatal disease, is also one of the main causes of death worldwide. Despite various developments to prevent and treat cancer, the side effects of anticancer drugs remain a major concern. Ascorbic acid is an essential vitamin required by our bodies for normal physiological function and also has antioxidant and anticancer activity. Although the body cannot synthesize ascorbic acid, it is abundant in nature through foods and other natural sources and also exists as a nutritional food supplement. In anticancer drug development, ascorbic acid has played an important role by inhibiting the development of cancer through various mechanisms, including scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), selectively producing ROS and encouraging their cytotoxicity against tumour cells, preventing glucose metabolism, serving as an epigenetic regulator, and regulating the expression of HIF in tumour cells. Several ascorbic acid analogues have been produced to date for their anticancer and antioxidant activity. The current review summarizes the mechanisms behind ascorbic acid's antitumor activity, presents a compilation of its derivatives and their biological activity as anticancer agents, and discusses delivery systems such as liposomes, nanoparticles against cancer, and patents on ascorbic acid as anticancer agents.
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22
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Renner O, Burkard M, Michels H, Vollbracht C, Sinnberg T, Venturelli S. Parenteral high‑dose ascorbate - A possible approach for the treatment of glioblastoma (Review). Int J Oncol 2021; 58:35. [PMID: 33955499 PMCID: PMC8104923 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
For glioblastoma, the treatment with standard of care therapy comprising resection, radiation, and temozolomide results in overall survival of approximately 14-18 months after initial diagnosis. Even though several new therapy approaches are under investigation, it is difficult to achieve life prolongation and/or improvement of patient's quality of life. The aggressiveness and progression of glioblastoma is initially orchestrated by the biological complexity of its genetic phenotype and ability to respond to cancer therapy via changing its molecular patterns, thereby developing resistance. Recent clinical studies of pharmacological ascorbate have demonstrated its safety and potential efficacy in different cancer entities regarding patient's quality of life and prolongation of survival. In this review article, the actual glioblastoma treatment possibilities are summarized, the evidence for pharmacological ascorbate in glioblastoma treatment is examined and questions are posed to identify current gaps of knowledge regarding accessibility of ascorbate to the tumor area. Experiments with glioblastoma cell lines and tumor xenografts have demonstrated that high-dose ascorbate induces cytotoxicity and oxidative stress largely selectively in malignant cells compared to normal cells suggesting ascorbate as a potential therapeutic agent. Further investigations in larger cohorts and randomized placebo-controlled trials should be performed to confirm these findings as well as to improve delivery strategies to the brain, through the inherent barriers and ultimately to the malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Renner
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, D‑70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Burkard
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, D‑70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Holger Michels
- Pascoe Pharmazeutische Praeparate GmbH, D‑35394 Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Sinnberg
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, D‑72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sascha Venturelli
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, D‑70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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High-Dose Vitamin C: Preclinical Evidence for Tailoring Treatment in Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061428. [PMID: 33804775 PMCID: PMC8003833 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Vitamin C is an indispensable micronutrient in the human diet due to the multiple functions it carries out in the body. Reports of clinical studies have indicated that, when administered at high dosage by the intravenous route, vitamin C may exert beneficial antitumor effects in patients with advanced stage cancers, including those refractory to previous treatment with chemotherapy. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current scientific evidence concerning the different mechanisms of action by which high-dose vitamin C may kill tumor cells. A special focus will be given to those mechanisms that provide the rationale basis for tailoring vitamin C treatment according to specific molecular alterations present in the tumor and for the selection of the most appropriate companion drugs. Abstract High-dose vitamin C has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach for patients with advanced tumors who failed previous treatment with chemotherapy. Due to vitamin C complex pharmacokinetics, only intravenous administration allows reaching sufficiently high plasma concentrations required for most of the antitumor effects observed in preclinical studies (>0.250 mM). Moreover, vitamin C entry into cells is tightly regulated by SVCT and GLUT transporters, and is cell type-dependent. Importantly, besides its well-recognized pro-oxidant effects, vitamin C modulates TET enzymes promoting DNA demethylation and acts as cofactor of HIF hydroxylases, whose activity is required for HIF-1α proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, at pharmacological concentrations lower than those required for its pro-oxidant activity (<1 mM), vitamin C in specific genetic contexts may alter the DNA damage response by increasing 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels. These more recently described vitamin C mechanisms offer new treatment opportunities for tumors with specific molecular defects (e.g., HIF-1α over-expression or TET2, IDH1/2, and WT1 alterations). Moreover, vitamin C action at DNA levels may provide the rationale basis for combination therapies with PARP inhibitors and hypomethylating agents. This review outlines the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of vitamin C to be taken into account in designing clinical studies that evaluate its potential use as anticancer agent.
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TETology: Epigenetic Mastermind in Action. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2021; 193:1701-1726. [PMID: 33694104 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-021-03537-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytosine methylation is a well-explored epigenetic modification mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) which are considered "methylation writers"; cytosine methylation is a reversible process. The process of removal of methyl groups from DNA remained unelucidated until the discovery of ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins which are now considered "methylation editors." TET proteins are a family of Fe(II) and alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent 5-methyl cytosine dioxygenases-they convert 5-methyl cytosine to 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, and to further oxidized derivatives. In humans, there are three TET paralogs with tissue-specific expression, namely TET1, TET2, and TET3. Among the TETs, TET2 is highly expressed in hematopoietic stem cells where it plays a pleiotropic role. The paralogs also differ in their structure and DNA binding. TET2 lacks the CXXC domain which mediates DNA binding in the other paralogs; thus, TET2 requires interactions with other proteins containing DNA-binding domains for effectively binding to DNA to bring about the catalysis. In addition to its role as methylation editor of DNA, TET2 also serves as methylation editor of RNA. Thus, TET2 is involved in epigenetics as well as epitranscriptomics. TET2 mutations have been found in various malignant hematological disorders like acute myeloid leukemia, and non-malignant hematological disorders like myelodysplastic syndromes. Increasing evidence shows that TET2 plays an important role in the non-hematopoietic system as well. Hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma are some non-hematological malignancies in which a role of TET2 has been implicated. Loss of TET2 is also associated with atherosclerotic vascular lesions and endometriosis. The current review elaborates on the role of structure, catalysis, physiological functions, pathological alterations, and methods to study TET2, with specific emphasis on epigenomics and epitranscriptomics.
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Ou J, Zhu X, Zhang H, Du Y, Chen P, Wang J, Peng X, Bao S, Zhang X, Zhang T, Pang CLK. A Retrospective Study of Gemcitabine and Carboplatin With or Without Intravenous Vitamin C on Patients With Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 19:1534735419895591. [PMID: 32070148 PMCID: PMC7031790 DOI: 10.1177/1534735419895591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This is a retrospective study to examine the effect of chemotherapy with or without intravenous vitamin C (IVC) on women with advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods: From 2008 to 2016, a total of 113 patients with pathologically confirmed TNBC at Clifford Hospital were evaluated, and 70 patients were matched and divided into IVC (treatment group) and non-IVC groups (control group). The match was according to age, menopausal status, and metastatic sites. In the control group, 35 patients received gemcitabine and carboplatin. In the treatment group, 35 patients received the same chemotherapy plus IVC. Results: Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the 2 groups. According to the criteria of RECIST 1.1 (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors), enhanced computed tomography scan was compared after 2 cycles of chemotherapy. In the treatment group, 2/35 cases had a complete remission (CR), 15/35 cases had partial remission (PR), and 13/35 cases had stable disease (SD). The response rate was 48.6%. In the control group, there were no CR cases, 14/35 cases had PR, 14/35 cases had SD, and the response rate was 40.0% (P > .05). The median progression-free survival time and median overall survival time was 7 months (95% confidence interval [CI] =1.5-28.5 months) and 27 months (95% CI = 4-40 months) in the treatment group compared with 4.5 months (95% CI = 1.5-8 months) and 18 months (95% CI = 3-26 months) in the control group (P < .05). All patients experienced diverse reactions in the gastrointestinal tract and myelosuppression. The incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < .05). Conclusion: IVC may have an effect on improving the prognosis of patients with advanced TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwen Ou
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Zhu
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Du
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Chen
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhua Wang
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiufan Peng
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Bao
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinting Zhang
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Clifford L K Pang
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Aboelella NS, Brandle C, Kim T, Ding ZC, Zhou G. Oxidative Stress in the Tumor Microenvironment and Its Relevance to Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13050986. [PMID: 33673398 PMCID: PMC7956301 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer cells are consistently under oxidative stress, as reflected by elevated basal level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), due to increased metabolism driven by aberrant cell growth. This feature has been exploited to develop therapeutic strategies that control tumor growth by modulating the oxidative stress in tumor cells. This review provides an overview of recent advances in cancer therapies targeting tumor oxidative stress, and highlights the emerging evidence implicating the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies in intensifying tumor oxidative stress. The promises and challenges of combining ROS-inducing agents with cancer immunotherapy are also discussed. Abstract It has been well-established that cancer cells are under constant oxidative stress, as reflected by elevated basal level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), due to increased metabolism driven by aberrant cell growth. Cancer cells can adapt to maintain redox homeostasis through a variety of mechanisms. The prevalent perception about ROS is that they are one of the key drivers promoting tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Based on this notion, numerous antioxidants that aim to mitigate tumor oxidative stress have been tested for cancer prevention or treatment, although the effectiveness of this strategy has yet to be established. In recent years, it has been increasingly appreciated that ROS have a complex, multifaceted role in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and that tumor redox can be targeted to amplify oxidative stress inside the tumor to cause tumor destruction. Accumulating evidence indicates that cancer immunotherapies can alter tumor redox to intensify tumor oxidative stress, resulting in ROS-dependent tumor rejection. Herein we review the recent progresses regarding the impact of ROS on cancer cells and various immune cells in the TME, and discuss the emerging ROS-modulating strategies that can be used in combination with cancer immunotherapies to achieve enhanced antitumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada S. Aboelella
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (N.S.A.); (C.B.); (Z.-C.D.)
- The Graduate School, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Caitlin Brandle
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (N.S.A.); (C.B.); (Z.-C.D.)
| | - Timothy Kim
- The Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Zhi-Chun Ding
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (N.S.A.); (C.B.); (Z.-C.D.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Gang Zhou
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (N.S.A.); (C.B.); (Z.-C.D.)
- The Graduate School, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-706-721-4472
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High-Dose Vitamin C in Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030735. [PMID: 33652579 PMCID: PMC7996511 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High-dose intravenously administered vitamin C (IVC) is widely used in cancer patients by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners. The most frequent indications for IVC therapy result from the belief in its effectiveness as a potent anti-cancer agent which additionally enhances chemosensitivity of cancer cells and reduces chemotherapy-related toxicities and fatigue intensity. In this narrative review, we decided to deal with this issue, trying to answer the question whether there is any scientific evidence supporting the rationale for application of high-dose IVC therapy in advanced-stage cancer patients. Although results obtained from preclinical studies demonstrated that millimolar ascorbate plasma concentrations achievable only after IVC administration were cytotoxic to fast-growing malignant cells and inhibited tumor growth as well as prolonged the survival of laboratory animals, such positive effects were not found in human studies with advanced-stage cancer patients. We also have not found the rationale for the use of IVC to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and to reduce the chemotherapy-induced toxicity in the above mentioned group. Nevertheless, in palliative care, high-dose IVC might be considered as a therapy improving the quality of life and reducing cancer-related symptoms, such as fatigue and bone pain. However, because of the absence of placebo-controlled randomized trials on IVC efficacy in advanced-stage cancer patients, the placebo effect cannot be excluded.
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Vitamin C Transporters and Their Implications in Carcinogenesis. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123869. [PMID: 33352824 PMCID: PMC7765979 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is implicated in various bodily functions due to its unique properties in redox homeostasis. Moreover, vitamin C also plays a great role in restoring the activity of 2-oxoglutarate and Fe2+ dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDD), which are involved in active DNA demethylation (TET proteins), the demethylation of histones, and hypoxia processes. Therefore, vitamin C may be engaged in the regulation of gene expression or in a hypoxic state. Hence, vitamin C has acquired great interest for its plausible effects on cancer treatment. Since its conceptualization, the role of vitamin C in cancer therapy has been a controversial and disputed issue. Vitamin C is transferred to the cells with sodium dependent transporters (SVCTs) and glucose transporters (GLUT). However, it is unknown whether the impaired function of these transporters may lead to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Notably, previous studies have identified SVCTs’ polymorphisms or their altered expression in some types of cancer. This review discusses the potential effects of vitamin C and the impaired SVCT function in cancers. The variations in vitamin C transporter genes may regulate the active transport of vitamin C, and therefore have an impact on cancer risk, but further studies are needed to thoroughly elucidate their involvement in cancer biology.
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New promising developments for potential therapeutic applications of high-dose ascorbate as an anticancer drug. Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther 2020; 14:179-191. [PMID: 33278349 DOI: 10.1016/j.hemonc.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (ascorbate) is an essential dietary requirement, with fundamental redox, anti-oxidant functions at physiologic concentrations. Vitamin C is a cofactor for Fe2+ and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, englobing large families of enzymes, including also epigenetic regulators of DNA and histone methylation. Importantly, vitamin C is involved in the control of the activity of TET (ten-eleven translocation) enzymes, key epigenetic regulators. For this spectrum of activities, often involving pathways deregulated in cancer cells, vitamin C possesses some pharmacologic activities that can be exploited in anticancer therapy. In particular, the capacity of pharmacological doses of vitamin C to target redox imbalance and to rescue deregulated epigenetic program observed in some cancer cells represents a consistent therapeutic potentiality. Several recent studies have identified some cancer subsets that could benefit from the pharmacological activities of vitamin C. The identification of these potentially responsive patients will help to carefully define controlled clinical trials aiming to evaluate the anticancer activity of Vitamin C.
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30
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Izzo LT, Affronti HC, Wellen KE. The Bidirectional Relationship Between Cancer Epigenetics and Metabolism. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY-SERIES 2020; 5:235-257. [PMID: 34109280 PMCID: PMC8186467 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-070820-035832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming are characteristics of cancer cells that, in many cases, are linked. Oncogenic signaling, diet, and tumor microenvironment each influence the availability of metabolites that are substrates or inhibitors of epigenetic enzymes. Reciprocally, altered expression or activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes can exert direct and indirect effects on cellular metabolism. In this article, we discuss the bidirectional relationship between epigenetics and metabolism in cancer. First, we focus on epigenetic control of metabolism, highlighting evidence that alterations in histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, or the enhancer landscape can drive metabolic features that support growth and proliferation. We then discuss metabolic regulation of chromatin-modifying enzymes and roles in tumor growth and progression. Throughout, we highlight proposed therapeutic and dietary interventions that leverage metabolic-epigenetic cross talk and have the potential to improve cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke T Izzo
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Hayley C Affronti
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Kathryn E Wellen
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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31
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Kovina AP, Petrova NV, Razin SV, Kantidze OL. L-Ascorbic Acid in the Epigenetic Regulation of Cancer Development and Stem Cell Reprogramming. Acta Naturae 2020; 12:5-14. [PMID: 33456974 PMCID: PMC7800602 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have significantly expanded our understanding of the mechanisms of L-ascorbic acid (ASC, vitamin C) action, leading to the emergence of several hypotheses that validate the possibility of using ASC in clinical practice. ASC may be considered an epigenetic drug capable of reducing aberrant DNA and histone hypermethylation, which could be helpful in the treatment of some cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. The clinical potency of ASC is also associated with regenerative medicine; in particular with the production of iPSCs. The effect of ASC on somatic cell reprogramming is most convincingly explained by a combined enhancement of the activity of the enzymes involved in the active demethylation of DNA and histones. This review describes how ASC can affect the epigenetic status of a cell and how it can be used in anticancer therapy and stem cell reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. P. Kovina
- Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - N. V. Petrova
- Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - S. V. Razin
- Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - O. L. Kantidze
- Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
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32
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Butt G, Farooqi AA, Adylova A, Attar R, Yilmaz S, Konysbayevna KK, Sabitaliyevich UY, Gasparri ML, Xu B. Vitamin C as an Anticancer Agent: Regulation of Signaling Pathways. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:1868-1875. [PMID: 32648842 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200710102841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Treatment options for effective treatment of cancer with minimum off-target effects and maximum clinical outcomes have remained overarching goals in the clinical oncology. Vitamin C has remained in the shadows of controversy since the past few decades; burgeoning evidence has started to shed light on wide-ranging anticancer effects exerted by Vitamin C to induce apoptosis in drug-resistant cancer cells, inhibit uncontrolled proliferation of the cancer cells and metastatic spread. Landmark achievements in molecular oncology have ushered in a new era, and researchers have focused on the identification of oncogenic pathways regulated by Vitamin C in different cancers. However, there are visible knowledge gaps in our understanding related to the ability of Vitamin C to modulate a myriad of transduction cascades. There are scattered pieces of scientific evidence about promising potential of Vitamin C to regulate JAK-STAT, TGF/SMAD, TRAIL and microRNAs in different cancers. However, published data is insufficient and needs to be investigated comprehensively to enable basic and clinical researchers to reap full benefits and promote result-oriented transition of Vitamin C into various phases of clinical trials. In this review, we will emphasize on available evidence related to the regulation of oncogenic cell signaling pathways by Vitamin C in different cancers. We will also highlight the conceptual gaps, which need detailed and cutting-edge research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazala Butt
- Department of Botany, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammad A Farooqi
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Aima Adylova
- Department of Postgraduate Education and Research, Kazakhstan Medical University KSPH, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Rukset Attar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seher Yilmaz
- Department of Anatomy, Yozgat Bozok University, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, Turkey
| | | | - Uteuliyev Y Sabitaliyevich
- Department of Postgraduate Education and Research, Kazakhstan Medical University KSPH, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Maria L Gasparri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Universita' della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Baojun Xu
- Food Science and Technology Program, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China
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Miyoshi H, Sakata-Yanagimoto M, Shimono J, Yoshida N, Hattori K, Arakawa F, Yanagida E, Takeuchi M, Yamada K, Suzuki T, Moritsubo M, Furuta T, Chiba S, Ohshima K. RHOA mutation in follicular T-cell lymphoma: Clinicopathological analysis of 16 cases. Pathol Int 2020; 70:653-660. [PMID: 32648273 DOI: 10.1111/pin.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Follicular T-cell lymphoma (FTCL) is considered to originate from follicular helper T-cell (Tfh) cells. Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and peripheral T-cell lymphomas with the Tfh phenotype, derived from Tfh cells, often harbor RHOA G17V mutation. We investigated whether RHOA mutations affect the clinicopathological features of FTCL. We performed deep sequencing and Sanger sequencing for RHOA exon 2 in 16 cases of FTCL. Nine cases showed RHOA mutations, including eight with c.G50T, p.Gly17Val and one with c.G50A, p.Gly17Glu, c.A52G, p.Lys18Glu, c.T102C, p.Tyr34Tyr and c.G145T, p.Asp49Tyr. Compared to the RHOA mutation-negative group, the RHOA mutation-positive group had a higher tendency for B-immunoblasts (P = 0.06), the AITL component (P = 0.09), and higher positive rate for CD10 (P = 0.09) and BCL6 (P = 0.09), and a significantly higher positive rate for CXCL13 (P = 0.04). Although not statistically significant, the RHOA mutation-positive group showed higher values for almost all characteristic AITL features. There was no significant difference in overall survival between RHOA mutation-positive and -negative groups. The RHOA mutation may play an important role in clinicopathological characteristics and lymphomagenesis of FTCL. A more detailed investigation is needed to highlight the importance of RHOA mutations in FTCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Miyoshi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Joji Shimono
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Noriaki Yoshida
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Hattori
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Fumiko Arakawa
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eriko Yanagida
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mai Takeuchi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kyohei Yamada
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takaharu Suzuki
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mayuko Moritsubo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takuya Furuta
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shigeru Chiba
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Koichi Ohshima
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Siref A, McCormack C, Huang Q, Lim W, Alkan S. Diminished expression of 5hmc in Reed-Sternberg cells in classical Hodgkin lymphoma is a common epigenetic marker. Leuk Res 2020; 96:106408. [PMID: 32659407 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2020.106408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Loss of the epigenetic marker 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) has been demonstrated in a variety of neoplasms. Several recent studies have shown epigenetic alteration in Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL), which may impact treatment. We demonstrate near universal depletion of 5hmC in the neoplastic Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (H/RS) cells in all cases of CHL (49/49). We hypothesized that the addition of vitamin C-a cofactor for the ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes which oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5hmC - may replenish levels of 5hmC. The CHL cell line L428 was grown in optimal conditions and then subjected to vitamin C treatment, which demonstrated reduced cell viability as well as caspase activation and increased concentration of 5hmC. A more detailed understanding of the epigenetic landscape of CHL may help guide future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Siref
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Room #4711, Los Angeles, CA 90048-1804, United States
| | - Colin McCormack
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Room #4711, Los Angeles, CA 90048-1804, United States
| | - Qin Huang
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Room #4711, Los Angeles, CA 90048-1804, United States
| | - Washington Lim
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Room #4711, Los Angeles, CA 90048-1804, United States
| | - Serhan Alkan
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Room #4711, Los Angeles, CA 90048-1804, United States.
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Boretti A, Banik BK. Intravenous vitamin C for reduction of cytokines storm in acute respiratory distress syndrome. PHARMANUTRITION 2020; 12:100190. [PMID: 32322486 PMCID: PMC7172861 DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2020.100190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of Covid19 has required urgent treatments for numerous patients. No suitable vaccines or antivirals are available for Covid19. The efficiency against Covid19 of WHO therapies of choice, that are two antivirals developed for other pathologies, is controversial. Therefore, alternative approaches are required. Intravenous (IV) Vitamin C (Vit-C) has emerged as one of the other alternatives for this purpose. Here we review the effects of IV Vit-C on the immune system response, the antiviral properties of IV Vit-C, and finally the antioxidant properties of IV Vit-C to specifically address the cytokines' storm characteristic of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) that occur in the later cycle of the Covid19 infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Boretti
- Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, P.O. Box 1664, Al Khobar, 31952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bimal Krishna Banik
- Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, P.O. Box 1664, Al Khobar, 31952, Saudi Arabia
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36
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Lorenzato A, Magrì A, Matafora V, Audrito V, Arcella P, Lazzari L, Montone M, Lamba S, Deaglio S, Siena S, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Bachi A, Di Nicolantonio F, Bardelli A, Arena S. Vitamin C Restricts the Emergence of Acquired Resistance to EGFR-Targeted Therapies in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030685. [PMID: 32183295 PMCID: PMC7140052 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The long-term efficacy of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-targeted antibody cetuximab in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is limited by the emergence of drug-resistant (persister) cells. Recent studies in other cancer types have shown that cells surviving initial treatment with targeted agents are often vulnerable to alterations in cell metabolism including oxidative stress. Vitamin C (VitC) is an antioxidant agent which can paradoxically trigger oxidative stress at pharmacological dose. Here we tested the hypothesis that VitC in combination with cetuximab could restrain the emergence of secondary resistance to EGFR blockade in CRC RAS/BRAF wild-type models. We found that addition of VitC to cetuximab impairs the emergence of drug persisters, limits the growth of CRC organoids, and significantly delays acquired resistance in CRC patient-derived xenografts. Mechanistically, proteomic and metabolic flux analysis shows that cetuximab blunts carbohydrate metabolism by blocking glucose uptake and glycolysis, beyond promoting slow but progressive ROS production. In parallel, VitC disrupts iron homeostasis and further increases ROS levels ultimately leading to ferroptosis. Combination of VitC and cetuximab orchestrates a synthetic lethal metabolic cell death program triggered by ATP depletion and oxidative stress, which effectively limits the emergence of acquired resistance to anti-EGFR antibodies. Considering that high-dose VitC is known to be safe in cancer patients, our findings might have clinical impact on CRC patients treated with anti-EGFR therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Lorenzato
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy; (A.L.); (A.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (L.T.); (F.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy
| | - Alessandro Magrì
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy; (A.L.); (A.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (L.T.); (F.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy
| | - Vittoria Matafora
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, Milan 20139, Italy; (V.M.); (L.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Valentina Audrito
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy; (V.A.); (S.D.)
| | - Pamela Arcella
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy; (A.L.); (A.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (L.T.); (F.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy
| | - Luca Lazzari
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, Milan 20139, Italy; (V.M.); (L.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Monica Montone
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy; (A.L.); (A.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (L.T.); (F.D.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Simona Lamba
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy; (A.L.); (A.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (L.T.); (F.D.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy; (V.A.); (S.D.)
| | - Salvatore Siena
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan 20162, Italy;
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Andrea Bertotti
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy; (A.L.); (A.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (L.T.); (F.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy; (A.L.); (A.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (L.T.); (F.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy
| | - Angela Bachi
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, Milan 20139, Italy; (V.M.); (L.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Federica Di Nicolantonio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy; (A.L.); (A.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (L.T.); (F.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy
| | - Alberto Bardelli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy; (A.L.); (A.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (L.T.); (F.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy
| | - Sabrina Arena
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy; (A.L.); (A.M.); (P.A.); (M.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (L.T.); (F.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Candiolo 10060 (TO), Italy
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play an important role in disease pathogenesis and therefore are a focus of intense investigation. Epigenetic changes include DNA, RNA, and histone modifications along with expression of non-coding RNAs. Various factors such as environment, diet, and lifestyle can influence the epigenome. Dietary nutrients like vitamins can regulate both physiological and pathological processes through their direct impact on epigenome. Vitamin A acts as a major regulator of above-mentioned epigenetic mechanisms. B group vitamins including biotin, niacin, and pantothenic acid also participate in modulation of various epigenome. Further, vitamin C has shown to modulate both DNA methylation and histone modifications while few reports have also supported its role in miRNA-mediated pathways. Similarly, vitamin D also influences various epigenetic modifications of both DNA and histone by controlling the regulatory mechanisms. Despite the information that vitamins can modulate the epigenome, the detailed mechanisms of vitamin-mediated epigenetic regulations have not been explored fully and hence further detailed studies are required to decipher their role at epigenome level in both normal and disease pathogenesis. The current review summarizes the available literature on the role of vitamins as epigenetic modifier and highlights the key evidences for developing vitamins as potential epidrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suza Mohammad Nur
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suvasmita Rath
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Varish Ahmad
- Health Information Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abrar Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bushra Ateeq
- Molecular Oncology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur (IIT K), Kanpur, India
| | - Mohammad Imran Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Cancer Metabolism and Epigenetic Unit, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
Introduction: T-cell lymphomas represent a broad group of malignant T-cell neoplasms with marked molecular, clinical, and biologic heterogeneity. Survival rates after conventional chemotherapy regimens are poor for most subtypes and new therapies are needed. Rapidly expanding knowledge in the field of epigenomics and the development of an increasing number of epigenetic-modifying agents have created new opportunities for epigenetic therapies for patients with this complex group of diseases.Areas covered: The present review summarizes current knowledge on epigenetic alterations in T-cell lymphomas, availability, and mechanisms of action of epigenetic-modifying agents, results of clinical trials of epigenetic therapies in T-cell lymphomas, status of FDA approval, and biomarker approaches to guide therapy. Promising future directions are discussed.Expert opinion: Mutations in epigenetic-modifying genes are among the most common genetic alterations in T-cell lymphomas, highlighting the potential for epigenetic therapies to improve management of this group of diseases. Single-agent efficacy is well documented, leading to FDA approval for several indications, but overall response rates and durability of responses remain modest. Critical next steps for the field include optimizing combination therapies that incorporate epigenetic-modifying agents and developing predictive biomarkers that help guide patient and drug selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Ahmed
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Andrew L Feldman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Luchtel RA, Bhagat T, Pradhan K, Jacobs WR, Levine M, Verma A, Shenoy N. High-dose ascorbic acid synergizes with anti-PD1 in a lymphoma mouse model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:1666-1677. [PMID: 31911474 PMCID: PMC6983418 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1908158117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Major efforts are underway to identify agents that can potentiate effects of immune checkpoint inhibition. Here, we show that ascorbic acid (AA) treatment caused genomewide demethylation and enhanced expression of endogenous retroviral elements in lymphoma cells. AA also increased 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) levels of CD8+ T cells and enhanced their cytotoxic activity in a lymphoma coculture system. High-dose AA treatment synergized with anti-PD1 therapy in a syngeneic lymphoma mouse model, resulting in marked inhibition of tumor growth compared with either agent alone. Analysis of the intratumoral epigenome revealed increased 5hmC with AA treatment, consistent with in vitro findings. Analysis of the tumor immune microenvironment revealed that AA strikingly increased intratumoral infiltration of CD8+ T cells and macrophages, suggesting enhanced tumor immune recognition. The combination treatment markedly enhanced intratumoral infiltration of macrophages and CD8+ T lymphocytes, granzyme B production by cytotoxic cells (cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells), and interleukin 12 production by antigen-presenting cells compared with single-agent anti-PD1. These data indicate that AA potentiates anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibition through synergistic mechanisms. The study provides compelling rationale for testing combinations of high-dose AA and anti-PD1 agents in patients with aggressive B cell lymphoma as well as in preclinical models of other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Luchtel
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Tushar Bhagat
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Kith Pradhan
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - William R Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461;
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Mark Levine
- Molecular and Clinical Nutrition Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Amit Verma
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Niraj Shenoy
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461;
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
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Cramer-Morales KL, Heer CD, Mapuskar KA, Domann FE. Succinate Accumulation Links Mitochondrial MnSOD Depletion to Aberrant Nuclear DNA Methylation and Altered Cell Fate. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2020; 1:60-70. [PMID: 33585836 PMCID: PMC7876477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that human cell line HEK293 lacking mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) exhibited decreased succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, and mice lacking MnSOD displayed significant reductions in SDH and aconitase activities. Since MnSOD has significant effects on SDH activity, and succinate is a key regulator of TET enzymes needed for proper differentiation, we hypothesized that SOD2 loss would lead to succinate accumulation, inhibition of TET activity, and impaired erythroid precursor differentiation. To test this hypothesis, we genetically disrupted the SOD2 gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic strategy in a human erythroleukemia cell line (HEL 92.1.7) capable of induced differentiation toward an erythroid phenotype. Cells obtained in this manner displayed significant inhibition of SDH activity and ~10-fold increases in cellular succinate levels compared to their parent cell controls. Furthermore, SOD2 -/- cells exhibited significantly reduced TET enzyme activity concomitant with decreases in genomic 5-hmC and corresponding increases in 5-mC. Finally, when stimulated with δ-aminolevulonic acid (δ-ALA), SOD2 -/- HEL cells failed to properly differentiate toward an erythroid phenotype, likely due to failure to complete the necessary global DNA demethylation program required for erythroid maturation. Together, our findings support the model of an SDH/succinate/TET axis and a role for succinate as a retrograde signaling molecule of mitochondrial origin that significantly perturbs nuclear epigenetic reprogramming and introduce MnSOD as a governor of the SDH/succinate/TET axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly L. Cramer-Morales
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA,Department of Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Collin D. Heer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Kranti A. Mapuskar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Frederick E. Domann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA,Department of Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA,Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA,Correspondence should be addressed to Frederick E. Domann;
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41
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Burdeos GC, Blank R, Wolffram S. Influence of quercetin on the global DNA methylation pattern in pigs. Food Funct 2020; 11:7421-7426. [DOI: 10.1039/d0fo00896f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The plant flavonol quercetin causes multiple health-promoting effects in human and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor C. Burdeos
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology
- Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel
- Kiel
- Germany
| | - Ralf Blank
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology
- Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel
- Kiel
- Germany
| | - Siegfried Wolffram
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology
- Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel
- Kiel
- Germany
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42
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Epigenetic Regulation of p21 cip1/waf1 in Human Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091343. [PMID: 31514410 PMCID: PMC6769618 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
p21cip1/waf1 is a central regulator of cell cycle control and survival. While mutations are rare, it is commonly dysregulated in several human cancers due to epigenetic mechanisms influencing its transcriptional control. These mechanisms include promoter hypermethylation as well as additional pathways such as histone acetylation or methylation. The epigenetic regulators include writers, such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs); histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone lysine methyltransferases; erasers, such as histone deacetylases (HDACs); histone lysine demethylases [e.g., the Lysine Demethylase (KDM) family]; DNA hydroxylases; readers, such as the methyl-CpG-binding proteins (MBPs); and bromodomain-containing proteins, including the bromo- and extraterminal domain (BET) family. We further discuss the roles that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) play in the epigenetic control of p21cip1/waf1 expression and its function in human cancers.
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43
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Liu Y, Xu S, Zu T, Li F, Sang S, Liu C, An Y, Mi B, Orgill DP, Murphy GF, Lian CG. Reversal of TET-mediated 5-hmC loss in hypoxic fibroblasts by ascorbic acid. J Transl Med 2019; 99:1193-1202. [PMID: 30837678 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-019-0235-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia resulting in hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) induction is known to drive scar formation during cutaneous wound healing, and may be responsible for excessive fibrosis inherent to hypertrophic scars and keloids. Because epigenetic pathways play an important role in regulation of fibrosing processes, we evaluated patient scars for DNA hydroxymethylation (5-hydroxymethylcytosine; 5-hmC) status and documented a significant decrease in scar fibroblasts. To test this finding in vitro, human fibroblasts were cultured with cobalt chloride (CoCl2), a known stimulant of HIF-1α. HIF-1α induced so resulted in loss of 5-hmC similar to that seen in naturally occurring scars and was associated with significant downregulation of one of the 5-hmC converting enzymes-ten-eleven translocation 3 (TET3)-as well as increased expression of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK), which is important in wound contracture. These changes were partially reversed by exposure to ascorbic acid, a recognized epigenetic regulator potentially capable of minimizing excessive scar formation and promoting a more regenerative healing response. Our results provide a novel and translationally relevant mechanism whereby epigenetic regulation of scar formation may be manipulated at the level of fibroblast DNA hydroxymethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukun Liu
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department Plastic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shuyun Xu
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tingjian Zu
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shengbo Sang
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia Liu
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yang An
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bobin Mi
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dennis P Orgill
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George F Murphy
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Christine G Lian
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Boukhaled GM, Corrado M, Guak H, Krawczyk CM. Chromatin Architecture as an Essential Determinant of Dendritic Cell Function. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1119. [PMID: 31214161 PMCID: PMC6557980 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics has widespread implications in a variety of cellular processes ranging from cell identity and specification, to cellular adaptation to environmental stimuli. While typically associated with heritable changes in gene expression, epigenetic mechanisms are now appreciated to regulate dynamic changes in gene expression—even in post-mitotic cells. Cells of the innate immune system, including dendritic cells (DC), rapidly integrate signals from their microenvironment and respond accordingly, undergoing massive changes in transcriptional programming. This dynamic transcriptional reprogramming relies on epigenetic changes mediated by numerous enzymes and their substrates. This review highlights our current understanding of epigenetic regulation of DC function. Epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the maintenance of the steady state and are important for precise responses to proinflammatory stimuli. Interdependence between epigenetic modifications and the delicate balance of metabolites present another layer of complexity. In addition, dynamic regulation of the expression of proteins that modify chromatin architecture in DCs significantly impacts DC function. Environmental factors, including inflammation, aging, chemicals, nutrients, and lipid mediators, are increasingly appreciated to affect the epigenome in DCs, and, in doing so, regulate host immunity. Our understanding of how epigenetic mechanisms regulate DC function is in its infancy, and it must be expanded in order to discern the mechanisms underlying the balance between health and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle M Boukhaled
- Department of Physiology, Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mario Corrado
- Department of Physiology, Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hannah Guak
- Department of Physiology, Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Connie M Krawczyk
- Department of Physiology, Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Program in Metabolic and Nutritional Programming, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
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45
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D'Aniello C, Cermola F, Palamidessi A, Wanderlingh LG, Gagliardi M, Migliaccio A, Varrone F, Casalino L, Matarazzo MR, De Cesare D, Scita G, Patriarca EJ, Minchiotti G. Collagen Prolyl Hydroxylation-Dependent Metabolic Perturbation Governs Epigenetic Remodeling and Mesenchymal Transition in Pluripotent and Cancer Cells. Cancer Res 2019; 79:3235-3250. [PMID: 31061065 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Collagen prolyl hydroxylation (CPH), which is catalyzed by prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H), is the most prevalent posttranslational modification in humans and requires vitamin C (VitC). Here, we demonstrate that CPH acts as an epigenetic modulator of cell plasticity. Increased CPH induced global DNA/histone methylation in pluripotent stem and tumor cells and promoted cell state transition (CST). Interfering with CPH by either genetic ablation of P4H subunit alpha-2 (P4HA2) or pharmacologic treatment reverted epigenetic changes and antagonized CST. Mechanistically, we suggest that CPH modifies the epigenetic landscape by reducing VitC for DNA and histone demethylases. Repurposed drugs targeting CPH-mediated metabolic perturbation, such as the antiasthmatic budesonide, blocked metastatic dissemination of breast cancer cells in vivo by preventing mesenchymal transition. Our study provides mechanistic insights into how metabolic cues and epigenetic factors integrate to control CST and paves the way for the development of novel antimetastatic strategies. SIGNIFICANCE: A phenotype-based high-throughput screening reveals unforeseen metabolic control of cell plasticity and identifies budesonide as a drug candidate for metastatic cancer.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/79/13/3235/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina D'Aniello
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Cermola
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Miriam Gagliardi
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Agnese Migliaccio
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Laura Casalino
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria R Matarazzo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Dario De Cesare
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Scita
- IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eduardo J Patriarca
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy. .,Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Minchiotti
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy. .,Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
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46
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Abstract
Over the past century, the notion that vitamin C can be used to treat cancer has generated much controversy. However, new knowledge regarding the pharmacokinetic properties of vitamin C and recent high-profile preclinical studies have revived interest in the utilization of high-dose vitamin C for cancer treatment. Studies have shown that pharmacological vitamin C targets many of the mechanisms that cancer cells utilize for their survival and growth. In this Opinion article, we discuss how vitamin C can target three vulnerabilities many cancer cells share: redox imbalance, epigenetic reprogramming and oxygen-sensing regulation. Although the mechanisms and predictive biomarkers that we discuss need to be validated in well-controlled clinical trials, these new discoveries regarding the anticancer properties of vitamin C are promising to help identify patient populations that may benefit the most from high-dose vitamin C therapy, developing effective combination strategies and improving the overall design of future vitamin C clinical trials for various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Ngo
- Meyer Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Justin M Van Riper
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lewis C Cantley
- Meyer Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jihye Yun
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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47
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Shenoy N, Bhagat TD, Cheville J, Lohse C, Bhattacharyya S, Tischer A, Machha V, Gordon-Mitchell S, Choudhary G, Wong LF, Gross L, Ressigue E, Leibovich B, Boorjian SA, Steidl U, Wu X, Pradhan K, Gartrell B, Agarwal B, Pagliaro L, Suzuki M, Greally JM, Rakheja D, Thompson RH, Susztak K, Witzig T, Zou Y, Verma A. Ascorbic acid-induced TET activation mitigates adverse hydroxymethylcytosine loss in renal cell carcinoma. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:1612-1625. [PMID: 30702441 DOI: 10.1172/jci98747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has been shown to result in widespread aberrant cytosine methylation and loss of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), the prognostic impact and therapeutic targeting of this epigenetic aberrancy has not been fully explored. Analysis of 576 primary ccRCC samples demonstrated that loss of 5hmC was strongly associated with aggressive clinicopathologic features and was an independent adverse prognostic factor. Loss of 5hmC also predicted reduced progression-free survival after resection of nonmetastatic disease. The loss of 5hmC in ccRCC was not due to mutational or transcriptional inactivation of ten eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, but to their functional inactivation by l-2-hydroxyglutarate (L2HG), which was overexpressed due to the deletion and underexpression of L2HG dehydrogenase (L2HGDH). Ascorbic acid (AA) reduced methylation and restored genome-wide 5hmC levels via TET activation. Fluorescence quenching of the recombinant TET-2 protein was unaffected by L2HG in the presence of AA. Pharmacologic AA treatment led to reduced growth of ccRCC in vitro and reduced tumor growth in vivo, with increased intratumoral 5hmC. These data demonstrate that reduced 5hmC is associated with reduced survival in ccRCC and provide a preclinical rationale for exploring the therapeutic potential of high-dose AA in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Shenoy
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tushar D Bhagat
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gaurav Choudhary
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Li-Fan Wong
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Emily Ressigue
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Ulrich Steidl
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Kith Pradhan
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Benjamin Gartrell
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Masako Suzuki
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - John M Greally
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dinesh Rakheja
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Katalin Susztak
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Yiyu Zou
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amit Verma
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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48
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Taute H, Bester MJ, Gaspar ARM. The dual functionality of antimicrobial peptides Os and Os-C in human leukocytes. J Pept Sci 2019; 25:e3156. [PMID: 30740816 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), Os and Os-C, have been identified as multifunctional peptides with antibacterial, antiendotoxin, and anti-inflammatory properties. For further development of Os and Os-C as therapeutic peptides, it is essential to evaluate these effects in human mononuclear (MN) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes. The cytotoxicity and the effects of both peptides on MN and PMN morphology were determined with the Alamar-Blue assay and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The ability of Os and Os-C to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to protect against 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced oxidative damage in both cell populations was evaluated using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA). Using fluorescently labeled peptides, the ability of the peptides to cross the cell membranes of MN and PMN was also evaluated. At the minimum bactericidal concentrations of Os and Os-C, neither peptide was cytotoxic. Os caused morphological features of toxicity at 100 μM, entered MN cells, and also protected these cells against oxidative damage. Os-C caused MN and PMN leukocyte activation associated with ROS formation and was unable to penetrate cell membranes, indicating extracellular membrane interactions. This study confirms that both Os and Os-C at less than 100 μM are not cytotoxic. The MN-specific uptake of Os identifies it as a cell-specific cargo-carrier peptide, with additional anti-inflammatory properties. In contrast, the ability of Os-C to activate MN and PMN cells implies that this peptide should be further evaluated as an AMP, which, in addition to its ability to eradicate infection, can further enhance host immunity. These novel characteristics of Os and Os-C indicate that these AMPs as peptides can be further developed for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Taute
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Megan J Bester
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Anabella R M Gaspar
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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49
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Blaszczak W, Barczak W, Masternak J, Kopczyński P, Zhitkovich A, Rubiś B. Vitamin C as a Modulator of the Response to Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2019; 24:E453. [PMID: 30695991 PMCID: PMC6384696 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has been gaining attention as a potential treatment for human malignancies. Various experimental studies have shown the ability of pharmacological doses of vitamin C alone or in combinations with clinically used drugs to exert beneficial effects in various models of human cancers. Cytotoxicity of high doses of vitamin C in cancer cells appears to be related to excessive reactive oxygen species generation and the resulting suppression of the energy production via glycolysis. A hallmark of cancer cells is a strongly upregulated aerobic glycolysis, which elevates its relative importance as a source of ATP (Adenosine 5'-triphosphate). Aerobic glycolysis is maintained by a highly increased uptake of glucose, which is made possible by the upregulated expression of its transporters, such as GLUT-1, GLUT-3, and GLUT-4. These proteins can also transport the oxidized form of vitamin C, dehydroascorbate, permitting its preferential uptake by cancer cells with the subsequent depletion of critical cellular reducers as a result of ascorbate formation. Ascorbate also has a potential to affect other aspects of cancer cell metabolism due to its ability to promote reduction of iron(III) to iron(II) in numerous cellular metalloenzymes. Among iron-dependent dioxygenases, important targets for stimulation by vitamin C in cancer include prolyl hydroxylases targeting the hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1/HIF-2 and histone and DNA demethylases. Altered metabolism of cancer cells by vitamin C can be beneficial by itself and promote activity of specific drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Blaszczak
- Radiobiology Lab, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary, 61-866 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Barczak
- Radiobiology Lab, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary, 61-866 Poznan, Poland.
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary, 61-866 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Julia Masternak
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Przemysław Kopczyński
- Centre for Orthodontic Mini-implants at the Department and Clinic of Maxillofacial Orthopedics and Orthodontics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Anatoly Zhitkovich
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| | - Błażej Rubiś
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland.
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50
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Fenech M, Amaya I, Valpuesta V, Botella MA. Vitamin C Content in Fruits: Biosynthesis and Regulation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 9:2006. [PMID: 30733729 PMCID: PMC6353827 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.02006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Throughout evolution, a number of animals including humans have lost the ability to synthesize ascorbic acid (ascorbate, vitamin C), an essential molecule in the physiology of animals and plants. In addition to its main role as an antioxidant and cofactor in redox reactions, recent reports have shown an important role of ascorbate in the activation of epigenetic mechanisms controlling cell differentiation, dysregulation of which can lead to the development of certain types of cancer. Although fruits and vegetables constitute the main source of ascorbate in the human diet, rising its content has not been a major breeding goal, despite the large inter- and intraspecific variation in ascorbate content in fruit crops. Nowadays, there is an increasing interest to boost ascorbate content, not only to improve fruit quality but also to generate crops with elevated stress tolerance. Several attempts to increase ascorbate in fruits have achieved fairly good results but, in some cases, detrimental effects in fruit development also occur, likely due to the interaction between the biosynthesis of ascorbate and components of the cell wall. Plants synthesize ascorbate de novo mainly through the Smirnoff-Wheeler pathway, the dominant pathway in photosynthetic tissues. Two intermediates of the Smirnoff-Wheeler pathway, GDP-D-mannose and GDP-L-galactose, are also precursors of the non-cellulosic components of the plant cell wall. Therefore, a better understanding of ascorbate biosynthesis and regulation is essential for generation of improved fruits without developmental side effects. This is likely to involve a yet unknown tight regulation enabling plant growth and development, without impairing the cell redox state modulated by ascorbate pool. In certain fruits and developmental conditions, an alternative pathway from D-galacturonate might be also relevant. We here review the regulation of ascorbate synthesis, its close connection with the cell wall, as well as different strategies to increase its content in plants, with a special focus on fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Fenech
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea (IHSM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Iraida Amaya
- Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria y Pesquera, Area de Genómica y Biotecnología, Centro de Málaga, Spain
| | - Victoriano Valpuesta
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea (IHSM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Botella
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea (IHSM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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