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Klingbeil KD, Wilde BR, Graham DS, Lofftus S, McCaw T, Matulionis N, Dry SM, Crompton JG, Eilber FC, Graeber TG, Shackelford DB, Christofk HR, Kadera BE. Targeting Asparagine Metabolism in Well-Differentiated/Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3031. [PMID: 39272889 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16173031] [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: 08/05/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND mTORC1 activity is dependent on the presence of micronutrients, including Asparagine (Asn), to promote anabolic cell signaling in many cancers. We hypothesized that targeting Asn metabolism would inhibit tumor growth by reducing mTORC1 activity in well-differentiated (WD)/dedifferentiated (DD) liposarcoma (LPS). METHODS Human tumor metabolomic analysis was utilized to compare abundance of Asn in WD vs. DD LPS. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) compared relative expression among metabolic pathways upregulated in DD vs. WD LPS. Proliferation assays were performed for LPS cell lines and organoid models by using the combination treatment of electron transport chain (ETC) inhibitors with Asn-free media. 13C-Glucose-labeling metabolomics evaluated the effects of combination treatment on nucleotide synthesis. Murine xenograft models were used to assess the effects of ETC inhibition combined with PEGylated L-Asparaginase (PEG-Asnase) on tumor growth and mTORC1 signaling. RESULTS Asn was enriched in DD LPS compared to WD LPS. GSEA indicated that mTORC1 signaling was upregulated in DD LPS. Within available LPS cell lines and organoid models, the combination of ETC inhibition with Asn-free media resulted in reduced cell proliferation. Combination treatment inhibited nucleotide synthesis and promoted cell cycle arrest. In vivo, the combination of ETC inhibition with PEG-Asnase restricted tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS Asn enrichment and mTORC1 upregulation are important factors contributing to WD/DD LPS tumor progression. Effective targeting strategies require limiting access to extracellular Asn and inhibition of de novo synthesis mechanisms. The combination of PEG-Asnase with ETC inhibition is an effective therapy to restrict tumor growth in WD/DD LPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D Klingbeil
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 54-117, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Blake R Wilde
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA Metabolomics Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Danielle S Graham
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 54-117, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Serena Lofftus
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 54-117, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tyler McCaw
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 54-117, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nedas Matulionis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA Metabolomics Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sarah M Dry
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Joseph G Crompton
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 54-117, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Fritz C Eilber
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 54-117, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Thomas G Graeber
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David B Shackelford
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Heather R Christofk
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA Metabolomics Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Brian E Kadera
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 54-117, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Kawakita E, Kanasaki K. Cancer biology in diabetes update: Focusing on antidiabetic drugs. J Diabetes Investig 2024; 15:525-540. [PMID: 38456597 PMCID: PMC11060166 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.14152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The association of type 2 diabetes with certain cancer risk has been of great interest for years. However, the effect of diabetic medications on cancer development is not fully understood. Prospective clinical trials have not elucidated the long-term influence of hypoglycemic drugs on cancer incidence and the safety for cancer-bearing patients with diabetes, whereas numerous preclinical studies have shown that antidiabetic drugs could have an impact on carcinogenesis processes beyond the glycemic control effect. Because there is no evidence of the safety profile of antidiabetic agents on cancer biology, careful consideration would be required when prescribing any medicines to patients with diabetes and existing tumor. In this review, we discuss the potential influence of each diabetes therapy in cancer 'initiation', 'promotion' and 'progression'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Kawakita
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Faculty of MedicineShimane UniversityIzumoJapan
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Faculty of MedicineShimane UniversityIzumoJapan
- The Center for Integrated Kidney Research and Advance, Faculty of MedicineShimane UniversityIzumoJapan
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3
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Haber R, Zarzour F, Ghezzawi M, Saadeh N, Bacha DS, Al Jebbawi L, Chakhtoura M, Mantzoros CS. The impact of metformin on weight and metabolic parameters in patients with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:1850-1867. [PMID: 38468148 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
There are conflicting data on the weight-reducing potential of metformin (MTF) in nondiabetic patients with obesity. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of MTF on weight and cardiometabolic parameters in adults with overweight/obesity with or without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (CRD42018085512). We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults without diabetes mellitus, with mean body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2, with or without NAFLD, comparing MTF to placebo/control, lifestyle modification (LSM) or a US Food and Drug Administration-approved anti-obesity drug, reporting on weight or metabolic parameters, and extending over at least 3 months. We conducted a systematic search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and the Cochrane Library without time limitation (until March 2022). We screened and selected eligible articles, abstracted relevant data, and assessed the risk of bias. All steps were in duplicate and independently. We conducted a random-effects model meta-analysis using Review Manager version 5.3, with prespecified subgroup analyses in case of heterogeneity. We identified 2650 citations and included 49 trials (55 publications). Compared to placebo, MTF was associated with a significant reduction in BMI (mean difference [MD] -0.56 [-0.74, -0.37] kg/m2; p < 0.0001), at doses ranging from 500 to 2550 mg/day, and with a significant percentage change in BMI of -2.53% (-2.90, -2.17) at the dose 1700 mg/day. There was no interaction by baseline BMI, MTF dose or duration, nor presence or absence of NAFLD. There was no significant difference between MTF and LSM. Orlistat was more effective than MTF (at doses of 1000-1700 mg/day) in terms of weight loss, with an MD in BMI of -3.17 (-5.88; -0.47) kg/m2, favouring the former. Compared to placebo/control, MTF improved insulin parameters, while no effect was detected when compared to LSM. A few small trials showed heterogenous effects on liver parameters in patients with NAFLD treated with MTF compared to placebo/control. There was a large variability in the expression of outcome measures and RCTs were of low quality. In conclusion, MTF was associated with a modest weight reduction in obese nondiabetic patients. Further high-quality and better powered studies are needed to examine the impact of MTF in patients with insulin resistance and NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle Haber
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fatima Zarzour
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Malak Ghezzawi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Natalie Saadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dania S Bacha
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lama Al Jebbawi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marlene Chakhtoura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Perazza F, Leoni L, Colosimo S, Musio A, Bocedi G, D’Avino M, Agnelli G, Nicastri A, Rossetti C, Sacilotto F, Marchesini G, Petroni ML, Ravaioli F. Metformin and the Liver: Unlocking the Full Therapeutic Potential. Metabolites 2024; 14:186. [PMID: 38668314 PMCID: PMC11052067 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14040186] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a highly effective medication for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent studies have shown that it has significant therapeutic benefits in various organ systems, particularly the liver. Although the effects of metformin on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis are still being debated, it has positive effects on cirrhosis and anti-tumoral properties, which can help prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, it has been proven to improve insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia, commonly associated with liver diseases. While more studies are needed to fully determine the safety and effectiveness of metformin use in liver diseases, the results are highly promising. Indeed, metformin has a terrific potential for extending its full therapeutic properties beyond its traditional use in managing diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Perazza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Laura Leoni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Santo Colosimo
- Doctorate School of Nutrition Science, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | | | - Giulia Bocedi
- U.O. Diabetologia, Ospedale C. Magati, Scandiano, 42019 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Michela D’Avino
- S.C. Endocrinologia Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Giulio Agnelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Alba Nicastri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Chiara Rossetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Federica Sacilotto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Giulio Marchesini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Maria Letizia Petroni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Federico Ravaioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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5
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Pandit P, Shirke C, Bhatia N, Godad A, Belemkar S, Patel J, Zine S. An Overview of Recent Findings that Shed Light on the Connection between Fat and Cancer. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2024; 24:178-193. [PMID: 37489790 DOI: 10.2174/1871530323666230724141942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and cancer have been found to have a direct link in epidemiological studies. Obesity raises the risk of cancer and associated chronic disorders. Furthermore, an imbalance of adipokines, like leptins, plays a crucial role in neoplasm pathogenesis, cell migration, and thereby, cancer metastasis. Also, leptin increases human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein levels through the STAT3-mediated (signal transducer and activator of transcription) upregulation of heat shock protein (Hsp90) in breast cancer cells. It has been noticed that insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) act as mitosis activators in the host and cancerous breast epithelial cells. The condition of hyperinsulinemia explains the positive association between colorectal cancer and obesity. Furthermore, in prostate cancer, an alteration in sex hormone levels, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, has been reported to occur, along with increased oxidative stress, which is the actual cause of the tumors. Whereas, there have been two interconnected factors that play a crucial role in the psychological cycle concerned with lung cancer. The review article focuses on all the prospects of etiological mechanisms that have found linkage with obesity and breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers. Furthermore, the article has also highlighted how these new insights into the processes occur and, due to which reasons, obesity contributes to tumorigenesis. This review provides a detailed discussion on the progression, which can assist in the development of new and innovative techniques to interfere in this process, and it has been supported with insights based on evidence literature on approved clinical treatments for obesity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Pandit
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Chaitanya Shirke
- Department of Pharmaceutics, NMIMS Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management - (SPPSPTM), Mumbai, India
| | - Nirav Bhatia
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, V. M. Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Angel Godad
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, V. M. Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sateesh Belemkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, V. M. Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Jayshree Patel
- Department of Quality Assurance, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, V. M. Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Sandip Zine
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, V. M. Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
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6
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Logothetis CJ, Hahn AW. Challenging the Prevailing Therapeutic Dogma for Prostate Cancer: The Case for an Overlap Syndrome. Eur Urol 2024; 85:3-7. [PMID: 37210287 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to understand what accounts for the modest impact of therapy on overall survival among men with potentially lethal prostate cancer. Given converging lines of evidence, we hypothesize that in a subset of men, prostate cancer is part of an "overlap syndrome" of age-related illnesses with shared biologic vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Logothetis
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Andrew W Hahn
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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7
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Wu Z, Wang W, Wei L, Zhu S. Current status and frontier tracking of clinical trials on Metformin for cancer treatment. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:16931-16946. [PMID: 37698682 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05391-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metformin has been used clinically for more than six decades. Over time, numerous remarkable effects of metformin beyond the clinic have been discovered and discussed. Metformin has been shown to have a favorable impact on cancer therapy in addition to its clinically recognized hypoglycemic effect. However, the antitumor efficacy of metformin in humans has not been clearly demonstrated yet. Hence, a systematic analysis of the existing trials is necessary. METHODS Here, we retrieved clinical trials from the Clinical Trials.gov database to overview the clinical development of metformin for the treatment of cancer, analyze existing clinical results, and summarize some promising applications for specific cancer therapies. RESULTS The potential application of metformin contains three directions: Firstly, improvement of metabolic factors associated with treatment effects, such as insulin resistance and peripheral neuropathy. Secondly, in combination with immune checkpoint blockade effects. Finally, use it for the endocrine treatment of hormone-dependent cancers. CONCLUSION Although the outcomes of metformin as a repurposed agent in some trials have been unsatisfactory, it still has the potential to be used in select cancer therapy settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Wu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Lengyun Wei
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Shenglong Zhu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
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Hua Y, Zheng Y, Yao Y, Jia R, Ge S, Zhuang A. Metformin and cancer hallmarks: shedding new lights on therapeutic repurposing. J Transl Med 2023; 21:403. [PMID: 37344841 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04263-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a well-known anti-diabetic drug that has been repurposed for several emerging applications, including as an anti-cancer agent. It boasts the distinct advantages of an excellent safety and tolerability profile and high cost-effectiveness at less than one US dollar per daily dose. Epidemiological evidence reveals that metformin reduces the risk of cancer and decreases cancer-related mortality in patients with diabetes; however, the exact mechanisms are not well understood. Energy metabolism may be central to the mechanism of action. Based on altering whole-body energy metabolism or cellular state, metformin's modes of action can be divided into two broad, non-mutually exclusive categories: "direct effects", which induce a direct effect on cancer cells, independent of blood glucose and insulin levels, and "indirect effects" that arise from systemic metabolic changes depending on blood glucose and insulin levels. In this review, we summarize an updated account of the current knowledge on metformin antitumor action, elaborate on the underlying mechanisms in terms of the hallmarks of cancer, and propose potential applications for repurposing metformin for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yiran Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Ai Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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9
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Unraveling the Peculiar Features of Mitochondrial Metabolism and Dynamics in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041192. [PMID: 36831534 PMCID: PMC9953833 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Western countries. Mitochondria, the "powerhouse" of cells, undergo distinctive metabolic and structural dynamics in different types of cancer. PCa cells experience peculiar metabolic changes during their progression from normal epithelial cells to early-stage and, progressively, to late-stage cancer cells. Specifically, healthy cells display a truncated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and inefficient oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) due to the high accumulation of zinc that impairs the activity of m-aconitase, the enzyme of the TCA cycle responsible for the oxidation of citrate. During the early phase of cancer development, intracellular zinc levels decrease leading to the reactivation of m-aconitase, TCA cycle and OXPHOS. PCa cells change their metabolic features again when progressing to the late stage of cancer. In particular, the Warburg effect was consistently shown to be the main metabolic feature of late-stage PCa cells. However, accumulating evidence sustains that both the TCA cycle and the OXPHOS pathway are still present and active in these cells. The androgen receptor axis as well as mutations in mitochondrial genes involved in metabolic rewiring were shown to play a key role in PCa cell metabolic reprogramming. Mitochondrial structural dynamics, such as biogenesis, fusion/fission and mitophagy, were also observed in PCa cells. In this review, we focus on the mitochondrial metabolic and structural dynamics occurring in PCa during tumor development and progression; their role as effective molecular targets for novel therapeutic strategies in PCa patients is also discussed.
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Mostafavi S, Zalpoor H, Hassan ZM. The promising therapeutic effects of metformin on metabolic reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts in solid tumors. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:58. [PMID: 35869449 PMCID: PMC9308248 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00356-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes are exposed to many toxic metabolites and molecules in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that suppress their anti-tumor activity. Toxic metabolites, such as lactate and ketone bodies, are produced mainly by catabolic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to feed anabolic cancer cells. These catabolic and anabolic cells make a metabolic compartment through which high-energy metabolites like lactate can be transferred via the monocarboxylate transporter channel 4. Moreover, a decrease in molecules, including caveolin-1, has been reported to cause deep metabolic changes in normal fibroblasts toward myofibroblast differentiation. In this context, metformin is a promising drug in cancer therapy due to its effect on oncogenic signal transduction pathways, leading to the inhibition of tumor proliferation and downregulation of key oncometabolites like lactate and succinate. The cross-feeding and metabolic coupling of CAFs and tumor cells are also affected by metformin. Therefore, the importance of metabolic reprogramming of stromal cells and also the pivotal effects of metformin on TME and oncometabolites signaling pathways have been reviewed in this study.
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Choi SYC, Ribeiro CF, Wang Y, Loda M, Plymate SR, Uo T. Druggable Metabolic Vulnerabilities Are Exposed and Masked during Progression to Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1590. [PMID: 36358940 PMCID: PMC9687810 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for exploring new actionable targets other than androgen receptor to improve outcome from lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer. Tumor metabolism has reemerged as a hallmark of cancer that drives and supports oncogenesis. In this regard, it is important to understand the relationship between distinctive metabolic features, androgen receptor signaling, genetic drivers in prostate cancer, and the tumor microenvironment (symbiotic and competitive metabolic interactions) to identify metabolic vulnerabilities. We explore the links between metabolism and gene regulation, and thus the unique metabolic signatures that define the malignant phenotypes at given stages of prostate tumor progression. We also provide an overview of current metabolism-based pharmacological strategies to be developed or repurposed for metabolism-based therapeutics for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Y. C. Choi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Caroline Fidalgo Ribeiro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Massimo Loda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Stephen R. Plymate
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Takuma Uo
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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Metformin and Cancer, an Ambiguanidous Relationship. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050626. [PMID: 35631452 PMCID: PMC9144507 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The deregulation of energetic and cellular metabolism is a signature of cancer cells. Thus, drugs targeting cancer cell metabolism may have promising therapeutic potential. Previous reports demonstrate that the widely used normoglycemic agent, metformin, can decrease the risk of cancer in type 2 diabetics and inhibit cell growth in various cancers, including pancreatic, colon, prostate, ovarian, and breast cancer. While metformin is a known adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist and an inhibitor of the electron transport chain complex I, its mechanism of action in cancer cells as well as its effect on cancer metabolism is not clearly established. In this review, we will give an update on the role of metformin as an antitumoral agent and detail relevant evidence on the potential use and mechanisms of action of metformin in cancer. Analyzing antitumoral, signaling, and metabolic impacts of metformin on cancer cells may provide promising new therapeutic strategies in oncology.
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Abstract
SIRT3 is an NAD+-dependent deacetylase in the mitochondria with an extensive ability to regulate mitochondrial morphology and function. It has been reported that SIRT3 participates in the occurrence and development of many aging-related diseases. Osteoporosis is a common aging-related disease characterized by decreased bone mass and fragility fractures, which has caused a huge burden on society. Current research shows that SIRT3 is involved in the physiological processes of senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), differentiation of BMSCs and osteoclasts. However, the specific effects and mechanisms of SIRT3 in osteoporosis are not clear. In the current review, we elaborated on the physiological functions of SIRT3, the cell types involved in bone remodeling, and the role of SIRT3 in osteoporosis. Furthermore, it also provided a theoretical basis for SIRT3 as a therapeutic target for osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwang Hu
- The Orthopaedic Center, Wenling First People’s Hospital (The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University), Wenling, China
| | - Shuangshuang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Wenling First People’s Hospital (The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University), Wenling, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangshuang Wang,
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