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Chen X, Zhu N, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Jin K, Zhou Z, Chen G, Wang J. Withaferin A, a natural thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) inhibitor, synergistically enhances the antitumor efficacy of sorafenib through ROS-mediated ER stress and DNA damage in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155317. [PMID: 38537439 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib (Sora), a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is widely recognized as a standard chemotherapy treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, drug resistance mechanisms hinder its anticancer efficacy. Derived from Withania somnifera, Withaferin A (WA) exhibits remarkable anti-tumor properties as a natural bioactive compound. This study aimed to examine the mechanisms that underlie the impacts of Sora and WA co-treatment on HCC. METHODS Cell proliferation was evaluated through colony formation and MTT assays. Flow cytometry was employed to determine cellular apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The evaluation of apoptosis-related protein levels, DNA damage, and endoplasmic reticulum stress was conducte utilizing IHC staining and western blotting. Moreover, the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, ATF4 siRNA, ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and TrxR1 shRNA were used to elucidate the underlying signaling pathways. To validate the antitumor effects of Sora/WA co-treatment, in vivo experiments were ultimately executed using Huh7 xenografts. RESULTS Sora/WA co-treatment demonstrated significant synergistic antitumor impacts both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, the enhanced antitumor impact of Sora by WA was achieved through the inhibition of TrxR1 activity, resulting in ROS accumulation. Moreover, ROS generation induced the activation of DNA damage and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways, eventually triggering cellular apoptosis. Pre-treatment with the antioxidant NAC significantly inhibited ROS generation, ER stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis induced by Sora/WA co-treatment. Additionally, the inhibition of ATF4 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) attenuated Sora/WA co-treatment-induced apoptosis. In vivo, Sora/WA co-treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth in HCC xenograft models and decreased TrxR1 activity in tumor tissues. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that WA synergistically enhances the antitumor effect of Sora, offering promising implications for evolving treatment approaches for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ning Zhu
- Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yajie Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaiwen Jin
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiyi Zhou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiabing Wang
- Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China.
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Yu X, Wang Y, Tan J, Li Y, Yang P, Liu X, Lai J, Zhang Y, Cai L, Gu Y, Xu L, Li Y. Inhibition of NRF2 enhances the acute myeloid leukemia cell death induced by venetoclax via the ferroptosis pathway. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:35. [PMID: 38238299 PMCID: PMC10796764 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01800-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax, an inhibitor that selectively targets B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) that has been approved for treating adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in combination with hypomethylating agents. However, its short duration of response and emergence of resistance are significant issues. In this study, we found that the sensitivity of AML cells to venetoclax was considerably enhanced by ML385, an inhibitor of the ferroptosis factor nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). Using AML samples, we verified that NRF2 and its target gene ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) were highly expressed in patients with AML and correlated with poor prognosis. Downregulation of NRF2 could inhibit FTH1 expression and significantly enhance the venetoclax-induced labile iron pool and lipid peroxidation. By contrast, NRF2 overexpression or administration of the reactive oxygen species inhibitor N-acetylcysteine and vitamin E could effectively suppress the anti-AML effects of ML385+venetoclax. Furthermore, the ferroptosis inducer erastin increased the anti-AML effects of venetoclax. Our study demonstrated that NRF2 inhibition could enhance the AML cell death induced by venetoclax via the ferroptosis pathway. Thus, the combination of ML385 with venetoclax may offer a favorable strategy for AML treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xibao Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangzhou Municipality Tianhe Nuoya Bio-engineering Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, 510663, China
| | - Yan Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention & Therapy of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yuchen Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Pengyue Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jing Lai
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Letong Cai
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yinfeng Gu
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ling Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Yangqiu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Duarte TL, Lopes M, Oliveira M, Santos AG, Vasco C, Reis JP, Antunes AR, Gonçalves A, Chacim S, Oliveira C, Porto B, Teles MJ, Moreira AC, Silva AMN, Schwessinger R, Drakesmith H, Henrique R, Porto G, Duarte D. Iron overload induces dysplastic erythropoiesis and features of myelodysplasia in Nrf2-deficient mice. Leukemia 2024; 38:96-108. [PMID: 37857886 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Iron overload (IOL) is hypothesized to contribute to dysplastic erythropoiesis. Several conditions, including myelodysplastic syndrome, thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, are characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis and IOL. Iron is pro-oxidant and may participate in the pathophysiology of these conditions by increasing genomic instability and altering the microenvironment. There is, however, lack of in vivo evidence demonstrating a role of IOL and oxidative damage in dysplastic erythropoiesis. NRF2 transcription factor is the master regulator of antioxidant defenses, playing a crucial role in the cellular response to IOL in the liver. Here, we crossed Nrf2-/- with hemochromatosis (Hfe-/-) or hepcidin-null (Hamp1-/-) mice. Double-knockout mice developed features of ineffective erythropoiesis and myelodysplasia including macrocytic anemia, splenomegaly, and accumulation of immature dysplastic bone marrow (BM) cells. BM cells from Nrf2/Hamp1-/- mice showed increased in vitro clonogenic potential and, upon serial transplantation, recipients disclosed cytopenias, despite normal engraftment, suggesting defective differentiation. Unstimulated karyotype analysis showed increased chromosome instability and aneuploidy in Nrf2/Hamp1-/- BM cells. In HFE-related hemochromatosis patients, NRF2 promoter SNP rs35652124 genotype TT (predicted to decrease NRF2 expression) associated with increased MCV, consistent with erythroid dysplasia. Our results suggest that IOL induces ineffective erythropoiesis and dysplastic hematologic features through oxidative damage in Nrf2-deficient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago L Duarte
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Marta Lopes
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica Oliveira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana G Santos
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Vasco
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana P Reis
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Antunes
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia Gonçalves
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Chacim
- Serviço de Hematologia e Transplantação de Medula Óssea, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, E.P.E. (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Oliveira
- Laboratório de Citogenética, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Porto
- Laboratório de Citogenética, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria José Teles
- Departmento de Patologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana C Moreira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - André M N Silva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ron Schwessinger
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MRC WIMM Centre for Computational Biology, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hal Drakesmith
- MRC Translational Immune Discovery Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Rui Henrique
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, IPO Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Graça Porto
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Imuno-hemoterapia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António (CHUdSA), Porto, Portugal
| | - Delfim Duarte
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Serviço de Hematologia e Transplantação de Medula Óssea, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, E.P.E. (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal.
- Departmento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal.
- P.CCC - Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal.
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Guo X, Yu S, Ren X, Li L. Immune checkpoints represent a promising breakthrough in targeted therapy and prognosis of myelodysplastic syndrome. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19222. [PMID: 37810157 PMCID: PMC10558320 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a hematological malignancy of undetermined etiology, possibly linked to chromosomal structural alterations, genetic mutations, presentation and carcinogenicity of variant antigens on cell surface, and the generation of pro-inflammatory microenvironment in the bone marrow. Current drugs are unable to cure this disease, and therefore, decreasing the survival and proliferation of malignant cells to delay disease progression and extend the survival time of patients becomes the primary approach to management. In recent years, the immune system has received increasing attention for its potential role in the occurrence and development of MDS, leading to the emergence of immunoregulation as a viable treatment option. The current review provides a brief overview of pathogenesis of MDS and current treatment principles. In the meantime, the significance of immune proteins in treatment and prognosis of MDS is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Guo
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, Heping District 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Shunjie Yu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, Heping District 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaotong Ren
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, Heping District 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, Heping District 154 Anshan Road, Tianjin, China
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Control of Redox Homeostasis by Short-Chain Fatty Acids: Implications for the Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030486. [PMID: 36986408 PMCID: PMC10058806 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women worldwide, and certain subtypes are highly aggressive and drug resistant. As oxidative stress is linked to the onset and progression of cancer, new alternative therapies, based on plant-derived compounds that activate signaling pathways involved in the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis, have received increasing interest. Among the bioactive dietary compounds considered for cancer prevention and treatment are flavonoids, such as quercetin, carotenoids, such as lycopene, polyphenols, such as resveratrol and stilbenes, and isothiocyanates, such as sulforaphane. In healthy cells, these bioactive phytochemicals exhibit antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties through intracellular signaling pathways and epigenetic regulation. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by intestinal microbiota and obtained from the diet, also exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties related to their redox signaling activity—and are thus key for cell homeostasis. There is evidence supporting an antioxidant role for SCFAs, mainly butyrate, as modulators of Nrf2-Keap1 signaling involving the inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and/or Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Incorporation of SCFAs in nutritional and pharmacological interventions changes the composition of the the intestinal microbiota, which has been shown to be relevant for cancer prevention and treatment. In this review, we focused on the antioxidant properties of SCFAs and their impact on cancer development and treatment, with special emphasis on breast cancer.
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