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Chen G, Li MY, Yang JY, Zhou ZH. Will AMPK be a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma? Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:3241-3258. [PMID: 39113872 PMCID: PMC11301289 DOI: 10.62347/yavk1315] [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] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the disease that poses the greatest threat to human health today. Among them, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is particularly prominent due to its high recurrence rate and extremely low five-year postoperative survival rate. In addition to surgical treatment, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are the main methods for treating HCC. Due to the natural drug resistance of chemoradiotherapy and targeted drugs, satisfactory results have not been achieved in terms of therapeutic efficacy and cost. AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase. It mainly coordinates the metabolism and transformation of energy between cells, which maintaining a balance between energy supply and demand. The processes of cell growth, proliferation, autophagy, and survival all involve various reaction of cells to energy changes. The regulatory role of AMPK in cellular energy metabolism plays an important role in the occurrence, development, treatment, and prognosis of HCC. Here, we reviewed the latest progress on the regulatory role of AMPK in the occurrence and development of HCC. Firstly, the molecular structure and activation mechanism of AMPK were introduced. Secondly, the emerging regulator related to AMPK and tumors were elaborated. Next, the multitasking roles of AMPK in the occurrence and development mechanism of HCC were discussed separately. Finally, the translational implications and the challenges of AMPK-targeted therapies for HCC treatment were elaborated. In summary, these pieces of information suggest that AMPK can serve as a promising specific therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Chen
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Hospital, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ming-Yuan Li
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Hospital, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jing-Yi Yang
- Department of Oncology, Feixi Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineFeixi, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Zhou
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai, China
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2
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Shen X, Wang J, Deng B, Chen S, John C, Zhao Z, Sinha N, Haag J, Sun W, Kong W, Spasojevic I, Batinic-Haberle I, Secord AA, Zhou C, Bae-Jump VL. High-dose ascorbate exerts anti-tumor activities and improves inhibitory effect of carboplatin through the pro-oxidant function pathway in uterine serous carcinoma cell lines. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 183:93-102. [PMID: 38555710 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Uterine serous carcinoma is a highly aggressive non-endometrioid subtype of endometrial cancer with poor survival rates overall, creating a strong need for new therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes. High-dose ascorbate (vitamin C) has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation and tumor growth in multiple preclinical models and has shown promising anti-tumor activity in combination with chemotherapy, with a favorable safety profile. We aimed to study the anti-tumor effects of ascorbate and its synergistic effect with carboplatin on uterine serous carcinoma cells. METHODS Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT and colony formation assays in ARK1, ARK2 and SPEC2 cells. Cellular stress, antioxidant ability, cleaved caspase 3 activity and adhesion were measured by ELISA assays. Cell cycle was detected by Cellometer. Invasion was measured using a wound healing assay. Changes in protein expression were determined by Western immunoblotting. RESULTS High-dose ascorbate significantly inhibited cell proliferation, caused cell cycle arrest, induced cellular stress, and apoptosis, increased DNA damage, and suppressed cell invasion in ARK1 and SPEC2 cells. Treatment of both cells with 1 mM N-acetylcysteine reversed ascorbate-induced apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation. The combination of ascorbate and carboplatin produced significant synergistic effects in inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion, inducing cellular stress, causing DNA damage, and enhancing cleaved caspase 3 levels compared to each compound alone in both cells. CONCLUSIONS Ascorbate has potent antitumor activity and acts synergistically with carboplatin through its pro-oxidant effects. Clinical trials of ascorbate combined with carboplatin as adjuvant treatment of uterine serous carcinoma are worth exploring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochang Shen
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, PR China; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, PR China
| | - Boer Deng
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, PR China; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Shuning Chen
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, PR China; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Catherine John
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ziyi Zhao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, PR China; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nikita Sinha
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jennifer Haag
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Wenchuan Sun
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Weimin Kong
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, PR China
| | - Ivan Spasojevic
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, and PK/PD Core Laboratory, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ines Batinic-Haberle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Angeles Alvarez Secord
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Chunxiao Zhou
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Victoria L Bae-Jump
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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3
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Sanookpan K, Chantaravisoot N, Kalpongnukul N, Chuenjit C, Wattanathamsan O, Shoaib S, Chanvorachote P, Buranasudja V. Pharmacological Ascorbate Elicits Anti-Cancer Activities against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer through Hydrogen-Peroxide-Induced-DNA-Damage. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1775. [PMID: 37760080 PMCID: PMC10525775 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091775] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) poses a significant global health burden with unsatisfactory survival rates, despite advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Novel therapeutic approaches are urgently required to improve patient outcomes. Pharmacological ascorbate (P-AscH-; ascorbate at millimolar concentration in plasma) emerged as a potential candidate for cancer therapy for recent decades. In this present study, we explore the anti-cancer effects of P-AscH- on NSCLC and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. P-AscH- treatment induces formation of cellular oxidative distress; disrupts cellular bioenergetics; and leads to induction of apoptotic cell death and ultimately reduction in clonogenic survival. Remarkably, DNA and DNA damage response machineries are identified as vulnerable targets for P-AscH- in NSCLC therapy. Treatments with P-AscH- increase the formation of DNA damage and replication stress markers while inducing mislocalization of DNA repair machineries. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of P-AscH- on NSCLC were reversed by co-treatment with catalase, highlighting the roles of extracellular hydrogen peroxide in anti-cancer activities of P-AscH-. The data from this current research advance our understanding of P-AscH- in cancer treatment and support its potential clinical use as a therapeutic option for NSCLC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kittipong Sanookpan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (K.S.); (O.W.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
- Nabsolute Co., Ltd., Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Naphat Chantaravisoot
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.C.); (C.C.)
- Center of Excellence in Systems Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Nuttiya Kalpongnukul
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chatchapon Chuenjit
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Onsurang Wattanathamsan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (K.S.); (O.W.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Sara Shoaib
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (K.S.); (O.W.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (K.S.); (O.W.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Visarut Buranasudja
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (K.S.); (O.W.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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4
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Login FH, Nejsum LN. Aquaporin water channels: roles beyond renal water handling. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:604-618. [PMID: 37460759 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00734-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporin (AQP) water channels are pivotal to renal water handling and therefore in the regulation of body water homeostasis. However, beyond the kidney, AQPs facilitate water reabsorption and secretion in other cells and tissues, including sweat and salivary glands and the gastrointestinal tract. A growing body of evidence has also revealed that AQPs not only facilitate the transport of water but also the transport of several small molecules and gases such as glycerol, H2O2, ions and CO2. Moreover, AQPs are increasingly understood to contribute to various cellular processes, including cellular migration, adhesion and polarity, and to act upstream of several intracellular and intercellular signalling pathways to regulate processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell invasiveness. Of note, several AQPs are highly expressed in multiple cancers, where their expression can correlate with the spread of cancerous cells to lymph nodes and alter the response of cancers to conventional chemotherapeutics. These data suggest that AQPs have diverse roles in various homeostatic and physiological systems and may be exploited for prognostics and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric H Login
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lene N Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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5
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Yao H, Chen X, Wang T, Kashif M, Qiao X, Tüksammel E, Larsson LG, Okret S, Sayin VI, Qian H, Bergo MO. A MYC-controlled redox switch protects B lymphoma cells from EGR1-dependent apoptosis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112961. [PMID: 37561633 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112961] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Refractory and relapsed B cell lymphomas are often driven by the difficult-to-target oncogene MYC. Here, we report that high MYC expression stimulates proliferation and protects B lymphoma cells from apoptosis under normal oxidative stress levels and that compounds including N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and vitamin C (VitC) induce apoptosis by reducing oxidative stress. NAC and VitC injections effectively reduce tumor growth in lymphoma cells with high MYC expression but not in those with low MYC expression. MYC knockdown confers tumor resistance to NAC and VitC, while MYC activation renders B cells sensitive to these compounds. Mechanistically, NAC and VitC stimulate MYC binding to EGR1 through Cys117 of MYC, shifting its transcriptional output from cell cycle to apoptosis gene expression. These results identify a redox-controlled mechanism for MYC's role in maintaining proliferation and preventing apoptosis, offering a potential therapeutic rationale for evaluating NAC or VitC in patients with MYC-driven B cell lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidong Yao
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Xue Chen
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, TongJi Hospital, TongJi Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430 030, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Xi Qiao
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Elin Tüksammel
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lars-Gunnar Larsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, Stockholm SE-171 65, Sweden
| | - Sam Okret
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Volkan I Sayin
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hong Qian
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Martin O Bergo
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden.
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6
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Fan D, Liu X, Shen Z, Wu P, Zhong L, Lin F. Cell signaling pathways based on vitamin C and their application in cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114695. [PMID: 37058822 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114695] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C, a small organic molecule, is widely found in fruits and vegetables and is an essential nutrient in the human body. Vitamin C is closely associated with some human diseases such as cancer. Many studies have shown that high doses of vitamin C have anti-tumor ability and can target tumor cells in multiple targets. This review will describe vitamin C absorption and its function in cancer treatment. We will review the cellular signaling pathways associated with vitamin C against tumors depending on the different anti-cancer mechanisms. Based on this, we will further describe some applications of the use of vitamin C for cancer treatment in preclinical and clinical trials and the possible adverse events that can occur. Finally, this review also assesses the prospective advantages of vitamin C in oncology treatment and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianfa Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Zhen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Pan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Liping Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
| | - Faquan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education,Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University.
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7
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Are Aspects of Integrative Concepts Helpful to Improve Pancreatic Cancer Therapy? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041116. [PMID: 36831465 PMCID: PMC9953994 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041116] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous clinical studies have been conducted to improve the outcomes of patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. Different approaches using targeted therapeutic strategies and precision medicine methods have been investigated, and synergies and further therapeutic advances may be achieved through combinations with integrative methods. For pancreatic tumors, a particular challenge is the presence of a microenvironment and a dense stroma, which is both a physical barrier to drug penetration and a complex entity being controlled by the immune system. Therefore, the state of immunological tolerance in the tumor microenvironment must be overcome, which is a considerable challenge. Integrative approaches, such as hyperthermia, percutaneous irreversible electroporation, intra-tumoral injections, phytotherapeutics, or vitamins, in combination with standard-oncological therapies, may potentially contribute to the control of pancreatic cancer. The combined application of standard-oncological and integrative methods is currently being studied in ongoing clinical trials. An actual overview is given here.
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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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9
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Ascorbate as a Bioactive Compound in Cancer Therapy: The Old Classic Strikes Back. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123818. [PMID: 35744943 PMCID: PMC9229419 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease of high mortality, and its prevalence has increased steadily in the last few years. However, during the last decade, the development of modern chemotherapy schemes, new radiotherapy techniques, targeted therapies and immunotherapy has brought new hope in the treatment of these diseases. Unfortunately, cancer therapies are also associated with frequent and, sometimes, severe adverse events. Ascorbate (ascorbic acid or vitamin C) is a potent water-soluble antioxidant that is produced in most mammals but is not synthesised endogenously in humans, which lack enzymes for its synthesis. Ascorbate has antioxidant effects that correspond closely to the dose administered. Interestingly, this natural antioxidant induces oxidative stress when given intravenously at a high dose, a paradoxical effect due to its interactions with iron. Importantly, this deleterious property of ascorbate can result in increased cell death. Although, historically, ascorbate has been reported to exhibit anti-tumour properties, this effect has been questioned due to the lack of available mechanistic detail. Recently, new evidence has emerged implicating ferroptosis in several types of oxidative stress-mediated cell death, such as those associated with ischemia–reperfusion. This effect could be positively modulated by the interaction of iron and high ascorbate dosing, particularly in cell systems having a high mitotic index. In addition, it has been reported that ascorbate may behave as an adjuvant of favourable anti-tumour effects in cancer therapies such as radiotherapy, radio-chemotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or even in monotherapy, as it facilitates tumour cell death through the generation of reactive oxygen species and ferroptosis. In this review, we provide evidence supporting the view that ascorbate should be revisited to develop novel, safe strategies in the treatment of cancer to achieve their application in human medicine.
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10
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Böttger F, Vallés-Martí A, Cahn L, Jimenez CR. High-dose intravenous vitamin C, a promising multi-targeting agent in the treatment of cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:343. [PMID: 34717701 PMCID: PMC8557029 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02134-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that vitamin C has the potential to be a potent anti-cancer agent when administered intravenously and in high doses (high-dose IVC). Early phase clinical trials have confirmed safety and indicated efficacy of IVC in eradicating tumour cells of various cancer types. In recent years, the multi-targeting effects of vitamin C were unravelled, demonstrating a role as cancer-specific, pro-oxidative cytotoxic agent, anti-cancer epigenetic regulator and immune modulator, reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inhibiting hypoxia and oncogenic kinase signalling and boosting immune response. Moreover, high-dose IVC is powerful as an adjuvant treatment for cancer, acting synergistically with many standard (chemo-) therapies, as well as a method for mitigating the toxic side-effects of chemotherapy. Despite the rationale and ample evidence, strong clinical data and phase III studies are lacking. Therefore, there is a need for more extensive awareness of the use of this highly promising, non-toxic cancer treatment in the clinical setting. In this review, we provide an elaborate overview of pre-clinical and clinical studies using high-dose IVC as anti-cancer agent, as well as a detailed evaluation of the main known molecular mechanisms involved. A special focus is put on global molecular profiling studies in this respect. In addition, an outlook on future implications of high-dose vitamin C in cancer treatment is presented and recommendations for further research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Böttger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Vallés-Martí
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Loraine Cahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Connie R Jimenez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Saitoh Y, Kawasaki N, Eguchi N, Ikeshima M. Combined treatment with dissolved hydrogen molecule and platinum nanocolloid exerts carcinostatic/carcinocidal effects by increasing hydrogen peroxide generation and cell death in the human gastric cancer cell line NUGC-4. Free Radic Res 2021; 55:211-220. [PMID: 33929281 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2021.1902514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have shown that redox regulation is an effective therapeutic strategy for different types of cancer. We have previously demonstrated that combined treatment with dissolved hydrogen molecule (H2) and platinum nanocolloid (Pt-nc) has carcinostatic effects and that increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were closely associated with carcinostatic effects in Ehrlich mouse ascites tumor cells. However, it is unknown whether combined treatment-induced ROS generation can occur in human cancer cells. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the carcinostatic effect of the combined treatment in human cells and investigate the relationship between treatment efficacy and ROS generation. H2 and Pt-nc treatment could exert cytostatic action by inhibiting the growth of human promyelocytic leukemia HL60 and human gastric adenocarcinoma-derived NUGC-4 cells; however, no effect was observed in normal human embryo fibroblast OUMS-36 cells by the temporary exposure. These findings indicate that combined treatment with H2 and Pt-nc may act selectively in tumor cells compared with normal cells. Additionally, combined treatment with H2 and Pt-nc resulted in an approximately 200-fold increase in intracellular ROS levels compared with the control, whereas the suppressive effect of tumor cell growth was abrogated entirely by catalase treatment in NUGC-4 cells. Furthermore, combined treatment with H2 and Pt-nc induced hydrogen peroxide generation, cellular morphological changes, cell death, and a decline in DNA synthesis-positive cells. In conclusion, combined treatment with H2 and Pt-nc can induce carcinostatic/carcinocidal effects through intracellular ROS increase, morphological changes, cell death, and DNA synthesis suppression in the human tumor cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasukazu Saitoh
- Laboratory of Bioscience and Biotechnology for Cell Function Control, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, Japan
| | - Naho Kawasaki
- Laboratory of Bioscience and Biotechnology for Cell Function Control, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, Japan
| | - Natsumi Eguchi
- Laboratory of Bioscience and Biotechnology for Cell Function Control, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, Japan
| | - Minoru Ikeshima
- Laboratory of Bioscience and Biotechnology for Cell Function Control, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, Japan
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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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Michalczyk K, Pawlik J, Czekawy I, Kozłowski M, Cymbaluk-Płoska A. Complementary Methods in Cancer Treatment-Cure or Curse? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:E356. [PMID: 33466517 PMCID: PMC7796472 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The prevalence of complementary and alternative methods (CAM) use among oncological patients has been rising constantly over the last few decades and a variety of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods have been developed. Many advertisements promise to relieve side effects of chemotherapy or even to cure the disease, thus encouraging patients to use CAM; (2) Methods: The objective of the study was to determine which patients' characteristics are associated with the use of complementary medicine during cancer treatment, their pattern of use, and if it has any association with its safety profile. This survey-based prospective multicenter study of 316 patients examined the use of complementary medicine among patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in cancer centers in Poland between 2017 and 2019; (3) Results: The Chi2 analysis showed that patients' opinion regarding the safety of unconventional methods is related to the use of CAM (p = 0.00147). Moreover, patients' thinking that alternative medicine can replace traditional therapy was correlated with his/her education (p = 0.01198). Moreover, we performed univariate and multivariate analysis to determine factors associated with CAM use including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Finally, we conducted survival analysis of patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment with 42 months of follow-up time of our prospective study. Using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank analysis, we found no statistical difference in overall survival between the groups that used and did not use any form of CAM (p = 0.211); (4) Conclusions: CAM use is common among patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment and should be considered by medical teams as some agents may interact with chemotherapy drugs and affect their efficacy or cause adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Michalczyk
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.P.); (I.C.); (M.K.); (A.C.-P.)
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