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Yi YJ, Tang H, Pi PL, Zhang HW, Du SY, Ge WY, Dai Q, Zhao ZY, Li J, Sun Z. Melatonin in cancer biology: pathways, derivatives, and the promise of targeted delivery. Drug Metab Rev 2024; 56:62-79. [PMID: 38226647 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2024.2305764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin, historically recognized for its primary role in regulating circadian rhythms, has expanded its influence particularly due to its wide range of biological activities. It has firmly established itself in cancer research. To highlight its versatility, we delved into how melatonin interacts with key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-Catenin, PI3K, and NF-κB pathways, which play foundational roles in tumor development and progression. Notably, melatonin can intricately modulate these pathways, potentially affecting various cellular functions such as apoptosis, metastasis, and immunity. Additionally, a comprehensive review of current clinical studies provides a dual perspective. These studies confirm melatonin's potential in cancer management but also underscore its inherent limitations, particularly its limited bioavailability, which often relegates it to a supplementary role in treatments. Despite this limitation, there is an ongoing quest for innovative solutions and current advancements include the development of melatonin derivatives and cutting-edge delivery systems. By synthesizing the past, present, and future, this review provides a detailed overview of melatonin's evolving role in oncology, positioning it as a potential cornerstone in future cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Juan Yi
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Peng-Lai Pi
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | | | - Si-Yu Du
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wei-Ye Ge
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qi Dai
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zi-Yan Zhao
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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2
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de Morais JMB, Cruz EMS, Concato VM, de Souza MC, Santos YM, Quadreli DH, Inoue FSR, Ferreira FB, Fernandes GSA, Bidóia DL, Machado RRB, Chuffa LGA, Pavanelli WR, Seiva FRF. Unraveling the impact of melatonin treatment: Oxidative stress, metabolic responses, and morphological changes in HuH7.5 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155056. [PMID: 38183817 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155056] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
In addition to its highly aggressive nature and late diagnosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) does not respond effectively to available chemotherapeutic agents. The search is on for an ideal and effective compound with low cost and minimal side effects that can be used as an adjunct to chemotherapeutic regimens. One of the mechanisms involved in the pathology of HCC is the oxidative stress, which plays a critical role in tumor survival and dissemination. Our group has already demonstrated the antitumor potential of melatonin against HuH 7.5 cells. In the present study, we focused on the effects of melatonin on oxidative stress parameters and their consequences on cell metabolism. HuH 7.5 cells were treated with 2 and 4 mM of melatonin for 24 and 48 h. Oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant enzyme, mitochondrial membrane potential, formation of lipid bodies and autophagic vacuoles, cell cycle progression, cell death rate and ultrastructural cell alterations were evaluated. The treatment with melatonin increased oxidative stress biomarkers and reduced antioxidant enzyme activities of HuH 7.5 cells. Additionally, melatonin treatment damaged the mitochondrial membrane and increased lipid bodies and autophagic vacuole formation. Melatonin triggered cell cycle arrest and induced cell death by apoptosis. Our results indicate that the treatment of HuH 7.5 cells with melatonin impaired antioxidant defense systems, inhibited cell cycle progression, and caused metabolic stress, culminating in tumor cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M B de Morais
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina (UEL), PR, Brazil
| | - Ellen M S Cruz
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina (UEL), PR, Brazil
| | - Virgínia M Concato
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina (UEL), PR, Brazil
| | - Milena C de Souza
- North of Paraná State University (UENP), Biological Science Center, Bandeirantes, PR, Brazil
| | - Yasmin M Santos
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina (UEL), PR, Brazil
| | - Débora H Quadreli
- General Biology Department, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina, Londrina (UEL), PR, Brazil
| | - Fabrício S R Inoue
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina (UEL), PR, Brazil
| | - Francielle B Ferreira
- North of Paraná State University (UENP), Biological Science Center, Bandeirantes, PR, Brazil
| | - Glaura S A Fernandes
- General Biology Department, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina, Londrina (UEL), PR, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luiz Gustavo A Chuffa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Bioscience, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Wander R Pavanelli
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina (UEL), PR, Brazil
| | - Fábio R F Seiva
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Bioscience, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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3
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Mafi A, Rezaee M, Hedayati N, Hogan SD, Reiter RJ, Aarabi MH, Asemi Z. Melatonin and 5-fluorouracil combination chemotherapy: opportunities and efficacy in cancer therapy. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:33. [PMID: 36759799 PMCID: PMC9912526 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined chemotherapy is a treatment method based on the simultaneous use of two or more therapeutic agents; it is frequently necessary to produce a more effective treatment for cancer patients. Such combined treatments often improve the outcomes over that of the monotherapy approach, as the drugs synergistically target critical cell signaling pathways or work independently at different oncostatic sites. A better prognosis has been reported in patients treated with combination therapy than in patients treated with single drug chemotherapy. In recent decades, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has become one of the most widely used chemotherapy agents in cancer treatment. This medication, which is soluble in water, is used as the first line of anti-neoplastic agent in the treatment of several cancer types including breast, head and neck, stomach and colon cancer. Within the last three decades, many studies have investigated melatonin as an anti-cancer agent; this molecule exhibits various functions in controlling the behavior of cancer cells, such as inhibiting cell growth, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting invasion. The aim of this review is to comprehensively evaluate the role of melatonin as a complementary agent with 5-FU-based chemotherapy for cancers. Additionally, we identify the potential common signaling pathways by which melatonin and 5-FU interact to enhance the efficacy of the combined therapy. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mafi
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Malihe Rezaee
- grid.411600.2School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran ,grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Neda Hedayati
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Sara Diana Hogan
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- grid.43582.380000 0000 9852 649XDepartment of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health. Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Mohammad-Hossein Aarabi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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4
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Taha AM, Aboulwafa MM, Zedan H, Helmy OM. Ramucirumab combination with sorafenib enhances the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on HepG2 cancer cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17889. [PMID: 36284117 PMCID: PMC9596484 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21582-w] [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: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, an oral multiple kinase inhibitor, is the standardized treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). One strategy to improve HCC therapy is to combine agents that target key signaling pathways. In this study we set out to investigate the effect of combining sorafenib with either bevacizumab (anti-VEGF), panitumumab (anti-EGFR) or ramucirumab (anti-VEGFR2) on HepG2 cancer cell line with the aim of improving efficacy and possibility of therapeutic dose reduction of sorafenib.: HepG2 cancer cell line was treated with sorafenib alone or in combination with either bevacizumab, panitumumab or ramucirumab. Cell proliferation; apoptosis and cell cycle distribution; gene expression of VEGFR2, EGFR, MMP-9 and CASPASE3; the protein levels of pVEGFR2 and pSTAT3 and the protein expression of CASPASE3, EGFR and VEGFR2 were determined. Combined treatments of sorafenib with ramucirumab or panitumumab resulted in a significant decrease in sorafenib IC50. Sorafenib combination with ramucirumab or bevacizumab resulted in a significant arrest in pre-G and G0/G1 cell cycle phases, significantly induced apoptosis and increased the relative expression of CASPASE3 and decreased the anti-proliferative and angiogenesis markers´ MMP-9 and pVEGFR2 or VEGFR2 in HepG2 cells. A significant decrease in the levels of pSTAT3 was only detected in case of sorafenib-ramucirumab combination. The combined treatment of sorafenib with panitumumab induced a significant arrest in pre-G and G2/M cell cycle phases and significantly decreased the relative expression of EGFR and MMP-9. Sorafenib-ramucirumab combination showed enhanced apoptosis, inhibited proliferation and angiogenesis in HepG2 cancer cells. Our findings suggest that ramucirumab can be a useful as an adjunct therapy for improvement of sorafenib efficacy in suppression of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Mabrouk Aboulwafa
- grid.7269.a0000 0004 0621 1570Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Al Khalifa Al Ma’moun St., Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt ,Present Address: Faculty of Pharmacy, King Salman International University, Ras-Sudr, South Sinai Egypt
| | - Hamdallah Zedan
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-eini St., Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omneya Mohamed Helmy
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-eini St., Cairo, Egypt
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5
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Zhang X, Cao L, Xu G, He H, Zhao H, Liu T. Co-delivery of sorafenib and metformin from amphiphilic polypeptide-based micelles for colon cancer treatment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1009496. [PMID: 36304185 PMCID: PMC9592705 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1009496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common clinical disease with a poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate. Chemotherapy is important to inhibit the post-surgical recurrence of CRC patients. But many limitations restrict the further application of chemotherapy. In this study, sorafenib (Sor) and metformin (Met) co-loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L-glutamic acid-co-L-phenylalanine) [mPEG-b-P(Glu-co-Phe)] micelles were developed. The characterizations, drug release, in vivo biodistribution, and pharmacokinetics of the micelles were analyzed. The treatment efficacy of the dual-drug loaded micelles was evaluated in a subcutaneous colon cancer mice model. Sor is a common molecular target agent that can inhibit the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway to treat solid tumors. Met can also regulate the MAPK pathway and inhibit the expression of the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK). Moreover, both Sor and Met play important roles in cell cycle arrest. The integration of these two drugs aims to achieve synergistic effects against colon cancer. The micelles can be targeted to cancer cells and possess longer blood circulation time. The two agents can be released rapidly in the tumor sites. The in vivo study showed that the micelles can prevent tumor progression by inhibiting the expressions of p-ERK and cyclin D1. This study indicated that the Sor/Met-loaded micelles are suitable for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China,Department of Thyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao, China
| | - Lanqing Cao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guangmeng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu He
- Operating Theater and Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- Gastroenterology and Center of Digestive Endoscopy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Hongyu Zhao
| | - Tongjun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China,Tongjun Liu
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6
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Targhazeh N, Reiter RJ, Rahimi M, Qujeq D, Yousefi T, Shahavi MH, Mir SM. Oncostatic activities of melatonin: Roles in cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy [Biochimie 200 (2022) 44-59]. Biochimie 2022; 200:44-59. [PMID: 35618158 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Targhazeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Mahdi Rahimi
- Lodz University of Technology, Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Stefanowskiego 16, 90-537, Lodz, Poland; International Center for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials (ICRI-BioM)-International Research Agenda, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Durdi Qujeq
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Tooba Yousefi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Shahavi
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Engineering Modern Technologies, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Seyed Mostafa Mir
- Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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7
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Abstract
Melatonin, the major secretory product of the pineal gland, not only regulates circadian rhythms, mood, and sleep but also has actions in neoplastic processes which are being intensively investigated. Melatonin is a promising molecule which considered a differentiating agent in some cancer cells at both physiological and pharmacological concentrations. It can also reduce invasive and metastatic status through receptors MT1 and MT2 cytosolic binding sites, including calmodulin and quinone reductase II enzyme, and nuclear receptors related to orphan members of the superfamily RZR/ROR. Melatonin exerts oncostatic functions in numerous human malignancies. An increasing number of studies report that melatonin reduces the invasiveness of several human cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, oral cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. Moreover, melatonin's oncostatic activities are exerted through different biological processes including antiproliferative actions, stimulation of anti-cancer immunity, modulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, the modulation of oncogene expression, and via antiangiogenic effects. This review focuses on the oncostatic activities of melatonin that targeted cell cycle control, with special attention to its modulatory effects on the key regulators of the cell cycle, apoptosis, and telomerase activity.
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8
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Monayo SM, Liu X. The Prospective Application of Melatonin in Treating Epigenetic Dysfunctional Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:867500. [PMID: 35668933 PMCID: PMC9163742 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.867500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past, different human disorders were described by scientists from the perspective of either environmental factors or just by genetically related mechanisms. The rise in epigenetic studies and its modifications, i.e., heritable alterations in gene expression without changes in DNA sequences, have now been confirmed in diseases. Modifications namely, DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs have led to a better understanding of the coaction between epigenetic alterations and human pathologies. Melatonin is a widely-produced indoleamine regulator molecule that influences numerous biological functions within many cell types. Concerning its broad spectrum of actions, melatonin should be investigated much more for its contribution to the upstream and downstream mechanistic regulation of epigenetic modifications in diseases. It is, therefore, necessary to fill the existing gaps concerning corresponding processes associated with melatonin with the physiological abnormalities brought by epigenetic modifications. This review outlines the findings on melatonin’s action on epigenetic regulation in human diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. It summarizes the ability of melatonin to act on molecules such as proteins and RNAs which affect the development and progression of diseases.
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9
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Cakil YD, Ozunal ZG, Kayali DG, Aktas RG, Saglam E. Anti-proliferative effects of paroxetine alone or in combination with sorafenib in HepG2 cells. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902022e201148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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10
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Maleki M, Khelghati N, Alemi F, Younesi S, Asemi Z, Abolhasan R, Bazdar M, Samadi-Kafil H, Yousefi B. Multiple interactions between melatonin and non-coding RNAs in cancer biology. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 98:323-340. [PMID: 33905613 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The melatonin hormone secreted by the pineal gland is involved in physiological functions such as growth and maturation, circadian cycles, and biological activities including antioxidants, anti-tumor, and anti-ischemia. Melatonin not only interacts with proteins but also has functional effects on regulatory RNAs such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). In this study, we overview various physiological and pathological conditions affecting melatonin through lncRNA and miRNA. The information compiled herein will serve as a solid foundation to formulate ideas for future mechanistic studies on melatonin. It will also provide a chance to more clarify the emerging functions of the non-coding transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masomeh Maleki
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Khelghati
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Forough Alemi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Simin Younesi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Rozita Abolhasan
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute (SCARM), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahtab Bazdar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Bahman Yousefi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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11
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Yu L, Wang M, Yang Y, Xu F, Zhang X, Xie F, Gao L, Li X. Predicting therapeutic drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma based on tissue-specific pathways. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1008696. [PMID: 33561121 PMCID: PMC7920387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant health problem worldwide with poor prognosis. Drug repositioning represents a profitable strategy to accelerate drug discovery in the treatment of HCC. In this study, we developed a new approach for predicting therapeutic drugs for HCC based on tissue-specific pathways and identified three newly predicted drugs that are likely to be therapeutic drugs for the treatment of HCC. We validated these predicted drugs by analyzing their overlapping drug indications reported in PubMed literature. By using the cancer cell line data in the database, we constructed a Connectivity Map (CMap) profile similarity analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis on their related genes. By experimental validation, we found securinine and ajmaline significantly inhibited cell viability of HCC cells and induced apoptosis. Among them, securinine has lower toxicity to normal liver cell line, which is worthy of further research. Our results suggested that the proposed approach was effective and accurate for discovering novel therapeutic options for HCC. This method also could be used to indicate unmarked drug-disease associations in the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. Meanwhile, our method could also be applied to predict the potential drugs for other types of tumors by changing the database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Xidian University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, 72, Jimo District, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, 72, Jimo District, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Fengdan Xu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Xidian University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, 72, Jimo District, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Xie
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, 72, Jimo District, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Gao
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Xidian University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangzhi Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, 72, Jimo District, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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12
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Fernández-Palanca P, Méndez-Blanco C, Fondevila F, Tuñón MJ, Reiter RJ, Mauriz JL, González-Gallego J. Melatonin as an Antitumor Agent against Liver Cancer: An Updated Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010103. [PMID: 33445767 PMCID: PMC7828223 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indoleamine with antioxidant, chronobiotic and anti-inflammatory properties; reduced levels of this hormone are associated with higher risk of cancer. Several beneficial effects of melatonin have been described in a broad number of tumors, including liver cancers. In this work we systematically reviewed the publications of the last 15 years that assessed the underlying mechanisms of melatonin activities against liver cancers, and its role as coadjuvant in the treatment of these tumors. Literature research was performed employing PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases and, after screening, 51 articles were included. Results from the selected studies denoted the useful actions of melatonin in preventing carcinogenesis and as a promising treatment option for the primary liver tumors hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), either alone or in combination with other compounds. Different processes were modulated by the indole, such as inhibition of oxidative stress, proliferation, angiogenesis and invasion, promotion of immune system response, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as well as recovery of circadian rhythms and autophagy modulation. Taken together, the present systematic review highlights the evidence that document the potential role of melatonin in improving the landscape of liver tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Fernández-Palanca
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (P.F.-P.); (C.M.-B.); (F.F.); (M.J.T.); (J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Méndez-Blanco
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (P.F.-P.); (C.M.-B.); (F.F.); (M.J.T.); (J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Flavia Fondevila
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (P.F.-P.); (C.M.-B.); (F.F.); (M.J.T.); (J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María J. Tuñón
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (P.F.-P.); (C.M.-B.); (F.F.); (M.J.T.); (J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - José L. Mauriz
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (P.F.-P.); (C.M.-B.); (F.F.); (M.J.T.); (J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Javier González-Gallego
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (P.F.-P.); (C.M.-B.); (F.F.); (M.J.T.); (J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Moloudizargari M, Moradkhani F, Hekmatirad S, Fallah M, Asghari MH, Reiter RJ. Therapeutic targets of cancer drugs: Modulation by melatonin. Life Sci 2020; 267:118934. [PMID: 33385405 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The biological functions of melatonin range beyond the regulation of the circadian rhythm. With regard to cancer, melatonin's potential to suppress cancer initiation, progression, angiogenesis and metastasis as well as sensitizing malignant cells to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy are among its most interesting effects. The targets at which melatonin initiates its anti-cancer effects are in common with those of a majority of existing anti-cancer agents, giving rise to the notion that this molecule is a pleiotropic agent sharing many features with other antineoplastic drugs in terms of their mechanisms of action. Among these common mechanisms of action are the regulation of several major intracellular pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT/PKB) signaling. The important mediators affected by melatonin include cyclins, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), heat shock proteins (HSPs) and c-Myc, all of which can serve as potential targets for cancer drugs. Melatonin also exerts some of its anti-cancer effects via inducing epigenetic modifications, DNA damage and mitochondrial disruption in malignant cells. The regulation of these mediators by melatonin mitigates tumor growth and invasiveness via modulating their downstream responsive genes, housekeeping enzymes, telomerase reverse transcriptase, apoptotic gene expression, angiogenic factors and structural proteins involved in metastasis. Increasing our knowledge on how melatonin affects its target sites will help find ways of exploiting the beneficial effects of this ubiquitously-acting molecule in cancer therapy. Acknowledging this, here we reviewed the most studied target pathways attributed to the anti-cancer effects of melatonin, highlighting their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Moloudizargari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Moradkhani
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirin Hekmatirad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Marjan Fallah
- Medicinal Plant Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asghari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Long School of Medicine, UT Health, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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14
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Samanta S. Melatonin: an endogenous miraculous indolamine, fights against cancer progression. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:1893-1922. [PMID: 32583237 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03292-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Melatonin is an amphipathic indolamine molecule ubiquitously present in all organisms ranging from cyanobacteria to humans. The pineal gland is the site of melatonin synthesis and secretion under the influence of the retinohypothalamic tract. Some extrapineal tissues (skin, lens, gastrointestinal tract, testis, ovary, lymphocytes, and astrocytes) also enable to produce melatonin. Physiologically, melatonin regulates various functions like circadian rhythm, sleep-wake cycle, gonadal activity, redox homeostasis, neuroprotection, immune-modulation, and anticancer effects in the body. Inappropriate melatonin secretion advances the aging process, tumorigenesis, visceral adiposity, etc. METHODS: For the preparation of this review, I had reviewed the literature on the multidimensional activities of melatonin from the NCBI website database PubMed, Springer Nature, Science Direct (Elsevier), Wiley Online ResearchGate, and Google Scholar databases to search relevant articles. Specifically, I focused on the roles and mechanisms of action of melatonin in cancer prevention. RESULTS The actions of melatonin are primarily mediated by G-protein coupled MT1 and MT2 receptors; however, several intracellular protein and nuclear receptors can modulate the activity. Normal levels of the melatonin protect the cells from adverse effects including carcinogenesis. Therapeutically, melatonin has chronomedicinal value; it also shows a remarkable anticancer property. The oncostatic action of melatonin is multidimensional, associated with the advancement of apoptosis, the arrest of the cell cycle, inhibition of metastasis, and antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION The present review has emphasized the mechanism of the anti-neoplastic activity of melatonin that increases the possibilities of the new approaches in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saptadip Samanta
- Department Physiology, Midnapore College, Paschim Medinipur, Midnapore, West Bengal, 721101, India.
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Mortezaee K, Najafi M, Farhood B, Ahmadi A, Potes Y, Shabeeb D, Musa AE. Modulation of apoptosis by melatonin for improving cancer treatment efficiency: An updated review. Life Sci 2019; 228:228-241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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Feczkó T, Merza G, Babos G, Varga B, Gyetvai E, Trif L, Kovács E, Tuba R. Preparation of cubic-shaped sorafenib-loaded nanocomposite using well-defined poly(vinyl alcohol alt-propenylene) copolymer. Int J Pharm 2019; 562:333-341. [PMID: 30867128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Vinyl alcohol (VA) copolymers having fine tunable polarities are emerging materials in drug delivery applications. VA copolymers rendering well-defined molecular architecture (C/OH ratio = 2, 4, 5 and 8) were used as carriers for model drug compound, fluorescein, which exhibited significantly different release characteristics depending on the polarity of the polymers. Based on the preliminary drug release tests the well-defined VA copolymer having C/OH = 5 ratio, poly(vinyl alcohol alt-propenylene) copolymer (PVA-5) was selected for nanocomposite synthesis. Sorafenib anticancer drug was embedded into PVA-5 (C/OH = 5 ratio) nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation resulting in nanoparticles exhibiting unusual cubic shape. The sorafenib-loaded nanocomposites showed continuous release during a day and concentration-dependant cytotoxicity on HT-29 cancer cells. This might be interpreted by the sustained release of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tivadar Feczkó
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1519 Budapest, P.O. Box 286, Hungary; Research Institute of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Egyetem utca 10, H-8200, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Merza
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1519 Budapest, P.O. Box 286, Hungary
| | - György Babos
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1519 Budapest, P.O. Box 286, Hungary; Research Institute of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Egyetem utca 10, H-8200, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Varga
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1519 Budapest, P.O. Box 286, Hungary; Research Institute of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Egyetem utca 10, H-8200, Hungary
| | - Eszter Gyetvai
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1519 Budapest, P.O. Box 286, Hungary
| | - László Trif
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1519 Budapest, P.O. Box 286, Hungary
| | - Ervin Kovács
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1519 Budapest, P.O. Box 286, Hungary
| | - Robert Tuba
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1519 Budapest, P.O. Box 286, Hungary.
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Zhang HR, Liu YC, Chen ZF, Guo J, Peng YX, Liang H. Crystal Structures, Cytotoxicity, Cell Apoptosis Mechanism, and DNA Binding of Two 8-Hydroxylquinoline Zinc(II) Complexes. RUSS J COORD CHEM+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s107032841805007x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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18
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Talib WH. Melatonin and Cancer Hallmarks. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23030518. [PMID: 29495398 PMCID: PMC6017729 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23030518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a natural indoleamine produced by the pineal gland that has many functions, including regulation of the circadian rhythm. Many studies have reported the anticancer effect of melatonin against a myriad of cancer types. Cancer hallmarks include sustained proliferation, evading growth suppressors, metastasis, replicative immortality, angiogenesis, resisting cell death, altered cellular energetics, and immune evasion. Melatonin anticancer activity is mediated by interfering with various cancer hallmarks. This review summarizes the anticancer role of melatonin in each cancer hallmark. The studies discussed in this review should serve as a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to support basic and clinical studies on melatonin as a promising anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wamidh H Talib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931-166, Jordan.
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