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Simic P, Coric V, Pljesa I, Savic-Radojevic A, Zecevic N, Kocic J, Simic T, Pazin V, Pljesa-Ercegovac M. The Role of Glutathione Transferase Omega-Class Variant Alleles in Individual Susceptibility to Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4986. [PMID: 38732205 PMCID: PMC11084357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094986] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is affected by reactive oxygen species and has been suggested to have an important role in ovarian cancer (OC) tumorigenesis. The role of glutathione transferases (GSTs) in the maintenance of redox balance is considered as an important contributing factor in cancer, including OC. Furthermore, GSTs are mostly encoded by highly polymorphic genes, which further highlights their potential role in OC, known to originate from accumulated genetic changes. Since the potential relevance of genetic variations in omega-class GSTs (GSTO1 and GSTO2), with somewhat different activities such as thioltransferase and dehydroascorbate reductase activity, has not been clarified as yet in terms of susceptibility to OC, we aimed to investigate whether the presence of different GSTO1 and GSTO2 genetic variants, individually or combined, might represent determinants of risk for OC development. Genotyping was performed in 110 OC patients and 129 matched controls using a PCR-based assay for genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms. The results of our study show that homozygous carriers of the GSTO2 variant G allele are at an increased risk of OC development in comparison to the carriers of the referent genotype (OR1 = 2.16, 95% CI: 0.88-5.26, p = 0.08; OR2 = 2.49, 95% CI: 0.93-6.61, p = 0.06). Furthermore, individuals with GST omega haplotype H2, meaning the concomitant presence of the GSTO1*A and GSTO2*G alleles, are more susceptible to OC development, while carriers of the H4 (*A*A) haplotype exhibited lower risk of OC when crude and adjusted haplotype analysis was performed (OR1 = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.12-0.70; p = 0.007 and OR2 = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.11-0.67; p = 0.0054). Overall, our results suggest that GSTO locus variants may confer OC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petar Simic
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic Narodni Front, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (P.S.)
| | - Vesna Coric
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Center of Excellence for Redox Medicine, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Igor Pljesa
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Centre Dr Dragiša Mišović, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Savic-Radojevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Center of Excellence for Redox Medicine, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nebojsa Zecevic
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic Narodni Front, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (P.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovana Kocic
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic Narodni Front, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (P.S.)
| | - Tatjana Simic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Center of Excellence for Redox Medicine, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Pazin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic Narodni Front, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (P.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Pljesa-Ercegovac
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Center of Excellence for Redox Medicine, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Talib WH, Ahmed Jum’AH DA, Attallah ZS, Jallad MS, Al Kury LT, Hadi RW, Mahmod AI. Role of vitamins A, C, D, E in cancer prevention and therapy: therapeutic potentials and mechanisms of action. Front Nutr 2024; 10:1281879. [PMID: 38274206 PMCID: PMC10808607 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1281879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a leading global cause of mortality, arises from intricate interactions between genetic and environmental factors, fueling uncontrolled cell growth. Amidst existing treatment limitations, vitamins have emerged as promising candidates for cancer prevention and treatment. This review focuses on Vitamins A, C, E, and D because of their protective activity against various types of cancer. They are essential as human metabolic coenzymes. Through a critical exploration of preclinical and clinical studies via PubMed and Google Scholar, the impact of these vitamins on cancer therapy was analyzed, unraveling their complicated mechanisms of action. Interestingly, vitamins impact immune function, antioxidant defense, inflammation, and epigenetic regulation, potentially enhancing outcomes by influencing cell behavior and countering stress and DNA damage. Encouraging clinical trial results have been observed; however, further well-controlled studies are imperative to validate their effectiveness, determine optimal dosages, and formulate comprehensive cancer prevention and treatment strategies. Personalized supplementation strategies, informed by medical expertise, are pivotal for optimal outcomes in both clinical and preclinical contexts. Nevertheless, conclusive evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamins in cancer prevention and treatment is still pending, urging further research and exploration in this compelling area of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wamidh H. Talib
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Zeena Shamil Attallah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohanned Sami Jallad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Lina T. Al Kury
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rawan Wamidh Hadi
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Asma Ismail Mahmod
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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3
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Multi-Omics Approach Reveals Redox Homeostasis Reprogramming in Early-Stage Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 12:antiox12010081. [PMID: 36670943 PMCID: PMC9854847 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010081] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a malignant tumor originating from proximal tubular epithelial cells, and despite extensive research efforts, its redox homeostasis characteristics and protein S-nitrosylation (or S-nitrosation) (SNO) modification remain largely undefined. This serves as a reminder that the aforementioned features demand a comprehensive inspection. We collected tumor samples and paracancerous normal samples from five patients with early-stage ccRCC (T1N0M0) for proteomic, SNO-proteome, and redox-targeted metabolic analyses. The localization and functional properties of SNO proteins in ccRCC tumors and paracancerous normal tissues were elucidated for the first time. Several highly useful ccRCC-associated SNO proteins were further identified. Metabolic reprogramming, redox homeostasis reprogramming, and tumorigenic alterations are the three major characteristics of early-stage ccRCC. Peroxidative damage caused by rapid proliferation coupled with an increased redox buffering capacity and the antioxidant pool is a major mode of redox homeostasis reprogramming. NADPH and NADP+, which were identified from redox species, are both effective biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets. According to our findings, SNO protein signatures and redox homeostasis reprogramming are valuable for understanding the pathogenesis of ccRCC and identifying novel topics that should be seriously considered for the diagnosis and precise therapy of ccRCC.
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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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High-Dose Vitamin C for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060711. [PMID: 35745630 PMCID: PMC9231292 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the idea that Vitamin C (Vit-C) could be utilized as a form of anti-cancer therapy has generated many contradictory arguments. Recent insights into the physiological characteristics of Vit-C, its pharmacokinetics, and results from preclinical reports, however, suggest that high-dose Vit-C could be effectively utilized in the management of various tumor types. Studies have shown that the pharmacological action of Vit-C can attack various processes that cancerous cells use for their growth and development. Here, we discuss the anti-cancer functions of Vit-C, but also the potential for the use of Vit-C as an epigenetic regulator and immunotherapy enhancer. We also provide a short overview of the current state of systems for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially in the context of their influencing high-dose Vit-C toxicity for the inhibition of cancer growth. Even though the mechanisms of Vit-C action are promising, they need to be supported with robust randomized and controlled clinical trials. Moreover, upcoming studies should focus on how to define the most suitable cancer patient populations for high-dose Vit-C treatments and develop effective strategies that combine Vit-C with various concurrent cancer treatment regimens.
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Repurposing Vitamin C for Cancer Treatment: Focus on Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112608. [PMID: 35681589 PMCID: PMC9179307 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complicated network, and several promising TME-targeted therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies, are now facing problems over low response rates and drug resistance. Vitamin C (VitC) has been extensively studied as a dietary nutrient and multi-targeted natural drug for fighting against tumor cells. The focus has been recently on its crucial functions in the TME. Here, we discuss the potential mechanisms of VitC in several specialized microenvironments, characterize the current status of its preclinical and clinical applications, and offer suggestions for future studies. This article is intended to provide basic researchers and clinicians with a detailed picture of VitC targeting the tumor microenvironment. Abstract Based on the enhanced knowledge on the tumor microenvironment (TME), a more comprehensive treatment landscape for targeting the TME has emerged. This microenvironment provides multiple therapeutic targets due to its diverse characteristics, leading to numerous TME-targeted strategies. With multifaced activities targeting tumors and the TME, vitamin C is renown as a promising candidate for combination therapy. In this review, we present new advances in how vitamin C reshapes the TME in the immune, hypoxic, metabolic, acidic, neurological, mechanical, and microbial dimensions. These findings will open new possibilities for multiple therapeutic avenues in the fight against cancer. We also review the available preclinical and clinical evidence of vitamin C combined with established therapies, highlighting vitamin C as an adjuvant that can be exploited for novel therapeutics. Finally, we discuss unresolved questions and directions that merit further investigation.
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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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8
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Zhitkovich A. Ascorbate: antioxidant and biochemical activities and their importance for in vitro models. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:3623-3631. [PMID: 34596731 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03167-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ascorbate has many biological activities that involve fundamental cellular functions such as gene expression, differentiation, and redox homeostasis. Biochemically, it serves as a cofactor for a large family of dioxygenases (> 60 members) which control transcription, formation of extracellular matrix, and epigenetic processes of histone and DNA demethylation. Ascorbate is also a major antioxidant acting as a very effective scavenger of primary reactive oxygen species. Reduction of Fe(III) by ascorbate is important for cellular uptake of iron via DMT1. Cell culture models are extensively used in toxicology and pharmacology for mechanistic studies of nutrients, drugs and other xenobiotics. High-throughput screens in vitro, such as a large-scale Tox21 program in the US, offers opportunities to assess hazardous properties of a vast and growing number of industrial chemicals. However, cells in typical cultures are severely deficient in ascorbate, raising concerns about their ability to accurately recapitulate toxic and other responses in vivo. Scarcity of ascorbate and a frequently unrecognized use of media with its thiol substitute alters stress sensitivity of cells in different directions. Remediation of ascorbate deficiency in tissue culture restores the physiological state of many cellular processes and it should improve a currently limited toxicity predictability of in vitro bioassays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly Zhitkovich
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 507, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
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9
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Understanding the Therapeutic Potential of Ascorbic Acid in the Battle to Overcome Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081130. [PMID: 34439796 PMCID: PMC8392841 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a fatal disease, is also one of the main causes of death worldwide. Despite various developments to prevent and treat cancer, the side effects of anticancer drugs remain a major concern. Ascorbic acid is an essential vitamin required by our bodies for normal physiological function and also has antioxidant and anticancer activity. Although the body cannot synthesize ascorbic acid, it is abundant in nature through foods and other natural sources and also exists as a nutritional food supplement. In anticancer drug development, ascorbic acid has played an important role by inhibiting the development of cancer through various mechanisms, including scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), selectively producing ROS and encouraging their cytotoxicity against tumour cells, preventing glucose metabolism, serving as an epigenetic regulator, and regulating the expression of HIF in tumour cells. Several ascorbic acid analogues have been produced to date for their anticancer and antioxidant activity. The current review summarizes the mechanisms behind ascorbic acid's antitumor activity, presents a compilation of its derivatives and their biological activity as anticancer agents, and discusses delivery systems such as liposomes, nanoparticles against cancer, and patents on ascorbic acid as anticancer agents.
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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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Choe JH, Mazambani S, Kim TH, Kim JW. Oxidative Stress and the Intersection of Oncogenic Signaling and Metabolism in Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cells 2021; 10:606. [PMID: 33803326 PMCID: PMC8000417 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) arise from both stratified squamous and non-squamous epithelium of diverse anatomical sites and collectively represent one of the most frequent solid tumors, accounting for more than one million cancer deaths annually. Despite this prevalence, SCC patients have not fully benefited from recent advances in molecularly targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Rather, decades old platinum-based or radiation regimens retaining limited specificity to the unique characteristics of SCC remain first-line treatment options. Historically, a lack of a consolidated perspective on genetic aberrations driving oncogenic transformation and other such factors essential for SCC pathogenesis and intrinsic confounding cellular heterogeneity in SCC have contributed to a critical dearth in effective and specific therapies. However, emerging evidence characterizing the distinct genomic, epigenetic, and metabolic landscapes of SCC may be elucidating unifying features in a seemingly heterogeneous disease. In this review, by describing distinct metabolic alterations and genetic drivers of SCC revealed by recent studies, we aim to establish a conceptual framework for a previously unappreciated network of oncogenic signaling, redox perturbation, and metabolic reprogramming that may reveal targetable vulnerabilities at their intersection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua H. Choe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Simbarashe Mazambani
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA; (S.M.); (T.H.K.)
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA; (S.M.); (T.H.K.)
| | - Jung-whan Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA; (S.M.); (T.H.K.)
- Research and Development, VeraVerse Inc., 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
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Two Distinct Faces of Vitamin C: AA vs. DHA. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020215. [PMID: 33535710 PMCID: PMC7912923 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020215] [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: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, vitamin C has been associated with many regulatory processes that involve specific signaling pathways. Among the most studied signaling pathways are those involved in the regulation of aging, differentiation, neurotransmission, proliferation, and cell death processes in cancer. This wide variety of regulatory effects is due to the fact that vitamin C has a dual mechanism of action. On the one hand, it regulates the expression of genes associated with proliferation (Ccnf and Ccnb1), differentiation (Sox-2 and Oct-4), and cell death (RIPK1 and Bcl-2). At the same time, vitamin C can act as a regulator of kinases, such as MAPK and p38, or by controlling the activation of the NF-kB pathway, generating chronic responses related to changes in gene expression or acute responses associated with the regulation of signal transduction processes. To date, data from the literature show a permanent increase in processes regulated by vitamin C. In this review, we critically examine how vitamin C regulates these different cellular programs in normal and tumor cells.
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Ghanem A, Melzer AM, Zaal E, Neises L, Baltissen D, Matar O, Glennemeier-Marke H, Almouhanna F, Theobald J, Abu El Maaty MA, Berkers C, Wölfl S. Ascorbate kills breast cancer cells by rewiring metabolism via redox imbalance and energy crisis. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 163:196-209. [PMID: 33359260 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The idea to use megadoses of ascorbate (vitamin C) for cancer treatment has recently been revived. Despite clear efficacy in animal experimentation, our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of this treatment is still limited and suggests a combined oxidative and metabolic mechanism behind the selective cytotoxicity of ascorbate towards cancerous cells. To gain more insight into the cellular effects of high doses of ascorbate, we performed a detailed analysis of metabolic changes and cell survival of both luminal and basal-like breast cancer cells treated with ascorbate and revealed a distinctive metabolic shift virtually reversing the Warburg effect and triggering a severe disruption of redox homeostasis. High doses of ascorbate were cytotoxic against MCF7 and MDA-MB231 cells representing luminal and basal-like breast cancer phenotypes. Cell death was dependent on ascorbate-induced oxidative stress and accumulation of ROS, DNA damage, and depletion of essential intracellular co-factors including NAD+/NADH, associated with a multifaceted metabolic rewiring. This included a sharp disruption of glycolysis at the triose phosphate level, a rapid drop in ATP levels, and redirection of metabolites toward lipid droplet accumulation and increased metabolites and enzymatic activity in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). High doses of ascorbate also inhibited the TCA cycle and increased oxygen consumption. Together the severe disruptions of the intracellular metabolic homeostasis on multiple levels "redox crisis and energetic catastrophe" consequently trigger a rapid irreversible cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ghanem
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Melzer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Esther Zaal
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Laura Neises
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Danny Baltissen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Omar Matar
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | | | - Fadi Almouhanna
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Jannick Theobald
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | | | - Celia Berkers
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Wölfl
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Germany.
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Abstract
![]()
Vitamin
C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble antioxidant and a
cofactor for a large number of enzymes. It is present in all tissues
and especially abundant in corneal epithelium, stem cells, and neurons.
Although similar to thiols in its ability to react with many reactive
oxygen species (ROS), ascorbate is much better (>100× faster)
than glutathione at scavenging of primary ROS (superoxide radical
and singlet oxygen). Ascorbate appears to be especially important
for elimination of O2•– in the
nucleus which contains little or no SOD activity. Cofactor functions
of ascorbate involve the maintenance of activity of Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate-dependent
dioxygenases via reduction of Fe(III). The most prominent activity
of ascorbate-dependent dioxygenases in the cytoplasm is hydroxylation
of prolines in proteins involved in the formation of extracellular
matrix and regulation of metabolism and hypoxia responses. In the
nucleus, ascorbate is important for oxidative demethylation of 5-methylcytosine
in DNA (by TET proteins) and removal of methyl groups from histone
lysines (by JmjC demethylases). Differentiation and other cellular
reprograming processes involving DNA demethylation are especially
sensitive to ascorbate insufficiency. High doses of vitamin C alone
or in combinations with drugs produced cancer-suppressive effects
which involved redox, immune, and epigenetic mechanisms. Solutions
to vitamin C deficiency in cultured cells are discussed to improve
the physiological relevance of in vitro models. An
abundance of vitamin C in rodents limits their ability to fully recapitulate
human sensitivity to adverse health effects of malnutrition and xenobiotics,
including neurotoxicity, lung injury, and intergenerational and other
epigenetic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly Zhitkovich
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
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15
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Vitamin C controls neuronal necroptosis under oxidative stress. Redox Biol 2019; 29:101408. [PMID: 31926631 PMCID: PMC6938857 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Under physiological conditions, vitamin C is the main antioxidant found in the central nervous system and is found in two states: reduced as ascorbic acid (AA) and oxidized as dehydroascorbic acid (DHA). However, under pathophysiological conditions, AA is oxidized to DHA. The oxidation of AA and subsequent production of DHA in neurons are associated with a decrease in GSH concentrations, alterations in glucose metabolism and neuronal death. To date, the endogenous molecules that act as intrinsic regulators of neuronal necroptosis under conditions of oxidative stress are unknown. Here, we show that treatment with AA regulates the expression of pro- and antiapoptotic genes. Vitamin C also regulates the expression of RIPK1/MLKL, whereas the oxidation of AA in neurons induces morphological alterations consistent with necroptosis and MLKL activation. The activation of necroptosis by AA oxidation in neurons results in bubble formation, loss of membrane integrity, and ultimately, cellular explosion. These data suggest that necroptosis is a target for cell death induced by vitamin C.
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16
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Chen XY, Chen Y, Qu CJ, Pan ZH, Qin Y, Zhang X, Liu WJ, Li DF, Zheng Q. Vitamin C induces human melanoma A375 cell apoptosis via Bax- and Bcl-2-mediated mitochondrial pathways. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:3880-3886. [PMID: 31516599 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most malignant type of skin cancer and is resistant to numerous chemotherapeutic and radiotherapy-based treatment approaches due to the activation of rapid and reversible pro-survival signaling pathways. As a result, patients will often present with a poor prognosis. Therefore, novel preventive methods and treatments are urgently required for patients with melanoma. Vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is widely used as a dietary additive and has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-cancer properties. In the present study, the effects of vitamin C in human melanoma A375 cells, and the mechanisms underlying these effects were investigated. Vitamin C potently suppressed human melanoma A375 cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis in A375 cells. Induction of apoptosis was related to caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation and the mitochondrial membrane potential of A375 cells significantly decreased in the presence of vitamin C. Furthermore, vitamin C induced apoptosis in A375 cells by activating the Bax- and Bcl-2-mediated mitochondrial pathway. These results indicate that vitamin C may be a potentially useful clinical anti-tumor drug for treating patients with melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Chen
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Chuan-Jun Qu
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Zhao-Hai Pan
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Yao Qin
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jing Liu
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - De-Fang Li
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Qiusheng Zheng
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic Phytomedicine Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
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17
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Abstract
Over the past century, the notion that vitamin C can be used to treat cancer has generated much controversy. However, new knowledge regarding the pharmacokinetic properties of vitamin C and recent high-profile preclinical studies have revived interest in the utilization of high-dose vitamin C for cancer treatment. Studies have shown that pharmacological vitamin C targets many of the mechanisms that cancer cells utilize for their survival and growth. In this Opinion article, we discuss how vitamin C can target three vulnerabilities many cancer cells share: redox imbalance, epigenetic reprogramming and oxygen-sensing regulation. Although the mechanisms and predictive biomarkers that we discuss need to be validated in well-controlled clinical trials, these new discoveries regarding the anticancer properties of vitamin C are promising to help identify patient populations that may benefit the most from high-dose vitamin C therapy, developing effective combination strategies and improving the overall design of future vitamin C clinical trials for various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Ngo
- Meyer Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Justin M Van Riper
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lewis C Cantley
- Meyer Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jihye Yun
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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18
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Ferrada L, Salazar K, Nualart F. Metabolic control by dehydroascorbic acid: Questions and controversies in cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:19331-19338. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Ferrada
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología y células madres Neuro‐CellTT, Centro de Microscopía Avanzada CMA BIOBIO, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Universidad de Concepción Concepción Chile
| | - Katterine Salazar
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología y células madres Neuro‐CellTT, Centro de Microscopía Avanzada CMA BIOBIO, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Universidad de Concepción Concepción Chile
| | - Francisco Nualart
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología y células madres Neuro‐CellTT, Centro de Microscopía Avanzada CMA BIOBIO, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Universidad de Concepción Concepción Chile
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19
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Badu-Boateng C, Naftalin RJ. Ascorbate and ferritin interactions: Consequences for iron release in vitro and in vivo and implications for inflammation. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 133:75-87. [PMID: 30268889 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This review discusses the chemical mechanisms of ascorbate-dependent reduction and solubilization of ferritin's ferric iron core and subsequent release of ferrous iron. The process is accelerated by low concentrations of Fe(II) that increase ferritin's intrinsic ascorbate oxidase activity, hence increasing the rate of ascorbate radical formation. These increased rates of ascorbate oxidation provide reducing equivalents (electrons) to ferritin's core and speed the core reduction rates with subsequent solubilization and release of Fe(II). Ascorbate-dependent solubilization of ferritin's iron core has consequences relating to the interpretation of 59Fe uptake sourced from 59Fe-lebelled holotransferrin into ferritin. Ascorbate-dependent reduction of the ferritin core iron solubility increases the size of ferritin's iron exchangeable pool and hence the rate and amount of exchange uptake of 59Fe into ferritin, whilst simultaneously increasing net iron release rate from ferritin. This may rationalize the inconsistency that ascorbate apparently stabilizes 59Fe ferritin and retards lysosomal ferritinolysis and whole cell 59Fe release, whilst paradoxically increasing the rate of net iron release from ferritin. This capacity of ascorbate and iron to synergise ferritin iron release has pathological significance, as it lowers the concentration at which ascorbate activates ferritin's iron release to within the physiological range (50-250 μM). These effects have relevance to inflammatory pathology and to the pro-oxidant effects of ascorbate in cancer therapy and cell death by ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Badu-Boateng
- Kings, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Richard J Naftalin
- Kings, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
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20
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Wu S, Wu G, Wu H. Hemolytic jaundice induced by pharmacological dose ascorbic acid in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e13588. [PMID: 30572463 PMCID: PMC6319863 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000013588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Hemolysis induced by high dose ascorbic acid (AA) in patients with G6PD deficiency has been reported, but is rare. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a male with G6PD deficiency, coexpressed with cholecystolithiasis and cholecystitis, who developed extreme hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia after receiving pharmacological doses ascorbic acid infusion. PATIENT CONCERNS A 27-year-old man history with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency was admitted to our hospital because of cholecystolithiasis and cholecystitis. He appeared with scleral jaundice and very deep colored urine after receiving pharmacological doses ascorbic acid infusion. DIAGNOSES Clinical findings when combined with his medical history and various laboratory results confirmed the diagnosis as hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia induced by ascorbic acid. INTERVENTIONS The patient was treated with steroids, hepatoprotective drugs, and folic acid in addition avoidance of agents with known hemolysis risk (such as vitamin C). OUTCOMES As a result, the patient's symptoms from hemolytic jaundice improved, hemoglobin remained stable, and the patient was discharged 11 days later. LESSONS Clinicians should bear in mind the possibility that vitamin C exposure may result in hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency, especially in those with known severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxie Wu
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha
| | - Gao Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The 411st Hospital of PLA
| | - Hanbin Wu
- Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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21
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Tan BL, Norhaizan ME, Liew WPP, Sulaiman Rahman H. Antioxidant and Oxidative Stress: A Mutual Interplay in Age-Related Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1162. [PMID: 30405405 PMCID: PMC6204759 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 523] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is the progressive loss of organ and tissue function over time. Growing older is positively linked to cognitive and biological degeneration such as physical frailty, psychological impairment, and cognitive decline. Oxidative stress is considered as an imbalance between pro- and antioxidant species, which results in molecular and cellular damage. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of age-related diseases. Emerging research evidence has suggested that antioxidant can control the autoxidation by interrupting the propagation of free radicals or by inhibiting the formation of free radicals and subsequently reduce oxidative stress, improve immune function, and increase healthy longevity. Indeed, oxidation damage is highly dependent on the inherited or acquired defects in enzymes involved in the redox-mediated signaling pathways. Therefore, the role of molecules with antioxidant activity that promote healthy aging and counteract oxidative stress is worth to discuss further. Of particular interest in this article, we highlighted the molecular mechanisms of antioxidants involved in the prevention of age-related diseases. Taken together, a better understanding of the role of antioxidants involved in redox modulation of inflammation would provide a useful approach for potential interventions, and subsequently promoting healthy longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bee Ling Tan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Esa Norhaizan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Laboratory of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Research Centre of Excellent, Nutrition and Non-Communicable Diseases (NNCD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Winnie-Pui-Pui Liew
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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22
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Hormetic dose response to L-ascorbic acid as an anti-cancer drug in colorectal cancer cell lines according to SVCT-2 expression. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11372. [PMID: 30054560 PMCID: PMC6063950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29386-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
L-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C, AA) exhibits anti-cancer effects with high-dose treatment through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and selective damage to cancer cells. The anti-cancer effects of L-ascorbic acid are determined by sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT-2), a transporter of L-ascorbic acid. In this study, we demonstrate that L-ascorbic acid treatment showed efficient anti-cancer activity in cell lines with high expression levels of SVCT-2 for a gradient concentration of L-ascorbic acid from 10 μM −2 mM. However, in low SVCT-2 expressing cell lines, high-dose L-ascorbic acid (>1 mM) showed anti-cancer effects but low-dose (<10 μM) treatment induced cell proliferation. Such conflicting results that depend on the concentration are called a hormetic dose response. A hormetic dose response to low-dose L-ascorbic acid was also observed in high SVCT-2 expressing cell lines in the presence of a SVCT family inhibitor. Insufficient uptake of L-ascorbic acid in low SVCT-2 expressing cancer cell lines cannot generate sufficient ROS to kill cancer cells, resulting in the hormetic response. Molecular analysis confirmed the increased expression of cancer proliferation markers in the hormetic dose response. These results suggest that L-ascorbic exhibits a biphasic effect in cancer cells depending on SVCT-2 expression.
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23
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Wang K, Jiang H, Li W, Qiang M, Dong T, Li H. Role of Vitamin C in Skin Diseases. Front Physiol 2018; 9:819. [PMID: 30022952 PMCID: PMC6040229 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays an important role in maintaining skin health and can promote the differentiation of keratinocytes and decrease melanin synthesis, leading to antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage. Normal skin needs high concentrations of vitamin C, which plays many roles in the skin, including the formation of the skin barrier and collagen in the dermis, the ability to counteract skin oxidation, and the modulation of cell signal pathways of cell growth and differentiation. However, vitamin C deficiency can cause or aggravate the occurrence and development of some skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). Levels of vitamin C in plasma are decreased in AD, and vitamin C deficiency may be one of the factors that contributes to the pathogenesis of PCT. On the other hand, high doses of vitamin C have significantly reduced cancer cell viability, as well as invasiveness, and induced apoptosis in human malignant melanoma. In this review, we will summarize the effects of vitamin C on four skin diseases (porphyria cutanea tarda, atopic dermatitis, malignant melanoma, and herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia) and highlight the potential of vitamin C as a therapeutic strategy to treat these diseases, emphasizing the clinical application of vitamin C as an adjuvant for drugs or physical therapy in other skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqin Wang
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenshuang Li
- Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyue Qiang
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Tianxiang Dong
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hongbin Li
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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24
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Phadngam S, Castiglioni A, Ferraresi A, Morani F, Follo C, Isidoro C. PTEN dephosphorylates AKT to prevent the expression of GLUT1 on plasmamembrane and to limit glucose consumption in cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:84999-85020. [PMID: 27829222 PMCID: PMC5356715 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
GLUT1 is the facilitative transporter playing the major role in the internalization of glucose. Basally, GLUT1 resides on vesicles located in a para-golgian area, and is translocated onto the plasmamembrane upon activation of the PI3KC1-AKT pathway. In proliferating cancer cells, which demand a high quantity of glucose for their metabolism, GLUT1 is permanently expressed on the plasmamembrane. This is associated with the abnormal activation of the PI3KC1-AKT pathway, consequent to the mutational activation of PI3KC1 and/or the loss of PTEN. The latter, in fact, could antagonize the phosphorylation of AKT by limiting the availability of Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate. Here, we asked whether PTEN could control the plasmamembrane expression of GLUT1 also through its protein-phosphatase activity on AKT. Experiments of co-immunoprecipitation and in vitro de-phosphorylation assay with homogenates of cells transgenically expressing the wild type or knocked-down mutants (lipid-phosphatase, protein-phosphatase, or both) isoforms demonstrated that indeed PTEN physically interacts with AKT and drives its dephosphorylation, and so limiting the expression of GLUT1 at the plasmamembrane. We also show that growth factors limit the ability of PTEN to dephosphorylate AKT. Our data emphasize the fact that PTEN acts in two distinct steps of the PI3k/AKT pathway to control the expression of GLUT1 at the plasmamembrane and, further, add AKT to the list of the protein substrates of PTEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suratchanee Phadngam
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Nanobioimaging, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", 28100 - Novara, Italy
| | - Andrea Castiglioni
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Nanobioimaging, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", 28100 - Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ferraresi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Nanobioimaging, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", 28100 - Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Morani
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Nanobioimaging, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", 28100 - Novara, Italy
| | - Carlo Follo
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Nanobioimaging, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", 28100 - Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Nanobioimaging, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", 28100 - Novara, Italy
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25
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Serna-Blasco R, Sanz-Álvarez M, Aguilera Ó, García-Foncillas J. Targeting the RAS-dependent chemoresistance: The Warburg connection. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 54:80-90. [PMID: 29432815 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RAS protein family members (KRAS4A, KRAS4B, HRAS and NRAS) function as GDP-GTP-regulated on-off switches, which regulate cytoplasmic-nuclear signaling networks ruling diverse normal cellular processes. Constitutive activating mutations in RAS genes are found in up to 30% of human cancers, and remarkably, the oncogenic Ras mutations and mutations in other components of Ras/MAPK signaling pathways seem to be mutually exclusive in most tumors, pointing out that deregulation of Ras-dependent signaling is an essential requirement for tumorigenesis. Up to 30% of solid tumors are known to have a mutated (abnormal) KRAS gene. Unfortunately, patients harboring mutated KRAS CRC are unlikely to benefit from anti-EGFR therapy. Moreover, it remains unclear that patients with KRAS wild-type CRC will definitely respond to such therapies. Although some clinically designed-strategies to modulate KRAS aberrant activation have been designed, all attempts to target KRAS have failed in the clinical assays and K-RAS has been assumed to be invulnerable to chemotherapeutic attack. Recently, different encouraging publications reported that ascorbate may have a selective antitumoral effect on KRAS mutant cancer cells. In this review we aim to describe the prevalence and importance of KRAS mutation in cancer and associated problems for the clinical handling of patients harboring these tumors. We highlight the role of mutated KRAS in boosting and keeping the tumor associated aberrant cell metabolism stating that further in-depth studies on the molecular mechanism of ascorbate to bypass mutated KRAS-related metabolic alterations may constitute a new pathway to design novel molecules in order handle tumor resistance to anti EGFR-therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Serna-Blasco
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Sanz-Álvarez
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar Aguilera
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jesús García-Foncillas
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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26
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Pharmacologic ascorbate (P-AscH -) suppresses hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Clin Exp Metastasis 2018; 35:37-51. [PMID: 29396728 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-018-9876-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
HIF-1α is a transcriptional regulator that functions in the adaptation of cells to hypoxic conditions; it strongly impacts the prognosis of patients with cancer. High-dose, intravenous, pharmacological ascorbate (P-AscH-), induces cytotoxicity and oxidative stress selectively in cancer cells by acting as a pro-drug for the delivery of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); early clinical data suggest improved survival and inhibition of metastasis in patients being actively treated with P-AscH-. Previous studies have demonstrated that activation of HIF-1α is necessary for P-AscH- sensitivity. We hypothesized that pancreatic cancer (PDAC) progression and metastasis could be be targeted by P-AscH- via H2O2-mediated inhibition of HIF-1α stabilization. Our study demonstrates an oxygen- and prolyl hydroxylase-independent regulation of HIF-1α by P-AscH-. Additionally, P-AscH- decreased VEGF secretion in a dose-dependent manner that was reversible with catalase, consistent with an H2O2-mediated mechanism. Pharmacological and genetic manipulations of HIF-1α did not alter P-AscH--induced cytotoxicity. In vivo, P-AscH- inhibited tumor growth and VEGF expression. We conclude that P-AscH- suppresses the levels of HIF-1α protein in hypoxic conditions through a post-translational mechanism. These findings suggest potential new therapies specifically designed to inhibit the mechanisms that drive metastases as a part of PDAC treatment.
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27
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Targeting KRAS Mutant CMS3 Subtype by Metabolic Inhibitors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1110:23-34. [PMID: 30623364 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-02771-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells rewire their metabolism in order to boost growth, survival, proliferation, and chemoresistance. The common event of this aberrant metabolism is the increased glucose uptake and fermentation of glucose to lactate. This phenomenon is observed even in the presence of O2 and completely functioning mitochondria. This is known as the "Warburg Effect" and it is a hallmark in cancer. Up to 40% of all CRC's are known to have a mutated (abnormal) KRAS gene, found at differing frequencies in all consensus molecular subtypes (CMS). CMS3 colon cancer molecular subtype contains the so-called 'metabolic tumours' which represents 13% of total CR cases. These tumours display remarkable metabolic deregulation, often showing KRAS mutations (68%). Unfortunately, patients harbouring mutated KRAS are unlikely to benefit from anti-EGFR therapies. Moreover, it remains unclear that patients with KRAS wild-type CRC will definitely respond to such therapies. Although some clinically designed-strategies to modulate KRAS aberrant activation have been designed, all attempts to target KRAS have failed in the clinical assays and KRAS has been assumed to be invulnerable to chemotherapeutic attack. Quest for metabolic inhibitors with anti-tumour activity may constitute a novel and hopeful approach in order to handle KRAS dependent chemoresistance in colon cancer.
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28
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Merchant RA, van Dam RM, Tan LWL, Lim MY, Low JL, Morley JE. Vitamin D Binding Protein and Vitamin D Levels in Multi-Ethnic Population. J Nutr Health Aging 2018; 22:1060-1065. [PMID: 30379303 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-018-1114-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) has been associated with many negative health outcomes including falls and fractures. 25(OH)D is largely bound to vitamin D binding protein (VDBP). There is increasing evidence that free or bioavailable 25(OH)D may be a better measure of vitamin D deficiency. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency and VDBP levels in multi-ethnic population, and its impact on muscle strength. DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional study of older adults in Western region of Singapore. 295 participants from three ethnic groups were selected from the Healthy Older People Everyday (HOPE) cohort for measurements of total 25(OH)D and VDBP levels. Total 25(OH)D, VDBP, frailty status, Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) and grip strength (GS) were assessed. Albumin, free and bioavailable 25(OH)D were only available for 256 participants. RESULTS 53% of Malay and 55% of Indians were deficient in 25(OH)D compared with 18.2% of ethnic Chinese participants. Chinese also had higher total 25(OH)D concentrations with a mean of 29.1 ug/l, (p = <0.001). Chinese had the lowest level of VDBP (169.6ug/ml) followed by Malay (188.8 ug/ml) and Indian having the highest (220.1 ug/ml). Calculated bioavailable and free 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in Chinese, followed by Malays and Indians, which also correlated with better grip strength measures amongst the Chinese. CONCLUSION The Malays and Indians had overall lower free, bioavailable and total 25(OH)D compared with ethnic Chinese. Chinese ethnic group also had the lowest VDBP and better overall grip strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Merchant
- A/Prof Reshma A Merchant, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, , Tel: 67795555
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Mastrangelo D, Pelosi E, Castelli G, Lo-Coco F, Testa U. Mechanisms of anti-cancer effects of ascorbate: Cytotoxic activity and epigenetic modulation. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2017; 69:57-64. [PMID: 28954710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin C (Vit C or Ascorbate) is essential for many fundamental biochemical processes. Vit C is an essential nutrient with redox functions at normal physiologic concentrations. The main physiologic function of this vitamin is related to its capacity to act as a co-factor for a large family of enzymes, collectively known as Fe and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases. It also modulates epigenetic gene expression through the control of TET enzymes activity. Vit C also has several biological properties allowing to restore the deregulated epigenetic response observed in many tumors. High-dose Vit C has been investigated as a treatment for cancer patients since the 1969. Pharmacologic ascorbate acts as a pro-drug for hydrogen peroxide formation (H2O2) and, through this mechanism, kills cancer cells. To achieve high in vivo concentrations, Ascorbate must be injected by i.v. route. Initial clinical studies of Ascorbate cancer treatment have provided encouraging results, not confirmed in subsequent studies. Recent clinical studies using i.v. injection of high-dose Ascorbate have renewed the interest in the field, showing that significant anti-tumor activity. Pre-clinical studies have led to identify tumors sensitive to Ascorbate that could potentially benefit from this treatment either through an epigenetic modulator effect or through tumor killing by oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Mastrangelo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Polo Scientifico San Miniato, Siena, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lo-Coco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Shibuya S, Sakaguchi I, Ito S, Kato E, Watanabe K, Izuo N, Shimizu T. Topical Application of Trisodium Ascorbyl 6-Palmitate 2-Phosphate Actively Supplies Ascorbate to Skin Cells in an Ascorbate Transporter-Independent Manner. Nutrients 2017. [PMID: 28640219 PMCID: PMC5537765 DOI: 10.3390/nu9070645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA) possesses multiple beneficial functions, such as regulating collagen biosynthesis and redox balance in the skin. AA derivatives have been developed to overcome this compound’s high fragility and to assist with AA supplementation to the skin. However, how AA derivatives are transferred into cells and converted to AA in the skin remains unclear. In the present study, we showed that AA treatment failed to increase the cellular AA level in the presence of AA transporter inhibitors, indicating an AA transporter-dependent action. In contrast, torisodium ascorbyl 6-palmitate 2-phosphate (APPS) treatment significantly enhanced the cellular AA level in skin cells despite the presence of inhibitors. In ex vivo experiments, APPS treatment also increased the AA content in a human epidermis model. Interestingly, APPS was readily metabolized and converted to AA in keratinocyte lysates via an intrinsic mechanism. Furthermore, APPS markedly repressed the intracellular superoxide generation and promoted viability associated with an enhanced AA level in Sod1-deficient skin cells. These findings indicate that APPS effectively restores the AA level and normalizes the redox balance in skin cells in an AA transporter-independent manner. Topical treatment of APPS is a beneficial strategy for supplying AA and improving the physiology of damaged skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuichi Shibuya
- Department of Advanced Aging Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Ikuyo Sakaguchi
- Reserch & Development Division, Club Cosmetics Co., Ltd., Ikoma, Nara 630-0222, Japan.
| | - Shintaro Ito
- Reserch & Development Division, Club Cosmetics Co., Ltd., Ikoma, Nara 630-0222, Japan.
| | - Eiko Kato
- Functional Chemicals Division, Showa Denko K.K. Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8518, Japan.
| | - Kenji Watanabe
- Department of Advanced Aging Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Naotaka Izuo
- Department of Advanced Aging Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Takahiko Shimizu
- Department of Advanced Aging Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
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Engel C, Brügmann G, Lambing S, Mühlenbeck LH, Marx S, Hagen C, Horváth D, Goldeck M, Ludwig J, Herzner AM, Drijfhout JW, Wenzel D, Coch C, Tüting T, Schlee M, Hornung V, Hartmann G, Van den Boorn JG. RIG-I Resists Hypoxia-Induced Immunosuppression and Dedifferentiation. Cancer Immunol Res 2017; 5:455-467. [PMID: 28468914 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-16-0129-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A hypoxic tumor microenvironment is linked to poor prognosis. It promotes tumor cell dedifferentiation and metastasis and desensitizes tumor cells to type-I IFN, chemotherapy, and irradiation. The cytoplasmic immunoreceptor retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is ubiquitously expressed in tumor cells and upon activation by 5'-triphosphate RNA (3pRNA) drives the induction of type I IFN and immunogenic cell death. Here, we analyzed the impact of hypoxia on the expression of RIG-I in various human and murine tumor and nonmalignant cell types and further investigated its function in hypoxic murine melanoma. 3pRNA-inducible RIG-I-expression was reduced in hypoxic melanoma cells compared with normoxic controls, a phenomenon that depended on the hypoxia-associated transcription factor HIF1α. Still, RIG-I functionality was conserved in hypoxic melanoma cells, whereas responsiveness to recombinant type-I IFN was abolished, due to hypoxia-induced loss of type I IFN receptor expression. Likewise, RIG-I activation in hypoxic melanoma cells, but not exposure to recombinant IFNα, provoked melanocyte antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell and NK-cell attack. Scavenging of hypoxia-induced reactive oxygen species by vitamin C restored the inducible expression of RIG-I under hypoxia in vitro, boosted in vitro anti-melanoma NK- and CD8+ T-cell attack, and augmented 3pRNA antitumor efficacy in vivo These results demonstrate that RIG-I remains operational under hypoxia and that RIG-I function is largely insensitive to lower cell surface expression of the IFNα receptor. RIG-I function could be fortified under hypoxia by the combined use of 3pRNA with antioxidants. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(6); 455-67. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Engel
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Grethe Brügmann
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Silke Lambing
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Larissa H Mühlenbeck
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Samira Marx
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Hagen
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dorottya Horváth
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marion Goldeck
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Janos Ludwig
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Herzner
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan W Drijfhout
- Department of Immunohematology and Bloodtransfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Daniela Wenzel
- Institute of Physiology I, Life and Brain Center, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christoph Coch
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Tüting
- Department for Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schlee
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Veit Hornung
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Gunther Hartmann
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jasper G Van den Boorn
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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SVCT-2 determines the sensitivity to ascorbate-induced cell death in cholangiocarcinoma cell lines and patient derived xenografts. Cancer Lett 2017; 398:1-11. [PMID: 28385602 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a devastating malignancy with late diagnosis and poor response to conventional chemotherapy. Recent studies have revealed anti-cancer effect of vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid, ascorbate) in several types of cancer. However, the effect of l-ascorbic acid (AA) in CC remains elusive. Herein, we demonstrated that AA induced cytotoxicity in CC cells by generating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and subsequently DNA damage, ATP depletion, mTOR pathway inhibition. Moreover, AA worked synergistically with chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin to impair CC cells growth both in vitro and in vivo. Intriguingly, sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT-2) expression was inversely correlated with IC50 values of AA. Knockdown of SVCT-2 dramatically alleviated DNA damage, ATP depletion, and inhibition of mTOR pathway induced by AA. Furthermore, SVCT-2 knockdown endowed CC cells with the resistance to AA treatment. Finally, the inhibitory effects of AA were further confirmed in patient-derived CC xenograft models. Thus, our results unravel therapeutic potential of AA alone or in combination with cisplatin for CC. SVCT2 expression level may serve as a positive outcome predictor for AA treatment in CC.
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Wu H, Song C, Zhang J, Zhao J, Fu B, Mao T, Zhang Y. Melatonin-mediated upregulation of GLUT1 blocks exit from pluripotency by increasing the uptake of oxidized vitamin C in mouse embryonic stem cells. FASEB J 2017; 31:1731-1743. [PMID: 28069827 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601085r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin and vitamin C are powerful antioxidants that improve the reprogramming efficiency of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, the effects of the combined treatment of vitamin C and melatonin on the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have not yet been examined. In this study, we showed that melatonin synergizes with vitamin C to derail exit from pluripotency of mouse ESCs. This effect is related to the increased uptake of dehydroascorbate, the oxidized form of vitamin C, through glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) transporter, which in turn, is upregulated by melatonin treatment. Analysis of the cell signaling pathway profiling systems and specific pathway inhibition indicated that melatonin enhances Glut1 expression by activating the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for application of melatonin in research on ESCs and iPSCs and for further investigation of the effect of combinatorial compounds on cell reprogramming.-Wu, H., Song, C., Zhang, J., Zhao, J., Fu, B., Mao, T., Zhang, Y. Melatonin-mediated upregulation of GLUT1 blocks exit from pluripotency by increasing the uptake of oxidized vitamin C in mouse embryonic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry (A&F) University, Yangling, China; and .,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Chao Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry (A&F) University, Yangling, China; and.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jingcheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry (A&F) University, Yangling, China; and.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jiamin Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry (A&F) University, Yangling, China; and .,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Beibei Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry (A&F) University, Yangling, China; and.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Tingchao Mao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry (A&F) University, Yangling, China; and.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry (A&F) University, Yangling, China; and .,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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Babaei P, Damirchi A, Soltani Tehrani B, Nazari Y, Sariri R, Hoseini R. Effect of exercise training on saliva brain derived neurotrophic factor, catalase and vitamin c. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2016; 30:452. [PMID: 28491827 PMCID: PMC5419233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The balance between production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidant defense in the body has important health implications. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in salivary antioxidants: catalase, vitamin C and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in sedentary men at rest and after acute exhaustive exercise. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial (The registry code IRCT2011053212431N1) recruited twenty-five sedentary men (age=21±3yrs; height=172±8cm; weight=66±9kg; VO2 max=37.6±7.4mL•kgkg-1•min-1) participated in a double-blind randomized experiment. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected before, immediately and 1 hour after exhaustive treadmill running. Catalase, vitamin C (Vit C) concentration, and BDNF concentrations were determined using biochemical assays and ELISA respectively. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni posthoc test were used to analyze data. Results: The results of the present study showed that an acute intensive exercise causes a reduction in salivary catalase, Vit C and also BDNF concentration (p<0.05) compared with pre-exercise. Both catalase and Vit C showed a tendency to return to pre-exercise value after one hour. However, BDNF continued to reduction at least 1 hour after the ending of the training. Conclusion: Reduction in antioxidants capacity of saliva might reflects disturbance in natural antioxidant defense mechanisms of the body after an acute intensive physical stress and possible further health threatening consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvin Babaei
- 1 Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran & Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Arsalan Damirchi
- 2 Professor of Sports Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Bahram Soltani Tehrani
- 3 Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Yazgaldi Nazari
- 4 PhD student of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Reyhaneh Sariri
- 5 Professor of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Rastegar Hoseini
- 6 Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran. ,(Corresponding author) Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Chinese Herbs Interfering with Cancer Reprogramming Metabolism. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:9282813. [PMID: 27242914 PMCID: PMC4875995 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9282813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence promotes a reassessment of metabolic reprogramming regulation in cancer research. Although there exists a long history of Chinese herbs applied in cancer treatment, few reports have addressed the effects of Chinese herbal components on metabolic reprogramming, which is a central cancer hallmark involved in the slowing or prevention of chemoresistance in cancer cells. In this review, we have focused on four core elements altered by metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells. These include glucose transport, glycolysis, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid synthesis. With this focus, we have summarized recent advances in metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells in response to specific Chinese herbal components. We propose that exploring Chinese herbal interference in cancer metabolic reprogramming might identify new therapeutic targets for cancer and more ways in which to approach metabolism-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen R Reczek
- Department of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Navdeep S Chandel
- Department of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Song B, Shu Y, Cui T, Fu P. Allicin inhibits human renal clear cell carcinoma progression via suppressing HIF pathway. Int J Clin Exp Med 2015; 8:20573-20580. [PMID: 26884975 PMCID: PMC4723820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) protects hypoxic cells from apoptosis or necrosis under ischemic and anoxic conditions. Allicin is characterized by the anti-cancer characteristics. This study aims to explore whether allicin is involved in renal clear cell carcinoma progression through HIF-1α. A total of 40 RCC tissues and 39 normal renal tissues were collected H&E and immunohistochemistry were applied to study morphology changes. MTT assay and flow cytometry (FCM) were used to analyze cell viability and apoptosis. In vitro colony formation assay and wound healing assay were conducted to explore cell migration. The protein levels of Bcl-2, VEGF and HIF-1α were increased in RCC tissues. More importantly, treatment with allicin significantly decreased HIF-1α protein level, thereby reducing Bcl-2 and VEGF expression. In addition, allicin also obviously enhanced apoptotic cells. And colony formation capacity and cell migration rate were reduced in RCC-9863 cells treated with allicin. Further study revealed that overexpression of HIF-1α could partially repress allicin-induced downstream effects. To conclude, allicin inhibits human renal clear cell carcinoma progression partially by suppressing HIF pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Song
- Department of Nephrology, The People’s Hospital of DeyangDeyang, 618000, China
| | - Ying Shu
- Department of Nephrology, Division of Internal Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengdu, 610041, China
| | - Tianlei Cui
- Department of Nephrology, Division of Internal Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ping Fu
- Department of Nephrology, Division of Internal Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengdu, 610041, China
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Yun J, Mullarky E, Lu C, Bosch KN, Kavalier A, Rivera K, Roper J, Chio IIC, Giannopoulou EG, Rago C, Muley A, Asara JM, Paik J, Elemento O, Chen Z, Pappin DJ, Dow LE, Papadopoulos N, Gross SS, Cantley LC. Vitamin C selectively kills KRAS and BRAF mutant colorectal cancer cells by targeting GAPDH. Science 2015; 350:1391-6. [PMID: 26541605 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaa5004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 625] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
More than half of human colorectal cancers (CRCs) carry either KRAS or BRAF mutations and are often refractory to approved targeted therapies. We found that cultured human CRC cells harboring KRAS or BRAF mutations are selectively killed when exposed to high levels of vitamin C. This effect is due to increased uptake of the oxidized form of vitamin C, dehydroascorbate (DHA), via the GLUT1 glucose transporter. Increased DHA uptake causes oxidative stress as intracellular DHA is reduced to vitamin C, depleting glutathione. Thus, reactive oxygen species accumulate and inactivate glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Inhibition of GAPDH in highly glycolytic KRAS or BRAF mutant cells leads to an energetic crisis and cell death not seen in KRAS and BRAF wild-type cells. High-dose vitamin C impairs tumor growth in Apc/Kras(G12D) mutant mice. These results provide a mechanistic rationale for exploring the therapeutic use of vitamin C for CRCs with KRAS or BRAF mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Yun
- Meyer Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Edouard Mullarky
- Meyer Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA. Biological and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Changyuan Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kaitlyn N Bosch
- Meyer Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Adam Kavalier
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Keith Rivera
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jatin Roper
- Molecular Oncology Research Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | | | - Eugenia G Giannopoulou
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Carlo Rago
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Ashlesha Muley
- Meyer Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - John M Asara
- Division of Signal Transduction, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jihye Paik
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Zhengming Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Darryl J Pappin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Lukas E Dow
- Meyer Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nickolas Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Steven S Gross
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lewis C Cantley
- Meyer Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Dehydroascorbic Acid Promotes Cell Death in Neurons Under Oxidative Stress: a Protective Role for Astrocytes. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:5847-5863. [PMID: 26497038 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9497-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA), the reduced form of vitamin C, is incorporated into neurons via the sodium ascorbate co-transporter SVCT2. However, this transporter is not expressed in astrocytes, which take up the oxidized form of vitamin C, dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), via the facilitative hexose transporter GLUT1. Therefore, neuron and astrocyte interactions are thought to mediate vitamin C recycling in the nervous system. Although astrocytes are essential for the antioxidant defense of neurons under oxidative stress, a condition in which a large amount of ROS is generated that may favor the extracellular oxidation of AA and the subsequent neuronal uptake of DHA via GLUT3, potentially increasing oxidative stress in neurons. This study analyzed the effects of oxidative stress and DHA uptake on neuronal cell death in vitro. Different analyses revealed the presence of the DHA transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 in Neuro2a and HN33.11 cells and in cortical neurons. Kinetic analyses confirmed that all cells analyzed in this study possess functional GLUTs that take up 2-deoxyglucose and DHA. Thus, DHA promotes the death of stressed neuronal cells, which is reversed by incubating the cells with cytochalasin B, an inhibitor of DHA uptake by GLUT1 and GLUT3. Additionally, the presence of glial cells (U87 and astrocytes), which promote DHA recycling, reverses the observed cell death of stressed neurons. Taken together, these results indicate that DHA promotes the death of stressed neurons and that astrocytes are essential for the antioxidative defense of neurons. Thus, the astrocyte-neuron interaction may function as an essential mechanism for vitamin C recycling, participating in the antioxidative defense of the brain.
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GSTO1*C/GSTO2*G haplotype is associated with risk of transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder. Int Urol Nephrol 2015; 47:625-30. [PMID: 25716313 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-015-0933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To clarify the role of genetic polymorphisms of GSTO1 (rs4925) and GSTO2 (rs156697) in individual susceptibility to urinary bladder cancer. METHODS Case-control study consisting of 187 patients with histologically confirmed transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of urinary bladder and 140 age- and gender-matched cancer-free controls was carried out. Genotyping of GSTO1 and GSTO2 was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS We found that carriers of mutant GSTO2*G/G genotype were at increased risk of the development of TCC (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2-5.8, p = 0.041), while GSTO1 rs4925 polymorphism was not significantly associated with TCC risk (p = 0.450). According to smoking status, smokers with GSTO2*G/G genotype had significantly higher risk of TCC of urinary bladder (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.6-11.2, p = 0.003) compared to wild-type carriers with no smoking history. We further analyzed the effects of GSTO1/GSTO2 haplotypes on TCC risk, based on the linkage disequilibrium found for GSTO1 (rs4925) and GSTO2 (rs156697) (D' = 0.309, p = 0.001). The study subjects with GSTO1*C/GSTO2*G (GSTO1 wild-type/GSTO2 mutant) haplotype were at the highest risk of the development of transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.2, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that GSTO1*C/GSTO2*G haplotype is associated with increased risk of TCC. The modifying effect of GSTO2*G/G genotype on individual susceptibility to TCC is more pronounced, when associated with smoking.
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Shenoy N, Shrivastava M, Sukrithan V, Papaspyridi D, Darbinyan K. The Regulation and Interactions of the Hypoxia Inducible Factor Pathway in Carcinogenesis and Potential Cancer Therapeutic Strategies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/jct.2015.66055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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