1
|
Vitale G, Carra S, Alessi Y, Campolo F, Pandozzi C, Zanata I, Colao A, Faggiano A. Carcinoid Syndrome: Preclinical Models and Future Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043610. [PMID: 36835022 PMCID: PMC9961914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Carcinoid syndrome represents a debilitating paraneoplastic disease, caused by the secretion of several substances, occurring in about 10-40% of patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The main signs and symptoms associated with carcinoid syndrome are flushing, diarrhea, hypotension, tachycardia, bronchoconstriction, venous telangiectasia, dyspnea and fibrotic complications (mesenteric and retroperitoneal fibrosis, and carcinoid heart disease). Although there are several drugs available for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome, the lack of therapeutic response, poor tolerance or resistance to drugs are often reported. Preclinical models are indispensable tools for investigating the pathogenesis, mechanisms for tumor progression and new therapeutic approaches for cancer. This paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vitro and in vivo models in NETs with carcinoid syndrome, highlighting the future developments and therapeutic approaches in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vitale
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20100 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-6191-12023; Fax: +39-02-6191-13033
| | - Silvia Carra
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Ylenia Alessi
- Endocrine Unit, University Hospital “Gaetano Martino” of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Campolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Pandozzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Zanata
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, ENETS Center of Excellence, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Munteanu C, Schwartz B. The relationship between nutrition and the immune system. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1082500. [PMID: 36570149 PMCID: PMC9772031 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1082500] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition plays an essential role in the regulation of optimal immunological response, by providing adequate nutrients in sufficient concentrations to immune cells. There are a large number of micronutrients, such as minerals, and vitamins, as well as some macronutrients such as some amino acids, cholesterol and fatty acids demonstrated to exert a very important and specific impact on appropriate immune activity. This review aims to summarize at some extent the large amount of data accrued to date related to the modulation of immune function by certain micro and macronutrients and to emphasize their importance in maintaining human health. Thus, among many, some relevant case in point examples are brought and discussed: (1) The role of vitamin A/all-trans-retinoic-acids (ATRA) in acute promyelocytic leukemia, being this vitamin utilized as a very efficient therapeutic agent via effective modulation of the immune function (2) The involvement of vitamin C in the fight against tumor cells via the increase of the number of active NK cells. (3) The stimulation of apoptosis, the suppression of cancer cell proliferation, and delayed tumor development mediated by calcitriol/vitamin D by means of immunity regulation (4) The use of selenium as a cofactor to reach more effective immune response to COVID vaccination (5). The crucial role of cholesterol to regulate the immune function, which is demonstrated to be very sensitive to the variations of this macronutrient concentration. Other important examples are reviewed as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Munteanu
- Department of Plant Culture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Camelia Munteanu,
| | - Betty Schwartz
- Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The School of Nutritional Sciences, The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel,*Correspondence: Betty Schwartz,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang K, Baldwin GS, Nikfarjam M, He H. Antitumor effects of all-trans retinoic acid and its synergism with gemcitabine are associated with downregulation of p21-activated kinases in pancreatic cancer. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 316:G632-G640. [PMID: 30844294 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00344.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has been used as an antistromal agent in PDA, and its antitumor effect has also been reported in various kinds of cancer, including PDA. Inhibition of p21-activated kinases (PAKs) is associated with decreased tumor growth and increased gemcitabine sensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of ATRA alone and in combination with gemcitabine on cell growth and migration of wild-type and gemcitabine-resistant PDA cells and the potential mechanism(s) involved. Human (MiaPaCa-2) and murine (TB33117) PDA cell lines were incubated in increasing concentrations of gemcitabine to establish resistant clones. Cell growth, clonogenicity, and migration/invasion were determined using a sulforhodamine B assay, a colony formation assay, and a Boyden chamber assay, respectively. Protein expression was measured by Western blotting. ATRA reduced cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration/invasion in both wild-type and gemcitabine-resistant cell lines. PAK1 expression was significantly increased in resistant cells. Cells treated with ATRA showed decreased expression of PAK1, PAK2, PAK4, and α-smooth muscle actin. The combination of ATRA and gemcitabine synergistically reduced cell growth in both wild-type and gemcitabine-resistant cell lines. Depletion of PAK1 enhanced ATRA sensitivity in MiaPaCa-2 cells. In conclusion, the antitumor effects of ATRA and its synergism with gemcitabine are associated with downregulation of PAKs. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The inhibitory effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration/invasion was associated with downregulation of p21-activated kinases (PAKs), and depletion of PAK1 enhanced ATRA sensitivity in MiaPaCa-2 cells. The combination of ATRA and gemcitabine synergistically reduced cell growth in both wild-type and gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. As an important prognostic marker, α-smooth muscle actin also can be downregulated by ATRA in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
| | - Graham S Baldwin
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
| | - Mehrdad Nikfarjam
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
| | - Hong He
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yasueda A, Urushima H, Ito T. Efficacy and Interaction of Antioxidant Supplements as Adjuvant Therapy in Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review. Integr Cancer Ther 2016; 15:17-39. [PMID: 26503419 PMCID: PMC5736082 DOI: 10.1177/1534735415610427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a key component in carcinogenesis. Although radiation produces reactive oxygen species, some anticancer agents such as alkylating agents, platinum and antitumor antibiotics exert cytotoxicity by generating free radicals. Nonenzymatic exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols can quench ROS activity. However, whether antioxidants alter antitumor effects during radiotherapy and some types of chemotherapy remains unclear. In the present study, we reviewed antioxidants as an adjuvant therapy for cancer patients during chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Electronic literature searches were performed to select all randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) in which antioxidants were administered to cancer patients along with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Articles or abstracts written in English were included. In total, 399 reports received primary screening. Duplicated articles and those meeting the exclusion criteria (not RCT, not human, and no oral administration) were excluded. Finally, 49 reports matching the inclusion criteria were included. It was difficult to determine whether antioxidants affect treatment outcomes or whether antioxidants ameliorate adverse effects induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is desirable to use an evidence-based method to select supplements best suited to cancer patients. Although there are many opinions about risks or benefits of antioxidant supplementation, we could mostly conclude that the harm caused by antioxidant supplementation remains unclear for patients during cancer therapy, except for smokers undergoing radiotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asuka Yasueda
- Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Japan
| | - Hayato Urushima
- Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Japan
| | - Toshinori Ito
- Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Grozinsky-Glasberg S, Shimon I, Rubinfeld H. The role of cell lines in the study of neuroendocrine tumors. Neuroendocrinology 2012; 96:173-87. [PMID: 22538498 DOI: 10.1159/000338793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell lines originating from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) represent useful experimental models to assess the control of synthesis and release of different hormones and hormone-like peptides, to evaluate the mechanisms of action of these agents in target tissues at the cellular and subcellular levels, and to study cell proliferation and tumor development, as well as the effect of different drugs on these complex processes. To date, the understanding of NET biology (with regard to their mechanisms of hormone secretion, cell proliferation and metastatic spread) has been hampered by the lack of appropriate animal models or cell lines for their study. In the present review, we aim to summarize the recent in vitro/in vivo data regarding cell lines derived from NETs which are most frequently employed in experimental neuroendocrinology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Grozinsky-Glasberg
- Neuroendocrine Tumor Unit, Endocrinology and Metabolism Service, Department of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nakagawa T, Shimizu M, Shirakami Y, Tatebe H, Yasuda I, Tsurumi H, Moriwaki H. Synergistic effects of acyclic retinoid and gemcitabine on growth inhibition in pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2009; 273:250-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2008] [Revised: 06/24/2008] [Accepted: 08/06/2008] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
7
|
Ohlsson B, Albrechtsson E, Axelson J. Vitamins A and D but not E and K decreased the cell number in human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Scand J Gastroenterol 2004; 39:882-5. [PMID: 15513387 DOI: 10.1080/00365520410006701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The four fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K have been tested in experimental and human studies to assess their influence on the growth of cancer cells of different origins. Receptors for vitamin A and D have been detected on pancreatic cancer cells, and analogues of these reduced the cell number in vitro. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of fat-soluble vitamins on the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. METHODS The seven cell lines used were established from patients operated on for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The effect of incubation with the vitamin A analogues all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA;tretinoin) and 9-cis-retinoic acid (9-cis-RA), the synthetic vitamin D analogue EB 1089, vitamin E succinate and K on the cell number was examined by the XTT method. RESULTS The vitamin A and D analogues decreased the pancreatic cancer cell number when high concentrations of 10 - 10 M were administered. A combination of retinoids and the vitamin D analogue EB 1089 did not enhance the effect. Vitamin E succinate inhibited cell growth to a small extent (maximal 26%) in 3 out of 7 cell lines, whereas vitamin K increased the pancreatic cancer cell number in 3 out of 7 cell lines. CONCLUSION High concentrations of vitamin A and D analogues decreased the cell number in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Vitamin E succinate and K did not have this effect. In the treatment of pancreatic cancer, further exploration of vitamin D analogues could be fruitful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Ohlsson
- Department of Medicine, Malmö University Hospital, SE-205 02 Malmö, Sweden.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pettersson F, Dalgleish AG, Bissonnette RP, Colston KW. Retinoids cause apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells via activation of RAR-gamma and altered expression of Bcl-2/Bax. Br J Cancer 2002; 87:555-61. [PMID: 12189556 PMCID: PMC2376147 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6600496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2002] [Revised: 05/28/2002] [Accepted: 05/31/2002] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
All-trans-retinoic acid and 9-cis-retinoic acid have been reported to have inhibitory effects on pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and we have shown that this is partly due to induction of apoptosis. In this study, the mechanisms whereby 9-cis-retinoic acid induces apoptosis in these cells were investigated. An involvement of the Bcl-2 family of proteins was shown, such that 9-cis-retinoic acid causes a decrease in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Overexpression of Bcl-2 also resulted in inhibition of apoptosis induced by 9-cis-retinoic acid. Furthermore, two broad-range caspase inhibitors blocked DNA fragmentation induced by 9-cis-retinoic acid, but had no effect on viability defined by mitochondrial activity. Using synthetic retinoids, which bind selectively to specific retinoic acid receptor subtypes, we further established that activation of retinoic acid receptor-gamma is essential for induction of apoptosis. Only pan-retinoic acid receptor and retinoic acid receptor-gamma selective agonists reduced viability and a cell line expressing very low levels of retinoic acid receptor-gamma is resistant to the effects of 9-cis-retinoic acid. A retinoic acid receptor-beta/gamma selective antagonist also suppressed the cytotoxic effects of 9-cis-retinoic acid in a dose-dependent manner. This study provides important insight into the mechanisms involved in suppression of pancreatic tumour cell growth by retinoids. Our results encourage further work evaluating the clinical use of receptor subtype selective retinoids in pancreatic carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Pettersson
- Department of Oncology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, St George's Hospital Medical School, London SW17 ORE, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Albrechtsson E, Ohlsson B, Axelson J. The expression of retinoic acid receptors and the effects in vitro by retinoids in human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Pancreas 2002; 25:49-56. [PMID: 12131771 DOI: 10.1097/00006676-200207000-00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Analogues of vitamin A have been shown to influence growth of malignant tissue, such as pancreatic cancer. AIMS To study the expression of retinoic acid receptors (RAR) in pancreatic cancer cells and the effect of three different retinoids on the cell number in vitro were studied. METHODOLOGY Cell lines were established from 13 patients who underwent surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The expression of the retinoic acid receptors (RAR) and retinoic X receptor (RXR) subtypes (alpha, beta, and gamma) was studied with western blotting and specific antibodies. The effect of incubation with all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA; tretinoin), 9-cis-retinoic acid (9-cis-RA), and 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cis-RA; isotretinoin) on the cell number was examined with use of a Roche XTT cell proliferation kit. RESULTS The RXR alpha receptor was expressed in all cell lines. RAR alpha,beta and RXR beta were expressed in most of them. RXR gamma was expressed in about half of the cell lines and RAR gamma in only one. Incubation of the cells with retinoids showed a decreased cell number at concentrations of 10(4) M, except for 9-cis-RA, to which only about half of the cell lines responded. CONCLUSION Two or more of the RAR subtypes were expressed in each pancreatic cell line. There was no uniform pattern of receptor expression; however, the cell lines responded with decreased cell number to high concentrations of atRA and 13-cis-RA but not to 9-cis-RA.
Collapse
|
10
|
Pettersson F, Colston KW, Dalgleish AG. Retinoic acid enhances the cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine and cisplatin in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. Pancreas 2001; 23:273-9. [PMID: 11590323 DOI: 10.1097/00006676-200110000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A, are important factors involved in the control of biologic functions such as cell growth and differentiation, development, and carcinogenesis. We have shown previously that the naturally occurring retinoids all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and 9-cisretinoic acid (9cRA) induce growth inhibition followed by apoptosis in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. AIM To evaluate the efficacy of retinoids in combination with the chemotherapeutic drugs gemcitabine and cisplatin. METHODOLOGY In vitro growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis by different combinations of retinoids and cytotoxic drugs were studied by using the T3M-4 and BxPc-3 cell lines. For in vivo studies, T3M-4 cells were injected subcutaneously in nude mice. RESULTS Pre-treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells with ATRA or 9cRA before the addition of the drugs resulted in significant reduction in cell number compared with treatment with the drugs alone. Pre-treatment with 9cRA followed by gemcitabine or cisplatin alone also resulted in a strong increase in the percentage of cells undergoing programmed cell death, or apoptosis. Furthermore, there was an indication that the combination of ATRA and gemcitabine caused increased apoptosis in vivo. CONCLUSION Our results clearly suggest the need for additional studies exploring the potential role of the combination of retinoids and gemcitabine in the management of pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Pettersson
- Department of Oncology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pettersson F, Colston KW, Dalgleish AG. Differential and antagonistic effects of 9-cis-retinoic acid and vitamin D analogues on pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. Br J Cancer 2000; 83:239-45. [PMID: 10901377 PMCID: PMC2363480 DOI: 10.1054/bjoc.2000.1281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoids and vitamin D are known to exert important anti-tumour effects in a variety of cell types. In this study the effects of 9-cis-retinoic acid (9cRA) the vitamin D analogues EB1089 and CB1093 on three pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines were investigated. All compounds caused inhibition of in vitro growth but the vitamin D analogues were generally the more potent growth inhibitors. They were also more effective on their own than in combination with 9cRA. Growth arrest correlated with an increased proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase. Apoptosis was induced in the three cell lines by 9cRA, whereas neither EB1089 nor CB1093 had this effect. Furthermore, addition of EB1089 or CB1093 together with 9cRA resulted in significantly reduced apoptosis. Our results show that retinoic acids as well as vitamin D analogues have inhibitory effects on pancreatic tumour cells but different and antagonistic mechanisms seem to be employed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Pettersson
- Department of Oncology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fujimoto K, Hosotani R, Doi R, Wada M, Lee JU, Koshiba T, Miyamoto Y, Tsuji S, Nakajima S, Imamura M. Induction of cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis by a novel retinobenzoic-acid derivative, TAC-101, in human pancreatic-cancer cells. Int J Cancer 1999; 81:637-44. [PMID: 10225456 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19990517)81:4<637::aid-ijc21>3.0.co;2-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effect of a novel retinobenzoic acid, 4-[3,5-bis (trimethylsilyl) benzamido] benzoic acid (TAC-101), on the growth of 4 human pancreatic-cancer cell lines; BxPC-3, MIAPaCa-2, CFPAC-1 and AsPC-1. TAC-101 significantly inhibited the proliferation of BxPC-3 and MIAPaCa-2 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, but not the proliferation of AsPC-1 cells. Furthermore, the anti-proliferative effects of TAC-101 on BxPC-3 and MIAPaCa-2 cells were stronger than those of all-trans retinoic acid. Flow-cytometric analyses indicated that treatment of BxPC-3 with TAC-101 strongly induces cell-cycle arrest at the G1 phase. The cell-cycle arrest induced by TAC-101 was accompanied by reduction of retinoblastoma-gene product (RB) phosphorylation and an increase of 2 cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors, p21(WAF1/Cip1) (p21) and p27Kip1 (p27). TAC-101 also caused a decrease in cyclin A and thymidylate synthase, which are E2F-regulated gene products. No changes were observed in the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E on CDK2. In addition, Hoechst staining, gel electrophoresis and flow-cytometric analysis indicated that a marked reduction in the number of BxPC-3 cells with TAC-101 was related to the induction of apoptosis. Our results suggest that TAC-101 inhibits the growth of certain pancreatic-cancer cells by means of G1-phase cell-cycle arrest resulting from the reduction of RB phosphorylation and the up-regulation of p21 and p27 as well as the induction of apoptosis. TAC-101 may therefore be a useful agent for new therapeutic strategies focusing on inhibition of pancreatic-cancer-cell proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Fujimoto
- Department of Surgery and Surgical Basic Science, Kyoto University, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
El-Metwally TH, Adrian TE. Optimization of treatment conditions for studying the anticancer effects of retinoids using pancreatic adenocarcinoma as a model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1999; 257:596-603. [PMID: 10198257 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1999.0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Retinoids are natural differentiation-inducing compounds that are promising as anticancer agents. Cancer cell lines are valuable in the investigation of the potential of retinoids for the treatment of specific cancers. However, using different treatment conditions but the same cell lines, investigators have produced markedly contradictory results for the effectiveness of retinoids. The present study examined different factors in the treatment conditions that may have masked or interfered with the effects of retinoids and, thereby, resulted in this conflict. Our studies revealed that the effects of retinoids on cancer cell proliferation were influenced by serum, the choice of vehicle (DMSO vs ethanol) and its concentration, phenol red, the degree of cellular confluence, and the method of assessing proliferation (cell number or [3H]thymidine uptake vs the MTT assay). Optimized conditions were the use of serum-free, ethanol-free, and phenol red-free media, investigating cells in the log phase of growth, using </=0.01% DMSO as the vehicle, and monitoring proliferation by cell number or [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA measured after TCA precipitation. Using these conditions, retinoids were found to exhibit potent antiproliferative effects in pancreatic cancer cells with a variety of degrees of differentiation, even in cell lines previously documented as being retinoid resistant. Retinoids also induced morphological changes and cellular death that may indicate terminal differentiation and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T H El-Metwally
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, 68154, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
|
15
|
Recchia F, Sica G, Casucci D, Rea S, Gulino A, Frati L. Advanced carcinoma of the pancreas: phase II study of combined chemotherapy, beta-interferon, and retinoids. Am J Clin Oncol 1998; 21:275-8. [PMID: 9626797 DOI: 10.1097/00000421-199806000-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Because of the poor response of pancreatic cancer to conventional therapy, the authors performed a phase II pilot study to evaluate whether beta-interferon and retinoids, added to active chemotherapeutic agents, could increase response rate and survival in a group of patients who had metastatic disease. Twenty-three chemotherapy-naive patients were treated as follows: epirubicin, 60 mg/m2, and mitomycin C, 10 mg/m2, intravenously on day 1; folinic acid, 200 mg/m2, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 370 mg/m2, intravenously for 5 consecutive days. beta-Interferon, 1 x 10(6) IU/m2, subcutaneously three times a week, and retinol palmitate, 50,000 IU orally twice a day, were given between chemotherapy cycles. Patients having responses and disease stabilization were maintained with the same dose of beta-interferon and retinol palmitate. Treatment was given every 4 weeks for four courses or until onset of progression. A median of three courses of chemotherapy was delivered to each patient. All patients were evaluable. Eight patients responded (35%) and 8 (35%) had stable disease. Median time to progression and survival for all patients were, respectively, 6.1 months and 11 months. Toxicity was severe: 60% of patients had hematologic toxicity, 40% had gastrointestinal toxicity, 13% had cardiac toxicity, and 1 patient had a hemolitic-uremic syndrome. The combination of chemotherapy, beta-interferon, and retinoids shows activity in metastatic pancreatic carcinoma. Toxicity was high but patients who had responses and disease stabilization had prolonged symptom palliation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Recchia
- ULLS 2 Civilian Hospital, Division of Medicine, Avezzano, C.R.O.F.I., Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kawa S, Nikaido T, Aoki Y, Zhai Y, Kumagaya T, Furihata K, Fujii S, Kiyosawa K. Arotinoid mofarotene (RO40-8757) up-regulates p21 and p27 during growth inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Int J Cancer 1997; 72:906-11. [PMID: 9311612 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19970904)72:5<906::aid-ijc31>3.0.co;2-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Effective chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer is urgently needed. The anti-proliferative activity of a new retinoid, mofarotene (RO40-8757), was compared with that of other retinoids, such as all trans-retinoic acid, 13-cis retinoic acid and 9-cis retinoic acid, on 9 pancreatic cancer cell lines in relation to the effects on various cell cycle-regulating factors. After treatment with each retinoid, anti-proliferative effect was determined by the MTT method and expression of cell cycle-regulating factors, such as cyclins (D1, E and A), cyclin-dependent kinases (2 and 4), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (p21 and p27) and retinoblastoma protein, was analyzed by Western blotting. Mofarotene showed half-maximal inhibition of cell proliferation at concentrations between 0.14 x 10(-6) and 3.8 x 10(-6) mol/l with little cytotoxicity. In contrast, the other retinoids did not inhibit the growth of all cell lines by over 50% compared to controls. A marked increase in the fraction of cells in G1 phase of the cell cycle was observed after mofarotene treatment; this was associated with marked up-regulation of p21/p27 and a shift of retinoblastoma protein into the hypophosphorylated form. In conclusion, mofarotene inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer cells by inducing G1-phase cell cycle-inhibitory factors (p21, p27 and hypophosphorylated form of Rb protein) and is considered to be a useful agent for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Kawa
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Colston KW, James SY, Ofori-Kuragu EA, Binderup L, Grant AG. Vitamin D receptors and anti-proliferative effects of vitamin D derivatives in human pancreatic carcinoma cells in vivo and in vitro. Br J Cancer 1997; 76:1017-20. [PMID: 9376260 PMCID: PMC2228083 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.1997.501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The GER human pancreatic carcinoma cell line possesses receptors for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. We report that the vitamin D analogue EB 1089 inhibits the growth of these cells in vitro and when grown as tumour xenografts in immunodeficient mice. Tumour-bearing mice were given EB 1089 at a dose of 5 microg kg(-1) body weight i.p. thrice weekly for 4-6 weeks. Tumour growth was significantly inhibited in treated animals compared with controls in the absence of hypercalcaemia. These findings may have therapeutic implications in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K W Colston
- Division of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|