1
|
Correcting a widespread error: Neuroprotectant N-acetyl-L-tryptophan does not bind to the neurokinin-1 receptor. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 120:103728. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
2
|
The Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist Aprepitant: An Intelligent Bullet against Cancer? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092682. [PMID: 32962202 PMCID: PMC7564414 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) antagonists exert antitumor action, are safe and do not cause serious side-effects. These antagonists (via the NK-1R) exert multiple actions against cancer: antiproliferative and anti-Warburg effects and apoptotic, anti-angiogenic and antimetastatic effects. These multiple effects have been shown for a broad spectrum of cancers. The drug aprepitant (an NK-1R antagonist) is currently used in clinical practice as an antiemetic. In in vivo and in vitro studies, aprepitant also showed the aforementioned multiple antitumor actions against many types of cancer. A successful combination therapy (aprepitant and radiotherapy) has recently been reported in a patient suffering from lung carcinoma: the tumor mass disappeared and side-effects were not observed. Aprepitant could be considered as an intelligent bullet against cancer. The administration of aprepitant in cancer patients to prevent recurrence and metastasis after surgical procedures, thrombosis and thromboembolism is discussed, as is the possible link, through the substance P (SP)/NK-1R system, between cancer and depression. Our main aim is to review the multiple antitumor actions exerted by aprepitant, and the use of this drug is suggested in cancer patients. Altogether, the data support the reprofiling of aprepitant for a new therapeutic use as an antitumor agent.
Collapse
|
3
|
Gong JH, Zheng YB, Zhang MR, Wang YX, Yang SQ, Wang RH, Miao QF, Liu XJ, Zhen YS. Dexamethasone enhances the antitumor efficacy of Gemcitabine by glucocorticoid receptor signaling. Cancer Biol Ther 2020; 21:332-343. [PMID: 31906826 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1702399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gemcitabine (Gem) is currently used as the first-line therapy for liver and pancreatic cancer but has limited efficacy in most cases. Dexamethasone (Dex) have been applied as a chemoprotectant and chemosensitizer in cancer chemotherapy. This study further explored the potential of combination of Gem and Dex and tested the hypothesis that glucocorticoid receptor signaling is essential for the synergistic antitumor activity. In the HepG2 and AsPC-1 xenograft models, the combination treatment showed a significantly synergistic antitumor activity. Immunohistochemistry of post-treatment tumors showed a significant decrease in proliferation and angiogenesis as compared to either of the treatments alone. Dex alone and the combination with Gem inhibited the expression of glucocorticoid receptor. The combination of Dex and Gem showed synergistic cytotoxicity in cell lines in vitro. The antiproliferative synergism is prevented by used glucocorticoid receptor (GR) small interfering RNA, demonstrating that the glucocorticoid receptor is required for the antiproliferative synergism of Gem and Dex. The inhibition of glucocorticoid receptor signaling pathway and induction of apoptosis via activation of caspases 3, 8 and 9, PARP, contributed to the synergistic effect of this combination therapy. These results demonstrate that Dex could potentiate the antitumor efficacy of Gem. The synergistic antitumor activity of the combination of Dex and Gem was through glucocorticoid receptor signaling. Taken together, a combination of Dex and Gem shows a significant synergistic antitumor activity and lesser toxicity both in vitro and in vivo and could be a combination chemotherapy for the treatment of highly expression of glucocorticoid receptor patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Gong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Bo Zheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Ran Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yue-Xuan Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Qi Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Hai Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Fang Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu-Jun Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Su Zhen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mannangatti P, Sundaramurthy S, Ramamoorthy S, Jayanthi LD. Differential effects of aprepitant, a clinically used neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist on the expression of conditioned psychostimulant versus opioid reward. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:695-705. [PMID: 28013351 PMCID: PMC5266628 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4504-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) signaling modulates behaviors associated with psychostimulants and opioids. Psychostimulants, such as amphetamine (AMPH) and cocaine, bind to monoamine transporters and alter their functions. Both dopamine and norepinephrine transporters are regulated by NK1R activation suggesting a role for NK1R mediated catecholamine transporter regulation in psychostimulant-mediated behaviors. OBJECTIVES The effect of in vivo administration of aprepitant (10 mg/kg) on the expression of AMPH (0.5 and 2 mg/kg) and cocaine (5 and 20 mg/kg)-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) as well as locomotor activation was examined in C57BL/6J mice. The effect of aprepitant on morphine (1 and 5 mg/kg)-induced CPP was also examined to identify the specific actions of aprepitant on psychostimulant versus opioid-induced behaviors. RESULTS Aprepitant administration significantly attenuated the CPP expression and locomotor activation produced by AMPH and cocaine. In contrast, aprepitant significantly enhanced the expression of CPP produced by morphine while significantly suppressing the locomotor activity of the mice conditioned with morphine. Aprepitant by itself did not induce significant CPP or conditioned place aversion or locomotor activation or suppression. CONCLUSIONS Attenuation of AMPH or cocaine-induced CPP and locomotor activation by aprepitant suggests a role for NK1R signaling in psychostimulant-mediated behaviors. Stimulation of morphine-induced CPP expression and suppression of locomotor activity of morphine-conditioned mice suggest differential effects of NK1R antagonism on conditioned psychostimulant versus opioid reward. Collectively, these findings indicate that clinically used NK1R antagonist, aprepitant may serve as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of psychostimulant abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lankupalle D Jayanthi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yuan Y, Zhou X, Ren Y, Zhou S, Wang L, Ji S, Hua M, Li L, Lu W, Zhou T. Semi-Mechanism-Based Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model for the Combination Use of Dexamethasone and Gemcitabine in Breast Cancer. J Pharm Sci 2015; 104:4399-4408. [PMID: 26344053 DOI: 10.1002/jps.24629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Our study aimed at the investigation of in vivo anticancer effect of the combination use of dexamethasone (DEX) and gemcitabine (GM) as well as the development of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models in MCF-7 xenograft model. Further, simulations were conducted to optimize doses and administration schedules. The inhibitory effect of different doses and administration schedules were investigated in MCF-7 xenograft model. Semi-mechanism-based PK/PD models were established based on the preclinical data to characterize the relationship between plasma concentration and the time course of the drug response quantitatively. The PK/PD models were further applied to predict and optimize doses and administration schedules, which would lead to tumor stasis by the end of the treatment. Synergistic effect was observed in the PD study in vivo and further confirmed by the estimated combination index ψ obtained from PK/PD models. The optimum dose regimen was selected as DEX 2 mg/kg, qd and GM 10 mg/kg, q2d based on the simulation results. In summary, the PD interaction between DEX and GM was demonstrated as synergism by both experimental results and modeling approach. Dosage regimens were optimized as predicted by modeling and simulations, which would provide reference for preclinical study and translational research as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yupeng Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shupei Zhou
- The Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lijie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shuangmin Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ming Hua
- The Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wei Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tianyan Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li W, Fotinos A, Wu Q, Chen Y, Zhu Y, Baranov S, Tu Y, Zhou EW, Sinha B, Kristal BS, Wang X. N-acetyl-l-tryptophan delays disease onset and extends survival in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis transgenic mouse model. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 80:93-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
|
7
|
Kast RE, Karpel-Massler G, Halatsch ME. CUSP9* treatment protocol for recurrent glioblastoma: aprepitant, artesunate, auranofin, captopril, celecoxib, disulfiram, itraconazole, ritonavir, sertraline augmenting continuous low dose temozolomide. Oncotarget 2015; 5:8052-82. [PMID: 25211298 PMCID: PMC4226667 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CUSP9 treatment protocol for recurrent glioblastoma was published one year ago. We now present a slight modification, designated CUSP9*. CUSP9* drugs--aprepitant, artesunate, auranofin, captopril, celecoxib, disulfiram, itraconazole, sertraline, ritonavir, are all widely approved by regulatory authorities, marketed for non-cancer indications. Each drug inhibits one or more important growth-enhancing pathways used by glioblastoma. By blocking survival paths, the aim is to render temozolomide, the current standard cytotoxic drug used in primary glioblastoma treatment, more effective. Although esthetically unpleasing to use so many drugs at once, the closely similar drugs of the original CUSP9 used together have been well-tolerated when given on a compassionate-use basis in the cases that have come to our attention so far. We expect similarly good tolerability for CUSP9*. The combined action of this suite of drugs blocks signaling at, or the activity of, AKT phosphorylation, aldehyde dehydrogenase, angiotensin converting enzyme, carbonic anhydrase -2,- 9, -12, cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, cathepsin B, Hedgehog, interleukin-6, 5-lipoxygenase, matrix metalloproteinase -2 and -9, mammalian target of rapamycin, neurokinin-1, p-gp efflux pump, thioredoxin reductase, tissue factor, 20 kDa translationally controlled tumor protein, and vascular endothelial growth factor. We believe that given the current prognosis after a glioblastoma has recurred, a trial of CUSP9* is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Georg Karpel-Massler
- University of Ulm, Department of Neurosurgery, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marc-Eric Halatsch
- University of Ulm, Department of Neurosurgery, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Muñoz M, Coveñas R, Esteban F, Redondo M. The substance P/NK-1 receptor system: NK-1 receptor antagonists as anti-cancer drugs. J Biosci 2015; 40:441-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-015-9530-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
9
|
Yuan Y, Zhou X, Li J, Ye S, Ji X, Li L, Zhou T, Lu W. Development and validation of a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the determination of dexamethasone in nude mice plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study. Biomed Chromatogr 2014; 29:578-83. [DOI: 10.1002/bmc.3316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Suofu Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical science; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Xiwei Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Liang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Tianyan Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical science; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Wei Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical science; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Harford-Wright E, Lewis KM, Ghabriel MN, Vink R. Treatment with the NK1 antagonist emend reduces blood brain barrier dysfunction and edema formation in an experimental model of brain tumors. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97002. [PMID: 24818961 PMCID: PMC4018359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide substance P (SP) has been implicated in the disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and development of cerebral edema in acute brain injury. Cerebral edema accumulates rapidly around brain tumors and has been linked to several tumor-associated deficits. Currently, the standard treatment for peritumoral edema is the corticosteroid dexamethasone, prolonged use of which is associated with a number of deleterious side effects. As SP is reported to increase in many cancer types, this study examined whether SP plays a role in the genesis of brain peritumoral edema. A-375 human melanoma cells were injected into the right striatum of male Balb/c nude mice to induce brain tumor growth, with culture medium injected in animals serving as controls. At 2, 3 or 4 weeks following tumor cell inoculation, non-treated animals were perfusion fixed for immunohistochemical detection of Albumin, SP and NK1 receptor. A further subgroup of animals was treated with a daily injection of the NK1 antagonist Emend (3 mg/kg), dexamethasone (8 mg/kg) or saline vehicle at 3 weeks post-inoculation. Animals were sacrificed a week later to determine BBB permeability using Evan's Blue and brain water content. Non-treated animals demonstrated a significant increase in albumin, SP and NK1 receptor immunoreactivity in the peritumoral area as well as increased perivascular staining in the surrounding brain tissue. Brain water content and BBB permeability was significantly increased in tumor-inoculated animals when compared to controls (p<0.05). Treatment with Emend and dexamethasone reduced BBB permeability and brain water content when compared to vehicle-treated tumor-inoculated mice. The increase in peritumoral staining for both SP and the NK1 receptor, coupled with the reduction in brain water content and BBB permeability seen following treatment with the NK1 antagonist Emend, suggests that SP plays a role in the genesis of peritumoral edema, and thus warrants further investigation as a potential anti-edematous treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Harford-Wright
- Adelaide Centre for Neuroscience Research, School of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Kate M. Lewis
- Adelaide Centre for Neuroscience Research, School of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mounir N. Ghabriel
- Adelaide Centre for Neuroscience Research, School of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robert Vink
- Adelaide Centre for Neuroscience Research, School of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Evaluating the role of substance P in the growth of brain tumors. Neuroscience 2014; 261:85-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
12
|
Muñoz M, Coveñas R. Involvement of substance P and the NK-1 receptor in cancer progression. Peptides 2013; 48:1-9. [PMID: 23933301 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Many data suggest the deep involvement of the substance P (SP)/neurokinin (NK)-1 receptor system in cancer: (1) Tumor cells express SP, NK-1 receptors and mRNA for the tachykinin NK-1 receptor; (2) Several isoforms of the NK-1 receptor are expressed in tumor cells; (3) the NK-1 receptor is involved in the viability of tumor cells; (4) NK-1 receptors are overexpressed in tumor cells in comparison with normal ones and malignant tissues express more NK-1 receptors than benign tissues; (5) Tumor cells expressing the most malignant phenotypes show an increased percentage of NK-1 receptor expression; (6) The expression of preprotachykinin A is increased in tumor cells in comparison with the levels found in normal cells; (7) SP induces the proliferation and migration of tumor cells and stimulates angiogenesis by increasing the proliferation of endothelial cells; (8) NK-1 receptor antagonists elicit the inhibition of tumor cell growth; (9) The specific antitumor action of NK-1 receptor antagonists on tumor cells occurs through the NK-1 receptor; (10) Tumor cell death is due to apoptosis; (11) NK-1 receptor antagonists inhibit the migration of tumor cells and neoangiogenesis. The NK-1 receptor is a therapeutic target in cancer and NK-1 receptor antagonists could be considered as broad-spectrum antitumor drugs for the treatment of cancer. It seems that a common mechanism for cancer cell proliferation mediated by SP and the NK-1 receptor is triggered, as well as a common mechanism exerted by NK-1 receptor antagonists on tumor cells, i.e. apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Muñoz
- Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Research Laboratory on Neuropeptides (IBIS), Sevilla, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|