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Yi YJ, Tang H, Pi PL, Zhang HW, Du SY, Ge WY, Dai Q, Zhao ZY, Li J, Sun Z. Melatonin in cancer biology: pathways, derivatives, and the promise of targeted delivery. Drug Metab Rev 2024; 56:62-79. [PMID: 38226647 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2024.2305764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin, historically recognized for its primary role in regulating circadian rhythms, has expanded its influence particularly due to its wide range of biological activities. It has firmly established itself in cancer research. To highlight its versatility, we delved into how melatonin interacts with key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-Catenin, PI3K, and NF-κB pathways, which play foundational roles in tumor development and progression. Notably, melatonin can intricately modulate these pathways, potentially affecting various cellular functions such as apoptosis, metastasis, and immunity. Additionally, a comprehensive review of current clinical studies provides a dual perspective. These studies confirm melatonin's potential in cancer management but also underscore its inherent limitations, particularly its limited bioavailability, which often relegates it to a supplementary role in treatments. Despite this limitation, there is an ongoing quest for innovative solutions and current advancements include the development of melatonin derivatives and cutting-edge delivery systems. By synthesizing the past, present, and future, this review provides a detailed overview of melatonin's evolving role in oncology, positioning it as a potential cornerstone in future cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Juan Yi
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Peng-Lai Pi
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | | | - Si-Yu Du
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wei-Ye Ge
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qi Dai
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zi-Yan Zhao
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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2
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Hekmatirad S, Moloudizargari M, Fallah M, Rahimi A, Poortahmasebi V, Asghari MH. Cancer-associated immune cells and their modulation by melatonin. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2023; 45:788-801. [PMID: 37489565 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2023.2239489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rapidly growing evidence suggests that immune cells play a key role in determining tumor progression. Tumor cells are surrounded by a microenvironment composed of different cell populations including immune cells. The cross talk between tumor cells and the neighboring microenvironment is an important factor to take into account while designing tumor therapies. Despite significant advances in immunotherapy strategies, a relatively small proportion of patients have successfully responded to them. Therefore, the search for safe and efficient drugs, which could be used alongside conventional therapies to boost the immune system against tumors, is an ongoing need. In the present work, the modulatory effects of melatonin on different components of tumor immune microenvironment are reviewed. METHODS A thorough literature review was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. All published papers in English on tumor immune microenvironment and the relevant modulatory effects of melatonin were scrutinized. RESULTS Melatonin modulates macrophage polarization and prevents M2 induction. Moreover, it prevents the conversion of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and prevents cancer cell stemness. In addition, it can affect the payload composition of tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) and their secretion levels to favor a more effective anti-tumor immune response. Melatonin is a safe molecule that affects almost all components of the tumor immune microenvironment and prevents them from being negatively affected by the tumor. CONCLUSION Based on the effects of melatonin on normal cells, tumor cells and microenvironment components, it could be an efficient compound to be used in combination with conventional immune-targeted therapies to increase their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Hekmatirad
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Marjan Fallah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medicinal Plant Research Centre, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
| | - Atena Rahimi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Vahdat Poortahmasebi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asghari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Martinez-Ruiz L, Florido J, Rodriguez-Santana C, López-Rodríguez A, Guerra-Librero A, Fernández-Gil BI, García-Tárraga P, Garcia-Verdugo JM, Oppel F, Sudhoff H, Sánchez-Porras D, Ten-Steve A, Fernández-Martínez J, González-García P, Rusanova I, Acuña-Castroviejo D, Carriel V, Escames G. Intratumoral injection of melatonin enhances tumor regression in cell line-derived and patient-derived xenografts of head and neck cancer by increasing mitochondrial oxidative stress. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115518. [PMID: 37717534 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma present a high mortality rate. Melatonin has been shown to have oncostatic effects in different types of cancers. However, inconsistent results have been reported for in vivo applications. Consequently, an alternative administration route is needed to improve bioavailability and establish the optimal dosage of melatonin for cancer treatment. On the other hand, the use of patient-derived tumor models has transformed the field of drug research because they reflect the heterogeneity of patient tumor tissues. In the present study, we explore mechanisms for increasing melatonin bioavailability in tumors and investigate its potential as an adjuvant to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin in the setting of both xenotransplanted cell lines and primary human HNSCC. We analyzed the effect of two different formulations of melatonin administered subcutaneously or intratumorally in Cal-27 and SCC-9 xenografts and in patient-derived xenografts. Melatonin effects on tumor mitochondrial metabolism was also evaluated as well as melatonin actions on tumor cell migration. In contrast to the results obtained with the subcutaneous melatonin, intratumoral injection of melatonin drastically inhibited tumor progression in HNSCC-derived xenografts, as well as in patient-derived xenografts. Interestingly, intratumoral injection of melatonin potentiated CDDP effects, decreasing Cal-27 tumor growth. We demonstrated that melatonin increases ROS production and apoptosis in tumors, targeting mitochondria. Melatonin also reduces migration capacities and metastasis markers. These results illustrate the great clinical potential of intratumoral melatonin treatment and encourage a future clinical trial in cancer patients to establish a proper clinical melatonin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martinez-Ruiz
- Institute of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (Ibs), Granada, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Florido
- Institute of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (Ibs), Granada, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - César Rodriguez-Santana
- Institute of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (Ibs), Granada, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - Alba López-Rodríguez
- Institute of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (Ibs), Granada, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Guerra-Librero
- Institute of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (Ibs), Granada, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Patricia García-Tárraga
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Felix Oppel
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital OWL of Bielefeld University, Campus Klinikum Bielefeld Mitte, Teutoburger Str. 50, 33604 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Holger Sudhoff
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital OWL of Bielefeld University, Campus Klinikum Bielefeld Mitte, Teutoburger Str. 50, 33604 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - David Sánchez-Porras
- Department of Histology, Tissue Engineering Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Amadeo Ten-Steve
- Biomedical Imaging Research Group (GIBI230-PREBI), La Fe Health Research Institute and Imaging La Fe node at Distributed Network for Biomedical Imaging, Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructures, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Fernández-Martínez
- Institute of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Pilar González-García
- Institute of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Iryna Rusanova
- Institute of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (Ibs), Granada, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Darío Acuña-Castroviejo
- Institute of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (Ibs), Granada, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - Víctor Carriel
- Department of Histology, Tissue Engineering Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Granada, Spain.
| | - Germaine Escames
- Institute of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (Ibs), Granada, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain.
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4
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Cheng L, Li S, He K, Kang Y, Li T, Li C, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Huang Y. Melatonin regulates cancer migration and stemness and enhances the anti-tumour effect of cisplatin. J Cell Mol Med 2023. [PMID: 37307404 PMCID: PMC10399526 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin, a lipophilic hormone released from the pineal gland, has oncostatic effects on various types of cancers. However, its cancer treatment potential needs to be improved by deciphering its corresponding mechanisms of action and optimising therapeutic strategy. In the present study, melatonin inhibited gastric cancer cell migration and soft agar colony formation. Magnetic-activated cell sorting was applied to isolate CD133+ cancer stem cells. Gene expression analysis showed that melatonin lowered the upregulation of LC3-II expression in CD133+ cells compared to CD133- cells. Several long non-coding RNAs and many components in the canonical Wnt signalling pathway were altered in melatonin-treated cells. In addition, knockdown of long non-coding RNA H19 enhanced the expression of pro-apoptotic genes, Bax and Bak, induced by melatonin treatment. Combinatorial treatment with melatonin and cisplatin was investigated to improve the applicability of melatonin as an anticancer therapy. Combinatorial treatment increased the apoptosis rate and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Melatonin can regulate migration and stemness in gastric cancer cells by modifying many signalling pathways. Combinatorial treatment with melatonin and cisplatin has the potential to improve the therapeutic efficacy of both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linglin Cheng
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shubo Li
- Liaoning Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Liaoning Agricultural Development Service Center, Shenyang, China
| | - Kailun He
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ye Kang
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianye Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chunting Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wanlu Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yongye Huang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioresource Research and Development of Liaoning Province, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
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5
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Wu B, Shi X, Jiang M, Liu H. Cross-talk between cancer stem cells and immune cells: potential therapeutic targets in the tumor immune microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:38. [PMID: 36810098 PMCID: PMC9942413 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01748-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research has revealed that the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is one of the biggest obstacles in the current cancer therapy. CSCs make an influential function in tumor progression, recurrence and chemoresistance due to their typical stemness characteristics. CSCs are preferentially distributed in niches, and those niche sites exhibit characteristics typical of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The complex interactions between CSCs and TME illustrate these synergistic effects. The phenotypic heterogeneity within CSCs and the spatial interactions with the surrounding tumor microenvironment led to increased therapeutic challenges. CSCs interact with immune cells to protect themselves against immune clearance by exploiting the immunosuppressive function of multiple immune checkpoint molecules. CSCs also can protect themselves against immune surveillance by excreting extracellular vesicles (EVs), growth factors, metabolites and cytokines into the TME, thereby modulating the composition of the TME. Therefore, these interactions are also being considered for the therapeutic development of anti-tumor agents. We discuss here the immune molecular mechanisms of CSCs and comprehensively review the interplay between CSCs and the immune system. Thus, studies on this topic seem to provide novel ideas for reinvigorating therapeutic approaches to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wu
- grid.459742.90000 0004 1798 5889Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042 China
| | - Xiang Shi
- grid.459742.90000 0004 1798 5889Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042 China
| | - Meixi Jiang
- grid.412644.10000 0004 5909 0696Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032 China
| | - Hongxu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China.
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6
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Role of Melatonin in Cancer: Effect on Clock Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031919. [PMID: 36768253 PMCID: PMC9916653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The circadian clock is a regulatory system, with a periodicity of approximately 24 h, that generates rhythmic changes in many physiological processes. Increasing evidence links chronodisruption with aberrant functionality in clock gene expression, resulting in multiple diseases, including cancer. In this context, tumor cells have an altered circadian machinery compared to normal cells, which deregulates the cell cycle, repair mechanisms, energy metabolism and other processes. Melatonin is the main hormone produced by the pineal gland, whose production and secretion oscillates in accordance with the light:dark cycle. In addition, melatonin regulates the expression of clock genes, including those in cancer cells, which could play a key role in the numerous oncostatic effects of this hormone. This review aims to describe and clarify the role of clock genes in cancer, as well as the possible mechanisms of the action of melatonin through which it regulates the expression of the tumor's circadian machinery, in order to propose future anti-neoplastic clinical treatments.
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7
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Ngai ZN, Chok KC, Ng KY, Koh RY, Chye SM. Potential role of melatonin in prevention and treatment of lung cancer. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2022; 43:485-503. [PMID: 35728260 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2022-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the most lethal cancer worldwide. Melatonin, an indoleamine produced in the pineal gland, shows anticancer effects on a variety of cancers, especially lung cancer. Herein, we clarify the pathophysiology of lung cancer, the association of circadian rhythm with lung, and the relationship between shift work and the incidence of lung cancer. Special focus is placed on the role of melatonin receptors in lung cancer, the relationship between inflammation and lung cancer, control of cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and immunomodulation in lung cancer by melatonin. A review of the drug synergy of melatonin with other anticancer drugs suggests its usefulness in combination therapy. In summary, the information compiled may serve as a comprehensive reference for the various mechanisms of action of melatonin against lung cancer, as a guide for the design of future experimental research and for advancing melatonin as a therapeutic agent for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Ni Ngai
- School of Health Science, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kian Chung Chok
- School of Health Science, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khuen Yen Ng
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rhun Yian Koh
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Science, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Soi Moi Chye
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Science, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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8
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Understanding the Mechanism of Action of Melatonin, Which Induces ROS Production in Cancer Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081621. [PMID: 36009340 PMCID: PMC9404709 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) constitute a group of highly reactive molecules that have evolved as regulators of important signaling pathways. In this context, tumor cells have an altered redox balance compared to normal cells, which can be targeted as an antitumoral therapy by ROS levels and by decreasing the capacity of the antioxidant system, leading to programmed cell death. Melatonin is of particular importance in the development of innovative cancer treatments due to its oncostatic impact and lack of adverse effects. Despite being widely recognized as a pro-oxidant molecule in tumor cells, the mechanism of action of melatonin remains unclear, which has hindered its use in clinical treatments. The current review aims to describe and clarify the proposed mechanism of action of melatonin inducing ROS production in cancer cells in order to propose future anti-neoplastic clinical applications.
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Duskey JT, Rinaldi A, Ottonelli I, Caraffi R, De Benedictis CA, Sauer AK, Tosi G, Vandelli MA, Ruozi B, Grabrucker AM. Glioblastoma Multiforme Selective Nanomedicines for Improved Anti-Cancer Treatments. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071450. [PMID: 35890345 PMCID: PMC9325049 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a devastating disease with a low survival rate and few efficacious treatment options. The fast growth, late diagnostics, and off-target toxicity of currently used drugs represent major barriers that need to be overcome to provide a viable cure. Nanomedicines (NMeds) offer a way to overcome these pitfalls by protecting and loading drugs, increasing blood half-life, and being targetable with specific ligands on their surface. In this study, the FDA-approved polymer poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid was used to optimise NMeds that were surface modified with a series of potential GBM-specific ligands. The NMeds were fully characterised for their physical and chemical properties, and then in vitro testing was performed to evaluate cell uptake and GBM cell specificity. While all targeted NMeds showed improved uptake, only those decorated with the-cell surface vimentin antibody M08 showed specificity for GBM over healthy cells. Finally, the most promising targeted NMed candidate was loaded with the well-known chemotherapeutic, paclitaxel, to confirm targeting and therapeutic effects in C6 GBM cells. These results demonstrate the importance of using well-optimised NMeds targeted with novel ligands to advance delivery and pharmaceutical effects against diseased cells while minimising the risk for nearby healthy cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Thomas Duskey
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (J.T.D.); (A.R.); (I.O.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.)
| | - Arianna Rinaldi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (J.T.D.); (A.R.); (I.O.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ottonelli
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (J.T.D.); (A.R.); (I.O.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Caraffi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (J.T.D.); (A.R.); (I.O.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.)
| | | | - Ann Katrin Sauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (C.A.D.B.); (A.K.S.)
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Giovanni Tosi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (J.T.D.); (A.R.); (I.O.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.)
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (J.T.D.); (A.R.); (I.O.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.)
| | - Barbara Ruozi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (J.T.D.); (A.R.); (I.O.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.)
- Correspondence: (B.R.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Andreas Martin Grabrucker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (C.A.D.B.); (A.K.S.)
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Correspondence: (B.R.); (A.M.G.)
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10
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Cancer Stem Cells and Their Vesicles, Together with Other Stem and Non-Stem Cells, Govern Critical Cancer Processes: Perspectives for Medical Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020625. [PMID: 35054811 PMCID: PMC8775347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells, identified several decades ago, started to attract interest at the end of the nineties when families of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), concentrated in the stroma of most organs, were found to participate in the therapy of many diseases. In cancer, however, stem cells of high importance are specific to another family, the cancer stem cells (CSCs). This comprehensive review is focused on the role and the mechanisms of CSCs and of their specific extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are composed of both exosomes and ectosomes. Compared to non-stem (normal) cancer cells, CSCs exist in small populations that are preferentially distributed to the niches, such as minor specific tissue sites corresponding to the stroma of non-cancer tissues. At niches and marginal sites of other cancer masses, the tissue exhibits peculiar properties that are typical of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of cancers. The extracellular matrix (ECM) includes components different from non-cancer tissues. CSCs and their EVs, in addition to effects analogous to those of MSCs/EVs, participate in processes of key importance, specific to cancer: generation of distinct cell subtypes, proliferation, differentiation, progression, formation of metastases, immune and therapy resistance, cancer relapse. Many of these, and other, effects require CSC cooperation with surrounding cells, especially MSCs. Filtered non-cancer cells, especially macrophages and fibroblasts, contribute to collaborative cancer transition/integration processes. Therapy developments are mentioned as ongoing preclinical initiatives. The preliminary state of clinical medicine is presented in terms of both industrial development and future treatments. The latter will be administered to specific patients together with known drugs, with the aim of eradicating their tumor growth and metastases.
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Rozenberg JM, Filkov GI, Trofimenko AV, Karpulevich EA, Parshin VD, Royuk VV, Sekacheva MI, Durymanov MO. Biomedical Applications of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Spheroids. Front Oncol 2021; 11:791069. [PMID: 34950592 PMCID: PMC8688758 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.791069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung malignancies accounted for 11% of cancers worldwide in 2020 and remained the leading cause of cancer deaths. About 80% of lung cancers belong to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is characterized by extremely high clonal and morphological heterogeneity of tumors and development of multidrug resistance. The improvement of current therapeutic strategies includes several directions. First, increasing knowledge in cancer biology results in better understanding of the mechanisms underlying malignant transformation, alterations in signal transduction, and crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, including immune cells. In turn, it leads to the discovery of important molecular targets in cancer development, which might be affected pharmaceutically. The second direction focuses on the screening of novel drug candidates, synthetic or from natural sources. Finally, "personalization" of a therapeutic strategy enables maximal damage to the tumor of a patient. The personalization of treatment can be based on the drug screening performed using patient-derived tumor xenografts or in vitro patient-derived cell models. 3D multicellular cancer spheroids, generated from cancer cell lines or tumor-isolated cells, seem to be a helpful tool for the improvement of current NSCLC therapies. Spheroids are used as a tumor-mimicking in vitro model for screening of novel drugs, analysis of intercellular interactions, and oncogenic cell signaling. Moreover, several studies with tumor-derived spheroids suggest this model for the choice of "personalized" therapy. Here we aim to give an overview of the different applications of NSCLC spheroids and discuss the potential contribution of the spheroid model to the development of anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian M Rozenberg
- Cell Signaling Regulation Laboratory, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia.,Laboratory of Medical Informatics, Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University, Veliky Novgorod, Russia
| | - Gleb I Filkov
- Laboratory of Medical Informatics, Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University, Veliky Novgorod, Russia.,Special Cell Technology Laboratory, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Alexander V Trofimenko
- Special Cell Technology Laboratory, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Evgeny A Karpulevich
- Department of Information Systems, Ivannikov Institute for System Programming of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir D Parshin
- Clinical Center, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valery V Royuk
- Clinical Center, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina I Sekacheva
- World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail O Durymanov
- Laboratory of Medical Informatics, Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University, Veliky Novgorod, Russia.,Special Cell Technology Laboratory, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
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