Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits the proliferation and induces the death of HPV-positive and HPV-negative cervical cancer cells through an androgen- and estrogen-receptor independent mechanism

Dehydroepiandrosterone suppresses human colorectal cancer progression through ER stress-mediated autophagy and apoptosis in a p53-independent manner

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the primary contributors to cancer-related fatalities, with up to 80% of advanced CRC cases exhibiting mutations in the p53 gene. Unfortunately, the development of new compounds targeting mutant p53 is quite limited. The anticancer effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on various cancers have been reported. However, the suppressive effect of DHEA on CRC cells harboring wild-type or mutant p53 gene remains controversial. This study emphasized revealing the suppressive mechanism and the effect of DHEA on CRC cell tumorigenesis in the presence of wild-type or mutant p53 gene. We demonstrate that DHEA causes CRC cell death and cell cycle arrest in a dose and time-dependent manner. Notably, DHEA exhibits similar inhibitory effects on CRC cells regardless of the p53 gene status. Further study reveals that DHEA induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and triggers PERK/eIF2/ATF4/CHOP UPR signaling pathway to activate autophagy followed by apoptosis, which was confirmed by suppression of 4-phenylbutyric acid (an ER stress inhibitor) or knockdown either ATF4 or CHOP. DHEA-induced apoptosis was attenuated by silencing ATG5 gene in either p53+/+ or p53-/- CRC cells, indicating autophagy regulation of apoptosis. Furthermore, DHEA treatment accompanied by bafilomycin A1 (a blocker of autophagosome degradation) leads to the accumulation of ATF4, CHOP, DR5, and p21 levels in CRC cells, implying that the degradative autophagy machinery regulates these four molecules. Consistently, DHEA demonstrates its inhibitory effect by suppressing CRC tumor formation in vivo. Altogether, we provide compelling evidence that DHEA is a potential therapeutic candidate for CRC patient treatment regardless of the p53 status through ER stress-PERK-autophagy-apoptosis axis.

Antiproliferative and Pro-apoptotic Activities of Tournefortia mutabilis vent. Leaves on the Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (MCF-7)

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, impacting not only the patients but also their families and communities. Tournefortia mutabilis vent. is a plant endemic to Mexico, traditionally used in Zapotec medicine for the treatment of cancer. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of the chloroformic extract of T. mutabilis vent. leaves on cell proliferation and cell death in MCF-7 cells. Methods: The effect of the extract on MCF-7 cell proliferation was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and crystal violet staining. Apoptosis was evaluated through fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide staining and caspase-3, -6, and -9 activity assays. Results: The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the T. mutabilis vent. extract on MCF-7 cell proliferation at 48 hours and 72 hours after treatment was 86.4 µg/mL and 2.74 µg/mL, respectively. We observed that the extract and its semi-purified fractions induced cell death through the activation of caspases 3, -6, and -9. Conclusions: Tournefortia mutabilis vent. is a potential source of compounds with antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities on the MCF-7 cell line, primarily through the intrinsic pathways of apoptosis.

Dehydroepiandrosterone and Its Metabolite 5-Androstenediol: New Therapeutic Targets and Possibilities for Clinical Application

Dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate are the most abundant steroids in humans. The metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone can differ significantly depending on the organ or tissue and the subtype of steroid receptors expressed in it. For dehydroepiandrosterone, as a precursor of all steroid hormones, intracrine hormonal activity is inherent. This unique feature could be beneficial for the medicinal application, especially for the local treatment of various pathologies. At present, the clinical use of dehydroepiandrosterone is limited by its Intrarosa® (Quebec city, QC, Canada) prasterone) 6.5 mg vaginal suppositories for the treatment of vaginal atrophy and dyspareunia, while the dehydroepiandrosterone synthetic derivatives Triplex, BNN 27, and Fluasterone have the investigational status for the treatment of various diseases. Here, we discuss the molecular targets of dehydroepiandrosterone, which open future prospects to expand its indications for use. Dehydroepiandrosterone, as an oral drug, is surmised to have promise in the treatment of osteoporosis, cachexia, and sarcopenia, as does 10% unguent for skin and muscle regeneration. Also, 5-androstenediol, a metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone, is a promising candidate for the treatment of acute radiation syndrome and as an immunostimulating agent during radiopharmaceutical therapy. The design and synthesis of new 5-androstenediol derivatives with increased bioavailability may lead to the appearance of highly effective cytoprotectors on the pharmaceutical market. The argumentations for new clinical applications of these steroids and novel insights into their mechanisms of action are discussed.

Androgens in cervical cancer: Their role in epidemiology and biology

This comprehensive review delves into the significance of androgens in cervical cancer, examining both epidemiological evidence and the underlying biological mechanisms. Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women globally, with disproportionately higher incidence and mortality rates in less developed regions where cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) screening remains limited. Recent research highlights the previously underexplored role of androgens in cervical cancer. Notably, cervical tissues house androgen receptors, and elevated levels of endogenous androgens have been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer. Androgens exert their influence on the development and progression of cervical cancer by impacting key cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and epithelial cell transformation. Furthermore, specific HPV subtypes may interact with androgens, potentially modulating HPV-related cellular degeneration and transformation. In light of these findings, it is evident that androgens assume a crucial role in cervical cancer's pathogenesis. Consequently, further investigations are warranted to deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between androgens and cervical cancer. Such knowledge advancements can facilitate improved strategies for early prevention and treatment of cervical cancer, especially in regions with limited HPV screening access. This review underscores the importance of considering androgens as a vital component of the multifaceted landscape of cervical cancer etiology and progression, ultimately contributing to more effective clinical interventions.

Analysis of the Effects of Pentose Phosphate Pathway Inhibition on the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Epileptiform Activity in Hippocampal Slices

The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is one of three major pathways involved in glucose metabolism, which is regulated by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) controls NADPH formation. NADPH, in turn, regulates the balance of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. G6PD dysfunction, affecting the PPP, is implicated in neurological disorders, including epilepsy. However, PPP's role in epileptogenesis and ROS production during epileptic activity remains unclear. To clarify these points, we conducted electrophysiological and imaging analyses on mouse hippocampal brain slices. Using the specific G6PD inhibitor G6PDi-1, we assessed its effects on mouse hippocampal slices, examining intracellular ROS, glucose/oxygen consumption, the NAD(P)H level and ROS production during synaptic stimulation and in the 4AP epilepsy model. G6PDi-1 increased basal intracellular ROS levels and reduced synaptically induced glucose consumption but had no impact on baselevel of NAD(P)H and ROS production from synaptic stimulation. In the 4AP model, G6PDi-1 did not significantly alter spontaneous seizure frequency or H2O2 release amplitude but increased the frequency and peak amplitude of interictal events. These findings suggest that short-term PPP inhibition has a minimal impact on synaptic circuit activity.

LC-MS based urine untargeted metabolomic analyses to identify and subdivide urothelial cancer

Introduction

Urine metabolomics has been a promising technique in the liquid biopsy of urothelial cancer (UC). The comparison of upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC), lower tract urothelial cancer (BCa), and healthy controls (HCs) need to be performed to find related biomarkers.

Methods

In our investigation, urine samples from 35 UTUCs, 44 BCas, and 53 gender- and age-matched HCs were analyzed using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). In different groups, the differential metabolites and the disturbed metabolism pathways were explored. Transcriptomics and urine metabolomics are combined to identify the probably disturbed gene in BCa.

Results

With an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.815, the panel consisting of prostaglandin I2, 5-methyldeoxycytidine, 2,6-dimethylheptanoyl carnitine, and deoxyinosine was able to discriminate UC from HCs. With an AUC of 0.845, the validation group also demonstrated strong predictive ability. UTUC and BCa without hematuria could be distinguished using the panel of 5'-methylthioadenosine, L-beta-aspartyl-L-serine, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and N'-formylkynurenine (AUC=0.858). The metabolite panel comprising aspartyl-methionine, 7-methylinosine, and alpha-CEHC glucuronide could discriminate UTUC from BCa with hematuria with an AUC of 0.83. Fatty acid biosynthesis, purine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, and arachidonic acid metabolism were dysregulated when comparing UC with HCs. PTGIS and BCHE, the genes related to the metabolism of prostaglandin I2 and myristic acid respectively, were significantly associated with the survival of BCa.

Discussion

Not only could LC-HRMS urine metabolomic investigations distinguish UC from HCs, but they could also identify UTUC from BCa. Additionally, urine metabolomics combined with transcriptomics can find out the potential aberrant genes in the metabolism.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Sensitizes Irinotecan to Suppress Head and Neck Cancer Stem-Like Cells by Downregulation of WNT Signaling

Purpose

Current treatment options for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are limited, especially for cases with cancer stem cell-induced chemoresistance and recurrence. The WNT signaling pathway contributes to maintenance of stemness via translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus, and represents a promising druggable target in HNSCC. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone, has potential as an anticancer drug. However, the potential anticancer mechanisms of DHEA including inhibition of stemness, and its therapeutic applications in HNSCC remain unclear.

Methods

Firstly, SRB assay and sphere formation assay were used to examine cellular viability and cancer stem cell-like phenotype, respectively. The expressions of stemness related factors were measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The luciferase reporter assay was applied to evaluate transcriptional potential of stemness related pathways. The alternations of WNT signaling pathway were measured by nuclear translocation of β-catenin, RT-qPCR and western blotting. Furthermore, to investigate the effect of drugs in vivo, both HNSCC orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft mouse models were applied.

Results

We found that DHEA reduced HNSCC cell viability, suppressed sphere formation, and inhibited the expression of cancer-stemness markers, such as BMI-1 and Nestin. Moreover, DHEA repressed the transcriptional activity of stemness-related pathways. In the WNT pathway, DHEA reduced the nuclear translocation of the active form of β-catenin and reduced the protein expression of the downstream targets, CCND1 and CD44. Furthermore, when combined with the chemotherapeutic drug, irinotecan (IRN), DHEA enhanced the sensitivity of HNSCC cells to IRN as revealed by reduced cell viability, sphere formation, expression of stemness markers, and activation of the WNT pathway. Additionally, this combination reduced in vivo tumor growth in both orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft mouse models.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that DHEA has anti-stemness potential in HNSCC and serves as a promising anticancer agent. The combination of DHEA and IRN may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced HNSCC.

Biological evaluation of antiproliferative and anti-invasive properties of an androstadiene derivative on human cervical cancer cell lines

Gynaecological cancers are leading cause of death: breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of malignancies, and cervical neoplasms rank fourth for both incidence and mortality among women worldwide. In one of our previous studies, favourable antiproliferative and antimetastatic properties of a newly synthesized androstane derivative, 17APAD have been demonstrated on breast cancer cell lines with different expression patterns of hormone receptors. The aim of the current study was to investigate the antitumoral potential of this molecule in cervical cancer cell lines, including SiHa cells positive for human papilloma virus (HPV) type 16 and HPV-negative C33A cells. 17APAD exerted pronounced growth-inhibition (with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.76 to 1.72 μM with considerable cancer selectivity), while cisplatin used as a reference agent yielded higher IC₅₀ values (ranging from 3.69 to 12.43) and less selectivity, as evidenced by MTT assay. The proapoptotic effect and morphological changes induced by 17APAD were detected by Hoechst 33258-propidium iodide or Annexin V-Alexa488-propidium iodide fluorescent double staining methods, supplemented with a caspase-3 activity assay to identify the mechanism behind the programmed cell death induced by 17APAD. Additionally, significant and concentration-dependent elevation of the ratio of cells in the G2/M phase, on the expense of G0/G1 phase, was observed after 48 h of exposure to 17APAD. Besides its potent antiproliferative properties against both cervical cancer cell lines, 17APAD elicited a remarkable inhibition of cell migration and invasion as detected in wound-healing and Boyden chamber assays, respectively. The mechanisms of action underlying the effects of 17APAD on cell proliferation and motility were independent of androgenic activity, as demonstrated by the Yeast Androgen Screen method. Our results provide new evidence for the proapoptotic and anti-invasive properties of 17APAD, suggesting that it is worth of further research, as a promising prototype for designing novel anticancer agents.

Investigation of Physiological Effects Induced by Dehydroepiandrosterone in Human Endothelial Cells and Ovarian Cancer Cell Line

Objectives

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous hormone that acts as a ligand for several cellular receptors. An age-dependent decline in circulating levels of DHEA is linked to changes in various physiological functions. In gynecological clinical practice, DHEA is commonly prescribed to induce ovulation. Some clinical studies report a positive association between high serum concentrations of DHEA and an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. However, the in vitro physiological effects of DHEA on ovarian cancerous cells have not been explored thus far. In this study, we aimed to investigate the physiological effects of DHEA treatment (0-200 μM, 24-72 hours) on MDAH-2774 human ovarian cancer cell line and primary HuVeC human endothelial cells.

Materials and Methods

The physiological effects of DHEA treatment (0-200 μM, 24-72 hours) on MDAH-2774 human ovarian cancer cell line and primary HuVeC human endothelial cells were investigated with the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, and scratch assay.

Results

DHEA treatment promoted proliferation of the MDAH-2774 cancer cell line in a dose-dependent manner (r=0.6906, p<0.0001, for 24 hours) (r=0.6802, p<0.0001, for 48 hours) (r=0.7969, p<0.0001, for 72 hours). In contrast, DHEA inhibited proliferation of the primary HuVeC cells (r=0.9490, p<0.0001, for 24 hours) (r=0.9533, p<0.0001, for 48 hours) (r=0.9584, p<0.0001, for 72 hours). In agreement with these observations, DHEA treatment resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the number of necrotic cells in the primary HuVeC cells (r=0.97, p<0.0001). However, the number of necrotic or apoptotic cells did not change significantly when the MDAH-2774 cells was exposed to DHEA. Moreover, we found that DHEA treatment reduced the migration rate of HuVeC cells in a dose-dependent manner (r=0.9868, p<0.0001), whereas only a slight increase was observed in the MDAH-2774 ovarian cancer cell line (r=0.8938, p<0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that DHEA promotes the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, DHEA induced necrosis and inhibited proliferation in endothelial cells. Although mechanistic evidence is required, our preliminary findings imply that exposure to high doses of DHEA may be associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Human Papillomavirus-Negative Cervical Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been the leading cause of cervical cancer for over 25 years. Approximately 5.5–11% of all cervical cancers are reported to be HPV-negative, which can be attributed to truly negative and false-negative results. The truly HPV-negative cervical cancers are almost all cervical adenocarcinomas with unclear etiology. False HPV negativity can arise from histological misclassification, latent HPV infection, disruption of the targeting fragment, non-high risk HPV infection, and HPV testing methods. HPV-negative cervical cancers are often diagnosed at an advanced FIGO stage and have a poor prognosis; thus, the management of these cases requires greater attention.

A small molecule G6PD inhibitor reveals immune dependence on pentose phosphate pathway

Glucose is catabolized by two fundamental pathways, glycolysis to make ATP and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway to make NADPH. The first step of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway is catalyzed by the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). Here we develop metabolite reporter and deuterium tracer assays to monitor cellular G6PD activity. Using these, we show that the most widely cited G6PD antagonist, dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA), does not robustly inhibit G6PD in cells. We then identify a small molecule (G6PDi-1) that more effectively inhibits G6PD. Across a range of cultured cells, G6PDi-1 depletes NADPH most strongly in lymphocytes. In T cells but not macrophages, G6PDi-1 markedly decreases inflammatory cytokine production. In neutrophils, it suppresses respiratory burst. Thus, we provide a cell-active small molecule tool for oxidative pentose phosphate pathway inhibition, and use it to identify G6PD as a pharmacological target for modulating immune response.

Oxidative Stress-Driven Autophagy acROSs Onset and Therapeutic Outcome in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) mediated autophagy physiologically contributes to management of cell homeostasis in response to mild oxidative stress. Cancer cells typically engage autophagy downstream of ROS signaling derived from hypoxia and starvation, which are harsh environmental conditions that need to be faced for cancer development and progression. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a solid tumor for which several environmental risk factors, particularly viral infections and alcohol abuse, have been shown to promote carcinogenesis via augmentation of oxidative stress. In addition, ROS burst in HCC cells frequently takes place after administration of therapeutic compounds that promote apoptotic cell death or even autophagic cell death. The interplay between ROS and autophagy (i) in the disposal of dysfunctional mitochondria via mitophagy, as a tumor suppressor mechanism, or (ii) in the cell survival adaptive response elicited by chemotherapeutic interventions, as a tumor-promoting event, will be depicted in this review in relation to HCC development and progression.

Dehydroepiandrosterone reduced lipid droplet accumulation via inhibiting cell proliferation and improving mitochondrial function in primary chicken hepatocytes

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) possesses fat-reducing effect, while little information is available on whether DHEA regulates cell proliferation and mitochondrial function, which would, in turn, affect lipid droplet accumulation in the broiler. In the present study, the lipid droplet accumulation, cell proliferation, cell cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential were analysis in primary chicken hepatocytes after DHEA treated. The results showed that total area and counts of lipid droplets were significantly decreased in hepatocytes treated with DHEA. The cell viability was significantly increased, while cell proliferation was significantly inhibited in a dose dependent manner in primary chicken hepatocytes after DHEA treated. DHEA treatment significantly increased the cell population in S phase and decreased the population in G2/M in primary chicken hepatocytes. Meanwhile, the cyclin A and cyclin-dependent kinases 2 (CDK2) mRNA abundance were significantly decreased in hepatocytes after DHEA treated. No significant differences were observed in the number of mitochondria, while the mitochondrial membrane permeability and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity were significantly increased in hepatocytes after DHEA treated. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that DHEA reduced lipid droplet accumulation by inhibiting hepatocytes proliferation and enhancing mitochondrial function in primary chicken hepatocytes.

Autophagy and Autophagic Cell Death: Uncovering New Mechanisms Whereby Dehydroepiandrosterone Promotes Beneficial Effects on Human Health

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most abundant steroid hormone in human serum and a precursor of sexual hormones. Its levels, which are maximum between the age of 20 and 30, dramatically decline with aging thus raising the question that many pathological conditions typical of the elderly might be associated with the decrement of circulating DHEA. Moreover, since its very early discovery, DHEA and its metabolites have been shown to be active in many pathophysiological contexts, including cardiovascular disease, brain disorders, and cancer. Indeed, treatment with DHEA has beneficial effects for the cure of these and many other pathologies in vitro, in vivo, and in patient studies. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying DHEA effects have been only partially elucidated. Autophagy is a self-digestive process, by which cell homeostasis is maintained, damaged organelles removed, and cell survival assured upon stress stimuli. However, high rate of autophagy is detrimental and leads to a form of programmed cell death known as autophagic cell death (ACD). In this chapter, we describe the process of autophagy and the morphological and biochemical features of ACD. Moreover, we analyze the beneficial effects of DHEA in several pathologies and the molecular mechanisms with particular emphasis on its regulation of cell death processes. Finally, we review data indicating DHEA and structurally related steroid hormones as modulators of both autophagy and ACD, a research field that opens new avenues in the therapeutic use of these compounds.

Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits cell proliferation and improves viability by regulating S phase and mitochondrial permeability in primary rat Leydig cells

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is widely used as a nutritional supplement and exhibits putative anti-aging properties. However, the molecular basis of the actions of DHEA, particularly on the biological characteristics of target cells, remain unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of DHEA on cell viability, cell proliferation, cell cycle and mitochondrial function in primary rat Leydig cells. Adult Leydig cells were purified by Percoll gradient centrifugation, and cell proliferation was detected using a Click-iT^® EdU Assay kit and cell cycle assessment performed using flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected using JC-1 staining assay. The results of the current study demonstrate that DHEA decreased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it improved cell viability in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that DHEA treatment increased the S phase cell population and decreased the G2/M cell population. Cyclin A and CDK2 mRNA levels were decreased in primary rat Leydig cells following DHEA treatment. DHEA treatment decreased the transmembrane electrical gradient in primary Leydig cells, whereas treatment significantly increased succinate dehydrogenase activity. These results indicated that DHEA inhibits primary rat Leydig cell proliferation by decreasing cyclin mRNA level, whereas it improves cells viability by modulating the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane and succinate dehydrogenase activity. These findings may demonstrate an important molecular mechanism by which DHEA activity is mediated.

Pregnenolone, a cholesterol metabolite, induces glioma cell apoptosis via activating extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways

Gliomas are one of the most common types of malignant tumors worldwide, however, an effective therapeutic strategy not yet been fully determined. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-glioma activity and underlying mechanisms of pregnenolone, which originates from cholesterol and is metabolized into important steroid hormones in the body. The results demonstrated that 100 μM pregnenolone induced a significant loss of cell viability in various malignant glioma cell lines. In the U-87 MG, LN-18 and C6 cell lines, the loss of cell viability resulted from cell apoptosis, which was evidenced by apoptotic nuclear morphology changes and caspase 3 activation. Moreover, the increased activities of caspase 8 and 9 strongly indicated that pregnenolone activated the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Additionally, glioma cell apoptosis was prevented by the general caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK. In the C6 cells, upregulation of Fas and Fas ligand triggered the activation of the extrinsic pathway, whereas knockdown of Fas significantly abrogated the cell apoptosis that was induced by pregnenolone. Furthermore, downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein, B-cell lymphoma 2 and upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax and Bak, activated the intrinsic pathway. In conclusion, pregnenolone induced glioma cell apoptosis in a caspase-dependent manner, which was mediated by activation of the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.

The chondroprotective effects of dehydroepiandrosterone probably exerted by its conversion to estradiol

The sex hormone precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which can be converted into estradiol by the enzyme aromatase, has a protective role against osteoarthritis (OA). To determine whether the protective effects of DHEA are dependent on its conversion to estradiol, the aromatase inhibitor letrozole and/or the estrogen receptor inhibitor fulvestrant were administered in the presence of DHEA in both interleukin 1β (IL-1β)-induced rabbit chondrocytes and a rabbit anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT) model of OA. Expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were used to monitor these effects. Expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 increased in both DHEA-treated chondrocytes and cartilage in the presence of letrozole and/or fulvestrant, while the expression of TIMP-1 and collagen type II (Col-II) decreased. Our findings suggest that the effects of DHEA may be mediated by its conversion to estradiol.

Expression of OATP family members in hormone-related cancers: potential markers of progression

The organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) family of transporters has been implicated in prostate cancer disease progression probably by transporting hormones or drugs. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the expression, frequency, and relevance of OATPs as a biomarker in hormone-dependent cancers. We completed a study examining SLCO1B3, SLCO1B1 and SLCO2B1 mRNA expression in 381 primary, independent patient samples representing 21 cancers and normal tissues. From a separate cohort, protein expression of OATP1B3 was examined in prostate, colon, and bladder tissue. Based on expression frequency, SLCO2B1 was lower in liver cancer (P = 0.04) which also trended lower with decreasing differentiation (P = 0.004) and lower magnitude in pancreatic cancer (P = 0.05). SLCO2B1 also had a higher frequency in thyroid cancer (67%) than normal (0%) and expression increased with stage (P = 0.04). SLCO1B3 was expressed in 52% of cancerous prostate samples and increased SLCO1B3 expression trended with higher Gleason score (P = 0.03). SLCO1B3 expression was also higher in testicular cancer (P = 0.02). SLCO1B1 expression was lower in liver cancer (P = 0.04) which trended lower with liver cancer grade (P = 0.0004) and higher with colon cancer grade (P = 0.05). Protein expression of OATP1B3 was examined in normal and cancerous prostate, colon, and bladder tissue samples from an independent cohort. The results were similar to the transcription data, but showed distinct localization. OATPs correlate to differentiation in certain hormone-dependent cancers, thus may be useful as biomarkers for assessing clinical treatment and stage of disease.

Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on proliferation, migration, and death of breast cancer cells

Cancer invasion and metastasis are the leading causes of mortality in patients with breast cancer. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has a protective role against cancer, however, the mechanism by which DHEA has this effect remains poorly understood. The present study was aimed at investigating the actions of DHEA on the proliferation, cell cycle, death and migration of breast cancer cell lines. We used MCF-7 cells (estrogen receptors positive) and MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T cells (estrogen receptors negative) for these studies. Cell proliferation was evaluated by crystal violet staining, cell cycle by flow cytometry, and cell death by the carboxyfluorescein FLICA analysis of caspase activation. Migration was evaluated by transwell cell migration and wound assay. We also determined the expression of ECM-1 protein by western blotting and RT-PCR in real time. DHEA inhibited the proliferation of all breast cancer cell lines. This was associated with an arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and death in MCF-7 cells. There was no alteration in any of the cell cycle phases or death in DHEA treated MDA-MB-231 or Hs578T cells. DHEA also suppressed the migration of all breast cancer cell lines, independently of the presence of estrogen receptors and decreased the expression of ECM-1 protein in Hs578T cells. These results suggest that the mechanism of DHEA actions against breast cancer involves the inhibition of cell proliferation and the suppression of migration, indicating that DHEA could be useful in the treatment of breast cancer.