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Bózsity N, Nagy V, Szabó J, Pálházi B, Kele Z, Resch V, Paragi G, Zupkó I, Minorics R, Mernyák E. Synthesis of Estrone Heterodimers and Evaluation of Their In Vitro Antiproliferative Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4274. [PMID: 38673860 PMCID: PMC11050183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Directed structural modifications of natural products offer excellent opportunities to develop selectively acting drug candidates. Natural product hybrids represent a particular compound group. The components of hybrids constructed from different molecular entities may result in synergic action with diminished side effects. Steroidal homo- or heterodimers deserve special attention owing to their potentially high anticancer effect. Inspired by our recently described antiproliferative core-modified estrone derivatives, here, we combined them into heterodimers via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions. The two trans-16-azido-3-(O-benzyl)-17-hydroxy-13α-estrone derivatives were reacted with 3-O-propargyl-D-secoestrone alcohol or oxime. The antiproliferative activities of the four newly synthesized dimers were evaluated against a panel of human adherent gynecological cancer cell lines (cervical: Hela, SiHa, C33A; breast: MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-361; ovarian: A2780). One heterodimer (12) exerted substantial antiproliferative activity against all investigated cell lines in the submicromolar or low micromolar range. A pronounced proapoptotic effect was observed by fluorescent double staining and flow cytometry on three cervical cell lines. Additionally, cell cycle blockade in the G2/M phase was detected, which might be a consequence of the effect of the dimer on tubulin polymerization. Computational calculations on the taxoid binding site of tubulin revealed potential binding of both steroidal building blocks, mainly with hydrophobic interactions and water bridges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Bózsity
- Institute of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (V.N.)
| | - Viktória Nagy
- Institute of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (V.N.)
| | - Johanna Szabó
- Department of Analytical and Molecular Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (J.S.); (B.P.)
| | - Balázs Pálházi
- Department of Analytical and Molecular Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (J.S.); (B.P.)
| | - Zoltán Kele
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.K.); (V.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Vivien Resch
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.K.); (V.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Gábor Paragi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.K.); (V.R.); (G.P.)
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, H-7625 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Szeged, Tisza Lajos krt. 84-86, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Zupkó
- Institute of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (V.N.)
| | - Renáta Minorics
- Institute of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (V.N.)
| | - Erzsébet Mernyák
- Department of Analytical and Molecular Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (J.S.); (B.P.)
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
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Debnath S, Sarkar A, Mukherjee DD, Ray S, Mahata B, Mahata T, Parida PK, Das T, Mukhopadhyay R, Ghosh Z, Biswas K. Eriodictyol mediated selective targeting of the TNFR1/FADD/TRADD axis in cancer cells induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor progression and metastasis. Transl Oncol 2022; 21:101433. [PMID: 35462210 PMCID: PMC9046888 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Eriodictyol induces Selective Cytotoxicity to tumor cells. Eriodictyol enhances TNFR1 expression in cancer cells. Eriodictyol targets TNFR1 to selectively mediate apoptosis and cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Eriodictyol reduces tumour burden in experimentally induced lung metastasis in vivo.
While the anti-inflammatory activities of Eriodictyol, a plant-derived flavonoid is well-known, reports on its anti-cancer efficacy and selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells are still emerging. However, little is known regarding its mechanism of selective anti-cancer activities. Here, we show the mechanism of selective cytotoxicity of Eriodictyol towards cancer cells compared to normal cells. Investigation reveals that Eriodictyol significantly upregulates TNFR1 expression in tumor cells (HeLa and SK-RC-45) while sparing the normal cells (HEK, NKE and WI-38), which display negligible TNFR1 expression, irrespective of the absence or presence of Eriodictyol. Further investigation of the molecular events reveal that Eriodictyol induces apoptosis through expression of the pro-apoptotic DISC components leading to activation of the caspase cascade. In addition, CRISPR-Cas9 mediated knockout of TNFR1 completely blocks apoptosis in HeLa cells in response to Eriodictyol, confirming that Eriodictyol induced cancer cell apoptosis is indeed TNFR1-dependent. Finally, in vivo data demonstrates that Eriodictyol not only impedes tumor growth and progression, but also inhibits metastasis in mice implanted with 4T1 breast cancer cells. Thus, our study has identified Eriodictyol as a compound with high selectivity towards cancer cells through TNFR1 and suggests that it can be further explored for its prospect in cancer therapeutics.
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Kulmány ÁE, Herman BE, Zupkó I, Sinreih M, Rižner TL, Savić M, Oklješa A, Nikolić A, Nagy V, Ocsovszki I, Szécsi M, Jovanović-Šanta S. Heterocyclic androstane and estrane d-ring modified steroids: Microwave-assisted synthesis, steroid-converting enzyme inhibition, apoptosis induction, and effects on genes encoding estrogen inactivating enzymes. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 214:105997. [PMID: 34509617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
d-ring-fused and d-homo lactone compounds in estratriene and androstane series were synthesized using microwave-assisted reaction conditions. Microwave-irradiated synthesis methods were convenient and effective, and provided high yields with short reaction times. Their inhibition of C17,20-lyase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1) activities were studied in in vitro enzyme assays. d-ring-fused triazolyl estrone analog 24 showed potent inhibition of NADH-complexed 17β-HSD1, with a binding affinity similar to that of the substrate estrone; its inhibition against NADPH-complexed 17β-HSD1 was markedly weaker. Compound 24 also significantly and selectively reduced proliferation of cancer cell lines of gynecological origin. This estrane triazole changed the cell cycle and induced apoptosis of HeLa, SiHa, and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, measured by both increased subG1 fraction of cells and activation of caspase-independent signaling pathways. A third mode of anti-estrogenic action of 24 saw increased mRNA expression of the SULT1E1 gene in HeLa cells; in contrast, its 3-benzyloxy analog 23 increased mRNA expression of the HSD17B2 gene, thus showing pronounced pro-drug anti-estrogenic activity. Estradiol-derived d-ring triazole compound 24 thus acts at the enzyme, gene expression and cellular levels to decrease the production of active estrogen hormones, demonstrating its pharmacological potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágnes Erika Kulmány
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - István Zupkó
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Masa Sinreih
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tea Lanišnik Rižner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marina Savić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Oklješa
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Andrea Nikolić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Viktória Nagy
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Imre Ocsovszki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mihály Szécsi
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Suzana Jovanović-Šanta
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
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Wang L, Zhang S, Cai H, Qi Q, Zhang C, Qi Z, Huang C. Inhibition of TLR9 signaling stimulates apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and alleviates angiogenic property in human cervical cancer cells. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2021; 22:510-517. [PMID: 34161216 DOI: 10.2174/1871530321666210622112753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the study was to assess the effect of blocking TLR9 signaling on the proliferation of cervical cancer cells and its angiogenic property. BACKGROUND Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been implicated for their crucial role in not only cervical cancer but also in other malignancies. TLR9 is expressed on an array of cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, melanocytes, and keratinocytes. It is reported to modulate oncogenesis along with tumorigenesis by augmenting NF-κB mediated inflammation within the tumor environment. TLR9 has also been reported to positively regulate oncogenesis within the cervix and as a marker to evaluate malignant remodeling of cervical squamous cells. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the functional relevance of blocking the TLR9 signaling pathway in cervical cancer cells. OBJECTIVE The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of human TLR9 antagonist, ODN INH-18, on apoptosis and cell cycle regulation and angiogenic property of human cervical cancer Caski cells. METHOD MTT assay was performed to measure cell viability, and flow cytometry analysis was performed to assess cell cycle arrest. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to measure fold change in the gene expression of various markers of apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and angiogenesis. RESULT The qRT-PCR results showed a higher expression level of TLR9 mRNA in Caski cervical cancer cells as compared to normal cervical keratinocytes. The apoptotic, angiogenic, and cell cycle regulatory factors were also deregulated in Caski cells in comparison to normal keratinocytes. The MTT assay demonstrated that treatment of TLR9 antagonist, ODN INH18, significantly reduced the proliferation of Caski cells in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of ODN INH18 led to substantial cell cycle arrest in Caski cells at G0/G1 phase. Moreover, the qRT-PCR results demonstrated that ODN INH18 treatment led to suppressed mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and enhanced expression of Bax, signifying induction of apoptosis in Caski cells. Moreover, the expression of cyclin D1, Cdk4, and Cdc25A was found to be reduced, whereas expression of p27 was increased in ODN INH18-treated Caski cells, indicating G0/G1 phase arrest. Interestingly, expression of VEGF and VCAM-1 were found to be significantly inhibited in ODN INH18-treated Caski cells, substantiating alleviation of angiogenic property of cervical cancer cells. CONCLUSION The results of our study suggest that inhibiting TLR9 signaling might be an interesting therapeutic intervention for the treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liehong Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics,Qinghai Red Cross Hospital,810000, China
| | - Shengkun Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xuzhou Central Hospital; 221009, China
| | - Hua Cai
- Department of Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Liaocheng,252000, China
| | - Qingling Qi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics,Qinghai Red Cross Hospital,810000, China
| | - Chunhua Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, 223002, China
| | - Ziyi Qi
- Huaiyin Middle School of Jiangsu Province, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, 223000, China
| | - CuiPing Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 250033, China
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Gyovai A, Minorics R, Kiss A, Mernyák E, Schneider G, Szekeres A, Kerekes E, Ocsovszki I, Zupkó I. Antiproliferative Properties of Newly Synthesized 19-Nortestosterone Analogs Without Substantial Androgenic Activity. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:825. [PMID: 30100876 PMCID: PMC6072853 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
19-Nortestosterone C-17 epimers with prominent antiproliferative properties have been previously described. In our present study, five novel 17α-19-nortestosterones (3-7) were synthesized to increase their beneficial biological activities with no associated undesired hormonal effects. The compounds were screened by a viability assay against a panel of human adherent gynecological cancer cell lines. Three of the tested derivatives (3-5) exhibited a remarkable inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HeLa cells with IC50 values lower than that of our reference agent cisplatin (CIS). These three active agents also displayed considerable cancer selectivity as evidenced by their weaker growth inhibitory effect on non-cancerous fibroblast cells compared to CIS. The most potent newly synthesized 17α-chloro derivative (3) was selected for additional experiments in order to characterize its mechanism of action. Since nandrolone (19-nortestosterone, 1) is a structural analog with selective antiproliferative action on cervical carcinoma cells, it was utilized as a positive control in these studies. A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay demonstrated a moderate cytotoxic effect of the test compounds. Cell cycle disturbance and the elevation of the hypodiploid population elicited by the test agents were detected by flow cytometry following propidium staining. The proapoptotic effects of the tested steroids were confirmed by fluorescent microscopy and a caspase-3 activity assay. Treatment-related caspase-9 activation without a substantial change in caspase-8 activity indicates the induction of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The selected agents directly influence the rate of tubulin assembly as evidenced by a polymerization assay. Yeast-based reporter gene assay revealed that the androgenic activity of the novel 19-nortestosterone derivative 3 is by multiple orders of magnitude weaker than that of the reference agent 1. Based on the behavior of the examined compounds it can be concluded that a halogen substitution of the 19-nortestosterone scaffold at the 17α position may produce compounds with unique biological activities. The results of the present study support that structurally modified steroids with negligible hormonal activity are a promising basis for the research and development of novel anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Gyovai
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Renáta Minorics
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anita Kiss
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Mernyák
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyula Schneider
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Szekeres
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Erika Kerekes
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Imre Ocsovszki
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Zupkó
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Interdisciplinary Centre for Natural Products, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Rárová L, Sedlák D, Oklestkova J, Steigerová J, Liebl J, Zahler S, Bartůněk P, Kolář Z, Kohout L, Kvasnica M, Strnad M. The novel brassinosteroid analog BR4848 inhibits angiogenesis in human endothelial cells and induces apoptosis in human cancer cells in vitro. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 178:263-271. [PMID: 29307714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We report the synthesis and detailed biological study of the synthetic brassinosteroid analog 2α,3α-dihydroxy-6-oxo-5α-androstan-17β-yl N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-D,L-valinate (BR4848). The panel of cancer cell lines was used for characterization of its antiproliferative activity, yet had no adverse effects in normal human fibroblasts. In HeLa cells, BR4848-induced apoptosis was accompanied by increase of apoptotic subG1 cells, PARP-1 and caspase-7 fragmentation, downregulation of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1, an increase in caspase activity and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Antiproliferative properties of BR4848 were exhibited by inhibition of phosphorylation of Akt, Erk1/2 and FAK. Furthermore, the developed analog exhibited in vitro antiangiogenic activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). BR4848-induced apoptosis accompanied with G2/M arrest was detected in endothelial cells. BR4848 also inhibited adhesion, tube formation and migration of endothelial cells by inhibition of FAK, Erk 1/2, CDK5, VEGFR2, TNFα-stimulated production of IL-6, angiopoietin-2 and Jagged1. Finally, BR4848 did not modulate the activity nor nuclear translocation of any of the steroid receptors (ERα, ERβ, AR, MR and PR) included in reporter cell-based assays, which excludes the genomic activity of steroid receptors as a contributing factor to the observed biological activities of BR4848.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Rárová
- Department of Chemical Biology and Genetics, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - David Sedlák
- CZ-OPENSCREEN: National Infrastructure for Chemical Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Praha 4, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Oklestkova
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Institute of Experimental Botany ASCR & Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Steigerová
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Palacký University, Hněvotínská 5, 77900, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Institute of Molecular and Translation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and Faculty Hospital in Olomouc, Hněvotínská 5, 77900, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Johanna Liebl
- Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich - Center for Drug Research - Pharmaceutical Biology, Butenandtstr. 5-13, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Stefan Zahler
- Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich - Center for Drug Research - Pharmaceutical Biology, Butenandtstr. 5-13, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Petr Bartůněk
- CZ-OPENSCREEN: National Infrastructure for Chemical Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Praha 4, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Kolář
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Palacký University, Hněvotínská 5, 77900, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Institute of Molecular and Translation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and Faculty Hospital in Olomouc, Hněvotínská 5, 77900, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Kohout
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Institute of Experimental Botany ASCR & Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Kvasnica
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Institute of Experimental Botany ASCR & Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Strnad
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Institute of Experimental Botany ASCR & Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Lee JS, Ahn C, Kang HY, Jeung EB. Effect of 2-methoxyestradiol on SK-LMS-1 uterine leiomyosarcoma cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:103-110. [PMID: 28693141 PMCID: PMC5494911 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An endogenous metabolite of 17β-estradiol, 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME), has affinity for estrogen receptors. This compound was reported to be a promising antitumor drug due to its anti-proliferative effects on a wide range of tumor cell types. Numerous previous studies have been performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of 2-ME on tumor cell lines in following the induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and subsequent apoptosis. Uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) is a relatively rare malignant smooth muscle cell tumor that develops in the uterus muscle layer. The aim of the present study was to examine the in vitro anti-proliferative effects of 2-ME on SK-LMS-1 human leiomyosarcoma cells. An MTT assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay, immunocytochemistry and western blotting were performed. A high concentration (10−5 M) of 2-ME was identified to have an anti-proliferative effect on SK-LMS-1 cells. Additionally, expression of the apoptosis markers was upregulated in the presence of 10−5 M 2-ME, according to western blot analysis. Furthermore, the expression level of an autophagic marker, light chain 3, was increased by 2-ME treatment in a dose-dependent manner. This was associated with cell death induced by the upregulation of phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathway. The results of the present study demonstrated that 2-ME, which is used as a therapeutic agent for treating solid tumors, exhibits apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects depending on the dose. Therefore, 2-ME may be a potential therapeutic reagent for human ULMS, but the appropriate dose of this compound should be carefully selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Sun Lee
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Changhwan Ahn
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Young Kang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Bae Jeung
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
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Zhang L, Huo X, Liao Y, Yang F, Gao L, Cao L. Zeylenone, a naturally occurring cyclohexene oxide, inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in cervical carcinoma cells via PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1669. [PMID: 28490807 PMCID: PMC5431878 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01804-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a strong rationale to therapeutically target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways in cervical carcinoma since they are highly deregulated in this disease. Previous study by our group have demonstrated that Zeylenone (Zey) exhibited strong suppressive activity on PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK signaling, providing a foundation to investigate its antitumor activity in cervical carcinoma. Herein, the present study aimed to investigate suppressive effect of Zey on HeLa and CaSki cells, and further explore the underlying mechanisms. Cells were treated with Zey for indicated time, followed by measuring its effects on cell viability, colony formation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and signal pathways. In vivo antitumor activity of Zey was then assessed with nude xenografts. We found that Zey substantially suppressed cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and increased cell apoptosis, accompanied by increased production of ROS, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, activated caspase apoptotic cascade, and attenuated PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways. Additionally, in vivo experiments showed that Zey exerted good antitumor efficacy against HeLa bearing mice models via decreasing levels of p-PI3K and p-ERK. Collectively, these data clearly demonstrated the antitumor activity of Zey in cervical carcinoma cells, which is most likely via the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaowei Huo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yonghong Liao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Feifei Yang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Li Gao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Li Cao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China.
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9
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Bózsity N, Minorics R, Szabó J, Mernyák E, Schneider G, Wölfling J, Wang HC, Wu CC, Ocsovszki I, Zupkó I. Mechanism of antiproliferative action of a new d-secoestrone-triazole derivative in cervical cancer cells and its effect on cancer cell motility. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 165:247-257. [PMID: 27363663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed tumor and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide. Cervical cancer is predominantly related with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, with the most oncogenic types being HPV-18 and -16. Our previous studies demonstrated that some d-secoestrone derivatives exert pronounced antiproliferative activity. The aim of the current investigation was to characterize the mechanism of action of d-secoestrone-triazole (D-SET) on three cervical cancer cell lines with different pathological backgrounds. The growth-inhibitory effects of D-SET were determined by a standard MTT assay. We have found that D-SET exerts a pronounced growth-inhibitory effect on HPV 18-positive HeLa and HPV-negative C-33 A cells, but it has no substantial inhibitory activity on HPV 16-positive SiHa or on intact fibroblast MRC-5 cell lines. After 24h incubation, cells showed the morphological and biochemical signs of apoptosis determined by fluorescent double staining, flow cytometry and caspase-3 activity assay. Besides the elevation of the ratio of cells in the subG1 phase, flow cytometric analysis revealed a cell cycle arrest at G2/M in both HeLa and C-33 A cell lines. To distinguish the G2/M cell population immunocytochemical flow cytometric analysis was performed on HeLa cells. The results show that D-SET significantly increases the ratio of phosphorylated histone H3, indicating cell accumulation in the M phase. Additionally, D-SET significantly increased the maximum rate of microtube formation measured by an in vitro tubulin polymerization assay. Besides its direct antiproliferative activity, the antimigratory property of D-SET has been investigated. Our results demonstrate that D-SET significantly inhibits the migration and invasion of HeLa cells after 24h incubation. These results suggests that D-SET is a potent antiproliferative agent against HPV 16+ and HPV-negative cervical cancer cell lines, with an efficacious motility-inhibiting activity against HPV 16+ cells. Accordingly D-SET can be regarded as a potential drug candidate with a promising new mechanism of action among the antiproliferative steroids, potentially allowing for the design of novel anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Bózsity
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Renáta Minorics
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Johanna Szabó
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Mernyák
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyula Schneider
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Wölfling
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Hui-Chun Wang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chung Wu
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Imre Ocsovszki
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 9, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Zupkó
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary.
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Schneider G, Kiss A, Mernyák E, Benke Z, Wölfling J, Frank É, Bózsity N, Gyovai A, Minorics R, Zupkó I. Stereocontrolled synthesis of the four 16-hydroxymethyl-19-nortestosterone isomers and their antiproliferative activities. Steroids 2016; 105:113-20. [PMID: 26686898 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Novel 16-hydroxymethyl-19-nortestosterone diastereomers were prepared by Birch reduction from the corresponding 3-methoxy-16-hydroxymethylestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol isomers with known configurations. The synthesized compounds are 16α- and 16β-hydroxymethyl-substituted 19-nortestosterone and their 17α-epimers. To prepare 17α-19-nortestosterone, the Mitsunobu inversion reaction of 19-nortestosterone with different alkyl and aryl carboxylic acids was chosen. Deacylation of the new compounds by the Zemplén method yielded the required 17α-19-nortestosterone. The antiproliferative activities of the structurally related compounds were determined in vitro through microculture tetrazolium assays on a panel of human adherent cervical (HeLa, SiHa and C33A), breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-361 and T47D) and ovarian (A2780) cell lines. The 17α epimer of 19-nortestosterone demonstrated considerable activity, selectively for HeLa cells, with a calculated IC50 of 0.65 μM. The reference compound, cisplatin, displayed an order of magnitude higher IC50 (12.4 μM). The cancer selectivity of 17α-19-nortestosterone was tested by MTT assay performed with noncancerous human fibroblast cell line MRC-5. The results indicated that 17α-19-nortestosterone selectively disturbs the viability of HeLa cells without greatly affecting other cancer cell types and intact fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyula Schneider
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Anita Kiss
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Mernyák
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsanett Benke
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Wölfling
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Éva Frank
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Noémi Bózsity
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Gyovai
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Renáta Minorics
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Zupkó
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary.
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