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Alanazi AH, Chastain DB, Rudraraju M, Parvathagiri V, Shan S, Lin X, Henao-Martínez AF, Franco-Paredes C, Narayanan SP, Somanath PR. A multi-arm, parallel, preclinical study investigating the potential benefits of acetazolamide, candesartan, and triciribine in combination with fluconazole for the treatment of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176177. [PMID: 37931839 PMCID: PMC10985624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176177] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, primarily infects immunodeficient patients frequently causing cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM). Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a serious complication responsible for increased morbidity and mortality in CM patients. Non-invasive pharmacological agents that mitigate ICP could be beneficial in treating CM patients. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of acetazolamide (AZA), candesartan (CAN), and triciribine (TCBN), in combination with the antifungal fluconazole, on C. neoformans-induced endothelial, brain, and lung injury in an experimental mouse model of CM. Our study shows that C. neoformans increases the expression of brain endothelial cell (BEC) junction proteins Claudin-5 (Cldn5) and VE-Cadherin to induce pathological cell-barrier remodeling and gap formation associated with increased Akt and p38 MAPK activation. All three agents inhibited C. neoformans-induced endothelial gap formation, only CAN and TCBN significantly reduced C. neoformans-induced Cldn5 expression, and only TCBN was effective in inhibiting Akt and p38MAPK. Interestingly, although C. neoformans did not cause brain or lung edema in mice, it induced lung and brain injuries, which were significantly reversed by AZA, CAN, or TCBN. Our study provides novel insights into the direct effects of C. neoformans on BECs in vitro, and the potential benefits of using AZA, CAN, or TCBN in the management of CM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz H Alanazi
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30907, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA
| | - Daniel B Chastain
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, SWGA Clinical Campus, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Albany, GA, 31701, USA
| | - Madhuri Rudraraju
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30907, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA
| | - Varun Parvathagiri
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30907, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA
| | - Shengshuai Shan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30907, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA
| | - Xiaorong Lin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Andrés F Henao-Martínez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Carlos Franco-Paredes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA; Hospital Infantil de México, Federico Gómez, México City, 06720, Mexico
| | - S Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30907, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30907, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA.
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2
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Hassani B, Attar Z, Firouzabadi N. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) signaling pathways and cancer: foes versus allies. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:254. [PMID: 37891636 PMCID: PMC10604988 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), is an old system with new fundamental roles in cancer biology which influences cell growth, migration, death, and metastasis. RAAS signaling enhances cell proliferation in malignancy directly and indirectly by affecting tumor cells and modulating angiogenesis. Cancer development may be influenced by the balance between the ACE/Ang II/AT1R and the ACE2/Ang 1-7/Mas receptor pathways. The interactions between Ang II/AT1R and Ang I/AT2R as well as Ang1-7/Mas and alamandine/MrgD receptors in the RAAS pathway can significantly impact the development of cancer. Ang I/AT2R, Ang1-7/Mas, and alamandine/MrgD interactions can have anticancer effects while Ang II/AT1R interactions can be involved in the development of cancer. Evidence suggests that inhibitors of the RAAS, which are conventionally used to treat cardiovascular diseases, may be beneficial in cancer therapies.Herein, we aim to provide a thorough description of the elements of RAAS and their molecular play in cancer. Alongside this, the role of RAAS components in sex-dependent cancers as well as GI cancers will be discussed with the hope of enlightening new venues for adjuvant cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Hassani
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Attar
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Firouzabadi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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3
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Pillai U J, Ray A, Maan M, Dutta M. Repurposing drugs targeting metabolic diseases for cancer therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103684. [PMID: 37379903 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Hurdles in the identification of new drugs for cancer treatment have made drug repurposing an increasingly appealing alternative. The approach involves the use of old drugs for new therapeutic purposes. It is cost-effective and facilitates rapid clinical translation. Given that cancer is also considered a metabolic disease, drugs for metabolic disorders are being actively repurposed for cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the repurposing of such drugs approved for two major metabolic diseases, diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which have shown potential as anti-cancer treatment. We also highlight the current understanding of the cancer signaling pathways that these drugs target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisha Pillai U
- Department of Biotechnology, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, Academic City, Dubai, UAE
| | - Anindita Ray
- Department of Biotechnology, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, Academic City, Dubai, UAE
| | - Meenu Maan
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Dubai, UAE; New York University-Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Mainak Dutta
- Department of Biotechnology, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, Academic City, Dubai, UAE.
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4
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Araújo D, Ribeiro E, Amorim I, Vale N. Repurposed Drugs in Gastric Cancer. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010319. [PMID: 36615513 PMCID: PMC9822219 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major causes of death worldwide, ranking as the fifth most incident cancer in 2020 and the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality. The majority of GC patients are in an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis, presenting a poor prognosis and outcome. Current GC treatment approaches involve endoscopic detection, gastrectomy and chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy in an adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting. Drug development approaches demand extreme effort to identify molecular mechanisms of action of new drug candidates. Drug repurposing is based on the research of new therapeutic indications of drugs approved for other pathologies. In this review, we explore GC and the different drugs repurposed for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Araújo
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Ribeiro
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irina Amorim
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-220426537
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Neuper L, Kummer D, Forstner D, Guettler J, Ghaffari-Tabrizi-Wizsy N, Fischer C, Juch H, Nonn O, Gauster M. Candesartan Does Not Activate PPARγ and Its Target Genes in Early Gestation Trophoblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012326. [PMID: 36293183 PMCID: PMC9603971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin II receptor 1 blockers are commonly used to treat hypertension in women of childbearing age. While the fetotoxic effects of these drugs in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy are well documented, their possible impacts on placenta development in early gestation are unknown. Candesartan, a member of this group, also acts as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist, a key regulator shown to be important for placental development. We have previously shown that trophoblasts do not express the candesartan target-receptor angiotensin II type 1 receptor AGTR1. This study investigated the possible role of candesartan on trophoblastic PPARγ and its hallmark target genes in early gestation. Candesartan did not affect the PPARγ protein expression or nuclear translocation of PPARγ. To mimic extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) and cytotrophoblast/syncytiotrophoblast (CTB/SCT) responses to candesartan, we used trophoblast cell models BeWo (for CTB/SCT) and SGHPL-4 (EVT) cells as well as placental explants. In vitro, the RT-qPCR analysis showed no effect of candesartan treatment on PPARγ target genes in BeWo or SGHPL-4 cells. Treatment with positive control rosiglitazone, another PPARγ agonist, led to decreased expressions of LEP and PPARG1 in BeWo cells and an increased expression of PPARG1 in SGHPL-4 cells. Our previous data showed early gestation-placental AGTR1 expression in fetal myofibroblasts only. In a CAM assay, AGTR1 was stimulated with angiotensin II and showed increased on-plant vessel outgrowth. These results suggest candesartan does not negatively affect PPARγ or its target genes in human trophoblasts. More likely, candesartan from maternal serum may first act on fetal-placental AGTR1 and influence angiogenesis in the placenta, warranting further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Neuper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Daniel Kummer
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Désirée Forstner
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Jacqueline Guettler
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Nassim Ghaffari-Tabrizi-Wizsy
- Division of Immunology, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Cornelius Fischer
- Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Herbert Juch
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Diagnostic and Research Institute for Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Olivia Nonn
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt—Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Bouchenaki H, Danigo A, Bernard A, Bessaguet F, Richard L, Sturtz F, Balayssac D, Magy L, Demiot C. Ramipril Alleviates Oxaliplatin-Induced Acute Pain Syndrome in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:712442. [PMID: 34349658 PMCID: PMC8326755 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.712442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxaliplatin is a key drug for colorectal cancer that causes OXP-induced peripheral neuropathy, a dose-limiting effect characterized by cold and tactile hyperesthesia. The relationship between the sensory nervous system and modulation of the renin-angiotensin system has been described, focusing on pain and neurodegeneration in several animal models. We assessed the effect of the RAS modulator, ramipril, an angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitor in a mouse model of OXP-induced acute pain syndrome. OXP was administered in Swiss mice at a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg (3 x 5 mg/kg/3 days, i.p.). RAM was administered i.p. every day from 24 h before the first OXP injection until the end of the experiments. We evaluated OIAS development and treatment effects by sensorimotor tests, intraepidermal nerve fiber and dorsal root ganglia-neuron immunohistochemical analyses, and sciatic nerve ultrastructural analysis. OXP-treated mice showed tactile allodynia and cold hypersensitivity, without motor impairment and evidence of nerve degeneration. RAM prevented cold sensitivity and improved recovery of normal tactile sensitivity in OXP-treated mice. Our finding that RAM alleviates OXP-induced pain is a step towards evaluating its therapeutic potential in patients receiving OXP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hichem Bouchenaki
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance and Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Aurore Danigo
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance and Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Amandine Bernard
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance and Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Flavien Bessaguet
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance and Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Laurence Richard
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance and Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.,Department of Neurology, Reference Center for Rare Peripheral Neuropathies, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Franck Sturtz
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance and Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - David Balayssac
- Neuro-Dol, UMR1107 INSERM, University of Clermont Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurent Magy
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance and Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.,Department of Neurology, Reference Center for Rare Peripheral Neuropathies, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Claire Demiot
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance and Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
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Chen X, Jin R, Jiang Q, Bi Q, He T, Song X, Barz M, Ai H, Shuai X, Nie Y. Delivery of siHIF-1α to Reconstruct Tumor Normoxic Microenvironment for Effective Chemotherapeutic and Photodynamic Anticancer Treatments. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2100609. [PMID: 34032365 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202100609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The tumor hypoxic microenvironment not only induces genetic and epigenetic changes in tumor cells, immature vessels formation for oxygen demand, but also compromises the efficiency of therapeutic interventions. On the other hand, conventional therapeutic approaches which kill tumor cells or destroy tumor blood vessels to block nutrition and oxygen supply usually facilitate even harsher microenvironment. Thus, simultaneously relieving the strained response of tumor cells and blood vessels represents a promising strategy to reverse the adverse tumor hypoxic microenvironment. In the present study, an integrated amphiphilic system (RSCD) is designed based on Angiotensin II receptor blocker candesartan for siRNA delivery against the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), aiming at both vascular and cellular "relaxation" to reconstruct a tumor normoxic microenvironment. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that the hypoxia-inducible HIF-1α expression is down-regulated by 70% and vascular growth is inhibited by 60%. The "relaxation" therapy enables neovascularization with more complete and organized structures to obviously increase the oxygen level inside tumor, which results in a 50% growth inhibition. Moreover, reconstruction of tumor microenvironment enhances tumor-targeted drug delivery, and significantly improves the chemotherapeutic and photodynamic anticancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Rongrong Jin
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Qian Jiang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Qunjie Bi
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Ting He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Xu Song
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Matthias Barz
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz Duesbergweg 10-14, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hua Ai
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Xintao Shuai
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Yu Nie
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
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8
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Tabatabai E, Khazaei M, Asgharzadeh F, Nazari SE, Shakour N, Fiuji H, Ziaeemehr A, Mostafapour A, Parizadeh MR, Nouri M, Hassanian SM, Hadizadeh F, Ferns GA, Rahmati M, Rahmani F, Avan A. Inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptor by candesartan reduces tumor growth and ameliorates fibrosis in colorectal cancer. EXCLI JOURNAL 2021; 20:863-878. [PMID: 34121975 PMCID: PMC8192880 DOI: 10.17179/excli2021-3421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important cause of cancer-related mortality. Aberrant activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is reported to be associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with CRC. This study was designed to explore the anti-tumor effects of the angiotensin receptor blocker Candesartan either alone or in combination with 5-FU in in vitro and in vivo models of CRC. The cytotoxic effects of Candesartan were assessed using the MTT assay in two colorectal cancer cell lines (CT-26 and SW-480). To investigate the potential regulatory role of Candesartan on tumor growth, apoptosis, and migration, the expression levels of Cyclin D1, Survivin, MMP3, MMP9, and E-cadherin mRNAs were evaluated. The oxidant/antioxidant balance was also examined by determining the levels of MDA, thiols, SOD, and CAT. We used a xenograft model of colon cancer to investigate the effects of Candesartan alone, or in combination with 5-FU, on tumor growth following histological staining (Hematoxylin & Eosin and Masson trichrome staining) and biochemical studies as well as gene expression analyses by RT-PCR and western blotting. Candesartan suppressed tumor cell proliferation and migration by modulating Cyclin D1, MMP3/9, and E-cadherin. Treatment with Candesartan either alone, or in combination with 5-FU decreased tumor size in the mouse model, and also increased the level of oxidative markers MDA and reduced CAT, SOD, and thiols. Histological evaluation showed that Candesartan increased tumor necrosis, reduced tumor density and attenuated collagen deposition reducing tumor fibrosis in tumor xenograft. Candesartan, an inhibitor of the RAS, when used in combination with 5-FU reduced tumor growth by inhibiting fibrosis and inducing ROS production, supporting further clinical studies on this therapeutic approach for treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Tabatabai
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Asgharzadeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Elnaz Nazari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Neda Shakour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Fiuji
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Aghigh Ziaeemehr
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Asma Mostafapour
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzin Hadizadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Mohammad Rahmati
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farzad Rahmani
- Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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9
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Silva A, Pereira SS, Monteiro MP, Araújo A, Faria G. Effect of Metabolic Syndrome and Individual Components on Colon Cancer Characteristics and Prognosis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:631257. [PMID: 33747952 PMCID: PMC7970759 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.631257] [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: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is recognized as a risk factor for colon cancer (CC). However, whether the cluster of metabolic changes that define MS also influence CC prognosis remains unclear. Thus, our aim was to investigate whether the presence of MS or any of the MS individual components could provide prognostic information on tumor phenotype and survival outcomes. Clinical and pathological data from patients with CC (n = 300) who underwent surgical resection at a single tertiary hospital were retrospectively collected to evaluate presence of MS components and diagnostic criteria, CC phenotype and disease outcomes. Patients were allocated into two groups according to the presence or absence of MS (n = 85 MS vs n = 83 non-MS). The overall prevalence of MS individual components was 82.7% for increased waist-circumference (WC), 61.3% for high blood pressure (BP), 48.8% for low HDL-cholesterol, 39.9% for high fasting glucose, and 33.9% for hypertriglyceridemia. Patients in the MS group presented smaller tumors (p = 0.006) with lower T-stage (p = 0.002). High BP (p = 0.029) and hypertriglyceridemia (p = 0.044) were associated with a smaller tumor size, while low-HDL (p = 0.008) was associated with lower T-stage. After propensity score matching using age, tumor size and staging as covariates high-BP (p = 0.020) and WC (p = 0.003) were found to influence disease-free survival, but not overall survival. In conclusion, despite MS being an established risk factor for CC, our data does not support the hypothesis that MS components have a negative impact on disease extension or prognosis. Nevertheless, a protective role of BP and lipid lowering drugs cannot be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Silva
- Pharmacy Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia S Pereira
- Endocrine, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Research, Unit for Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research (UMIB) of Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Monteiro
- Endocrine, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Research, Unit for Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research (UMIB) of Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centre for Obesity Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - António Araújo
- Unit of Oncobiology Research, Unit for Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research (UMIB) of Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Medical Oncology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gil Faria
- iGo Department, CINTESIS-Center for Research in Health Technologies and Information Systems, Porto, Portugal.,General Surgery, Hospital de Pedro Hispano - Unidade Local de Saúde de Matosinhos, Senhora da Hora, Portugal.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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10
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Martínez VR, Aguirre MV, Todaro JS, Ferrer EG, Williams PAM. Candesartan and valsartan Zn(ii) complexes as inducing agents of reductive stress: mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj02937h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Candesartan and valsartan Zn(ii) complexes as inducing agents of reductive stress, including mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria R. Martínez
- Centro de Química Inorgánica (CEQUINOR-CONICET-CICPBA-UNLP)
- La Plata
- Argentina
| | - María V. Aguirre
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas
- Facultad de Medicina
- UNNE
- Corrientes
- Argentina
| | - Juan S. Todaro
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas
- Facultad de Medicina
- UNNE
- Corrientes
- Argentina
| | - Evelina G. Ferrer
- Centro de Química Inorgánica (CEQUINOR-CONICET-CICPBA-UNLP)
- La Plata
- Argentina
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11
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Afsar B, Afsar RE, Ertuglu LA, Kuwabara M, Ortiz A, Covic A, Kanbay M. Renin-angiotensin system and cancer: epidemiology, cell signaling, genetics and epigenetics. Clin Transl Oncol 2020; 23:682-696. [PMID: 32930920 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-020-02488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Day by day, the health and economical burden of cancer increases globally. Indeed it can be considered that there is ''cancer pandemic''. Blocking the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) are widely used measures to treat hypertension and heart failure. It has been recently suggested the activation and blocking of RAS has been associated with various types of cancer in epidemiological and experimental studies. Various studies have shown that RAS blockage is protective in some cancers. However, although fewer, contradictory data also showed that RAS blockage is either not related or adversely related to cancer. Although the reasons for these findings are not exactly known, different types of receptors and effectors in RAS may account for these findings. In the current review, we summarize the different RAS receptors and cancer development with regard to epidemiology, and pathogenesis including cell signaling pathways, apoptosis, genetic and epigenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Afsar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Suleyman Demirel University, School of Medicine, 71100, Isparta, Turkey.
| | - R E Afsar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Suleyman Demirel University, School of Medicine, 71100, Isparta, Turkey
| | - L A Ertuglu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - M Kuwabara
- Department of Cardiology, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - A Ortiz
- Dialysis Unit, School of Medicine, IIS-Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Avd. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Covic
- Nephrology Department, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Iași, Romania
| | - M Kanbay
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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12
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Cai XJ, Wang Z, Xu YY, Yang GY, Zhang RY, Wang Y. Candesartan treatment enhances liposome penetration and anti-tumor effect via depletion of tumor stroma and normalization of tumor vessel. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2020; 11:1186-1197. [PMID: 32822012 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-020-00842-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The poor penetration of nanoparticles in solid tumors has been a critical factor limiting the clinical benefits of nanomedicine. Therefore, we depleted the dense extracellular matrix (ECM) and normalized tumor vessels to enhance drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy. We used candesartan as an angiotensin system inhibitor, which reduced ECM content and facilitated "vascular normalization" by targeting the angiotensin-signaling axis, resulting in improved anti-cancer therapeutic effects. We also combined candesartan with PEGylated liposome-encapsulated zoledronic acid (ZOL) (PEG-ZOL-LPs) to assess how this affected anti-tumor therapy. Our findings indicated that the migration of 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells was inhibited by candesartan. Moreover, the ECM depletion (including collagen I and hyaluronan) by candesartan was achieved through the downregulation of TGF-β1 in vitro, consistent with in vivo results. Furthermore, treatment groups that received candesartan also had significantly decreased tumor vessel permeability and proportions of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs) in the serum, which resulted in normalization of tumor vasculature and improved delivery of PEG-ZOL-LPs. Finally, the positive effect candesartan in terms of tumor growth was found not to have an impact of the efficacy of the PEG-ZOL-LPs treatment. This unexpected lack of effect of candesartan on the performance of PEG-ZOL-LPs would be due to dynamics of the effect of both treatments. It might be possible that a different protocol of administration could lead to a synergistic effect. Graphical abstract The schematic illustration showed that candesartan favored depletion of tumor stroma and tumor vascular normalization to improve the anti-cancer efficacy of PEG-ZOL-LPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Jun Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Ying-Ying Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Gao-Yi Yang
- Department of Ultrasoud, Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruo-Ying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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13
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Alwhaibi A, Verma A, Adil MS, Somanath PR. The unconventional role of Akt1 in the advanced cancers and in diabetes-promoted carcinogenesis. Pharmacol Res 2019; 145:104270. [PMID: 31078742 PMCID: PMC6659399 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research have elucidated the critical role of Akt isoforms in cancer as pro-tumorigenic and metastatic regulators through their specific effects on the cancer cells, tumor endothelial cells and the stromal cells. The pro-cancerous role of Akt isoforms through enhanced cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis in cancer cells and the cells in the tumor microenvironment is considered a dogma. Intriguingly, studies also indicate that the Akt pathway is essential to protect the endothelial-barrier and prevent aberrant vascular permeability, which is also integral to tumor perfusion and metastasis. To complicate this further, a flurry of recent reports strongly indicates the metastasis suppressive role of Akt, Akt1 in particular in various cancer types. These reports emanated from different laboratories have elegantly demonstrated the paradoxical effect of Akt1 on cancer cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, tumor endothelial-barrier disruption, and cancer metastasis. Here, we emphasize on the specific role of Akt1 in mediating tumor cell-vasculature reciprocity during the advanced stages of cancers and discuss how Akt1 differentially regulates cancer metastasis through mechanisms distinct from its pro-tumorigenic effects. Since Akt is integral for insulin signaling, endothelial function, and metabolic regulation, we also attempt to shed some light on the specific effects of diabetes in modulating Akt pathway in the promotion of tumor growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman Alwhaibi
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Arti Verma
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Mir S Adil
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Medicine, Vascular Biology Center and Cancer Center, Augusta University, USA.
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14
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Alwhaibi A, Verma A, Artham S, Adil MS, Somanath PR. Nodal pathway activation due to Akt1 suppression is a molecular switch for prostate cancer cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 168:1-13. [PMID: 31202735 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have unraveled the negative role of Akt1 in advanced cancers, including metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). Hence, understanding the consequences of targeting Akt1 in the mPCa and identifying its downstream novel targets is essential. We studied how Akt1 deletion in PC3 and DU145 cells activates the Nodal pathway and promotes PCa epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. Here we show that Akt1 loss increases Nodal expression in PCa cells accompanied by activation of FoxO1/3a, and EMT markers Snail and N-cadherin as well as loss of epithelial marker E-cadherin. Treatment with FoxO inhibitor AS1842856 abrogated the Nodal expression in Akt1 deleted PCa cells. Akt1 deficient PCa cells exhibited enhanced cell migration and invasion in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo, which were attenuated by treatment with Nodal pathway inhibitor SB505124. Interestingly, Nodal mRNA analysis from two genomic studies in cBioportal showed a positive correlation between Nodal expression and Gleason score indicating the positive role of Nodal in human mPCa. Collectively, our data demonstrate Akt1-FoxO3a-Nodal pathway as an important mediator of PCa metastasis and present Nodal as a potential target to treat mPCa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman Alwhaibi
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Arti Verma
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Sandeep Artham
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Mir S Adil
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Department of Medicine, Vascular Biology Center and Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States.
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15
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Martínez VR, Aguirre MV, Todaro JS, Piro OE, Echeverría GA, Ferrer EG, Williams PAM. Azilsartan and its Zn(II) complex. Synthesis, anticancer mechanisms of action and binding to bovine serum albumin. Toxicol In Vitro 2018; 48:205-220. [PMID: 29408668 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Azilsartan is the eighth approved member of angiotensin II receptor blockers for hypertension treatment. Considering that some drugs have additional effects when administered, we studied its effects and mechanisms of action on a human lung cancer cell line A549. We have also modified the structure of the drug by complexation with Zn(II) cation and assayed the anticancer effect. The crystal structure of the new binuclear Zn(II) complex, for short [Zn2(azil)2(H2O)4]·2H2O (ZnAzil), was determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The zinc ions are bridged by azilsartan ligands through their carboxylate oxygen and oxadiazol nitrogen atoms. The compounds were examined for their cytotoxic effects against human lung fibroblast (MRC5) and human lung cancer (A549) cell lines. Azilsartan displayed low cytotoxic effects at 150 μM concentrations in A549 human lung cancer cells but the higher effect measured for the Zn complex suggested that this compound may act as an anticancer agent. An apoptotic oxidative stress mechanism of action via the mitochondrial-dependent intrinsic pathway has been determined. Besides, the compounds exerted weak cytotoxic effects in the normal lung related cell line MRC5. Binding constants of the complex formed between each compound and bovine serum albumin (BSA) are in the intermediate range, hence suggesting that azilsartan and ZnAzil could be bonded and transported by BSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria R Martínez
- Centro de Química Inorgánica (CEQUINOR-CONICET-UNLP), 120 N° 1465, La Plata, Argentina
| | - María V Aguirre
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas, Facultad de Medicina, UNNE, Moreno 1240, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Juan S Todaro
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas, Facultad de Medicina, UNNE, Moreno 1240, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Oscar E Piro
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y IFLP (CONICET, CCT La Plata), C.C. 67, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Gustavo A Echeverría
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y IFLP (CONICET, CCT La Plata), C.C. 67, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Evelina G Ferrer
- Centro de Química Inorgánica (CEQUINOR-CONICET-UNLP), 120 N° 1465, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Patricia A M Williams
- Centro de Química Inorgánica (CEQUINOR-CONICET-UNLP), 120 N° 1465, La Plata, Argentina.
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16
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Endothelial Akt1 loss promotes prostate cancer metastasis via β-catenin-regulated tight-junction protein turnover. Br J Cancer 2018; 118:1464-1475. [PMID: 29755115 PMCID: PMC5988746 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0110-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer research, in general, is focused on targeting tumour cells to limit tumour growth. These studies, however, do not account for the specific effects of chemotherapy on tumour endothelium, in turn, affecting metastasis. Methods We determined how endothelial deletion of Akt1 promotes prostate cancer cell invasion in vitro and metastasis to the lungs in vivo in endothelial-specific Akt1 knockdown mice. Results Here we show that metastatic human PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells invade through Akt1-deficient human lung endothelial cell (HLEC) monolayer with higher efficiency compared to control HLEC. Although the endothelial Akt1 loss in mice had no significant effect on RM1 tumour xenograft growth in vivo, it promoted metastasis to the lungs compared to the wild-type mice. Mechanistically, Akt1-deficient endothelial cells exhibited increased phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of phosphorylated β-catenin, and reduced expression of tight-junction proteins claudin-5, ZO-1 and ZO-2. Pharmacological inhibition of β-catenin nuclear translocation using compounds ICG001 and IWR-1 restored HLEC tight-junction integrity and inhibited prostate cancer cell transendothelial migration in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. Conclusions Here we show for the first time that endothelial-specific loss of Akt1 promotes cancer metastasis in vivo involving β-catenin pathway.
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Rasheduzzaman M, Park SY. Antihypertensive drug-candesartan attenuates TRAIL resistance in human lung cancer via AMPK-mediated inhibition of autophagy flux. Exp Cell Res 2018; 368:126-135. [PMID: 29694835 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used as antihypertensive drugs. Candesartan is an ARB that has also been known for its anticancer effects but the exact molecular mechanism is remaining elusive. In this research, we showed for the first time that candesartan treatment significantly sensitized human lung adenocarcinoma cells to Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated apoptosis by targeting TRAIL-DR5. TRAIL selectively kills cancer cells by binding to death receptors on the cell membrane, beyond the levels causing minimal toxicity in normal cells. However, some non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients are resistant to TRAIL treatment in clinical trials due to inactivation of the death receptors during cytoprotective autophagy. The molecular mechanisms underlying candesartan-induced TRAIL-mediated apoptosis involved the downstream of AMPK phosphorylation resulting inhibition of autophagy flux, recruitment of death receptor 5 (DR5) and activation of apoptotic caspase cascade. Candesartan treatment also inhibits the expression of anti-apoptotic protein c-FLIP. Furthermore, blocking DR5 signaling using DR5 siRNA negatively regulated the apoptotic pathway and also induced autophagy flux, demonstrating the cytoprotective role of autophagy responsible for treatment resistance. This suggests that candesartan can be used to sensitize tumors to TRAIL treatment and may represent a useful strategy for human adenocarcinoma patients to overcome TRAIL resistance. Candesartan in combination with TRAIL also could be a novel therapeutic treatment for patients presenting both conditions of hypertension and lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rasheduzzaman
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, South Korea
| | - Sang-Youel Park
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, South Korea.
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18
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Biagiotti G, Fedeli S, Tuci G, Luconi L, Giambastiani G, Brandi A, Pisaneschi F, Cicchi S, Paoli P. Combined therapies with nanostructured carbon materials: there is room still available at the bottom. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:2022-2035. [PMID: 32254426 DOI: 10.1039/c8tb00121a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The progress of the chemistry of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene derivatives [mainly graphene oxide (GO)] has produced a number of technologically advanced drug delivery systems (DDS) that have been used in the field of nanomedicine, mostly in studies related to oncology. However, such a demanding field of research requires continuous improvements in terms of efficiency, selectivity and versatility. The loading of two, or more, bioactive components on the same nanoparticle offers new possibilities for treating cancer, efficiently addressing issues related both to biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. Nanostructured carbon materials (NCM), with their high surface area, their efficient cellular membrane crossing and their chemical versatility are ideal candidates for easy hetero-decoration and exploitation as advanced DDS. This review describes the achievements obtained in this area focusing on those studies in which two or more active components were loaded onto the DDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Biagiotti
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", Università di Firenze, via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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19
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Do statins, ACE inhibitors or sartans improve outcome in primary glioblastoma? J Neurooncol 2018; 138:163-171. [PMID: 29423540 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-018-2786-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastomas are malignant brain tumors with poor prognosis. Lately, data from clinical studies assessing the role of co-medications in different cancer types suggested reduced mortality and potential anti-tumor activity for statins, angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (sartans). Here, we analysed the association of co-treatment with statins, ACEI or sartans with outcome in a cohort of 810 patients enrolled in the phase III CENTRIC and phase II CORE trials on the role of the integrin antagonist, cilengitide, in newly diagnosed glioblastoma with or without O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analysed for each medication in the pooled patient group. No association was found for co-medication with either drug for PFS or OS. Median OS was 22.1 (statins) versus 22.2 (control) months (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.81-1.39, p = 0.69), 20.4 (ACEI) versus 22.6 (control) months (HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.96-1.62, p = 0.10), and 21.7 (sartans) versus 22.3 (control) months (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.61-1.21, p = 0.38). None of the comparisons showed a signal for different PFS or OS when analyses were controlled for MGMT promoter methylation or treatment group (TMZ/RT → TMZ vs. RT + CIL + TMZ → TMZ + CIL). This secondary analysis of two large glioblastoma trials thus was unable to detect evidence for an association of the use of statins, ACEI or sartans with outcome in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. These data challenge the rationale for prospective studies on the possible role of these non-tumor-specific drugs within the concept of drug repurposing.
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Bessaguet F, Danigo A, Magy L, Sturtz F, Desmoulière A, Demiot C. Candesartan prevents resiniferatoxin-induced sensory small-fiber neuropathy in mice by promoting angiotensin II-mediated AT2 receptor stimulation. Neuropharmacology 2017; 126:142-150. [PMID: 28882562 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sensory defects associated with small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) can lead to profound disabilities. The relationship between the sensory nervous system and modulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been described and focused on pain and neurodegeneration in several animal models. We have recently developed an experimental model of functional sensory neuropathy showing thermal hypoalgesia and neuropeptide depletion without nerve fiber degeneration. Here, we aimed to determine whether the modulation of angiotensin II (Ang II) activity could prevent sensory neuropathy induced by RTX. Control and RTX mice received ramipril, an Ang II converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, (0.5 mg/kg/day) or candesartan, an Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blocker (0.5 mg/kg/day), one day before vehicle or RTX administration, and each day for the next seven days. Ramipril did not have a beneficial effect in RTX mice, whereas candesartan prevented thermal hypoalgesia and reduced neuropeptide depletion in intraepidermal nerve fibers and dorsal root ganglion neurons. The preventive effect of candesartan was not observed in mice deficient for the Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R) and was counteracted in wild type mice by EMA200, an AT2R antagonist (3 mg/kg/day). Thus, candesartan may promote AT2R activation by blocking AT1R and increasing Ang II production and enhance its mechanisms of neuroprotection in our RTX model. Our finding that candesartan prevents nociception deficits and neuropeptide depletion encourages the evaluation of its therapeutic potential in patients presenting SFN, particularly those who experience chemotherapy-induced SFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavien Bessaguet
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance & Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Aurore Danigo
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance & Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Laurent Magy
- Department of Neurology, Reference Center for Rare Peripheral Neuropathies, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Franck Sturtz
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance & Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Alexis Desmoulière
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance & Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Claire Demiot
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance & Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.
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AGTR1 promoter hypermethylation in lung squamous cell carcinoma but not in lung adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:4989-4994. [PMID: 29085512 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation is associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), suggesting that gene promoter methylation may be a potential biomarker for the detection or risk prediction of NSCLC. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential usage of angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1) methylation in two major pathologic subtypes: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the effect of AGTR1 promoter methylation in the tumor and the paired adjacent non-tumor tissue samples from 42 patients with LUSC, and 69 with LUAD. The percentage of methylated reference was calculated and presented as the median (interquartile range 25th-75th percentile). The results of the current study revealed that there was significantly increased AGTR1 promoter methylation in the tumor tissues compared with the paired adjacent non-tumor tissue [97.4 (57.22-130.5) vs. 85 (48.25-123); P=0.024]. Furthermore, higher AGTR1 promoter methylation was observed in patients with LUSC compared with LUAD (odds ratio=2.483; 95% confidence interval=1.125-5.480; P=0.023). Significant differences were identified in AGTR1 methylation between non-tumor and the tumor tissues in LUSC [113.5 (68.33-148.73) vs. 93.04 (45.94-140); P=0.008]. In addition, the Cancer Genome Atlas data of 378 patients with LUSC and 477 with LUAD revealed an inverse correlation between gene expression and the methylation status of AGTR1 promoter.. These data suggest that AGTR1 hypermethylation is a promising biomarker to assist in LUSC detection and diagnosis.
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22
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Mao Y, Xu X, Wang X, Zheng X, Xie L. Is angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers therapy protective against prostate cancer? Oncotarget 2017; 7:6765-73. [PMID: 26760503 PMCID: PMC4872747 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may act as a molecular and therapeutic target for treating site-specific cancers, including prostate cancer. However, previous observational studies regarding the association between RAS inhibitors and prostate cancer risk have reported inconsistent results. We examined this association by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. A total of 20,267 patients from nine cohort studies were enrolled. Compared with non-users of RAS inhibitors, individuals using RAS inhibitors had a reduced risk of prostate cancer (RR 0.92, 95 % CI 0.87-0.98), without statistically significant heterogeneity among studies (P = 0.118 for heterogeneity, I2 = 37.6 %). In addition, when subgroup analyses by study quality and number of cases, more statistically significant associations were observed in studies of high quality (RR 0.93, 95 % CI 0.88-0.97) and large sample size (RR 0.94, 95 % CI 0.91-0.98). There was no evidence of significant publication bias with Begg's test (P = 0.602) or with Egger's test (P = 0.350). Overall, this study indicates that use of RAS inhibitors may be associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Large-scale well designed studies are needed to further explore this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqing Mao
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyi Zheng
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liping Xie
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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23
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Vascular morphology differentiates prostate cancer mortality risk among men with higher Gleason grade. Cancer Causes Control 2016; 27:1043-7. [PMID: 27379990 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-016-0782-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher Gleason grade is associated with prostate cancer mortality; however, there is significant heterogeneity in this association. We evaluated whether vessel morphology, a biomarker of angiogenesis, aided in distinguishing mortality risks among men with high Gleason grading. METHODS We characterized vessel morphology (area and irregularity) among 511 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer during 1986 to 2000, re-reviewed Gleason grade, and followed men through 2012. Men were grouped according to integrated vessel lumen irregularity and vessel area across Gleason grade. The more angiogenic group was identified as those with more irregular vessel lumen and smaller vessel area. Crude rates (95 % confidence intervals) and survival probability were estimated across Gleason grade and vessel morphology. RESULTS During a median 14-year follow-up, 62 men developed bone metastases or died of prostate cancer. Lethality rates were uniformly low within Gleason grade categories 6 and 7(3 + 4), regardless of vessel morphology. However, among men with Gleason grades of 7(4 + 3) or 8-10, the more angiogenic group was associated with fourfold higher risk of lethal outcomes compared to those with less angiogenic potential. Ten-year survival probability ranged from 95 to 74 % according to the extent of vessel morphology (p < 0.0001, log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS Vessel morphology may aid Gleason grading in predicting prostate cancer mortality risks among men diagnosed with high-grade Gleason cancers.
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Miyajima A, Kosaka T, Kikuchi E, Oya M. Renin-angiotensin system blockade: Its contribution and controversy. Int J Urol 2015; 22:721-30. [PMID: 26032599 DOI: 10.1111/iju.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin II is a key biological peptide in the renin-angiotensin system that regulates blood pressure and renal hemodynamics, and extensive experimental studies have shown that angiotensin II promotes diverse fibrotic changes and induces neovascularization in several inflammatory diseases. It is known that angiotensin II can be controlled using renin-angiotensin system blockade when angiotensin II is the main factor inducing a particular disease, and renin-angiotensin system blockade has assumed a central role in the treatment of inflammatory nephritis, cardiovascular disorders and retinopathy. In contrast, renin-angiotensin system blockade was found to have not only these effects but also other functions, such as inhibition of cancer growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. Numerous studies have sought to elucidate the mechanisms and support these antitumor effects. However, a recent meta-analysis showed that renin-angiotensin system blockade use might in fact increase the incidence of cancer, so renin-angiotensin system blockade use has become somewhat controversial. Although the renin-angiotensin system has most certainly made great contributions to experimental models and clinical practice, some issues still need to be resolved. The present review discusses the contribution and controversy surrounding the renin-angiotensin system up to the present time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Miyajima
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Kosaka
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiji Kikuchi
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mototsugu Oya
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Papanagnou P, Baltopoulos P, Tsironi M. Marketed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, antihypertensives, and human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors: as-yet-unused weapons of the oncologists' arsenal. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2015; 11:807-19. [PMID: 26056460 PMCID: PMC4445694 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s82049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental data indicate that several pharmacological agents that have long been used for the management of various diseases unrelated to cancer exhibit profound in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity. This is of major clinical importance, since it would possibly aid in reassessing the therapeutic use of currently used agents for which clinicians already have experience. Further, this would obviate the time-consuming process required for the development and the approval of novel antineoplastic drugs. Herein, both pre-clinical and clinical data concerning the antineoplastic function of distinct commercially available pharmacological agents that are not currently used in the field of oncology, ie, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihypertensive agents, and anti-human immunodeficiency virus agents inhibiting viral protease, are reviewed. The aim is to provide integrated information regarding not only the molecular basis of the antitumor function of these agents but also the applicability of the reevaluation of their therapeutic range in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Papanagnou
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Sparta, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Baltopoulos
- Department of Sports Medicine and Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Tsironi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Sparta, Greece
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Al-Azayzih A, Gao F, Somanath PR. P21 activated kinase-1 mediates transforming growth factor β1-induced prostate cancer cell epithelial to mesenchymal transition. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1853:1229-39. [PMID: 25746720 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is believed to play a dual role in prostate cancer. Molecular mechanism by which TGFβ1 suppresses early prostate tumor growth and induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in advanced stages is not known. We determined if P21-activated kinase1 (Pak1), which mediates cytoskeletal remodeling is necessary for the TGFβ1 induced prostate cancer EMT. Effects of TGFβ1 on control prostate cancer PC3 and DU145 cells and those with IPA 3 and siRNA mediated Pak1 inhibition were tested for prostate tumor xenograft in vivo and EMT in vitro. TGFβ1 inhibited PC3 tumor xenograft growth via activation of P38-MAPK and caspase-3, 9. Long-term stimulation with TGFβ1 induced PC3 and DU145 cell scattering and increased expression of EMT markers such as Snail and N-cadherin through tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF6)-mediated activation of Rac1/Pak1 pathway. Selective inhibition of Pak1 using IPA 3 or knockdown using siRNA both significantly inhibited TGFβ1-induced prostate cancer cell EMT and expression of mesenchymal markers. Our study demonstrated that TGFβ1 induces apoptosis and EMT in prostate cancer cells via activation of P38-MAPK and Rac1/Pak1 respectively. Our results reveal the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting TGFβ1-Pak1 pathway for advanced-stage prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Al-Azayzih
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States; College of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Fei Gao
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States; Department of Medicine, Vascular Biology Center and Cancer Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, United States.
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