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Budka J, Debowski D, Mai S, Narajczyk M, Hac S, Rolka K, Vrettos EI, Tzakos AG, Inkielewicz-Stepniak I. Design, Synthesis, and Antitumor Evaluation of an Opioid Growth Factor Bioconjugate Targeting Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:283. [PMID: 38399336 PMCID: PMC10892429 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a formidable challenge with high lethality and limited effective drug treatments. Its heightened metastatic potential further complicates the prognosis. Owing to the significant toxicity of current chemotherapeutics, compounds like [Met5]-enkephalin, known as opioid growth factor (OGF), have emerged in oncology clinical trials. OGF, an endogenous peptide interacting with the OGF receptor (OGFr), plays a crucial role in inhibiting cell proliferation across various cancer types. This in vitro study explores the potential anticancer efficacy of a newly synthesized OGF bioconjugate in synergy with the classic chemotherapeutic agent, gemcitabine (OGF-Gem). The study delves into assessing the impact of the OGF-Gem conjugate on cell proliferation inhibition, cell cycle regulation, the induction of cellular senescence, and apoptosis. Furthermore, the antimetastatic potential of the OGF-Gem conjugate was demonstrated through evaluations using blood platelets and AsPC-1 cells with a light aggregometer. In summary, this article demonstrates the cytotoxic impact of the innovative OGF-Gem conjugate on pancreatic cancer cells in both 2D and 3D models. We highlight the potential of both the OGF-Gem conjugate and OGF alone in effectively inhibiting the ex vivo pancreatic tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA) process, a phenomenon not observed with Gem alone. Furthermore, the confirmed hemocompatibility of OGF-Gem with platelets reinforces its promising potential. We anticipate that this conjugation strategy will open avenues for the development of potent anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Budka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pathophysiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dawid Debowski
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Shaoshan Mai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pathophysiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Narajczyk
- Bioimaging Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Stanislaw Hac
- Department of General Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Rolka
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Andreas G. Tzakos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- University Research Center of Ioannina, Institute of Materials Science and Computing, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Hankins GR, Harris RT. The Opioid Growth Factor in Growth Regulation and Immune Responses in Cancer. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 35:45-85. [PMID: 38874718 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45493-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
It has become apparent that endogenous opioids act not only as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, but have multiple functions in the body. Activation of the opioid system by opiate drugs is associated with a risk of cancer development through direct stimulation of tumor cell proliferation and through immunosuppression. In contrast, the endogenous peptide opioid [Met5]-enkephalin, now commonly referred to as Opioid Growth Factor (OGF), negatively regulates cell proliferation in a wide number of cells during development, homeostasis, and neoplasia. This action is mediated through the opioid growth factor receptor, originally designated the zeta (ζ) opioid receptor. Further, contrary to the traditional notion of opiates as immunosuppressive, endogenous OGF has been shown to possess a number of positive immunomodulatory properties and may provide a beneficial effect in cancer by augmenting the activity of cells involved in both innate and acquired immunity. Taken together, the evidence supports consideration of opioid peptides such as OGF as new strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Hankins
- Department of Biology, West Virginia State University, Institute, WV, USA.
| | - Robert T Harris
- Department of Biology, West Virginia State University, Institute, WV, USA
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Qu N, Wang R, Meng Y, Liu N, Zhai J, Shan F. Methionine enkephalin inhibited cervical carcinoma via apoptosis promotion and reduction of myeloid derived suppressor cell infiltrated in tumor. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108933. [PMID: 35738090 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy for cervical carcinoma is becoming increasingly important recently. In these studies methionine enkephalin (menk) is shown to inhibit cervical tumor cell proliferation in vitro in association with an increase in the expression of apoptosis markers and mediators, including an increase in fas, caspase 8, and caspase 3 expression and intrinsic expression of the signaling pathway mediator bax. In vivo, tumor growth was restrained in mice xenotransplant model with typical pathological features of apoptosis. Furthermore, myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) had a significant decrease in circulation and in tumor site. In brief, these findings showed menk could inhibit tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, providing direction of further research and clinical application prospect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Qu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China; Department of Gynecology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ruizhe Wang
- Department of Gynecology, No. 1 Teaching Hospital, China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yiming Meng
- Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jingbo Zhai
- Medical College, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao 028000, China; Key Laboratory of Zoonose Prevention and Control at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Tongliao 028000, China
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
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Purushothaman I, Zagon IS, Sassani JW, McLaughlin PJ. Ocular surface complications in diabetes: The interrelationship between insulin and enkephalin. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 192:114712. [PMID: 34324868 PMCID: PMC8478878 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is a multi-faceted disorder with increasing prevalence and rising healthcare costs. The burden of diabetes is increased because of associated complications affecting nearly all organs including the eye. The underlying pathophysiology for the onset of these ocular surface disorders is not well known. Enkephalins are endogenous opioids that originate in the brain and have numerous actions in the human body. Opioid growth factor (OGF), chemically termed [Met5]-enkephalin, binds to a novel, nuclear-associated receptor and mediates cellular homeostasis. Serum OGF levels are elevated in diabetic individuals and rodent models of diabetes. Sustained blockade of the OGF receptor (OGFr) with opioid receptor antagonists, such as naltrexone (NTX), reverses many complications of diabetes in the animal model, including delayed cutaneous wound healing, dry eye, altered corneal surface sensitivity, and keratopathy. The increased enkephalin levels observed in diabetes suggest a relationship between endogenous opioid peptides and the pathophysiology of diabetes. It is common for diabetic patients to undergo insulin therapy to restore normal blood glucose levels. However, this restoration does not alter OGF serum levels nor ameliorate ocular surface complications in the animal model of diabetes. Moreover, sex differences in the prevalence of diabetes, response to insulin therapy, and abnormalities in the OGF-OGFr axis have been reported. This review highlights current knowledge on the dysregulation of the OGF-OGFr pathway and possible relationships of insulin and enkephalins to the development of ocular surface defects in diabetes. It proposes that this dysregulation is a fundamental mechanism for the pathobiology of diabetic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira Purushothaman
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Ian S Zagon
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Joseph W Sassani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Patricia J McLaughlin
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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Research progress of opioid growth factor in immune-related diseases and cancer diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:107713. [PMID: 34426103 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Methionine enkephalin (MENK) has an important role in both neuroendocrine and immune systems. MENK was known as an opioid growth factor (OGF) for its growth regulatory characteristics. OGF interacts with the OGF receptor (OGFr) to inhibit DNA synthesis by upregulating p16 and/or p21, which delays the cell cycle transition from G0/G1 to S phase, and inhibits cell proliferation. In addition, OGF combines with OGFr in immune cells to exert its immunomodulatory activity and regulate immune function. OGF has been studied as an immunomodulator in a variety of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and viral infections, and has been proven to relieve symptoms of certain diseases in animal and in vitro experiments. Also, OGF and OGFr have various anti-tumor molecular mechanisms. OGF can be used as the primary therapy alone or combined with other drugs to treat tumors. This article summarizes the research progress of OGF in immune-related diseases and cancer diseases.
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Qu N, Meng Y, Handley MK, Wang C, Shan F. Preclinical and clinical studies into the bioactivity of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) for oncotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107714. [PMID: 33989971 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Naltrexone (NTX) is a nonspecific opioid antagonist that exerts pharmacological effects on the opioid axis by blocking opioid receptors distributed in cytoplastic and nuclear regions. NTX has been used in opioid use disorder (OUD), immune-associated diseases, alcoholism, obesity, and chronic pain for decades. However, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) also exhibits remarkable inhibition of DNA synthesis, viability, and other functions in numerous cancers and is involved in immune remodeling against tumor invasion and chemical toxicity. The potential anticancer activity of LDN is a focus of basic research. Herein, we summarize the associated studies on LDN oncotherapy to highlight the potential mechanisms and prospective clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Qu
- Department of Gynecology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Institute and Hospital, No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yiming Meng
- Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Institute and Hospital, No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Mike K Handley
- Cytocom, Inc., 2537 Research Blvd. Suite 201, FortCollins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Institute and Hospital, No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang 110122, China.
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Budka J, Kowalski S, Chylinska M, Dzierzbicka K, Inkielewicz-Stepniak I. Opioid Growth Factor and its Derivatives as Potential Non-toxic Multifunctional Anticancer and Analgesic Compounds. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:673-686. [PMID: 32129162 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200304122406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant research progress on the pathogenesis, molecular biology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer, its morbidity and mortality are still high around the world. The emerging resistance of cancer cells to anticancer drugs remains still a significant problem in oncology today. Furthermore, an important challenge is the inability of anticancer drugs to selectively target tumor cells thus sparing healthy cells. One of the new potential options for efficient and safe therapy can be provided by opioid growth factor (OGF), chemically termed Met-enkephalin. It is an endogenous pentapeptide (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met) with antitumor, analgesic, and immune-boosting properties. Clinical trials have demonstrated that OGF therapy alone, as well as in combination with standard chemotherapies, is a safe, non-toxic anticancer agent that reduces tumor size. In this paper, we review the structure-activity relationship of OGF and its analogues. We highlight also OGF derivatives with analgesic, immunomodulatory activity and the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and may be used as safe agents enhancing chemotherapy efficacy and improving quality of life in cancer patients. The reviewed papers indicate that Met-enkephalin and its analogues are interesting candidates for the development of novel, non-toxic, and endowed with an analgesic activity anticancer drugs. More preclinical and clinical studies are needed to explore these opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Budka
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Szymon Kowalski
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Monika Chylinska
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Krystyna Dzierzbicka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland
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Tuo Y, Tian C, Lu L, Xiang M. The paradoxical role of methionine enkephalin in tumor responses. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 882:173253. [PMID: 32535097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Methionine enkephalin (MENK) is an opioid peptide composed of five amino acids with multiple biological activities. Since its discovery, MENK has become prominent in neuroregulation and immunoregulation. Tumors have increasingly been a spotlight because of their terrible trends and refractory characteristic. The therapeutic potential of MENK was investigated on a large scale, and there are numerous evidences that MENK exerts anti-tumor effects via two mechanisms. The first mechanism explains the enhanced anti-tumor immune effects of MENK. The second mechanism shows that MENK directly inhibits tumor cell proliferation. However, numerous reports have clarified the pro-tumor role of MENK by inhibiting T and B cell proliferation, promoting tumor cell growth by binding to opioid receptors, leading to desensitization of lymphocytes, and inducing tolerance. It is particularly intriguing that dual reactions are triggered when MENK combines with its opioid receptors; thus, anti-tumor response of the whole body is influenced. This review will expound the dual roles of MENK in tumor responses based on immune cells, cytokines, and tumor cells to provide better suggestions for its application in tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Tuo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Cheng Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Lili Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ming Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Aboalsoud A, El-Ghaiesh SH, Abd Elmonem FF, Salem ML, Abdel Rahman MN. The effect of low-dose naltrexone on solid Ehrlich carcinoma in mice: The role of OGFr, BCL2, and immune response. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 78:106068. [PMID: 31835085 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.106068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Cancer is a major worldwide health problem. Cancer cells express opioid growth factor (OGF) which controls their growth. Naltrexone in low dose (LDN) blocks opioid receptors intermittently and controls the replication of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of LDN and its chemotherapeutic additive effect on the growth of solid Ehrlich carcinoma in mice with focus on the OGFr and immune responses. MAIN METHODS Sixty female Swiss albino mice were assigned into 5 groups (n: 12 mice each): (i): normal control, (ii): Solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC), (iii): SEC treated with LDN, (iv): SEC treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), (v): SEC treated with LDN + 5-FU. All drugs were started when the tumor became palpable on 9th day. At the end of the study animals were sacrificed, blood and tissue samples were collected. Tumor weight and volume were measured. Splenocytes and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) were counted. Tumor expression of opioid growth factor receptors (OGFr), serum level of IFN-γ, tumor histopathology (H&E) and immunohistochemistry staining of p21, p53, Bcl2 were assessed. KEY FINDINGS All drug-treated groups showed reduction in tumor weight and volume, significant increase of splenocyte with tendency to reduce MDSC cell counts. LDN led to significant increase in OGFr both in solo and in combination with 5FU. Serum IFN-γ is significantly increased by LDN but decreased by 5-FU. Also, LDN and 5FU increased immunehistochemical staining of p21 while decreased immunostaining of Bcl2. In animals treated with a combination of LDN and 5FU a maximal downregulation of the antiapoptotic mediator BCL2 was observed. SIGNIFICANCE The current study suggested that LDN may play a role in inhibiting cancer cell growth and highlights the possibility of promising combination with cancer chemotherapeutics, which guarantee further clinical studies for approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alshimaa Aboalsoud
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Sabah H El-Ghaiesh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Fleur F Abd Elmonem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mohammed L Salem
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mohamed N Abdel Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Bisha University, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
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Wang R, Zhang Y, Shan F. Interaction of opioid growth factor (OGF) and opioid antagonist and their significance in cancer therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 75:105785. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Zhao D, Plotnikoff N, Griffin N, Song T, Shan F. Methionine enkephalin, its role in immunoregulation and cancer therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 37:59-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ebrahimpour S, Tabari MA, Youssefi MR, Aghajanzadeh H, Behzadi MY. Synergistic effect of aged garlic extract and naltrexone on improving immune responses to experimentally induced fibrosarcoma tumor in BALB/c mice. Pharmacognosy Res 2013; 5:189-94. [PMID: 23901215 PMCID: PMC3719261 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.112426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Garlic, a medicinal plant, and Naltrexone (NTX), an opioid receptor antagonist, both have immunomodulatory and antitumor effects. Current study was designed to evaluate synergistic antitumor effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) and NTX. Materials and Methods: WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma cells were implanted subcutaneously on day 0 into right flank of 80 BALB/c mice at age of 8 weeks. Mice were randomly categorized in four separate groups: The first group received AGE (100 mg/kg, i.p.), the second group received NTX (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), the third group received both of them, and the fourth group received phosphate buffered saline as control group. Treatments were administered three times per week. Tumor growth was measured and morbidity was recorded. Subpopulations of CD4+/CD8+ T cells were determined using flowcytometery. WEHI-164 cell specific cytotoxicity of splenocytes and in vitro production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) cytokines were measured. All statistical analyses were conducted with SPSS 16 software and P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The mice who received AGE+NTX had significantly longer survival time compared with the mice treated with AGE or NTX alone. An enhanced inhibitory effect on tumor growth was seen in combination therapy group. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio and in vitro IFN-γ production of splenocytes were significantly increased in AGE+NTX and NTX groups. WEHI-164 specific cytotoxicity of splenocytes was also significantly increased at 25:1 E:T ratio in AGE+NTX treated mice. Coadministration of AGE with NTX resulted in improvement of immune responses against experimentally implanted fibrosarcoma tumors in BALB/c mice. Conclusions: AGE showed synergistic effects with NTX on inhibition of tumor growth and increment of survival times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheil Ebrahimpour
- Infection Disease and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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McLaughlin PJ, Keiper CL, Verderame MF, Zagon IS. Targeted overexpression of OGFr in epithelium of transgenic mice suppresses cell proliferation and impairs full-thickness wound closure. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2012; 302:R1084-90. [PMID: 22338080 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00670.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The opioid growth factor (OGF) and its receptor, OGFr, play a regulatory role in cell proliferation, and maintain homeostasis through a tonically active negative feedback mechanism. To directly evaluate the repercussion of increased OGFr expression and consequent gain-of-function in epithelium, bovine keratin 5 promoter elements were used to direct the expression of OGFr to skin in a tetracycline-regulated manner. Three founder lines overexpressing OGFr (OGFrTG/K5-tTA) were established. Evidence for increased OGFr in the epithelium included a three-fold increase in OGFr binding activity, as well as significant increases in OGFr protein, as monitored by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry. DNA synthesis in target epithelium, including cornea, tongue, and skin of transgenic mice was decreased 41% to 80% from wild-type littermates; the liver, a nonepithelial organ, was not altered. Decreased DNA synthesis in corneal epithelium induced by transgenic expression of OGFr was further reduced by treatment with exogenous OGF but reversed by exposure to the opioid antagonist, naloxone. The number of cell layers in both epidermis and cornea of OGFrTG/K5-tTA animals was reduced nearly 45% from wild-type mice. Full-thickness wounds in mice overexpressing OGFr healed 37% to 75% slower than wild-type littermates. These data demonstrate for the first time that stable genetic amplification of OGFr downregulates homeostatic cell proliferation, as well as pathophysiological processes with respect to wound repair. These mice also can serve as a valuable model to dissect the mechanism of OGF-OGFr action and may be important in understanding the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of epithelium-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia J McLaughlin
- Dept. of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State Univ. College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA.
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-third consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2010 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
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McLaughlin PJ, Stucki JK, Zagon IS. Modulation of the opioid growth factor ([Met5]-enkephalin)-opioid growth factor receptor axis: Novel therapies for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Head Neck 2011; 34:513-9. [DOI: 10.1002/hed.21759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Revised: 01/03/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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Zagon IS, Donahue RN, Bonneau RH, McLaughlin PJ. T lymphocyte proliferation is suppressed by the opioid growth factor ([Met5]-enkephalin)–opioid growth factor receptor axis: Implication for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Immunobiology 2011; 216:579-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2010.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2010] [Revised: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Rahn KA, McLaughlin PJ, Zagon IS. Prevention and diminished expression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by low dose naltrexone (LDN) or opioid growth factor (OGF) for an extended period: Therapeutic implications for multiple sclerosis. Brain Res 2011; 1381:243-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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