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Al-Odat OS, Nelson E, Budak-Alpdogan T, Jonnalagadda SC, Desai D, Pandey MK. Discovering Potential in Non-Cancer Medications: A Promising Breakthrough for Multiple Myeloma Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2381. [PMID: 39001443 PMCID: PMC11240591 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
MM is a common type of cancer that unfortunately leads to a significant number of deaths each year. The majority of the reported MM cases are detected in the advanced stages, posing significant challenges for treatment. Additionally, all MM patients eventually develop resistance or experience relapse; therefore, advances in treatment are needed. However, developing new anti-cancer drugs, especially for MM, requires significant financial investment and a lengthy development process. The study of drug repurposing involves exploring the potential of existing drugs for new therapeutic uses. This can significantly reduce both time and costs, which are typically a major concern for MM patients. The utilization of pre-existing non-cancer drugs for various myeloma treatments presents a highly efficient and cost-effective strategy, considering their prior preclinical and clinical development. The drugs have shown promising potential in targeting key pathways associated with MM progression and resistance. Thalidomide exemplifies the success that can be achieved through this strategy. This review delves into the current trends, the challenges faced by conventional therapies for MM, and the importance of repurposing drugs for MM. This review highlights a noncomprehensive list of conventional therapies that have potentially significant anti-myeloma properties and anti-neoplastic effects. Additionally, we offer valuable insights into the resources that can help streamline and accelerate drug repurposing efforts in the field of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar S. Al-Odat
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (O.S.A.-O.); (E.N.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;
| | - Emily Nelson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (O.S.A.-O.); (E.N.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;
| | | | | | - Dhimant Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Neuroscience Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Manoj K. Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (O.S.A.-O.); (E.N.)
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2
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Dong RJ, Li J, Zhang Y, Li JS, Yang LH, Kuang YQ, Wang RR, Li YY. Thalidomide promotes NLRP3/caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis of macrophages in Talaromyces marneffei infection. Microb Pathog 2023:106168. [PMID: 37224982 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage-derived inflammatory cytokines are critical for host defense against Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei) infection among HIV/AIDS patients, and excessive inflammatory cytokines are associated with poor outcomes of AIDS-associated talaromycosis. However, the underlying mechanisms of macrophage-caused pyroptosis and cytokine storm are poorly understood. Here, in the T. marneffei-infected mice and macrophages, we show that T. marneffei induced pyroptosis in macrophages through the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway. The immunomodulatory drug thalidomide could promote the pyroptosis of macrophages infected T. marneffei. In T. marneffei-infected mice, the splenic macrophages underwent increasing pyroptosis as talaromycosis deteriorated. Thalidomide ameliorated inflammation of mice, while amphotericin B (AmB) in combination with thalidomide did not improve overall survival compared with AmB alone. Taken together, our findings suggest that thalidomide promotes NLRP3/caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis of macrophages in T. marneffei infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Jing Dong
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Occurrence and Intervention of Kidney Diseases, Medical College, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jia-Sheng Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Lu-Hui Yang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Yi-Qun Kuang
- Scientific Research Laboratory Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming650032, China.
| | - Rui-Rui Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Yu-Ye Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China.
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Smith L, Yesudian PD, Murugusundaram S, Krishnakumar S, Yesudian P. IgG4-related skin disease responsive to thalidomide. Clin Exp Dermatol 2023; 48:290-292. [PMID: 36763743 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llac073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
IgG4-related skin disease is a rare, immune-mediated disorder characterized by tissue infiltration with IgG4+ plasma cells, along with elevated serum IgG4. We describe a patient treated successfully with thalidomide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Smith
- Department of Dermatology, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wrexham, UK
| | - Paul Devakar Yesudian
- Department of Dermatology, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wrexham, UK
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Chen R, Lan Z, Ye J, Pang L, Liu Y, Wu W, Qin X, Guo Y, Zhang P. Cytokine Storm: The Primary Determinant for the Pathophysiological Evolution of COVID-19 Deterioration. Front Immunol 2021; 12:589095. [PMID: 33995341 PMCID: PMC8115911 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.589095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an ongoing major threat to global health and has posed significant challenges for the treatment of severely ill COVID-19 patients. Several studies have reported that cytokine storms are an important cause of disease deterioration and death in COVID-19 patients. Consequently, it is important to understand the specific pathophysiological processes underlying how cytokine storms promote the deterioration of COVID-19. Here, we outline the pathophysiological processes through which cytokine storms contribute to the deterioration of SARS-CoV-2 infection and describe the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system, as well as the pathophysiology of immune response dysfunction that leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and coagulation impairment. Treatments based on inhibiting cytokine storm-induced deterioration and occurrence are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirong Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhien Lan
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jujian Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Limin Pang
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohuan Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Guo
- Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peidong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Wang L, Wang S, Xue A, Shi J, Zheng C, Huang Y. Thalidomide Inhibits Angiogenesis via Downregulation of VEGF and Angiopoietin-2 in Crohn's Disease. Inflammation 2020; 44:795-807. [PMID: 33206273 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-020-01378-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Immune-mediated angiogenesis is important in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and targeted treatment could alleviate the disease. Thalidomide is an effective drug in inflammatory bowel disease, which might be related to its multiple role in anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and anti-angiogenesis. This study is to investigate the effect of thalidomide on angiogenesis in tissues from patients and in vitro cells. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), VEGF, and CD31 expressions in intestinal mucosa from pediatric CD patients before and after thalidomide treatment were measured by immunohistochemistry. Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction were performed to characterize the change of angiogenic factors before and after treatment in remission. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated by thalidomide were used to examine its effect on endothelial cell proliferation and migration and capillary-like structures. Results showed that VEGF and Ang-2 levels were significantly greater in CD patients over controls. Thalidomide produced a significant reduction in protein expression of Ang-2 and VEGF, along with a decrease in mRNA expression of Ang-2. While, Ang-1 level did not show a statistically significant change. Thalidomide significantly inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. It also suppressed VEGF- and Ang-2-induced cell migration and capillary-like tube formation in HUVECs. Therefore, our study suggests that VEGF and Ang-2 levels are up-regulated in pediatric CD patients. It also indicated that thalidomide can be able to deactivate endothelium by the downregulation effect on angiogenic factors by targeting VEGF and Ang-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University/National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University/National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Aijuan Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University/National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieru Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University/National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Cuifang Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University/National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University/National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
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6
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Liu P, Pei N, Liu X, Huang W, Lu S. Thalidomide in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-negative tuberculous meningitis: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22639. [PMID: 33019487 PMCID: PMC7535634 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most fatal type of tuberculosis in which corticosteroids are added with antitubercular therapy to prevent permanent brain damage. However, this treatment may produce paradoxical reactions. In such cases, thalidomide use might reduce central nervous system inflammation and improve the outcome. We present the case of a human immunodeficiency virus-negative patient with TBM who developed paradoxical reactions manifesting as multiple intracranial tuberculomas that were resistant to standard care (antitubercular drugs and corticosteroids) but responded well to thalidomide. PATIENT'S MAIN CONCERN AND CLINICAL FINDINGS The patient was a 40-year-old Chinese female, who was admitted with a 10-day history of headaches, night sweats, and cough. She was healthy before contracting the infection and had no history of contact with tuberculosis patients. DIAGNOSES, INTERVENTION, AND OUTCOME We diagnosed the patient with TBM complicated by the occurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis. Positive results were obtained from Gram and Ziehl-Neelsen staining of the sputum and acid-fast bacilli sputum culture. Standard treatment was initiated with antitubercular drugs (daily isoniazid, rifampicin, ethionamide, and pyrazinamide) and corticosteroids (dexamethasone). However, 3 months later the magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed some new tuberculoma lesion. Thus, a specific therapy of antitubercular drugs and thalidomide was introduced. On completion of a 12-month course of antitubercular drugs with 2 months of thalidomide, the patient showed favorable outcomes without neurologic sequelae. Moreover, thalidomide appeared safe and well tolerated in the patient. CONCLUSION In addition to the specific anti-tubercular and adjuvant corticosteroid therapies for TBM, thalidomide can be used as a "salvage" antitubercular drug in cases that are unresponsive to corticosteroids.
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Dong RJ, Huang SZ, Upadhyay P, Shrestha S, Zhai YJ, Li YY. Thalidomide in the Treatment of Sweet's Syndrome and Eosinophilic Folliculitis Associated With Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 6:343. [PMID: 32039221 PMCID: PMC6985142 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Sweet's syndrome and eosinophilic folliculitis are aseptic inflammatory dermatitis mainly because of infiltrated neutrophils and eosinophils on skin, respectively. These diseases rarely overlap or coexist in the same patient, especially co-occur in HIV infected patient. Here, we report a rare case of an AIDS patient who developed eosinophilic folliculitis and Sweet's syndrome within 1 month of initial antiretroviral therapy, presumably due to immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. The CD4+ T cell counts increased dramatically from 70 to 249 cells/μL within a period of 1 month. Interestingly, the patient was rapidly and strikingly responsive to thalidomide, which has anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis etc. Moreover, we focused our attention on discussing the clinical, pathological, and possible pathogenic aspects of the rare overlap of HIV complicated with neutrophilic and eosinophilic dermatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Jing Dong
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shi-Zhen Huang
- Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Infectious Disease/Yunnan AIDS Care Center (YNACC), Anning, China
| | - Pratishtha Upadhyay
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Samip Shrestha
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ya-Jie Zhai
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Jining Second People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Yu-Ye Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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8
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Abstract
Sepsis was known to ancient Greeks since the time of great physician Hippocrates (460-377 BC) without exact information regarding its pathogenesis. With time and medical advances, it is now considered as a condition associated with organ dysfunction occurring in the presence of systemic infection as a result of dysregulation of the immune response. Still with this advancement, we are struggling for the development of target-based therapeutic approach for the management of sepsis. The advancement in understanding the immune system and its working has led to novel discoveries in the last 50 years, including different pattern recognition receptors. Inflammasomes are also part of these novel discoveries in the field of immunology which are <20 years old in terms of their first identification. They serve as important cytosolic pattern recognition receptors required for recognizing cytosolic pathogens, and their pathogen-associated molecular patterns play an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. The activation of both canonical and non-canonical inflammasome signaling pathways is involved in mounting a proinflammatory immune response via regulating the generation of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-33 cytokines and pyroptosis. In addition to pathogens and their pathogen-associated molecular patterns, death/damage-associated molecular patterns and other proinflammatory molecules involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis affect inflammasomes and vice versa. Thus, the present review is mainly focused on the inflammasomes, their role in the regulation of immune response associated with sepsis, and their targeting as a novel therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Children's Health Queensland Clinical Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mater Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia,
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia,
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9
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Kumar V. Dendritic cells in sepsis: Potential immunoregulatory cells with therapeutic potential. Mol Immunol 2018; 101:615-626. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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10
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Song L, Cao GM, Zhou WJ, Ye JH, Zhang Z, Tian XY, Li J, Yu DG. Pd-catalyzed carbonylation of aryl C–H bonds in benzamides with CO2. Org Chem Front 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c8qo00433a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report the first Pd-catalyzed carbonylation of unactivated aryl C–H bonds in benzamides under 1 atm of CO2 to directly afford important phthalimides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Song
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Guang-Mei Cao
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Jian-Heng Ye
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Xing-Yang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Da-Gang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
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Abstract
Cancer is a major health issue worldwide, and the global burden of cancer is expected to increase in the coming years. Whereas the limited success with current therapies has driven huge investments into drug development, the average number of FDA approvals per year has declined since the 1990s. This unmet need for more effective anti-cancer drugs has sparked a growing interest for drug repurposing, i.e. using drugs already approved for other indications to treat cancer. As such, data both from pre-clinical experiments, clinical trials and observational studies have demonstrated anti-tumor efficacy for compounds within a wide range of drug classes other than cancer. Whereas some of them induce cancer cell death or suppress various aspects of cancer cell behavior in established tumors, others may prevent cancer development. Here, we provide an overview of promising candidates for drug repurposing in cancer, as well as studies describing the biological mechanisms underlying their anti-neoplastic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sleire
- Oncomatrix Research Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Hilde Elise Førde
- Oncomatrix Research Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Inger Anne Netland
- Oncomatrix Research Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Lina Leiss
- Oncomatrix Research Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente Sandvei Skeie
- Oncomatrix Research Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91 5009 Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei, 71, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Øyvind Enger
- Oncomatrix Research Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91 5009 Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei, 71, 5021 Bergen, Norway.
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Al-Abd AM, Alamoudi AJ, Abdel-Naim AB, Neamatallah TA, Ashour OM. Anti-angiogenic agents for the treatment of solid tumors: Potential pathways, therapy and current strategies - A review. J Adv Res 2017; 8:591-605. [PMID: 28808589 PMCID: PMC5544473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent strategies for the treatment of cancer, other than just tumor cell killing have been under intensive development, such as anti-angiogenic therapeutic approach. Angiogenesis inhibition is an important strategy for the treatment of solid tumors, which basically depends on cutting off the blood supply to tumor micro-regions, resulting in pan-hypoxia and pan-necrosis within solid tumor tissues. The differential activation of angiogenesis between normal and tumor tissues makes this process an attractive strategic target for anti-tumor drug discovery. The principles of anti-angiogenic treatment for solid tumors were originally proposed in 1972, and ever since, it has become a putative target for therapies directed against solid tumors. In the early twenty first century, the FDA approved anti-angiogenic drugs, such as bevacizumab and sorafenib for the treatment of several solid tumors. Over the past two decades, researches have continued to improve the performance of anti-angiogenic drugs, describe their drug interaction potential, and uncover possible reasons for potential treatment resistance. Herein, we present an update to the pre-clinical and clinical situations of anti-angiogenic agents and discuss the most recent trends in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Al-Abd
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Biomedical Research Section, Nawah Scientific, Mokkatam, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdulmohsin J Alamoudi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf B Abdel-Naim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Thikryat A Neamatallah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama M Ashour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
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13
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Barea SA, Mattos CB, Cruz ACC, Chaves VC, Pereira RN, Simões CMO, Kratz JM, Koester LS. Solid dispersions enhance solubility, dissolution, and permeability of thalidomide. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2016; 43:511-518. [DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2016.1268152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvana A. Barea
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Cristiane B. Mattos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ariadne C. C. Cruz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Vitor C. Chaves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Rafael N. Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Claudia M. O. Simões
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Jadel M. Kratz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Letícia S. Koester
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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14
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Dhar Chowdhury S, Simon EG, Kirubakaran R, Goel A. Efficacy of thalidomide in management of bleeding from gastrointestinal angiodysplasia. Hippokratia 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sudipta Dhar Chowdhury
- Christian Medical College; Department of Gastrointestinal Sciences; Ida Scudder Road Vellore Tamil Nadu India 632004
| | - Ebby G Simon
- Christian Medical College; Department of Gastrointestinal Sciences; Ida Scudder Road Vellore Tamil Nadu India 632004
| | - Richard Kirubakaran
- Christian Medical College; Cochrane South Asia, Prof. BV Moses Center for Evidence-Informed Health Care and Health Policy; Carman Block II Floor CMC Campus, Bagayam Vellore Tamil Nadu India 632002
| | - Ashish Goel
- Christian Medical College; Department of Gastrointestinal Sciences; Ida Scudder Road Vellore Tamil Nadu India 632004
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Lv P, Meng Q, Liu J, Wang C. Thalidomide Accelerates the Degradation of Extracellular Matrix in Rat Hepatic Cirrhosis via Down-Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor-β1. Yonsei Med J 2015; 56:1572-81. [PMID: 26446639 PMCID: PMC4630045 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2015.56.6.1572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The degradation of the extracellular matrix has been shown to play an important role in the treatment of hepatic cirrhosis. In this study, the effect of thalidomide on the degradation of extracellular matrix was evaluated in a rat model of hepatic cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cirrhosis was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) three times weekly for 8 weeks. Then CCl₄ was discontinued and thalidomide (100 mg/kg) or its vehicle was administered daily by gavage for 6 weeks. Serum hyaluronic acid, laminin, procollagen type III, and collagen type IV were examined by using a radioimmunoassay. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein in the liver, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) protein in cytoplasm by using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, and MMP-13, TIMP-1, and TGF-β1 mRNA levels in the liver were studied using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Liver histopathology was significantly better in rats given thalidomide than in the untreated model group. The levels of TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expressions were decreased significantly and MMP-13 mRNA and protein in the liver were significantly elevated in the thalidomide-treated group. CONCLUSION Thalidomide may exert its effects on the regulation of MMP-13 and TIMP-1 via inhibition of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway, which enhances the degradation of extracellular matrix and accelerates the regression of hepatic cirrhosis in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, China.
| | - Qingshun Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Chuanfang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, China
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16
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Drug-repositioning opportunities for cancer therapy: novel molecular targets for known compounds. Drug Discov Today 2015; 21:190-199. [PMID: 26456577 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Drug repositioning is gaining increasing attention in drug discovery because it represents a smart way to exploit new molecular targets of a known drug or target promiscuity among diverse diseases, for medical uses different from the one originally considered. In this review, we focus on known non-oncological drugs with new therapeutic applications in oncology, explaining the rationale behind this approach and providing practical evidence. Moving from incompleteness of the knowledge of drug-target interactions, particularly for older molecules, we highlight opportunities for repurposing compounds as cancer therapeutics, underling the biologically and clinically relevant affinities for new targets. Ideal candidates for repositioning can contribute to the therapeutically unmet need for more-efficient anticancer agents, including drugs that selectively target cancer stem cells.
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17
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Zhu H, Shi X, Ju D, Huang H, Wei W, Dong X. Anti-inflammatory effect of thalidomide on H1N1 influenza virus-induced pulmonary injury in mice. Inflammation 2015; 37:2091-8. [PMID: 24912813 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-014-9943-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of thalidomide (Thd) on H1N1-induced acute lung injury in mice. BALB/C mice were infected intranasally with influenza A virus (H1N1) and then treated with Thd at a dose of 100 or 200 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Weight loss and survival of mice were monitored for 14 days after virus challenge, and the serum and lung tissues were collected at 4 days for histological and biochemical analysis. The results showed that Thd significantly improved the survival rate, reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and cytokine (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and chemokine (e.g., RANTES, IP-10) levels, and inhibited activated p-NFκB p65 in infected mice. These findings suggested that Thd may attenuate H1N1-induced pulmonary injury and thus may find use in the treatment of viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zhu
- Department of Biosynthesis, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, 201203, Shanghai, China
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18
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Fang Y, Wang SY, Ji SJ. Synthesis of phthalimides through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of CO2 with isocyanides and arynes. Tetrahedron 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2015.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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19
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Hostenkamp G, Lichtenberg FR. The impact of recent chemotherapy innovation on the longevity of myeloma patients: US and international evidence. Soc Sci Med 2015; 130:162-71. [PMID: 25703669 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The longevity of multiple myeloma patients increased sharply since the late 1990s. This increase coincided with the introduction of several important innovations in chemotherapy for myeloma. In this study, we aim to quantify the impact of recent chemotherapy innovation on the longevity of myeloma patients using both time-series US data and longitudinal data on 38 countries. We estimate that almost two-thirds (0.99 years) of the 1997-2005 increase in the life expectancy of American myeloma patients was due to an increase in the number of chemotherapy regimens now preferred by specialists. Based on a back-of-the-envelope calculation, this means that the cost per US life-year gained from post-1997 chemotherapy innovation is unlikely to have exceeded $46,000. We also investigate the impact of chemotherapy innovation on the myeloma mortality rate using longitudinal country-level data on 38 countries during the period 2002-2012. Countries that had larger increases in the number of chemotherapy regimens now preferred by specialists had larger subsequent declines in myeloma mortality rates, controlling for myeloma incidence. The (marginal) effect on the mortality rate of one additional preferred chemotherapy regimen is similar in other countries to its effect in the US. Non-US prices of two of the three new drugs were lower than US prices, so recent myeloma chemotherapy innovation may have been more cost-effective in other countries than it was in the US. Recent chemotherapy innovation has had a significant positive impact on the longevity of myeloma patients in the countries in which the drugs have been available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Hostenkamp
- COHERE Centre of Health Economic Research, Department of Business and Economics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark.
| | - Frank R Lichtenberg
- Columbia University, 504 Uris Hall, 3022 Broadway, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
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20
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Lv P, Li HY, Ji SS, Li W, Fan LJ. Thalidomide Inhibits Adhesion Molecules in Experimental Acute Pancreatitis-Associated Lung Injury. Drug Dev Res 2015; 76:24-30. [PMID: 25620023 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical Research The study evaluated the effect of thalidomide on adhesion molecule expression in acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury in rats. Acute pancreatitis was induced in rats by retrograde infusion of 5% sodium taurocholate into the bile-pancreatic duct, and thalidomide (100 mg/kg) was given daily by intragastric route for 8 days before this treatment. Serum lipase (LPS), protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in lung were measured. Compared with the acute pancreatitis- group, lung histopathology, serum LPS, protein levels in BALF, SOD, GSHpx, and MDA levels, and the expression levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin mRNA and protein in rats given thalidomide were improved (P < 0.01). Thus, thalidomide may reduce the expression of adhesion molecules via inhibition of oxidative stress to alleviate acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury in a rat model. Drug Dev Res, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, 272111, China
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21
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Lagier JC, Raoult D. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome associated with bacterial infections. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2014; 13:341-50. [DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2014.887677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Christophe Lagier
- Aix-Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France ;
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22
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D'Ambrosio R, Eastman CL, Fattore C, Perucca E. Novel frontiers in epilepsy treatments: preventing epileptogenesis by targeting inflammation. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 13:615-25. [PMID: 23738999 DOI: 10.1586/ern.13.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Currently available epilepsy drugs only affect the symptoms (seizures), and there is a need for innovative treatments that target the underlying disease. Increasing evidence points to inflammation as a potentially important mechanism in epileptogenesis. In the last decade, a new generation of etiologically realistic syndrome-specific experimental models have been developed, which are expected to capture the epileptogenic mechanisms operating in corresponding patient populations, and to exhibit similar treatment responsiveness. Recently, an intervention known to have broad-ranging anti-inflammatory effects (selective brain cooling) has been found to prevent the development of spontaneously occurring seizures in an etiologically realistic rat model of post-traumatic epilepsy. Several drugs used clinically for other indications also have the potential for inhibiting inflammation, and should be investigated for antiepileptogenic activity in these models. If results of such studies are positive, these compounds could rapidly enter Phase III trials in patients at high risk of developing epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimondo D'Ambrosio
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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23
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Feder D, Perrazo FF, Pereira EC, Forsait S, Feder CKR, Junqueira PEB, Junqueira VBC, Azzalis LA, Fonseca FLA. Standardization of a method to study angiogenesis in a mouse model. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2013; 85:1483-7. [PMID: 24346800 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201378011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the adult organism, angiogenesis is restricted to a few physiological conditions. On the other hand, uncontrolled angiogenesis have often been associated to angiogenesis-dependent pathologies. A variety of animal models have been described to provide more quantitative analysis of in vivo angiogenesis and to characterize pro- and antiangiogenic molecules. However, it is still necessary to establish a quantitative, reproducible and specific method for studies of angiogenesis factors and inhibitors. This work aimed to standardize a method for the study of angiogenesis and to investigate the effects of thalidomide on angiogenesis. Sponges of 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 cm were implanted in the back of mice groups, control and experimental (thalidomide 200 mg/K/day by gavage). After seven days, the sponges were removed. The dosage of hemoglobin in sponge and in circulation was performed and the ratio between the values was tested using nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. Results have shown that sponge-induced angiogenesis quantitated by ratio between hemoglobin content in serum and in sponge is a helpful model for in vivo studies on angiogenesis. Moreover, it was observed that sponge-induced angiogenesis can be suppressed by thalidomide, corroborating to the validity of the standardized method.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Feder
- Disciplina de Farmacologia, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, 09060-650Santo AndréSP, Brasil
| | - Fabio F Perrazo
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Terra, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 09972-270DiademaSP, Brasil
| | - Edimar C Pereira
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 09972-270DiademaSP, Brasil
| | - Silvana Forsait
- Disciplina de Farmacologia, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, 09060-650Santo AndréSP, Brasil
| | - Cecília K R Feder
- Disciplina de Farmacologia, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, 09060-650Santo AndréSP, Brasil
| | - Paulo E B Junqueira
- Disciplina de Farmacologia, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, 09060-650Santo AndréSP, Brasil
| | - Virginia B C Junqueira
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 09972-270DiademaSP, Brasil
| | - Ligia A Azzalis
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Terra, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 09972-270DiademaSP, Brasil
| | - Fernando L A Fonseca
- Disciplina de Farmacologia, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, 09060-650Santo AndréSP, Brasil
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Dasgupta T, Haas-Kogan DA. The combination of novel targeted molecular agents and radiation in the treatment of pediatric gliomas. Front Oncol 2013; 3:110. [PMID: 23717811 PMCID: PMC3650671 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are the most common solid pediatric malignancy. For high-grade, recurrent, or refractory pediatric brain tumors, radiation therapy (XRT) is an integral treatment modality. In the era of personalized cancer therapy, molecularly targeted agents have been designed to inhibit pathways critical to tumorigenesis. Our evolving knowledge of genetic aberrations in pediatric gliomas is being exploited with the use of specific targeted inhibitors. These agents are additionally being combined with XRT to increase the efficacy and duration of local control. In this review, we discuss novel agents targeting three different pathways in gliomas, and their potential combination with XRT. BRAF is a serine/threonine kinase in the RAS/RAF/MAPK kinase pathway, which is integral to cellular division, survival, and metabolism. Two-thirds of pilocytic astrocytomas, a low-grade pediatric glioma, contain a translocation within the BRAF gene called KIAA1549:BRAF that causes an overactivation of the MEK/MAPK signaling cascade. In vitro and in vivo data support the use of MEK or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in low-grade gliomas expressing this translocation. Additionally, 15-20% of high-grade pediatric gliomas express BRAF V600E, an activating mutation of the BRAF gene. Pre-clinical in vivo and in vitro data in BRAF V600E gliomas demonstrate dramatic cooperation between XRT and small molecule inhibitors of BRAF V600E. Another major signaling cascade that plays a role in pediatric glioma pathogenesis is the PI3-kinase (PI3K)/mTOR pathway, known to be upregulated in the majority of high- and low-grade pediatric gliomas. Dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors are in clinical trials for adult high-grade gliomas and are poised to enter studies of pediatric tumors. Finally, many brain tumors express potent stimulators of angiogenesis that render them refractory to treatment. An analog of thalidomide, CC-5103 increases the secretion of critical cytokines of the tumor microenvironment, including IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10, and is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of recurrent or refractory pediatric central nervous system tumors. In summary, several targeted inhibitors with radiation are currently under investigation in both translational bench research and early clinical trials. This review article summarizes the molecular rationale for, and the pre-clinical data supporting the combinations of these targeted agents with other anti-cancer agents and XRT in pediatric gliomas. In many cases, parallels are drawn to molecular mechanisms and targeted inhibitors of adult gliomas. We additionally discuss the potential mechanisms underlying the efficacy of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Dasgupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daphne A. Haas-Kogan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, USA
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25
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Rasmussen DL, Kobayashi SD, DeLeo FR. Flexicate molecules as a potential new class of antibiotics. Future Microbiol 2012; 7:445-8. [PMID: 22439721 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.12.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicates are α-helical, nonpeptide complexes that bind to DNA and exhibit antimicrobial activity. In the past, enthusiasm for the use of helicates in biological applications was limited, at least in part, by the presence of a racemic mixture of enantiomers or the formation of complexes that are insoluble in aqueous solutions. Recently, Howson et al. overcame the barriers associated with helicate synthesis by generating helicate-like complexes that are soluble and stable in water, optically pure and synthetically flexible. The mechanism synthesizes nonpeptide mimetic α-helical 'flexicates' that bind to DNA and show broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Although the application of flexicates as an antimicrobial therapy remains to be determined, this study provides important insight into flexicate activity and the prospective use of flexicates as microbicidal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon L Rasmussen
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
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26
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Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in communication and social behavior, and by repetitive behaviors. Although genetic factors might be largely responsible for the occurrence of autism they cannot fully account for all cases and it is likely that in addition to a certain combination of autism-related genes, specific environmental factors might act as risk factors triggering the development of autism. Thus, the role of environmental factors in autism is an important area of research and recent data will be discussed in this review. Interestingly, the results show that many environmental risk factors are interrelated and their identification and comparison might unveil a common scheme of alterations on a contextual as well as molecular level. For example, both, disruption in the immune system and in zinc homeostasis may affect synaptic transmission in autism. Thus, here, a model is proposed that interconnects the most important and scientifically recognized environmental factors. Moreover, similarities in how these risk factors impact synapse function are discussed and a possible influence on an already well described genetic pathway leading to the development of autism via zinc homeostasis is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas M Grabrucker
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Ulm University Ulm, Germany
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