1
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Lucci A, Vera MC, Comanzo CG, Lorenzetti F, Ferretti AC, Ceballos MP, Quiroga AD, Alvarez MDL, Carrillo MC. Delta-tocotrienol enhances the antitumor effects of interferon alpha through ROS and Erk/MAPK signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 100:453-463. [PMID: 34932399 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2021-0606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) signaling and the failure of pharmacological therapeutics reveal the significance of establishing new anti-cancer strategies. Interferon alpha (IFN α) has been used as adjuvant therapy for reducing HCC recurrence and improving survival. Delta-tocotrienol (δ-tocotrienol), a natural unsaturated isoform of vitamin E, is a promising candidate for cancer treatment. In this study, we evaluated whether the combination of δ-tocotrienol with IFN α displays significant advantages in the treatment of HCC cells. Results showed that the combination significantly decreased cell viability, migration and invasion of HCC cells compared to single therapies. Combining δ-tocotrienol and IFN α enhanced the decrease in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and matrix metalloproteinases MMP-7 and MMP-9. The combination also produced an enhancement of apoptosis together with increased Bax/Bcl-xL ratio and ROS generation. δ-tocotrienol induced Notch1 activation and changes in Erk and p38 MAPK signaling status. Blocking experiments confirmed that ROS and Erk are involved, at least in part, in the anticancer effects of the combined treatment. In conclusion, the combination of δ-tocotrienol with IFN α therapy showed promising results for HCC cells treatment, which makes the combination of cytokine-based immunotherapy with natural products a potential strategy against liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Lucci
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 62873, Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Rosario National University Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 63029, Rosario, Argentina;
| | - Marina C Vera
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 62873, Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Rosario National University Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 63029, Rosario, Argentina;
| | - Carla G Comanzo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 62873, Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Rosario National University Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 63029, Rosario, Argentina;
| | - Florencia Lorenzetti
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 62873, Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Rosario National University Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 63029, Rosario, Argentina;
| | - Anabela C Ferretti
- Rosario National University Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 63029, Rosario, Argentina;
| | - María Paula Ceballos
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 62873, Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Rosario National University Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 63029, Rosario, Argentina;
| | - Ariel D Quiroga
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 62873, Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Rosario National University Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 63029, Rosario, Argentina.,Universidad Abierta Interamericana, 28178, Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud. Sede Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina;
| | - Maria de Lujan Alvarez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 62873, Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Rosario National University Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 63029, Morfología, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Universidad Abierta Interamericana, 28178, Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud. Sede Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina;
| | - María Cristina Carrillo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 62873, Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Rosario National University Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 63029, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina;
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2
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Ciccarese F, Grassi A, Pasqualini L, Rosano S, Noghero A, Montenegro F, Bussolino F, Di Camillo B, Finesso L, Toffolo GM, Mitola S, Indraccolo S. Genetic perturbation of IFN-α transcriptional modulators in human endothelial cells uncovers pivotal regulators of angiogenesis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:3977-3986. [PMID: 33335694 PMCID: PMC7734228 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon-α (IFN-α) comprises a family of 13 cytokines involved in the modulation of antiviral, immune, and anticancer responses by orchestrating a complex transcriptional network. The activation of IFN-α signaling pathway in endothelial cells results in decreased proliferation and migration, ultimately leading to suppression of angiogenesis. In this study, we knocked-down the expression of seven established or candidate modulators of IFN-α response in endothelial cells to reconstruct a gene regulatory network and to investigate the antiangiogenic activity of IFN-α. This genetic perturbation approach, along with the analysis of interferon-induced gene expression dynamics, highlighted a complex and highly interconnected network, in which the angiostatic chemokine C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 10 (CXCL10) was a central node targeted by multiple modulators. IFN-α-induced secretion of CXCL10 protein by endothelial cells was blunted by the silencing of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1) and of Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 (IRF1) and it was exacerbated by the silencing of Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 18 (USP18). In vitro sprouting assay, which mimics in vivo angiogenesis, confirmed STAT1 as a positive modulator and USP18 as a negative modulator of IFN-α-mediated sprouting suppression. Our data reveal an unprecedented physiological regulation of angiogenesis in endothelial cells through a tonic IFN-α signaling, whose enhancement could represent a viable strategy to suppress tumor neoangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ciccarese
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Angela Grassi
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenza Pasqualini
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Rosano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alessio Noghero
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Francesca Montenegro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, via Verdi 8, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Di Camillo
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, via Gradenigo 6, 35131 Padova, Italy.,CRIBI Innovative Biotechnology Center, University of Padova, viale Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Finesso
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering, CNR, corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Gianna Maria Toffolo
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, via Gradenigo 6, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Indraccolo
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padova, Italy
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3
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Vanderborght B, Lefere S, Vlierberghe HV, Devisscher L. The Angiopoietin/Tie2 Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112382. [PMID: 33143149 PMCID: PMC7693961 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the usually late diagnosis and lack of effective therapies, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which poses a growing global health problem, is characterized by a poor prognosis. Angiogenesis plays an important role in HCC progression, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietins (Angs) are key drivers of HCC angiogenesis. VEGF-targeting strategies already represent an important component of today’s systemic treatment landscape of HCC, whereas targeting the Ang/Tie2 signaling pathway may harbor future potential in this context due to reported beneficial anticancer effects when targeting this pathway. In addition, a better understanding of the relation between Angs and HCC angiogenesis and progression may reveal their potential as predictive factors for post-treatment disease progression and prognosis. In this review, we give a comprehensive overview of the complex role of Ang/Tie2 signaling in HCC, pinpointing its potential value as biomarker and target for HCC treatments, aiding HCC diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Vanderborght
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.V.); (S.L.); (H.V.V.)
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.V.); (S.L.); (H.V.V.)
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.V.); (S.L.); (H.V.V.)
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-9-332-56-65
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4
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Ozguler Y, Hatemi G, Cetinkaya F, Tascilar K, Hamuryudan V, Ugurlu S, Seyahi E, Yazici H, Melikoglu M. Clinical course of acute deep vein thrombosis of the legs in Behçet's syndrome. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:799-806. [PMID: 31504957 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT) is a serious complication of Behçet's syndrome. Management constitutes mainly of administration of immunosuppressives, but the predictors of relapse and the optimal choice of immunosuppressives remain unclear. In this prospective study, we aimed to detect the risk and predictors of relapse and treatment response to different modalities. METHODS All Behçet's syndrome patients who presented with a first episode of acute LEDVT between 2010 and 2014 were prospectively followed with a standard protocol. Acute LEDVT was confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography. Serial planned Doppler ultrasonography assessments were performed during follow-up and additionally repeated in case of clinical suspicion. Recanalization rate was assessed at each visit. Our first-line treatment strategy consisted of AZA and CSs. IFN-alpha was used in patients who were refractory to or could not tolerate AZA or had concomitant eye involvement requiring further treatment. RESULTS Thirty-three patients with LEDVT (26 M/7 F) were prospectively followed for 40.7 ± 13.4 months. Among the 33 patients, 23 relapses were observed in 15 patients. Relapse rates were 29%, 37% and 45% at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Among the possible predictors of relapse, poor recanalization was the only significant factor [hazard ratio 4.34 (95% CI 1.96, 10.0)]. Overall 29 patients were treated with AZA and 17 with IFN-alpha. The relapse rate was lower and recanalization rate was higher with IFN-alpha compared with AZA (12% vs 45% and 86% vs 45%). CONCLUSION The relapse rate for LEDVT in Behçet's syndrome is high despite AZA treatment. IFN-alpha seems to be a promising agent for preventing LEDVT relapses and achieving good recanalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Ozguler
- Division of Rheumatology, Behcet's Disease Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
| | - Gulen Hatemi
- Division of Rheumatology, Behcet's Disease Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
| | | | - Koray Tascilar
- Department of Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vedat Hamuryudan
- Division of Rheumatology, Behcet's Disease Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
| | - Serdal Ugurlu
- Division of Rheumatology, Behcet's Disease Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
| | - Emire Seyahi
- Division of Rheumatology, Behcet's Disease Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
| | - Hasan Yazici
- Division of Rheumatology, Behcet's Disease Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
| | - Melike Melikoglu
- Division of Rheumatology, Behcet's Disease Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
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5
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Okada Y, Wang T, Kasai K, Suzuki K, Takikawa Y. Regulation of transforming growth factor is involved in the efficacy of combined 5-fluorouracil and interferon alpha-2b therapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Discov 2018; 4:42. [PMID: 29560281 PMCID: PMC5849890 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-018-0040-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is critical in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. The effects of a treatment that targets TGF-β using the combination of interferon alpha (IFNα)-2b and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are unknown. Here, we show that the serum levels of TGF-β1 prior to the therapy correlate with increased maximum tumor diameter, which is significantly (p < 0.01) decreased after the combination therapy. 5-FU increased both the expression and secretion levels of TGF-β1 in hepatoma cells, but not in normal hepatocytes. The combination of 5-FU and IFNα-2b synergistically affected cell death. However, a TGF-β1 specific inhibitor did not affect the anti-tumor activity of 5-FU. 5-FU inhibited the phosphorylation of SMAD2 and reduced the total protein levels of SMAD2, SMAD4, and pINK4b. Conversely, 5-FU stimulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2. Accordingly, the protein levels of E-cadherin and claudin-1 were reduced in 5-FU-treated cells. The combination of 5-FU and IFNα-2b, and the inhibition of ERK1/2 by a specific inhibitor neutralized the effects of 5-FU on TGF-β-related signaling molecules and restored their protein levels to those observed in the control. Interestingly, the phosphorylated protein levels of SMAD2 and the total protein levels of E-cadherin and p15INK4b were increased in 5-FU-stimulated HuH-7 cells, but not in Hep G2 cells. Our data suggest that the higher efficacy of the 5-FU and IFNα-2b combination therapy was associated with the regulation of TGF-β expression, secretion, and the signals mediated by it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youhei Okada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Iwate Japan
| | - Ting Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Iwate Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kasai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Iwate Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Suzuki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Iwate Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takikawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Iwate Japan
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6
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Jia H, Thelwell C, Dilger P, Bird C, Daniels S, Wadhwa M. Endothelial cell functions impaired by interferon in vitro: Insights into the molecular mechanism of thrombotic microangiopathy associated with interferon therapy. Thromb Res 2018; 163:105-116. [PMID: 29407621 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2018.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interferon (IFN)-α and IFN-β approved for treatment of chronic hepatitis C viral infection and multiple sclerosis respectively have been linked to thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) affecting renal function. Since the molecular mechanisms underlying this severe complication remain largely unclear, we aimed to investigate whether IFN affects directly in vitro endothelial cell functions associated with angiogenesis and blood haemostasis, as well as endothelial cell-derived vasodilators of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin. METHODS Proliferation and survival of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were measured by BrdU incorporation and alamarBlue assays. Angiogenesis was evaluated in co-cultures of HUVECs and human dermal fibroblasts. Fibrinolysis molecules were measured with ELISA. NO and prostacyclin were measured using a fluorescent NO-specific probe and a competitive enzyme immunoassay, respectively. RESULTS HUVEC proliferation was dose-dependently inhibited by IFN-β1a and IFN-β1b, but not by IFN-α2a and IFN-α2b. Consistently, IFN-β1a and IFN-β1b also reduced survival of HUVECs, but this again was not observed with IFN-α. However, both IFN subtypes inhibited VEGF-induced development of capillary-like structures, but the effect of IFN-α was less potent than IFN-β. In addition, both IFN subtypes upregulated interferon inducible protein 10 production from treated co-cultures while suppressing angiogenesis. Furthermore, intracellular NO generation was reduced by IFN-α2a and IFN-β1a, whereas prostacyclin release from HUVECs was not affected by IFN. Importantly, both IFN-β1a- and IFN-β1b-treated HUVECs showed a marked reduction in urokinase-type plasminogen activator release and a much greater secretion of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 than tissue-type plasminogen activator compared with untreated cells, suggesting decreased fibrinolytic activity. IFN-α, however was less effective in modulating the fibrinolysis system. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the detrimental effects of IFN on endothelial cell functions mediated with angiogenesis and fibrinolysis, which could potentially cause the loss of physiological endothelium thromboresistance and facilitate the development of vascular complications in a clinical setting. Mechanistically, our findings have implications for understanding how IFN therapy can foster the development of TMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Jia
- Section of Cytokines and Growth Factors, Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, United Kingdom.
| | - Craig Thelwell
- Section of Haemostasis, Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Dilger
- Section of Cytokines and Growth Factors, Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Bird
- Section of Cytokines and Growth Factors, Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Daniels
- Section of Haemostasis, Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, United Kingdom
| | - Meenu Wadhwa
- Section of Cytokines and Growth Factors, Division of Biotherapeutics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, United Kingdom
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7
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Prendergast ÁM, Kuck A, van Essen M, Haas S, Blaszkiewicz S, Essers MAG. IFNα-mediated remodeling of endothelial cells in the bone marrow niche. Haematologica 2016; 102:445-453. [PMID: 27742772 PMCID: PMC5394972 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2016.151209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the bone marrow, endothelial cells are a major component of the hematopoietic stem cell vascular niche and are a first line of defense against inflammatory stress and infection. The primary response of an organism to infection involves the synthesis of immune-modulatory cytokines, including interferon alpha. In the bone marrow, interferon alpha induces rapid cell cycle entry of hematopoietic stem cells in vivo. However, the effect of interferon alpha on bone marrow endothelial cells has not been described. Here, we demonstrate that acute interferon alpha treatment leads to rapid stimulation of bone marrow endothelial cells in vivo, resulting in increased bone marrow vascularity and vascular leakage. We find that activation of bone marrow endothelial cells involves the expression of key inflammatory and endothelial cell-stimulatory markers. This interferon alpha-mediated activation of bone marrow endothelial cells is dependent in part on vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in bone marrow hematopoietic cell types, including hematopoietic stem cells. Thus, this implies a role for hematopoietic stem cells in remodeling of the bone marrow niche in vivo following inflammatory stress. These data increase our current understanding of the relationship between hematopoietic stem cells and the bone marrow niche under inflammatory stress and also clarify the response of bone marrow niche endothelial cells to acute interferon alpha treatment in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Áine M Prendergast
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany.,Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Stress Group, Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Kuck
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany.,Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Stress Group, Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mieke van Essen
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Stress Group, Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Haas
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany.,Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Stress Group, Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Blaszkiewicz
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany.,Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Stress Group, Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marieke A G Essers
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany .,Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Stress Group, Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
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8
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Focaccetti C, Bruno A, Magnani E, Bartolini D, Principi E, Dallaglio K, Bucci EO, Finzi G, Sessa F, Noonan DM, Albini A. Effects of 5-fluorouracil on morphology, cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy and ROS production in endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0115686. [PMID: 25671635 PMCID: PMC4324934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimetabolites are a class of effective anticancer drugs interfering in essential biochemical processes. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and its prodrug Capecitabine are widely used in the treatment of several solid tumors (gastro-intestinal, gynecological, head and neck, breast carcinomas). Therapy with fluoropyrimidines is associated with a wide range of adverse effects, including diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain, nausea, stomatitis, and hand-foot syndrome. Among the 5-FU side effects, increasing attention is given to cardiovascular toxicities induced at different levels and intensities. Since the mechanisms related to 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity are still unclear, we examined the effects of 5-FU on primary cell cultures of human cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, which represent two key components of the cardiovascular system. We analyzed at the cellular and molecular level 5-FU effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle, survival and induction of apoptosis, in an experimental cardioncology approach. We observed autophagic features at the ultrastructural and molecular levels, in particular in 5-FU exposed cardiomyocytes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation characterized the endothelial response. These responses were prevented by a ROS scavenger. We found induction of a senescent phenotype on both cell types treated with 5-FU. In vivo, in a xenograft model of colon cancer, we showed that 5-FU treatment induced ultrastructural changes in the endothelium of various organs. Taken together, our data suggest that 5-FU can affect, both at the cellular and molecular levels, two key cell types of the cardiovascular system, potentially explaining some manifestations of 5-FU-induced cardiovascular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Science and Technology Center, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Magnani
- Department of Research and Statistics, IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Principi
- Science and Technology Center, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Katiuscia Dallaglio
- Department of Research and Statistics, IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Finzi
- Department of Pathology, Ospedale del Circolo, Varese, Italy
| | - Fausto Sessa
- Department of Pathology, Ospedale del Circolo, Varese, Italy
- Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Douglas M. Noonan
- Science and Technology Center, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Adriana Albini
- Department of Research and Statistics, IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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9
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Cao Z, Chen X, Lan L, Zhang Z, Du J, Liao L. Active hexose correlated compound potentiates the antitumor effects of low-dose 5-fluorouracil through modulation of immune function in hepatoma 22 tumor-bearing mice. Nutr Res Pract 2014; 9:129-36. [PMID: 25861418 PMCID: PMC4388943 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2015.9.2.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES A variety of immunomodulators can improve the efficacy of low-dose chemotherapeutics. Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC), a mushroom mycelia extract, has been shown to be a strong immunomodulator. Whether AHCC could enhance the antitumor effect of low-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) via regulation of host immunity is unknown. MATERIALS/METHODS In the current study Hepatoma 22 (H22) tumor-bearing mice were treated with PBS, 5-FU (10 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p), or AHCC (360 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g) plus 5-FU, respectively, for 5 d. CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and NK in peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry. ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr levels were measured by biochemical assay. IL-2 and TNFα in serum were measured using the RIA kit and apoptosis of tumor was detected by TUNEL staining. Bax, Bcl-2, and TS protein levels were measured by immunohistochemical staining and mRNA level was evaluated by RT-PCR. RESULTS Diet consumption and body weight showed that AHCC had no apparent toxicity. AHCC could reverse liver injury and myelosuppression induced by 5-FU (P < 0.05). Compared to mice treated with 5-FU, mice treated with AHCC plus 5-FU had higher thymus index, percentages of CD3+, CD4+, and NK cells (P < 0.01), and ratio of CD4+/CD8+ (P < 0.01) in peripheral blood. Radioimmunoassay showed that mice treated with AHCC plus 5-FU had the highest serum levels of IL-2 and TNFα compared with the vehicle group and 5-FU group. More importantly, the combination of AHCC and 5-FU produced a more potent antitumor effect (P < 0.05) and caused more severe apoptosis in tumor tissue (P < 0.05) compared with the 5-FU group. In addition, the combination of AHCC and 5-FU further up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) (P < 0.01), while it down-regulated the expression of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results support the claim that AHCC might be beneficial for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyun Cao
- Fujian Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huatuo Road, No1, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Xuzheng Chen
- Fujian Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huatuo Road, No1, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Lan Lan
- The Second People's Hospital of Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhideng Zhang
- Inspection and Quarantine Technique Centre of Fujian Entry-exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, China
| | - Jian Du
- The Second People's Hospital of Fujian Province, China
| | - Lianming Liao
- Fujian Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huatuo Road, No1, Fuzhou, 350108, China
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Jones Buie JN, Oates JC. Role of interferon alpha in endothelial dysfunction: insights into endothelial nitric oxide synthase-related mechanisms. Am J Med Sci 2014; 348:168-75. [PMID: 24796291 PMCID: PMC4526236 DOI: 10.1097/maj.0000000000000284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by the production of autoantibodies against nuclear antigens such as double-stranded DNA. Lupus predominantly affects women (ratio, 9:1). Moreover, premenopausal women with SLE are 50 times more likely to have a myocardial infarction. Although specific risk factors for advanced cardiovascular complications have not been identified in this patient population, endothelial dysfunction is highly prevalent. Recent studies show that the type I interferon signature gene expression coincides with impaired brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and diminished endothelial progenitor cell circulation, both markers of impaired endothelial function. Although many factors promote the development of vascular endothelial dysfunction, all pathways converge on the diminished activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and loss of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Studies examining the effects of type I interferons on eNOS and NO in SLE are missing. This literature review examines the current literature regarding the role of type I interferons in cardiovascular disease and its known effects on regulators of eNOS and NO bioavailability that are important for proper endothelial cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy N Jones Buie
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology in the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina; and Division of Rheumatology and Immunology (JNJB, JCO), Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical Research Service of the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC, The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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11
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Recapitulating physiological and pathological shear stress and oxygen to model vasculature in health and disease. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4951. [PMID: 24818558 PMCID: PMC4018609 DOI: 10.1038/srep04951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying human vascular disease in conventional cell cultures and in animal models does not effectively mimic the complex vascular microenvironment and may not accurately predict vascular responses in humans. We utilized a microfluidic device to recapitulate both shear stress and O2 levels in health and disease, establishing a microfluidic vascular model (μVM). Maintaining human endothelial cells (ECs) in healthy-mimicking conditions resulted in conversion to a physiological phenotype namely cell elongation, reduced proliferation, lowered angiogenic gene expression and formation of actin cortical rim and continuous barrier. We next examined the responses of the healthy μVM to a vasotoxic cancer drug, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), in comparison with an in vivo mouse model. We found that 5-FU does not induce apoptosis rather vascular hyperpermeability, which can be alleviated by Resveratrol treatment. This effect was confirmed by in vivo findings identifying a vasoprotecting strategy by the adjunct therapy of 5-FU with Resveratrol. The μVM of ischemic disease demonstrated the transition of ECs from a quiescent to an activated state, with higher proliferation rate, upregulation of angiogenic genes, and impaired barrier integrity. The μVM offers opportunities to study and predict human ECs with physiologically relevant phenotypes in healthy, pathological and drug-treated environments.
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12
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Reynolds JA, Ray DW, Zeef LAH, O'Neill T, Bruce IN, Alexander MY. The effect of type 1 IFN on human aortic endothelial cell function in vitro: relevance to systemic lupus erythematosus. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2014; 34:404-12. [PMID: 24444308 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2013.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The etiopathogenesis of premature CVD is not fully understood, but recently interferon-alpha (IFNα) has been implicated as a contributing factor. Since IFNα has been associated with both disease activity and endothelial dysfunction in lupus patients, we aimed to determine whether IFNα has direct effects on human aortic endothelial cell (HAoEC) function in vitro. We studied the function of IFNα2b-treated HAoECs in terms of cell proliferation, capillary-like network formation, and nitric oxide (NO) generation. Changes in gene expression were also analyzed using an exon gene array. IFNα2b regulated the expression of 198 genes, including recognized interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Gene ontology analysis showed over-representation of genes involved in antigen presentation and host response to virus but no significant changes in clusters of genes recognized as important in endothelial cell activation or dysfunction. HAoEC proliferation, tubule formation, and NO bioavailability were unchanged, suggesting that IFNα in isolation does not have a direct impact on aortic endothelial cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Reynolds
- 1 Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University of Manchester , Manchester, United Kingdom
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13
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Hoyama E, Viveiros MMH, Shiratori C, Oliveira DED, Padovani CR, Selva D, Schellini SA. Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Macrophages, Fibroblasts, and Endothelial Cells in Pterygium Treated with 5-Fluorouracil. Semin Ophthalmol 2013; 30:171-6. [DOI: 10.3109/08820538.2013.835838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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14
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Katsura Y, Wada H, Murakami M, Akita H, Hama N, Kawamoto K, Kobayashi S, Marubashi S, Eguchi H, Tanemura M, Umeshita K, Doki Y, Mori M, Nagano H. PTK787/ZK222584 combined with interferon alpha and 5-fluorouracil synergistically inhibits VEGF signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2013; 20 Suppl 3:S517-26. [PMID: 23508585 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-013-2948-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombus remains poor. We previously reported the beneficial effects of interferon alpha (IFN) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combination therapy for these patients. We showed that the mechanism of therapy was regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Here, we combined IFN/5-FU therapy with the VEGF receptor-selective inhibitor PTK787/ZK222584 (PTK/ZK) and examined the antitumor effects and the mechanism of action. METHODS We studied two HCC cell lines, PLC/PRF/5 and HuH7, and a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line, HUVEC. We studied the effects of IFN/5-FU with or without PTK/ZK in growth inhibition assays, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS In a HuH7 xenograft model, the combination of PTK/ZK and IFN/5-FU significantly inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, decreased microvessel density, reduced the number of tumor cells that expressed VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), and repressed the phosphorylation of Akt in vivo. In HCC cells and HUVECs in vitro, IFN/5-FU plus PTK/ZK repressed the expression of VEGFR-2 and repressed the phosphorylation of VEGFR, Akt, Erk, and p38MAPK. CONCLUSIONS VEGF signaling inhibition enhanced the antitumor effects of IFN/5-FU therapy on HCC cells and endothelial cells via Erk, Akt, and p38MAPK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiteru Katsura
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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15
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NAGANO HIROAKI, KOBAYASHI SHOGO, MARUBASHI SHIGERU, WADA HIROSHI, EGUCHI HIDETOSHI, TANEMURA MASAHIRO, TOMIMARU YOSHITO, UMESHITA KOJI, DOKI YUICHIRO, MORI MASAKI. Combined IFN-α and 5-FU treatment as a postoperative adjuvant following surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal venous tumor thrombus. Exp Ther Med 2013; 5:3-10. [PMID: 23251233 PMCID: PMC3524132 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2012.736] [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: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of combination therapy with subcutaneous interferon (IFN)-α and intra-arterial 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as a postoperative adjuvant for resectable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invading the major branches of the portal vein (PVTT) was examined. The prognosis of HCC with PVTT (Vp3 or 4) is extremely poor. Recently, we reported the possibility of combination therapy with IFN-α and intra-arterial 5-FU for intractable HCC with PVTT as a postoperative adjuvant and this is the second report. Patients with HCC with PVTT were included (n=50). Thirty consecutive patients with HCC and PVTT were treated with 3 cycles of a combination therapy consisting of arterial 5-FU infusion (300 mg/mm(3)/day, 5 days/week, for the initial 2 weeks) and IFN subcutaneous injection (5 MIU, 3 times/week, 4 weeks) as a postoperative adjuvant following hepatic resection; another 20 patients receiving no IFN/5-FU chemotherapy acted as controls. Results for the IFN/5-FU adjuvant treatment group were as follows: disease-free survival (n=9, 15-109 months), survival with recurrence (n=6, 30-92 months), cancer death (n=9, 14-60 months), death from other causes but no recurrence (n=5, 13-87 months) and death from other causes with recurrence (n=1, 22 months). The 1-year survival rate was 100% in patients treated with IFN/5-FU, and 30% in those without IFN/5-FU as historical controls (n=20). There was a significant difference in disease-free and overall survival rates between the two groups (P<0.0001). In conclusion, IFN/5-FU combination therapy may be a very promising postoperative adjuvant treatment for HCC with PVTT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - KOJI UMESHITA
- Health Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka,
Japan
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16
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Matijević T, Kirinec G, Pavelić J. Antitumor activity from the combined application of poly(I:C) and chemotherapeutics in human metastatic pharyngeal cell lines. Chemotherapy 2011; 57:460-7. [PMID: 22188667 DOI: 10.1159/000334122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) activation in tumor cells induces apoptosis. We investigated the effect of TLR3 ligand (poly(I:C)) in combination with chemotherapeutics applied to human pharyngeal carcinoma cells as a possible antitumor therapy. METHODS Human pharyngeal cancer cell lines were studied (FaDu and Detroit 562). Cytotoxicity assays and apoptosis assays (annexin V staining and caspase 3/7 activity measurements) were used to investigate the cytotoxic effects. By using TLR3 siRNA we confirmed that the observed effect is TLR3-dependent. RESULTS We found that the combined application of poly(I:C) and chemotherapeutics (cisPt, HU, 5-FU and MTX) has a stronger inhibitory effect on cell growth in tumor cells expressing functional TLR3 as compared with a single treatment. This is a result of TLR3-dependent apoptosis. CONCLUSION Our study showed that a combined application of the two agents already being used in tumor therapy could lower the necessary dosage of chemotherapeutics, leading to fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Matijević
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
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A double-modulation strategy in cancer treatment with a chemotherapeutic agent and siRNA. Mol Ther 2011; 19:2040-7. [PMID: 21878904 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is broadly considered the drug of choice for treating human colorectal cancer (CRC). However, 5-FU resistance, mainly caused by the overexpression of antiapoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2, often leads ultimately to treatment failure. We here investigated the effect of Bcl-2 gene silencing, using small interfering RNA (siRNA) (siBcl-2), on the efficacy of 5-FU in CRC. Transfection of siBcl-2 by a Lipofectamine2000/siRNA lipoplex effectively downregulated Bcl-2 expression in the DLD-1 cell line (a CRC), resulting in significant cell growth inhibition in vitro upon treatment with 5-FU. For in vivo treatments, S-1, an oral formulation of Tegafur (TF), a prodrug of 5-FU, was used to mimic 5-FU infusion. The combined treatment of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated siBcl-2-lipoplex and S-1 showed superior tumor growth suppression in a DLD-1 xenograft model, compared to each single treatment. Surprisingly, daily S-1 treatment enhanced the accumulation of PEG-coated siBcl-2-lipoplex in tumor tissue. We propose a novel double modulation strategy in cancer treatment, in which chemotherapy enhances intratumoral siRNA delivery and the delivered siRNA enhances the chemosensitivity of tumors. Combination of siRNA-containing nanocarriers with chemotherapy may compensate for the limited delivery of siRNA to tumor tissue. In addition, such modulation strategy may be considered a promising therapeutic approach to successfully managing 5-FU-resistant tumors.
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18
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Nagano H, Wada H, Kobayashi S, Marubashi S, Eguchi H, Tanemura M, Tomimaru Y, Osuga K, Umeshita K, Doki Y, Mori M. Long-term outcome of combined interferon-α and 5-fluorouracil treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with major portal vein thrombosis. Oncology 2011; 80:63-9. [PMID: 21659784 DOI: 10.1159/000328281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM We previously reported the beneficial effects of a combination therapy of interferon (IFN)-α/5-fluorouracil (FU) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombi in the major portal branches. This report describes the results of longer follow-up and includes more than twice the number of patients relative to the previous report; it also evaluates the clinical predictor on the response to the combination therapy and long-term survival. METHODS The study subjects were 102 patients with advanced HCC and tumor thrombi in the major branches of the portal vein (Vp3 or 4). They were treated with at least 2 courses of IFN-α/5-FU. RESULTS No major treatment-related complications were noted. In the 102 patients, 40 (39.2%) showed objective response [11 (10.8%) showed complete response, 29 (28.4%) partial response], 8 (7.9%) showed no response and 54 (52.9%) showed progressive disease. CONCLUSION IFN-α/5-FU combination therapy is a promising modality for advanced HCC with tumor thrombi in the major portal branches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Nagano
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
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Erdmann J, Vitale G, van Koetsveld PM, Croze E, Sprij-Mooij DM, Hofland LJ, van Eijck CH. Effects of Interferons α/β on the Proliferation of Human Micro- and Macrovascular Endothelial Cells. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2011; 31:451-8. [DOI: 10.1089/jir.2009.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joris Erdmann
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Vitale
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Chair of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS, Instituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Peter M. van Koetsveld
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ed Croze
- Department of Immunology, Berlex Bioscience, Inc., Richmond, California
| | - Diane M. Sprij-Mooij
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leo J. Hofland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Yin H, Xie F, Zhang J, Yang Y, Deng B, Sun J, Wang Q, Qu X, Mao H. Combination of interferon-α and 5-fluorouracil induces apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro. Cancer Lett 2011; 306:34-42. [PMID: 21474236 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Revised: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Many clinical reports have proven that the combination therapy of interferon-alpha plus 5-fluorouracil is remarkably effective for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism of this therapy is not well understood. Here, we demonstrated that the combination therapy synergistically inhibited the growth of Fas-negative HCC cells, arrested cell-cycle progression and induced apoptosis. Moreover, the combination therapy significantly increased the protein expression of caspase-8, activated Bid and cytochrome c. Meanwhile, the expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-xL was reduced and intracellular calcium elevated obviously during the early stage of treatment. Therefore, mitochondrial pathway was involved in the apoptosis of Fas-negative HCC cells induced by IFN-α/5-FU and Ca(2+) partially promoted the beneficial effect against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Yin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qi Lu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
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MicroRNA-21 induces resistance to the anti-tumour effect of interferon-α/5-fluorouracil in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Br J Cancer 2010; 103:1617-26. [PMID: 20978511 PMCID: PMC2990590 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: We reported recently the clinical efficiency of interferon (IFN)-α/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combination therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, prediction of the response to the combination therapy remains unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-tumour effects of microRNA (miR)-21 on the sensitivity of HCC cells to IFN-α/5-FU and whether miR-21 can be used as a predictor of the response to such therapy in HCC. Methods: Changes in the sensitivity of HCC cells (PLC/PRF/5 and HepG2) to IFN-α/5-FU were examined after transfection with pre-miR-21 or anti-miR-21. The correlation between miR-21 expression level, evaluated by qRT–PCR, and response to the therapy was also investigated in clinical HCC specimens. Results: Hepatocellular carcinoma cells transfected with pre-miR-21 were significantly resistant to IFN-α/5-FU. Annexin V assay showed that the percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly lower in cells transfected with pre-miR-21 than control cells. Transfection of anti-miR-21 rendered HCC cells sensitive to IFN-α/5-FU, and such sensitivity was weakened by transfection of siRNAs of target molecules, PETN and PDCD4. miR-21 expression in clinical HCC specimens was significantly associated with the clinical response to the IFN-α/5-FU combination therapy and survival rate. Conclusions: The miR-21 in HCC cell lines and clinical HCC samples is a significant modulator of the anti-tumour effect of IFN-α and 5-FU. This suggests that miR-21 is a potentially suitable marker for the prediction of the clinical response to the IFN-α/5-FU combination therapy.
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Subramanian IV, Devineni S, Ghebre R, Ghosh G, Joshi HP, Jing Y, Truskinovsky AM, Ramakrishnan S. AAV-P125A-endostatin and paclitaxel treatment increases endoreduplication in endothelial cells and inhibits metastasis of breast cancer. Gene Ther 2010; 18:145-54. [PMID: 20844568 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Endostatin potentiates the antimitotic effects of paclitaxel (taxol) on endothelial cells (ECs). P125A-endostatin and taxol-treated ECs showed multipolar spindles and nuclear lobulation, leading to mitotic catastrophe and cell death. Induction of nuclear abnormalities was found to be dependent on β-catenin levels as wnt-mediated overexpression of β-catenin reversed the changes in nuclear morphology. These results prompted us to investigate whether antiangiogenic gene therapy and paclitaxel chemotherapy can synergistically inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth. We first determined the effect of combination treatment in a transgenic mouse model of breast cancer. Intramuscular injection of recombinant adeno-associated virus type-2 virus induced sustained expression of P125A-endostatin. In vivo studies showed that combination therapy inhibited mammary cancer growth, delayed the onset of multifocal mammary adenocarcinomas, decreased tumor angiogenesis and increased survival in treated mice. In a second model, female athymic mice were orthotopically transplanted with a metastatic human breast cancer cell line. Antiangiogenic gene therapy in combination with paclitaxel inhibited tumor angiogenesis and lung/lymph-node metastasis in this model. These studies demonstrate cooperation between endostatin gene therapy and chemotherapy to inhibit tumor initiation, growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I V Subramanian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Murakami M, Kobayashi S, Marubashi S, Tomimaru Y, Noda T, Wada H, Eguchi H, Takeda Y, Tanemura M, Umeshita K, Doki Y, Mori M, Nagano H. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor PTK/ZK enhances the antitumor effects of interferon-α/5-fluorouracil therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Ann Surg Oncol 2010; 18:589-96. [PMID: 20811948 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-010-1310-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is no standardized treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus. We previously reported the efficacy of interferon-alpha and 5-fluorouracil combination (IFN/5-FU) therapy for these patients and the potential mechanism via the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In this study, we showed the VEGF-related effects of IFN/5-FU therapy using VEGF-receptor (VEGFR) selective inhibitor, PTK787/ZK222584 (PTK/ZK), in HCC cells. METHODS Using two VEGF secreting and VEGFR expressing human HCC cell lines, PLC/PRF/5 and HuH7, we performed growth inhibitory assays in vitro and in vivo, apoptosis assay, cell cycle analysis, and Western blot analysis for the mechanism, with or without PTK/ZK in IFN/5-FU therapy. RESULTS The combination of PTK/ZK and IFN/5-FU significantly inhibited cell growth in vitro and tended to reduce tumor growth in vivo in a HuH7 xenograft model in nude mice-in both cases without affecting VEGF secretion. PTK/ZK enhanced the IFN/5-FU induced apoptosis, based on increased proteins levels of Bax and reduced Bcl-xL and Bcl-2. Cell cycle analysis showed different results between the HCC cell lines following the combination therapy, possibly due to differences in p21 protein. CONCLUSIONS VEGF signaling inhibition would support an antitumor effect of IFN/5-FU therapy against HCC cell lines via induction of apoptosis and cell cycle delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Murakami
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Han KH, Park JY. Systemic treatment in advanced/metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of targeted therapy. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2010; 25:1023-5. [PMID: 20594213 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06359.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 alters the sensitivity to interferon-based anticancer therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Br J Cancer 2010; 102:1483-90. [PMID: 20407444 PMCID: PMC2869168 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A striking efficiency of interferon (IFN)-based anticancer therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been reported. Because its clinical efficiency greatly depends on each patient's local response, prediction of local response is crucial. METHODS Continuous exposure of IFN-alpha to parental PLC/PRF/5 cells (PLC-P) and a limiting dilution method resulted in the establishment of IFN-resistant cell clones (PLC-Rs). Microarray analyses of PLC-P and PLC-Rs identified insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) as one of the most significantly downregulated genes in PLC-Rs. Changes in anticancer effects of IFN-alpha were examined in HCC cells after genetic manipulation of IGFBP7 expression. The correlation between immunohistochemically determined IGFBP7 expression and the response to IFN-alpha/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) therapy was investigated in surgically resected HCC specimens. RESULTS PLC-R cells showed a remarkable downregulation of IGFBP7 and resistance to IFN-alpha, compared with PLC-P. Parental PLC/PRF/5 cells transfected with short hairpin RNA against IGFBP7 showed a significant resistance to IFN-alpha relative to control cells (IC(50) fold increase=14.38 times). Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 transfection into PLC-R restored sensitivity to IFN-alpha. In resected specimens, IGFBP7 expression significantly correlated with the response to IFN-alpha/5-FU therapy. CONCLUSION IGFBP7 could be a useful predictor of the response to IFN-based therapy in advanced HCC.
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