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McDonald SJ, Bullard BM, VanderVeen BN, Cardaci TD, Huss AR, Fan D, Hofseth LJ, Murphy EA. Panaxynol alleviates colorectal cancer in a murine model via suppressing macrophages and inflammation. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 325:G318-G333. [PMID: 37489869 PMCID: PMC10642997 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00119.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Currently available colorectal cancer (CRC) therapies have limited efficacy and severe adverse effects that may be overcome with the alternative use of natural compounds. We previously reported that panaxynol (PA), a bioactive component in American ginseng, possesses anticancer properties in vitro and suppresses murine colitis through its proapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Because colitis is a predisposing factor of CRC and inflammation is a major driver of CRC, we sought to evaluate the therapeutic potential of PA in CRC. Azoxymethane-dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) mice (C57BL/6) were administered 2.5 mg/kg PA or vehicle 3 times/wk via oral gavage over 12 wk. PA improved clinical symptoms (P ≤ 0.05) and reduced tumorigenesis (P ≤ 0.05). This improvement may be reflective of PA's restorative effect on intestinal barrier function; PA upregulated the expression of essential tight junction and mucin genes (P ≤ 0.05) and increased the abundance of mucin-producing goblet cells (P ≤ 0.05). Given that macrophages play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of CRC and that we previously demonstrated that PA targets macrophages in colitis, we next assessed macrophages. We show that PA reduces the relative abundance of colonic macrophages within the lamina propria (P ≤ 0.05), and this was consistent with a reduction in the expression of important markers of macrophages and inflammation (P ≤ 0.05). We further confirmed PA's inhibitory effects on macrophages in vitro under CRC conditions (P ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that PA is a promising therapeutic compound to treat CRC and improve clinical symptoms given its ability to inhibit macrophages and modulate the inflammatory environment in the colon.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We report that panaxynol (PA) reduces colorectal cancer (CRC) by improving the colonic and tumor environment. Specifically, we demonstrate that PA improves crypt morphology, upregulates crucial tight junction and mucin genes, and promotes the abundance of mucin-producing goblet cells. Furthermore, PA reduces macrophages and associated inflammation, important drivers of CRC, in the colonic environment. This present study provides novel insights into the potential of PA as a therapeutic agent to ameliorate CRC tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra J McDonald
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
| | - Brooke M Bullard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
| | - Brandon N VanderVeen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
| | - Thomas D Cardaci
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
| | - Alexander R Huss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
| | - Daping Fan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
| | - Lorne J Hofseth
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
| | - E Angela Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
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2
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Al Bitar S, El-Sabban M, Doughan S, Abou-Kheir W. Molecular mechanisms targeting drug-resistance and metastasis in colorectal cancer: Updates and beyond. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1395-1426. [PMID: 36998426 PMCID: PMC10044855 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i9.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed malignancy and a major leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic regimens, the number of patients presenting with metastatic CRC (mCRC) is increasing due to resistance to therapy, conferred by a small population of cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells. Targeted therapies have been highly successful in prolonging the overall survival of patients with mCRC. Agents are being developed to target key molecules involved in drug-resistance and metastasis of CRC, and these include vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, in addition to immune checkpoints. Currently, there are several ongoing clinical trials of newly developed targeted agents, which have shown considerable clinical efficacy and have improved the prognosis of patients who do not benefit from conventional chemotherapy. In this review, we highlight recent developments in the use of existing and novel targeted agents against drug-resistant CRC and mCRC. Furthermore, we discuss limitations and challenges associated with targeted therapy and strategies to combat intrinsic and acquired resistance to these therapies, in addition to the importance of implementing better preclinical models and the application of personalized therapy based on predictive biomarkers for treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Al Bitar
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Samer Doughan
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
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McDonald SJ, VanderVeen BN, Velazquez KT, Enos RT, Fairman CM, Cardaci TD, Fan D, Murphy EA. Therapeutic Potential of Emodin for Gastrointestinal Cancers. Integr Cancer Ther 2022; 21:15347354211067469. [PMID: 34984952 PMCID: PMC8738880 DOI: 10.1177/15347354211067469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers cause one-third of all cancer-related deaths worldwide. Natural compounds are emerging as alternative or adjuvant cancer therapies given their distinct advantage of manipulating multiple pathways to both suppress tumor growth and alleviate cancer comorbidities; however, concerns regarding efficacy, bioavailability, and safety are barriers to their development for clinical use. Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone), a Chinese herb-derived anthraquinone, has been shown to exert anti-tumor effects in colon, liver, and pancreatic cancers. While the mechanisms underlying emodin's tumoricidal effects continue to be unearthed, recent evidence highlights a role for mitochondrial mediated apoptosis, modulated stress and inflammatory signaling pathways, and blunted angiogenesis. The goals of this review are to (1) highlight emodin's anti-cancer properties within GI cancers, (2) discuss the known anti-cancer mechanisms of action of emodin, (3) address emodin's potential as a treatment complementary to standard chemotherapeutics, (4) assess the efficacy and bioavailability of emodin derivatives as they relate to cancer, and (5) evaluate the safety of emodin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daping Fan
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- AcePre, LLC, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - E. Angela Murphy
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- AcePre, LLC, Columbia, SC, USA
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Yang H, Xie S, Liang B, Tang Q, Liu H, Wang D, Huang G. Exosomal IDH1 increases the resistance of colorectal cancer cells to 5-Fluorouracil. J Cancer 2021; 12:4862-4872. [PMID: 34234856 PMCID: PMC8247374 DOI: 10.7150/jca.58846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance challenges the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer and requires an urgent solution. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is a key enzyme involved in glucose metabolism that mediates the malignant transformation of tumors. However, the mechanisms by which IDH1 is involved in colorectal cancer cell proliferation and drug resistance induction remain unclear. In this study, we found that IDH1 was highly expressed in human colorectal cancer tissues and could be used to indicate a high-grade tumor. In vitro gene overexpression and knockdown were used to determine whether IDH1 promoted the proliferation of the colorectal cancer cell line HCT8 and resistance to 5-Fluorouracil (5FU). Further studies have shown that the 5FU-resistant cell line, HCT8FU, secreted exosomes that contained a high level of IDH1 protein. The exosomal IDH1 derived from 5FU-resistant cells enhanced the resistance of 5FU-sensitive cells. Metabolic assays revealed that exosomes derived from 5FU-resistant cells promoted a decrease in the level of IDH1-mediated NADPH, which is associated with the development of 5FU resistance in colorectal cancer cells. Therefore, exosomal IDH1 may be the transmitter and driver of chemoresistance in colorectal cancer and a potential chemotherapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Sha Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Beibei Liang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Qiqi Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Huanchen Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Dongliang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
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Angerilli V, Galuppini F, Businello G, Dal Santo L, Savarino E, Realdon S, Guzzardo V, Nicolè L, Lazzarin V, Lonardi S, Loupakis F, Fassan M. MicroRNAs as Predictive Biomarkers of Resistance to Targeted Therapies in Gastrointestinal Tumors. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030318. [PMID: 33801049 PMCID: PMC8003870 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of precision therapies against specific gene alterations characterizing different neoplasms is revolutionizing the oncology field, opening novel treatment scenarios. However, the onset of resistance mechanisms put in place by the tumor is increasingly emerging, making the use of these drugs ineffective over time. Therefore, the search for indicators that can monitor the development of resistance mechanisms and above all ways to overcome it, is increasingly important. In this scenario, microRNAs are ideal candidate biomarkers, being crucial post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression with a well-known role in mediating mechanisms of drug resistance. Moreover, as microRNAs are stable molecules, easily detectable in tissues and biofluids, they are the ideal candidate biomarker to identify patients with primary resistance to a specific targeted therapy and those who have developed acquired resistance. The aim of this review is to summarize the major studies that have investigated the role of microRNAs as mediators of resistance to targeted therapies currently in use in gastro-intestinal neoplasms, namely anti-EGFR, anti-HER2 and anti-VEGF antibodies, small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. For every microRNA and microRNA signature analyzed, the putative mechanisms underlying drug resistance were outlined and the potential to be translated in clinical practice was evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Angerilli
- Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35100 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.D.S.); (V.G.); (L.N.); (V.L.)
| | - Francesca Galuppini
- Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35100 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.D.S.); (V.G.); (L.N.); (V.L.)
| | - Gianluca Businello
- Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35100 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.D.S.); (V.G.); (L.N.); (V.L.)
| | - Luca Dal Santo
- Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35100 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.D.S.); (V.G.); (L.N.); (V.L.)
| | - Edoardo Savarino
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padua, 35100 Padua, Italy;
| | - Stefano Realdon
- Istituto Oncologico Veneto (IOV-IRCCS), 35100 Padua, Italy; (S.R.); (S.L.); (F.L.)
| | - Vincenza Guzzardo
- Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35100 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.D.S.); (V.G.); (L.N.); (V.L.)
| | - Lorenzo Nicolè
- Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35100 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.D.S.); (V.G.); (L.N.); (V.L.)
| | - Vanni Lazzarin
- Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35100 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.D.S.); (V.G.); (L.N.); (V.L.)
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Istituto Oncologico Veneto (IOV-IRCCS), 35100 Padua, Italy; (S.R.); (S.L.); (F.L.)
| | - Fotios Loupakis
- Istituto Oncologico Veneto (IOV-IRCCS), 35100 Padua, Italy; (S.R.); (S.L.); (F.L.)
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35100 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.D.S.); (V.G.); (L.N.); (V.L.)
- Istituto Oncologico Veneto (IOV-IRCCS), 35100 Padua, Italy; (S.R.); (S.L.); (F.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-821-1312
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Cordova-Delgado M, Pizarro G, Pinto MP, Herrera ME, Garrido M. Case Report: Molecular Features and Treatment Options for Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:593561. [PMID: 33777741 PMCID: PMC7987784 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.593561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a rare malignancy characterized by poor prognosis. Recent efforts have sought to elucidate the genetic landscape and the molecular drivers behind this disease. Herein, we report the main molecular alterations in two metastatic (stage IV) SBA patients. Interestingly, one of them had gene alterations that affected signaling pathways previously described for SBA. However, a second patient displayed previously unreported alterations in this particular tumor type. Based on these findings we discuss potential treatment options for patients affected by this rare, aggressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Cordova-Delgado
- Hematology and Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Pizarro
- Hematology and Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio P Pinto
- Hematology and Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago, Chile
| | - Maria Elisa Herrera
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de Valdivia, Valdivia, Chile.,Medical Oncology Department, Clínica Alemana de Valdivia, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Marcelo Garrido
- Hematology and Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago, Chile
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