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Tripathi S, Gupta E, Galande S. Statins as anti-tumor agents: A paradigm for repurposed drugs. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2078. [PMID: 38711272 PMCID: PMC11074523 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins, frequently prescribed medications, work by inhibiting the rate-limiting enzyme HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) in the mevalonate pathway to reduce cholesterol levels. Due to their multifaceted benefits, statins are being adapted for use as cost-efficient, safe and effective anti-cancer treatments. Several studies have shown that specific types of cancer are responsive to statin medications since they rely on the mevalonate pathway for their growth and survival. RECENT FINDINGS Statin are a class of drugs known for their potent inhibition of cholesterol production and are typically prescribed to treat high cholesterol levels. Nevertheless, there is growing interest in repurposing statins for the treatment of malignant neoplastic diseases, often in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The mechanism behind statin treatment includes targeting apoptosis through the BCL2 signaling pathway, regulating the cell cycle via the p53-YAP axis, and imparting epigenetic modulations by altering methylation patterns on CpG islands and histone acetylation by downregulating DNMTs and HDACs respectively. Notably, some studies have suggested a potential chemo-preventive effect, as decreased occurrence of tumor relapse and enhanced survival rate were reported in patients undergoing long-term statin therapy. However, the definitive endorsement of statin usage in cancer therapy hinges on population based clinical studies with larger patient cohorts and extended follow-up periods. CONCLUSIONS The potential of anti-cancer properties of statins seems to reach beyond their influence on cholesterol production. Further investigations are necessary to uncover their effects on cancer promoting signaling pathways. Given their distinct attributes, statins might emerge as promising contenders in the fight against tumorigenesis, as they appear to enhance the efficacy and address the limitations of conventional cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Tripathi
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology & EpigeneticsIndian Institute of Science Education and ResearchPuneIndia
| | - Ekta Gupta
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology & EpigeneticsIndian Institute of Science Education and ResearchPuneIndia
| | - Sanjeev Galande
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology & EpigeneticsIndian Institute of Science Education and ResearchPuneIndia
- Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics, Department of Life SciencesShiv Nadar Institution of EminenceGautam Buddha NagarIndia
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2
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Robertson R, Li S, Filippelli RL, Chang NC. Muscle stem cell dysfunction in rhabdomyosarcoma and muscular dystrophy. Curr Top Dev Biol 2024; 158:83-121. [PMID: 38670717 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are crucial to the repair and homeostasis of mature skeletal muscle. MuSC dysfunction and dysregulation of the myogenic program can contribute to the development of pathology ranging from cancers like rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) or muscle degenerative diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Both diseases exhibit dysregulation at nearly all steps of myogenesis. For instance, MuSC self-renewal processes are altered. In RMS, this leads to the creation of tumor propagating cells. In DMD, impaired asymmetric stem cell division creates a bias towards producing self-renewing stem cells instead of committing to differentiation. Hyperproliferation of these cells contribute to tumorigenesis in RMS and symmetric expansion of the self-renewing MuSC population in DMD. Both diseases also exhibit a repression of factors involved in terminal differentiation, halting RMS cells in the proliferative stage and thus driving tumor growth. Conversely, the MuSCs in DMD exhibit impaired differentiation and fuse prematurely, affecting myonuclei maturation and the integrity of the dystrophic muscle fiber. Finally, both disease states cause alterations to the MuSC niche. Various elements of the niche such as inflammatory and migratory signaling that impact MuSC behavior are dysregulated. Here we show how these seemingly distantly related diseases indeed have similarities in MuSC dysfunction, underlying the importance of considering MuSCs when studying the pathophysiology of muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Robertson
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Shulei Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Romina L Filippelli
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Natasha C Chang
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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3
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Cheng Q, Wu J, Xia Y, Cheng Q, Zhao Y, Zhu P, Zhang W, Zhang S, Zhang L, Yuan Y, Li C, Chen G, Xue B. Disruption of protein geranylgeranylation in the cerebellum causes cerebellar hypoplasia and ataxia via blocking granule cell progenitor proliferation. Mol Brain 2023; 16:24. [PMID: 36782228 PMCID: PMC9923931 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-023-01010-4] [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: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The prenylation of proteins is involved in a variety of biological functions. However, it remains unknown whether it plays an important role in the morphogenesis of the cerebellum. To address this question, we generated a mouse model, in which the geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (Ggps1) gene is inactivated in neural progenitor cells in the developing cerebellum. We report that conditional knockout (cKO) of Ggps1 leads to severe ataxia and deficient locomotion. To identify the underlying mechanisms, we completed a series of cellular and molecular experiments. First, our morphological analysis revealed significantly decreased population of granule cell progenitors (GCPs) and impaired proliferation of GCPs in the developing cerebellum of Ggps1 cKO mice. Second, our molecular analysis showed increased expression of p21, an important cell cycle regulator in Ggps1 cKO mice. Together, this study highlights a critical role of Ggpps-dependent protein prenylation in the proliferation of cerebellar GCPs during cerebellar development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Cheng
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XMedical School of Nanjing University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China
| | - Jing Wu
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Core Laboratory, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166 China
| | - Yingqian Xia
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XMedical School of Nanjing University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China
| | - Qing Cheng
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004 Jiangsu China
| | - Yinjuan Zhao
- grid.410625.40000 0001 2293 4910Collaborative Innovation Center of Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 Jiangsu China
| | - Peixiang Zhu
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XMedical School of Nanjing University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China
| | - Wangling Zhang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XMedical School of Nanjing University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China
| | - Shihu Zhang
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029 China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Medical Imaging Center of Fuyang People’s Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui Province China
| | - Yushan Yuan
- Medical Imaging Center of Fuyang People’s Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui Province China
| | - Chaojun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and China International Joint Research Center On Environment and Human Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Guiquan Chen
- Medical School of Nanjing University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China. .,Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Bin Xue
- Core Laboratory, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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4
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Chen W, Huang W, Pather SR, Chang W, Sung L, Wu H, Liao M, Lee C, Wu H, Wu C, Liao K, Lin C, Yang S, Lin H, Lai P, Ng C, Hu C, Chen I, Chuang C, Lai C, Lin P, Lee Y, Schuyler SC, Schambach A, Lu FL, Lu J. Podocalyxin-Like Protein 1 Regulates Pluripotency through the Cholesterol Biosynthesis Pathway. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 10:e2205451. [PMID: 36373710 PMCID: PMC9811443 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Deciphering signaling mechanisms critical for the extended pluripotent stem cell (EPSC) state and primed pluripotency is necessary for understanding embryonic development. Here, a membrane protein, podocalyxin-like protein 1 (PODXL) as being essential for extended and primed pluripotency, is identified. Alteration of PODXL expression levels affects self-renewal, protein expression of c-MYC and telomerase, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and EPSC colony formation. PODXL is the first membrane protein reported to regulate de novo cholesterol biosynthesis, and human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are more sensitive to cholesterol depletion than fibroblasts. The addition of exogenous cholesterol fully restores PODXL knockdown-mediated loss of pluripotency. PODXL affects lipid raft dynamics via the regulation of cholesterol. PODXL recruits the RAC1/CDC42/actin network to regulate SREBP1 and SREBP2 maturation and lipid raft dynamics. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals PODXL overexpression enhanced chimerism between human cells in mouse host embryos (hEPSCs 57%). Interestingly, in the human-mouse chimeras, laminin and collagen signaling-related pathways are dominant in PODXL overexpressing cells. It is concluded that cholesterol regulation via PODXL signaling is critical for ESC/EPSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Ju Chen
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaGenome and Systems Biology Degree ProgramCollege of Life ScienceNational Taiwan UniversityTaipei10617Taiwan
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | - Wei‐Kai Huang
- Center for Genomic MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA02114USA
| | - Sarshan R. Pather
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate GroupPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
| | - Wei‐Fang Chang
- Institute of BiotechnologyNational Taiwan UniversityTaipei10617Taiwan
| | - Li‐Ying Sung
- Institute of BiotechnologyNational Taiwan UniversityTaipei10617Taiwan
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
- Animal Resource CenterNational Taiwan UniversityTaipei10617Taiwan
| | - Han‐Chung Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC)Academia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | - Mei‐Ying Liao
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | - Chi‐Chiu Lee
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | - Hsuan‐Hui Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | - Chung‐Yi Wu
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | | | - Chun‐Yu Lin
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | | | - Hsuan Lin
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | - Pei‐Lun Lai
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | - Chi‐Hou Ng
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | - Chun‐Mei Hu
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | - I‐Chih Chen
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | | | - Chien‐Ying Lai
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | - Po‐Yu Lin
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
| | - Yueh‐Chang Lee
- Department of OphthalmologyHualien Tzu Chi HospitalBuddhist Tzu Chi Medical FoundationHualien97004Taiwan
| | - Scott C. Schuyler
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of MedicineChang Gung UniversityDivision of Head and Neck SurgeryDepartment of OtolaryngologyChang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuan33302Taiwan
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental HematologyHannover Medical School30625HannoverGermany
| | - Frank Leigh Lu
- Department of PediatricsNational Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University Medical CollegeTaipei10051Taiwan
| | - Jean Lu
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaGenome and Systems Biology Degree ProgramCollege of Life ScienceNational Taiwan UniversityTaipei10617Taiwan
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipei11529Taiwan
- National RNAi Platform/ National Core Facility Program for BiotechnologyTaipei11529Taiwan
- Department of Life ScienceTzu Chi UniversityHualien97004Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical SciencesNational Defense Medical CenterTaipei11490Taiwan
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5
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Cho JG, Kim SW, Lee A, Jeong HN, Yun E, Choi J, Jeong SJ, Chang W, Oh S, Yoo KH, Lee JB, Yoon S, Lee MS, Park JH, Jung MH, Kim SW, Kim KH, Suh DS, Choi KU, Choi J, Kim J, Kwon BS. MicroRNA-dependent inhibition of WEE1 controls cancer stem-like characteristics and malignant behavior in ovarian cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:803-822. [PMID: 36159587 PMCID: PMC9463562 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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6
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Mutant p53, the Mevalonate Pathway and the Tumor Microenvironment Regulate Tumor Response to Statin Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143500. [PMID: 35884561 PMCID: PMC9323637 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells have the ability to co-opt multiple metabolic pathways, enhance glucose uptake and utilize aerobic glycolysis to promote tumorigenesis, which are characteristics constituting an emerging hallmark of cancer. Mutated tumor suppressor and proto-oncogenes are frequently responsible for enhanced metabolic pathway signaling. The link between mutant p53 and the mevalonate (MVA) pathway has been implicated in the advancement of various malignancies, with tumor cells relying heavily on increased MVA signaling to fuel their rapid growth, metastatic spread and development of therapy resistance. Statin drugs inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the pathway’s rate-limiting enzyme, and as such, have long been studied as a potential anti-cancer therapy. However, whether statins provide additional anti-cancer properties is worthy of debate. Here, we examine retrospective, prospective and pre-clinical studies involving the use of statins in various cancer types, as well as potential issues with statins’ lack of efficacy observed in clinical trials and future considerations for upcoming clinical trials.
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7
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Marcianò G, Palleria C, Casarella A, Rania V, Basile E, Catarisano L, Vocca C, Bianco L, Pelaia C, Cione E, D’Agostino B, Citraro R, De Sarro G, Gallelli L. Effect of Statins on Lung Cancer Molecular Pathways: A Possible Therapeutic Role. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:589. [PMID: 35631415 PMCID: PMC9144184 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a common neoplasm, usually treated through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery. Both clinical and experimental studies on cancer cells suggest that some drugs (e.g., statins) have the potential to improve the prognosis of cancer. In fact, statins blocking the enzyme "hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase" exert pleiotropic effects on different genes involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. In this narrative review, we presented the experimental and clinical studies that evaluated the effects of statins on lung cancer and described data on the effectiveness and safety of these compounds. We also evaluated gender differences in the treatment of lung cancer to understand the possibility of personalized therapy based on the modulation of the mevalonate pathway. In conclusion, according to the literature data, statins exert multiple effects on lung cancer cells, even if the evidence for their use in clinical practice is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Marcianò
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.M.); (A.C.); (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (C.V.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Caterina Palleria
- Operative Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilanze, Mater Domini Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.P.); (L.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Alessandro Casarella
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.M.); (A.C.); (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (C.V.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Rania
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.M.); (A.C.); (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (C.V.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Emanuele Basile
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.M.); (A.C.); (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (C.V.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Luca Catarisano
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.M.); (A.C.); (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (C.V.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Cristina Vocca
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.M.); (A.C.); (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (C.V.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Luigi Bianco
- Operative Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilanze, Mater Domini Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.P.); (L.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Operative Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilanze, Mater Domini Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.P.); (L.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Erika Cione
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Ed. Polifunzionale, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Rende, Italy;
| | - Bruno D’Agostino
- Department of Experimental Medicine L. Donatelli, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Rita Citraro
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.M.); (A.C.); (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (C.V.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
- Operative Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilanze, Mater Domini Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.P.); (L.B.); (C.P.)
- Research Centre FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.M.); (A.C.); (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (C.V.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
- Operative Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilanze, Mater Domini Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.P.); (L.B.); (C.P.)
- Research Centre FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.M.); (A.C.); (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (C.V.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
- Operative Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilanze, Mater Domini Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.P.); (L.B.); (C.P.)
- Research Centre FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Afshari AR, Mollazadeh H, Henney NC, Jamialahmad T, Sahebkar A. Effects of statins on brain tumors: a review. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 73:116-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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de Barros JWF, Villela E Silva P, da Silva GV, da Silva KP, Borges CDS, Mueller A, Valencise L, Pupo AS, Kempinas WDG. Rosuvastatin exposure in female Wistar rats alters uterine contractility and do not show evident (anti)estrogenic effects. Drug Chem Toxicol 2021; 45:2233-2245. [PMID: 33934680 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2021.1919139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor drugs that lead to serum-cholesterol-lowering effects. Rosuvastatin, a third-generation statin, has shown better results in reducing cholesterol concentrations when compared to other widely prescribed statins. Recent studies by our group reported that rosuvastatin impairs reproductive function in rats possibly by disrupting the reproductive-endocrine axis. In this study, we evaluated whether rosuvastatin presents estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects, by an in vivo uterotrophic assay in rats, and investigated the direct effect of this drug upon rat uterine tissue contractility both in non-gravid and gravid periods. Rosuvastatin exposure in vivo at doses of 0 (control), 3, and 10 mg/kg/d was not associated with estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects on uterine tissue. However, in vivo (doses of 0, 3, and 10 mg/kg/d) and ex vivo (concentrations of 0, 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL) exposures to this drug were related to alterations in uterine basal contraction pattern. Furthermore, in vivo and ex vivo rosuvastatin exposures potentially modulate the action of uterine contraction inducers carbachol, norepinephrine, and prostaglandin E2. Thus, rosuvastatin can affect uterine physiology not necessarily by an endocrine mechanism related to the estrogen signaling, but possibly by its pleiotropic effects, with indirect tissue and cellular interactions, since in vivo and ex vivo exposures of uterine fragments to rosuvastatin presented different responses in uterine contractile parameters, which require further studies upon the precise mechanism of action of this drug in female reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Willian Franco de Barros
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Villela E Silva
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Venâncio da Silva
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Katiussia Pinho da Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Cibele Dos Santos Borges
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - André Mueller
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Lethícia Valencise
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - André Sampaio Pupo
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Wilma De Grava Kempinas
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
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10
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Parsamanesh N, Karami-Zarandi M, Banach M, Penson PE, Sahebkar A. Effects of statins on myocarditis: A review of underlying molecular mechanisms. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2021; 67:53-64. [PMID: 33621589 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Myocarditis refers to the clinical and histological characteristics of a diverse range of inflammatory cellular pathophysiological conditions which result in cardiac dysfunction. Myocarditis is a major cause of mortality in individuals less than 40 years of age and accounts for approximately 20% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Myocarditis contributes to dilated cardiomyopathy in 30% of patients and can progress to cardiac arrest, which has a poor prognosis of <40% survival over 10 years. Myocarditis has also been documented after infection with SARS-CoV-2. The most commonly used lipid-lowering therapies, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), decrease CVD-related morbidity and mortality. In addition to their lipid-lowering effects, increasing evidence supports the existence of several additional beneficial, 'pleiotropic' effects of statins. Recently, several studies have indicated that statins may attenuate myocarditis. Statins modify the lipid oxidation, inflammation, immunomodulation, and endothelial activity of the pathophysiology and have been recommended as adjuvant treatment. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of action of statins and their effects on myocarditis, SARS-CoV-2 and CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Parsamanesh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | | | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, WAM University Hospital in Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, Zeromskiego 113, Lodz, Poland; Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland.
| | - Peter E Penson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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11
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Ahmadi M, Amiri S, Pecic S, Machaj F, Rosik J, Łos MJ, Alizadeh J, Mahdian R, da Silva Rosa SC, Schaafsma D, Shojaei S, Madrakian T, Zeki AA, Ghavami S. Pleiotropic effects of statins: A focus on cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165968. [PMID: 32927022 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The statin drugs ('statins') potently inhibit hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase by competitively blocking the active site of the enzyme. Statins decrease de novo cholesterol biosynthesis and thereby reduce plasma cholesterol levels. Statins exhibit "pleiotropic" properties that are independent of their lipid-lowering effects. For example, preclinical evidence suggests that statins inhibit tumor growth and induce apoptosis in specific cancer cell types. Furthermore, statins show chemo-sensitizing effects by impairing Ras family GTPase signaling. However, whether statins have clinically meaningful anti-cancer effects remains an area of active investigation. Both preclinical and clinical studies on the potential mechanisms of action of statins in several cancers have been reviewed in the literature. Considering the contradictory data on their efficacy, we present an up-to-date summary of the pleiotropic effects of statins in cancer therapy and review their impact on different malignancies. We also discuss the synergistic anti-cancer effects of statins when combined with other more conventional anti-cancer drugs to highlight areas of potential therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazaher Ahmadi
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Shayan Amiri
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, R4046 - 351 Taché Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2A6, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Stevan Pecic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Filip Machaj
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jakub Rosik
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marek J Łos
- Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Javad Alizadeh
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Biology of Breathing Theme, Children Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Reza Mahdian
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simone C da Silva Rosa
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Shahla Shojaei
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Tayyebeh Madrakian
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Amir A Zeki
- University of California, Davis School of Medicine. Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. U.C. Davis Lung Center, Davis, California, USA; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mather, California, USA
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
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12
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Barros JWF, Tonon KS, Borges CS, Silva PV, Lozano AFQ, Pacheco TL, Anselmo-Franci JA, Kempinas WG. Short- and long-term effects on reproductive parameters of female Wistar rats after exposure to rosuvastatin starting in pre-puberty. Curr Res Toxicol 2020; 1:149-160. [PMID: 34345844 PMCID: PMC8320644 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2020.11.002] [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: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rosuvastatin is a lipid-lowering drug that inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis. The exposure of female rats from pre-puberty to adulthood leads to alterations in estrous cycle, sexual behavior, serum prolactin levels, and weights of liver, pituitary and placenta. No alterations were found in pubertal timing, uterine and ovarian morphology, serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone and progesterone, and reproductive performance. The alterations seem to be due disruption of hormonal signaling and to the pleiotropic effects of statins.
Statins are a class of drugs that act lowering lipid levels by inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis. Additionally, statins can act by “pleiotropic effects”, related to the inhibition of synthesis of the other mevalonate pathway products. Rosuvastatin is a third-generation statin and has shown better results in reducing cholesterol concentrations when compared to other statins. Recent studies suggest that rosuvastatin may act as an endocrine disruptor that potentially damages the hormonal axis and, consequently reproductive development and function of male rats. However, the effects of rosuvastatin exposure on rat female reproductive parameters remain unknown. In this study female rats were exposed to rosuvastatin at the doses of 0 (control), 3, or 10 mg/Kg.bw−1/day from pre-puberty to adulthood. No alterations in the female reproductive parameters were observed at a dose of 3 mg/Kg.bw−1. However, females exposed to 10 mg/Kg.bw−1 exhibited shorter estrous cycles, altered copulatory behavior, decreased serum prolactin level, and alterations in the liver, pituitary and placental weights, parameters to some extent influenced by the reproductive hormonal axis signaling pathway. On the other hand, pubertal onset, reproductive hormone levels, fertility, and histological parameters of the ovary, uterus, and placenta were unaltered by exposure to both doses of this statin. Thus, rosuvastatin exposure, at the higher dose, altered the reproductive function of female rats, probably due to the pleiotropic effects of this statin. Additional studies on the effects of this statin on female reproductive function and development are encouraged to better characterize its mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge W F Barros
- Graduate Program in Cell and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Karolina S Tonon
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Cibele S Borges
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia V Silva
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana F Q Lozano
- Graduate Program in Cell and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Tainá L Pacheco
- Graduate Program in Cell and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Janete A Anselmo-Franci
- Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Physiology, Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Wilma G Kempinas
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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13
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Catalán M, Olmedo I, Faúndez J, Jara JA. Medicinal Chemistry Targeting Mitochondria: From New Vehicles and Pharmacophore Groups to Old Drugs with Mitochondrial Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8684. [PMID: 33217901 PMCID: PMC7698797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in tumor cell mitochondria as a pharmacological target has been rekindled in recent years. This attention is due in part to new publications documenting heterogenous characteristics of solid tumors, including anoxic and hypoxic zones that foster cellular populations with differentiating metabolic characteristics. These populations include tumor-initiating or cancer stem cells, which have a strong capacity to adapt to reduced oxygen availability, switching rapidly between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation as sources of energy and metabolites. Additionally, this cell subpopulation shows high chemo- and radioresistance and a high capacity for tumor repopulation. Interestingly, it has been shown that inhibiting mitochondrial function in tumor cells affects glycolysis pathways, cell bioenergy, and cell viability. Therefore, mitochondrial inhibition may be a viable strategy for eradicating cancer stem cells. In this context, medicinal chemistry research over the last decade has synthesized and characterized "vehicles" capable of transporting novel or existing pharmacophores to mitochondrial tumor cells, based on mechanisms that exploit the physicochemical properties of the vehicles and the inherent properties of the mitochondria. The pharmacophores, some of which have been isolated from plants and others, which were synthesized in the lab, are diverse in chemical nature. Some of these molecules are active, while others are prodrugs that have been evaluated alone or linked to mitochondria-targeted agents. Finally, researchers have recently described drugs with well-proven safety and efficacy that may exert a mitochondria-specific inhibitory effect in tumor cells through noncanonical mechanisms. The effectiveness of these molecules may be improved by linking them to mitochondrial carrier molecules. These promising pharmacological agents should be evaluated alone and in combination with classic chemotherapeutic drugs in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Catalán
- Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Ivonne Olmedo
- Physiopathology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Jennifer Faúndez
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Olivos 943, Santiago 8380544, Chile;
| | - José A. Jara
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Olivos 943, Santiago 8380544, Chile;
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14
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Liao AH, Lin WT, Chen HK, Shih CP, Wang CH, Chu YH. Synergistic effects of combined treatment with ultrasound-mediated cisplatin-loaded microbubbles and atorvastatin on head and neck cancer. Head Neck 2020; 43:15-26. [PMID: 32954561 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, we used ultrasound (US)-mediated cisplatin (CDDP)-loaded microbubbles (CDDP-MBs) to increase intratumoral CDDP level while decreasing systemic cytotoxicity. Statins have shown antitumorigenic properties. Our study investigated the effects of atorvastatin with CDDP-MBs and US on head neck cancer. METHODS Cell viability analysis with CDDP-MBs and atorvastatin combined with US in FaDu cell line were tested. Cell proliferation and glutathione level were also evaluated. RESULTS Both CDDP and atorvastatin reduced cell's viability. Coadministration of CDDP and atorvastatin resulted in synergistic inhibitory effect. After US sonication, cell viability with atorvastatin and CDDP was significantly reduced for CDDP combined with MBs (65.98% to 49.13%) and for CDDP-MBs (86.17% to 50.15%). CDDP-MBs combined with atorvastatin and US inhibited the proliferation of cells: 19.61% for CDDP-MBs + atorvastatin + US, 36.28% for CDDP + atorvastatin, and 71.73% for atorvastatin alone. Also, CDDP-MBs + atorvastatin + US induced apoptosis by decreasing cellular level of glutathione. CONCLUSIONS Atorvastatin combined with MB-conjugated CDDP exerts synergistic inhibitory effect on head neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ho Liao
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ting Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hang-Kang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ping Shih
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hung Wang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yueng-Hsiang Chu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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15
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Abstract
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (known as statins) are commonly prescribed worldwide for the management of coronary heart disease and the underlying dyslipidemia. This class of drugs has been shown to infer a significant decrease in the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Only recently though have the beneficial effects of statins in other diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis been highlighted. Importantly, also, multiple studies have revealed that statin use was associated with lower cancer-associated mortality across multiple types of cancers. This work aims to review those studies with a particular focus on liver cancer. We also provide a review of the proposed mechanisms of action describing how statins can induce chemo-preventive and antitumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazal Alipour Talesh
- miRCaDe team, Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BMGIC, U1035, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.,Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Véronique Trézéguet
- miRCaDe team, Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BMGIC, U1035, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Aksam Merched
- miRCaDe team, Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BMGIC, U1035, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
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16
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Wan Hasan WN, Chin KY, Abd Ghafar N, Soelaiman IN. Annatto-Derived Tocotrienol Promotes Mineralization of MC3T3-E1 Cells by Enhancing BMP-2 Protein Expression via Inhibiting RhoA Activation and HMG-CoA Reductase Gene Expression. Drug Des Devel Ther 2020; 14:969-976. [PMID: 32184566 PMCID: PMC7060796 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s224941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Annatto-derived tocotrienol (AnTT) has been shown to improve bone formation in animal models of osteoporosis and promote differentiation of pre-osteoblastic cells. However, the mechanism of action of AnTT in achieving these effects is unclear. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of action of AnTT on MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts via the mevalonate pathway. METHODS Murine pre-osteoblastic cells, MC3T3-E1, were cultured with the density of 1 × 104 cells/mL and treated with 4 concentrations of AnTT (0.001-1 µg/mL). Expression of HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) gene was carried out using qPCR after treatment with AnTT for 21 days. RhoA activation and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) were measured using immunoassay after 9 and 15 days of AnTT treatment. Lovastatin was used as the positive control. Mineralized nodules were detected using Von Kossa staining after 21 days of AnTT treatment. RESULTS The results showed that HMGR was up-regulated in the lovastatin group on day 9 and 21 compared to the control. Lovastatin also inhibited RhoA activation (day 9 and 15) and increased BMP-2 protein (day 15). On the other hand, AnTT at 0.001 μg/mL (day 3) and 0.1 μg/mL (day 21) significantly down-regulated HMGR gene expression compared to the control. On day 21, HMGR gene expression was significantly reduced in all groups compared to day 15. AnTT at 0.1 μg/mL significantly decreased RhoA activation on day 9 compared to the control. AnTT at 1 μg/mL significantly increased BMP-2 protein on day 15 compared to the control (P<0.05). Mineralized calcium nodules were more abundant in AnTT treated groups compared to the control on day 21. CONCLUSION AnTT suppresses the mevalonate pathway by downregulating HMGR gene expression and inhibiting RhoA activation, leading to increased BMP-2 protein in MC3T3-E1 cells. This explains the stimulating effects of AnTT on osteoblast mineralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Nuraini Wan Hasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur56000, Malaysia
| | - Kok-Yong Chin
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur56000, Malaysia
| | - Norzana Abd Ghafar
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur56000, Malaysia
| | - Ima Nirwana Soelaiman
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur56000, Malaysia
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17
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Hayes MN, McCarthy K, Jin A, Oliveira ML, Iyer S, Garcia SP, Sindiri S, Gryder B, Motala Z, Nielsen GP, Borg JP, van de Rijn M, Malkin D, Khan J, Ignatius MS, Langenau DM. Vangl2/RhoA Signaling Pathway Regulates Stem Cell Self-Renewal Programs and Growth in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 22:414-427.e6. [PMID: 29499154 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Tumor growth and relapse are driven by tumor propagating cells (TPCs). However, mechanisms regulating TPC fate choices, maintenance, and self-renewal are not fully understood. Here, we show that Van Gogh-like 2 (Vangl2), a core regulator of the non-canonical Wnt/planar cell polarity (Wnt/PCP) pathway, affects TPC self-renewal in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS)-a pediatric cancer of muscle. VANGL2 is expressed in a majority of human RMS and within early mononuclear progenitor cells. VANGL2 depletion inhibited cell proliferation, reduced TPC numbers, and induced differentiation of human RMS in vitro and in mouse xenografts. Using a zebrafish model of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), we determined that Vangl2 expression enriches for TPCs and promotes their self-renewal. Expression of constitutively active and dominant-negative isoforms of RHOA revealed that it acts downstream of VANGL2 to regulate proliferation and maintenance of TPCs in human RMS. Our studies offer insights into pathways that control TPCs and identify new potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline N Hayes
- Molecular Pathology, Cancer Center, and Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Karin McCarthy
- Molecular Pathology, Cancer Center, and Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alexander Jin
- Molecular Pathology, Cancer Center, and Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mariana L Oliveira
- Molecular Pathology, Cancer Center, and Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sowmya Iyer
- Molecular Pathology, Cancer Center, and Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sara P Garcia
- Molecular Pathology, Cancer Center, and Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sivasish Sindiri
- Oncogenomics Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Berkley Gryder
- Oncogenomics Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zainab Motala
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G1X8, Canada
| | - G Petur Nielsen
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Jean-Paul Borg
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Aix Marseille Univ UM105, Inst Paoli Calmettes, UMR7258 CNRS, U1068 INSERM, "Cell Polarity, Cell signalling and Cancer - Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer," Marseille, France
| | - Matt van de Rijn
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David Malkin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G1X8, Canada
| | - Javed Khan
- Oncogenomics Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Myron S Ignatius
- Molecular Medicine and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - David M Langenau
- Molecular Pathology, Cancer Center, and Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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Xu W, Liu P, Mu YP. Research progress on signaling pathways in cirrhotic portal hypertension. World J Clin Cases 2018; 6:335-343. [PMID: 30283796 PMCID: PMC6163134 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v6.i10.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PHT) is an important consequence of liver cirrhosis, which can lead to complications that adversely affect a patient’s quality of life and survival, such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, and portosystemic encephalopathy. In recent years, advances in molecular biology have led to major discoveries in the pathological processes of PHT, including the signaling pathways that may be involved: PI3K-AKT-mTOR, RhoA/Rho-kinase, JAK2/STAT3, and farnesoid X receptor. However, the pathogenesis of PHT is complex and there are numerous pathways involved. Therefore, the targeting of signaling pathways for medical management is lagging. This article summarizes the progress that has been made in understanding the signaling pathways in PHT, and provides ideas for treatment of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Xu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 201203, China
- Clinical key laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 201203, China
- Clinical key laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yong-Ping Mu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 201203, China
- Clinical key laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, Shanghai 201203, China
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19
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Katsuyama T, Tsokos GC, Moulton VR. Aberrant T Cell Signaling and Subsets in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1088. [PMID: 29868033 PMCID: PMC5967272 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multi-organ debilitating autoimmune disease, which mainly afflicts women in the reproductive years. A complex interaction of genetics, environmental factors and hormones result in the breakdown of immune tolerance to "self" leading to damage and destruction of multiple organs, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart and brain. Both innate and adaptive immune systems are critically involved in the misguided immune response against self-antigens. Dendritic cells, neutrophils, and innate lymphoid cells are important in initiating antigen presentation and propagating inflammation at lymphoid and peripheral tissue sites. Autoantibodies produced by B lymphocytes and immune complex deposition in vital organs contribute to tissue damage. T lymphocytes are increasingly being recognized as key contributors to disease pathogenesis. CD4 T follicular helper cells enable autoantibody production, inflammatory Th17 subsets promote inflammation, while defects in regulatory T cells lead to unchecked immune responses. A better understanding of the molecular defects including signaling events and gene regulation underlying the dysfunctional T cells in SLE is necessary to pave the path for better management, therapy, and perhaps prevention of this complex disease. In this review, we focus on the aberrations in T cell signaling in SLE and highlight therapeutic advances in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vaishali R. Moulton
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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20
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Tatè R, Zona E, De Cicco R, Trotta V, Urciuoli M, Morelli A, Baiano S, Carnuccio R, Fuggetta MP, Morelli F. Simvastatin inhibits the expression of stemness-related genes and the metastatic invasion of human cancer cells via destruction of the cytoskeleton. Int J Oncol 2017; 51:1851-1859. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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21
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The ROCK/GGTase Pathway Are Essential to the Proliferation and Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells Mediated by Simvastatin. J Mol Neurosci 2016; 60:474-485. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-016-0811-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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22
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Could drugs inhibiting the mevalonate pathway also target cancer stem cells? Drug Resist Updat 2016; 25:13-25. [PMID: 27155373 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the connection between metabolic pathways and cancer is very important for the development of new therapeutic approaches based on regulatory enzymes in pathways associated with tumorigenesis. The mevalonate cascade and its rate-liming enzyme HMG CoA-reductase has recently drawn the attention of cancer researchers because strong evidences arising mostly from epidemiologic studies, show that it could promote transformation. Hence, these studies pinpoint HMG CoA-reductase as a candidate proto-oncogene. Several recent epidemiological studies, in different populations, have proven that statins are beneficial for the treatment-outcome of various cancers, and may improve common cancer therapy strategies involving alkylating agents, and antimetabolites. Cancer stem cells/cancer initiating cells (CSC) are key to cancer progression and metastasis. Therefore, in the current review we address the different effects of statins on cancer stem cells. The mevalonate cascade is among the most pleiotropic, and highly interconnected signaling pathways. Through G-protein-coupled receptors (GRCP), it integrates extra-, and intracellular signals. The mevalonate pathway is implicated in cell stemness, cell proliferation, and organ size regulation through the Hippo pathway (e.g. Yap/Taz signaling axis). This pathway is a prime preventive target through the administration of statins for the prophylaxis of obesity-related cardiovascular diseases. Its prominent role in regulation of cell growth and stemness also invokes its role in cancer development and progression. The mevalonate pathway affects cancer metastasis in several ways by: (i) affecting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), (ii) affecting remodeling of the cytoskeleton as well as cell motility, (iii) affecting cell polarity (non-canonical Wnt/planar pathway), and (iv) modulation of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). Herein we provide an overview of the mevalonate signaling network. We then briefly highlight diverse functions of various elements of this mevalonate pathway. We further discuss in detail the role of elements of the mevalonate cascade in stemness, carcinogenesis, cancer progression, metastasis and maintenance of cancer stem cells.
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Liu J, Peng L, Yang J, Wang M, Xu S, Liu J, Han P, He J, Tian D, Zhou Q. Sodium Ferulate Reduces Portal Pressure Through Inhibition of RhoA/Rho-Kinase and Activation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Cirrhotic Rats. Dig Dis Sci 2015; 60:2019-29. [PMID: 25724163 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-015-3544-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recent studies have demonstrated that increased RhoA/Rho-kinase activity and reduced nitric oxide activity have the necessary machinery to induce cirrhosis. However, it is unclear whether this regulates the functions of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this study, we used sodium ferulate (SF) in a cirrhotic rat model and examined its roles in regulating RhoA activation in HSCs and the subsequent effects on contraction of HSCs. METHODS Bile duct ligation method was used to induce cirrhosis in rats. Intrahepatic resistance was investigated in in situ perfused livers. Hepatic RhoA, Rho-kinase and eNOS expressions were studied by RT-PCR and Western blot. RhoA pull-down assay and collagen gel contraction assay of HSCs were performed by incubation with SF in the absence or presence of GGPP. RESULTS We showed that in cirrhotic liver, SF can efficiently affect RhoA activation via lowering the synthesis of GGPP in HSCs. These actions effectively reduced basal intrahepatic resistance in cirrhotic rats. Our study further suggested that SF effectively decreased Rho-kinase activity and increased activity of eNOS at both the mRNA and protein levels. SF treatment of HSCs reduced RhoA GTP without affecting the total RhoA protein level, and GGPP had the ability to block SF-induced protein expression. Furthermore, SF inhibited the contraction of activated HSCs and this inhibition was efficiently reversed by addition of GGPP. CONCLUSIONS SF inhibits hepatic RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling and activates the NO/PKG pathway in cirrhotic rats. This may serve as a mechanism for reducing the contraction of activated HSCs upon SF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqiao Liu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China,
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Sun FQ, Duan H, Wang S, Li JJ. 17β-Estradiol Induces Overproliferation in Adenomyotic Human Uterine Smooth Muscle Cells of the Junctional Zone Through Hyperactivation of the Estrogen Receptor-Enhanced RhoA/ROCK Signaling Pathway. Reprod Sci 2015; 22:1436-44. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719115584447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Qing Sun
- Department of Gynecology, Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Duan
- Department of Gynecology, Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Jiao Li
- Department of Gynecology, Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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WEI LAI, YANG JUAN, WANG MIN, XU SHENGNAN, LIANG HUAMIN, ZHOU QI. Sodium ferulate lowers portal pressure in rats with secondary biliary cirrhosis through the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway: a preliminary study. Int J Mol Med 2014; 34:1257-67. [PMID: 25174394 PMCID: PMC4199412 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cirrhotic rats show higher expression levels of hepatic RhoA and Rho-kinase than normal healthy rats, and the activation of this signaling pathway leads to portal hypertension. Sodium ferulate (SF) has been shown to decrease the production of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), a substance essential for RhoA activation. In the present study, to investigate the effects of SF on fibrosis, portal hypertension and the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway, hepatic cirrhosis was induced in rats by bile duct ligation. Liver function and fibrogenesis-related biochemical parameters, the hepatic hydroxyproline content, the pathological characteristics of the liver sections and the levels of hepatic α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA; by immunohistochemistry) were analyzed to assess effects of SF on hepatic fibrosis. In addition, hepatic RhoA, Rho-kinase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis in the SF-treated and SF + GGPP-treated rat primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and a human stellate cell line (LX-2) was examined by flow cytometry. Intrahepatic resistance and responsiveness to the α1-adrenoceptor agonist, methoxamine, were investigated by in situ liver perfusion. Treatment with SF did not affect fibrosis-related biochemical parameters or the hydroxyproline content; however, SF reduced the histological evidence of fibrosis and hepatocyte damage. The SF-treated rats had a significantly lower expression of α-SMA and Rho-kinase, as well as an increased hepatic eNOS content; however, SF did not affect RhoA expression. The SF-treated HSCs had a significantly increased apoptotic rate compared to the untreated rats. Following the addition of GGPP, the rate apoptotic rate decreased. SF reduced basal intrahepatic resistance and the responsiveness of hepatic vascular smooth muscle to methoxamine. Therefore, our data demonstrate that SF reduces fibrogenesis, decreases portal pressure in cirrhotic rats and inhibits the activation of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- LAI WEI
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - JUAN YANG
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Chengdu First People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - MIN WANG
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - SHENG-NAN XU
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - HUA-MIN LIANG
- Department of Physiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - QI ZHOU
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
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Rennó AL, Alves-Júnior MJ, Rocha RM, De Souza PC, de Souza VB, Jampietro J, Vassallo J, Hyslop S, Anhê GF, de Moraes Schenka NG, Soares FA, Schenka AA. Decreased Expression of Stem Cell Markers by Simvastatin in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)–induced Breast Cancer. Toxicol Pathol 2014; 43:400-10. [DOI: 10.1177/0192623314544707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Simvastatin, a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase widely used in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia-related diseases, has recently been associated to in vitro anticancer stem cell (CSC) actions. However, these effects have not been confirmed in vivo. To assess in vivo anti-CSC effects of simvastatin, female Sprague-Dawley rats with 7,12-dimethyl-benz(a)anthracene (DMBA)–induced mammary cancer and control animals were treated for 14 days with either simvastatin (20 or 40 mg/kg/day) or soybean oil ( N = 60). Tumors and normal breast tissues were removed for pathologic examination and immunodetection of CSC markers. At 40 mg/kg/day, simvastatin significantly reduced tumor growth and the expression of most CSC markers. The reduction in tumor growth (80%) could not be explained solely by the decrease in CSCs, since the latter accounted for less than 10% of the neoplasia (differentiated cancer cells were also affected). Stem cells in normal, nonneoplastic breast tissues were not affected by simvastatin. Simvastatin was also associated with a significant decrease in proliferative activity but no increase in cell death. In conclusion, this is the first study to confirm simvastatin anti-CSC actions in vivo, further demonstrating that this effect is specific for neoplastic cells, but not restricted to CSCs, and most likely due to inhibition of cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Lisboa Rennó
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos José Alves-Júnior
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Malagoli Rocha
- Laboratory of Investigative Pathology, Department of Anatomic Pathology, Hospital AC Camargo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Philipi Coutinho De Souza
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Valéria Barbosa de Souza
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano Jampietro
- Laboratory of Investigative Pathology, Department of Anatomic Pathology, Hospital AC Camargo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Vassallo
- Laboratory of Investigative Pathology, Department of Anatomic Pathology, Hospital AC Camargo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Investigative and Molecular Pathology, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics (Ciped), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stephen Hyslop
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Forato Anhê
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Augusto Soares
- Laboratory of Investigative Pathology, Department of Anatomic Pathology, Hospital AC Camargo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Almeida Schenka
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Investigative Pathology, Department of Anatomic Pathology, Hospital AC Camargo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Investigative and Molecular Pathology, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics (Ciped), São Paulo, Brazil
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Statins in oncological research: from experimental studies to clinical practice. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2014; 92:296-311. [PMID: 25220658 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors are commonly used drugs in the treatment of dyslipidemias, primarily raised cholesterol. Recently, many epidemiological and preclinical studies pointed to anti-tumor properties of statins, including anti-proliferative activities, apoptosis, decreased angiogenesis and metastasis. These processes play an important role in carcinogenesis and, therefore, the role of statins in cancer disease is being seriously discussed among oncologists. Anti-neoplastic properties of statins combined with an acceptable toxicity profile in the majority of individuals support their further development as anti-tumor drugs. The mechanism of action, current preclinical studies and clinical efficacy of statins are reviewed in this paper. Moreover, promising results have been reported regarding the statins' efficacy in some cancer types, especially in esophageal and colorectal cancers, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Statins' hepatotoxicity has traditionally represented an obstacle to the prescription of this class of drugs and this issue is also discussed in this review.
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Aranda S, Rutishauser D, Ernfors P. Identification of a large protein network involved in epigenetic transmission in replicating DNA of embryonic stem cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:6972-86. [PMID: 24852249 PMCID: PMC4066787 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotency of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is maintained by transcriptional activities and chromatin modifying complexes highly organized within the chromatin. Although much effort has been focused on identifying genome-binding sites, little is known on their dynamic association with chromatin across cell divisions. Here, we used a modified version of the iPOND (isolation of proteins at nascent DNA) technology to identify a large protein network enriched at nascent DNA in ESCs. This comprehensive and unbiased proteomic characterization in ESCs reveals that, in addition to the core replication machinery, proteins relevant for pluripotency of ESCs are present at DNA replication sites. In particular, we show that the chromatin remodeller HDAC1–NuRD complex is enriched at nascent DNA. Interestingly, an acute block of HDAC1 in ESCs leads to increased acetylation of histone H3 lysine 9 at nascent DNA together with a concomitant loss of methylation. Consistently, in contrast to what has been described in tumour cell lines, these chromatin marks were found to be stable during cell cycle progression of ESCs. Our results are therefore compatible with a rapid deacetylation-coupled methylation mechanism during the replication of DNA in ESCs that may participate in the preservation of pluripotency of ESCs during replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Aranda
- Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dorothea Rutishauser
- Proteomics Karolinska, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrik Ernfors
- Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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Zanfardino M, Spampanato C, De Cicco R, Buommino E, De Filippis A, Baiano S, Barra A, Morelli F. Simvastatin reduces melanoma progression in a murine model. Int J Oncol 2013; 43:1763-70. [PMID: 24101161 PMCID: PMC3833984 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.2126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Statins are a class of drugs that inhibit the rate-limiting step in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway and show an anticancer effect, probably through the inhibition of cell proliferation. To date, the exact mechanism of cancer cell growth arrest induced by statins is not known. We report that simvastatin is able to induce apoptosis in melanoma cells but not in normal cells and also able to contrast the growth of tumor in an experimental melanoma murine model. We observed a delay in the tumor development in almost the 50% of the simvastatin administered animals and a strong reduction of the tumor volume with a differences of ~150% compared to the controls. Also the survival rate was significantly higher in mice that received the drug with a survival increase of ~130% compared to the controls. The tumor growth reduction in mice was supported by the results of cell migration assay, confirming that simvastatin clearly reduced cell migration. Moreover, simvastatin induced a strong downregulation of NonO gene expression, an important growth factor involved in the splicing regulation. This result could explain the decrease of melanoma cells proliferation, suggesting a possible action mechanism. The results derived from our experiments may sustain the many reports on the anticancer inhibitory property of statins and encourage new studies on this drug for a possible use in therapy, probably in combination with conventional chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Zanfardino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati Traverso, CNR Naples, Naples, Italy
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MiR-126 suppresses colon cancer cell proliferation and invasion via inhibiting RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Mol Cell Biochem 2013; 380:107-19. [PMID: 23615712 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-013-1664-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent data strongly suggests the profound role of miRNAs in cancer progression. Here, we showed miR-126 expression was much lower in HCT116, SW620 and HT-29 colon cancer cells with highly metastatic potential and miR-126 downregulation was more frequent in colorectal cancers with metastasis. Restored miR-126 expression inhibited HT-29 cell growth, cell-cycle progression and invasion. Mechanically, microarray results combined with bioinformatic and experimental analysis demonstrated miR-126 exerted cancer suppressor role via inhibiting RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. These results suggest miR-126 function as a potential tumor suppressor in colon cancer progression and miR-126/RhoA/ROCK may be a novel candidate for developing rational therapeutic strategies.
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Xu H, Yang YJ, Yang T, Qian HY. Statins and stem cell modulation. Ageing Res Rev 2013; 12:1-7. [PMID: 22504583 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell-based therapy is a promising option for the treatment of ischemic heart diseases. As to a successful stem cell-based therapy, one of the most important issues is that the stable engraftment and survival of implanted stem cells in cardiac microenvironment. There are evidences suggest that pharmacological treatment devoted to regulate stem cell function might represent a potential new therapeutic strategy and are drawing nearer to becoming a part of treatment in clinical settings. Statins could exert cholesterol-independent or pleiotropic effects to cardiovascular system. Recent studies have shown that statins could modulate the biological characteristics and function of various stem cells, thus could be an effective method to facilitate stem cell therapy. This review will focus on statins and their modulation effects on various stem cells.
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Vallés G, Pérez C, Boré A, Martín-Saavedra F, Saldaña L, Vilaboa N. Simvastatin prevents the induction of interleukin-6 gene expression by titanium particles in human osteoblastic cells. Acta Biomater 2013; 9:4916-25. [PMID: 22922248 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2012.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Revised: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
One of the most important complications of total joint arthroplasty is failure associated with periprosthetic osteolysis, a process mainly initiated by the biological response to wear-derived products from the biomaterials in service. The inflammatory mediator interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a key role in the establishment and progression of aseptic loosening. Metal particles specifically up-regulate IL-6 production in bone-forming cells and implant-bone interfacial tissues. The use of statins has been recently associated with a significantly reduced risk of revision in patients that undergo total hip arthroplasty. We hypothesized that simvastatin (Simv) could modulate the osteoblastic response to titanium particles (Ti) by attenuating the production of IL-6. Pre-treatment of human osteoblastic cells with Simv down-regulated Ti particle-induced IL-6 gene expression at mRNA and protein levels. The effect of Simv on Ti-induced IL-6 production in osteoblastic cells could not be explained by inhibition of the internalization of metal particles. The mechanism involved in this down-regulation is based in the inhibition of the HMG-CoA/GGPP/RhoA/ROCK pathway, independently of Simv effects in the cholesterol synthesis. The cytokine-lowering property of Simv has been observed in Saos-2 cells and human primary osteoblasts (hOBs) exposed to Ti particles, and was further enhanced when hOBs were co-cultured with macrophages.
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Ginestier C, Monville F, Wicinski J, Cabaud O, Cervera N, Josselin E, Finetti P, Guille A, Larderet G, Viens P, Sebti S, Bertucci F, Birnbaum D, Charafe-Jauffret E. Mevalonate metabolism regulates Basal breast cancer stem cells and is a potential therapeutic target. Stem Cells 2012; 30:1327-37. [PMID: 22605458 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that breast tumors are organized in a hierarchy, with a subpopulation of tumorigenic cancer cells, the cancer stem cells (CSCs), which sustain tumor growth. The characterization of protein networks that govern CSC behavior is paramount to design new therapeutic strategies targeting this subpopulation of cells. We have sought to identify specific molecular pathways of CSCs isolated from 13 different breast cancer cell lines of luminal or basal/mesenchymal subtypes. We compared the gene expression profiling of cancer cells grown in adherent conditions to those of matched tumorsphere cultures. No specific pathway was identified to be commonly regulated in luminal tumorspheres, resulting from a minor CSC enrichment in tumorsphere passages from luminal cell lines. However, in basal/mesenchymal tumorspheres, the enzymes of the mevalonate metabolic pathway were overexpressed compared to those in cognate adherent cells. Inhibition of this pathway with hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase blockers resulted in a reduction of breast CSC independent of inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis and of protein farnesylation. Further modulation of this metabolic pathway demonstrated that protein geranylgeranylation (GG) is critical to breast CSC maintenance. A small molecule inhibitor of the geranylgeranyl transferase I (GGTI) enzyme reduced the breast CSC subpopulation both in vitro and in primary breast cancer xenografts. We found that the GGTI effect on the CSC subpopulation is mediated by inactivation of Ras homolog family member A (RHOA) and increased accumulation of P27(kip1) in the nucleus. The identification of protein GG as a major contributor to CSC maintenance opens promising perspectives for CSC targeted therapy in basal breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Ginestier
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 27 Boulevard Leï Roure, Marseille, France.
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Riebeling C, Hayess K, Peters AK, Steemans M, Spielmann H, Luch A, Seiler AEM. Assaying embryotoxicity in the test tube: current limitations of the embryonic stem cell test (EST) challenging its applicability domain. Crit Rev Toxicol 2012; 42:443-64. [PMID: 22512667 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2012.674483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Testing for embryotoxicity in vitro is an attractive alternative to animal experimentation. The embryonic stem cell test (EST) is such a method, and it has been formally validated by the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods. A number of recent studies have underscored the potential of this method. However, the EST performed well below the 78% accuracy expected from the validation study using a new set of chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds, and also of toxicity criteria, tested to enlarge the database of the validated EST as part of the Work Package III of the ReProTect Project funded within the 6th Framework Programme of the European Union. To assess the performance and applicability domain of the EST we present a detailed review of the substances and their effects in the EST being nitrofen, ochratoxin A, D-penicillamine, methylazoxymethanol, lovastatin, papaverine, warfarin, β-aminopropionitrile, dinoseb, furosemide, doxylamine, pravastatin, and metoclopramide. By delineation of the molecular mechanisms of the substances we identify six categories of reasons for misclassifications. Some of these limitations might also affect other in vitro methods assessing embryotoxicity. Substances that fall into these categories need to be included in future validation sets and in validation guidelines for embryotoxicity testing. Most importantly, we suggest conceivable improvements and additions to the EST which will resolve most of the limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Riebeling
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), ZEBET - Alternative Methods to Animal Experiments, Berlin, Germany
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Ginestier C, Charafe-Jauffret E, Birnbaum D. p53 and cancer stem cells: the mevalonate connexion. Cell Cycle 2012; 11:2583-4. [PMID: 22751434 PMCID: PMC3408999 DOI: 10.4161/cc.21092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Comment on: Freed-Pastor WA, et al. Cell 2012; 148:244-58 and Ginestier C, et al. Stem Cells 2012; 1327-37.
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Kramer J, Bartsch M, Krug D, Klinger M, Nitschke M, Rohwedel J. Simvastatin modulates mouse embryonic stem cell-derived chondrogenesis in vitro. Toxicol In Vitro 2012; 26:1170-6. [PMID: 22771337 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2012.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2011] [Revised: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
It has been studied in detail that cellular differentiation during chondrogenesis can be recapitulated in vitro by differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells as embryoid bodies (EBs). We here used this model system of cartilage development to analyze the effect of simvastatin, a potentially embryotoxic substance. Statins are a group of drugs used to treat hypercholesterolaemia. We found that simvastatin activated cartilage nodule formation during EB differentiation. Extended application of simvastatin resulted in enhanced expression of cartilage marker molecules and prolonged persistence of cartilage nodules. Expression of collagen type II was upregulated during simvastatin-induced chondrogenic ES cell differentiation as demonstrated by quantitative real time PCR. However, immunostaining for cartilage marker molecules revealed that cartilage nodules within simvastatin-treated EBs were defective, bearing cavities of cell loss. Furthermore, caspase activity was reduced in comparison to untreated controls indicating reduced apoptosis. Taken together, we may speculate that simvastatin prolongs survival of chondrocytes and disrupts cellular integrity of cartilage nodules during EB development by affecting apoptotic mechanisms. The study underlines that ES cell-derived EBs are a useful in vitro model to screen substances for their embryotoxic and teratogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kramer
- Medical Dept. I and Dept. of Virology and Cell Biology, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.
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Bieberich E. It's a lipid's world: bioactive lipid metabolism and signaling in neural stem cell differentiation. Neurochem Res 2012; 37:1208-29. [PMID: 22246226 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-011-0698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Lipids are often considered membrane components whose function is to embed proteins into cell membranes. In the last two decades, studies on brain lipids have unequivocally demonstrated that many lipids have critical cell signaling functions; they are called "bioactive lipids". Pioneering work in Dr. Robert Ledeen's laboratory has shown that two bioactive brain sphingolipids, sphingomyelin and the ganglioside GM1 are major signaling lipids in the nuclear envelope. In addition to derivatives of the sphingolipid ceramide, the bioactive lipids discussed here belong to the classes of terpenoids and steroids, eicosanoids, and lysophospholipids. These lipids act mainly through two mechanisms: (1) direct interaction between the bioactive lipid and a specific protein binding partner such as a lipid receptor, protein kinase or phosphatase, ion exchanger, or other cell signaling protein; and (2) formation of lipid microdomains or rafts that regulate the activity of a group of raft-associated cell signaling proteins. In recent years, a third mechanism has emerged, which invokes lipid second messengers as a regulator for the energy and redox balance of differentiating neural stem cells (NSCs). Interestingly, developmental niches such as the stem cell niche for adult NSC differentiation may also be metabolic compartments that respond to a distinct combination of bioactive lipids. The biological function of these lipids as regulators of NSC differentiation will be reviewed and their application in stem cell therapy discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erhard Bieberich
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Georgia Health Sciences University, 1120 15th Street Room CA4012, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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Spampanato C, De Maria S, Sarnataro M, Giordano E, Zanfardino M, Baiano S, Cartenì M, Morelli F. Simvastatin inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis correlated to activation of Bax and down-regulation of BCL-2 gene expression. Int J Oncol 2011; 40:935-41. [PMID: 22134829 PMCID: PMC3584570 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2011.1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) have been proven to be effective in lowering cholesterol and as anti-lipid agents against cardiovascular disease. Recent reports demonstrate an anticancer effect induced by the statins through inhibition of cell proliferation. Probably, these effects are due to suppression of the mevalonate pathway leading to the depletion of various downstream products that play an essential role in cell cycle progression, cell signaling and membrane integrity. To date, although many hypotheses have been proposed, the exact mechanism at the basis of cancer cell growth arrest induced by statins is not known. In this study, we have demonstrated that simvastatin, at a dose of 20 μM for 24–72 h, induced in cancer cells but not in normal cells precise features of apoptosis including increased DNA fragmentation while, at the molecular level simvastatin induced overexpression of the pro-apoptotic gene Bax together with an inhibition of BCL-2, the gene that has the well-known function of protecting cells from apoptosis. The simvastatin-mediated induction of apoptosis in similar cancer cells but not in normal cells is very interesting and may be at the basis of cancer therapy using statins, usually in combination with chemotherapy or to be used as a cancer protective drug. Simvastatin may, thus, play a dual prophylactic role as a lipid-lowering drug for the prevention of heart disease and as an anticancer agent to prevent certain types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Spampanato
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
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Duque G, Vidal C, Rivas D. Protein isoprenylation regulates osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells: effect of alendronate, and farnesyl and geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitors. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 162:1109-18. [PMID: 21077849 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01111.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Protein isoprenylation is an important step in the intracellular signalling pathway conducting cell growth and differentiation. In bone, protein isoprenylation is required for osteoclast differentiation and activation. However, its role in osteoblast differentiation and function remains unknown. In this study, we assessed the role of protein isoprenylation in osteoblastogenesis in a model of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) differentiation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We tested the effect of an inhibitor of farnesylation [farnesyl transferase inhibitor-277 (FTI-277)] and one of geranylgeranylation [geranylgeranyltransferase inhibitor-298 (GGTI-298)] on osteoblast differentiating MSC. In addition, we tested the effect of alendronate on protein isoprenylation in this model either alone or in combination with other inhibitors of isoprenylation. KEY RESULTS Initially, we found that levels of unfarnesylated proteins (prelamin A and HDJ-2) increased after treatment with FTI-277 concomitantly affecting osteoblastogenesis and increasing nuclear morphological changes without affecting cell survival. Furthermore, inhibition of geranylgeranylation by GGTI-298 alone increased osteoblastogenesis. This effect was enhanced by the combination of GGTI-298 and alendronate in the osteogenic media. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data indicate that both farnesylation and geranylgeranylation play a role in osteoblastogenesis. In addition, a new mechanism of action for alendronate on protein isoprenylation in osteogenic differentiating MSC in vitro was found. In conclusion, protein isoprenylation is an important component of the osteoblast differentiation process that could constitute a new therapeutic target for osteoporosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Duque
- Ageing Bone Research Program, Sydney Medical School - Nepean Campus, The University of Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
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Loss of Pten causes tumor initiation following differentiation of murine pluripotent stem cells due to failed repression of Nanog. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16478. [PMID: 21304588 PMCID: PMC3029365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) hold significant promise in regenerative medicine due to their unlimited capacity for self-renewal and potential to differentiate into every cell type in the body. One major barrier to the use of PSCs is their potential risk for tumor initiation following differentiation and transplantation in vivo. In the current study we sought to evaluate the role of the tumor suppressor Pten in murine PSC neoplastic progression. Using eight functional assays that have previously been used to indicate PSC adaptation or transformation, Pten null embryonic stem cells (ESCs) failed to rate as significant in five of them. Instead, our data demonstrate that the loss of Pten causes the emergence of a small number of aggressive, teratoma-initiating embryonic carcinoma cells (ECCs) during differentiation in vitro, while the remaining 90-95% of differentiated cells are non-tumorigenic. Furthermore, our data show that the mechanism by which Pten null ECCs emerge in vitro and cause tumors in vivo is through increased survival and self-renewal, due to failed repression of the transcription factor Nanog.
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Camoretti-Mercado B. Targeting the airway smooth muscle for asthma treatment. Transl Res 2009; 154:165-74. [PMID: 19766960 PMCID: PMC2764304 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2009.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2008] [Revised: 06/18/2009] [Accepted: 06/20/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a complex respiratory disease whose incidence has increased worldwide in the last decade. Currently there is no cure for asthma. Although bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory medications are effective medicines in some asthmatic patients, it is clear that an unmet therapeutic need persists for a subpopulation of individuals with severe asthma. This chronic lung disease is characterized by airflow limitation, lung inflammation, and remodeling that includes increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass. In addition to its contractile properties, the ASM also contributes to the inflammatory process by producing active mediators, which modify the extracellular matrix composition and interact with inflammatory cells. These undesirable functions make interventions aimed at reducing ASM abundance an attractive strategy for novel asthma therapies. The following three mechanisms could limit the accumulation of smooth muscle: decreased cell proliferation, augmented cell apoptosis, and reduced cell migration into the smooth muscle layer. Inhibitors of the mevalonate pathway or statins hold promise for asthma treatment, because they exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimigratory, and antiproliferative effects in preclinical and clinical studies, and they can target the smooth muscle. This review will discuss current knowledge of ASM biology and identify gaps in the field to stimulate future investigations of the cellular mechanisms that control ASM overabundance in asthma. Targeting ASM has the potential to be an innovative venue of treatment for patients with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Camoretti-Mercado
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Damoiseaux R, Sherman SP, Alva JA, Peterson C, Pyle AD. Integrated chemical genomics reveals modifiers of survival in human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells 2009; 27:533-542. [PMID: 19074420 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2008-0596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how survival is regulated in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) could improve expansion of stem cells for production of cells for regenerative therapy. There is great variability in comparing the differentiation potential of multiple hESC lines. One reason for this is poor survival upon dissociation, which limits selection of homogeneous populations of cells. Understanding the complexity of survival signals has been hindered by the lack of a reproducible system to identify modulators of survival in pluripotent cells. We therefore developed a high-content screening approach with small molecules to examine hESC survival. We have identified novel small molecules that improve survival by inhibiting either Rho-kinase or protein kinase C. Importantly, small molecule targets were verified using short hairpin RNA. Rescreening with stable hESCs that were genetically altered to have increased survival enabled us to identify groups of pathway targets that are important for modifying survival. Understanding how survival is regulated in hESCs could overcome severe technical difficulties in the field, namely expansion of stem cells to improve production of cells and tissues for regenerative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Damoiseaux
- Molecular Screening Shared Resource, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sean P Sherman
- Molecular Biology Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jackelyn A Alva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cory Peterson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - April D Pyle
- Molecular Biology Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Abstract
The statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) were proven to be effective antilipid agents against cardiovascular disease. Recent reports demonstrate an anticancer effect induced by the statins through inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, or inhibition of angiogenesis. These effects are due to suppression of the mevalonate pathway leading to depletion of various downstream products that play an essential role in cell cycle progression, cell signaling, and membrane integrity. Recent evidence suggests a shared genomic fingerprint between embryonic stem cells, cancer cells, and cancer stem cells. Activation targets of NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, and c-MYC are more frequently overexpressed in certain tumors. In the absence of bona fide cancer stem cell lines, human embryonic stem cells, which have similar properties to cancer and cancer stem cells, have been an excellent model throwing light on the anticancer affects of various putative anticancer agents. It was shown that key cellular functions in karyotypically abnormal colorectal and ovarian cancer cells and human embryonic stem cells are inhibited by the statins and this is mediated via a suppression of this stemness pathway. The strategy for treatment of cancers may thus be the targeting of a putative cancer stem cell within the tumor with specific agents such as the statins with or without chemotherapy. The statins may thus play a dual prophylactic role as a lipid-lowering drug for the prevention of heart disease and as an anticancer agent to prevent certain cancers. This review examines the relationship between the statins, stem cells, and certain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalamegam Gauthaman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
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Gauthaman K, Manasi N, Bongso A. Statins inhibit the growth of variant human embryonic stem cells and cancer cells in vitro but not normal human embryonic stem cells. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 157:962-73. [PMID: 19438511 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00241.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Statins inhibit proliferation of various human cancer cell lines in vitro. As human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) possess neoplastic-like properties we have evaluated the role of various statins on karyotypically normal hESCs (HES3 and BG01), abnormal hESCs (BG01V) and breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) to evaluate whether the mode of action of the statins was via a stemness pathway. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH All cell lines were treated with simvastatin, pravastatin, lovastatin and mevastatin (1 micromol x L(-1) to 20 micromol x L(-1)) up to 7 days and their effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and pluripotency studied. KEY RESULTS All four statins did not inhibit HES3 and BG01 proliferation, but BG01V and MCF-7 were inhibited by simvastatin, lovastatin and mevastatin. These inhibitory effects were reversed by the endogenous isoprenoids, farnesylpyrophosphate and geranylgeranylpyrophosphate. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labelling and cell cycle assay confirmed apoptosis in BG01V and MCF-7. Stem cell surface markers [stage-specific embryonic antigen-4, tumour rejection antigen-1-81, octamer-4 (OCT-4)] were expressed in HES3 and BG01, but not in BG01V cells, even after prolonged treatment with simvastatin. In BG01V and MCF-7, the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein genes were up-regulated, while the antiapoptotic BCL2 and SURVIVIN genes were down-regulated. Expression of the stemness-related genes namely, the growth differentiation factor-3, NANOG and OCT-4 was decreased in BG01V compared with BG01 and HES3. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Normal hESCs were resistant to prolonged exposure to statins over a range of doses, compared with BG01V and MCF-7, probably because of genetic and behavioural differences. The statins not only have anti-cancer properties but can suppress abnormal hESCs thus promoting growth of normal hESCs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gauthaman
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Ebert R, Zeck S, Krug R, Meissner-Weigl J, Schneider D, Seefried L, Eulert J, Jakob F. Pulse treatment with zoledronic acid causes sustained commitment of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells for osteogenic differentiation. Bone 2009; 44:858-64. [PMID: 19442618 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2009.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2008] [Revised: 12/23/2008] [Accepted: 01/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The aminobisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) is a bone seeking specific inhibitor of protein farnesylation and geranylgeranylation, which causes inhibition of osteoclast function and apoptosis. It is widely used as an osteoclast targeted antiresorptive treatment of metastatic bone disease, Paget's disease and osteoporosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and osteoblast precursors can also be targets of bisphosphonates, but the clinical relevance of these effects is under debate. We show here that ZA in vitro causes inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in hMSC, when applied in concentrations of 20 and 50 microM for more than 24 h which can be rescued by treatment with 10 microM geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). However, pulse stimulation for 3 and 6 h with these concentrations and subsequent culture for up to 2 weeks under osteogenic conditions exerts sustained regulation of osteogenic marker genes in hMSC. The effect on gene regulation translates into marked enhancement of mineralization, as shown by alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase staining after 4 weeks of osteogenic culture. ZA, when applied as a pulse stimulus, might therefore also stimulate osteogenic differentiation in vivo, since muM plasma concentrations can be achieved by intravenous application of 5 mg in patients. These data set the stage for the future dissection of the effects of ZA and other aminobisphosphonates on cells beyond osteoclasts, with respect to cell differentiation in benign metabolic and to antitumor efficacy in metastatic bone diseases, as well as adverse events due to putative substance accumulation in bone during long-term treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Ebert
- Orthopedic Department, Orthopedic Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Sandesara CM, Roodneshin H, Sbaity S, Olshansky B. Antiarrhythmic effects of statins in heart failure. Heart Fail Clin 2008; 4:187-200. [PMID: 18433699 DOI: 10.1016/j.hfc.2008.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In vitro heart failure models indicate that statins may be antiarrhythmic, but the mechanisms by which statins are antiarrhythmic are not completely understood. Several retrospective and post hoc analysis studies also indicate that statins can be antiarrhythmic in heart failure populations, but this was not confirmed by a recent large prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Ongoing and future clinical trials will likely resolve the discrepancies between studies and further the understanding of how pleiotropic properties of statins can be antiarrhythmic in patients who have heart failure.
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Waiczies S, Bendix I, Prozorovski T, Ratner M, Nazarenko I, Pfueller CF, Brandt AU, Herz J, Brocke S, Ullrich O, Zipp F. Geranylgeranylation but not GTP loading determines rho migratory function in T cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 179:6024-32. [PMID: 17947676 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.9.6024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Rho GTPases orchestrate signaling pathways leading to cell migration. Their function depends on GTP loading and isoprenylation by geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGpp). In this study, we show that in human T cells, geranylgeranylation-and not GTP loading-is necessary for RhoA-mediated downstream events. As a result of GGpp depletion with the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor atorvastatin, RhoA was sequestered from the membrane to the cytosol and, notwithstanding increased GTP loading, the constitutive activation of its substrate Rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinase-1 was blocked. In line with this, T cells expressing increased GTP-RhoA failed to form an intact cytoskeleton and to migrate toward a chemokine gradient. In vivo treatment with atorvastatin in the rodent model of multiple sclerosis markedly decreased the capacity of activated T cells to traffic within the brain, as demonstrated by multiphoton analysis. Thus, tethering of RhoA to the membrane by GGpp is determinant for T cell migration and provides a mechanism for preventing T cell infiltration into inflamed compartments by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Waiczies
- Cecilie-Vogt-Clinic for Molecular Neurology, Charité-University Medicine and Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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Comparative evaluation of the effects of statins on human stem and cancer cells in vitro. Reprod Biomed Online 2007; 15:566-81. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60390-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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