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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [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] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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Thazhackavayal Baby B, Kulkarni AM, Gayam PKR, Harikumar KB, Aranjani JM. Beyond cyclopamine: Targeting Hedgehog signaling for cancer intervention. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 754:109952. [PMID: 38432565 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109952] [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] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a significant role in embryogenesis and several physiological processes, such as wound healing and organ homeostasis. In a pathological setting, it is associated with oncogenesis and is responsible for disease progression and poor clinical outcomes. Hedgehog signaling mediates downstream actions via Glioma Associated Oncogene Homolog (GLI) transcription factors. Inhibiting Hh signaling is an important oncological strategy in which inhibitors of the ligands SMO or GLI have been looked at. This review briefly narrates the Hh ligands, signal transduction, the target genes involved and comprehensively describes the numerous inhibitors that have been evaluated for use in various neoplastic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beena Thazhackavayal Baby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Aniruddha Murahar Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Prasanna Kumar Reddy Gayam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kuzhuvelil B Harikumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala State, India
| | - Jesil Mathew Aranjani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Jiang W, Jin WL, Xu AM. Cholesterol metabolism in tumor microenvironment: cancer hallmarks and therapeutic opportunities. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2044-2071. [PMID: 38617549 PMCID: PMC11008265 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.92274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is crucial for cell survival and growth, and dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis has been linked to the development of cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) facilitates tumor cell survival and growth, and crosstalk between cholesterol metabolism and the TME contributes to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Targeting cholesterol metabolism has demonstrated significant antitumor effects in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms of cholesterol homeostasis and the impact of its dysregulation on the hallmarks of cancer. We also describe how cholesterol metabolism reprograms the TME across seven specialized microenvironments. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of targeting cholesterol metabolism as a therapeutic strategy for tumors. This approach not only exerts antitumor effects in monotherapy and combination therapy but also mitigates the adverse effects associated with conventional tumor therapy. Finally, we outline the unresolved questions and suggest potential avenues for future investigations on cholesterol metabolism in relation to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - A-Man Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P. R. China
- Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei 230022, P. R. China
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Mohammed OA, Doghish AS, Saleh LA, Alghamdi M, Alamri MMS, Alfaifi J, Adam MIE, Alharthi MH, Alshahrani AM, Alhalafi AH, BinAfif WF, Rezigalla AA, Abdel-Reheim MA, El-Wakeel HS, Attia MA, Elmorsy EA, Al-Noshokaty TM, Nomier Y, Saber S. Itraconazole halts hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating sonic hedgehog signaling in rats: A novel therapeutic approach. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155086. [PMID: 38176308 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer stands as the fourth leading global cause of death, and its prognosis remains grim due to the limited effectiveness of current medical interventions. Among the various pathways implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the hedgehog signaling pathway has emerged as a crucial player. Itraconazole, a relatively safe and cost-effective antifungal medication, has gained attention for its potential as an anticancer agent. Its primary mode of action involves inhibiting the hedgehog pathway, yet its impact on HCC has not been elucidated. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of itraconazole on diethylnitrosamine-induced early-stage HCC in rats. Our findings revealed that itraconazole exhibited a multifaceted arsenal against HCC by downregulating the expression of key components of the hedgehog pathway, shh, smoothened (SMO), and GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1), and GLI2. Additionally, itraconazole extended survival and improved liver tissue structure, attributed mainly to its inhibitory effects on hedgehog signaling. Besides, itraconazole demonstrated a regulatory effect on Notch1, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules. Consequently, itraconazole displayed diverse anticancer properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects, as well as the potential to induce autophagy. Moreover, itraconazole exhibited a promise to impede the transformation of epithelial cells into a more mesenchymal-like phenotype. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of targeting the hedgehog pathway with itraconazole as a promising avenue for further exploration in clinical studies related to HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacology, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11231, Egypt.
| | - Lobna A Saleh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Collage of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mushabab Alghamdi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohannad Mohammad S Alamri
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jaber Alfaifi
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Masoud I E Adam
- Department of Medical Education and Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Muffarah Hamid Alharthi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah M Alshahrani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah Hassan Alhalafi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Waad Fuad BinAfif
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Assad Ali Rezigalla
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt.
| | - Hend S El-Wakeel
- Physiology Department, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Qalubyia 13518, Egypt; Physiology Department, Al-Baha Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha 65799, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed A Attia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Department of Basic Medical Sciences , College of Medicine Almaarefa University Diriyiah, 13713, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Elsayed A Elmorsy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Pharmacology and Therapeutics Department, Qassim College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Tohada M Al-Noshokaty
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt.
| | - Yousra Nomier
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt.
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Lehrer S, Rheinstein PH. Association of Kallikrein Related Peptidase 3 (KLK3) gene with dermatophytosis in the UK biobank cohort. Mycoses 2023; 66:1050-1055. [PMID: 37592324 PMCID: PMC10840734 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13649] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a previous genome wide association study (GWAS) of UK Biobank (UKB) data, we identified one susceptibility locus, tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen (TINAG), with genome wide significance for dermatophytosis. We used genotype calls from file UKB22418. These data are derived directly from Affymetrix DNA microarrays but are missing many genotype calls. Using computationally efficient approaches, UKB has entered imputed genotypes into a second dataset, UKB22828, increasing the number of testable variants by over 100-fold to 96 million variants. METHODS In the current study, we used UKB imputed genotypes in UKB22828 to identify dermatophytosis susceptibility loci. To identify cases of dermatophytosis, we used ICD10 code B35, which covers tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea unguium, tinea manuum, tinea pedis, tinea corporis, tinea imbricata, tinea cruris, other dermatophytoses and dermatophytosis, unspecified. We used PLINK, a whole-genome association analysis toolset, to analyse the UKB22828 chromosome files. RESULTS GWAS summary (Manhattan) plot of the meta-analysis association statistics highlighted two susceptibility loci, TINAG and Kallikrein Related Peptidase 3 (KLK3), with genome wide significance for dermatophytosis. KLK3, also known as prostate specific antigen (PSA), belongs to a subclass of serine proteases with a variety of physiological functions. CONCLUSION KLK3 may be a dermatophytosis susceptibility gene. KLK3 could affect risk of dermatophytosis, since kallikreins are necessary for normal homeostasis of the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Lehrer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
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Halma MTJ, Tuszynski JA, Marik PE. Cancer Metabolism as a Therapeutic Target and Review of Interventions. Nutrients 2023; 15:4245. [PMID: 37836529 PMCID: PMC10574675 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194245] [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] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is amenable to low-cost treatments, given that it has a significant metabolic component, which can be affected through diet and lifestyle change at minimal cost. The Warburg hypothesis states that cancer cells have an altered cell metabolism towards anaerobic glycolysis. Given this metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, it is possible to target cancers metabolically by depriving them of glucose. In addition to dietary and lifestyle modifications which work on tumors metabolically, there are a panoply of nutritional supplements and repurposed drugs associated with cancer prevention and better treatment outcomes. These interventions and their evidentiary basis are covered in the latter half of this review to guide future cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T. J. Halma
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- EbMC Squared CIC, Bath BA2 4BL, UK
| | - Jack A. Tuszynski
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, The Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- DIMEAS, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, I-1029 Turin, Italy
| | - Paul E. Marik
- Frontline COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, Washington, DC 20036, USA
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Mohi-Ud-Din R, Chawla A, Sharma P, Mir PA, Potoo FH, Reiner Ž, Reiner I, Ateşşahin DA, Sharifi-Rad J, Mir RH, Calina D. Repurposing approved non-oncology drugs for cancer therapy: a comprehensive review of mechanisms, efficacy, and clinical prospects. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:345. [PMID: 37710280 PMCID: PMC10500791 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01275-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, with predictions of increasing prevalence in the coming years due to limited prevention, late diagnosis, and inadequate success with current therapies. In addition, the high cost of new anti-cancer drugs creates barriers in meeting the medical needs of cancer patients, especially in developing countries. The lengthy and costly process of developing novel drugs further hinders drug discovery and clinical implementation. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in repurposing approved drugs for other diseases to address the urgent need for effective cancer treatments. The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide an overview of the potential of approved non-oncology drugs as therapeutic options for cancer treatment. These drugs come from various chemotherapeutic classes, including antimalarials, antibiotics, antivirals, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antifungals, and have demonstrated significant antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, immunomodulatory, and antimetastatic properties. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on the repurposing of approved non-oncology drugs for cancer therapy. Various electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched using appropriate keywords. Studies focusing on the therapeutic potential, mechanisms of action, efficacy, and clinical prospects of repurposed drugs in cancer treatment were included in the analysis. The review highlights the promising outcomes of repurposing approved non-oncology drugs for cancer therapy. Drugs belonging to different therapeutic classes have demonstrated notable antitumor effects, including inhibiting cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, modulating the immune response, and suppressing metastasis. These findings suggest the potential of these repurposed drugs as effective therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment. Repurposing approved non-oncology drugs provides a promising strategy for addressing the urgent need for effective and accessible cancer treatments. The diverse classes of repurposed drugs, with their demonstrated antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, immunomodulatory, and antimetastatic properties, offer new avenues for cancer therapy. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to explore the full potential of these repurposed drugs and optimize their use in treating various cancer types. Repurposing approved drugs can significantly expedite the process of identifying effective treatments and improve patient outcomes in a cost-effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roohi Mohi-Ud-Din
- Department of General Medicine, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190001, India
| | - Apporva Chawla
- Khalsa College of Pharmacy, G.T. Road, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India
| | - Pooja Sharma
- Khalsa College of Pharmacy, G.T. Road, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India
| | - Prince Ahad Mir
- Khalsa College of Pharmacy, G.T. Road, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India
| | - Faheem Hyder Potoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 1982, 31441, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Željko Reiner
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Reiner
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dilek Arslan Ateşşahin
- Baskil Vocational School, Department of Plant and Animal Production, Fırat University, 23100, Elazıg, Turkey
| | | | - Reyaz Hassan Mir
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Kashmir, 190006, India.
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania.
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Jäger MC, Joos FL, Winter DV, Odermatt A. Characterization of the interferences of systemic azole antifungal drugs with adrenal steroid biosynthesis using H295R cells and enzyme activity assays. Curr Res Toxicol 2023; 5:100119. [PMID: 37637492 PMCID: PMC10458698 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2023.100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Azole antifungals, designed to inhibit fungal CYP51, have a liability to inhibit human CYP enzymes. Whilst drug-metabolizing CYPs are covered in preclinical safety assessment, those metabolizing endogenous bioactive molecules are usually not. Posaconazole and itraconazole were recently found to cause pseudohyperaldosteronism with hypokalemia and hypertension by inhibiting CYP11B1-dependent adrenal cortisol biosynthesis. Because this was overlooked in preclinical safety assessment, the present study tested whether applying adrenal carcinoma H295R cells could have predicted this liability and whether other systemic triazole antifungals interfere with adrenal steroidogenesis. Forskolin-stimulated H295R cells were exposed to systemic triazole antifungals that are currently used, and key adrenal steroids were quantified by UHPLC-MS/MS. To support the findings from the H295R model, activity assays for steroidogenic enzymes were performed. The analysis of the steroid profiles and product/substrate ratios predicted the CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 inhibition by posaconazole and itraconazole. Comparison of their steroid profiles allowed distinguishing their effects and suggested inhibition of adrenal androgen synthesis by posaconazole but not itraconazole, which was confirmed by CYP17A1 17,20-lyase activity measurements. In line with clinical observations, there was no evidence from these experiments for an inhibition of either CYP11B1/2 or CYP17A1 by voriconazole, fluconazole or isavuconazole. However, itraconazole and isavuconazole exerted an overall inhibition of steroidogenesis by a mechanism warranting further investigations. In conclusion, analyses of steroid profiles from the H295R assay and product/substrate ratios provide important information on the interference of a chemical with adrenal steroidogenesis and the underlying mechanism. This approach facilitates prioritization of further investigations, including enzyme expression and activity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christin Jäger
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Friedrich L. Joos
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Denise V. Winter
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alex Odermatt
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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9
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Samaddar S, Buckles D, Saha S, Zhang Q, Bansal A. Translating Molecular Biology Discoveries to Develop Targeted Cancer Interception in Barrett's Esophagus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11318. [PMID: 37511077 PMCID: PMC10379200 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a rapidly increasing lethal tumor. It commonly arises from a metaplastic segment known as Barrett's esophagus (BE), which delineates the at-risk population. Ample research has elucidated the pathogenesis of BE and its progression from metaplasia to invasive carcinoma; and multiple molecular pathways have been implicated in this process, presenting several points of cancer interception. Here, we explore the mechanisms of action of various agents, including proton pump inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, metformin, and statins, and explain their roles in cancer interception. Data from the recent AspECT trial are discussed to determine how viable a multipronged approach to cancer chemoprevention would be. Further, novel concepts, such as the repurposing of chemotherapeutic drugs like dasatinib and the prevention of post-ablation BE recurrence using itraconazole, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohini Samaddar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Daniel Buckles
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Souvik Saha
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Qiuyang Zhang
- Center for Esophageal Diseases, Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
| | - Ajay Bansal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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10
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Ioakeim-Skoufa I, Tobajas-Ramos N, Menditto E, Aza-Pascual-Salcedo M, Gimeno-Miguel A, Orlando V, González-Rubio F, Fanlo-Villacampa A, Lasala-Aza C, Ostasz E, Vicente-Romero J. Drug Repurposing in Oncology: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112972. [PMID: 37296934 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Quality pharmacological treatment can improve survival in many types of cancer. Drug repurposing offers advantages in comparison with traditional drug development procedures, reducing time and risk. This systematic review identified the most recent randomized controlled clinical trials that focus on drug repurposing in oncology. We found that only a few clinical trials were placebo-controlled or standard-of-care-alone-controlled. Metformin has been studied for potential use in various types of cancer, including prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Other studies assessed the possible use of the antiparasitic agent mebendazole in colorectal cancer and of propranolol in multiple myeloma or, when combined with etodolac, in breast cancer. We were able to identify trials that study the potential use of known antineoplastics in other non-oncological conditions, such as imatinib for severe coronavirus disease in 2019 or a study protocol aiming to assess the possible repurposing of leuprolide for Alzheimer's disease. Major limitations of these clinical trials were the small sample size, the high clinical heterogeneity of the participants regarding the stage of the neoplastic disease, and the lack of accounting for multimorbidity and other baseline clinical characteristics. Drug repurposing possibilities in oncology must be carefully examined with well-designed trials, considering factors that could influence prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignatios Ioakeim-Skoufa
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, Department of Drug Statistics, Division of Health Data and Digitalisation, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, NO-0213 Oslo, Norway
- EpiChron Research Group, Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Miguel Servet University Hospital, ES-50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), ES-28029 Madrid, Spain
- Drug Utilization Work Group, Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC), ES-08009 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Legal and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, ES-50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Natalia Tobajas-Ramos
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Legal and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, ES-50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Enrica Menditto
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca in Farmacoeconomia e Farmacoutilizzazione (CIRFF), Center of Drug Utilization and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, IT-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mercedes Aza-Pascual-Salcedo
- EpiChron Research Group, Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Miguel Servet University Hospital, ES-50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), ES-28029 Madrid, Spain
- Primary Care Pharmacy Service Zaragoza III, Aragon Health Service (SALUD), ES-50017 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Gimeno-Miguel
- EpiChron Research Group, Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Miguel Servet University Hospital, ES-50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), ES-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Orlando
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca in Farmacoeconomia e Farmacoutilizzazione (CIRFF), Center of Drug Utilization and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, IT-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francisca González-Rubio
- EpiChron Research Group, Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Miguel Servet University Hospital, ES-50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Drug Utilization Work Group, Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC), ES-08009 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Fanlo-Villacampa
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Legal and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, ES-50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carmen Lasala-Aza
- Pharmacy Service, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, ES-29010 Malaga, Spain
| | - Ewelina Ostasz
- Rehabilitation Centre Vikersund Bad AS, NO-3370 Vikersund, Norway
| | - Jorge Vicente-Romero
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Legal and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, ES-50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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11
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Wu W, Jiang T, Lin H, Chen C, Wang L, Wen J, Wu J, Deng Y. The Specific Binding and Promotion Effect of Azoles on Human Aldo-Keto Reductase 7A2. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13050601. [PMID: 37233642 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13050601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human AKR 7A2 broadly participates in the metabolism of a number of exogenous and endogenous compounds. Azoles are a class of clinically widely used antifungal drugs, which are usually metabolized by CYP 3A4, CYP2C19, and CYP1A1, etc. in vivo. The azole-protein interactions that human AKR7A2 participates in remain unreported. In this study, we investigated the effect of the representative azoles (miconazole, econazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole) on the catalysis of human AKR7A2. The steady-state kinetics study showed that the catalytic efficiency of AKR7A2 enhanced in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of posaconazole, miconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole, while it had no change in the presence of econazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole. Biacore assays demonstrated that all seven azoles were able to specifically bind to AKR7A2, among which itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole showed the strongest binding. Blind docking predicted that all azoles were apt to preferentially bind at the entrance of the substrate cavity of AKR7A2. Flexible docking showed that posaconazole, located at the region, can efficiently lower the binding energy of the substrate 2-CBA in the cavity compared to the case of no posaconazole. This study demonstrates that human AKR7A2 can interact with some azole drugs, and it also reveals that the enzyme activity can be regulated by some small molecules. These findings will enable a better understanding of azole-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Tianqing Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Haihui Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jikai Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yiqun Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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12
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Wang W, Kojima H, Gao M, Yin X, Uchida T, Ni J. Optimization of O/W Emulsion Solvent Evaporation Method for Itraconazole Sustained Release Microspheres. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2023; 71:520-527. [PMID: 37394601 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c22-00747] [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: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Itraconazole, a commonly used antifungal drug in the clinic approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been gradually found to have anti-tumor, angiogenesis inhibition and other pharmacological activities. However, its poor water solubility and potential toxicity limited its clinical application. In order to improve the water solubility and reduce the side effects caused by the high concentration of itraconazole, a novel preparation method of itraconazole sustained release microspheres was established in this study. Firstly, five kinds of polylactic acid-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres loaded with itraconazole were prepared by oil/water (O/W) emulsion solvent evaporation and then characterized by infrared spectroscopy. Then the particle size and morphology of the microspheres were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). After that, the particle size distribution, drug loading rate, entrapment efficiency, and drug release experiments were evaluated. Our results showed the microspheres prepared in this study had uniform particle size distribution and good integrity. Further study found that the average drug loading of the five kinds of microspheres prepared with PLGA 7505, PLGA 7510, PLGA 7520, PLGA 5020 and PLGA 0020 were 16.88, 17.72, 16.72, 16.57, and 16.64%, respectively, and the encapsulation rate all reached about 100%. More surprisingly, the release experimental results showed that the microspheres prepared with PLGA 7520 did not show sudden release, showing good sustained release performance and high drug release rate. To sum up, this study optimized the preparation method of sustained-release microspheres without sudden release, which provides a new solution for the delivery of itraconazole in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital
| | - Honami Kojima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University
| | - Ming Gao
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University
| | - Xingbin Yin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Takahiro Uchida
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University
| | - Jian Ni
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
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13
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Li CL, Fang ZX, Wu Z, Hou YY, Wu HT, Liu J. Repurposed itraconazole for use in the treatment of malignancies as a promising therapeutic strategy. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113616. [PMID: 36055112 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding cancer biology and the development of novel agents for cancer treatment has always been the goal of cancer researchers. However, the research and development of new drugs is hindered by its long development time, exorbitant cost, high regulatory hurdles, and staggering failure rates. Given the challenges involved drug development for cancer therapies, alternative strategies, in particular the repurposing of 'old' drugs that have been approved for other indications, are attractive. Itraconazole is an FDA-approved anti-fungal drug of the triazole class, and has been used clinically for more than 30 years. Recent drug repurposing screens revealed itraconazole exerts anti-cancer activity via inhibiting angiogenesis and multiple oncogenic signaling pathways. To explore the potential utilization of itraconazole in different types of malignancies, we retrieved the published literature relating to itraconazole in cancer and reviewed the mechanisms of itraconazole in preclinical and clinical cancer studies. Current research predicts the hedgehog signaling pathway as the main target by which itraconazole inhibits a variety of solid and hematological cancers. As clinical trial results become available, itraconazole could emerge as a new antitumor drug that can be used in combination with first-line antitumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Lan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Ze-Xuan Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yan-Yu Hou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Hua-Tao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
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14
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Jiang J. Hedgehog signaling mechanism and role in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 85:107-122. [PMID: 33836254 PMCID: PMC8492792 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell communication through evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways governs embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Deregulation of these signaling pathways has been implicated in a wide range of human diseases including cancer. One such pathway is the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, which was originally discovered in Drosophila and later found to play a fundamental role in human development and diseases. Abnormal Hh pathway activation is a major driver of basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and medulloblastoma. Hh exerts it biological influence through a largely conserved signal transduction pathway from the activation of the GPCR family transmembrane protein Smoothened (Smo) to the conversion of latent Zn-finger transcription factors Gli/Ci proteins from their repressor (GliR/CiR) to activator (GliA/CiA) forms. Studies from model organisms and human patients have provided deep insight into the Hh signal transduction mechanisms, revealed roles of Hh signaling in a wide range of human cancers, and suggested multiple strategies for targeting this pathway in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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15
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Fry SE, Kaye M, Missan DS, Becker C, Shabilla M, Martinez D, Bossert E, Ellis J. Microbial community profiling by next-generation DNA sequencing of adenocarcinoma of the prostate with evidence of ochratoxin A producing fungi. Exp Mol Pathol 2022; 128:104831. [PMID: 36100037 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2022.104831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostatic carcinomas are a leading cancer and leading cause of mortality in the developed world. The etiology is diverse with underlying patient genetics, environmental factors, and microbial associations. Sequencing DNA for microbes allows the detection of potential disease relationships. OBJECTIVE Targeted 16S (prokaryotic) and 18S (eukaryotic) rDNA sequencing was performed to map the tumor microbial flora. DESIGN Twelve patients undergoing elective laparoscopic prostatectomy for biopsy proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate were enrolled. PCR and amplicon based sequencing was conducted; a portion of the sequencing results were confirmed by special stains. SETTING Patients were recruited by the urologist were prospectively scheduled for radical prostatectomy by 'Da Vinci' robotically assisted procedure in an outpatient setting. Samples were portioned in the hospital surgical suite at the time of prostatectomy. PARTICIPANTS Male patients were requested to enter the study on a first come basis. OUTCOME MEASUREMENT AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Average age of the 12 participants was 64.3 years. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS DNA reads were detected and by 'best match' were identified belonging to Perkinsus, Hydrurus, Diversispora and Funneliformis genera, few samples displayed bacteria. Out of the 12 total patients, 11 patients had detectable DNA sequences matching arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the Glomeromycetes Class; Funneliformis mosseae and Diversasporum versiformis. Specific PCR for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi failed to confirm Glomeromycetes Class; in-depth taxonomic analysis suggests a newer fungal grouping, not falling within an accepted Phylum of fungi. Calcoflour white staining of histological sections confirmed potential fungal markers in all 12 cases. Ochratoxin A antigen was identified by immunofluorescence in all 12 patient samples. The study was limited by the low sample volume and disease free normal controls. CONCLUSIONS Fungi may play a significant role in adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen E Fry
- Fry Laboratories, LLC, Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America.
| | - Mitchell Kaye
- Scottsdale Urology, Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America
| | - Dara S Missan
- Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America
| | | | | | - Delyn Martinez
- Tricore Laboratory, Albuquerque Community Hospital, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Erin Bossert
- Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America
| | - Jeremy Ellis
- Fry Laboratories, LLC, Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America
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16
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Current Opportunities for Targeting Dysregulated Neurodevelopmental Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162530. [PMID: 36010607 PMCID: PMC9406959 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and highly lethal type of brain tumor, with poor survival despite advances in understanding its complexity. After current standard therapeutic treatment, including tumor resection, radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy with temozolomide, the median overall survival of patients with this type of tumor is less than 15 months. Thus, there is an urgent need for new insights into GBM molecular characteristics and progress in targeted therapy in order to improve clinical outcomes. The literature data revealed that a number of different signaling pathways are dysregulated in GBM. In this review, we intended to summarize and discuss current literature data and therapeutic modalities focused on targeting dysregulated signaling pathways in GBM. A better understanding of opportunities for targeting signaling pathways that influences malignant behavior of GBM cells might open the way for the development of novel GBM-targeted therapies.
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17
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Linking Late Endosomal Cholesterol with Cancer Progression and Anticancer Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137206. [PMID: 35806209 PMCID: PMC9267071 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo drastic metabolic adaptions to cover increased bioenergetic needs, contributing to resistance to therapies. This includes a higher demand for cholesterol, which often coincides with elevated cholesterol uptake from low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and overexpression of the LDL receptor in many cancers. This implies the need for cancer cells to accommodate an increased delivery of LDL along the endocytic pathway to late endosomes/lysosomes (LE/Lys), providing a rapid and effective distribution of LDL-derived cholesterol from LE/Lys to other organelles for cholesterol to foster cancer growth and spread. LDL-cholesterol exported from LE/Lys is facilitated by Niemann–Pick Type C1/2 (NPC1/2) proteins, members of the steroidogenic acute regulatory-related lipid transfer domain (StARD) and oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) families. In addition, lysosomal membrane proteins, small Rab GTPases as well as scaffolding proteins, including annexin A6 (AnxA6), contribute to regulating cholesterol egress from LE/Lys. Here, we summarize current knowledge that links upregulated activity and expression of cholesterol transporters and related proteins in LE/Lys with cancer growth, progression and treatment outcomes. Several mechanisms on how cellular distribution of LDL-derived cholesterol from LE/Lys influences cancer cell behavior are reviewed, some of those providing opportunities for treatment strategies to reduce cancer progression and anticancer drug resistance.
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18
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Ju F, Atyah MM, Horstmann N, Gul S, Vago R, Bruns CJ, Zhao Y, Dong QZ, Ren N. Characteristics of the cancer stem cell niche and therapeutic strategies. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:233. [PMID: 35659296 PMCID: PMC9166529 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02904-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinct regions harboring cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified within the microenvironment of various tumors, and as in the case of their healthy counterparts, these anatomical regions are termed “niche.” Thus far, a large volume of studies have shown that CSC niches take part in the maintenance, regulation of renewal, differentiation and plasticity of CSCs. In this review, we summarize and discuss the latest findings regarding CSC niche morphology, physical terrain, main signaling pathways and interactions within them. The cellular and molecular components of CSCs also involve genetic and epigenetic modulations that mediate and support their maintenance, ultimately leading to cancer progression. It suggests that the crosstalk between CSCs and their niche plays an important role regarding therapy resistance and recurrence. In addition, we updated diverse therapeutic strategies in different cancers in basic research and clinical trials in this review. Understanding the complex heterogeneity of CSC niches is a necessary pre-requisite for designing superior therapeutic strategies to target CSC-specific factors and/or components of the CSC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ju
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne, Germany
| | - Manar M Atyah
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Nellie Horstmann
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sheraz Gul
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 22525, Hamburg, Germany.,Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, 22525, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Razi Vago
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Christiane J Bruns
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Qiong-Zhu Dong
- Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China.,Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Ning Ren
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China. .,Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China. .,Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, Shanghai, 201199, China.
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19
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AR independent anticancer potential of enza against prostate cancer. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.128598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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20
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Marastoni S, Madariaga A, Pesic A, Nair SN, Li ZJ, Shalev Z, Ketela T, Colombo I, Mandilaras V, Cabanero M, Bruce JP, Li X, Garg S, Wang L, Chen EX, Gill S, Dhani NC, Zhang W, Pintilie M, Bowering V, Koritzinsky M, Rottapel R, Wouters BG, Oza AM, Joshua AM, Lheureux S. Repurposing Itraconazole and Hydroxychloroquine to Target Lysosomal Homeostasis in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:293-306. [PMID: 36875717 PMCID: PMC9981200 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Drug repurposing is an attractive option for oncology drug development. Itraconazole is an antifungal ergosterol synthesis inhibitor that has pleiotropic actions including cholesterol antagonism, inhibition of Hedgehog and mTOR pathways. We tested a panel of 28 epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cell lines with itraconazole to define its spectrum of activity. To identify synthetic lethality in combination with itraconazole, a whole-genome drop-out genome-scale clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats sensitivity screen in two cell lines (TOV1946 and OVCAR5) was performed. On this basis, we conducted a phase I dose-escalation study assessing the combination of itraconazole and hydroxychloroquine in patients with platinum refractory EOC (NCT03081702). We identified a wide spectrum of sensitivity to itraconazole across the EOC cell lines. Pathway analysis showed significant involvement of lysosomal compartments, the trans-golgi network and late endosomes/lysosomes; similar pathways are phenocopied by the autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine. We then demonstrated that the combination of itraconazole and chloroquine displayed Bliss defined synergy in EOC cancer cell lines. Furthermore, there was an association of cytotoxic synergy with the ability to induce functional lysosome dysfunction, by chloroquine. Within the clinical trial, 11 patients received at least one cycle of itraconazole and hydroxychloroquine. Treatment was safe and feasible with the recommended phase II dose of 300 and 600 mg twice daily, respectively. No objective responses were detected. Pharmacodynamic measurements on serial biopsies demonstrated limited pharmacodynamic impact. In vitro, itraconazole and chloroquine have synergistic activity and exert a potent antitumor effect by affecting lysosomal function. The drug combination had no clinical antitumor activity in dose escalation. Significance The combination of the antifungal drug itraconazole with antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine leads to a cytotoxic lysosomal dysfunction, supporting the rational for further research on lysosomal targeting in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Marastoni
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ainhoa Madariaga
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aleksandra Pesic
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sree Narayanan Nair
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhu Juan Li
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zvi Shalev
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Troy Ketela
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ilaria Colombo
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria Mandilaras
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Cabanero
- Department of Pathology, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeff P Bruce
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xuan Li
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Swati Garg
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Wang
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric X Chen
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarbjot Gill
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neesha C Dhani
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenjiang Zhang
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melania Pintilie
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valerie Bowering
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marianne Koritzinsky
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Rottapel
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bradly G Wouters
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amit M Oza
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony M Joshua
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincents Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephanie Lheureux
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Giridharan M, Rupani V, Banerjee S. Signaling Pathways and Targeted Therapies for Stem Cells in Prostate Cancer. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:193-206. [PMID: 35434534 PMCID: PMC9003388 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most frequently occurring cancers among men, and the current statistics show that it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men. Over the years, research in PCa treatment and therapies has made many advances. Despite these efforts, the standardized therapies such as radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and surgery are not considered completely effective in treating advanced and metastatic PCa. In most situations, fast-dividing tumor cells are targeted, leaving behind relatively slowly dividing, chemoresistant cells known as cancer stem cells. Therefore, following the seemingly successful treatments, the lingering quiescent cancer stem cells are able to renew themselves, undergo differentiation into mature tumor cells, and sufficiently reinitiate the disease, leading to cancer relapse. Thus, prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) have been reported to play a vital role in controlling the dynamics of tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to therapies in PCa. However, the complete knowledge on the mechanisms regulating the stemness of PCSCs is still unclear. Thus, studying the stemness of PCSCs will allow for the development of more effective cancer therapies due to the durable response, resulting in a reduction in recurrences of cancer. In this Review, we will specifically describe the molecular mechanisms responsible for regulating the stemness of PCSCs. Furthermore, current developments in stem cell-specific therapeutic approaches along with future prospects will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuvanthi Giridharan
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632104, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vasu Rupani
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632104, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Satarupa Banerjee
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632104, Tamil Nadu, India
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22
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Reducing the off-target endocrinologic adverse effects of azole antifungals – can it be done? Int J Antimicrob Agents 2022; 59:106587. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2022.106587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Xu C, Zhuo Y, Liu Y, Chen H. Itraconazole Inhibits the Growth of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Targeting HMGCS1/ACSL4 Axis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:828983. [PMID: 35242038 PMCID: PMC8886144 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.828983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common cutaneous cancer with increasing incidence. Itraconazole has been identified as a potential anticancer drug candidate. However, the role of itraconazole in cSCC was still unclear. Our objective is exploring the therapeutic potential of itraconazole in cSCC and investigate its molecular mechanism. Methods: The anti-proliferation effect of itraconazole was tested with CCK-8 assay and clone formation assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate were detected using flow cytometry and TUNEL assay, respectively. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were used to explore the underlying anti-cancer mechanism. Luciferase reporter assay was used for promoter activity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation were examined. The in vivo efficacy of itraconazole was assessed in a xenograft model. Results: Itraconazole inhibited the cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and blocked cell cycle of cSCC cells. An integrated analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic analyses identified that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 (HMGCS1) and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) were significantly upregulated in A431 cells treated with itraconazole. HMGCS1 silencing reversed the antiproliferative activity of itraconazole in A431 cells. Dual-luciferase assay showed that itraconazole could promote HMGCS1 transcription. HMGCS1 silencing abated the expression of ACSL4 in A431 cells. The level of ROS, lipid peroxidation, as well as iron accumulation were increased by itraconazole. Moreover, treatment with itraconazole impeded tumor growth in A431-bearing mice. Conclusion: We proved itraconazole inhibits the growth of cSCC by regulating HMGCS1/ACSL4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Xu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Yating Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunyao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
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24
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Bahmad HF, Demus T, Moubarak MM, Daher D, Alvarez Moreno JC, Polit F, Lopez O, Merhe A, Abou-Kheir W, Nieder AM, Poppiti R, Omarzai Y. Overcoming Drug Resistance in Advanced Prostate Cancer by Drug Repurposing. Med Sci (Basel) 2022; 10:medsci10010015. [PMID: 35225948 PMCID: PMC8883996 DOI: 10.3390/medsci10010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men. Common treatments include active surveillance, surgery, or radiation. Androgen deprivation therapy and chemotherapy are usually reserved for advanced disease or biochemical recurrence, such as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), but they are not considered curative because PCa cells eventually develop drug resistance. The latter is achieved through various cellular mechanisms that ultimately circumvent the pharmaceutical’s mode of action. The need for novel therapeutic approaches is necessary under these circumstances. An alternative way to treat PCa is by repurposing of existing drugs that were initially intended for other conditions. By extrapolating the effects of previously approved drugs to the intracellular processes of PCa, treatment options will expand. In addition, drug repurposing is cost-effective and efficient because it utilizes drugs that have already demonstrated safety and efficacy. This review catalogues the drugs that can be repurposed for PCa in preclinical studies as well as clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F. Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-786-961-0216
| | - Timothy Demus
- Division of Urology, Columbia University, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (T.D.); (A.M.N.)
| | - Maya M. Moubarak
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (M.M.M.); (W.A.-K.)
- CNRS, IBGC, UMR5095, Universite de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Darine Daher
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon;
| | - Juan Carlos Alvarez Moreno
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
| | - Francesca Polit
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
| | - Olga Lopez
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Ali Merhe
- Department of Urology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (M.M.M.); (W.A.-K.)
| | - Alan M. Nieder
- Division of Urology, Columbia University, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (T.D.); (A.M.N.)
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Robert Poppiti
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Yumna Omarzai
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
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25
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Fu L, Jin W, Zhang J, Zhu L, Lu J, Zhen Y, Zhang L, Ouyang L, Liu B, Yu H. Repurposing non-oncology small-molecule drugs to improve cancer therapy: Current situation and future directions. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:532-557. [PMID: 35256933 PMCID: PMC8897051 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing or repositioning has been well-known to refer to the therapeutic applications of a drug for another indication other than it was originally approved for. Repurposing non-oncology small-molecule drugs has been increasingly becoming an attractive approach to improve cancer therapy, with potentially lower overall costs and shorter timelines. Several non-oncology drugs approved by FDA have been recently reported to treat different types of human cancers, with the aid of some new emerging technologies, such as omics sequencing and artificial intelligence to overcome the bottleneck of drug repurposing. Therefore, in this review, we focus on summarizing the therapeutic potential of non-oncology drugs, including cardiovascular drugs, microbiological drugs, small-molecule antibiotics, anti-viral drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-neurodegenerative drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and other drugs in human cancers. We also discuss their novel potential targets and relevant signaling pathways of these old non-oncology drugs in cancer therapies. Taken together, these inspiring findings will shed new light on repurposing more non-oncology small-molecule drugs with their intricate molecular mechanisms for future cancer drug discovery.
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Weng N, Qin S, Liu J, Huang X, Jiang J, Zhou L, Zhang Z, Xie N, Wang K, Jin P, Luo M, Peng L, Nice EC, Goel A, Han S, Huang C, Zhu Q. Repurposing econazole as a pharmacological autophagy inhibitor to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:3085-3102. [PMID: 35865101 PMCID: PMC9293665 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by the highest mortality among carcinomas. The pathogenesis of PDAC requires elevated autophagy, inhibition of which using hydroxychloroquine has shown promise. However, current realization is impeded by its suboptimal use and unpredictable toxicity. Attempts to identify novel autophagy-modulating agents from already approved drugs offer a rapid and accessible approach. Here, using a patient-derived organoid model, we performed a comparative analysis of therapeutic responses among various antimalarial/fungal/parasitic/viral agents, through which econazole (ECON), an antifungal compound, emerged as the top candidate. Further testing in cell-line and xenograft models of PDAC validated this activity, which occurred as a direct consequence of dysfunctional autophagy. More specifically, ECON boosted autophagy initiation but blocked lysosome biogenesis. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that this autophagic induction was largely attributed to the altered expression of activation transcription factor 3 (ATF3). Increased nuclear import of ATF3 and its transcriptional repression of inhibitor of differentiation-1 (ID-1) led to inactivation of the AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, thus giving rise to autophagosome accumulation in PDAC cells. The magnitude of the increase in autophagosomes was sufficient to elicit ER stress-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, ECON, as an autophagy inhibitor, exhibited synergistic effects with trametinib on PDAC. This study provides direct preclinical and experimental evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of ECON in PDAC treatment and reveals a mechanism whereby ECON inhibits PDAC growth.
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27
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Ji HH, Tang XW, Zhang N, Huo BN, Liu Y, Song L, Jia YT. Antifungal Therapy with Azoles Induced the Syndrome of Acquired Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess: a Literature and Database Analysis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0166821. [PMID: 34662186 PMCID: PMC8765306 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01668-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to estimate the risk of varied antifungal therapy with azoles causing the syndrome of acquired apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) in real-world practice. First, we conducted a disproportionality analysis based on data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to characterize the signal differences of triazoles-related AME. Second, a systematic review was conducted, and clinical features of AME cases reported in clinical practice were described. In the FAERS database, we identified 27 cases of triazoles-AME, posaconazole [ROR = 865.37; 95%CI (464.14; 1613.45)], and itraconazole [ROR = 556.21; 95% (303.05; 1020.85)] significantly increased the risk of AME events, while fluconazole, voriconazole, and isavuconazole did not affect any of the mineralocorticoid excess targets. Eighteen studies with 39 cases raised evidence of AME following posaconazole and itraconazole treatment, and another 27 cases were identified by analysis of the description of clinical features in the FAERS database. The average age of 66 patients was 55.5 years (6-87 years). AME mainly occurs in patients with posaconazole concentrations above 3 μg/mL (mean = 4.4 μg/mL, range 1.8∼9.5 μg/mL), and is less likely to occur when levels are below 2 μg/mL (6%). The median time to event onset was 11.5 weeks, and 50% of the adverse events occurred within 3 months for posaconazole. The presented study supports very recent findings that posaconazole and itraconazole, but not the other three azole antifungals investigated, are associated with AME and that the effects are dose-dependent, which allows for a dose de-escalation strategy and for substitution with fluconazole, isavuconazole, or voriconazole to resolve the adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-huan Ji
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue-wen Tang
- Chengdu Shuchuang Linyan Technology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, China
| | - Ni Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Ben-nian Huo
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, National Center for Children‘s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun-tao Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
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Pereira M, Vale N. Two Possible Strategies for Drug Modification of Gemcitabine and Future Contributions to Personalized Medicine. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27010291. [PMID: 35011522 PMCID: PMC8746447 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Drug repurposing is an emerging strategy, which uses already approved drugs for new medical indications. One such drug is gemcitabine, an anticancer drug that only works at high doses since a portion is deactivated in the serum, which causes toxicity. In this review, two methods were discussed that could improve the anticancer effect of gemcitabine. The first is a chemical modification by conjugation with cell-penetrating peptides, namely penetratin, pVEC, and different kinds of CPP6, which mostly all showed an increased anticancer effect. The other method is combining gemcitabine with repurposed drugs, namely itraconazole, which also showed great cancer cell inhibition growth. Besides these two strategies, physiologically based pharmacokinetic models (PBPK models) are also the key for predicting drug distribution based on physiological data, which is very important for personalized medicine, so that the correct drug and dosage regimen can be administered according to each patient’s physiology. Taking all of this into consideration, it is believed that gemcitabine can be repurposed to have better anticancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Pereira
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-220-426-537
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29
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Wu HT, Li CL, Fang ZX, Chen WJ, Lin WT, Liu J. Induced Cell Cycle Arrest in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Combined Treatment of Itraconazole and Rapamycin. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:873131. [PMID: 35517785 PMCID: PMC9062109 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.873131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the aggressive molecular type of breast carcinoma, with a high metastasis/relapse incidence and cancer-related death rate, due to lack of specific therapeutic targets in the clinic. Exploring potential therapeutic targets or developing novel therapeutic strategies are the focus of intense research to improve the survival and life quality of patients with TNBC. The current study focused on drugs targeting the mTOR signaling pathway by investigating the potential utilization of itraconazole (ITZ) combined with rapamycin in the treatment of TNBC. CCK-8, colony formation and transwell assays were conducted to evaluate the effect of ITZ with rapamycin in combination on MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 TNBC cells. Synergistic inhibition was found in terms of proliferation and motility of TNBC cells. However, apoptosis was not enhanced by the combined treatment of ITZ and rapamycin. Flow cytometry analysis showed that ITZ and/or rapamycin arrested cells in G0/G1 phase and prevented G1/S phase transition. Reduced cyclin D1 protein levels were consistent with G0/G1 phase arrest, especially when resulting from the combination of ITZ with rapamycin. In conclusion, the combination of ITZ with rapamycin is a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with TNBC through synergistically arresting cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, rather than inducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Tao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Chun-Lan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar’s Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ze-Xuan Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar’s Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wen-Jia Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar’s Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wen-Ting Lin
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar’s Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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Kumbhar P, Manjappa A, Shah R, Jha NK, Singh SK, Dua K, Disouza J, Patravale V. Inhalation delivery of repurposed drugs for lung cancer: Approaches, benefits and challenges. J Control Release 2021; 341:1-15. [PMID: 34780880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of mortality accounting for almost 25% of cancer deaths throughout the world. The shortfall of affordable and effective first-line chemotherapeutics, the existence of resistant tumors, and the non-optimal route of administration contribute to poor prognosis and high mortality in LC. Administration of repurposed non-oncology drugs (RNODs) loaded in nanocarriers (NCs) via inhalation may prove as an effective alternative strategy to treat LC. Furthermore, their site-specific release through inhalation route using an appropriate inhalation device would offer improved therapeutic efficacy, thereby reducing mortality and improving patients' quality of life. The current manuscript offers a comprehensive overview on use of RNODs in LC treatment with an emphasis on their inhalation delivery and the associated challenges. The role of NCs to improve lung deposition and targeting of RNODs via inhalation are also elaborated. In addition, information about various RNODs in clinical trials for the treatment of LC, possibility for repurposing phytoceuticals against LC via inhalation and the bottlenecks associated with repurposing RNODs against cancer are also highlighted. Based on the reported studies covered in this manuscript, it was understood that delivery of RNODs via inhalation has emerged as a propitious approach. Hence, it is anticipated to provide effective first-line treatment at an affordable cost in debilitating LC from low and middle-income countries (LMIC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Popat Kumbhar
- Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur Maharashtra 416113, India
| | - Arehalli Manjappa
- Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur Maharashtra 416113, India
| | - Rohit Shah
- Appasaheb Birnale College of Pharmacy, Sangli, Maharashtra 416416, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia..
| | - John Disouza
- Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur Maharashtra 416113, India.
| | - Vandana Patravale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 400019
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Shen PW, Chou YM, Li CL, Liao EC, Huang HS, Yin CH, Chen CL, Yu SJ. Itraconazole improves survival outcomes in patients with colon cancer by inducing autophagic cell death and inhibiting transketolase expression. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:768. [PMID: 34589147 PMCID: PMC8442143 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of colon cancer continues to increase annually, and it is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Altering cell metabolism and inducing autophagic cell death have recently emerged as novel strategies in preventing tumor growth. Autophagy plays an essential role in energy production by degrading damaged cellular components and is also associated with tumor proliferation suppression. Itraconazole is an FDA-approved drug used as an antifungal medication and has been reported to induce autophagic cell death in breast cancer. However, the effects of itraconazole on cell metabolism and induction of apoptosis in colon cancer remain unclear. The present study analyzed extensive data from patients diagnosed with colon cancer using itraconazole between January 2011 and December 2015, from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database. The underlying molecular mechanisms of itraconazole in autophagy-induced cell death were also investigated. The results demonstrated that the 5-year survival rate was significantly higher in patients with colon cancer who received itraconazole treatment. In addition, itraconazole decreased the viability and cell colony formation, and induced cleaved caspase-3 expression and G1 cell cycle arrest of COLO 205 and HCT 116 cells. Notably, itraconazole induced autophagy by enhancing LC3B and p62 expression. Following LC3 knockdown, the viability of itraconazole-treated COLO 205 and HCT 116 cells notably improved. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that itraconazole may have a beneficial effect on patients with colon cancer, and its underlying molecular mechanisms may be associated with the induction of autophagic cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Wen Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Mei Chou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chia-Ling Li
- Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - En-Chih Liao
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City 252, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City 252, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hung-Sen Huang
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chun-Hao Yin
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chien-Liang Chen
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Division of Nephrology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Sheng-Jie Yu
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Ioannidou E, Moschetta M, Shah S, Parker JS, Ozturk MA, Pappas-Gogos G, Sheriff M, Rassy E, Boussios S. Angiogenesis and Anti-Angiogenic Treatment in Prostate Cancer: Mechanisms of Action and Molecular Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189926. [PMID: 34576107 PMCID: PMC8472415 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Many therapeutic advances over the last two decades have led to an improvement in the survival of patients with metastatic PC, yet the majority of these patients still succumb to their disease. Antiagiogenic therapies have shown substantial benefits for many types of cancer but only a marginal benefit for PC. Ongoing clinical trials investigate antiangiogenic monotherapies or combination therapies. Despite the important role of angiogenesis in PC, clinical trials in refractory castration-resistant PC (CRPC) have demonstrated increased toxicity with no clinical benefit. A better understanding of the mechanism of angiogenesis may help to understand the failure of trials, possibly leading to the development of new targeted anti-angiogenic therapies in PC. These could include the identification of specific subsets of patients who might benefit from these therapeutic strategies. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the pathways involved in the angiogenesis, the chemotherapeutic agents with antiangiogenic activity, the available studies on anti-angiogenic agents and the potential mechanisms of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Ioannidou
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Rd., London SW10 9NH, UK;
| | - Michele Moschetta
- CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Bugnon 21, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Sidrah Shah
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5NY, UK; (S.S.); (J.S.P.)
| | - Jack Steven Parker
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5NY, UK; (S.S.); (J.S.P.)
| | - Mehmet Akif Ozturk
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sisli Memorial Hospital, Kaptan Paşa Mah. Piyale Paşa Bulv., Okmeydanı Cd. 4, Istanbul 34384, Turkey;
| | - George Pappas-Gogos
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45111 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Matin Sheriff
- Department of Urology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5NY, UK;
| | - Elie Rassy
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy Institut, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Stergios Boussios
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5NY, UK; (S.S.); (J.S.P.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
- AELIA Organization, 9th Km Thessaloniki, Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: or
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33
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Liu W, Xie L, He YH, Wu ZY, Liu LX, Bai XF, Deng DX, Xu XE, Liao LD, Lin W, Heng JH, Xu X, Peng L, Huang QF, Li CY, Zhang ZD, Wang W, Zhang GR, Gao X, Wang SH, Li CQ, Xu LY, Liu W, Li EM. Large-scale and high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics profiling defines molecular subtypes of esophageal cancer for therapeutic targeting. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4961. [PMID: 34400640 PMCID: PMC8368010 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25202-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a type of aggressive cancer without clinically relevant molecular subtypes, hindering the development of effective strategies for treatment. To define molecular subtypes of EC, we perform mass spectrometry-based proteomic and phosphoproteomics profiling of EC tumors and adjacent non-tumor tissues, revealing a catalog of proteins and phosphosites that are dysregulated in ECs. The EC cohort is stratified into two molecular subtypes-S1 and S2-based on proteomic analysis, with the S2 subtype characterized by the upregulation of spliceosomal and ribosomal proteins, and being more aggressive. Moreover, we identify a subtype signature composed of ELOA and SCAF4, and construct a subtype diagnostic and prognostic model. Potential drugs are predicted for treating patients of S2 subtype, and three candidate drugs are validated to inhibit EC. Taken together, our proteomic analysis define molecular subtypes of EC, thus providing a potential therapeutic outlook for improving disease outcomes in patients with EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- College of Science, Heilongjiang Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lei Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yao-Hui He
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Wu
- Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu-Xin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xue-Feng Bai
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Dan-Xia Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiu-E Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lian-Di Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wan Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing-Hua Heng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liu Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing-Feng Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cheng-Yu Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Da Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Science, Heilongjiang Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guo-Rui Zhang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shao-Hong Wang
- Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chun-Quan Li
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Li-Yan Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - En-Min Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China.
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Zhang W, Bhagwath AS, Ramzan Z, Williams TA, Subramaniyan I, Edpuganti V, Kallem RR, Dunbar KB, Ding P, Gong K, Geurkink SA, Beg MS, Kim J, Zhang Q, Habib AA, Choi SH, Lapsiwala R, Bhagwath G, Dowell JE, Melton SD, Jie C, Putnam WC, Pham TH, Wang DH. Itraconazole Exerts Its Antitumor Effect in Esophageal Cancer By Suppressing the HER2/AKT Signaling Pathway. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1904-1915. [PMID: 34376577 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Itraconazole, an FDA-approved antifungal, has antitumor activity against a variety of cancers. We sought to determine the effects of itraconazole on esophageal cancer and elucidate its mechanism of action. Itraconazole inhibited cell proliferation and induced G1-phase cell-cycle arrest in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma cell lines. Using an unbiased kinase array, we found that itraconazole downregulated protein kinase AKT phosphorylation in OE33 esophageal adenocarcinoma cells. Itraconazole also decreased phosphorylation of downstream ribosomal protein S6, transcriptional expression of the upstream receptor tyrosine kinase HER2, and phosphorylation of upstream PI3K in esophageal cancer cells. Lapatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets HER2, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of HER2 similarly suppressed cancer cell growth in vitro. Itraconazole significantly inhibited growth of OE33-derived flank xenografts in mice with detectable levels of itraconazole and its primary metabolite, hydroxyitraconazole, in esophagi and tumors. HER2 total protein and phosphorylation of AKT and S6 proteins were decreased in xenografts from itraconazole-treated mice compared to xenografts from placebo-treated mice. In an early phase I clinical trial (NCT02749513) in patients with esophageal cancer, itraconazole decreased HER2 total protein expression and phosphorylation of AKT and S6 proteins in tumors. These data demonstrate that itraconazole has potent antitumor properties in esophageal cancer, partially through blockade of HER2/AKT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Esophageal Diseases Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ankur S Bhagwath
- Esophageal Diseases Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas
| | - Zeeshan Ramzan
- Esophageal Diseases Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Internal Medicine, TCU and University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Taylor A Williams
- Esophageal Diseases Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Indhumathy Subramaniyan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas.,Clinical Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Vindhya Edpuganti
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas.,Clinical Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Raja Reddy Kallem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas.,Clinical Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Kerry B Dunbar
- Esophageal Diseases Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Peiguo Ding
- Esophageal Diseases Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ke Gong
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Samuel A Geurkink
- Department of Internal Medicine, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Muhammad S Beg
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - James Kim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Qiuyang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Amyn A Habib
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sung-Hee Choi
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ritu Lapsiwala
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas
| | - Gayathri Bhagwath
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jonathan E Dowell
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas
| | - Shelby D Melton
- Esophageal Diseases Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Chunfa Jie
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa
| | - William C Putnam
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas.,Clinical Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Thai H Pham
- Esophageal Diseases Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - David H Wang
- Esophageal Diseases Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. .,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas
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Sun X, Zhan M, Sun X, Liu W, Meng X. C1GALT1 in health and disease. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:589. [PMID: 34149900 PMCID: PMC8200938 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
O-linked glycosylation (O-glycosylation) and N-linked glycosylation (N-glycosylation) are the two most important forms of protein glycosylation, which is an important post-translational modification. The regulation of protein function involves numerous mechanisms, among which protein glycosylation is one of the most important. Core 1 synthase glycoprotein-N-acetylgalactosamine 3-β-galactosyltransferase 1 (C1GALT1) serves an important role in the regulation of O-glycosylation and is an essential enzyme for synthesizing the core 1 structure of mucin-type O-glycans. Furthermore, C1GALT1 serves a vital role in a number of biological functions, such as angiogenesis, platelet production and kidney development. Impaired C1GALT1 expression activity has been associated with different types of human diseases, including inflammatory or immune-mediated diseases, and cancer. O-glycosylation exists in normal tissues, as well as in tumor tissues. Previous studies have revealed that changes in the level of glycosyltransferase in different types of cancer may be used as potential therapeutic targets. Currently, numerous studies have reported the dual role of C1GALT1 in tumors (carcinogenesis and cancer suppression). The present review reports the role of C1GALT1 in normal development and human diseases. Since the mechanism and regulation of C1GALT1 and O-glycosylation remain elusive, further studies are required to elucidate their effects on development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Mengru Zhan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xun Sun
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Wanqi Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xiangwei Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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Kelly RJ, Ansari AM, Miyashita T, Zahurak M, Lay F, Ahmed AK, Born LJ, Pezhouh MK, Salimian KJ, Ng C, Matsangos AE, Stricker-Krongrad AH, Mukaisho KI, Marti GP, Chung CH, Canto MI, Rudek MA, Meltzer SJ, Harmon JW. Targeting the Hedgehog Pathway Using Itraconazole to Prevent Progression of Barrett's Esophagus to Invasive Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Ann Surg 2021; 273:e206-e213. [PMID: 31290765 PMCID: PMC8147663 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000003455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate whether inhibition of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway would prevent progression of Barrett's Esophagus (BE) to esophageal adenocarcinoma. BACKGROUND The hedgehog signaling pathway is a leading candidate as a molecular mediator of BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Repurposed use of existing off-patent, safe and tolerable drugs that can inhibit hedgehog, such as itraconazole, could prevent progression of BE to EAC. METHODS The efficacy of itraconazole was investigated using a surgical rat reflux model of Barrett's Metaplasia (BM). Weekly intraperitoneal injections of saline (control group) or itraconazole (treatment group; 200 mg/kg) were started at 24 weeks postsurgery. Esophageal tissue was harvested at 40 weeks. The role of the Hh pathway was also evaluated clinically. Esophageal tissue was harvested after 40 weeks for pathological examination and evaluation of the SHH pathway by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS BM was present in control animals 29 of 31 (93%) versus itraconazole 22 of 24 (91%). EAC was significantly lower in itraconazole 2 of 24 (8%) versus control 10 of 31 (32%), respectively (P = 0.033). Esophageal SHH levels were lower in itraconazole vs control (P = 0.12). In esophageal tissue from humans with recurrent or persistent dysplastic BE within 24 months of ablative treatment, strong SHH and Indian Hedgehog expression occurred in distal BE versus proximal squamous epithelium, odds ratio = 6.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.6, 23.4) and odds ratio = 6.4 (95% confidence interval: 1.2, 32.8), respectively. CONCLUSION Itraconazole significantly decreases EAC development and SHH expression in a preclinical animal model of BM. In humans, BE tissue expresses higher SHH, Indian Hedgehog, and bone morphogenic protein levels than normal squamous esophageal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan J Kelly
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Amir M Ansari
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Tomoharu Miyashita
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Marianna Zahurak
- Department of Oncology, Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Frank Lay
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - A Karim Ahmed
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Louis J Born
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Maryam K Pezhouh
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Kevan J Salimian
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
| | - Christopher Ng
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Aerielle E Matsangos
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Ken-Ichi Mukaisho
- Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Guy P Marti
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Christine H Chung
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Marcia I Canto
- Department of Medicine, Division of gastroenterology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Michelle A Rudek
- Analytical Pharmacology Core, Department of Oncology, Department of Medicine/Division of Clinical Pharmacology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Stephen J Meltzer
- Department of Medicine, Division of gastroenterology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - John W Harmon
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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37
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Kotulak-Chrząszcz A, Kmieć Z, Wierzbicki PM. Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway in gynecological and genitourinary cancer (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:106. [PMID: 33907821 PMCID: PMC8057295 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers of the urinary tract, as well as those of the female and male reproductive systems, account for a large percentage of malignancies worldwide. Mortality is frequently affected by late diagnosis or therapeutic difficulties. The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway is an evolutionary conserved molecular cascade, which is mainly associated with the development of the central nervous system in fetal life. The present review aimed to provide an in‑depth summary of the SHH signaling pathway, including the characterization of its major components, the mechanism of its upstream regulation and non‑canonical activation, as well as its interactions with other cellular pathways. In addition, the three possible mechanisms of the cellular SHH cascade in cancer tissue are discussed. The aim of the present review was to summarize significant findings with regards to the expression of the SHH pathway components in kidney, bladder, ovarian, cervical and prostate cancer. Reports associated with common deficits and de‑regulations of the SHH pathway were summarized, despite the differences in molecular and histological patterns among these malignancies. However, currently, neither are SHH pathway elements included in panels of prognostic/therapeutic molecular patterns in any of the discussed cancers, nor have the drugs targeting SMO or GLIs been approved for therapy. The findings of the present review may support future studies on the treatment of and/or molecular targets for gynecological and genitourinary cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Piotr M. Wierzbicki
- Correspondence to: Dr Piotr M. Wierzbicki, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Debinki 1, 80211 Gdansk, Poland, E-mail:
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38
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Gerber DE, Putnam WC. Drug exposure: still relevant after all these years. Oncotarget 2021; 12:721-722. [PMID: 33889295 PMCID: PMC8057278 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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39
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Wu HH, Garidel P, Michaela B. HP-β-CD for the formulation of IgG and Ig-based biotherapeutics. Int J Pharm 2021; 601:120531. [PMID: 33775727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The main challenge to develop HCF for IgG and Ig-based therapeutics is to achieve essential solubility, viscosity and stability of these molecules in order to maintain product quality and meet regulatory requirement during manufacturing, production, storage, shipment and administration processes. The commonly used and FDA approved excipients for IgG and Ig -based therapeutics may no longer fulfil the challenge of HCF development for these molecules to certain extent, especially for some complex Ig-based platforms. 2-Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) is one of the promising excipients applied recently for HCF development of IgG and Ig-based therapeutics although it has been used for formulation of small synthesized chemical drugs for more than thirty years. This review describes essential aspects about application of HP-β-CD as excipient in pharmaceutical formulation, including physico-chemical properties of HP-β-CD, supply chain, regulatory, patent landscape, marketed drugs with HP-β-CD, analytics and analytical challenges, stability and control strategies, and safety concerns. It also provides an overview of different studies, and outcomes thereof, regarding formulation development for IgGs and Ig-based molecules in liquid and solid (lyophilized) dosage forms with HP-β-CD. The review specifically highlights the challenges for formulation manufacturing of IgG and Ig-based therapeutics with HP-β-CD and identifies areas for future work in pharmaceutical and formulation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Haixia Wu
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals, Biberach an der Riss, Germany.
| | - Patrick Garidel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Blech Michaela
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
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Beck KR, Odermatt A. Antifungal therapy with azoles and the syndrome of acquired mineralocorticoid excess. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 524:111168. [PMID: 33484741 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The syndromes of mineralocorticoid excess describe a heterogeneous group of clinical manifestations leading to endocrine hypertension, typically either through direct activation of mineralocorticoid receptors or indirectly by impaired pre-receptor enzymatic regulation or through disturbed renal sodium homeostasis. The phenotypes of these disorders can be caused by inherited gene variants and somatic mutations or may be acquired upon exposures to exogenous substances. Regarding the latter, the symptoms of an acquired mineralocorticoid excess have been reported during treatment with azole antifungal drugs. The current review describes the occurrence of mineralocorticoid excess particularly during the therapy with posaconazole and itraconazole, addresses the underlying mechanisms as well as inter- and intra-individual differences, and proposes a therapeutic drug monitoring strategy for these two azole antifungals. Moreover, other therapeutically used azole antifungals and ongoing efforts to avoid adverse mineralocorticoid effects of azole compounds are shortly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina R Beck
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alex Odermatt
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Ghadi M, Hosseinimehr SJ, Amiri FT, Mardanshahi A, Noaparast Z. Itraconazole synergistically increases therapeutic effect of paclitaxel and 99mTc-MIBI accumulation, as a probe of P-gp activity, in HT-29 tumor-bearing nude mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 895:173892. [PMID: 33497608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
P-glycoprotein (P-gp), is an important efflux pump involved in chemotherapy resistance in human colon cancer. We investigated the efficacy of itraconazole as a P-gp inhibitor and its therapeutic synergistic relationship to paclitaxel through 99mTc-MIBI accumulation in HT-29 tumor-bearing nude mice. Histopathological screening along with in vitro experiments was done for further assessment. Itraconazole successfully inhibited P-gp mediated 99mTc-MIBI efflux, increasing its in vitro accumulation in itraconazole-receiving dishes. Notably, the co-administration of itraconazole with paclitaxel significantly enhanced the in vitro cytotoxicity effect of paclitaxel in itraconazole + paclitaxel wells containing HT-29 cells. Compared to the control, tumor volume in mice treated with itraconazole, paclitaxel and itraconazole +paclitaxel showed growth suppression approximately by 36.21, 60.02, and 73.3% respectively. And compared to paclitaxel group, the nude mice co-treated with paclitaxel and itraconazole showed suppression of tumor growth by about 33.31 % at the end of the treatment period. Also the biodistribution result showed that the co-administration of itraconazole with paclitaxel raised the mean tumor radioactivity accumulation compared to control and paclitaxel group. When given paclitaxel alone, the ID% of hepatic and cardiac tissue was reduced while co-administration of itraconazole with paclitaxel increased 99mTc-MIBI accumulation in these organs. Furthermore, the histopathological findings confirmed the biodistribution results. These results demonstrate that although monotherapy with itraconazole or paclitaxel has anti-tumor activity against HT-29 human colorectal cancer, a synergistic anti-tumor activity can be achieved when itraconazole is co-administered with paclitaxel. Also, 99mTc-MIBI is an effective radiotracer for monitoring response to treatment in MDR tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Ghadi
- Department of Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Jalal Hosseinimehr
- Department of Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Talebpour Amiri
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Alireza Mardanshahi
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zohreh Noaparast
- Department of Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Vasilev NA, Surov AO, Voronin AP, Drozd KV, Perlovich GL. Novel cocrystals of itraconazole: Insights from phase diagrams, formation thermodynamics and solubility. Int J Pharm 2021; 599:120441. [PMID: 33675927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In this work, the cocrystallization approach was applied to itraconazole (ITR), a very slightly soluble triazole antifungal drug, which led to the formation of two new solid forms of ITR with 4-aminobenzoic acid (4AmBA) and 4-hydroxybenzamide (4OHBZA). A thermodynamic analysis of the solid-liquid binary phase diagrams for the (ITR + 4AmBA) and (ITR + 4OHBZA) systems provided conclusive evidence of the cocrystal stoichiometry: 1:1 for the cocrystal with 4-aminobenzoic acid, and 1:2 for the cocrystal with 4-hydroxybenzamide. Powder X-Ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of two different polymorphic forms of the [ITR + 4OHBZA] (1:2) cocrystal obtained either through solution or melt crystallization. Cocrystal formation and polymorphic transition processes were investigated in detail by the DSC and HSM methods. The thermodynamic functions of cocrystal formation were estimated from the solubility of the cocrystals and the corresponding solubility of the pure compounds at different temperatures. The combination of ITR and 4OHBZA was found to be more favorable than the reaction between ITR and 4AmBA in terms of both Gibbs energy and enthalpy. The pH-solubility behavior of the cocrystals was investigated at different pH values using eutectic concentrations of the components and the cocrystal solubility advantage was estimated. It was found that the cocrystallization of itraconazole with 4OHBZA and 4AmBA can potentially increase the drug solubility at pH1.2 and 37 °C by 225 and 64 times, respectively. The cocrystal dissolution behavior in biorelevant media was analyzed in terms of Cmax, σmax parameters (the maximum ITR concentration and supersaturation), and AUC (the concentration area under the curve during the dissolution - supersaturation - precipitation process). The cocrystals had similar σmax values during the dissolution and sustained supersaturation for up to 6 h, which gave them an advantage in the AUC values (13-37 times higher) over the drug. The differences in the dissolution profiles of the cocrystals were rationalized in terms of their dissolution rate values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita A Vasilev
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry RAS, 153045, Akademicheskaya st., 1, Ivanovo, Russia
| | - Artem O Surov
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry RAS, 153045, Akademicheskaya st., 1, Ivanovo, Russia
| | - Alexander P Voronin
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry RAS, 153045, Akademicheskaya st., 1, Ivanovo, Russia
| | - Ksenia V Drozd
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry RAS, 153045, Akademicheskaya st., 1, Ivanovo, Russia
| | - German L Perlovich
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry RAS, 153045, Akademicheskaya st., 1, Ivanovo, Russia.
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Signaling Pathways That Control Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13050937. [PMID: 33668112 PMCID: PMC7956765 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy and the fifth leading cancer-caused death in men worldwide. Therapies that target the androgen receptor axis induce apoptosis in normal prostates and provide temporary relief for advanced disease, yet prostate cancer that acquired androgen independence (so called castration-resistant prostate cancer, CRPC) invariably progresses to lethal disease. There is accumulating evidence that androgen receptor signaling do not regulate apoptosis and proliferation in prostate epithelial cells in a cell-autonomous fashion. Instead, androgen receptor activation in stroma compartments induces expression of unknown paracrine factors that maintain homeostasis of the prostate epithelium. This paradigm calls for new studies to identify paracrine factors and signaling pathways that control the survival of normal epithelial cells and to determine which apoptosis regulatory molecules are targeted by these pathways. This review summarizes the recent progress in understanding the mechanism of apoptosis induced by androgen ablation in prostate epithelial cells with emphasis on the roles of BCL-2 family proteins and "druggable" signaling pathways that control these proteins. A summary of the clinical trials of inhibitors of anti-apoptotic signaling pathways is also provided. Evidently, better knowledge of the apoptosis regulation in prostate epithelial cells is needed to understand mechanisms of androgen-independence and implement life-extending therapies for CRPC.
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Mohamed AW, Elbassiouny M, Elkhodary DA, Shawki MA, Saad AS. The effect of itraconazole on the clinical outcomes of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer receiving platinum-based chemotherapy: a randomized controlled study. Med Oncol 2021; 38:23. [PMID: 33559053 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01475-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Itraconazole is an oral antifungal that has a been reported to have anticancer effect in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through inhibition of angiogenesis. The aim is to evaluate the effect of using itraconazole on the clinical outcome of metastatic NSCLC. This was a prospective randomized controlled open-label study conducted on 60 chemotherapy-naive metastatic NSCLC. Patients were simply randomized to either Control group who received platinum-based chemotherapy for a maximum of six cycles or Itraconazole group who received the same chemotherapy regimen in addition to itraconazole 200 mg daily for 21 days starting from day 1 in each cycle. Primary outcome was 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) while secondary outcomes included overall response rate (ORR), 1-year overall survival (OS) and tolerability. The two groups were comparable at baseline with no significant difference between groups regarding demographics and clinical characteristics. The ORR in Control group was 66.7% versus 90% in Itraconazole group (p value 0.028). There was a significant difference between groups regarding PFS where the mean 1-year PFS was 5.415 months in Control group versus 6.556 months in Itraconazole group (p value = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference between groups with respect to 1-year OS. All adverse effects reported were tolerable except for one patient who developed grade 2 cardiotoxicity in Itraconazole group requiring itraconazole discontinuation. Itraconazole use was beneficial in NSCLC in terms of 1-year PFS and ORR which was not reflected by improvement in 1-year OS.Clinical trial.gov registration number: NCT03664115, date of registration: September 10, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Waheed Mohamed
- Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elbassiouny
- Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dalia Abdelghany Elkhodary
- Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - May Ahmed Shawki
- Clinical Pharmacy Department Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, African Union Organization Street, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
| | - Amr Shafik Saad
- Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Silva VR, Neves SP, Santos LDS, Dias RB, Bezerra DP. Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities of Autophagy in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113461. [PMID: 33233671 PMCID: PMC7699739 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Autophagy is a physiological process characterized by the degradation of the cell components through lysosomes due to stimuli/stress. In this study, we review the challenges and therapeutic opportunities that autophagy presents in the treatment of cancer. We discussed the results of several studies that evaluated autophagy as a therapeutic strategy in cancer, both through the modulation of therapeutic resistance and the death of cancer cells. Moreover, we discussed the role of autophagy in the biology of cancer stem cells and the inhibition of this process as a strategy to overcome resistance and progression of cancer stem cells. Abstract Autophagy is a physiological cellular process that is crucial for development and can occurs in response to nutrient deprivation or metabolic disorders. Interestingly, autophagy plays a dual role in cancer cells—while in some situations, it has a cytoprotective effect that causes chemotherapy resistance, in others, it has a cytotoxic effect in which some compounds induce autophagy-mediated cell death. In this review, we summarize strategies aimed at autophagy for the treatment of cancer, including studies of drugs that can modulate autophagy-mediated resistance, and/or drugs that cause autophagy-mediated cancer cell death. In addition, the role of autophagy in the biology of cancer stem cells has also been discussed.
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Gerber DE, Putnam WC, Fattah FJ, Kernstine KH, Brekken RA, Pedrosa I, Skelton R, Saltarski JM, Lenkinski RE, Leff RD, Ahn C, Padmanabhan C, Chembukar V, Kasiri S, Kallem RR, Subramaniyan I, Yuan Q, Do QN, Xi Y, Reznik SI, Pelosof L, Faubert B, DeBerardinis RJ, Kim J. Concentration-dependent Early Antivascular and Antitumor Effects of Itraconazole in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:6017-6027. [PMID: 32847935 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-1916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Itraconazole has been repurposed as an anticancer therapeutic agent for multiple malignancies. In preclinical models, itraconazole has antiangiogenic properties and inhibits Hedgehog pathway activity. We performed a window-of-opportunity trial to determine the biologic effects of itraconazole in human patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had planned for surgical resection were administered with itraconazole 300 mg orally twice daily for 10-14 days. Patients underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and plasma collection for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses. Tissues from pretreatment biopsy, surgical resection, and skin biopsies were analyzed for itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole concentration, and vascular and Hedgehog pathway biomarkers. RESULTS Thirteen patients were enrolled in this study. Itraconazole was well-tolerated. Steady-state plasma concentrations of itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole demonstrated a 6-fold difference across patients. Tumor itraconazole concentrations trended with and exceeded those of plasma. Greater itraconazole levels were significantly and meaningfully associated with reduction in tumor volume (Spearman correlation, -0.71; P = 0.05) and tumor perfusion (Ktrans; Spearman correlation, -0.71; P = 0.01), decrease in the proangiogenic cytokines IL1b (Spearman correlation, -0.73; P = 0.01) and GM-CSF (Spearman correlation, -1.00; P < 0.001), and reduction in tumor microvessel density (Spearman correlation, -0.69; P = 0.03). Itraconazole-treated tumors also demonstrated distinct metabolic profiles. Itraconazole treatment did not alter transcription of GLI1 and PTCH1 mRNA. Patient size, renal function, and hepatic function did not predict itraconazole concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Itraconazole demonstrates concentration-dependent early antivascular, metabolic, and antitumor effects in patients with NSCLC. As the number of fixed dose cancer therapies increases, attention to interpatient pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics differences may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Gerber
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. .,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - William C Putnam
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Farjana J Fattah
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Kemp H Kernstine
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ivan Pedrosa
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rachael Skelton
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jessica M Saltarski
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Robert E Lenkinski
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Richard D Leff
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Chul Ahn
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Chyndhri Padmanabhan
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Vaidehi Chembukar
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sahba Kasiri
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Raja Reddy Kallem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Indhumathy Subramaniyan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Qing Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Quyen N Do
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yin Xi
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Scott I Reznik
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lorraine Pelosof
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Brandon Faubert
- Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ralph J DeBerardinis
- Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - James Kim
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Nunes M, Henriques Abreu M, Bartosch C, Ricardo S. Recycling the Purpose of Old Drugs to Treat Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207768. [PMID: 33092251 PMCID: PMC7656306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The main challenge in ovarian cancer treatment is the management of recurrences. Facing this scenario, therapy selection is based on multiple factors to define the best treatment sequence. Target therapies, such as bevacizumab and polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, improved patient survival. However, despite their achievements, ovarian cancer survival remains poor; these therapeutic options are highly costly and can be associated with potential side effects. Recently, it has been shown that the combination of repurposed, conventional, chemotherapeutic drugs could be an alternative, presenting good patient outcomes with few side effects and low costs for healthcare institutions. The main aim of this review is to strengthen the importance of repurposed drugs as therapeutic alternatives, and to propose an in vitro model to assess the therapeutic value. Herein, we compiled the current knowledge on the most promising non-oncological drugs for ovarian cancer treatment, focusing on statins, metformin, bisphosphonates, ivermectin, itraconazole, and ritonavir. We discuss the primary drug use, anticancer mechanisms, and applicability in ovarian cancer. Finally, we propose the use of these therapies to perform drug efficacy tests in ovarian cancer ex vivo cultures. This personalized testing approach could be crucial to validate the existing evidences supporting the use of repurposed drugs for ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Nunes
- Differentiation and Cancer Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) of the University of Porto/Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Miguel Henriques Abreu
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.A.); (C.B.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Bartosch
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.A.); (C.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center—Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (CI-IPOP), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Ricardo
- Differentiation and Cancer Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) of the University of Porto/Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC), 4200-162 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.A.); (C.B.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225-570-700
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Lospinoso Severini L, Ghirga F, Bufalieri F, Quaglio D, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L. The SHH/GLI signaling pathway: a therapeutic target for medulloblastoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:1159-1181. [PMID: 32990091 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1823967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medulloblastoma (MB) is a heterogeneous tumor of the cerebellum that is divided into four main subgroups with distinct molecular and clinical features. Sonic Hedgehog MB (SHH-MB) is the most genetically understood and occurs predominantly in childhood. Current therapies consist of aggressive and non-targeted multimodal approaches that are often ineffective and cause long-term complications. These problems intensify the need to develop molecularly targeted therapies to improve outcome and reduce treatment-related morbidities. In this scenario, Hedgehog (HH) signaling, a developmental pathway whose deregulation is involved in the pathogenesis of several malignancies, has emerged as an attractive druggable pathway for SHH-MB therapy. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of the advancements in the HH antagonist research field. We place an emphasis on Smoothened (SMO) and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) inhibitors and immunotherapy approaches that are validated in preclinical SHH-MB models and that have therapeutic potential for MB patients. Literature from Pubmed and data reported on ClinicalTrial.gov up to August 2020 were considered. EXPERT OPINION Extensive-omics analysis has enhanced our knowledge and has transformed the way that MB is studied and managed. The clinical use of SMO antagonists has yet to be determined, however, future GLI inhibitors and multitargeting approaches are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bufalieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 , Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy
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Wang W, Dong X, Liu Y, Ni B, Sai N, You L, Sun M, Yao Y, Qu C, Yin X, Ni J. Itraconazole exerts anti-liver cancer potential through the Wnt, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and ROS pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110661. [PMID: 32942154 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with the highest morbidity and mortality. It is necessary to develop new anti-liver cancer drugs. Itraconazole is a popular systemic anti-fungal drug with a strong anti-tumor effect. However, so far, it is not clear whether itraconazole has specific anti-tumor effect on liver cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate itraconazole resistant effect of liver cancer and to explore its potential anti-cancer mechanism. The effect of itraconazole on the proliferation of liver cancer cells was studied with MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to determine the effect of itraconazole on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, changes in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). In addition, after DAPI staining, nuclear morphological changes were observed under the fluorescent microscope, and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured using the microplate reader. Finally, the expressions of proteins related to the anti-tumor signaling pathway were determined by Western blotting. The results showed that itraconazole significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and Bel-7405 cells. In addition, the data showed that itraconazole induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells, increased the production of ROS, blocked cell cycle, and decreased MMP. Furthermore, itraconazole inhibited HCC cell growth and promoted apoptosis through the Hh, Wnt/catenin, AKT/mTOR/S6K, ROS and death receptor pathways. Finally, we come to the conclusion that itraconazole exerts anti-liver cancer effect, and has potential for use as a new drug for liver cancer in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - XiaoXv Dong
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Boran Ni
- Section II of Endocrinology & Nephropathy, Department of Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100700, Beijing, China
| | - Na Sai
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100102, China; School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Longtai You
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Mingyi Sun
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Yu Yao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Changhai Qu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100102, China.
| | - Xingbin Yin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100102, China.
| | - Jian Ni
- Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100102, China.
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Dinić J, Efferth T, García-Sosa AT, Grahovac J, Padrón JM, Pajeva I, Rizzolio F, Saponara S, Spengler G, Tsakovska I. Repurposing old drugs to fight multidrug resistant cancers. Drug Resist Updat 2020; 52:100713. [PMID: 32615525 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2020.100713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Overcoming multidrug resistance represents a major challenge for cancer treatment. In the search for new chemotherapeutics to treat malignant diseases, drug repurposing gained a tremendous interest during the past years. Repositioning candidates have often emerged through several stages of clinical drug development, and may even be marketed, thus attracting the attention and interest of pharmaceutical companies as well as regulatory agencies. Typically, drug repositioning has been serendipitous, using undesired side effects of small molecule drugs to exploit new disease indications. As bioinformatics gain increasing popularity as an integral component of drug discovery, more rational approaches are needed. Herein, we show some practical examples of in silico approaches such as pharmacophore modelling, as well as pharmacophore- and docking-based virtual screening for a fast and cost-effective repurposing of small molecule drugs against multidrug resistant cancers. We provide a timely and comprehensive overview of compounds with considerable potential to be repositioned for cancer therapeutics. These drugs are from diverse chemotherapeutic classes. We emphasize the scope and limitations of anthelmintics, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, antihypertensives, psychopharmaceuticals and antidiabetics that have shown extensive immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and antimetastatic potential. These drugs, either used alone or in combination with existing anticancer chemotherapeutics, represent strong candidates to prevent or overcome drug resistance. We particularly focus on outcomes and future perspectives of drug repositioning for the treatment of multidrug resistant tumors and discuss current possibilities and limitations of preclinical and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Dinić
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Jelena Grahovac
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - José M Padrón
- BioLab, Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González (IUBO AG), Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, E-38071 La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Ilza Pajeva
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 105, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, 301724 Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Simona Saponara
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriella Spengler
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Dóm tér 10, Hungary
| | - Ivanka Tsakovska
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 105, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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