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Attia Y, Hakeem A, Samir R, Mohammed A, Elsayed A, Khallaf A, Essam E, Amin H, Abdullah S, Hikmat S, Hossam T, Mohamed Z, Aboelmagd Z, Hammam O. Harnessing adrenergic blockade in stress-promoted TNBC in vitro and solid tumor in vivo: disrupting HIF-1α and GSK-3β/β-catenin driven resistance to doxorubicin. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1362675. [PMID: 38962320 PMCID: PMC11220203 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1362675] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sympathetic activation triggered by chronic stress afflicting cancer survivors is an emerging modulator of tumorigenesis. Adrenergic blockade was previously associated with improving response to doxorubicin (DOX) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), yet the precise underlying mechanisms remain obscure. The resilience of cancer stem cells (CSCs) during chemotherapy fosters resistance and relapse. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and β-catenin are intertwined transcriptional factors that enrich CSCs and evidence suggests that their expression could be modulated by systemic adrenergic signals. Herein, we aimed to explore the impact of adrenoreceptor blockade using carvedilol (CAR) on DOX and its potential to modulate CSCs overcoming chemoresistance. To achieve this aim, in vitro studies were conducted using adrenaline-preincubated MDA-MB-231 cells and in vivo studies using a chronic restraint stress-promoted solid tumor mouse model. Results revealed that adrenaline increased TNBC proliferation and induced a phenotypic switch reminiscent of CSCs, as evidenced by enhanced mammosphere formation. These results paralleled an increase in aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH-1) and Nanog expression levels as well as HIF-1α and β-catenin upsurge. In vivo, larger tumor volumes were observed in mice under chronic stress compared to their unstressed counterparts. Adrenergic blockade using CAR, however, enhanced the impact DOX had on halting TNBC cell proliferation and tumor growth via enhanced apoptosis. CAR also curbed HIF-1α and β-catenin tumor levels subsequently suppressing ALDH-1 and SOX2. Our study unveils a central role for HIF-1α linking stress-induced sympathetic activation fueling CSC enrichment via the β-catenin pathway. It also highlights novel insights into CAR's capacity in reversing DOX chemoresistance in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen Attia
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
- Health Research Center of Excellence, Drug Research and Development Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Andrew Hakeem
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
- Health Research Center of Excellence, Drug Research and Development Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Rawda Samir
- Health Research Center of Excellence, Drug Research and Development Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Aya Mohammed
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | | | - Alaa Khallaf
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Eman Essam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Hossameldeen Amin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Sarah Abdullah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Salwan Hikmat
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Tarek Hossam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Ziad Mohamed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Ziad Aboelmagd
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | - Olfat Hammam
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Zheng B, Du P, Zeng Z, Cao P, Ma X, Jiang Y. Propranolol inhibits EMT and metastasis in breast cancer through miR-499-5p-mediated Sox6. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:59. [PMID: 38294713 PMCID: PMC10830604 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05599-w] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study will focus on 4T1 cells, a murine mammary adenocarcinoma cell line, as the primary research subject. We aim to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of propranolol on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer cells, aiming to elucidate this phenomenon at the miRNA level. METHODS In this study, the EMT inhibitory effect of propranolol was observed through in vitro and animal experiments. For the screening of potential target miRNAs and downstream target genes, second-generation sequencing (SGS) and bioinformatics analysis were conducted. Following the screening process, the identified target miRNAs and their respective target genes were confirmed using various experimental methods. To confirm the target miRNAs and target genes, Western Blot (WB), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunofluorescence experiments were performed. RESULTS In this study, we found that propranolol significantly reduced lung metastasis in 4T1 murine breast cancer cells (p < 0.05). In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that propranolol inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as evidenced by Western Blot analysis (p < 0.05). Through next-generation sequencing (SGS), subsequent bioinformatics analysis, and PCR validation, we identified a marked downregulation of miR-499-5p (p < 0.05), suggesting its potential involvement in mediating the suppressive effects of propranolol on EMT. Overexpression of miR-499-5p promoted EMT, migration, and invasion of 4T1 cells, and these effects were not reversed or attenuated by propranolol (Validated via Western Blot, wound healing assay, transwell migration, and invasion assays, p < 0.05). Sox6 was identified as a functional target of miR-499-5p, with its downregulation correlating with the observed EMT changes (p < 0.05). Silencing Sox6 or overexpressing miR-499-5p inhibited Sox6 expression, further promoting the processes of EMT, invasion, and migration in 4T1 cells. Notably, these effects were not alleviated by propranolol (validated via Western Blot, wound healing assay, transwell migration, and invasion assays, p < 0.05). The direct interaction between miR-499-5p and Sox6 mRNA was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. CONCLUSION These results suggest that propranolol may have potential as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment by targeting EMT and its regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zheng
- Health Management Center, Department of Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - PeiXin Du
- Institute for Breast Health Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhi Zeng
- Huaxi Clinical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Pasha A, Tondo A, Favre C, Calvani M. Inside the Biology of the β3-Adrenoceptor. Biomolecules 2024; 14:159. [PMID: 38397396 PMCID: PMC10887351 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020159] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the first discovery in 1989, the β3-adrenoceptor (β3-AR) has gained great attention because it showed the ability to regulate many physiologic and metabolic activities, such as thermogenesis and lipolysis in brown and white adipose tissue, respectively (BAT, WAT), negative inotropic effects in cardiomyocytes, and relaxation of the blood vessels and the urinary bladder. The β3-AR has been suggested as a potential target for cancer treatment, both in adult and pediatric tumors, since under hypoxia its upregulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME) regulates stromal cell differentiation, tumor growth and metastases, signifying that its agonism/antagonism could be useful for clinical benefits. Promising results in cancer research have proposed the β3-AR being targeted for the treatment of many conditions, with some drugs, at present, undergoing phase II and III clinical trials. In this review, we report the scientific journey followed by the research from the β3-Ars' discovery, with focus on the β3-Ars' role in cancer initiation and progression that elects it an intriguing target for novel antineoplastic approaches. The overview highlights the great potential of the β3-AR, both in physiologic and pathologic conditions, with the intention to display the possible benefits of β3-AR modulation in cancer reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amada Pasha
- Department of Pediatric Hematology–Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.P.); (A.T.); (C.F.)
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tondo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology–Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.P.); (A.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Claudio Favre
- Department of Pediatric Hematology–Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.P.); (A.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Maura Calvani
- Department of Pediatric Hematology–Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.P.); (A.T.); (C.F.)
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Mahmoudi G, Ehteshaminia Y, Kokhaei P, Jalali SF, Jadidi-Niaragh F, Pagheh AS, Enderami SE, Kenari SA, Hassannia H. Enhancement of targeted therapy in combination with metformin on human breast cancer cell lines. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:10. [PMID: 38167105 PMCID: PMC10763326 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01446-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer remains a primary global health concern due to its limited treatment options, frequent disease recurrence, and high rates of morbidity and mortality. Thereby, there is a need for more effective treatment approaches. The proposal suggests that the combination of targeted therapy with other antitumoral agents could potentially address drug resistance. In this study, we examined the antitumoral effect of combining metformin, an antidiabetic drug, with targeted therapies, including tamoxifen for estrogen receptor-positive (MCF-7), trastuzumab for HER2-positive (SKBR-3), and antibody against ROR1 receptor for triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231). METHODS Once the expression of relevant receptors on each cell line was confirmed and appropriate drug concentrations were selected through cytotoxicity assays, the antitumor effects of both monotherapy and combination therapy on colony formation, migration, invasion were assessed in in vitro as well as tumor area and metastatic potential in ex ovo Chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) models. RESULTS The results exhibited the enhanced effects of tamoxifen when combined with targeted therapy. This combination effectively inhibited cell growth, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Additionally, it significantly reduced tumor size and metastatic potential in an ex ovo CAM model. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that a favorable strategy to enhance the efficacy of breast cancer treatment would be to combine metformin with targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazal Mahmoudi
- Student Research Committee, Amol School of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Yahya Ehteshaminia
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Kokhaei
- Department of Immunology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Farzaneh Jalali
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Abdol Sattar Pagheh
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Science, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed Ehsan Enderami
- Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeid Abedian Kenari
- Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hadi Hassannia
- Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Paramedicine, Amol School of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Carnet Le Provost K, Kepp O, Kroemer G, Bezu L. Trial watch: beta-blockers in cancer therapy. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2284486. [PMID: 38126031 PMCID: PMC10732641 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2284486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Compelling evidence supports the hypothesis that stress negatively impacts cancer development and prognosis. Irrespective of its physical, biological or psychological source, stress triggers a physiological response that is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic adrenal medullary axis. The resulting release of glucocorticoids and catecholamines into the systemic circulation leads to neuroendocrine and metabolic adaptations that can affect immune homeostasis and immunosurveillance, thus impairing the detection and eradication of malignant cells. Moreover, catecholamines directly act on β-adrenoreceptors present on tumor cells, thereby stimulating survival, proliferation, and migration of nascent neoplasms. Numerous preclinical studies have shown that blocking adrenergic receptors slows tumor growth, suggesting potential clinical benefits of using β-blockers in cancer therapy. Much of these positive effects of β-blockade are mediated by improved immunosurveillance. The present trial watch summarizes current knowledge from preclinical and clinical studies investigating the anticancer effects of β-blockers either as standalone agents or in combination with conventional antineoplastic treatments or immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian Carnet Le Provost
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Oliver Kepp
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Lucillia Bezu
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Département d’anesthésie, Chirurgie et Interventionnel, Villejuif, France
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Pillai U J, Ray A, Maan M, Dutta M. Repurposing drugs targeting metabolic diseases for cancer therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103684. [PMID: 37379903 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103684] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Hurdles in the identification of new drugs for cancer treatment have made drug repurposing an increasingly appealing alternative. The approach involves the use of old drugs for new therapeutic purposes. It is cost-effective and facilitates rapid clinical translation. Given that cancer is also considered a metabolic disease, drugs for metabolic disorders are being actively repurposed for cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the repurposing of such drugs approved for two major metabolic diseases, diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which have shown potential as anti-cancer treatment. We also highlight the current understanding of the cancer signaling pathways that these drugs target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisha Pillai U
- Department of Biotechnology, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, Academic City, Dubai, UAE
| | - Anindita Ray
- Department of Biotechnology, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, Academic City, Dubai, UAE
| | - Meenu Maan
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Dubai, UAE; New York University-Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Mainak Dutta
- Department of Biotechnology, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, Academic City, Dubai, UAE.
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Svolacchia F, Brongo S, Catalano A, Ceccarini A, Svolacchia L, Santarsiere A, Scieuzo C, Salvia R, Finelli F, Milella L, Saturnino C, Sinicropi MS, Fabrizio T, Giuzio F. Natural Products for the Prevention, Treatment and Progression of Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112981. [PMID: 37296944 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112981] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we summarize the most used natural products as useful adjuvants in BC by clarifying how these products may play a critical role in the prevention, treatment and progression of this disease. BC is the leading cancer, in terms of incidence, that affects women. The epidemiology and pathophysiology of BC were widely reported. Inflammation and cancer are known to influence each other in several tumors. In the case of BC, the inflammatory component precedes the development of the neoplasm through a slowly increasing and prolonged inflammation that also favors its growth. BC therapy involves a multidisciplinary approach comprising surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. There are numerous observations that showed that the effects of some natural substances, which, in integration with the classic protocols, can be used not only for prevention or integration in order to prevent recurrences and induce a state of chemoquiescence but also as chemo- and radiosensitizers during classic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiano Svolacchia
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, La Sapienza University, 00118 Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Policlinic Foundation Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Brongo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Salerno, 84131 Campania, Italy
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Agostino Ceccarini
- U.O.C. Primary Care and Territorial Health, Social and Health Department, State Hospital, 47893 San Marino, San Marino
| | - Lorenzo Svolacchia
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, La Sapienza University, 00118 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Santarsiere
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- CNRS, UMR 7042-LIMA, ECPM, Université de Strasbourg, Université de Haute-Alsace, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Milella
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Tommaso Fabrizio
- Department of Plastic Surgery, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Federica Giuzio
- U.O.C. Primary Care and Territorial Health, Social and Health Department, State Hospital, 47893 San Marino, San Marino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff TNcKILLERS s.r.l., University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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Anselmino LE, Baglioni MV, Reynoso G, Rozados VR, Scharovsky OG, Rico MJ, Menacho-Márquez M. Potential effect of chloroquine and propranolol combination to treat colorectal and triple-negative breast cancers. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7923. [PMID: 37193722 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34793-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning explores the reuse of non-cancer drugs to treat tumors. In this work, we evaluated the effect of the combination of chloroquine and propranolol on colorectal and triple-negative breast cancers. Using as in vitro models the colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116, HT29, and CT26, and as triple-negative breast cancer models the 4T1, M-406, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, we evaluated the effect of the drugs combination on the viability, apoptosis, clonogenicity, and cellular migratory capacity. To explore the in vivo effects of the combination on tumor growth and metastasis development we employed graft models in BALB/c, nude, and CBi mice. In vitro studies showed that combined treatment decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and increased apoptosis. Also, we demonstrated that these drugs act synergically and that it affects clonogenicity and migration. In vivo studies indicated that this drug combination was effective on colorectal models but only partially on breast cancer. These results contributed to the search for new and safe treatments for colorectal and triple-negative carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Anselmino
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER, CONICET-UNR), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas (UNR), 3100, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- CONICET, Rosario, Argentina
| | - M V Baglioni
- CONICET, Rosario, Argentina
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 3100, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G Reynoso
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 3100, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - V R Rozados
- CONICET, Rosario, Argentina
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 3100, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - O G Scharovsky
- CONICET, Rosario, Argentina
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 3100, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M J Rico
- CONICET, Rosario, Argentina
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 3100, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M Menacho-Márquez
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER, CONICET-UNR), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas (UNR), 3100, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
- CONICET, Rosario, Argentina.
- Centro de Investigación y Producción de Reactivos Biológicos (CIPReB), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Suipacha, 660, Rosario, Argentina.
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Das D, Chakrabarty B, Srinivasan R, Roy A. Gex2SGen: Designing Drug-like Molecules from Desired Gene Expression Signatures. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:1882-1893. [PMID: 36971750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced gene expression profiling provides a lot of useful information covering various aspects of drug discovery and development. Most importantly, this knowledge can be used to discover drugs' mechanisms of action. Recently, deep learning-based drug design methods are in the spotlight due to their ability to explore huge chemical space and design property-optimized target-specific drug molecules. Recent advances in accessibility of open-source drug-induced transcriptomic data along with the ability of deep learning algorithms to understand hidden patterns have opened opportunities for designing drug molecules based on desired gene expression signatures. In this study, we propose a deep learning model, Gex2SGen (Gene Expression 2 SMILES Generation), to generate novel drug-like molecules based on desired gene expression profiles. The model accepts desired gene expression profiles in a cell-specific manner as input and designs drug-like molecules which can elicit the required transcriptomic profile. The model was first tested against individual gene-knocked-out transcriptomic profiles, where the newly designed molecules showed high similarity with known inhibitors of the knocked-out target genes. The model was next applied on a triple negative breast cancer signature profile, where it could generate novel molecules, highly similar to known anti-breast cancer drugs. Overall, this work provides a generalized method, where the method first learned the molecular signature of a given cell due to a specific condition, and designs new small molecules with drug-like properties.
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The effect of thymoquinone and propranolol combination on epidermoid laryngeal carcinoma cell. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:2849-2858. [PMID: 36625867 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-07825-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the effects of thymoquinone and propranolol on Hep-2 cells representing laryngeal Ca cell type in comparison with cisplatin. We also evaluated their combined effects. METHODS Apoptotic effects were directly analyzed via mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase-3 assays. In addition, effects on apoptosis and cell cycle via Bcl-2, Bax, P53, and Cyclin D1 mRNA expressions and effects on angiogenesis via VEGFA mRNA expression were evaluated by RT-qPCR. RESULTS According to our results, it was determined that the anticancer effects of thymoquinone on Hep-2 cells were higher than propranolol. Our JC-1 and caspase-3 results showed an effect close to cisplatin, especially for 50 µM thymoquinone. Significant differences were also obtained in Bcl-2, Bax, P53, and cyclin D1 results for similar concentrations compared to the control. No effect of thymoquinone was seen for VEGFA. Propranolol alone had no significant effect on JC-1 and Caspase-3. Propranolol had an effect on Bcl-2, Bax mRNA expressions compared to the control, only at 250 µM concentration. Propranolol and its combinations increased VEGFA mRNA expression-like cisplatin. CONCLUSION Thymoquinone induced apoptosis and blocked the cell cycle in Hep-2 cells. The effects of propranolol, which was reported to have an antiangiogenesis effect in some studies, on apoptosis and cell cycle were limited except at high concentrations. For this cell line, why propranolol causes an increase in VEGFA expression should be evaluated extensively. Thymoquinone shows promise for cancer therapy, but studies need to be designed in vivo to evaluate the effects more reliably.
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Lam T, Mastos C, Sloan EK, Halls ML. Pathological changes in GPCR signal organisation: Opportunities for targeted therapies for triple negative breast cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108331. [PMID: 36513135 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108331] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the poorest prognosis compared to other breast cancer subtypes, due to a historical lack of targeted therapies and high rates of relapse. Greater insight into the components of signalling pathways in TNBC tumour cells has led to the clinical evaluation, and in some cases approval, of targeted therapies. In the last decade, G protein-coupled receptors, such as the β2-adrenoceptor, have emerged as potential new therapeutic targets. Here, we describe how the β2-adrenoceptor accelerates TNBC progression in response to stress, and the unique signalling pathway activated by the β2-adrenoceptor to drive the invasion of an aggressive TNBC tumour cell. We highlight evidence that supports an altered organisation of GPCRs in tumour cells, and suggests that activation of the same GPCR in a different cellular location can control unique cell responses. Finally, we speculate how the relocation of GPCRs to the "wrong" place in tumour cells presents opportunities to develop targeted anti-cancer GPCR drugs with greater efficacy and minimal adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrance Lam
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Chantel Mastos
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Erica K Sloan
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Michelle L Halls
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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12
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Profiling the Adrenergic System in Breast Cancer and the Development of Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225518. [PMID: 36428611 PMCID: PMC9688855 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies and preclinical models suggest that chronic stress might accelerate breast cancer (BC) growth and the development of metastasis via sympathetic neural mechanisms. Nevertheless, the role of each adrenergic pathway (α1, α2, and β) in human samples remains poorly depicted. Herein, we propose to characterize the profile of the sympathetic system (e.g., release of catecholamines, expression of catecholamine metabolic enzymes and adrenoreceptors) in BC patients, and ascertain its relevance in the development of distant metastasis. Our results demonstrated that BC patients exhibited increased plasma levels of catecholamines when compared with healthy donors, and this increase was more evident in BC patients with distant metastasis. Our analysis using the BC-TCGA database revealed that the genes coding the most expressed adrenoreceptors in breast tissues (ADRA2A, ADRA2C, and ADRB2, by order of expression) as well as the catecholamine synthesizing (PNMT) and degrading enzyme (MAO-A and MAO-B) genes were downregulated in BC tissues. Importantly, the expression of ADRA2A, ADRA2C, and ADRB2 was correlated with metastatic BC and BC subtypes, and thus the prognosis of the disease. Overall, we gathered evidence that under stressful conditions, both the α2- and β2-signaling pathways might work on a synergetic matter, thus paving the way for the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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13
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The Nervous System as a Regulator of Cancer Hallmarks: Insights into Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184372. [PMID: 36139532 PMCID: PMC9496837 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The nervous system communicates with the whole organism, regulating several physiological pathways. The modification of nerve activity could deregulate the state of cellular and tissue homeostasis which could drive cancer development. This paper provides the current state of knowledge, in an evidence-oriented manner, that the nervous system is able to participate in the carcinogenesis process by inducing biochemical, physiological, and cellular modifications involved in the hallmarks of cancer. Abstract The involvement of the nervous system in the development of cancer is controversial. Several authors have shown opinions and conflicting evidence that support the early effect of the nervous system on the carcinogenic process. For about a century, research has not been enough, questions remain open, ideas are not discarded, and although more research is still needed to answer all the questions, there is now enough evidence to support the theories and give hope of finding one more possible form of treatment. It is clear that malignant neoplasms have endogenous characteristics that allow them to establish and progress. Some of these characteristics known as hallmarks of cancer, are damage mechanisms in the pathology but necessary during other physiological processes which show some nerve dependence. The nervous system communicates with the whole organism, regulating physiological processes necessary to respond to external stimuli and for the maintenance of homeostasis. The modification of nerve activity could generate an overload and deregulate the state of cellular and tissue homeostasis; this could drive cancer development. In this review, we will address the issue in an evidence-oriented manner that supports that the nervous system is able to participate in the initial and progressive process of carcinogenesis by inducing biochemical, physiological, and cellular modifications involved in the hallmarks of cancer.
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Propranolol: A “Pick and Roll” Team Player in Benign Tumors and Cancer Therapies. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154539. [PMID: 35956154 PMCID: PMC9369479 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on cancer therapies focuses on processes such as angiogenesis, cell signaling, stemness, metastasis, and drug resistance and inflammation, all of which are influenced by the cellular and molecular microenvironment of the tumor. Different strategies, such as antibodies, small chemicals, hormones, cytokines, and, recently, gene editing techniques, have been tested to reduce the malignancy and generate a harmful microenvironment for the tumor. Few therapeutic agents have shown benefits when administered alone, but a few more have demonstrated clear improvement when administered in combination with other therapeutic molecules. In 2008 (and for the first time in the clinic), the therapeutic benefits of the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, propranolol, were described in benign tumors, such as infantile hemangioma. Propranolol, initially prescribed for high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, essential tremor, and anxiety, has shown, in the last decade, increasing evidence of its antitumoral properties in more than a dozen different types of cancer. Moreover, the use of propranolol in combination therapies with other drugs has shown synergistic antitumor effects. This review highlights the clinical trials in which propranolol is taking part as adjuvant therapy at single administration or in combinatorial human trials, arising as a good pick and roll partner in anticancer strategies.
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15
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Rossi M, Talbot J, Piris P, Grand ML, Montero MP, Matteudi M, Agavnian-Couquiaud E, Appay R, Keime C, Williamson D, Buric D, Bourgarel V, Padovani L, Clifford SC, Ayrault O, Pasquier E, André N, Carré M. Beta-blockers disrupt mitochondrial bioenergetics and increase radiotherapy efficacy independently of beta-adrenergic receptors in medulloblastoma. EBioMedicine 2022; 82:104149. [PMID: 35816899 PMCID: PMC9283511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medulloblastoma is the most frequent brain malignancy of childhood. The current multimodal treatment comes at the expense of serious and often long-lasting side effects. Drug repurposing is a strategy to fast-track anti-cancer therapy with low toxicity. Here, we showed the ability of β-blockers to potentiate radiotherapy in medulloblastoma with bad prognosis. Methods Medulloblastoma cell lines, patient-derived xenograft cells, 3D spheroids and an innovative cerebellar organotypic model were used to identify synergistic interactions between β-blockers and ionising radiations. Gene expression profiles of β-adrenergic receptors were analysed in medulloblastoma samples from 240 patients. Signaling pathways were explored by RT-qPCR, RNA interference, western blotting and RNA sequencing. Medulloblastoma cell bioenergetics were evaluated by measuring the oxygen consumption rate, the extracellular acidification rate and superoxide production. Findings Low concentrations of β-blockers significantly potentiated clinically relevant radiation protocols. Although patient biopsies showed detectable expression of β-adrenergic receptors, the ability of the repurposed drugs to potentiate ionising radiations did not result from the inhibition of the canonical signaling pathway. We highlighted that the efficacy of the combinatorial treatment relied on a metabolic catastrophe that deprives medulloblastoma cells of their adaptive bioenergetics capacities. This led to an overproduction of superoxide radicals and ultimately to an increase in ionising radiations-mediated DNA damages. Interpretation These data provide the evidence of the efficacy of β-blockers as potentiators of radiotherapy in medulloblastoma, which may help improve the treatment and quality of life of children with high-risk brain tumours. Funding This study was funded by institutional grants and charities.
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16
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Gottschau M, Bens A, Friis S, Cronin-Fenton D, Aalborg GL, Jensen MB, Ejlertsen B, Kroman N, Mellemkjaer L. Use of beta-blockers and risk of contralateral breast cancer. Int J Cancer 2022; 150:1619-1626. [PMID: 34985760 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33923] [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: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Beta-blockers have shown antineoplastic effects in laboratory studies but epidemiologic evidence in relation to contralateral breast cancer (CBC) is sparse. We investigated postdiagnosis beta-blocker use and risk of CBC in a cohort of 52 723 women with breast cancer by using nationwide Danish health registers and the Danish Breast Cancer Group database. We defined postdiagnosis beta-blocker use as a time-varying covariate starting 1 year after a second prescription was redeemed. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CBC associated with beta-blocker use compared to nonuse. We identified 1444 women with CBC of whom 209 women were beta-blocker users. We found an overall HR of 1.08 (95% CI: 0.93-1.27) for beta-blocker use and risk of CBC with no substantial variation according to cumulative amount, intensity or selectivity of beta-blocker use. Hence, our cohort study of women with breast cancer did not sustain a protective effect of beta-blocker use on risk of CBC, irrespective of beta-blocker type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Gottschau
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, the Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annet Bens
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, the Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Friis
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, the Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Gitte Lerche Aalborg
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, the Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maj-Britt Jensen
- Danish Breast Cancer Group, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bent Ejlertsen
- Danish Breast Cancer Group, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Kroman
- Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Mellemkjaer
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, the Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Stress in Metastatic Breast Cancer: To the Bone and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081881. [PMID: 35454788 PMCID: PMC9028241 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women of all ages worldwide. In spite of the encouraging advances made in early diagnosis, 10% of breast cancer patients are still affected with metastatic breast cancer at the time of diagnosis. The available therapeutic options are predominantly palliative, and thus this unfavourable prognosis is associated with a low survival rate. Intriguingly, stress has been shown to promote the growth of breast tumours and the incidence of metastasis. Herein, we describe the contribution of the sympathetic hyperactivation induced by stress to the progression of breast cancer and its dissemination to distant organs, specifically to the bone, but also to the lung, liver and brain. The putative sympathetic adrenergic signalling mechanisms responsible for this modulation are also summarised. The knowledge gathered highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting sympathetic signalling to tackle cancer progression and metastasis. Abstract Breast cancer (BRCA) remains as one the most prevalent cancers diagnosed in industrialised countries. Although the overall survival rate is high, the dissemination of BRCA cells to distant organs correlates with a significantly poor prognosis. This is due to the fact that there are no efficient therapeutic strategies designed to overcome the progression of the metastasis. Over the past decade, critical associations between stress and the prevalence of BRCA metastases were uncovered. Chronic stress and the concomitant sympathetic hyperactivation have been shown to accelerate the progression of the disease and the metastases incidence, specifically to the bone. In this review, we provide a summary of the sympathetic profile on BRCA. Additionally, the current knowledge regarding the sympathetic hyperactivity, and the underlying adrenergic signalling pathways, involved on the development of BRCA metastasis to distant organs (i.e., bone, lung, liver and brain) will be revealed. Since bone is a preferential target site for BRCA metastases, greater emphasis will be given to the contribution of α2- and β-adrenergic signalling in BRCA bone tropism and the occurrence of osteolytic lesions.
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18
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Barakat HE, Hussein RRS, Elberry AA, Zaki MA, Elsherbiny Ramadan M. Factors influencing the anticancer effects of metformin on breast cancer outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:415-436. [PMID: 35259320 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2051482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several clinical trials have attempted to find evidence that supports the use of metformin as an anticancer treatment. However, the observed effects on various breast cancer (BC) outcomes have been heterogeneous. AREAS COVERED Based on the outcomes of previous clinical trials, this review discusses the patients' characteristics, cancer intrinsic subtypes, cancer stage, and anticancer treatments that may influence the anticancer effect of metformin on BC outcomes. Additionally, the safety and tolerability of metformin addition to various anticancer regimens are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Metformin is a challenging anticancer agent in BC cohorts, besides being safe and well-tolerated at antidiabetic doses. Survival benefits of metformin have been observed in BC patients with: hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 overexpression, and high insulin like growth factor-1 receptor expression on the tumor surface. Moreover, patients with diabetes receiving metformin experienced better survival outcomes compared to diabetic patients not receiving metformin. Additionally, metformin has anti-proliferative activity in patients with BC who have high insulin resistance and high body mass index. Besides, metformin has been shown to decrease metastatic events, and enhance the level of metabolic- and insulin-related biomarkers associated with carcinogenesis. Finally, most adverse events following metformin treatment were low-grade GIT toxicities.
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Propranolol inhibits cell viability and expression of the pro-tumorigenic proteins Akt, NF-ĸB, and VEGF in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Arch Oral Biol 2022; 136:105383. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2022.105383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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20
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Nair G, Hema Sree GNS, Saraswathy GR, Marise VLP, Krishna Murthy TP. Application of comprehensive bioinformatics approaches to reconnoiter crucial genes and pathways underpinning hepatocellular carcinoma: a drug repurposing endeavor. Med Oncol 2021; 38:145. [PMID: 34687371 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01576-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common neoplasm in the world. Chronic inflammation of liver and associated wound healing processes collectively contribute to the development of cirrhosis which further progresses to dysplastic nodule and then to HCC. Etiological mediators and ongoing manipulations at cellular level in HCC are well established; however, key protein interactions and genetic alterations involved in stepwise hepatocarcinogenic pathways are seldom explored. This study aims to unravel novel targets of HCC and repurpose the FDA-approved drugs against the same. Genetic data pertinent to different stages of HCC were retrieved from GSE6764 dataset and analyzed via GEO2R. Subsequently, protein-protein interaction network analysis of differentially expressed genes was performed to identify the hub genes with significant interaction. Hub genes displaying higher interactions were considered as potential HCC targets and were validated thorough UALCAN and GEPIA databases. These targets were screened against FDA-approved drugs through molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies to capture the drugs with potential activity against HCC. Finally, cytotoxicity of the shortlisted drug was confirmed in vitro by MTT assay. CDC20 was identified as potential druggable target. Docking, binding energy calculations, and dynamic studies revealed significant interaction exhibited by Labetalol with CDC20. Further, in MTT assay, Labetalol demonstrated an IC50 of 200.29 µg/ml in inhibiting the cell growth of HepG2 cell line. In conclusion, this study discloses a series of key genetic underpinnings of HCC and recommends the pertinence of labetalol as a potential repurposable drug against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gouri Nair
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
| | - G N S Hema Sree
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, India, Karnataka
| | - Ganesan Rajalekshmi Saraswathy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, India, Karnataka
| | - V Lakshmi Prasanna Marise
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, India, Karnataka
| | - T P Krishna Murthy
- Department of Biotechnology, M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560054, India
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21
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Falvo P, Orecchioni S, Roma S, Raveane A, Bertolini F. Drug Repurposing in Oncology, an Attractive Opportunity for Novel Combinatorial Regimens. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2114-2136. [PMID: 33109033 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999200817104912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The costs of developing, validating and buying new drugs are dramatically increasing. On the other hand, sobering economies have difficulties in sustaining their healthcare systems, particularly in countries with an elderly population requiring increasing welfare. This conundrum requires immediate action, and a possible option is to study the large, already present arsenal of drugs approved and to use them for innovative therapies. This possibility is particularly interesting in oncology, where the complexity of the cancer genome dictates in most patients a multistep therapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss a) Computational approaches; b) preclinical models; c) currently ongoing or already published clinical trials in the drug repurposing field in oncology; and d) drug repurposing to overcome resistance to previous therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Falvo
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Orecchioni
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Roma
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Raveane
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertolini
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
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22
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Brohée L, Crémer J, Colige A, Deroanne C. Lipin-1, a Versatile Regulator of Lipid Homeostasis, Is a Potential Target for Fighting Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094419. [PMID: 33922580 PMCID: PMC8122924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The rewiring of lipid metabolism is a major adaptation observed in cancer, and it is generally associated with the increased aggressiveness of cancer cells. Targeting lipid metabolism is therefore an appealing therapeutic strategy, but it requires a better understanding of the specific roles played by the main enzymes involved in lipid biosynthesis. Lipin-1 is a central regulator of lipid homeostasis, acting either as an enzyme or as a co-regulator of transcription. In spite of its important functions it is only recently that several groups have highlighted its role in cancer. Here, we will review the most recent research describing the role of lipin-1 in tumor progression when expressed by cancer cells or cells of the tumor microenvironment. The interest of its inhibition as an adjuvant therapy to amplify the effects of anti-cancer therapies will be also illustrated.
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23
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Repositioning metformin and propranolol for colorectal and triple negative breast cancers treatment. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8091. [PMID: 33854147 PMCID: PMC8047046 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87525-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning refers to new uses for existing drugs outside the scope of the original medical indications. This approach fastens the process of drug development allowing finding effective drugs with reduced side effects and lower costs. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is often diagnosed at advanced stages, when the probability of chemotherapy resistance is higher. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type of breast cancer, highly metastatic and difficult to treat. For both tumor types, available treatments are generally associated to severe side effects. In our work, we explored the effect of combining metformin and propranolol, two repositioned drugs, in both tumor types. We demonstrate that treatment affects viability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migratory potential of CRC cells as we described before for TNBC. We show that combined treatment affects different steps leading to metastasis in TNBC. Moreover, combined treatment is also effective preventing the development of 5-FU resistant CRC. Our data suggest that combination of metformin and propranolol could be useful as a putative adjuvant treatment for both TNBC and CRC and an alternative for chemo-resistant CRC, providing a low-cost alternative therapy without associated toxicity.
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Correia AS, Gärtner F, Vale N. Drug combination and repurposing for cancer therapy: the example of breast cancer. Heliyon 2021; 7:e05948. [PMID: 33490692 PMCID: PMC7810770 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a set of extremely complex diseases, which are increasingly prominent today, as it affects and kills millions of people worldwide, being the subject of intense study both in its pathophysiology and therapy. Especially in women, breast cancer is still a cancer with a high incidence and mortality. Even though mortality rates for this type of cancer have declined in recent years, it remains challenging at the treatment level, especially the metastatic type. Due to all the impact on health, cancer therapy is the subject of costly and intense research. To enrich this therapy, as well as decrease its underlying high associated costs, drug repurposing and drug combinations are strategies that have been increasingly studied and addressed. As the name implies, drug repurposing presupposes giving new purposes to agents which, in this case, are approved for the therapy of other diseases (for example, cardiovascular or metabolic diseases), but are not approved for cancer therapy. Therefore, a better knowledge of these therapeutic modalities for breast cancer therapy is crucial for improved therapy. In this particular review, we will discuss some relevant aspects of cancer and, particularly, breast cancer and its therapy. Also, drug combination and repurposing will be highlighted, together with relevant examples. Despite some limitations that need to be overcome, these methodologies are extremely important and advantageous in combating several current problems of cancer therapy, namely in terms of costs and resistance to current therapeutic modalities. These approaches will be explored with a special focus on breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Salomé Correia
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Chen M, Singh AK, Repasky EA. Highlighting the Potential for Chronic Stress to Minimize Therapeutic Responses to Radiotherapy through Increased Immunosuppression and Radiation Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3853. [PMID: 33419318 PMCID: PMC7767049 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ionizing radiation has been used in the treatment of cancer for more than 100 years. While often very effective, there is still a great effort in place to improve the efficacy of radiation therapy for controlling the progression and recurrence of tumors. Recent research has revealed the close interaction between nerves and tumor progression, especially nerves of the autonomic nervous system that are activated by a variety of stressful stimuli including anxiety, pain, sleep loss or depression, each of which is likely to be increased in cancer patients. A growing literature now points to a negative effect of chronic stressful stimuli in tumor progression. In this review article, we present data on the potential for adrenergic stress to influence the efficacy of radiation and in particular, its potential to influence the anti-tumor immune response, and the frequency of an "abscopal effect" or the shrinkage of tumors which are outside an irradiated field. We conclude that chronic stress can be a major impediment to more effective radiation therapy through mechanisms involving immunosuppression and increased resistance to radiation-induced tumor cell death. Overall, these data highlight the potential value of stress reduction strategies to improve the outcome of radiation therapy. At the same time, objective biomarkers that can accurately and objectively reflect the degree of stress in patients over prolonged periods of time, and whether it is influencing immunosuppression and radiation resistance, are also critically needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhui Chen
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Anurag K. Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Elizabeth A. Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
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Mainetti LE, Rico MJ, Kaufman CD, Grillo MC, Guercetti J, Baglioni MV, Del Giúdice A, Capitani MC, Fusini M, Rozados VR, Scharovsky OG. Losartan improves the therapeutic effect of metronomic cyclophosphamide in triple negative mammary cancer models. Oncotarget 2020; 11:3048-3060. [PMID: 32850009 PMCID: PMC7429183 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Metronomic chemotherapy refers to the minimum biologically effective doses of a chemotherapy agent given as a continuous regimen without extended rest periods. Drug repurposing is defined as the use of an already known drug for a new medical indication, different from the original one. In oncology the combination of these two therapeutic approaches is called "Metronomics". The aim of this work is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of cyclophosphamide in a metronomic schedule in combination with the repurposed drug losartan in two genetically different mice models of triple negative breast cancer. Our findings showed that adding losartan to metronomic cyclophosphamide significantly improved the therapeutic outcome. In both models the combined treatment increased the mice's survival without sings of toxicity. Moreover, we elucidated some of the mechanisms of action involved, which include a decrease of intratumor hypoxia, stimulation of the immune response and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. The remarkable therapeutic effect, the lack of toxicity, the low cost of the drugs and its oral administration, strongly suggest its translation to the clinical setting in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro E. Mainetti
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- These authors contributed equally and are co-first authors
| | - María José Rico
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- These authors contributed equally and are co-first authors
| | - Cintia Daniela Kaufman
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Monica Carolina Grillo
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Julian Guercetti
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - María Virginia Baglioni
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Antonela Del Giúdice
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Celeste Capitani
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Matias Fusini
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Viviana Rosa Rozados
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- These authors contributed equally and are co-senior authors
| | - O. Graciela Scharovsky
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Metronomics Global Health Initiative, Marseille, France
- These authors contributed equally and are co-senior authors
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Costa B, Amorim I, Gärtner F, Vale N. Understanding Breast cancer: from conventional therapies to repurposed drugs. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 151:105401. [PMID: 32504806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and is considered a developed country disease. Moreover, is a heterogenous disease, existing different types and stages of breast cancer development, therefore, better understanding of cancer biology, helps to improve the development of therapies. The conventional treatments accessible after diagnosis, have the main goal of controlling the disease, by improving survival. In more advance stages the aim is to prolong life and symptom palliation care. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the main options available, which must be adapted to each person individually. However, patients are developing resistance to the conventional therapies. This resistance is due to alterations in important regulatory pathways such as PI3K/AKt/mTOR, this pathway contributes to trastuzumab resistance, a reference drug to treat breast cancer. Therefore, is proposed the repurposing of drugs, instead of developing drugs de novo, for example, to seek new medical treatments within the drugs available, to be used in breast cancer treatment. Providing safe and tolerable treatments to patients, and new insights to efficacy and efficiency of breast cancer treatments. The economic and social burden of cancer is enormous so it must be taken measures to relieve this burden and to ensure continued access to therapies to all patients. In this review we focus on how conventional therapies against breast cancer are leading to resistance, by reviewing those mechanisms and discussing the efficacy of repurposed drugs to fight breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Costa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irina Amorim
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo 228, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo 228, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo 228, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
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Kirtonia A, Gala K, Fernandes SG, Pandya G, Pandey AK, Sethi G, Khattar E, Garg M. Repurposing of drugs: An attractive pharmacological strategy for cancer therapeutics. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 68:258-278. [PMID: 32380233 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human malignancies are one of the major health-related issues though out the world and anticipated to rise in the future. The development of novel drugs/agents requires a huge amount of cost and time that represents a major challenge for drug discovery. In the last three decades, the number of FDA approved drugs has dropped down and this led to increasing interest in drug reposition or repurposing. The present review focuses on recent concepts and therapeutic opportunities for the utilization of antidiabetics, antibiotics, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, PDE inhibitors and estrogen receptor antagonist, Antabuse, antiparasitic and cardiovascular agents/drugs as an alternative approach against human malignancies. The repurposing of approved non-cancerous drugs is an effective strategy to develop new therapeutic options for the treatment of cancer patients at an affordable cost in clinics. In the current scenario, most of the countries throughout the globe are unable to meet the medical needs of cancer patients because of the high cost of the available cancerous drugs. Some of these drugs displayed potential anti-cancer activity in preclinic and clinical studies by regulating several key molecular mechanisms and oncogenic pathways in human malignancies. The emerging pieces of evidence indicate that repurposing of drugs is crucial to the faster and cheaper discovery of anti-cancerous drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Kirtonia
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India; Equal contribution
| | - Kavita Gala
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, India; Equal contribution
| | - Stina George Fernandes
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, India; Equal contribution
| | - Gouri Pandya
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India; Equal contribution
| | - Amit Kumar Pandey
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Haryana, 122413, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Ekta Khattar
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, India.
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India.
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Scharovsky OG, Rico MJ, Mainetti LE, Perroud HA, Rozados VR. Achievements and challenges in the use of metronomics for the treatment of breast cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 175:113909. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Armando RG, Gómez DLM, Gomez DE. New drugs are not enough‑drug repositioning in oncology: An update. Int J Oncol 2020; 56:651-684. [PMID: 32124955 PMCID: PMC7010222 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.4966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning refers to the concept of discovering novel clinical benefits of drugs that are already known for use treating other diseases. The advantages of this are that several important drug characteristics are already established (including efficacy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicity), making the process of research for a putative drug quicker and less costly. Drug repositioning in oncology has received extensive focus. The present review summarizes the most prominent examples of drug repositioning for the treatment of cancer, taking into consideration their primary use, proposed anticancer mechanisms and current development status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Gabriela Armando
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Science and Technology Department, National University of Quilmes, Bernal B1876, Argentina
| | - Diego Luis Mengual Gómez
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Science and Technology Department, National University of Quilmes, Bernal B1876, Argentina
| | - Daniel Eduardo Gomez
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Science and Technology Department, National University of Quilmes, Bernal B1876, Argentina
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31
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Zarrer J, Haider MT, Smit DJ, Taipaleenmäki H. Pathological Crosstalk between Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells and the Bone Microenvironment. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020337. [PMID: 32092997 PMCID: PMC7072692 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone is the most common metastatic site in breast cancer. Upon arrival to the bone, disseminated tumor cells can undergo a period of dormancy but often eventually grow and hijack the bone microenvironment. The bone marrow microenvironment consists of multiple cell types including the bone cells, adipocytes, endothelial cells, and nerve cells that all have crucial functions in the maintenance of bone homeostasis. Tumor cells severely disturb the tightly controlled cellular and molecular interactions in the bone marrow fueling their own survival and growth. While the role of bone resorbing osteoclasts in breast cancer bone metastases is well established, the function of other bone cells, as well as adipocytes, endothelial cells, and nerve cells is less understood. In this review, we discuss the composition of the physiological bone microenvironment and how the presence of tumor cells influences the microenvironment, creating a pathological crosstalk between the cells. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular events that occur in the metastatic bone microenvironment could facilitate the identification of novel cellular targets to treat this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Zarrer
- Molecular Skeletal Biology Laboratory, Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marie-Therese Haider
- Molecular Skeletal Biology Laboratory, Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel J. Smit
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Taipaleenmäki
- Molecular Skeletal Biology Laboratory, Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Rosemary Extract Inhibits Proliferation, Survival, Akt, and mTOR Signaling in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030810. [PMID: 32012648 PMCID: PMC7037743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Triple-negative (TN) breast cancer lacks expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) as well as the expression and/or gene amplification of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). TN breast cancer is aggressive and does not respond to hormone therapy, therefore new treatments are urgently needed. Plant-derived chemicals have contributed to the establishment of chemotherapy agents. In previous studies, rosemary extract (RE) has been found to reduce cell proliferation and increase apoptosis in some cancer cell lines. However, there are very few studies examining the effects of RE in TN breast cancer. In the present study, we examined the effects of RE on TN MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell proliferation, survival/apoptosis, Akt, and mTOR signaling. RE inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and survival in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, RE inhibited the phosphorylation/activation of Akt and mTOR and enhanced the cleavage of PARP, a marker of apoptosis. Our findings indicate that RE has potent anticancer properties against TN breast cancer and modulates key signaling molecules involved in cell proliferation and survival.
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33
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Giolito MV, Camacho CM, Martinez-Amezaga M, Traficante CI, Giordano RA, Cornier PG, Mata EG, Delpiccolo CML, Boggián DB, Giúdice AD, Mainetti LE, Scharovsky OG, Rozados VR, Rico MJ. Antitumor activity of new chemical compounds in triple negative mammary adenocarcinoma models. Future Sci OA 2020; 6:FSOA442. [PMID: 32140251 PMCID: PMC7050605 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2019-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM According to the need for the development of new anticancer agents, we have synthetized novel bioactive compounds and aimed to determine their antitumor action. MATERIALS & METHODS We describe in vitro studies evaluating the effect of 35 novel chemical compounds on two triple negative murine mammary adenocarcinoma tumors. RESULTS & CONCLUSION Three compounds were selected because of their high antitumor activity and their low toxicity to normal cells. Their effect on tumor cells apoptosis, clonogenicity and migratory capacity, were determined. We found that the selected compounds showed inhibition of viability and clonogenic capacity, and promotion of apoptosis. They also decreased the migratory capacity of tumor cells. The results obtained suggest the likelihood of their future use as antitumor and/or antimetastatic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- María V Giolito
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe 3100, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Cristian M Camacho
- Instituto de Química Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Maitena Martinez-Amezaga
- Instituto de Química Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Carla I Traficante
- Instituto de Química Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Rocío A Giordano
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe 3100, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Patricia G Cornier
- Instituto de Química Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Ernesto G Mata
- Instituto de Química Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario 2000, Argentina
- CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas) CABA (C1425FQB), Argentina
| | - Carina ML Delpiccolo
- Instituto de Química Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario 2000, Argentina
- CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas) CABA (C1425FQB), Argentina
| | - Dora B Boggián
- Instituto de Química Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario 2000, Argentina
- CIUNR (Consejo de Investigaciones, Universidad Nacional de Rosario) Rosario (2000), Argentina
| | - Antonela Del Giúdice
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe 3100, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Leandro E Mainetti
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe 3100, Rosario 2000, Argentina
- CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas) CABA (C1425FQB), Argentina
| | - Olga G Scharovsky
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe 3100, Rosario 2000, Argentina
- CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas) CABA (C1425FQB), Argentina
- CIUNR (Consejo de Investigaciones, Universidad Nacional de Rosario) Rosario (2000), Argentina
| | - Viviana R Rozados
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe 3100, Rosario 2000, Argentina
- CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas) CABA (C1425FQB), Argentina
| | - María J Rico
- Instituto de Genética Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe 3100, Rosario 2000, Argentina
- CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas) CABA (C1425FQB), Argentina
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Montoya A, Varela-Ramirez A, Dickerson E, Pasquier E, Torabi A, Aguilera R, Nahleh Z, Bryan B. The beta adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol alters mitogenic and apoptotic signaling in late stage breast cancer. Biomed J 2019; 42:155-165. [PMID: 31466709 PMCID: PMC6717753 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Substantial evidence supports the use of inexpensive β-AR antagonists (beta blockers) against a variety of cancers, and the β-AR antagonist propranolol was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. Prospective and retrospective data published by our group and others suggest that non-selective β-AR antagonists are effective at reducing proliferative rates in breast cancers, however the mechanism by which this occurs is largely unknown. Methods In this study, we measured changes in tumor proliferation and apoptosis in a late stage breast cancer patient treated with neoadjuvant propranolol. We expounded upon these clinical findings by employing an in vitro breast cancer model, where we used cell-based assays to evaluate propranolol-mediated molecular alterations related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results Neoadjuvant propranolol decreased expression of the pro-proliferative Ki-67 and pro-survival Bcl-2 markers, and increased pro-apoptotic p53 expression in a patient with stage III breast cancer. Molecular analysis revealed that β-AR antagonism disrupted cell cycle progression and steady state levels of cyclins. Furthermore, propranolol treatment of breast cancer cells increased p53 levels, enhanced caspase cleavage, and induced apoptosis. Conclusion Collectively, these data provide support for the incorporation of β-AR antagonists into the clinical management of breast cancer, and elucidate a partial molecular mechanism explaining the efficacy of β-AR antagonists against this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Montoya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA; Department of Biology, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Armando Varela-Ramirez
- Department of Biology, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA; Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Erin Dickerson
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Eddy Pasquier
- CNRS, INSERM, Aix-Marseille University, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Alireza Torabi
- Department of Pathology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Renato Aguilera
- Department of Biology, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA; Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Zeina Nahleh
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL, USA
| | - Brad Bryan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA.
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Metformin in breast cancer: preclinical and clinical evidence. Curr Probl Cancer 2019; 44:100488. [PMID: 31235186 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Metformin, a well-acknowledged biguanide, safety profile and multiaction drug with low cost for management of type 2 diabetes, makes a first-class candidate for repurposing. The off-patent drug draws huge attention for repositioned for anticancer drug delivery recently. Still few unanswered questions are challenging, among them one leading question; can metformin use as a generic therapy for all breast cancer subtypes? And is metformin able to get over the problem of drug resistance? The review focused on the mechanisms of metformin action specifically for breast cancer therapy and overcoming the resistance; also discusses preclinical and ongoing and completed clinical trials. The existing limitation such as therapeutic dose specifically for cancer treatment, resistance of metformin in breast cancer and organic cation transporters heterogeneity of the drug opens up a new pathway for improved understanding and successful application as repurposed effective chemotherapeutics for breast cancer. However, much more additional research is needed to confirm the accurate efficacy of metformin treatment for prevention of cancer and its recurrence.
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Rada JP, Bastos BSM, Anselmino L, Franco CHJ, Lanznaster M, Diniz R, Fernández CO, Menacho-Márquez M, Percebom AM, Rey NA. Binucleating Hydrazonic Ligands and Their μ-Hydroxodicopper(II) Complexes as Promising Structural Motifs for Enhanced Antitumor Activity. Inorg Chem 2019; 58:8800-8819. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b01195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesica Paola Rada
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22451-900, Brazil
| | - Beatriz S. M. Bastos
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22451-900, Brazil
| | - Luciano Anselmino
- Max Planck Laboratory for Structural Biology, Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics of Rosario (MPLbioR, UNR-MPIbpC) and Instituto de Investigaciones para el Descubrimiento de Fármacos de Rosario (IIDEFAR, UNR-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, S2002LRK Rosario, Argentina
| | | | | | - Renata Diniz
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Claudio O. Fernández
- Max Planck Laboratory for Structural Biology, Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics of Rosario (MPLbioR, UNR-MPIbpC) and Instituto de Investigaciones para el Descubrimiento de Fármacos de Rosario (IIDEFAR, UNR-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, S2002LRK Rosario, Argentina
| | - Mauricio Menacho-Márquez
- Max Planck Laboratory for Structural Biology, Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics of Rosario (MPLbioR, UNR-MPIbpC) and Instituto de Investigaciones para el Descubrimiento de Fármacos de Rosario (IIDEFAR, UNR-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, S2002LRK Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ana Maria Percebom
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22451-900, Brazil
| | - Nicolás A. Rey
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22451-900, Brazil
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Ye J, Qi L, Chen K, Li R, Song S, Zhou C, Zhai W. Metformin induces TPC-1 cell apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated pathways in vitro and in vivo. Int J Oncol 2019; 55:331-339. [PMID: 31180536 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is among the most common types of malignant tumor of the endocrine system. The role of metformin in the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis is widely accepted. The present study explored the effect and the underlying mechanisms of metformin on human thyroid cancer TPC‑1 cells. Following treatment of TPC‑1 cells with different concentrations of metformin, cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed by cell counting kit‑8 (CCK‑8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect alterations in the mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively, for heat shock protein family A member 5 (HSPA5, also known as Bip), DNA damage‑inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3, also known as CHOP) and caspase‑12. The results demonstrated that treatment with metformin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in a concentration and time‑dependent manner. In addition, treatment with metformin increased the expression of Bip, CHOP and caspase‑12 in vitro, activating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Thapsigargin treatment enhanced the apoptosis induced by metformin. Inhibition of ER stress by 4‑phenylbutyrate reversed the metformin‑induced apoptosis. Finally, treatment with metformin inhibited thyroid cancer growth and increased the expression of Bip and CHOP in a TPC‑1 cell xenograft model. These results indicated that metformin increased the apoptotic rate of thyroid cancer cells via ER stress‑associated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwen Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Lei Qi
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Kunlun Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Renfeng Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Shengping Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Chuang Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Wenlong Zhai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
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38
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Phadke S, Clamon G. Beta blockade as adjunctive breast cancer therapy: A review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 138:173-177. [PMID: 31092374 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-clinical data has shown that beta adrenergic stimulation can affect the development and progression of many types of cancer. The use of beta blockers as an anti-neoplastic therapy has been studied in retrospective trials and observational trials, but no definitive conclusions about efficacy have been made. Within the realm of breast cancer, significant advances in therapy have led to improved survival outcomes, yet there is room for improvement. Beta adrenergic blockade may prove an effective adjunct to standard breast cancer therapy, with little associated toxicity. This article provides a review of the published literature on beta blockade as an adjunctive cancer therapy, with a focus on breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Phadke
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
| | - Gerald Clamon
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
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Long Q, Zheng H, Liu X, Guo SW. Perioperative Intervention by β-Blockade and NF-κB Suppression Reduces the Recurrence Risk of Endometriosis in Mice Due to Incomplete Excision. Reprod Sci 2019; 26:697-708. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719119828066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Long
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Hanxi Zheng
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China
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40
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Priotti J, Baglioni MV, García A, Rico MJ, Leonardi D, Lamas MC, Menacho Márquez M. Repositioning of Anti-parasitic Drugs in Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes for Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. AAPS PharmSciTech 2018; 19:3734-3741. [PMID: 30255471 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-018-1169-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning refers to the identification of new therapeutic indications for drugs already approved. Albendazole and ricobendazole have been used as anti-parasitic drugs for many years; their therapeutic action is based on the inhibition of microtubule formation. Therefore, the study of their properties as antitumor compounds and the design of an appropriate formulation for cancer therapy is an interesting issue to investigate. The selected compounds are poorly soluble in water, and consequently, they have low and erratic bioavailability. In order to improve their biopharmaceutics properties, several formulations employing cyclodextrin inclusion complexes were developed. To carefully evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of these drugs and their complexes, several studies were performed on a breast cancer cell line (4T1) and BALB/c mice. In vitro studies showed that albendazole presented improved antitumor activity compared with ricobendazole. Furthermore, albendazole:citrate-β-cyclodextrin complex decreased significantly 4T1 cell growth both in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Thus, new formulations for anti-parasitic drugs could help to reposition them for new therapeutic indications, offering safer and more effective treatments by using a well-known drug.
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41
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Lucido CT, Callejas-Valera JL, Colbert PL, Vermeer DW, Miskimins WK, Spanos WC, Vermeer PD. β 2-Adrenergic receptor modulates mitochondrial metabolism and disease progression in recurrent/metastatic HPV(+) HNSCC. Oncogenesis 2018; 7:81. [PMID: 30297705 PMCID: PMC6175933 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0090-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of human papillomavirus-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HPV[ + ] HNSCC) is rapidly increasing. Although clinical management of primary HPV( + ) HNSCC is relatively successful, disease progression, including recurrence and metastasis, is often fatal. Moreover, patients with progressive disease face limited treatment options and significant treatment-associated morbidity. These clinical data highlight the need to identify targetable mechanisms that drive disease progression in HPV( + ) HNSCC to prevent and/or treat progressive disease. Interestingly, β-adrenergic signaling has recently been associated with pro-tumor processes in several disease types. Here we show that an aggressive murine model of recurrent/metastatic HPV( + ) HNSCC upregulates β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) expression, concordant with significantly heightened mitochondrial metabolism, as compared with the parental model from which it spontaneously derived. β-Adrenergic blockade effectively inhibits in vitro proliferation and migratory capacity in this model, effects associated with an attenuation of hyperactive mitochondrial respiration. Importantly, propranolol, a clinically available nonselective β-blocker, significantly slows primary tumor growth, inhibits metastatic development, and shows additive benefit alongside standard-of-care modalities in vivo. Further, via CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we show that the hyperactive mitochondrial metabolic profile and aggressive in vivo phenotype of this recurrent/metastatic model are dependent on β2AR expression. These data implicate β2AR as a modulator of mitochondrial metabolism and disease progression in HPV( + ) HNSCC, and warrant further investigation into the use of β-blockers as low cost, relatively tolerable, complementary treatment options in the clinical management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Lucido
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St North, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Juan L Callejas-Valera
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St North, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Paul L Colbert
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St North, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Daniel W Vermeer
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St North, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - W Keith Miskimins
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St North, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - William C Spanos
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St North, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Paola D Vermeer
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St North, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA.
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Pantziarka P, Bryan BA, Crispino S, Dickerson EB. Propranolol and breast cancer-a work in progress. Ecancermedicalscience 2018; 12:ed82. [PMID: 30034523 PMCID: PMC6027968 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2018.ed82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-selective beta-blocker propranolol is a leading candidate for repurposing as a novel anti-cancer agent. Emerging evidence, including human data, suggests that there are multiple mechanisms of action particularly relevant to breast cancer. This editorial reviews a number of recent studies that show it has anti-metastatic activity that warrants clinical investigation, including investigation as a potential perioperative therapy in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Pantziarka
- Anticancer Fund, Brussels, 1853 Strombeek-Bever, Belgium.,The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust, London, UK
| | - Brad A Bryan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | | | - Erin B Dickerson
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Propranolol sensitizes prostate cancer cells to glucose metabolism inhibition and prevents cancer progression. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7050. [PMID: 29728578 PMCID: PMC5935740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25340-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Propranolol, a widely used non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker, was recently shown to display anticancer properties. Its potential to synergize with certain drugs has been also outlined. However, it is necessary to take into account all the properties of propranolol to select a drug that could be efficiently combined with. Propranolol was reported to block the late phase of autophagy. Hence, we hypothesized that in condition enhancing autophagy flux, cancer cells should be especially sensitive to propranolol. 2DG, a glycolysis inhibitor, is an anti-tumor agent having limited effect in monotherapy notably due to induction of pro-survival autophagy. Here, we report that treatment of cancer cells with propranolol in combination with the glycolysis inhibitor 2DG induced a massive accumulation of autophagosome due to autophagy blockade. The propranolol +2DG treatment efficiently prevents prostate cancer cell proliferation, induces cell apoptosis, alters mitochondrial morphology, inhibits mitochondrial bioenergetics and aggravates ER stress in vitro and also suppresses tumor growth in vivo. Our study underlines for the first time the interest to take advantage of the ability of propranolol to inhibit autophagy to design new anti-cancer therapies.
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44
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Mu Q, Jiang M, Zhang Y, Wu F, Li H, Zhang W, Wang F, Liu J, Li L, Wang D, Wang W, Li S, Song H, Tang D. Metformin inhibits proliferation and cytotoxicity and induces apoptosis via AMPK pathway in CD19-chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:1767-1776. [PMID: 29662316 PMCID: PMC5892609 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s154853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background CD19-chimericantigen receptor (CAR) modified T cells (CD19-CAR T cells) have been well documented to possess potent anti-tumor properties against CD19-expressingleukemia cells. As a traditional medicine, metformin has been widely used to treat type II diabetes mellitus and more recently has become a candidate for the treatment of cancer. However, no report has revealed the direct effect of metformin on CD19-CAR T cell biological function and its underling mechanisms. Purpose The purpose of this research was to explore the effect of metformin on CD19-CAR T cell biological function and the mechanisms involved. Methods CD19-CAR T cells proliferation, apoptosis and cytotoxicity were mainly tested by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and ELISA. The detection of mechanism primarily used western blot. Bioluminescence imaging is the main application technology of animal studies. Results In the current study, it was found that metformin inhibited CD19-CAR T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, our study revealed that metformin activated AMPK and suppressed mTOR and HIF1α expression. By using an AMPK inhibitor, compound C, we demonstrated the crucial roles of AMPK in CD19-CAR T cells when they were treated with metformin. Finally, we verified that metformin suppressed the cytotoxicity of CD19-CAR T cell in vivo. Conclusion Taken together, these results indicated that metformin may play an important role in modulating CD19-CAR T cell biological functions in an AMPK-dependent and mTOR/HIF1α-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Mu
- Gene and Immunotherapy Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Jiang
- Gene and Immunotherapy Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhu Zhang
- Gene and Immunotherapy Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Wu
- Gene and Immunotherapy Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Gene and Immunotherapy Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Gene and Immunotherapy Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Wang
- Gene and Immunotherapy Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Gene and Immunotherapy Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Li
- Gene and Immunotherapy Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongshan Wang
- Health Management Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Gene and Immunotherapy Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiwu Li
- Gene and Immunotherapy Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Song
- Central Research Laboratory, Zibo Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Zibo, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongqi Tang
- Gene and Immunotherapy Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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45
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Amaral I, Silva C, Correia-Branco A, Martel F. Effect of metformin on estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive (MCF-7) and triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 102:94-101. [PMID: 29550639 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This work aimed to investigate the effect of metformin on cellular glucose uptake and metabolism by breast cancer cells, as a mechanism contributing to its anticancer properties. Estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive (MCF-7) and triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines were used as in vitro models of breast cancer. Short-term (26 min) exposure of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells to metformin inhibited uptake of 3H-deoxy-D-glucose (3H-DG). In contrast, long-term (24 h) exposure to metformin (5 μM-1 mM) concentration-dependently increased 3H-DG uptake in both cell lines. This effect was associated with an increase in lactate production but was not associated with changes in GLUT1 mRNA expression. Long-term exposure of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells to metformin (5 μM-1 mM) concentration-dependently reduced cell viability and culture mass and slightly increased cell proliferation rates. Combination of metformin (1 mM) with the facilitative glucose transporter (GLUT) inhibitor kaempferol (30 μM) did not change the effect of metformin on culture growth. In conclusion, short-term exposure to metformin reduces cellular glucose uptake, probably by direct inhibition of GLUT1. However, after long-term exposure to metformin, cellular uptake of glucose is significantly increased, not associated to changes in GLUT1 transcription rates. We suggest that, in the long-term, metformin induces a compensatory increase in glucose uptake in response to cellular energy depletion resulting from its inhibitory effect on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation machinery. Metformin-induced dependence of breast cancer cells on glycolytic pathway, associated with an anticarcinogenic effect of the drug, provides a biochemical basis for the design of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Amaral
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine,University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Silva
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine,University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Correia-Branco
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine,University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Martel
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine,University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Wang F, Liu H, Wang F, Xu R, Wang P, Tang F, Zhang X, Zhu Z, Lv H, Han T. Propranolol suppresses the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of liver cancer cells. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:5213-5221. [PMID: 29393410 PMCID: PMC5865987 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing amount of evidence indicates that the inhibition of β adrenergic signaling can result in the inhibition of tumor growth. However, the role of propranolol in liver cancer and the underlying mechanism remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the role of propranolol in liver cancer cell lines and provide evidence for further clinical study. Propranolol was added at different concentrations to HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 liver cancer cells and HL-7702 normal human liver cells. The proliferation of the cell lines was monitored by live-cell imaging at a range of time intervals. Immunofluorescence using DAPI and Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI double-staining flow cytometry, western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate the effect of propranolol on liver cancer cell apoptosis. The proliferation of HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells was inhibited by 40 and 80 µmol/l propranolol. However, the proliferation of HL-7702 cells was not affected by <160 µmol/l propranolol. Propranolol treatment decreased the expression of adrenergic receptor β-2 to a greater extent than adrenergic receptor β-1, and induced apoptosis in the liver cancer cells. The apoptotic rates of HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells increased following treatment with propranolol, while the apoptotic rate of HL-7702 cells was not affected. Propranolol promoted poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and decreased the expression of full-length caspase-3 in liver cancer cell lines; it induced S-phase arrest in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cell lines, while HL-7702 cells were arrested at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Thus, it was demonstrated that propranolol inhibited proliferation, promoted apoptosis and induced S-phase arrest in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- The Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300170, P.R. China
| | - Hui Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin 300170, P.R. China
| | - Fengmei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin 300170, P.R. China
| | - Ruicheng Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Biomarkers of Occupational and Environmental Hazard, Tianjin 300170, P.R. China
| | - Peng Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin 300170, P.R. China
| | - Fei Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin 300170, P.R. China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin 300170, P.R. China
| | - Zhengyan Zhu
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin 300170, P.R. China
| | - Hongmin Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin 300170, P.R. China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin 300170, P.R. China
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Kuang X, Qi M, Peng C, Zhou C, Su J, Zeng W, Liu H, Zhang J, Chen M, Shen M, Xie X, Li F, Zhao S, Li Q, Luo Z, Chen J, Tao J, He Y, Chen X. Propranolol enhanced the anti-tumor effect of sunitinib by inhibiting proliferation and inducing G0/G1/S phase arrest in malignant melanoma. Oncotarget 2017; 9:802-811. [PMID: 29416656 PMCID: PMC5787512 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Both sunitinib, a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and propranolol, a non-selective β-blocker, have proven therapeutic effects on malignant melanoma (MM). This study reports a synergistic effect of propranolol and sunitinib upon A375, P8 MM cell lines and mice xenografts. Cell viability assays detected a significant decrease of sunitinib IC50 in combination with propranolol, which was confirmed by a colony formation assay. Western blot showed that propranolol and sunitinib combination significantly down-regulated phospho-Rb, phospho-ERK, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E, but had no effect on Bax, Bcl-2, or cleaved PARP expression. The average tumor size of propranolol and low-dose sunitinib (Sun L) combination treated mice was reduced and similar to high-dose sunitinib treated A375 xenografts. The Ki67 index was significantly reduced in propranolol and Sun L combination treated group compared with single Sun L treated group. This synergistic effect between propranolol and sunitinib to inhibit MM proliferation was through suppressing ERK/Cyclin D1/Rb/Cyclin E pathways and inducing G0/G1/S phase arrest, rather than by inducing tumor cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Kuang
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Min Qi
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cong Peng
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Chengfang Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Su
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Weiqi Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Jianglin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Mingliang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Minxue Shen
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoyun Xie
- Department of Rheumatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Qingling Li
- Department of Pathology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongling Luo
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Junchen Chen
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Tao
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yijing He
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Changsha, China
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Kast RE, Skuli N, Cos S, Karpel-Massler G, Shiozawa Y, Goshen R, Halatsch ME. The ABC7 regimen: a new approach to metastatic breast cancer using seven common drugs to inhibit epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and augment capecitabine efficacy. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2017; 9:495-514. [PMID: 28744157 PMCID: PMC5513700 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s139963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer metastatic to bone has a poor prognosis despite recent advances in our understanding of the biology of both bone and breast cancer. This article presents a new approach, the ABC7 regimen (Adjuvant for Breast Cancer treatment using seven repurposed drugs), to metastatic breast cancer. ABC7 aims to defeat aspects of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that lead to dissemination of breast cancer to bone. As add-on to current standard treatment with capecitabine, ABC7 uses ancillary attributes of seven already-marketed noncancer treatment drugs to stop both the natural EMT process inherent to breast cancer and the added EMT occurring as a response to current treatment modalities. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery provoke EMT in cancer generally and in breast cancer specifically. ABC7 uses standard doses of capecitabine as used in treating breast cancer today. In addition, ABC7 uses 1) an older psychiatric drug, quetiapine, to block RANK signaling; 2) pirfenidone, an anti-fibrosis drug to block TGF-beta signaling; 3) rifabutin, an antibiotic to block beta-catenin signaling; 4) metformin, a first-line antidiabetic drug to stimulate AMPK and inhibit mammalian target of rapamycin, (mTOR); 5) propranolol, a beta-blocker to block beta-adrenergic signaling; 6) agomelatine, a melatonergic antidepressant to stimulate M1 and M2 melatonergic receptors; and 7) ribavirin, an antiviral drug to prevent eIF4E phosphorylation. All these block the signaling pathways - RANK, TGF-beta, mTOR, beta-adrenergic receptors, and phosphorylated eIF4E - that have been shown to trigger EMT and enhance breast cancer growth and so are worthwhile targets to inhibit. Agonism at MT1 and MT2 melatonergic receptors has been shown to inhibit both breast cancer EMT and growth. This ensemble was designed to be safe and augment capecitabine efficacy. Given the expected outcome of metastatic breast cancer as it stands today, ABC7 warrants a cautious trial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolas Skuli
- INSERM, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse - CRCT, UMR1037 Inserm/Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Samuel Cos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | | | - Yusuke Shiozawa
- Department of Cancer Biology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ran Goshen
- Eliaso Consulting Ltd., Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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