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Piotrowsky A, Burkard M, Hammerschmidt K, Ruple HK, Nonnenmacher P, Schumacher M, Leischner C, Berchtold S, Marongiu L, Kufer TA, Lauer UM, Renner O, Venturelli S. Analysis of High-Dose Ascorbate-Induced Cytotoxicity in Human Glioblastoma Cells and the Role of Dehydroascorbic Acid and Iron. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:1095. [PMID: 39334754 PMCID: PMC11429401 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13091095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated, both in vitro and in animal models, the anti-tumor efficacy of high-dose ascorbate treatment against a variety of tumor entities, including glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high-dose ascorbate as well as dehydroascorbic acid on human glioblastoma cell lines and to evaluate different treatment conditions for the combined administration of ascorbate with magnesium (Mg2+) and iron (Fe3+). Intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species and the induction of cell death following ascorbate treatment were also investigated. We demonstrated high cytotoxicity and antiproliferative efficacy of high-dose ascorbate in human glioblastoma cells, whereas much weaker effects were observed for dehydroascorbic acid. Ascorbate-induced cell death was independent of apoptosis. Both the reduction in cell viability and the ascorbate-induced generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species could be significantly increased by incubating the cells with Fe3+ before ascorbate treatment. This work demonstrates, for the first time, an increase in ascorbate-induced intracellular ROS formation and cytotoxicity in human glioblastoma cells by pre-treatment of the tumor cells with ferric iron, as well as caspase-3 independence of cell death induced by high-dose ascorbate. Instead, the cell death mechanism caused by high-dose ascorbate in glioblastoma cells shows evidence of ferroptosis. The results of the present work provide insights into the efficacy and mode of action of pharmacological ascorbate for the therapy of glioblastoma, as well as indications for possible approaches to increase the effectiveness of ascorbate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alban Piotrowsky
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Burkard
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Katharina Hammerschmidt
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hannah K. Ruple
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pia Nonnenmacher
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Monika Schumacher
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christian Leischner
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Susanne Berchtold
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tuebingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Luigi Marongiu
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- HoLMiR-Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas A. Kufer
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstrasse 12, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ulrich M. Lauer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tuebingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tuebingen, a Partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Olga Renner
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Faculty of Food and Nutrition Sciences, Hochschule Niederrhein, University of Applied Sciences, Rheydter Strasse 277, 41065 Moenchengladbach, Germany
| | - Sascha Venturelli
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Vegetative and Clinical Physiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Tuebingen, Wilhelmstrasse 56, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
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2
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Komorowicz I, Hanć A. Can arsenic do anything good? Arsenic nanodrugs in the fight against cancer - last decade review. Talanta 2024; 276:126240. [PMID: 38754186 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic has been an element of great interest among scientists for many years as it is a widespread metalloid in our ecosystem. Arsenic is mostly recognized with negative connotations due to its toxicity. Surely, most of us know that a long time ago, arsenic trioxide was used in medicine to treat, mainly, skin diseases. However, not everyone knows about its very wide and promising use in the treatment of cancer. Initially, in the seventies, it was used to treat leukemia, but new technological possibilities and the development of nanotechnology have made it possible to use arsenic trioxide for the treatment of solid tumours. The most toxic arsenic compound - arsenic trioxide - as the basis of anticancer drugs in which they function as a component of nanoparticles is used in the fight against various types of cancer. This review aims to present the current solutions in various cancer treatment using arsenic compounds with different binding motifs and methods of preparation to create targeted nanoparticles, nanodiamonds, nanohybrids, nanodrugs, or nanovehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Komorowicz
- Department of Trace Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 8 Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Street, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Anetta Hanć
- Department of Trace Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 8 Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Street, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
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3
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Jebanesan DZP, Illangeswaran RSS, Rajamani BM, Vidhyadharan RT, Das S, Bijukumar NK, Balakrishnan B, Mathews V, Velayudhan SR, Balasubramanian P. Inhibition of NRF2 signaling overcomes acquired resistance to arsenic trioxide in FLT3-mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1919-1929. [PMID: 38630133 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05742-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
De novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplications (FLT3-ITD) have worse treatment outcomes. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has been reported to be effective in degrading the FLT3 protein in AML cell lines and sensitizing non-APL AML patient samples in-vitro. We have previously reported that primary cells from FLT3-ITD mutated AML patients were sensitive to ATO in-vitro compared to other non-M3 AML and molecular/pharmacological inhibition of NF-E2 related factor 2 (NRF2), a master regulator of antioxidant response improved the chemosensitivity to ATO and daunorubicin even in non FLT3-ITD mutated cell lines and primary samples. We examined the effects of molecular/pharmacological suppression of NRF2 on acquired ATO resistance in the FLT3-ITD mutant AML cell line (MV4-11-ATO-R). ATO-R cells showed increased NRF2 expression, nuclear localization, and upregulation of bonafide NRF2 targets. Molecular inhibition of NRF2 in this resistant cell line improved ATO sensitivity in vitro. Digoxin treatment lowered p-AKT expression, abrogating nuclear NRF2 localization and sensitizing cells to ATO. However, digoxin and ATO did not sensitize non-ITD AML cell line THP1 with high NRF2 expression. Digoxin decreased leukemic burden and prolonged survival in MV4-11 ATO-R xenograft mice. We establish that altering NRF2 expression may reverse acquired ATO resistance in FLT3-ITD AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Zechariah Paul Jebanesan
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | | | - Bharathi M Rajamani
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
| | | | - Saswati Das
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
| | - Nayanthara K Bijukumar
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
| | - Balaji Balakrishnan
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Vikram Mathews
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
| | - Shaji R Velayudhan
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
- Adjunct Scientist, Centre for Stem Cell Research, A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, CMC Campus, Vellore, India
| | - Poonkuzhali Balasubramanian
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India.
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Ananta, Benerjee S, Tchounwou PB, Kumar S. Mechanistic update of Trisenox in blood cancer. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2023; 5:100166. [PMID: 38074774 PMCID: PMC10701371 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2023.100166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)/blood cancer is M3 type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) formed inside bone marrow through chromosomal translocation mutation usually between chromosome 15 & 17. It accounts around 10% cases of AML worldwide. Trisenox (TX/ATO) is used in chemotherapy for treatment of all age group of APL patients with highest efficacy and survival rate for longer period. High concentration of TX inhibits growth of APL cells by diverse mechanism however, it cures only PML-RARα fusion gene/oncogene containing APL patients. TX resistant APL patients (different oncogenic make up) have been reported from worldwide. This review summarizes updated mechanism of TX action via PML nuclear bodies formation, proteasomal degradation, autophagy, p53 activation, telomerase activity, heteromerization of pRb & E2F, and regulation of signaling mechanism in APL cells. We have also provided important information of combination therapy of TX with other molecules mechanism of action in acute leukemia cells. It provides updated information of TX action for researcher which may help finding new target for further research in APL pathophysiology or new TX resistant APL patients drug designing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananta
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Earth, Biological, and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, India
| | - Swati Benerjee
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Earth, Biological, and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, India
| | - Paul B. Tchounwou
- RCMI Center for Urban Health Disparities Research and Innovation, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Earth, Biological, and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, India
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5
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Castelli G, Logozzi M, Mizzoni D, Di Raimo R, Cerio A, Dolo V, Pasquini L, Screnci M, Ottone T, Testa U, Fais S, Pelosi E. Ex Vivo Anti-Leukemic Effect of Exosome-like Grapefruit-Derived Nanovesicles from Organic Farming-The Potential Role of Ascorbic Acid. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15663. [PMID: 37958646 PMCID: PMC10648274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115663] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Citrus fruits are a natural source of ascorbic acid, and exosome-like nanovesicles obtained from these fruits contain measurable levels of ascorbic acid. We tested the ability of grapefruit-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) to inhibit the growth of human leukemic cells and leukemic patient-derived bone marrow blasts. Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) showed that the obtained EVs were homogeneous exosomes, defined as exosome-like plant-derived nanovesicles (ELPDNVs). The analysis of their content has shown measurable amounts of several molecules with potent antioxidant activity. ELPDNVs showed a time-dependent antiproliferative effect in both U937 and K562 leukemic cell lines, comparable with the effect of high-dosage ascorbic acid (2 mM). This result was confirmed by a clear decrease in the number of AML blasts induced by ELPDNVs, which did not affect the number of normal cells. ELPDNVs increased the ROS levels in both AML blast cells and U937 without affecting ROS storage in normal cells, and this effect was comparable to ascorbic acid (2 mM). With our study, we propose ELPDNVs from grapefruits as a combination/supporting therapy for human leukemias with the aim to improve the effectiveness of the current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (R.D.R.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
| | - Mariantonia Logozzi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (R.D.R.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo d’Abruzzo, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Davide Mizzoni
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (R.D.R.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo d’Abruzzo, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Rossella Di Raimo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (R.D.R.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo d’Abruzzo, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cerio
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (R.D.R.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
| | - Vincenza Dolo
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Luca Pasquini
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Screnci
- Banca Regionale Sangue Cordone Ombelicale, UOC Immunoematologia e Medicina Trasfusionale, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS, Neuro-Oncohematology, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (R.D.R.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
| | - Stefano Fais
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (R.D.R.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (R.D.R.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
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6
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Catalano G, Zaza A, Banella C, Pelosi E, Castelli G, de Marinis E, Smigliani A, Travaglini S, Ottone T, Divona M, Del Principe MI, Buccisano F, Maurillo L, Ammatuna E, Testa U, Nervi C, Venditti A, Voso MT, Noguera NI. MCL1 regulates AML cells metabolism via direct interaction with HK2. Metabolic signature at onset predicts overall survival in AMLs' patients. Leukemia 2023; 37:1600-1610. [PMID: 37349598 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01946-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
We characterize the metabolic background in distinct Acute Myeloid Leukemias (AMLs), by comparing the metabolism of primary AML blasts isolated at diagnosis with that of normal hematopoietic maturing progenitors, using the Seahorse XF Agilent. Leukemic cells feature lower spare respiratory (SRC) and glycolytic capacities as compared to hematopoietic precursors (i.e. day 7, promyelocytes). According with Proton Leak (PL) values, AML blasts can be grouped in two well defined populations. The AML group with blasts presenting high PL or high basal OXPHOS plus high SRC levels had shorter overall survival time and significantly overexpressed myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) protein. We demonstrate that MCL1 directly binds to Hexokinase 2 (HK2) on the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). Overall, these results suggest that high PL and high SRC plus high basal OXPHOS levels at disease onset, arguably with the concourse of MCL1/HK2 action, are significantly linked with shorter overall survival time in AML. Our data describe a new function for MCL1 protein in AMLs' cells: by forming a complex with HK2, MCL1 co-localizes to VDAC on the OMM, thus inducing glycolysis and OXPHOS, ultimately conferring metabolic plasticity and promoting resistance to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Catalano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zaza
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Banella
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence and Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta de Marinis
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Ariela Smigliani
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariadomenica Divona
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Buccisano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Maurillo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Ammatuna
- Department of Hematology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Clara Nervi
- Department of Hematology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nelida Ines Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy.
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7
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Paul NP, Galván AE, Yoshinaga-Sakurai K, Rosen BP, Yoshinaga M. Arsenic in medicine: past, present and future. Biometals 2023; 36:283-301. [PMID: 35190937 PMCID: PMC8860286 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-022-00371-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Arsenicals are one of the oldest treatments for a variety of human disorders. Although infamous for its toxicity, arsenic is paradoxically a therapeutic agent that has been used since ancient times for the treatment of multiple diseases. The use of most arsenic-based drugs was abandoned with the discovery of antibiotics in the 1940s, but a few remained in use such as those for the treatment of trypanosomiasis. In the 1970s, arsenic trioxide, the active ingredient in a traditional Chinese medicine, was shown to produce dramatic remission of acute promyelocytic leukemia similar to the effect of all-trans retinoic acid. Since then, there has been a renewed interest in the clinical use of arsenicals. Here the ancient and modern medicinal uses of inorganic and organic arsenicals are reviewed. Included are antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic and anticancer applications. In the face of increasing antibiotic resistance and the emergence of deadly pathogens such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, we propose revisiting arsenicals with proven efficacy to combat emerging pathogens. Current advances in science and technology can be employed to design newer arsenical drugs with high therapeutic index. These novel arsenicals can be used in combination with existing drugs or serve as valuable alternatives in the fight against cancer and emerging pathogens. The discovery of the pentavalent arsenic-containing antibiotic arsinothricin, which is effective against multidrug-resistant pathogens, illustrates the future potential of this new class of organoarsenical antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngozi P Paul
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Adriana E Galván
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Kunie Yoshinaga-Sakurai
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Barry P Rosen
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Masafumi Yoshinaga
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
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8
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Premnath N, Chung SS, Weinberg OK, Ikpefan R, Pandey M, Kaur G, Geethakumari PR, Afrough A, Awan FT, Anderson LD, Vusirikala M, Collins RH, Chen W, Agathocleous M, Madanat YF. Clinical and molecular characteristics associated with Vitamin C deficiency in myeloid malignancies; real world data from a prospective cohort. Leuk Res 2023; 125:107001. [PMID: 36566538 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2022.107001] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that acts as a co-factor for many enzymes involved in epigenetic regulation in humans. Low vitamin C levels in hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) promote self-renewal and vitamin C supplementation retards leukaemogenesis in vitamin C-deficient mouse models. Studies on vitamin C levels in patients with myeloid malignancies are limited. We thus conducted a retrospective analysis on a prospective cohort of patients with myeloid malignancies on whom plasma vitamin C levels were measured serially at diagnosis and during treatment. Baseline characteristics including hematological indices, cytogenetics, and molecular mutations are described in this cohort. Among 64 patients included in our study, 11 patients (17%) had low vitamin C levels. We noted a younger age at diagnosis for patients with myeloid malignancies who had low plasma vitamin C levels. Patients with low plasma vitamin C levels were more likely to have acute myeloid leukemia compared to other myeloid malignancies. Low vitamin C levels were associated with ASXL1 mutations. Our study calls for further multi-institutional studies to understand the relevance of low plasma vitamin C level in myeloid neoplasms, the role of vitamin C deficiency in leukemogenesis, and the potential benefit of vitamin C supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Premnath
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.
| | - Stephen S Chung
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States; Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Olga K Weinberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Ruth Ikpefan
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Mohak Pandey
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Gurbakhash Kaur
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | | | - Aimaz Afrough
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Farrukh T Awan
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Larry D Anderson
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Madhuri Vusirikala
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Robert H Collins
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Weina Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Michalis Agathocleous
- Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Yazan F Madanat
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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Brabson JP, Leesang T, Yap YS, Wang J, Lam MQ, Fang B, Dolgalev I, Barbieri DA, Strippoli V, Bañuelos CP, Mohammad S, Lyon P, Chaudhry S, Donich D, Swirski A, Roberts E, Diaz I, Karl D, Dos Santos HG, Shiekhattar R, Neel BG, Nimer SD, Verdun RE, Bilbao D, Figueroa ME, Cimmino L. Oxidized mC modulates synthetic lethality to PARP inhibitors for the treatment of leukemia. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112027. [PMID: 36848231 PMCID: PMC9989506 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112027] [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: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
TET2 haploinsufficiency is a driving event in myeloid cancers and is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Enhancing residual TET2 activity using vitamin C increases oxidized 5-methylcytosine (mC) formation and promotes active DNA demethylation via base excision repair (BER), which slows leukemia progression. We utilize genetic and compound library screening approaches to identify rational combination treatment strategies to improve use of vitamin C as an adjuvant therapy for AML. In addition to increasing the efficacy of several US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs, vitamin C treatment with poly-ADP-ribosyl polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) elicits a strong synergistic effect to block AML self-renewal in murine and human AML models. Vitamin-C-mediated TET activation combined with PARPis causes enrichment of chromatin-bound PARP1 at oxidized mCs and γH2AX accumulation during mid-S phase, leading to cell cycle stalling and differentiation. Given that most AML subtypes maintain residual TET2 expression, vitamin C could elicit broad efficacy as a PARPi therapeutic adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Brabson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Tiffany Leesang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Yoon Sing Yap
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Minh Q Lam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Byron Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Igor Dolgalev
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Daniela A Barbieri
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Victoria Strippoli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Carolina P Bañuelos
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sofia Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Peter Lyon
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sana Chaudhry
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Dane Donich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Anna Swirski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Evan Roberts
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ivelisse Diaz
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Daniel Karl
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Helena Gomes Dos Santos
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ramin Shiekhattar
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Benjamin G Neel
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center and Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Stem Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Stephen D Nimer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ramiro E Verdun
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Daniel Bilbao
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Maria E Figueroa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Luisa Cimmino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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10
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Kumana CR, Kwong YL, Gill H. Oral arsenic trioxide for treating acute promyelocytic leukaemia: Implications for its worldwide epidemiology and beyond. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1026478. [PMID: 36518307 PMCID: PMC9744132 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1026478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This account describes how orally administered Arsenic-trioxide (ATO) therapy influences the epidemiology of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), and how the experience that ensued may expand the indications for oral ATO as a treatment for diseases/disorders other than APL. Over the last two decades, experience with APL patients in Hong Kong treated with an oral regimen comprising ATO, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and ascorbic acid (also known as "AAA") has confirmed a dramatic improvement in overall survival. Over that period, there has been an estimated 60-fold increase in the prevalence of APL (proportion of surviving APL patients in the population on December 31 including those deemed to be 'cured'). In contrast to regimens entailing intravenous (IV) ATO, the consequential therapeutic benefits of using oral ATO have been achieved with much less patient inconvenience and quality of life disruption, reduced burdens on health care facilities (hospitalisations and staff involvement), and much enhanced affordability (retail drug & other cost reductions). Numerous experimental and a few clinical studies suggest that ATO may also have a therapeutic role in many other diseases/disorders. Several such diseases (e.g. autoimmune disorders & idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) are far more prevalent than APL, which means that very large numbers of patients may potentially benefit from ATO treatment, even if its efficacy is limited to selected populations with these diseases. The known safety of oral ATO and its advantages over repeated long-term IV delivery suggests that this route be used in future clinical studies of its possible role in treating such patients. If the clinical utility of oral ATO treatment is validated for patients enduring any such non-APL diseases, very large numbers of patients may stand to benefit.
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11
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Targeting Redox Regulation as a Therapeutic Opportunity against Acute Leukemia: Pro-Oxidant Strategy or Antioxidant Approach? Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091696. [PMID: 36139768 PMCID: PMC9495346 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Redox adaptation is essential for human health, as the physiological quantities of non-radical reactive oxygen species operate as the main second messengers to regulate normal redox reactions by controlling several sensors. An abnormal increase reactive oxygen species, called oxidative stress, induces biological injury. For this reason, variations in oxidative stress continue to receive consideration as a possible approach to treat leukemic diseases. However, the intricacy of redox reactions and their effects might be a relevant obstacle; consequently, and alongside approaches aimed at increasing oxidative stress in neoplastic cells, antioxidant strategies have also been suggested for the same purpose. The present review focuses on the molecular processes of anomalous oxidative stress in acute myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukemias as well as on the oxidative stress-determined pathways implicated in leukemogenic development. Furthermore, we review the effect of chemotherapies on oxidative stress and the possibility that their pharmacological effects might be increased by modifying the intracellular redox equilibrium through a pro-oxidant approach or an antioxidant strategy. Finally, we evaluated the prospect of varying oxidative stress as an efficacious modality to destroy chemoresistant cells using new methodologies. Altering redox conditions may be advantageous for inhibiting genomic variability and the eradication of leukemic clones will promote the treatment of leukemic disease.
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12
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Travaglini S, Gurnari C, Antonelli S, Silvestrini G, Noguera NI, Ottone T, Voso MT. The Anti-Leukemia Effect of Ascorbic Acid: From the Pro-Oxidant Potential to the Epigenetic Role in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930205. [PMID: 35938170 PMCID: PMC9352950 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930205] [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: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Data derived from high-throughput sequencing technologies have allowed a deeper understanding of the molecular landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic options, with a higher efficacy and a lower toxicity than conventional chemotherapy. In the antileukemia drug development scenario, ascorbic acid, a natural compound also known as Vitamin C, has emerged for its potential anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities on leukemic cells. However, the role of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the treatment of AML has been debated for decades. Mechanistic insight into its role in many biological processes and, especially, in epigenetic regulation has provided the rationale for the use of this agent as a novel anti-leukemia therapy in AML. Acting as a co-factor for 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDDs), ascorbic acid is involved in the epigenetic regulations through the control of TET (ten-eleven translocation) enzymes, epigenetic master regulators with a critical role in aberrant hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. In line with this discovery, great interest has been emerging for the clinical testing of this drug targeting leukemia epigenome. Besides its role in epigenetics, ascorbic acid is also a pivotal regulator of many physiological processes in human, particularly in the antioxidant cellular response, being able to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) to prevent DNA damage and other effects involved in cancer transformation. Thus, for this wide spectrum of biological activities, ascorbic acid possesses some pharmacologic properties attractive for anti-leukemia therapy. The present review outlines the evidence and mechanism of ascorbic acid in leukemogenesis and its therapeutic potential in AML. With the growing evidence derived from the literature on situations in which the use of ascorbate may be beneficial in vitro and in vivo, we will finally discuss how these insights could be included into the rational design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Gurnari
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - S. Antonelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Silvestrini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - N. I. Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - T. Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - M. T. Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: M. T. Voso,
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13
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Banella C, Catalano G, Travaglini S, Pelosi E, Ottone T, Zaza A, Guerrera G, Angelini DF, Niscola P, Divona M, Battistini L, Screnci M, Ammatuna E, Testa U, Nervi C, Voso MT, Noguera NI. Ascorbate Plus Buformin in AML: A Metabolic Targeted Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102565. [PMID: 35626170 PMCID: PMC9139619 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Acute Myeloid Leukemias (AMLs) are rapidly progressive clonal neoplastic diseases. The overall 5-year survival rate is very poor: less than 5% in older patients aged over 65 years old. Elderly AML patients are often “unfit” for intensive chemotherapy, further highlighting the need of highly effective, well-tolerated new treatment options for AMLs. Growing evidence indicates that AML blasts feature a highly diverse and flexible metabolism consistent with the aggressiveness of the disease. Based on these evidences, we targeted the metabolic peculiarity and plasticity of AML cells with an association of ascorbate, which causes oxidative stress and interferes with hexokinase activity, and buformin, which completely shuts down mitochondrial contributions in ATP production. The ascorbate–buformin combination could be an innovative therapeutic option for elderly AML patients that are resistant to therapy. Abstract In the present study, we characterized the metabolic background of different Acute Myeloid Leukemias’ (AMLs) cells and described a heterogeneous and highly flexible energetic metabolism. Using the Seahorse XF Agilent, we compared the metabolism of normal hematopoietic progenitors with that of primary AML blasts and five different AML cell lines. We assessed the efficacy and mechanism of action of the association of high doses of ascorbate, a powerful oxidant, with the metabolic inhibitor buformin, which inhibits mitochondrial complex I and completely shuts down mitochondrial contributions in ATP production. Primary blasts from seventeen AML patients, assayed for annexin V and live/dead exclusion by flow cytometry, showed an increase in the apoptotic effect using the drug combination, as compared with ascorbate alone. We show that ascorbate inhibits glycolysis through interfering with HK1/2 and GLUT1 functions in hematopoietic cells. Ascorbate combined with buformin decreases mitochondrial respiration and ATP production and downregulates glycolysis, enhancing the apoptotic effect of ascorbate in primary blasts from AMLs and sparing normal CD34+ bone marrow progenitors. In conclusion, our data have therapeutic implications especially in fragile patients since both agents have an excellent safety profile, and the data also support the clinical evaluation of ascorbate–buformin in association with different mechanism drugs for the treatment of refractory/relapsing AML patients with no other therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Banella
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Catalano
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Travaglini
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (U.T.)
| | - Tiziana Ottone
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zaza
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gisella Guerrera
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (D.F.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Daniela Francesca Angelini
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (D.F.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Pasquale Niscola
- Hematology Unit, Saint’ Eugenio Hospital, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Luca Battistini
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (D.F.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Maria Screnci
- Banca Regionale Sangue Cordone Ombelicale UOC Immunoematologia e Medicina Trasfusionale, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Ammatuna
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (U.T.)
| | - Clara Nervi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Roma La Sapienza, 04100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.V.); (N.I.N.); Tel.: +39-06-501-703-225 (N.I.N.)
| | - Nelida Ines Noguera
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.V.); (N.I.N.); Tel.: +39-06-501-703-225 (N.I.N.)
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14
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Abstract
Significance: Vitamin C (ascorbate), in regard to its effectiveness against malignancies, has had a controversial history in cancer treatment. It has been shown that in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy of ascorbate relies on its pro-oxidant effect mainly from an increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A growing understanding of its anticancer activities and pharmacokinetic properties has prompted scientists to re-evaluate the significance of ascorbate in cancer treatment. Recent Advances: A recent resurge in ascorbate research emerged after discovering that, at high doses, ascorbate preferentially kills Kirsten-Ras (K-ras)- and B-raf oncogene (BRAF)-mutant cancer cells. In addition, some of the main hallmarks of cancer cells, such as redox homeostasis and oxygen-sensing regulation (through inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha [HIF-1α] activity), are affected by vitamin C. Critical Issues: Currently, there is no clear consensus from the literature in regard to the beneficial effects of antioxidants. Results from both human and animal studies provide no clear evidence about the benefit of antioxidant treatment in preventing or suppressing cancer development. Since pro-oxidants may affect both normal and tumor cells, the extremely low toxicity of ascorbate represents a main advantage. This guarantees the safe inclusion of ascorbate in clinical protocols to treat cancer patients. Future Directions: Current research could focus on elucidating the wide array of reactions between ascorbate and reactive species, namely ROS, reactive nitrogen species as well as reactive sulfide species, and their intracellular molecular targets. Unraveling these mechanisms could allow researchers to assess what could be the optimal combination of ascorbate with standard treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Glorieux
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Pedro Buc Calderon
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile.,Research Group in Metabolism and Nutrition, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Böttger F, Vallés-Martí A, Cahn L, Jimenez CR. High-dose intravenous vitamin C, a promising multi-targeting agent in the treatment of cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:343. [PMID: 34717701 PMCID: PMC8557029 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02134-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that vitamin C has the potential to be a potent anti-cancer agent when administered intravenously and in high doses (high-dose IVC). Early phase clinical trials have confirmed safety and indicated efficacy of IVC in eradicating tumour cells of various cancer types. In recent years, the multi-targeting effects of vitamin C were unravelled, demonstrating a role as cancer-specific, pro-oxidative cytotoxic agent, anti-cancer epigenetic regulator and immune modulator, reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inhibiting hypoxia and oncogenic kinase signalling and boosting immune response. Moreover, high-dose IVC is powerful as an adjuvant treatment for cancer, acting synergistically with many standard (chemo-) therapies, as well as a method for mitigating the toxic side-effects of chemotherapy. Despite the rationale and ample evidence, strong clinical data and phase III studies are lacking. Therefore, there is a need for more extensive awareness of the use of this highly promising, non-toxic cancer treatment in the clinical setting. In this review, we provide an elaborate overview of pre-clinical and clinical studies using high-dose IVC as anti-cancer agent, as well as a detailed evaluation of the main known molecular mechanisms involved. A special focus is put on global molecular profiling studies in this respect. In addition, an outlook on future implications of high-dose vitamin C in cancer treatment is presented and recommendations for further research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Böttger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Vallés-Martí
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Loraine Cahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Connie R Jimenez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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16
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Giansanti M, De Gabrieli A, Prete SP, Ottone T, Divona MD, Karimi T, Ciccarone F, Voso MT, Graziani G, Faraoni I. Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors for Arsenic Trioxide-Resistant Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: Synergistic In Vitro Antitumor Effects with Hypomethylating Agents or High-Dose Vitamin C. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 377:385-397. [PMID: 33820831 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an anticancer agent used for the treatment ofacute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, 5%-10% of patients fail to respond or experience disease relapse. Based on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1 involvement in the processing of DNA demethylation, here we have tested the in vitro susceptibility of ATO-resistant clones (derived from the human APL cell line NB4) to PARP inhibitors (PARPi) in combination with hypomethylating agents (azacitidine and decitabine) or high-dose vitamin C (ascorbate), which induces 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC)-mediated DNA demethylation. ATO-sensitive and -resistant APL cell clones were generated and initially analyzed for their susceptibility to five clinically used PARPi (olaparib, niraparib, rucaparib, veliparib, and talazoparib). The obtained PARPi IC50 values were far below (olaparib and niraparib), within the range (talazoparib), or above (rucaparib and veliparib) the C max reported in patients, likely as a result of differences in the mechanisms of their cytotoxic activity. ATO-resistant APL cells were also susceptible to clinically relevant concentrations of azacitidine and decitabine and to high-dose ascorbate. Interestingly, the combination of these agents with olaparib, niraparib, or talazoparib resulted in synergistic antitumor activity. In combination with ascorbate, PARPi increased the ascorbate-mediated induction of 5hmC, which likely resulted in stalled DNA repair and cytotoxicity. Talazoparib was the most effective PARPi in synergizing with ascorbate, in accordance with its marked ability to trap PARP1 at damaged DNA. These findings suggest that ATO and PARPi have nonoverlapping resistance mechanisms and support further investigation on PARPi combination with hypomethylating agents or high-dose ascorbate for relapsed/ATO-refractory APL, especially in frail patients. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study found that poly(ADP-ribose) inhibitors (PARPi) show activity as single agents against human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells resistant to arsenic trioxide at clinically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, PARPi enhance the in vitro efficacy of azacitidine, decitabine, and high-dose vitamin C, all agents that alter DNA methylation. In combination with vitamin C, PARPi increase the levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, likely as a result of altered processing of the oxidized intermediates associated with DNA demethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Giansanti
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Antonio De Gabrieli
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Salvatore Pasquale Prete
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Tiziana Ottone
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Maria Domenica Divona
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Terry Karimi
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Fabio Ciccarone
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
| | - Isabella Faraoni
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (M.G., A.D.G., S.P.P., T.K., G.G., I.F.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (M.G.); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.D., M.T.V.); Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy (T.O., M.T.V.); and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy (F.C.)
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17
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Brabson JP, Leesang T, Mohammad S, Cimmino L. Epigenetic Regulation of Genomic Stability by Vitamin C. Front Genet 2021; 12:675780. [PMID: 34017357 PMCID: PMC8129186 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.675780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation plays an important role in the maintenance of genomic stability. Ten-eleven translocation proteins (TETs) are a family of iron (Fe2+) and α-KG -dependent dioxygenases that regulate DNA methylation levels by oxidizing 5-methylcystosine (5mC) to generate 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC). These oxidized methylcytosines promote passive demethylation upon DNA replication, or active DNA demethylation, by triggering base excision repair and replacement of 5fC and 5caC with an unmethylated cytosine. Several studies over the last decade have shown that loss of TET function leads to DNA hypermethylation and increased genomic instability. Vitamin C, a cofactor of TET enzymes, increases 5hmC formation and promotes DNA demethylation, suggesting that this essential vitamin, in addition to its antioxidant properties, can also directly influence genomic stability. This review will highlight the functional role of DNA methylation, TET activity and vitamin C, in the crosstalk between DNA methylation and DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Brabson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Tiffany Leesang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sofia Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Luisa Cimmino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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18
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Panina SB, Pei J, Kirienko NV. Mitochondrial metabolism as a target for acute myeloid leukemia treatment. Cancer Metab 2021; 9:17. [PMID: 33883040 PMCID: PMC8058979 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-021-00253-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) are a group of aggressive hematologic malignancies resulting from acquired genetic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells that affect patients of all ages. Despite decades of research, standard chemotherapy still remains ineffective for some AML subtypes and is often inappropriate for older patients or those with comorbidities. Recently, a number of studies have identified unique mitochondrial alterations that lead to metabolic vulnerabilities in AML cells that may present viable treatment targets. These include mtDNA, dependency on oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial metabolism, and pro-survival signaling, as well as reactive oxygen species generation and mitochondrial dynamics. Moreover, some mitochondria-targeting chemotherapeutics and their combinations with other compounds have been FDA-approved for AML treatment. Here, we review recent studies that illuminate the effects of drugs and synergistic drug combinations that target diverse biomolecules and metabolic pathways related to mitochondria and their promise in experimental studies, clinical trials, and existing chemotherapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jingqi Pei
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
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19
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High-Dose Vitamin C: Preclinical Evidence for Tailoring Treatment in Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061428. [PMID: 33804775 PMCID: PMC8003833 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Vitamin C is an indispensable micronutrient in the human diet due to the multiple functions it carries out in the body. Reports of clinical studies have indicated that, when administered at high dosage by the intravenous route, vitamin C may exert beneficial antitumor effects in patients with advanced stage cancers, including those refractory to previous treatment with chemotherapy. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current scientific evidence concerning the different mechanisms of action by which high-dose vitamin C may kill tumor cells. A special focus will be given to those mechanisms that provide the rationale basis for tailoring vitamin C treatment according to specific molecular alterations present in the tumor and for the selection of the most appropriate companion drugs. Abstract High-dose vitamin C has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach for patients with advanced tumors who failed previous treatment with chemotherapy. Due to vitamin C complex pharmacokinetics, only intravenous administration allows reaching sufficiently high plasma concentrations required for most of the antitumor effects observed in preclinical studies (>0.250 mM). Moreover, vitamin C entry into cells is tightly regulated by SVCT and GLUT transporters, and is cell type-dependent. Importantly, besides its well-recognized pro-oxidant effects, vitamin C modulates TET enzymes promoting DNA demethylation and acts as cofactor of HIF hydroxylases, whose activity is required for HIF-1α proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, at pharmacological concentrations lower than those required for its pro-oxidant activity (<1 mM), vitamin C in specific genetic contexts may alter the DNA damage response by increasing 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels. These more recently described vitamin C mechanisms offer new treatment opportunities for tumors with specific molecular defects (e.g., HIF-1α over-expression or TET2, IDH1/2, and WT1 alterations). Moreover, vitamin C action at DNA levels may provide the rationale basis for combination therapies with PARP inhibitors and hypomethylating agents. This review outlines the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of vitamin C to be taken into account in designing clinical studies that evaluate its potential use as anticancer agent.
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20
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Yousefnia S. Mechanistic effects of arsenic trioxide on acute promyelocytic leukemia and other types of leukemias. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:1148-1157. [PMID: 33527587 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia characterized with a translocation between promyelocytic leukemia gene (PML) on chromosome 15 and retinoic acid receptor alpha gene (RARα) on chromosome 17. Transcription of this fusion gene results in PML/RARα fusion protein blocking expression of critical genes involved in differentiation of myeloid cells through interaction with RAR element. PML/RARα fusion protein prevents normal function of PML and RARα as well as inhibiting apoptosis. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an important agent for the treatment of relapsed and newly diagnosed APL. ATO induces apoptosis, autophagy, and partial cellular differentiation as well as inhibiting cell growth and angiogenesis. Recognition of signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms induced by ATO can be effective for discovering novel treatment strategies to target leukemia cells. Also, it can be developed for the treatment of a variety of cancer cells. This review provides a perspective on anticancerous effects of ATO on APL and leukemia cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghar Yousefnia
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
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21
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Molica M, Mazzone C, Niscola P, de Fabritiis P. TP53 Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Still a Daunting Challenge? Front Oncol 2021; 10:610820. [PMID: 33628731 PMCID: PMC7897660 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.610820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
TP53 is a key tumor suppressor gene with protean functions associated with preservation of genomic balance, including regulation of cellular senescence, apoptotic pathways, metabolism functions, and DNA repair. The vast majority of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) present unaltered TP53 alleles. However, TP53 mutations are frequently detected in AML related to an increased genomic instability, such as therapy‐related (t-AML) or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes. Of note, TP53 mutations are associated with complex cytogenetic abnormalities, advanced age, chemoresistance, and poor outcomes. Recent breakthroughs in AML research and the development of targeted drugs directed at specific mutations have led to an explosion of novel treatments with different mechanisms. However, optimal treatment strategy for patients harboring TP53 mutations remains a critical area of unmet need. In this review, we focus on the incidence and clinical significance of TP53 mutations in de novo and t-AML. The influence of these alterations on response and clinical outcomes as well as the current and future therapeutic perspectives for this hardly treatable setting are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Molica
- Haematology Unit, S. Eugenio Hospital, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Mazzone
- Haematology Unit, S. Eugenio Hospital, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo de Fabritiis
- Haematology Unit, S. Eugenio Hospital, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedicina and Prevenzione, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
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22
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New promising developments for potential therapeutic applications of high-dose ascorbate as an anticancer drug. Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther 2020; 14:179-191. [PMID: 33278349 DOI: 10.1016/j.hemonc.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (ascorbate) is an essential dietary requirement, with fundamental redox, anti-oxidant functions at physiologic concentrations. Vitamin C is a cofactor for Fe2+ and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, englobing large families of enzymes, including also epigenetic regulators of DNA and histone methylation. Importantly, vitamin C is involved in the control of the activity of TET (ten-eleven translocation) enzymes, key epigenetic regulators. For this spectrum of activities, often involving pathways deregulated in cancer cells, vitamin C possesses some pharmacologic activities that can be exploited in anticancer therapy. In particular, the capacity of pharmacological doses of vitamin C to target redox imbalance and to rescue deregulated epigenetic program observed in some cancer cells represents a consistent therapeutic potentiality. Several recent studies have identified some cancer subsets that could benefit from the pharmacological activities of vitamin C. The identification of these potentially responsive patients will help to carefully define controlled clinical trials aiming to evaluate the anticancer activity of Vitamin C.
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Kaweme NM, Zhou S, Changwe GJ, Zhou F. The significant role of redox system in myeloid leukemia: from pathogenesis to therapeutic applications. Biomark Res 2020; 8:63. [PMID: 33292641 PMCID: PMC7661181 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-020-00242-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of a defective antioxidant system can induce cellular damage and disrupt normal physiological functions. Several studies have revealed the unfavorable role of ROS in promoting the growth, proliferation, migration, and survival of leukemia cells. In this review study, we summarize the mechanisms of ROS production and its role in leukemogenesis, counteractive effects of antioxidants, and implicate the current ROS-dependent anticancer therapies in acute myeloid leukemia. BODY: The dysregulation of the redox system is known to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of leukemia. Leukemia cells generate high levels of ROS, which further increases the levels through extra pathways, including mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic mutation, leukemic oncogene activation, increased nicotinamide adenine phosphate hydrogen (NADPH), and cytochrome P450 activities. Aforementioned pathways once activated have shown to promote genomic instability, induce drug resistance to leukemia medical therapy, disease relapse and reduce survival period. The current standard of treatment with chemotherapy employs the pro-oxidant approach to induce apoptosis and promote tumor regression. However, this approach retains several deleterious effects on the subject resulting in degradation of the quality of life. Nevertheless, the addition of an antioxidant as an adjuvant drug to chemotherapy alleviates treatment-related toxicity, increases chemotherapeutic efficacy, and improves survival rates of a patient. CONCLUSION Acute myeloid leukemia remains a daunting challenge to clinicians. The desire to achieve the maximum benefit of chemotherapy but also improve patient outcomes is investigated. ROS generated through several pathways promotes leukemogenesis, drug resistance, and disease relapse. Chemotherapy, the mainstay of treatment, further upregulates ROS levels. Therefore, the addition of an antioxidant to leukemia medical therapy alleviates toxicity and improves patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Mupeta Kaweme
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University, No. 169 Donghu road, 430071, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Shu Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University, No. 169 Donghu road, 430071, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Geoffrey Joseph Changwe
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 44, Wenhua West Road, Jinan, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Fuling Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University, No. 169 Donghu road, 430071, Wuhan, P.R. China.
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24
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Transcriptional and Metabolic Dissection of ATRA-Induced Granulocytic Differentiation in NB4 Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112423. [PMID: 33167477 PMCID: PMC7716236 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a hematological disease characterized by a balanced reciprocal translocation that leads to the synthesis of the oncogenic fusion protein PML-RARα. APL is mainly managed by a differentiation therapy based on the administration of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). However, therapy resistance, differentiation syndrome, and relapses require the development of new low-toxicity therapies based on the induction of blasts differentiation. In keeping with this, we reasoned that a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms pivotal for ATRA-driven differentiation could definitely bolster the identification of new therapeutic strategies in APL patients. We thus performed an in-depth high-throughput transcriptional profile analysis and metabolic characterization of a well-established APL experimental model based on NB4 cells that represent an unevaluable tool to dissect the complex mechanism associated with ATRA-induced granulocytic differentiation. Pathway-reconstruction analysis using genome-wide transcriptional data has allowed us to identify the activation/inhibition of several cancer signaling pathways (e.g., inflammation, immune cell response, DNA repair, and cell proliferation) and master regulators (e.g., transcription factors, epigenetic regulators, and ligand-dependent nuclear receptors). Furthermore, we provide evidence of the regulation of a considerable set of metabolic genes involved in cancer metabolic reprogramming. Consistently, we found that ATRA treatment of NB4 cells drives the activation of aerobic glycolysis pathway and the reduction of OXPHOS-dependent ATP production. Overall, this study represents an important resource in understanding the molecular “portfolio” pivotal for APL differentiation, which can be explored for developing new therapeutic strategies.
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Mendivil-Perez M, Velez-Pardo C, David-Yepes GE, Fox JE, Jimenez-Del-Rio M. TPEN exerts selective anti-leukemic efficacy in ex vivo drug-resistant childhood acute leukemia. Biometals 2020; 34:49-66. [PMID: 33098492 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-020-00262-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite some advances in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic (ALL) and myeloid leukemia (AML) in recent years, there is still a prominent percentage of pediatric patients with a reduced overall prognosis. Therefore, other therapeutic approaches are needed to treat those patients. In the present study, we report that the metal chelator TPEN affected ΔΨm and DNA content in isolated CD34+ refractory cells from bone marrow ALL (n = 7; B-cell, n = 4; T-cell, n = 3) and AML (n = 3) pediatric patients. Furthermore, TPEN induced oxidation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor protein DJ-1, induced up-regulation of BH3-only pro-apoptotic protein PUMA, transcription factor p53 and activated the executor protease CASPASE-3 as apoptosis markers, and reduced the reactivity of the cellular proliferating marker Ki-67 in all acute leukemic groups, and reduced the phosphorylation of c-ABL protein signal in an AML case. Remarkably, bone marrow cells from non-leukemic patients' cells (n = 2) displayed neither loss of ΔΨm nor loss of DNA content when exposed to TPEN. We conclude that TPEN selectively induces apoptosis in acute leukemic cells via reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling mechanism. Understanding the pathways of TPEN-induced cell death may provide insight into more effective therapeutic ROS-inducing anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Mendivil-Perez
- Neuroscience Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Institute, University of Antioquia (UdeA), SIU Medellin, Calle 70 No. 52-21, and Calle 62 # 52-59, Building 1, Room 412, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Carlos Velez-Pardo
- Neuroscience Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Institute, University of Antioquia (UdeA), SIU Medellin, Calle 70 No. 52-21, and Calle 62 # 52-59, Building 1, Room 412, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Gloria E David-Yepes
- Children's Hospital San Vicente Foundation, Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit, Calle 64 # 51 D-154, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Javier E Fox
- Children's Hospital San Vicente Foundation, Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit, Calle 64 # 51 D-154, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Marlene Jimenez-Del-Rio
- Neuroscience Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Research Institute, University of Antioquia (UdeA), SIU Medellin, Calle 70 No. 52-21, and Calle 62 # 52-59, Building 1, Room 412, Medellin, Colombia.
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26
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Firczuk M, Bajor M, Graczyk-Jarzynka A, Fidyt K, Goral A, Zagozdzon R. Harnessing altered oxidative metabolism in cancer by augmented prooxidant therapy. Cancer Lett 2020; 471:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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27
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Banella C, Catalano G, Travaglini S, Divona M, Masciarelli S, Guerrera G, Fazi F, Lo-Coco F, Voso MT, Noguera NI. PML/RARa Interferes with NRF2 Transcriptional Activity Increasing the Sensitivity to Ascorbate of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010095. [PMID: 31905996 PMCID: PMC7016898 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
NRF2 (NF-E2 p45-related factor 2) orchestrates cellular adaptive responses to stress. Its quantity and subcellular location is controlled through a complex network and its activity increases during redox perturbation, inflammation, growth factor stimulation, and energy fluxes. Even before all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment era it was a common experience that acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells are highly sensitive to first line chemotherapy. Since we demonstrated how high doses of ascorbate (ASC) preferentially kill leukemic blast cells from APL patients, we aimed to define the underlying mechanism and found that promyelocytic leukemia/retinoic acid receptor α (PML/RARa) inhibits NRF2 function, impedes its transfer to the nucleus and enhances its degradation in the cytoplasm. Such loss of NRF2 function alters cell metabolism, demarcating APL tissue from both normal promyelocytes and other acute myeloide leukemia (AML) blast cells. Resistance to ATRA/arsenic trioxide (ATO) treatment is rare but grave and the metabolically-oriented treatment with high doses of ASC, which is highly effective on APL cells and harmless on normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), could be of use in preventing clonal evolution and in rescuing APL-resistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Banella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (F.L.-C.); (M.T.V.)
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Catalano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (F.L.-C.); (M.T.V.)
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (F.L.-C.); (M.T.V.)
| | | | - Silvia Masciarelli
- Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, I.R.C.C.S., 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gisella Guerrera
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Fondazione Santa Lucia I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Lo-Coco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (F.L.-C.); (M.T.V.)
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (F.L.-C.); (M.T.V.)
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Nelida Ines Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (F.L.-C.); (M.T.V.)
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.), 00143 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-065-0170-3214; Fax: +39-065-0170-3318
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Noguera NI, Catalano G, Banella C, Divona M, Faraoni I, Ottone T, Arcese W, Voso MT. Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: Update on the Mechanisms of Leukemogenesis, Resistance and on Innovative Treatment Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101591. [PMID: 31635329 PMCID: PMC6826966 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review highlights new findings that have deepened our understanding of the mechanisms of leukemogenesis, therapy and resistance in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor α (PML-RARa) sets the cellular landscape of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) by repressing the transcription of RARa target genes and disrupting PML-NBs. The RAR receptors control the homeostasis of tissue growth, modeling and regeneration, and PML-NBs are involved in self-renewal of normal and cancer stem cells, DNA damage response, senescence and stress response. The additional somatic mutations in APL mainly involve FLT3, WT1, NRAS, KRAS, ARID1B and ARID1A genes. The treatment outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed APL improved dramatically since the advent of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). ATRA activates the transcription of blocked genes and degrades PML-RARα, while ATO degrades PML-RARa by promoting apoptosis and has a pro-oxidant effect. The resistance to ATRA and ATO may derive from the mutations in the RARa ligand binding domain (LBD) and in the PML-B2 domain of PML-RARa, but such mutations cannot explain the majority of resistances experienced in the clinic, globally accounting for 5-10% of cases. Several studies are ongoing to unravel clonal evolution and resistance, suggesting the therapeutic potential of new retinoid molecules and combinatorial treatments of ATRA or ATO with different drugs acting through alternative mechanisms of action, which may lead to synergistic effects on growth control or the induction of apoptosis in APL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- N I Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - G Catalano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - C Banella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - M Divona
- Policlinico Tor vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - I Faraoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - T Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - W Arcese
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - M T Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00143 Rome, Italy.
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Barbosa K, Li S, Adams PD, Deshpande AJ. The role of TP53 in acute myeloid leukemia: Challenges and opportunities. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2019; 58:875-888. [DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karina Barbosa
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute La Jolla California
| | - Sha Li
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute La Jolla California
| | - Peter D. Adams
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute La Jolla California
| | - Aniruddha J. Deshpande
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute La Jolla California
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30
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Yoshinari GH, Fassoni AC, Mello LF, Rego EM. Modeling dynamics and alternative treatment strategies in acute promyelocytic leukemia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221011. [PMID: 31415632 PMCID: PMC6695187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) is a rare and potentially lethal condition in which risk-based therapy often leads to better outcomes. Because of its rarity and relatively high overall survival rate, prospective randomized trials to investigate alternative APL treatment schedules are challenging. Mathematical models may provide useful information in this regard. We collected clinical data from 38 patients treated for APL under the International Consortium on Acute Leukemia (ICAL) protocol and laboratory data during induction therapy. We propose a mathematical model that represents the dynamics of leukocytes in peripheral blood and the effect of ICAL treatment on the disease’s dynamics. We observe that our cohort presents demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes similar to previous clinical trials on APL. Over a follow-up period of 41.8 months, the relapse-free survival and overall survival at two years are both found to be 78.7%. For two selected patients, the model produces a good fit to the clinical data. Information such as the response to treatment and risk of relapse can be derived from the model, and this may assist in clinical practice and the design of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerson Hiroshi Yoshinari
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail: (GHY); (EMR)
| | - Artur César Fassoni
- Instituto de Matemática e Computação, Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Itajubá, MG, Brazil
| | - Luis Fernando Mello
- Instituto de Matemática e Computação, Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Itajubá, MG, Brazil
| | - Eduardo M. Rego
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Center for Cell Based Therapy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Divisão de Hematologia, LIM31, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail: (GHY); (EMR)
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31
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El Eit R, Itani AR, Nassar F, Rasbieh N, Jabbour M, Santina A, Zaatari G, Mahon FX, Bazarbachi A, Nasr R. Antitumor efficacy of arsenic/interferon in preclinical models of chronic myeloid leukemia resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Cancer 2019; 125:2818-2828. [PMID: 31034603 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the standard treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Despite their clinical success, TKIs are faced with challenges such as treatment resistance, which may be driven by kinase domain mutations, and frequent disease relapse upon the cessation of treatment. The combination of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and interferon-α (IFN) was previously demonstrated to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in CML cell lines, prolong the survival of primary wild-type CML mice, and dramatically decrease the activity of leukemia-initiating cells (LICs). METHODS The ATO/IFN combination was tested in vitro on imatinib (IMN)-resistant K562-R and Ar230-R cells. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assays were used to evaluate proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. The acridine orange assay was used to assess autophagy, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the involvement of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway. In vivo, a retroviral transduction/transplantation T315I BCR-ABL CML mouse model was used to assay the effect of the treatment on survival, tumor burden (histopathology and blood counts), and LIC activity (secondary transplantation). RESULTS In vitro, ATO/IFN synergized to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of IMN-resistant cells with variant modes of resistance. Furthermore, the preclinical effects of ATO/IFN were associated with induction of autophagy along with inhibition of the Hh pathway. Most remarkably, ATO/IFN significantly prolonged the survival of primary T315I-CML mice and displayed a dramatic impairment of disease engraftment in secondary mice, which reflected decreased LIC activity. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the ATO/IFN strategy has been demonstrated to have the potential to lead to durable remissions in TKI-resistant CML preclinical models and to overcome various TKI-specific mechanisms of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab El Eit
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abdul Rahman Itani
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Nassar
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nagham Rasbieh
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mark Jabbour
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ahmad Santina
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghazi Zaatari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - François-Xavier Mahon
- French National Institute of Health and Medical Research Unit 876, Laboratory of Hematology and Department of Blood Diseases, University Hospital Center of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Segalen University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ali Bazarbachi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rihab Nasr
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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32
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Mugoni V, Panella R, Cheloni G, Chen M, Pozdnyakova O, Stroopinsky D, Guarnerio J, Monteleone E, Lee JD, Mendez L, Menon AV, Aster JC, Lane AA, Stone RM, Galinsky I, Zamora JC, Lo-Coco F, Bhasin MK, Avigan D, Longo L, Clohessy JG, Pandolfi PP. Vulnerabilities in mIDH2 AML confer sensitivity to APL-like targeted combination therapy. Cell Res 2019; 29:446-459. [PMID: 31024166 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-019-0162-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although targeted therapies have proven effective and even curative in human leukaemia, resistance often ensues. IDH enzymes are mutated in ~20% of human AML, with targeted therapies under clinical evaluation. We here characterize leukaemia evolution from mutant IDH2 (mIDH2)-dependence to independence identifying key targetable vulnerabilities of mIDH2 leukaemia that are retained during evolution and progression from early to late stages. Mechanistically, we find that mIDH2 leukaemia are metastable and vulnerable at two distinct levels. On the one hand, they are characterized by oxidative and genotoxic stress, in spite of increased 1-carbon metabolism and glutathione levels. On the other hand, mIDH2 leukaemia display inhibition of LSD1 and a resulting transcriptional signature of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) sensitization, in spite of a state of suppressed ATRA signalling due to increased levels of PIN1. We further identify GSH/ROS and PIN1/LSD1 as critical nodes for leukaemia maintenance and the combination of ATRA and arsenic trioxide (ATO) as a key therapeutic modality to target these vulnerabilities. Strikingly, we demonstrate that the combination of ATRA and ATO proves to be a powerfully synergistic and effective therapy in a number of mouse and human mIDH1/2 leukemic models. Thus, our findings pave the way towards the treatment of a sizable fraction of human AMLs through targeted APL-like combinatorial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Mugoni
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center; Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Riccardo Panella
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center; Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giulia Cheloni
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center; Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ming Chen
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center; Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olga Pozdnyakova
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dina Stroopinsky
- Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jlenia Guarnerio
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center; Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emanuele Monteleone
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center; Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Molecular Biotechnology Center and Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Jonathan David Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center; Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lourdes Mendez
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center; Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Archita Venugopal Menon
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center; Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jon Christopher Aster
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew A Lane
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard Maury Stone
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ilene Galinsky
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - José Cervera Zamora
- Biobanco La Fe - Instituto de Investigation Sanitaria La Fe (IIS-LA FE), Avda. de Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francesco Lo-Coco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Manoj Kumar Bhasin
- Division of IMBIO, Department of Medicine, BIDMC Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Center, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Avigan
- Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Letizia Longo
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center; Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Gerard Clohessy
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center; Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Preclinical Murine Pharmacogenetics Core, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, USA
| | - Pier Paolo Pandolfi
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center; Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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33
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Faraoni I, Giansanti M, Voso MT, Lo-Coco F, Graziani G. Targeting ADP-ribosylation by PARP inhibitors in acute myeloid leukaemia and related disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 167:133-148. [PMID: 31028744 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation, block in myeloid differentiation and recurrent genetic abnormalities. In the search of new effective therapies, identification of synthetic lethal partners of AML genetic alterations might represent a suitable approach to tailor patient treatment. Genetic mutations directly affecting DNA repair genes are not commonly present in AML. Nevertheless, several studies indicate that AML cells show high levels of DNA lesions and genomic instability. Leukaemia-driving oncogenes (e.g., RUNX1-RUNXT1, PML-RARA, TCF3-HLF, IDH1/2, TET2) or treatment with targeted agents directed against aberrant kinases (e.g., JAK1/2 and FLT3 inhibitors) have been associated with reduced DNA repair gene expression/activity that would render leukaemia blasts selectively sensitive to synthetic lethality induced by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). Thus, specific oncogenic chimeric proteins or gene mutations, rare or typically distinctive of certain leukaemia subtypes, may allow tagging cancer cells for destruction by PARPi. In this review, we will discuss the rationale for using PARPi in AML subtypes characterized by a specific genetic background and summarize the preclinical and clinical evidence reported so far on their activity when used as single agents or in combination with classical cytotoxic chemotherapy or with agents targeting AML-associated mutated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Faraoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Manuela Giansanti
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lo-Coco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Unit of Neuro-Oncohematology, Santa Lucia Foundation-I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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34
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Pang Y, Liu Z, Liu S. Identification of Key Potential Targets and Pathway for Arsenic Trioxide by Systemic Bioinformatics Analysis in Pancreatic Cancer. Pathol Oncol Res 2018; 25:681-690. [PMID: 30506130 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-018-0543-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide is an approved chemotheraputic agent for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Recently, numerous studies suggested that arsenic trioxide acts as anti-cancer roles in various human malignancies. However, the molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this study, we explored the critical targets of arsenic trioxide and their interaction network systematically by searching the publicly available published database like DrugBank (DB) and STRING. Seven direct protein targets (DPTs) and 111 DPT-associated genes were identified. The enrichment analysis of arsenic trioxide associated genes/proteins revealed 10 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Among these pathways, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate-3-kinase -Akt (PI3K-Akt) single pathway and pancreatic cancer pathway are highly correlated with arsenic trioxide and have 5 overlapped targets. Then we investigated the gene alternation of selected critical genes in pancreatic cancer studies using cBio portal. These results indicated that arsenic trioxide could act anti-tumor function through PI3K-Akt single pathway and identified critical genes might be therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Pang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Shanrong Liu
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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35
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Chen YJ, Huang CH, Shi YJ, Lee YC, Wang LJ, Chang LS. The suppressive effect of arsenic trioxide on TET2-FOXP3-Lyn-Akt axis-modulated MCL1 expression induces apoptosis in human leukemia cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 358:43-55. [PMID: 30213730 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been reported to inhibit the activity of Ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase (TET). TET modulates FOXP3 expression, while dysregulation of FOXP3 expression promotes the malignant progression of leukemia cells. We examined the role of TET-FOXP3 axis in the cytotoxic effects of ATO on the human acute myeloid leukemia cell line, U937. ATO-induced apoptosis in U937 cells was characterized by activation of caspase-3/-9, mitochondrial depolarization, and MCL1 downregulation. In addition, ATO-treated U937 cells showed ROS-mediated inhibition of TET2 transcription, leading to downregulation of FOXP3 expression and in turn, suppression of FOXP3-mediated activation of Lyn and Akt. Overexpression of FOXP3 or Lyn minimized the suppressive effect of ATO on Akt activation and MCL1 expression. Promoter luciferase activity and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed the crucial role of Akt-mediated CREB phosphorylation in MCL1 transcription. Further, ATO-induced Akt inactivation promoted GSK3β-mediated degradation of MCL1. Transfection of constitutively active Akt expression abrogated ATO-induced MCL1 downregulation. MCL1 overexpression lessened the ATO-induced depolarization of mitochondrial membrane and increased the viability of ATO-treated cells. Thus, our data suggest that ATO induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in U937 cells through its suppressive effect on TET2-FOXP3-Lyn-Akt axis-modulated MCL1 transcription and protein stabilization. Our findings also indicate that the same pathway underlies ATO-induced death in human leukemia HL-60 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jung Chen
- Department of Fragrance and Cosmetic Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hui Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jun Shi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chin Lee
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Jun Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Long-Sen Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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36
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Cimmino L, Neel BG, Aifantis I. Vitamin C in Stem Cell Reprogramming and Cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2018; 28:698-708. [PMID: 29724526 PMCID: PMC6102081 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin C is an essential dietary requirement for humans. In addition to its known role as an antioxidant, vitamin C is a cofactor for Fe2+- and α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (Fe2+/α-KGDDs) which comprise a large number of diverse enzymes, including collagen prolyl hydroxylases and epigenetic regulators of histone and DNA methylation. Vitamin C can modulate embryonic stem cell (ESC) function, enhance reprogramming of fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and hinder the aberrant self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) through its ability to enhance the activity of either Jumonji C (JmjC) domain-containing histone demethylases or ten-eleven translocation (TET) DNA hydroxylases. Given that epigenetic dysregulation is a known driver of malignancy, vitamin C may play a novel role as an epigenetic anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Cimmino
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center and Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Stem Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,To Whom Correspondence Should Be Addressed: Luisa Cimmino, Ph.D. or Iannis Aifantis, Ph.D. Department of Pathology and Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine 521 First Avenue, Smilow 1303 New York, NY 10016 or
| | - Benjamin G. Neel
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center and Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Stem Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Iannis Aifantis
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center and Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Stem Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,To Whom Correspondence Should Be Addressed: Luisa Cimmino, Ph.D. or Iannis Aifantis, Ph.D. Department of Pathology and Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine 521 First Avenue, Smilow 1303 New York, NY 10016 or
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Mesbahi Y, Zekri A, Ghaffari SH, Tabatabaie PS, Ahmadian S, Ghavamzadeh A. Blockade of JAK2/STAT3 intensifies the anti-tumor activity of arsenic trioxide in acute myeloid leukemia cells: Novel synergistic mechanism via the mediation of reactive oxygen species. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 834:65-76. [PMID: 30012499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential mediators of crucial cellular processes including apoptosis, proliferation, survival and cell cycle. Their regulatory role in cancer progression has seen in different human malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML patients suffer from high resistance of the tumors against routine therapeutics including ATO. ATO enhance reactive oxygen species levels and induce apoptosis and suppresses proliferation in AML cells. However, some pathways such as JAK2/STAT3 ease anti-tumor activity of ATO by reducing reactive oxygen species amount and protecting the cell from apoptosis. In the present study, we use ruxolitinib (potent JAK2 inhibitor) to increase the sensitivity of AML cells to ATO treatment. We test, the effect of this combination on metabolic activity, proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, oxidative stress and DNA damage. Our results showed that combination of ATO with ruxolitinib synergistically reduced metabolic activity, proliferation and survival of AML cell lines. This combination induced G1/S cell cycle arrest because of reactive oxygen species elevation and GSH reduction. Besides, enhancement of reactive oxygen species increased apoptosis rate in combination samples. We uncovered that the synergistic anti-tumor effect of ATO and ruxolitinib in AML cells mediates via reactive oxygen species elevation and DNA damage. Overall, our results show that the combinatorial therapy of AML cells is more effective than solo-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashar Mesbahi
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 13145-1384, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zekri
- Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed H Ghaffari
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Shahin Ahmadian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 13145-1384, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ardeshir Ghavamzadeh
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran, Iran
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Mohammadi Kian M, Mohammadi S, Tavallaei M, Chahardouli B, Rostami S, Zahedpanah M, Ghavamzadeh A, Nikbakht M. Inhibitory Effects of Arsenic Trioxide and Thalidomide on Angiogenesis and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Leukemia Cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018; 19:1127-1134. [PMID: 29699374 PMCID: PMC6031772 DOI: 10.22034/apjcp.2018.19.4.1127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a blood disorder characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid progenitors and decrease in the apoptosis rate. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes blood vessel regeneration which might play important roles in development and progression of neoplasia. Our previous studies focused on cytotoxicity and anticancer effects of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and thalidomide (THAL) as an anti-VEGF compound in the AML cell model. ATO also affects regulatory genes involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis. The aim of present study was to examine the effects of ATO and THAL alone and in combination on U937 and KG-1 cells, with attention to mRNA expression for VEGF isoforms. Growth inhibitory effects was assessed by MTT assay and apoptosis induction was determined by Annexin/PI staining. mRNA expression levels were evaluated by real-time PCR. Our data indicated that ATO (1.618μM and 1μM in KG-1 and U937 cell lines respectively), THAL (80μM and 60μM) and their combination inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in our cell lines. mRNA expression of VEGF (A, B) decreased while C and D isoforms did not show any significant changes. Taken together, according to the obtained results, the VEGF autocrine loop could be a target as a therapeutic strategy for cases of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Mohammadi Kian
- Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,
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Glorieux C, Calderon PB. Catalase down-regulation in cancer cells exposed to arsenic trioxide is involved in their increased sensitivity to a pro-oxidant treatment. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:24. [PMID: 29467594 PMCID: PMC5819285 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0524-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pro-oxidant drugs have been proposed for treating certain cancers but the resistance developed by cancer cells to oxidative stress limits its potential use in clinics. To understand the mechanisms underlying resistance to oxidative stress, we found that the chronic exposure to an H2O2-generating system (ascorbate/menadione, Asc/Men) or catalase overexpression (CAT3 cells) increased the resistance of cancer cells to oxidative stress, likely by increasing the antioxidant status of cancer cells. Methods Modulation of catalase expression was performed by either protein overexpression or protein down-regulation using siRNA against catalase and aminotriazole as pharmacological inhibitor. The former approach was done by transfecting cells with a plasmid construct containing human catalase cDNA (CAT3 cells, derived from MCF-7 breast cancer cell line) or by generating resistant cells through chronic exposure to an oxidant injury (Resox cells). Cell survival was monitored by using the MTT reduction assay and further calculation of IC50 values. Protein expression was done by Western blots procedures. The formation of reactive oxygen species was performed by flow cytometry. The transcriptional activity of human catalase promoter was assessed by using transfected cells with a plasmid containing the − 1518/+ 16 promoter domain. Results Using Resox and CAT3 cells (derived from MCF-7 breast cancer cell line) as models for cancer resistance to pro-oxidative treatment, we found that arsenic trioxide (ATO) remarkably sensitized Resox and CAT3 cells to Asc/Men treatment. Since catalase is a key antioxidant enzyme involved in detoxifying Asc/Men (as shown by siRNA-mediated catalase knockdown) that is overexpressed in resistant cells, we hypothesized that ATO might regulate the expression levels of catalase. Consistently, catalase protein level is decreased in Resox cells when incubated with ATO likely by a decreased transcriptional activity of the catalase promoter. Conclusions Our findings support the proposal that ATO should be administered in combination with pro-oxidant drugs to enhance cancer cell death in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Glorieux
- 1Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, MNUT 7309, LDRI, UCL Avenue E. Mounier 73, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.,3Present Address: State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Pedro Buc Calderon
- 1Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, MNUT 7309, LDRI, UCL Avenue E. Mounier 73, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.,2Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, 1100000 Iquique, Chile
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Shi Y, Cao T, Huang H, Lian C, Yang Y, Wang Z, Ma J, Xia J. Arsenic trioxide inhibits cell growth and motility via up-regulation of let-7a in breast cancer cells. Cell Cycle 2017; 16:2396-2403. [PMID: 28980872 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1387699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been reported to exert its anti-cancer activities in human cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of ATO-triggered anti-tumor activity has not been fully elucidated. Recently, multiple studies demonstrated that ATO could regulate miRNAs in human cancers. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether ATO regulated let-7a in breast cancer cells. We found that ATO upregulated let-7a level in breast cancer cells. We also found that up-regulation of let-7a inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis and retarded cell migration and invasion. We also observed that up-regulation of let-7a enhanced cell growth inhibition and invasion suppression induced by ATO treatment. Our findings suggest that ATO suppressed cell growth, stimulated apoptosis, and retarded cell invasion partly via upregulation of let-7a in breast cancer cells. Our study provides a new anti-tumor mechanism of ATO treatment in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shi
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu , Anhui , China
| | - Tong Cao
- b Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Science , Bengbu Medical College , Bengbu , Anhui , China
| | - Hua Huang
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu , Anhui , China
| | - Chaoqun Lian
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu , Anhui , China
| | - Ying Yang
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu , Anhui , China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu , Anhui , China.,c Department of Pathology , Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA.,d The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology , Soochow University , Suzhou , Jiangsu , China
| | - Jia Ma
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu , Anhui , China
| | - Jun Xia
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu , Anhui , China
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Mastrangelo D, Pelosi E, Castelli G, Lo-Coco F, Testa U. Mechanisms of anti-cancer effects of ascorbate: Cytotoxic activity and epigenetic modulation. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2017; 69:57-64. [PMID: 28954710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin C (Vit C or Ascorbate) is essential for many fundamental biochemical processes. Vit C is an essential nutrient with redox functions at normal physiologic concentrations. The main physiologic function of this vitamin is related to its capacity to act as a co-factor for a large family of enzymes, collectively known as Fe and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases. It also modulates epigenetic gene expression through the control of TET enzymes activity. Vit C also has several biological properties allowing to restore the deregulated epigenetic response observed in many tumors. High-dose Vit C has been investigated as a treatment for cancer patients since the 1969. Pharmacologic ascorbate acts as a pro-drug for hydrogen peroxide formation (H2O2) and, through this mechanism, kills cancer cells. To achieve high in vivo concentrations, Ascorbate must be injected by i.v. route. Initial clinical studies of Ascorbate cancer treatment have provided encouraging results, not confirmed in subsequent studies. Recent clinical studies using i.v. injection of high-dose Ascorbate have renewed the interest in the field, showing that significant anti-tumor activity. Pre-clinical studies have led to identify tumors sensitive to Ascorbate that could potentially benefit from this treatment either through an epigenetic modulator effect or through tumor killing by oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Mastrangelo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Polo Scientifico San Miniato, Siena, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lo-Coco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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