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Cao PHA, Dominic A, Lujan FE, Senthilkumar S, Bhattacharya PK, Frigo DE, Subramani E. Unlocking ferroptosis in prostate cancer - the road to novel therapies and imaging markers. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:615-637. [PMID: 38627553 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-024-00869-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a distinct form of regulated cell death that is predominantly driven by the build-up of intracellular iron and lipid peroxides. Ferroptosis suppression is widely accepted to contribute to the pathogenesis of several tumours including prostate cancer. Results from some studies reported that prostate cancer cells can be highly susceptible to ferroptosis inducers, providing potential for an interesting new avenue of therapeutic intervention for advanced prostate cancer. In this Perspective, we describe novel molecular underpinnings and metabolic drivers of ferroptosis, analyse the functions and mechanisms of ferroptosis in tumours, and highlight prostate cancer-specific susceptibilities to ferroptosis by connecting ferroptosis pathways to the distinctive metabolic reprogramming of prostate cancer cells. Leveraging these novel mechanistic insights could provide innovative therapeutic opportunities in which ferroptosis induction augments the efficacy of currently available prostate cancer treatment regimens, pending the elimination of major bottlenecks for the clinical translation of these treatment combinations, such as the development of clinical-grade inhibitors of the anti-ferroptotic enzymes as well as non-invasive biomarkers of ferroptosis. These biomarkers could be exploited for diagnostic imaging and treatment decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pham Hong Anh Cao
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abishai Dominic
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fabiola Ester Lujan
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sanjanaa Senthilkumar
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Pratip K Bhattacharya
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel E Frigo
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signalling, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Elavarasan Subramani
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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2
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Szydlak R. Synergistic Inhibition of Pancreatic Cancer Cell Growth and Migration by Gemcitabine and Withaferin A. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1178. [PMID: 39334944 PMCID: PMC11430445 DOI: 10.3390/biom14091178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies due to its aggressive nature and resistance to conventional therapies. This study investigates the anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-migratory effects of Gemcitabine (GC) and Withaferin A (WFA) on pancreatic cancer cell lines PANC-1 and Hs766t. The MTS assay revealed that both compounds effectively inhibit cell proliferation, with WFA showing a stronger effect in Hs766t cells. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that GC and WFA, particularly in combination, significantly induce apoptosis in both cell lines. Migration assays confirmed the potent inhibition of cell migration by both compounds, with the combination treatment being the most effective. Furthermore, actin cytoskeleton analysis indicated substantial changes in cell morphology and stiffness, suggesting that GC and WFA disrupt the structural integrity of cancer cells. Additionally, the study highlights a ROS-mediated mechanism underlying the effects of GC and WFA, as evidenced by increased ROS levels following treatment, which were attenuated by N-acetylcysteine. Importantly, NF-κB activity was significantly modulated, with WFA reducing NF-κB activation induced by GC, potentially contributing to the synergistic pro-apoptotic effect of the combination. These findings suggest that the combination of GC and WFA may offer a synergistic therapeutic approach for treating pancreatic cancer by targeting multiple aspects of tumor cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Szydlak
- Department of Bioinformatics and Telemedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 7, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
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3
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Roy S, Kant S, Das Saha K, Jha T. Chrysin-functionalized gold nanoparticles and paclitaxel exhibit synergistic impact on lung cancer cell lines via regulating the AKT/PPAR-ϒ/β-catenin pathway. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39159138 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2024.2393327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer has become progressively widespread, posing a challenge to traditional chemotherapeutic drugs such as platinum compounds and paclitaxel (PTX) owing to growing resistance. Along with that, the chemotherapeutic drugs infer major side effects. The usage of natural compounds as chemosensitizers to boost the efficacy of these chemotherapeutic drugs and minimizing their toxicity is a plausible approach. In our investigation, we employed PTX as the standard chemotherapeutic agent and utilized chrysin-functionalized gold nanoparticles (CHR-AuNPs) to augment its cytotoxicity. Gold nanoparticles were chosen for their inherent cytotoxic properties and ability to enhance chrysin's bioavailability and solubility. Characterization of CHR-AuNP revealed spherical nanoparticles within the nano-size range (35-70 nm) with a stable negative zeta potential of -22 mV, confirmed by physicochemical analyses including UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis, and visual observation of the wine-red coloration. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay cytotoxicity studies demonstrated CHR-AuNP's superior efficacy compared to CHR alone, with synergistic effects observed in combination with PTX, validated by Compusyn software. Morphological changes indicative of apoptosis were more pronounced with combined treatment, corroborated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) staining and Annexin V assays. Furthermore, the combination treatment amplified reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and destabilized mitochondrial membrane potential, while altering the expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins. Exploring the mechanistic pathways, we found that the drugs upregulated PPAR-γ expression while suppressing Akt and overexpressing PTEN, thereby impeding the Wnt/β-catenin pathway commonly dysregulated in lung cancer. This highlights the potential of low-dose combination therapy with PTX and CHR-AuNP as a promising strategy for addressing lung cancer's challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saheli Roy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Adamas University, Kolkata, India
| | - Shashi Kant
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), Kolkata, India
| | - Krishna Das Saha
- Cancer Biology & Inflammatory Disorder Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), Kolkata, India
| | - Tarun Jha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Natural Science Laboratory, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
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Abeesh P, Guruvayoorappan C. The Therapeutic Effects of Withaferin A against Cancer: Overview and Updates. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:404-418. [PMID: 37076466 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230418094708] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a rapidly rising health problem among the global population, and this burden causes a significant challenge for public health. Current chemotherapeutic agents have different limitations, including drug resistance and severe side effects, and it demands a robust approach to accessing promising anti-cancer therapeutics. The natural compounds have been extensively studied to identify improved therapeutic agents for cancer therapy. Withaferin A (WA) is a steroidal lactone found in Withania somnifera and possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenesis, and anticancer properties. Multiple studies have shown that WA treatment attenuated various cancer hallmarks by inducing apoptosis and reducing angiogenesis and metastasis with reduced side effects. WA is a promising agent for the treatment of various cancer, and it targets various signaling pathways. With recent updates, the current review highlights the therapeutic implications of WA and its molecular targets in different cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prathapan Abeesh
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre, (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Chandrasekaran Guruvayoorappan
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre, (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Xing Z, Su A, Mi L, Zhang Y, He T, Qiu Y, Wei T, Li Z, Zhu J, Wu W. Withaferin A: A Dietary Supplement with Promising Potential as an Anti-Tumor Therapeutic for Cancer Treatment - Pharmacology and Mechanisms. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:2909-2929. [PMID: 37753228 PMCID: PMC10519218 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s422512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, as the leading cause of death worldwide, poses a serious threat to human health, making the development of effective tumor treatments a significant challenge. Natural products continue to serve as crucial resources for drug discovery. Among them, Withaferin A (WA), the most active phytocompound extracted from the renowned dietary supplement Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, exhibits remarkable anti-tumor efficacy. In this manuscript, we aim to comprehensively summarize the pharmacological characteristics of WA as a potential anti-tumor drug candidate, with the objective of contributing to its further development and the discovery of prospective drugs. Through an extensive review of literature from PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, we have gathered substantial evidence showcasing WA's significant anti-tumor effects against a wide range of cancers in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Mechanistically, WA exerts its anti-tumor influence by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Additionally, it inhibits cell proliferation, cancer stem cells, tumor metastasis, and also suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis. Several studies have identified direct target proteins of WA, such as vimentin, Hsp90, annexin II and mFAM72A, while BCR-ABL, Mortalin (mtHsp70), Nrf2, and c-MYB are potential targets of WA. Notwithstanding its remarkable anti-tumor efficacy, there are some limitations associated with WA, including potential toxicity and poor oral bioavailability, which need to be addressed when considering it as an anti-tumor candidate agent. Nevertheless, I given its promising anti-tumor attributes, WA remains an encouraging candidate for future drug development. Unveiling the exact target and comprehensive mechanism of WA's action represents a crucial research direction to pursue in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Xing
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Anping Su
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Mi
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting He
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuxuan Qiu
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Wei
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingqiang Zhu
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenshuang Wu
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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Uram Ł, Wróbel K, Walczak M, Szymaszek Ż, Twardowska M, Wołowiec S. Exploring the Potential of Lapatinib, Fulvestrant, and Paclitaxel Conjugated with Glycidylated PAMAM G4 Dendrimers for Cancer and Parasite Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28:6334. [PMID: 37687164 PMCID: PMC10489794 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176334] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fulvestrant (F), lapatinib (L), and paclitaxel (P) are hydrophobic, anticancer drugs used in the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive breast cancer. In this study, glycidylated PAMAM G4 dendrimers, substituted with F, L, and/or P and targeting tumor cells, were synthesized and characterized, and their antitumor activity against glioma U-118 MG and non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells was tested comparatively with human non-tumorogenic keratinocytes (HaCaT). All cell lines were ER+ and EGFR+. In addition, the described drugs were tested in the context of antinematode therapy on C. elegans. The results show that the water-soluble conjugates of G4P, G4F, G4L, and G4PFL actively entered the tested cells via endocytosis due to the positive zeta potential (between 13.57-40.29 mV) and the nanoparticle diameter of 99-138 nm. The conjugates of G4P and G4PFL at nanomolar concentrations were the most active, and the least active conjugate was G4F. The tested conjugates inhibited the proliferation of HaCaT and A549 cells; in glioma cells, cytotoxicity was associated mainly with cell damage (mitochondria and membrane transport). The toxicity of the conjugates was proportional to the number of drug residues attached, with the exception of G4L; its action was two- and eight-fold stronger against glioma and keratinocytes, respectively, than the equivalent of lapatinib alone. Unfortunately, non-cancer HaCaT cells were the most sensitive to the tested constructs, which forced a change in the approach to the use of ER and EGFR receptors as a goal in cancer therapy. In vivo studies on C. elegans have shown that all compounds, most notably G4PFL, may be potentially useful in anthelmintic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Uram
- Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, 6 Powstańcow Warszawy Ave., 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (Ł.U.); (M.W.); (Ż.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Konrad Wróbel
- Medical College, Rzeszów University, 1a Warzywna Street, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Walczak
- Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, 6 Powstańcow Warszawy Ave., 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (Ł.U.); (M.W.); (Ż.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Żaneta Szymaszek
- Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, 6 Powstańcow Warszawy Ave., 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (Ł.U.); (M.W.); (Ż.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Magdalena Twardowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, 6 Powstańcow Warszawy Ave., 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (Ł.U.); (M.W.); (Ż.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Stanisław Wołowiec
- Medical College, Rzeszów University, 1a Warzywna Street, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland;
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Kumar S, Mathew SO, Aharwal RP, Tulli HS, Mohan CD, Sethi G, Ahn KS, Webber K, Sandhu SS, Bishayee A. Withaferin A: A Pleiotropic Anticancer Agent from the Indian Medicinal Plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:160. [PMID: 37259311 PMCID: PMC9966696 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer represents the second most deadly disease and one of the most important public health concerns worldwide. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immune therapy are the major types of treatment strategies that have been implemented in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, these treatment options suffer from major limitations, such as drug-resistance and adverse effects, which may eventually result in disease recurrence. Many phytochemicals have been investigated for their antitumor efficacy in preclinical models and clinical studies to discover newer therapeutic agents with fewer adverse effects. Withaferin A, a natural bioactive molecule isolated from the Indian medicinal plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, has been reported to impart anticancer activities against various cancer cell lines and preclinical cancer models by modulating the expression and activity of different oncogenic proteins. In this article, we have comprehensively discussed the biosynthesis of withaferin A as well as its antineoplastic activities and mode-of-action in in vitro and in vivo settings. We have also reviewed the effect of withaferin A on the expression of miRNAs, its combinational effect with other cytotoxic agents, withaferin A-based formulations, safety and toxicity profiles, and its clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneel Kumar
- Bio-Design Innovation Centre, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur 482 001, India
| | - Stephen O. Mathew
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | | | - Hardeep Singh Tulli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133 207, India
| | | | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Kwang-Seok Ahn
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Kassidy Webber
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Sardul Singh Sandhu
- Bio-Design Innovation Centre, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur 482 001, India
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
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Ahmed Khalil A, Rauf A, Alhumaydhi FA, Aljohani ASM, Javed MS, Khan MA, Khan IA, El-Esawi MA, Bawazeer S, Bouyahya A, Rebezov M, Shariati MA, Thiruvengadam M. Recent Developments and Anticancer Therapeutics of Paclitaxel: An Update. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:3363-3373. [PMID: 36330627 DOI: 10.2174/1381612829666221102155212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Plants are a source of diverse classes of secondary metabolites with anticancer properties. Paclitaxel (Taxol) is an anticancer drug isolated from various Taxus species and is used as a chemotherapeutic agent against various cancers. The biosynthesis of paclitaxel is a complex pathway, making its total chemical synthesis commercially non-viable; hence, alternative novel sources - like plant cell culture and heterologous expression systems, are being investigated to overcome this issue. Advancements in the field of genetic engineering, microbial fermentation engineering, and recombinant techniques have significantly increased the achievable yields of paclitaxel. Indeed, paclitaxel selectively targets microtubules and causes cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, inducing a cytotoxic effect in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Innovative drug delivery formulations, like the development of albumin-bound nanoparticles, nano-emulsions, nano-suspensions, liposomes, and polymeric micelles, have been applied to enhance the delivery of paclitaxel to tumor cells. This review focuses on the production, biosynthesis, mechanism of action, and anticancer effects of paclitaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anees Ahmed Khalil
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, K.P.K, Pakistan
| | - Fahad A Alhumaydhi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah S M Aljohani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Sameem Javed
- Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | - Imtiaz Ali Khan
- Department of Entomology, University of Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed A El-Esawi
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Sami Bawazeer
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, P.O. Box 42, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 10106 Morocco
| | - Maksim Rebezov
- V.M. Gorbatov Federal Research Center for Food Systems of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Prokhorov General Physics Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Mohammad Ali Shariati
- K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and management (the First Cossack University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, South Korea.,Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai 600077, India
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9
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Kumar S, Mulchandani V, Das Sarma J. Methanolic neem (Azadirachta indica) stem bark extract induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and inhibits the migration of cervical cancer cells in vitro. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:239. [PMID: 36088372 PMCID: PMC9463741 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03718-7] [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: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer remains one of the significant causes of mortality in women due to the limitations of current treatment strategies and their associated side effects. Investigation of alternative medicine, including phytomedicine, has shown effective anti-cancer potential with fewer side effects. Azadirachta indica (commonly known as neem) is known for its medicinal properties. The present study investigated the anti-cancer potential of methanolic neem stem bark extract (MNBE) against cervical cancer using HeLa, SiHa, and ME-180 cell lines. Methods Cytotoxic effect of MNBE on cultured cell lines was evaluated by MTT and clonogenic assay. The growth-inhibiting effect of MNBE was further confirmed by performing cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assay using flow cytometry. The anti-migratory effect of MNBE was evaluated by using wound healing and Boyden chamber assay. Real-time PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression, and western blot and flow cytometry was used to determine the protein levels of growth and migration-related genes. Results MNBE significantly suppressed the growth and survival of cervical cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, the growth inhibitory effect of MNBE was specific to cervical cancer cells than normal cells. Cell cycle arrest was correlated to transcriptional downregulation of cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), cyclin A, and cyclin B. Additionally, MNBE treatment resulted in the upregulation of active caspase-3 protein and downregulation of prosurvival genes, Bcl2, and survivin at mRNA level and NFkB-p65 at the protein level. Furthermore, MNBE inhibited the migration of cervical cancer cells accompanied by modulation of migration-related genes, including zona occludens-1 (ZO-1), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), N-cadherin, snail, and E-cadherin. Conclusion In summary, the present study provides the first evidence of MNBE in restricting cervical cancer cell growth and migration, which warrants further investigation for developing novel anti-cancer drugs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03718-7.
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Nisar S, Masoodi T, Prabhu KS, Kuttikrishnan S, Zarif L, Khatoon S, Ali S, Uddin S, Akil AAS, Singh M, Macha MA, Bhat AA. Natural products as chemo-radiation therapy sensitizers in cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113610. [PMID: 36030591 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease and is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Surgery, chemotherapy (CT), and/or radiation therapy (RT) are the treatment of choice for most advanced tumors. Unfortunately, treatment failure due to intrinsic and acquired resistance to the current CT and RT is a significant challenge associated with poor patient prognosis. There is an urgent need to develop and identify agents that can sensitize tumor cells to chemo-radiation therapy (CRT) with minimal cytotoxicity to the healthy tissues. While many recent studies have identified the underlying molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for CRT failure, using small molecule inhibitors to chemo/radio sensitize tumors is associated with high toxicity and increased morbidity. Natural products have long been used as chemopreventive agents in many cancers. Combining many of these compounds with the standard chemotherapeutic agents or with RT has shown synergistic effects on cancer cell death and overall improvement in patient survival. Based on the available data, there is strong evidence that natural products have a robust therapeutic potential along with CRT and their well-known chemopreventive effects in many solid tumors. This review article reports updated literature on different natural products used as CT or RT sensitizers in many solid tumors. This is the first review discussing CT and RT sensitizers together in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Nisar
- Depertment of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Cancer immunology and genetics, Sidra Medicine, Qatar
| | - Kirti S Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Lubna Zarif
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Summaiya Khatoon
- Depertment of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahid Ali
- International Potato Center (CIP), Shillong, Meghalaya, India
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ammira Al-Shabeeb Akil
- Depertment of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mayank Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu & Kashmir, India.
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Depertment of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
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Jawarneh S, Talib WH. Combination of Ashwagandha Water Extract and Intermittent Fasting as a Therapy to Overcome Cisplatin Resistance in Breast Cancer: An in vitro and in vivo Study. Front Nutr 2022; 9:863619. [PMID: 35859750 PMCID: PMC9290527 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.863619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is considered a universal public health dilemma in women. Due to the high toxicity and low selectivity of conventional anticancer therapies, there is a growing trend of using plant-derived natural products in cancer prevention and therapy. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, WS) has been used in the Mediterranean region and Ayurvedic medicine for millennia as a functional food and a medicinal plant with anticancer activity. Besides, intermittent fasting (IF) has been engaged recently in cancer treatment. Hence, the combination of WS and IF provides possible solutions to treat cancer and reduce chemoresistance when combined with chemotherapy. In this study, WS root (WSR), IF, and cisplatin were tested on cisplatin-sensitive (EMT6/P) and cisplatin-resistant (EMT6/CPR) mouse mammary cell lines. The phytochemical content of the WSR extract was analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects were assessed for WSR extract, cisplatin, and their combination in vitro using [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide] (MTT) and caspase-3 assays. An in vivo study was used to assess the effect of WSR extract, IF, cisplatin, and their combinations in mice inculcated with EMT6/P and EMT6/CPR cells. The safety profile was also investigated using liver enzymes and creatinine assays. In vitro, WSR extract and cisplatin had a synergistic effect in both cell lines. The same combination induced an apoptotic effect higher than the single treatment in both cell lines. In vivo, several combinations of WSR extract, IF, or cisplatin caused significant tumor size reduction and improved the cure rate in mice implanted with EMT6/P and EMT6/CPR cell lines. IF-treated groups showed a significant reduction in serum glucose and an elevation in β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels. In the safety profile, WSR extract, IF, and their combinations were safe. Overall, the combination of WSR extract and IF provides a promising solution for breast cancer treatment besides cisplatin by reducing the proliferation of cancer cells through induction of apoptosis. Moreover, they minimize cisplatin toxicity to the liver and kidney.
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Date T, Kuche K, Chaudhari D, Ghadi R, Sahel DK, Chitkara D, Jain S. Hitting Multiple Cellular Targets in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Using Dual-Action Cisplatin(IV) Prodrugs for Safer Synergistic Chemotherapy. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:2349-2362. [PMID: 35522530 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells show improved sensitivity for cisplatin therapy due to their defective DNA damage repair system. However, the clinical utilization of cisplatin is limited by dose-dependent systemic toxicities and chemoresistance. Cisplatin Pt(IV) derivatives having kinetically inert octahedral geometry provide an effective strategy to overcome these limitations. Upon cellular reduction, these derivatives release cisplatin and axial ligands, acting as dual-action prodrugs. Hereby, we have developed three cisplatin(IV) conjugates using distinct bioactive axial moieties (valproate, tocopherol, and chlorambucil), which can synergistically complement cisplatin activity and attack multiple cellular targets. The designed derivatives showcased enhanced antiproliferative activity and improved therapeutic synergism along with a noteworthy cisplatin dose reduction index in a panel of six cancer cells. These Pt(IV) derivatives remarkably improved cellular drug uptake and showed lower dependency on copper transporter 1 (Ctr1) for uptake than cisplatin. The results of enhanced in vitro activity were well corroborated by in vivo efficacy testing in the 4T1 cell-based TNBC model, showcasing ∼2-7-folds higher tumor volume reduction for Pt(IV) derivatives than cisplatin. In addition, the designed derivatives significantly reduced the nephrotoxicity risk involved in cisplatin therapy, indicated by systemic toxicity biomarkers and organ histopathology. The results indicated that cisplatin(IV) derivatives could open new avenues for safer synergistic chemotherapy in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushar Date
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Sector 67, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Kaushik Kuche
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Sector 67, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Dasharath Chaudhari
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Sector 67, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Rohan Ghadi
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Sector 67, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Sahel
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Vidya Vihar, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Deepak Chitkara
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Vidya Vihar, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sanyog Jain
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Sector 67, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
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Kashyap VK, Peasah-Darkwah G, Dhasmana A, Jaggi M, Yallapu MM, Chauhan SC. Withania somnifera: Progress towards a Pharmaceutical Agent for Immunomodulation and Cancer Therapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030611. [PMID: 35335986 PMCID: PMC8954542 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is one of the prime treatment options for cancer. However, the key issues with traditional chemotherapy are recurrence of cancer, development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, affordability, late-stage detection, serious health consequences, and inaccessibility. Hence, there is an urgent need to find innovative and cost-effective therapies that can target multiple gene products with minimal adverse reactions. Natural phytochemicals originating from plants constitute a significant proportion of the possible therapeutic agents. In this article, we reviewed the advances and the potential of Withania somnifera (WS) as an anticancer and immunomodulatory molecule. Several preclinical studies have shown the potential of WS to prevent or slow the progression of cancer originating from various organs such as the liver, cervix, breast, brain, colon, skin, lung, and prostate. WS extracts act via various pathways and provide optimum effectiveness against drug resistance in cancer. However, stability, bioavailability, and target specificity are major obstacles in combination therapy and have limited their application. The novel nanotechnology approaches enable solubility, stability, absorption, protection from premature degradation in the body, and increased circulation time and invariably results in a high differential uptake efficiency in the phytochemical’s target cells. The present review primarily emphasizes the insights of WS source, chemistry, and the molecular pathways involved in tumor regression, as well as developments achieved in the delivery of WS for cancer therapy using nanotechnology. This review substantiates WS as a potential immunomodulatory, anticancer, and chemopreventive agent and highlights its potential use in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek K. Kashyap
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (V.K.K.); (G.P.-D.); (A.D.); (M.J.)
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Godwin Peasah-Darkwah
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (V.K.K.); (G.P.-D.); (A.D.); (M.J.)
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Anupam Dhasmana
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (V.K.K.); (G.P.-D.); (A.D.); (M.J.)
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Meena Jaggi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (V.K.K.); (G.P.-D.); (A.D.); (M.J.)
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Murali M. Yallapu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (V.K.K.); (G.P.-D.); (A.D.); (M.J.)
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
- Correspondence: (M.M.Y.); (S.C.C.); Tel.: +1-956-296-1734 (M.M.Y.); +1-956-296-5000 (S.C.C.)
| | - Subhash C. Chauhan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (V.K.K.); (G.P.-D.); (A.D.); (M.J.)
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
- Correspondence: (M.M.Y.); (S.C.C.); Tel.: +1-956-296-1734 (M.M.Y.); +1-956-296-5000 (S.C.C.)
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In Silico and In Vitro Screening of Natural Compounds as Broad-Spectrum β-Lactamase Inhibitors against Acinetobacter baumannii New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1). BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:4230788. [PMID: 35372567 PMCID: PMC8966755 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4230788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the significant problems globally; there is an increase in resistance with introducing every new class of antibiotics. Further, this has become one of the reasons for arising of new resistance mechanisms in Acinetobacter baumannii. In this study, we have screened natural compounds as a possible inhibitor against the NDM-1 β-lactamase enzyme from A. baumannii using a combination of in silico methods and in vitro evaluation. The database of natural compounds was screened against NDM-1 protein, using Glide docking, followed by QM-polarised ligand docking (QPLD). When the screened hits were validated in vitro, withaferin A and mangiferin had good IC50 values in reducing the activity of NDM-1 enzymes, and their fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was ascertained in combination with imipenem. The withaferin A and mangiferin-NDM-1 docking complexes were analyzed for structural stability by molecular dynamic simulation analysis using GROMACS for 100 ns. The molecular properties of the natural compounds were then calculated using density functional theory (DFT). Withaferin A and mangiferin showed promising inhibitory activity and can be a natural compound candidate inhibitor synergistically used along with carbapenems against NDM-1 producing A. baumannii.
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Monastirioti A, Papadaki C, Rounis K, Kalapanida D, Mavroudis D, Agelaki S. A Prognostic Role for Circulating microRNAs Involved in Macrophage Polarization in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081988. [PMID: 34440757 PMCID: PMC8391493 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of the crosstalk between tumor cells and immune response. In the present study, miRNAs (let-7c, miR-26a, miR-30d, miR-98, miR-195, miR-202) reported to be involved in the polarization of macrophages were examined for associations with the outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (N = 125) treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. RT-qPCR was used to analyze miRNA expression levels in the plasma of patients prior to treatment. In our results, disease progression was correlated with high miR-202 expression (HR: 2.335; p = 0.040). Additionally, high miR-202 expression was characterized as an independent prognostic factor for shorter progression-free survival (PFS, HR: 1.564; p = 0.021) and overall survival (OS, HR: 1.558; p = 0.024). Moreover, high miR-202 independently predicted shorter OS (HR: 1.989; p = 0.008) in the non-squamous (non-SqCC) subgroup, and high miR-26a was correlated with shorter OS in the squamous (SqCC) subgroup (10.07 vs. 13.53 months, p = 0.033). The results of the present study propose that the expression levels of circulating miRNAs involved in macrophage polarization are correlated with survival measures in NSCLC patients, and their role as potential biomarkers merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Monastirioti
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (A.M.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Chara Papadaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (A.M.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Konstantinos Rounis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Vassilika Vouton, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (K.R.); (D.K.)
| | - Despoina Kalapanida
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Vassilika Vouton, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (K.R.); (D.K.)
| | - Dimitrios Mavroudis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (A.M.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Vassilika Vouton, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (K.R.); (D.K.)
| | - Sofia Agelaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (A.M.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Vassilika Vouton, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (K.R.); (D.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-281-0392438
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16
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Kandimalla R, Aqil F, Alhakeem SS, Jeyabalan J, Tyagi N, Agrawal A, Yan J, Spencer W, Bondada S, Gupta RC. Targeted Oral Delivery of Paclitaxel Using Colostrum-Derived Exosomes. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153700. [PMID: 34359601 PMCID: PMC8345039 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Paclitaxel (PAC) is a widely used antitumor agent in the treatment of various early-stage and advanced cancers, including lung cancer. While efficacious, solvent-based PAC generally is not well tolerated and is associated with severe side effects. To overcome such limitations, naturally occurring nanocarriers such as exosomes are attracting great interest. In this paper, we show that tumor-targeted oral formulation of PAC, using bovine colostrum-derived exosomes, not only enhance therapeutic efficacy against orthotopic lung cancer but also mitigate or eliminate systemic and immunotoxicity of the conventional i.v. dosing. These data will leverage the advantages of bovine colostrum exosomes to advance the exosome-mediated targeted oral delivery of PAC as a therapeutic alternative to current therapies. Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type accounting for 84% of all lung cancers. Paclitaxel (PAC) is a widely used drug in the treatment of a broad spectrum of human cancers, including lung. While efficacious, PAC generally is not well tolerated and its limitations include low aqueous solubility, and significant toxicity. To overcome the dose-related toxicity of solvent-based PAC, we utilized bovine colostrum-derived exosomes as a delivery vehicle for PAC for the treatment of lung cancer. Colostrum provided higher yield of exosomes and could be loaded with higher amount of PAC compared to mature milk. Exosomal formulation of PAC (ExoPAC) showed higher antiproliferative activity and inhibition of colony formation against A549 cells compared with PAC alone, and also showed antiproliferative activity against a drug-resistant variant of A549. To further enhance its efficacy, exosomes were attached with a tumor-targeting ligand, folic acid (FA). FA-ExoPAC given orally showed significant inhibition (>50%) of subcutaneous tumor xenograft while similar doses of PAC showed insignificant inhibition. In the orthotopic lung cancer model, oral dosing of FA-ExoPAC achieved greater efficacy (55% growth inhibition) than traditional i.v. PAC (24–32% growth inhibition) and similar efficacy as i.v. Abraxane (59% growth inhibition). The FA-ExoPAC given i.v. exceeded the therapeutic efficacy of Abraxane (76% growth inhibition). Finally, wild-type animals treated with p.o. ExoPAC did not show gross, systemic or immunotoxicity. Solvent-based PAC caused immunotoxicity which was either reduced or completely mitigated by its exosomal formulations. These studies show that a tumor-targeted oral formulation of PAC (FA-ExoPAC) significantly improved the overall efficacy and safety profile while providing a user-friendly, cost-effective alternative to bolus i.v. PAC and i.v. Abraxane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghuram Kandimalla
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (R.K.); (F.A.); (N.T.); (A.A.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Farrukh Aqil
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (R.K.); (F.A.); (N.T.); (A.A.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Sara S. Alhakeem
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (S.S.A.); (S.B.)
| | | | - Neha Tyagi
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (R.K.); (F.A.); (N.T.); (A.A.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Ashish Agrawal
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (R.K.); (F.A.); (N.T.); (A.A.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (S.S.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Jun Yan
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (R.K.); (F.A.); (N.T.); (A.A.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Wendy Spencer
- 3P Biotechnologies, Inc., Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (J.J.); (W.S.)
| | - Subbarao Bondada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (S.S.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Ramesh C. Gupta
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (R.K.); (F.A.); (N.T.); (A.A.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- 3P Biotechnologies, Inc., Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (J.J.); (W.S.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +502-852-3684; Fax: +502-852-3842
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17
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Nawara HM, Afify SM, Hassan G, Zahra MH, Seno A, Seno M. Paclitaxel-Based Chemotherapy Targeting Cancer Stem Cells from Mono- to Combination Therapy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050500. [PMID: 34063205 PMCID: PMC8147479 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapeutical agent commonly used to treat several kinds of cancer. PTX is known as a microtubule-targeting agent with a primary molecular mechanism that disrupts the dynamics of microtubules and induces mitotic arrest and cell death. Simultaneously, other mechanisms have been evaluated in many studies. Since the anticancer activity of PTX was discovered, it has been used to treat many cancer patients and has become one of the most extensively used anticancer drugs. Regrettably, the resistance of cancer to PTX is considered an extensive obstacle in clinical applications and is one of the major causes of death correlated with treatment failure. Therefore, the combination of PTX with other drugs could lead to efficient therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of PTX, and the current studies focusing on PTX and review promising combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend M. Nawara
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Said M. Afify
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
- Division of Biochemistry, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia 32511, Egypt
| | - Ghmkin Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus 10769, Syria
| | - Maram H. Zahra
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Akimasa Seno
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Masaharu Seno
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-86-251-8216
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18
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Munagala R, Aqil F, Jeyabalan J, Kandimalla R, Wallen M, Tyagi N, Wilcher S, Yan J, Schultz DJ, Spencer W, Gupta RC. Exosome-mediated delivery of RNA and DNA for gene therapy. Cancer Lett 2021; 505:58-72. [PMID: 33610731 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy promises to revolutionize biomedicine and personalized medicine by modulating or compensating the expression of abnormal genes. The biggest obstacle for clinical application is the lack of an effective, non-immunogenic delivery system. We show that bovine colostrum exosomes and polyethyleneimine matrix (EPM) delivers short interfering RNA (siRNA) or plasmid DNA (pDNA) for effective gene therapy. KRAS, a therapeutic focus for many cancers, was targeted by EPM-delivered KRAS siRNA (siKRAS) and inhibited lung tumor growth (>70%) and reduced KRAS expression (50%-80%). Aberrant p53 is another therapeutic focus for many cancers. EPM-mediated introduction of wild-type (WT) p53 pDNA (pcDNA-p53) resulted in p53 expression in p53-null H1299 cells in culture, subcutaneous lung tumor, and tissues of p53-knockout mice. Additionally, chemo-sensitizing effects of paclitaxel were restored by exogenous WT p53 in lung cancer cells. Together, this novel EPM technology represents an effective 'platform' for delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to treat human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farrukh Aqil
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | | | - Raghuram Kandimalla
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | | | - Neha Tyagi
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Sarah Wilcher
- Research Resources Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Jun Yan
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - David J Schultz
- Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Wendy Spencer
- 3P Biotechnologies, Inc., Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Ramesh C Gupta
- 3P Biotechnologies, Inc., Louisville, KY, 40202, USA; James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
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19
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Behl T, Sharma A, Sharma L, Sehgal A, Zengin G, Brata R, Fratila O, Bungau S. Exploring the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Withaferin A and Its Derivatives. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E571. [PMID: 33291236 PMCID: PMC7762146 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Withaferin A (WA), a manifold studied, C28-steroidal lactone withanolide found in Withania somnifera. Given its unique beneficial effects, it has gathered attention in the era of modern science. Cancer, being considered a "hopeless case and the leading cause of death worldwide, and the available conventional therapies have many lacunae in the form of side effects. The poly pharmaceutical natural compound, WA treatment, displayed attenuation of various cancer hallmarks by altering oxidative stress, promoting apoptosis, and autophagy, inhibiting cell proliferation, reducing angiogenesis, and metastasis progression. The cellular proteins associated with antitumor pathways were also discussed. WA structural modifications attack multiple signal transduction pathways and enhance the therapeutic outcomes in various diseases. Moreover, it has shown validated pharmacological effects against multiple neurodegenerative diseases by inhibiting acetylcholesterinases and butyrylcholinesterases enzyme activity, antidiabetic activity by upregulating adiponectin and preventing the phosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARγ), cardioprotective activity by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and suppressing mitochondrial apoptosis. The current review is an extensive survey of various WA associated disease targets, its pharmacokinetics, synergistic combination, modifications, and biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India;
| | - Aditi Sharma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173229, India; (A.S.); (L.S.)
| | - Lalit Sharma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173229, India; (A.S.); (L.S.)
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India;
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Selcuk University Campus, Konya 42250, Turkey;
| | - Roxana Brata
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (R.B.); (O.F.)
| | - Ovidiu Fratila
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (R.B.); (O.F.)
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
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Tackling Chronic Inflammation with Withanolide Phytochemicals-A Withaferin a Perspective. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9111107. [PMID: 33182809 PMCID: PMC7696210 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9111107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory diseases are considered to be one of the biggest threats to human health. Most prescribed pharmaceutical drugs aiming to treat these diseases are characterized by side-effects and negatively affect therapy adherence. Finding alternative treatment strategies to tackle chronic inflammation has therefore been gaining interest over the last few decades. In this context, Withaferin A (WA), a natural bioactive compound isolated from Withania somnifera, has been identified as a promising anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory compound. Although the majority of studies focus on the molecular mechanisms of WA in cancer models, recent evidence demonstrates that WA also holds promise as a new phytotherapeutic agent against chronic inflammatory diseases. By targeting crucial inflammatory pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling, WA suppresses the inflammatory disease state in several in vitro and preclinical in vivo models of diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, cystic fibrosis and osteoarthritis. This review provides a concise overview of the molecular mechanisms by which WA orchestrates its anti-inflammatory effects to restore immune homeostasis.
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