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Hill KS, Schuler EE, Ellingson SR, Kolesar JM. Artesunate acts through cytochrome c to inhibit growth of pediatric AML cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22383. [PMID: 38104159 PMCID: PMC10725448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49928-y] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Artesunate is a derivative of artemisinin, an active compound isolated from Artemisia annua which has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and to treat malaria worldwide. Artemisinin derivatives have exhibited anti-cancer activity against both solid tumors and leukemia. The direct target(s) of artesunate are controversial; although, heme-bound proteins in the mitochondria have been implicated. We utilized computational modeling to calculate the predicted binding score of artesunate with heme-bound mitochondrial proteins and identified cytochrome c as potential artesunate target. UV-visible spectroscopy showed changes in the absorbance spectrum, and thus protein structure, when cytochrome c was incubated with artesunate. Artesunate induces apoptosis, disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential, and is antagonized by methazolamide in pediatric AML cells indicating a probable mechanism of action involving cytochrome c. We utilized a multi-disciplinary approach to show that artesunate can interact with and is dependent on cytochrome c release to induce cell death in pediatric AML cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen S Hill
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Erin E Schuler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Sally R Ellingson
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, UK College of Medicine, Cancer Research Informatics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jill M Kolesar
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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Kagan AB, Moses BS, Lapidus R, Mott BT, Rai G, Anders NM, Hoag SW, Rudek MA, Civin CI. ART714 is a best-in-class antileukemic 2-carbon-linked dimeric artemisinin derivative. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2023; 92:39-50. [PMID: 37249624 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-023-04539-2] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE It has become increasingly clear that new multiagent combination regimens are required to improve survival rates in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We recently reported that ART631, a first-in-class 2-carbon-linked artemisinin-derived dimer (2C-ART), was not only efficacious as a component of a novel three-drug combination regimen to treat AML, but, like other synthetic artemisinin derivatives, demonstrated low clinical toxicity. However, we ultimately found ART631 to have suboptimal solubility and stability properties, thus limiting its potential for clinical development. METHODS We assessed 22 additional 2C-ARTs with documented in vivo antimalarial activity for antileukemic efficacy and physicochemical properties. Our strategy involved culling out 2C-ARTs inferior to ART631 with respect to potency, stability, and solubility in vitro, and then validating in vivo pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of one 2C-ART lead compound. RESULTS Of the 22 2C-ARTs, ART714 was found to have the most optimal in vitro solubility, stability, and antileukemic efficacy, both alone and in combination with the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax (VEN) and the kinase inhibitor sorafenib (SOR). ART714 was also highly effective in combination with VEN and the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 inhibitor gilteritinib (GILT) against MOLM14 AML xenografts. CONCLUSION We identified ART714 as our best-in-class antileukemic 2C-ART, based on in vitro potency and pharmacologic properties. We established its in vivo pharmacokinetics and demonstrated its in vitro cooperativity with VEN and SOR and in vivo activities of combinations of ART714, VEN, and GILT. Additional research is indicated to define the optimal niche for the use of ART714 in treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B Kagan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans Street, CRB1 Room 1M52, Baltimore, MD, 21231-1000, USA
| | - Blake S Moses
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, School of Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, BRB14-021, 655 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Keros Therapeutics, Inc., Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Rena Lapidus
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bryan T Mott
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ganesha Rai
- Department of Pre-clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicole M Anders
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans Street, CRB1 Room 1M52, Baltimore, MD, 21231-1000, USA
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Stephen W Hoag
- School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michelle A Rudek
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans Street, CRB1 Room 1M52, Baltimore, MD, 21231-1000, USA.
| | - Curt I Civin
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, School of Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, BRB14-021, 655 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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Li J, Zhang W. From iron chelation to overload as a therapeutic strategy to induce ferroptosis in hematologic malignancies. HEMATOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 27:1163-1170. [PMID: 36222350 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2022.2132362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent, non-apoptotic mode of cell death characterized by excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It plays an important role in the occurrence, development and treatment of various cancers, but little is known regarding the role of ferroptosis in hematologic malignancies. This review elaborates the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis and the treatment opportunities for targeting ferroptosis in hematologic malignancies. METHODS A systematic literature review through PubMed was conducted to summarize the published evidence on the therapeutic potential of targeting ferroptosis in hematological malignant tumors. Literature sources published in English were searched, using the terms ferroptosis, leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. RESULTS More and more small molecules have been found to induce ferroptosis in hematologic malignancies through targeted iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation, and some ferroptosis inducers have been proved to have synergistic effect with other chemotherapeutic drugs. CONCLUSION This paper discusses the significance of ferroptosis in hematologic malignancies and provides a new way for the treatment of hematologic malignancies, and more experimental studies should be conducted in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Li
- Department of Hematology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Targeting Inhibition of Accumulation and Function of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells by Artemisinin via PI3K/AKT, mTOR, and MAPK Pathways Enhances Anti-PD-L1 Immunotherapy in Melanoma and Liver Tumors. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:2253436. [PMID: 35785030 PMCID: PMC9247850 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2253436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the remarkable success and efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy such as anti-PD-L1 antibody in treating cancers, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that lead to the formation of the protumor immunosuppressive microenvironment are one of the major contributors to ICB resistance. Therefore, inhibition of MDSC accumulation and function is critical for further enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-L1 antibody in a majority of cancer patients. Artemisinin (ART), the most effective antimalarial drug with tumoricidal and immunoregulatory activities, is a potential option for cancer treatment. Although ART is reported to reduce MDSC levels in 4T1 breast tumor model and improve the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-L1 antibody in T cell lymphoma-bearing mice, how ART influences MDSC accumulation, function, and molecular pathways as well as MDSC-mediated anti-PD-L1 resistance in melanoma or liver tumors remains unknown. Here, we reported that ART blocks the accumulation and function of MDSCs by polarizing M2-like tumor-promoting phenotype towards M1-like antitumor one. This switch is regulated via PI3K/AKT, mTOR, and MAPK signaling pathways. Targeting MDSCs by ART could significantly reduce tumor growth in various mouse models. More importantly, the ART therapy remarkably enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy in tumor-bearing mice through promoting antitumor T cell infiltration and proliferation. These findings indicate that ART controls the functional polarization of MDSCs and targeting MDSCs by ART provides a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance anti-PD-L1 cancer immunotherapy.
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Kagan AB, Moses BS, Mott BT, Rai G, Anders NM, Rudek MA, Civin CI. A Novel 2-Carbon-Linked Dimeric Artemisinin With Potent Antileukemic Activity and Favorable Pharmacology. Front Oncol 2022; 11:790037. [PMID: 35127495 PMCID: PMC8811960 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.790037] [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: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a devastating disease, with low cure rates despite intensive standard chemotherapy regimens. In the past decade, targeted antileukemic drugs have emerged from research efforts. Nevertheless, targeted therapies are often effective for only a subset of patients whose leukemias harbor a distinct mutational or gene expression profile and provide only transient antileukemic responses as monotherapies. We previously presented single agent and combination preclinical data for a novel 3-carbon-linked artemisinin-derived dimer (3C-ART), diphenylphosphate analog 838 (ART838), that indicates a promising approach to treat AML, given its demonstrated synergy with targeted antileukemic drugs and large therapeutic window. We now report new data from our initial evaluation of a structurally distinct class of 2-carbon-linked dimeric artemisinin-derived analogs (2C-ARTs) with prior documented in vivo antimalarial activity. These 2C-ARTs have antileukemic activity at low (nM) concentrations, have similar cooperativity with other antineoplastic drugs and comparable physicochemical properties to ART838, and provide a viable path to clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B. Kagan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Blake S. Moses
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Bryan T. Mott
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Ganesha Rai
- Department of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Nicole M. Anders
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michelle A. Rudek
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Curt I. Civin
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Targeting Reactive Oxygen Species Capacity of Tumor Cells with Repurposed Drug as an Anticancer Therapy. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:8532940. [PMID: 34539975 PMCID: PMC8443364 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8532940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are associated with cancer initiation, growth, and response to therapies. As concentrations increase, ROS influence cancer development in a paradoxical way, either triggering tumorigenesis and supporting the proliferation of cancer cells at moderate levels of ROS or causing cancer cell death at high levels of ROS. Thus, ROS can be considered an attractive target for therapy of cancer and two apparently contradictory but virtually complementary therapeutic strategies for the regulation of ROS to treat cancer. Despite tremendous resources being invested in prevention and treatment for cancer, cancer remains a leading cause of human deaths and brings a heavy burden to humans worldwide. Chemotherapy remains the key treatment for cancer therapy, but it produces harmful side effects. Meanwhile, the process of de novo development of new anticancer drugs generally needs increasing cost, long development cycle, and high risk of failure. The use of ROS-based repurposed drugs may be one of the promising ways to overcome current cancer treatment challenges. In this review, we briefly introduce the source and regulation of ROS and then focus on the status of repurposed drugs based on ROS regulation for cancer therapy and propose the challenges and direction of ROS-mediated cancer treatment.
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Antileukemic efficacy of a potent artemisinin combined with sorafenib and venetoclax. Blood Adv 2021; 5:711-724. [PMID: 33560385 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinins are active against human leukemia cell lines and have low clinical toxicity in worldwide use as antimalarials. Because multiagent combination regimens are necessary to cure fully evolved leukemias, we sought to leverage our previous finding that artemisinin analogs synergize with kinase inhibitors, including sorafenib (SOR), by identifying additional synergistic antileukemic drugs with low toxicity. Screening of a targeted antineoplastic drug library revealed that B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitors synergize with artemisinins, and validation assays confirmed that the selective BCL2 inhibitor, venetoclax (VEN), synergized with artemisinin analogs to inhibit growth and induce apoptotic cell death of multiple acute leukemia cell lines in vitro. An oral 3-drug "SAV" regimen (SOR plus the potent artemisinin-derived trioxane diphenylphosphate 838 dimeric analog [ART838] plus VEN) killed leukemia cell lines and primary cells in vitro. Leukemia cells cultured in ART838 had decreased induced myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein (MCL1) levels and increased levels of DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3; GADD153) messenger RNA and its encoded CCATT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), a key component of the integrated stress response. Thus, synergy of the SAV combination may involve combined targeting of MCL1 and BCL2 via discrete, tolerable mechanisms, and cellular levels of MCL1 and DDIT3/CHOP may serve as biomarkers for action of artemisinins and SAV. Finally, SAV treatment was tolerable and resulted in deep responses with extended survival in 2 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line xenograft models, both harboring a mixed lineage leukemia gene rearrangement and an FMS-like receptor tyrosine kinase-3 internal tandem duplication, and inhibited growth in 2 AML primagraft models.
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Ellis T, Eze E, Raimi-Abraham BT. Malaria and Cancer: a critical review on the established associations and new perspectives. Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:33. [PMID: 33985540 PMCID: PMC8117320 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-021-00370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cancer and malaria both have high incidence rates and are leading causes of mortality worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries with reduced access to the quality healthcare. The objective of this critical review was to summarize key associations and new perspectives between the two diseases as is reported in existing literature. Methods A critical review of research articles published between 1st January 2000 – 1st July 2020 which yielded 1753 articles. These articles were screened based on a precise inclusion criteria. Eighty-nine eligible articles were identified and further evaluated. Results Many articles reported anti-cancer activities of anti-malarial medicines, including Artemisinin and its derivatives. Other articles investigated the use of chemotherapy in areas burdened by malaria, treatment complications that malaria may cause for cancer patients as well as ways to circumvent cancer related drug resistance. Potential novel targets for cancer treatment, were identified namely oncofoetal chondroitin sulphate and haem, as well as the use of circumsporozoite proteins. A number of articles also discussed Burkitt lymphoma or febrile neutropenia. Conclusions Overall, excluding for Burkitt lymphoma, the relationship between cancer and malaria requires further extensive research in order to define association. There great potential promising new novel anti-cancer therapies using anti-malarial drugs. Graphical abstract Created using BioRender![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Ellis
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Guy's Campus, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Elvis Eze
- Malaria no More UK, The Foundry, 17 Oval Way, Vauxhall, London, SE11 5RR, UK
| | - Bahijja Tolulope Raimi-Abraham
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Waterloo Campus, Franklin Wilkins Building, Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK.
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Li Y, Zhou X, Liu J, Yuan X, He Q. Therapeutic Potentials and Mechanisms of Artemisinin and its Derivatives for Tumorigenesis and Metastasis. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:520-535. [PMID: 31958040 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200120100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor recurrence and metastasis are still leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. The influence of traditional treatment strategies against metastatic tumors may still be limited. To search for novel and powerful agents against tumors has become a major research focus. In this study, Artemisinin (ARM), a natural compound isolated from herbs, Artemisia annua L., proceeding from drug repurposing methods, attracts more attention due to its good efficacy and tolerance in antimalarial practices, as well as newly confirmed anticancer activity. METHODS We have searched and reviewed the literatures about ARM and its derivatives (ARMs) for cancer using keywords "artemisinin" until May 2019. RESULTS In preclinical studies, ARMs can induce cell cycle arrest and cell death by apoptosis etc., to inhibit the progression of tumors, and suppress EMT and angiogenesis to inhibit the metastasis of tumors. Notably, the complex relationships of ARMs and autophagy are worth exploring. Inspired by the limitations of its antimalarial applications and the mechanical studies of artemisinin and cancer, people are also committed to develop safer and more potent ARM-based modified compounds (ARMs) or combination therapy, such as artemisinin dimers/ trimers, artemisinin-derived hybrids. Some clinical trials support artemisinins as promising candidates for cancer therapy. CONCLUSION ARMs show potent therapeutic potentials against carcinoma including metastatic tumors. Novel compounds derived from artemisinin and relevant combination therapies are supposed to be promising treatment strategies for tumors, as the important future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiaohong Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Qian He
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
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Lu X, Efferth T. Repurposing of artemisinin-type drugs for the treatment of acute leukemia. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 68:291-312. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Ivanova D, Yaneva Z, R. Bakalova RB, Semkova S, Zhelev Z. The antimalaria drug artemisinin displays strong cytotoxic effect on leukaemia lymphocytes in combination with vitamin C and pro-vitamin K3. BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2019-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the anticancer effect of the anti-parasitic drug artemisinin in combination with two redox modulators: vitamin C and pro-vitamin K3 (C/K3) The experiments were conducted on leukaemia cells Jurkat. Cells were treated with either artemisinin or C/K3 alone and with all three compounds. Cell proliferation and viability were analysed using trypan blue stating and automated cell counting. The results showed that artemisinin (>10 mM) suppressed cell proliferation activity, but did not induce cell death up to 500 mM. The drug demonstrated a clear cytostatic effect at concentrations 250- 500 mM – Jurkat cells did not proliferate, but were alive. The combination C/K3 (200:2, 300:3 mM/mM) applied alone did not affect cell proliferation and viability. Vitamins C/K3 in concentration ratio 500:5 (μM/mM) decreased cell proliferation activity by ~10%. The triple combination artemisinin/C/K3 manifested synergistic anti-proliferative effects at all concentration ratios analysed. This synergistic effect increased with increasing C/K3 concentration. Based on literature data, it was assumed that the anti-proliferative effect of the triple combination was mediated by changes in the redox-homeostasis of cancer cells. The C/K3 redox system likely acted on cancer mitochondria and increased superoxide production and activation of pro-apoptotic signals, specific for cancer cells. On the other hand, artemisinin could generate hydroxyl radicals as a result of activation of Fenton reactions, depleting intracellular reducing equivalents. Both redox mechanisms lead to activation of signal pathways for induction of cancer cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Ivanova
- Department of Pharmacology, Animal Physiology and Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Z. Yaneva
- Department of Pharmacology, Animal Physiology and Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - R. Bakalova R. Bakalova
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS)
| | - S. Semkova
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Zh. Zhelev
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
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Mancuso RI, Foglio MA, Olalla Saad ST. Artemisinin-type drugs for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2020; 87:1-22. [PMID: 33141328 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Qinghaosu, known as artemisinin (ARS), has been for over two millennia, one of the most common herbs prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). ARS was developed as an antimalarial drug and currently belongs to the established standard treatments of malaria as a combination therapy worldwide. In addition to the antimalarial bioactivity of ARS, anticancer activities have been shown both in vitro and in vivo. Like other natural products, ARS acts in a multi-specific manner also against hematological malignancies. The chemical structure of ARS is a sesquiterpene lactone, which contains an endoperoxide bridge essential for activity. The main mechanism of action of ARS and its derivatives (artesunate, dihydroartemisinin, artemether) toward leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma cells comprises oxidative stress response, inhibition of proliferation, induction of various types of cell death as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and signal transducers, as NF-κB, MYC, amongst others. Therefore, new pharmaceutically active compounds, dimers, trimers, and hybrid molecules, could enhance the existing therapeutic alternatives in combating hematologic malignancies. Owing to the high potency and good tolerance without side effects of ARS-type drugs, combination therapies with standard chemotherapies could be applied in the future after further clinical trials in hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R I Mancuso
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas, HEMOCENTRO UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M A Foglio
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S T Olalla Saad
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas, HEMOCENTRO UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Ahmad F, Sarder A, Gour R, Karna SKL, Arora P, Kartha KPR, Pokharel YR. Inhibition of prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) by anhydrodihydroartemisinin (ADHA) through caspase-dependent pathway. EXCLI JOURNAL 2020; 19:613-619. [PMID: 32483407 PMCID: PMC7257247 DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-1331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases characterized by the growth of abnormal cells, which is the second leading cause of death globally. To treat cancer, currently, a number of anticancer drugs belonging to various classes chemically are available. The discovery of artemisinin and its derivatives such as artesunate, arteether, and artemether became a milestone in the cure for malaria. Here, we report the anti-cancer property of anhydrodihydroartemisinin (ADHA) - a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin against prostate cancer cell line PC-3. ADHA was found to be inhibiting growth of PC-3 cells. ADHA was also found to be inhibiting migration of PC-3 cells. At molecular level, ADHA was found to be inhibiting the expression of c-Jun, p-c-Jun, p-Akt and NF-κB and activated caspase 3 and 7. The results show that ADHA like few other artemisinin derivatives hold potential to be used as an anti-cancer agent against prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiz Ahmad
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi-110021, India
| | - Amit Sarder
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi-110021, India
| | - Rajesh Gour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Punjab-160062, India
| | | | - Priya Arora
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi-110021, India
| | - K P Ravindranathan Kartha
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Punjab-160062, India
| | - Yuba Raj Pokharel
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi-110021, India
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Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) and its derivatives are one of the most important classes of antimalarial agents, originally derived from a Chinese medicinal plant called Artemisia annua L. Beyond their outstanding antimalarial and antischistosomal activities, ART and its derivatives also possess both in-vitro and in-vivo activities against various types of cancer. Their anticancer effects range from initiation of apoptotic cell death to inhibition of cancer proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis, and even modulation of the cell signal transduction pathway. This review provides a comprehensive update on ART and its derivatives, their mechanisms of action, and their synergistic effects with other chemicals in targeting leukemia cells. Combined with limited evidence of drug resistance and low toxicity profile, we conclude that ART and its derivatives, including dimers, trimers, and hybrids, might be a potential therapeutic alternative to current chemotherapies in combating leukemia, although more studies are necessary before they can be applied clinically.
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Gao P, Shen S, Li X, Liu D, Meng Y, Liu Y, Zhu Y, Zhang J, Luo P, Gu L. Dihydroartemisinin Inhibits the Proliferation of Leukemia Cells K562 by Suppressing PKM2 and GLUT1 Mediated Aerobic Glycolysis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2020; 14:2091-2100. [PMID: 32546972 PMCID: PMC7261662 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s248872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukemia threatens so many lives around the world. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), as a typical derivative of artemisinin (ART), can efficiently inhibit leukemia, but the controversial mechanisms are still controversial. Many reports showed that tumor cells acquire energy through the glycolysis pathway, pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) plays a crucial role in regulating glycolysis. However, it is unclear whether PKM2 or other key molecules are involved in DHA induced cytotoxicity in leukemia cells. Thus, this paper systematically investigated the anticancer effect and mechanism of DHA on human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells. METHODS In vitro, cytotoxicity was detected with CCK-8. Glucose uptake, lactate production and pyruvate kinase activity were investigated to evaluate the effect of DHA on K562 cells. To elucidate the cellular metabolism alterations induced by DHA, the extracellular acidification rate was assessed using Seahorse XF96 extracellular flux analyzer. Immunofluorescence, real-time PCR, and Western blotting were used to investigate the molecular mechanism. RESULTS We found that DHA prevented cell proliferation in K562 cells through inhibiting aerobic glycolysis. Lactate product and glucose uptake were inhibited after DHA treatment. Results showed that DHA modulates glucose uptake through downregulating glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in both gene and protein levels. The cytotoxicity of DHA on K562 cells was significantly reversed by PKM2 agonist DASA-58. Pyruvate kinase activity was significantly reduced after DHA treatment, decreased expression of PKM2 was confirmed in situ. CONCLUSION The present study implicated that DHA inhibits leukemia cell proliferation by regulating glycolysis and metabolism, which mediated by downregulating PKM2 and GLUT1 expression. Our finding might enrich the artemisinins' antitumor mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuo Shen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou730050, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dandan Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Meng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongping Zhu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junzhe Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Piao Luo
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liwei Gu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100700, People’s Republic of China
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Methanolic Extract from Aerial Parts of Artemisia Annua L. Induces Cytotoxicity and Enhances Vincristine-Induced Anticancer Effect in Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells. Int J Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Res 2019; 13:132-139. [PMID: 31649803 PMCID: PMC6801329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Nowadays, remarkable attention has been drawn towards the effective therapeutic characteristic of natural products targeting cancerous cells. This study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer effect of Artemisia annua extract (AAE), a Chinese herbal medicine alone and in combination with a microtubule binding agent used in ALL treatment, vincristine (VCR), in B-Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) Nalm-6 and Reh cells. Materials and Methods: Cytotoxic activity of AAE and VCR was determined using MTT assay in Nalm-6, and Reh cell lines and synergism was evaluated using the CompuSyn software. Caspase 3 activity and Annexin/PI staining were performed for apoptosis assessment. The expression level of apoptosis-related genes, caspase 3, Bax and Bcl-2 were determined using real time-PCR. One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey multiple comparisons were used for statistical analysis. Results: Our findings revealed that a single administration of AAE exerted an anti-leukemic effect in both ALL-derived cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the growth inhibitory activity of the extract was more potentiated when combined with 0.1 and 1 nM VCR through caspase 3-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, real-time PCR analysis showed that VCR-induced cytotoxicity was augmented by AAE through alteration of Bax, and Bcl-2 mRNA expression. Conclusion: Overall, owing to the nontoxic nature of AAE and its explicit role in enhancing VCR effectiveness, our study provided new insight into the development of a novel combinatorial approach in ALL using natural herbs. The practical implication of the research requires further investigation through clinical trials, opening avenues for forthcoming treatment improvements.
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Hu LJ, Jiang T, Wang FJ, Huang SH, Cheng XM, Jia YQ. [Effects of artesunate combined with bortezomib on apoptosis and autophagy of acute myeloid leukemia cells in vitro and its mechanism]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2019; 40:204-208. [PMID: 30929387 PMCID: PMC7342538 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effects of artesunate combined with bortezomib on the proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy of human acute myeloid leukemia cell lines MV4-11, and its mechanisms. Methods: MTT method was used to determine the anti-proliferation effect of different concentrations of artesunate, bortezomib and their combination on MV4-11 cells. The cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of cleaved-Caspase-3, Bcl-2 family protein (Bcl-2, Mcl-1, Bim, Bax) and autophagy-related protein LC3B were assayed by Western blot. Results: Artesunate displayed a proliferation inhibition effect on MV4-11 with dose- and time-dependent manner, the IC(50) of artesunate on MV4-11 after 48 hours was 1.44 μg/ml. Bortezomib displayed a proliferation inhibition effect on MV4-11 with dose-dependent manner, the IC(50) of bortezomib on MV4-11 after 48 hours was 8.97 nmol/L. The combination of artesunate (0.75, 1.0 μg/ml) and Bortezomib (6, 8 nmol/L) showed higher inhibition on MV4-11 than artesunate or bortezomib alone in the same concentration gradient after 48 hours (P<0.05) . The cooperation index of the two drugs were all less than 1. The 48 h apoptotic rate of artesunate (1.5 μg/ml) on MV4-11 was (15.27±2.18) %, (19.85±3.23) % of bortezomib (8 nmol/L) , (81.67±5.96) % of combination of the two drugs, significantly higher than the single group (P<0.05) . When combination of the two drugs on MV4-11 after 24 hours, the levels of pro-apoptotic protein Bim and the cleaved activation of Caspase-3 and autophagy-related protein LC3B were up-regulated and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 expressions was down-regulated. Conclusion: Combination of artesunate with bortezomib shows a significant synergistic effects on proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy of MV4-11 cell lines, which may be associated with Bcl-2 family proteins expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Hu
- Department of Hematology, Hematology Laboratory, Western China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - T Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The People's Hospital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - F J Wang
- Department of Hematology, Hematology Laboratory, Western China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - S H Huang
- Department of Hematology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin 644000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - X M Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Y Q Jia
- Department of Hematology, Hematology Laboratory, Western China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Prevention of carcinogenesis and metastasis by Artemisinin-type drugs. Cancer Lett 2018; 429:11-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Zhang Y, Xu G, Zhang S, Wang D, Saravana Prabha P, Zuo Z. Antitumor Research on Artemisinin and Its Bioactive Derivatives. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2018; 8:303-319. [PMID: 29633188 PMCID: PMC6102173 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-018-0162-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of human death which seriously threatens human life. The antimalarial drug artemisinin and its derivatives have been discovered with considerable anticancer properties. Simultaneously, a variety of target-selective artemisinin-related compounds with high efficiency have been discovered. Many researches indicated that artemisinin-related compounds have cytotoxic effects against a variety of cancer cells through pleiotropic effects, including inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells, promoting apoptosis, inducing cell cycle arrest, disrupting cancer invasion and metastasis, preventing angiogenesis, mediating the tumor-related signaling pathways, and regulating tumor microenvironment. More importantly, artemisinins demonstrated minor side effects to normal cells and manifested the ability to overcome multidrug-resistance which is widely observed in cancer patients. Therefore, we concentrated on the new advances and development of artemisinin and its derivatives as potential antitumor agents in recent 5 years. It is our hope that this review could be helpful for further exploration of novel artemisinin-related antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guowei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuqun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - P Saravana Prabha
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Zhili Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
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Våtsveen TK, Myhre MR, Steen CB, Wälchli S, Lingjærde OC, Bai B, Dillard P, Theodossiou TA, Holien T, Sundan A, Inderberg EM, Smeland EB, Myklebust JH, Oksvold MP. Artesunate shows potent anti-tumor activity in B-cell lymphoma. J Hematol Oncol 2018; 11:23. [PMID: 29458389 PMCID: PMC5819282 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-018-0561-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although chemo-immunotherapy has led to an improved overall survival for most B-cell lymphoma types, relapsed and refractory disease remains a challenge. The malaria drug artesunate has previously been identified as a growth suppressor in some cancer types and was tested as a new treatment option in B-cell lymphoma. METHODS We included artesunate in a cancer sensitivity drug screen in B lymphoma cell lines. The preclinical properties of artesunate was tested as single agent in vitro in 18 B-cell lymphoma cell lines representing different histologies and in vivo in an aggressive B-cell lymphoma xenograft model, using NSG mice. Artesunate-treated B lymphoma cell lines were analyzed by functional assays, gene expression profiling, and protein expression to identify the mechanism of action. RESULTS Drug screening identified artesunate as a highly potent anti-lymphoma drug. Artesunate induced potent growth suppression in most B lymphoma cells with an IC50 comparable to concentrations measured in serum from artesunate-treated malaria patients, while leaving normal B-cells unaffected. Artesunate markedly inhibited highly aggressive tumor growth in a xenograft model. Gene expression analysis identified endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response as the most affected pathways and artesunate-induced expression of the ER stress markers ATF-4 and DDIT3 was specifically upregulated in malignant B-cells, but not in normal B-cells. In addition, artesunate significantly suppressed the overall cell metabolism, affecting both respiration and glycolysis. CONCLUSIONS Artesunate demonstrated potent apoptosis-inducing effects across a broad range of B-cell lymphoma cell lines in vitro, and a prominent anti-lymphoma activity in vivo, suggesting it to be a relevant drug for treatment of B-cell lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Kristin Våtsveen
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Ullernschausseen 70, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Renée Myhre
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Chloé Beate Steen
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Ullernschausseen 70, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sébastien Wälchli
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Ullernschausseen 70, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole Christian Lingjærde
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Baoyan Bai
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Ullernschausseen 70, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pierre Dillard
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Theodossis A. Theodossiou
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Toril Holien
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Hematology, St. Olav’s Hospital HF, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anders Sundan
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Hematology, St. Olav’s Hospital HF, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Else Marit Inderberg
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erlend B. Smeland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Ullernschausseen 70, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - June Helen Myklebust
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Ullernschausseen 70, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten P. Oksvold
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Ullernschausseen 70, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Wong YK, Xu C, Kalesh KA, He Y, Lin Q, Wong WSF, Shen HM, Wang J. Artemisinin as an anticancer drug: Recent advances in target profiling and mechanisms of action. Med Res Rev 2017. [PMID: 28643446 DOI: 10.1002/med.21446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives (collectively termed as artemisinins) are among the most important and effective antimalarial drugs, with proven safety and efficacy in clinical use. Beyond their antimalarial effects, artemisinins have also been shown to possess selective anticancer properties, demonstrating cytotoxic effects against a wide range of cancer types both in vitro and in vivo. These effects appear to be mediated by artemisinin-induced changes in multiple signaling pathways, interfering simultaneously with multiple hallmarks of cancer. Great strides have been taken to characterize these pathways and to reveal their anticancer mechanisms of action of artemisinin. Moreover, encouraging data have also been obtained from a limited number of clinical trials to support their anticancer property. However, there are several key gaps in knowledge that continue to serve as significant barriers to the repurposing of artemisinins as effective anticancer agents. This review focuses on important and emerging aspects of this field, highlighting breakthroughs in unresolved questions as well as novel techniques and approaches that have been taken in recent studies. We discuss the mechanism of artemisinin activation in cancer, novel and significant findings with regards to artemisinin target proteins and pathways, new understandings in artemisinin-induced cell death mechanisms, as well as the practical issues of repurposing artemisinin. We believe these will be important topics in realizing the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives as safe and potent anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chengchao Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karunakaran A Kalesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yingke He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qingsong Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - W S Fred Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han-Ming Shen
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Kumar B, Kalvala A, Chu S, Rosen S, Forman SJ, Marcucci G, Chen CC, Pullarkat V. Antileukemic activity and cellular effects of the antimalarial agent artesunate in acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Res 2017. [PMID: 28646646 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The artimisinins are a class of antimalarial compounds whose antiparasitic activity is mediated by induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, we report that among the artimisinins, artesunate (ARTS), an orally bioavailable compound has the most potent antileukemic activity in AML models and primary patients' blasts. ARTS was most cytotoxic to the FLT3-ITD+ AML MV4-11 and MOLM-13 cells (IC50 values of 1.1 and 0.82μM respectively), inhibited colony formation in primary AML and MDS cells and augmented cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutics. ARTS lowered cellular BCL-2 level via ROS induction and increased the cytotoxicity of the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax (ABT-199). ARTS treatment led to cellular and mitochondrial ROS accumulation, double stranded DNA damage, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and induction of the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic cascade in AML cell lines. The antileukemic activity of ARTS was further confirmed in MV4-11 and FLT3-ITD+ primary AML cell xenografts as well as MLL-AF9 syngeneic murine AML model where ARTS treatment resulted in significant survival prolongation of treated mice compared to control. Our results demonstrate the potent preclinical antileukemic activity of ARTS as well as its potential for a rapid transition to a clinical trial either alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy or BCL-2 inhibitor, for treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijender Kumar
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA; Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Arjun Kalvala
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA; Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Su Chu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA; Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Steven Rosen
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Stephen J Forman
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guido Marcucci
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA; Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Ching-Cheng Chen
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA; Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Vinod Pullarkat
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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The pharmacological activities and mechanisms of artemisinin and its derivatives: a systematic review. Med Chem Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-016-1778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Artemisinin and its derivatives in cancer therapy: status of progress, mechanism of action, and future perspectives. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2017; 79:451-466. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-017-3251-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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