1
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Li S, Sun Y. Phytochemicals targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) for the prevention and treatment of HNSCC: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34439. [PMID: 37800790 PMCID: PMC10553117 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) develops from the mucosal epithelium of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, and is the most common malignancy of the head and neck, the incidence of which continues to rise. The epidermal growth factor receptor is thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of HNSCC. Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor has been identified as an effective target for the treatment of HNSCC. Many phytochemicals have emerged as potential new drugs for the treatment of HNSCC. A systematic search was conducted for research articles published in PubMed, and Medline on relevant aspects. This review provides an overview of the available literature and reports highlighting the in vitro effects of phytochemicals on epidermal growth factor in various HNSCC cell models and in vivo in animal models and emphasizes the importance of epidermal growth factor as a current therapeutic target for HNSCC. Based on our review, we conclude that phytochemicals targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor are potentially effective candidates for the development of new drugs for the treatment of HNSCC. It provides an idea for further development and application of herbal medicines for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaling Li
- The Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Southwest Medical University, Longmatan District, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, China
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2
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Kori M, Arga KY. HPV16 status predicts potential protein biomarkers and therapeutics in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Virology 2023; 582:90-99. [PMID: 37031657 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.03.013] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, especially HPV16, is one of the causative factors for the development of head and neck squamous cell (HNSC) carcinoma. HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSC patients differ significantly in their molecular profiles and clinical features, so they should be evaluated differently depending on their HPV status. Given the tremendous variation in HNSC cancers depending on HPV, our goal in this study was to present biomarkers and treatment options tailored to the patient's HPV status. Gene expression levels of HPV16-positive and -negative patients were used as proxies, and the differential interactome algorithm was employed to identify the differential interacting proteins (DIPs). By assessing the prognostic capabilities and druggabilities of DIPs and their interacting partners (DIP-centered modules), we introduce eight modules as potential biomarkers specialized for either positive or negative phenotype. Finally, raloxifene was repositioned for the first time as a drug candidate for the treatment of HPV16-positive HNSC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medi Kori
- Department of Bioengineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Kazim Yalcin Arga
- Department of Bioengineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey; Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Research and Investigation Center, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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3
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Shi S, Luo H, Ji Y, Ouyang H, Wang Z, Wang X, Hu R, Wang L, Wang Y, Xia J, Cheng B, Bao B, Li X, Liao G, Xu B. Repurposing Dihydroartemisinin to Combat Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Associated with Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:9595201. [PMID: 37273554 PMCID: PMC10239307 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9595201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), with aggressive locoregional invasion, has a high rate of early recurrences and poor prognosis. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), as a derivative of artemisinin, has been found to exert potent antitumor activity. Recent studies reported that DHA suppresses OSCC cell growth and viability through the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial calcium uniporter. However, the mechanism underlying the action of DHA on OSCCs remains elusive. In the study, we observed that 159 genes were remarkably misregulated in primary OSCC tumors associated with DHA-inhibited pathways, supporting that OSCCs are susceptible to DHA treatment. Herein, our study showed that DHA exhibited promising effects to suppress OSCC cell growth and survival, and single-cell colony formation. Interestingly, the combination of DHA and cisplatin (CDDP) significantly reduced the toxicity of CDDP treatment alone on human normal oral cells (NOK). Moreover, DHA remarkably impaired mitochondrial structure and function, and triggered DNA damage and ROS generation, and activation of mitophagy. In addition, DHA induced leakage of cytochrome C and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria, elevated Bax/cleaved-caspase 3 expression levels and compromised Bcl2 protein expression. In the OSCC tumor-xenograft mice model, DHA remarkably suppressed tumor growth and induced apoptosis of OSCCs in vivo. Intriguingly, a selective mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi-1 could significantly reinforce the anticancer activity of DHA treatment. DHA and Mdivi-1 can synergistically suppress OSCC cell proliferation and survival. These data uncover a previously unappreciated contribution of the mitochondria-associated pathway to the antitumor activity of DHA on OSCCs. Our study shed light on a new aspect of a DHA-based therapeutic strategy to combat OSCC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanwei Shi
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Hospital of Stomatology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huigen Luo
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuna Ji
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huiya Ouyang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xinchen Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Renjie Hu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lihong Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Juan Xia
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bin Cheng
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Baicheng Bao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xin Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Guiqing Liao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Hospital of Stomatology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Baoshan Xu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Zhang B, Liu G, Wang X, Hu X. Identification of Molecular Targets and Potential Mechanisms of Yinchen Wuling San Against Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. Front Genet 2022; 13:914646. [PMID: 35873484 PMCID: PMC9306494 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.914646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents one of the most malignant and heterogeneous tumors, and the patients have low 5-year survival. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been demonstrated as an effective complementary and/or alternative therapy for advanced malignancies including HNSCC. It has been noted that several herbs that are used for preparing Yinchen Wuling San (YWLS) have anti-tumor activities, whereas their mechanisms of action remain elusive. In this study, network pharmacology and molecular docking studies were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms of action of YWLS against HNSCC. The 58 active ingredients from six herbs used for YWLS and their 506 potential targets were screened from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction database. A total of 2,173 targets associated with HNSCC were mainly identified from the DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. An active components-targets-disease network was constructed in the Cytoscape. Top 20 hub targets, such as AKT1, EGFR, TNF, ESR1, SRC, HSP90AA1, MAPK3, ERBB2, and CCND1, were identified by a degree in the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene functional enrichment analysis showed that PI3K-AKT, MAPK, Ras, TNF, and EGFR were the main signaling pathways of YWLS in treating HNSCC. There were 48 intersected targets such as EGFR, AKT1, and TNF that were associated with patients’ outcomes by the univariate Cox analysis, and most of them had increased expression in the tumor as compared to normal tissues. The area under curves of receiver operating characteristic indicated their diagnostic potential. Inhibition of these survival-related targets and/or combination with EGFR or AKT inhibitors were promising therapeutic options in HNSCC. The partial active components of YWLS exhibited good binding with the hub targets, and ADME analysis further evaluated the drug-likeness of the active components. These compounds and targets identified in this study might provide novel treatment strategies for HNSCC patients, and the subsequent work is essential to verify the underlying mechanisms of YWLS against HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Genyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Medicine, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Xuelei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China
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5
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Uncovering drug repurposing candidates for head and neck cancers: insights from systematic pharmacogenomics data analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23933. [PMID: 34907286 PMCID: PMC8671460 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03418-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective treatment options for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are currently lacking. We exploited the drug response and genomic data of the 28 HNSCC cell lines, screened with 4,518 compounds, from the PRISM repurposing dataset to uncover repurposing drug candidates for HNSCC. A total of 886 active compounds, comprising of 418 targeted cancer, 404 non-oncology, and 64 chemotherapy compounds were identified for HNSCC. Top classes of mechanism of action amongst targeted cancer compounds included PI3K/AKT/MTOR, EGFR, and HDAC inhibitors. We have shortlisted 36 compounds with enriched killing activities for repurposing in HNSCC. The integrative analysis confirmed that the average expression of EGFR ligands (AREG, EREG, HBEGF, TGFA, and EPGN) is associated with osimertinib sensitivity. Novel putative biomarkers of response including those involved in immune signalling and cell cycle were found to be associated with sensitivity and resistance to MEK inhibitors respectively. We have also developed an RShiny webpage facilitating interactive visualization to fuel further hypothesis generation for drug repurposing in HNSCC. Our study provides a rich reference database of HNSCC drug sensitivity profiles, affording an opportunity to explore potential biomarkers of response in prioritized drug candidates. Our approach could also reveal insights for drug repurposing in other cancers.
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6
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Zheng S, Wu R, Deng Y, Zhang Q. Dihydroartemisinin represses oral squamous cell carcinoma progression through downregulating mitochondrial calcium uniporter. Bioengineered 2021; 13:227-241. [PMID: 34847839 PMCID: PMC8805845 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2012951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) exerts a carcinogenic effect in several cancers. Nevertheless, the roles of MCU in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain elusive. It has been reported that dihydroartemisinin (DHA) may suppress the progression of OSCC but its associated mechanisms have not been investigated. The purpose of our research was to observe the biological function of MCU on OSCC and its regulatory relationship with DHA. MCU, MICU1, MICU2, N-cadherin, TGF-β and vimentin expression was detected in OSCC and peritumoral tissues by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Following DHA treatment, the expression of the aforementioned proteins was detected in CAL-27 cells transfected with shMCU or pcDNA3.1-MCU by Western blot or immunofluorescence. Furthermore, clone formation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), wound healing and transwell assays were presented in CAL-27 cells treated with DHA, shMCU or pcDNA3.1-MCU. Our results showed that the members of MCU complex (MCU, MICU1 and MICU2) were overexpressed in OSCC than peritumoral tissues. Furthermore, TGF-β and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins (N-cadherin and vimentin) exhibited higher expression in OSCC. DHA treatment significantly lowered the expression of MCU in CAL-27 cells. MCU overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of DHA on MICU1, MICU2, N-cadherin, TGF-β and vimentin. MCU knockdown or DHA suppressed proliferation, MMP and migration of CAL-27 cells. DHA treatment could reverse the effects of MCU overexpression. Collectively, our study demonstrated that MCU was an oncogene of OSCC and DHA exerted a suppressive role on proliferation and migration of OSCC cells by suppressing MCU expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Zheng
- Department of Orthodontics and Prosthodontics, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Ran Wu
- Department of Stomatology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Yunlong Deng
- Department of Stomatology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Orthodontics and Prosthodontics, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, China
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Yu R, Jin G, Fujimoto M. Dihydroartemisinin: A Potential Drug for the Treatment of Malignancies and Inflammatory Diseases. Front Oncol 2021; 11:722331. [PMID: 34692496 PMCID: PMC8529146 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.722331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been globally recognized for its efficacy and safety in the clinical treatment of malaria for decades. Recently, it has been found that DHA inhibits malignant tumor growth and regulates immune system function in addition to anti-malaria. In parasites and tumors, DHA causes severe oxidative stress by inducing excessive reactive oxygen species production. DHA also kills tumor cells by inducing programmed cell death, blocking cell cycle and enhancing anti-tumor immunity. In addition, DHA inhibits inflammation by reducing the inflammatory cells infiltration and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and network pharmacology of DHA therapy provide the basis for elucidating the pharmacological effects of DHA. This review provides a summary of the recent research progress of DHA in anti-tumor, inhibition of inflammatory diseases and the relevant pharmacological mechanisms. With further research of DHA, it is likely that DHA will become an alternative therapy in the clinical treatment of malignant tumors and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Yu
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Guihua Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Manabu Fujimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Cutaneous Immunology, Osaka University Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka, Japan
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Cai X, Miao J, Sun R, Wang S, Molina-Vila MA, Chaib I, Rosell R, Cao P. Dihydroartemisinin overcomes the resistance to osimertinib in EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105701. [PMID: 34087353 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is commonly used to treat EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, acquired resistance to mutant EGFR (T790M) can evolve following osimertinib treatment. High reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung cancer cells can influence heme levels and have an impact on osimertinib resistance. Here, we found that heme levels were increased in osimertinib resistant EGFR-mutant NSCLC cell lines and plasma heme levels were also elevated in osimertinib-treated EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients. The antimalarial drug dihydroartemisinin (DHA), which has anticancer effects and requires heme, was tested to determine its potential to revert osimertinib resistance. DHA downregulated the expression of heme oxygenase 1 and inhibited cell proliferation in osimertinib-resistant EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells (PC9-GR4-AZD1), which was further enhanced by addition of 5-aminolevulinic acid, protoporphyrin IX and hemin. DHA was synergistic with osimertinib in inhibiting cell proliferation and colony formation of all osimertinib-resistant cell lines tested. Combination treatment with osimertinib and DHA also increased the levels of ROS, downregulated the phosphorylation or protein levels of several RTKs that often are overexpressed in osimertinib-resistant EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells, and inhibited tumor growth without toxicity in a PC9-GR4-AZD1 xenograft mouse model. The results suggest that DHA is able to reverse the resistance to osimertinib in EGFR-mutant NSCLC by elevating ROS level and impair heme metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Cai
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Jing Miao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Rongwei Sun
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Sainan Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Miguel Angel Molina-Vila
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pangaea Oncology, Quirón-Dexeus University Institute, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Imane Chaib
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institut d´Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona 08916, Spain
| | - Rafael Rosell
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institut d´Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona 08916, Spain.
| | - Peng Cao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Rd, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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Zhao WT, Han LX, Liu L, Zeng BZ, Zhang Y, Zhao LF, Hu HY, Xia JW, Li YZ, Xiang XD, Lin XL, Lu D, Li GF. The Yunnan national medicine Maytenus compound inhibits the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by suppressing the activation of the EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. J Cancer 2021; 12:3325-3334. [PMID: 33976742 PMCID: PMC8100817 DOI: 10.7150/jca.56426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effects of Maytenus compound on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro and in vivo and to explore the underlying mechanism. Methods: The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of Maytenus compound in HepG2 and BEL-7402 cells were determined by the MTS assay. HepG2 and BEL-7402 cells were treated with different concentrations of Maytenus compound. MTS assays, colony formation assays and cell cycle analyses were performed to clarify the inhibitory effect of Maytenus compound on the proliferation of HepG2 and BEL-7402 cells in vitro. After subcutaneous injection of HepG2 cells, nude mice were randomly divided into a vehicle control group and a drug intervention group, which were intragastrically administered ddH2O or Maytenus compound, respectively. The inhibitory effect of Maytenus compound on the proliferation of HepG2 cells in vivo was analyzed using subcutaneous tumor growth curves, tumor weight, the tumor growth inhibition rate and the immunohistochemical detection of BrdU-labeled cells in S phase. The organ toxicity of Maytenus compound was initially evaluated by comparing the weight difference and organ index of the two groups of nude mice. The main proteins in the EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway were detected by Western blot after Maytenus compound intervention in vivo and in vitro. Results: Maytenus compound showed favorable antiproliferation activity against HepG2 and BEL-7402 cells with IC50 values of 79.42±11.71 µg/mL and 78.48±8.87 µg/mL, respectively. MTS assays, colony formation assays and cell cycle analyses showed that Maytenus compound at different concentration gradients within the IC50 concentration range significantly suppressed the proliferation of HepG2 and BEL-7402 cells in vitro and inhibited cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase. Additionally, Maytenus compound, at an oral dose of 2.45 g/kg, dramatically inhibited, without obvious organ toxicity, the proliferation of subcutaneous tumors formed by HepG2 cells in nude mice. In addition, the tumor growth inhibition rate for Maytenus compound was 66.94%. Furthermore, Maytenus compound inhibited the proliferation of liver orthotopic transplantation tumors in nude mice. Western blot analysis showed that Maytenus compound significantly downregulated the expression of p-EGFR, p-PI3K, and p-AKT and upregulated the expression of p-FOXO3a, p27, and p21 in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion: Maytenus compound significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. The downregulation of the EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and subsequent inhibition of cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase is one of the possible mechanisms. Maytenus compound has a high tumor growth inhibition rate and has no obvious organ toxicity, which may make it a potential anti-HCC drug, but the results from this study need to be confirmed by further clinical trials in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tao Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming 650118, China
| | - Liu-Xin Han
- The third people's hospital of Kunming (The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University), Kunming 650041, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Traditional medicine research laboratory, Puer Traditional Ethnomedicine Institute, Puer 665000, China
| | - Bao-Zhen Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming 650118, China
| | - Liu-Fang Zhao
- Department of Head and Neck Cancer, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming 650118, China
| | - Hong-Yan Hu
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming 650118, China
| | - Jia-Wei Xia
- The third people's hospital of Kunming (The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University), Kunming 650041, China
| | - Yi-Ze Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming 650118, China
| | - Xu-Dong Xiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming 650118, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunotherapy Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Research, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Di Lu
- Technology Transfer Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Gao-Feng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming 650118, China
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10
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Cui W, Fang T, Duan Z, Xiang D, Wang Y, Zhang M, Zhai F, Cui X, Yang L. Dihydroartemisinin Sensitizes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma to Cisplatin by Inhibiting Sonic Hedgehog Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:596788. [PMID: 33363149 PMCID: PMC7758349 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.596788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Platinum-based regimens have been routinely used in the clinical treatment of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, administration of these drugs is frequently accompanied by drug resistance. Revealing the underlying mechanisms of the drug resistance and developing agents that enhance the sensitivity to platinum may provide new therapeutic strategies for the patients. In the present study, we found that the poor outcome of ESCC patients receiving platinum-based regimens was associated with co-expression of Shh and Sox2. The sensitivity of ESCC cell lines to cisplatin was related to their activity of Shh signaling. Manipulating of Shh expression markedly changed the sensitivity of ESCC cells to platinum. Continuous treatment with cisplatin resulted in the activation of Shh signaling and enhanced cancer stem cell-like phenotypes in ESCC cells. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a classic antimalarial drug, was identified as a novel inhibitor of Shh pathway. Treatment with DHA attenuated the cisplatin-induced activation of the Shh pathway in ESCC cells and synergized the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on proliferation, sphere and colony formation of ALDH-positive ESCC cells in vitro and growth of ESCC cell-derived xenograft tumors in vivo. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the Shh pathway is an important player in cisplatin-resistant ESCC and DHA acts as a promising therapeutic agent to sensitize ESCC to cisplatin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tingting Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhaoheng Duan
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dongfang Xiang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yanxia Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Mengsi Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fangzheng Zhai
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiang Cui
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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11
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Malami I, Bunza AM, Alhassan AM, Muhammad A, Abubakar IB, Yunusa A, Waziri PM, Etti IC. Dihydroartemisinin as a potential drug candidate for cancer therapy: a structural-based virtual screening for multitarget profiling. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:1347-1362. [PMID: 32964804 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1824811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a rapidly growing non-communicable disease worldwide that is responsible for high mortality rates, which account for 9.6 million death in 2018. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is an active metabolite of artemisinin, an active principle present in the Chinese medicinal plant Artemisia annua used for malaria treatment. Dihydroartemisinin possesses remarkable and selective anticancer properties however the underlying mechanism of the antitumor effects of DHA from the structural point of view is still not yet elucidated. In the present study, we employed molecular docking simulation techniques using Autodock suits to access the binding properties of dihydroartemisinin to multiple protein targets implicated in cancer pathogenesis. Its potential targets with comprehensive pharmacophore were predicted using a PharmMapper database. The co-crystallised structures of the protein were obtained from a Protein Data Bank and prepared for molecular docking simulation. Out of the 24 selected protein targets, DHA has shown about 29% excellent binding to the targets compared to their co-crystallised ligand. Additionally, 75% of the targets identified for dihydroartemisinin binding are protein kinases, and 25% are non-protein kinases. Hydroxyl functional group of dihydroartemisinin contributed to 58.5% of the total hydrogen interactions, while pyran (12.2%), endoperoxide (9.8%), and oxepane (19.5%) contributed to the remaining hydrogen bonding. The present findings have elucidated the possible antitumor properties of dihydroartemisinin through the structural-based virtual studies, which provides a lead to a safe and effective anticancer agent useful for cancer therapy.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Malami
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.,Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training (CAMRET), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Aisha Muktar Bunza
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Alhassan Muhammad Alhassan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Muhammad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Abdulmajeed Yunusa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Peter M Waziri
- Department of Biochemistry, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Imaobong C Etti
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
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12
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Rehmani HS, Issaeva N. EGFR in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: exploring possibilities of novel drug combinations. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:813. [PMID: 32793658 PMCID: PMC7396252 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.04.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hina S Rehmani
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Natalia Issaeva
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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13
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Santarpia M, Aguilar A, Chaib I, Cardona AF, Fancelli S, Laguia F, Bracht JWP, Cao P, Molina-Vila MA, Karachaliou N, Rosell R. Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Signaling Pathways, Metabolism, and PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1475. [PMID: 32516941 PMCID: PMC7352732 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of advanced (metastatic) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is currently mainly based on immunotherapy with antibodies against PD-1 or PD-L1, alone, or in combination with chemotherapy. In locally advanced NSCLC and in early resected stages, immunotherapy is also employed. Tumor PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry is considered the standard practice. Response rate is low, with median progression free survival very short in the vast majority of studies reported. Herein, numerous biological facets of NSCLC are described involving driver genetic lesions, mutations ad fusions, PD-L1 glycosylation, ferroptosis and metabolic rewiring in NSCLC and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Novel concepts, such as immune-transmitters and the effect of neurotransmitters in immune evasion and tumor growth, the nascent relevance of necroptosis and pyroptosis, possible new biomarkers, such as gasdermin D and gasdermin E, the conundrum of K-Ras mutations in LUADs, with the growing recognition of liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and metabolic pathways, including others, are also commented. The review serves to charter diverse treatment solutions, depending on the main altered signaling pathways, in order to have effectual immunotherapy. Tumor PDCD1 gene (encoding PD-1) has been recently described, in equilibrium with tumor PD-L1 (encoded by PDCD1LG1). Such description explains tumor hyper-progression, which has been reported in several studies, and poises the fundamental criterion that IHC PD-L1 expression as a biomarker should be revisited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariacarmela Santarpia
- Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, Medical Oncology Unit, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Andrés Aguilar
- Instituto Oncológico Dr Rosell, Hospital Universitario Quirón-Dexeus, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Imane Chaib
- Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (I.C.); (S.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Andrés Felipe Cardona
- Foundation for Clinical and Applied Cancer Research-FICMAC Translational Oncology, Bogotá 100110, Colombia;
| | - Sara Fancelli
- Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (I.C.); (S.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Fernando Laguia
- Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (I.C.); (S.F.); (F.L.)
| | | | - Peng Cao
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China;
| | - Miguel Angel Molina-Vila
- Pangaea Oncology, Hospital Universitario Quirón-Dexeus, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (J.W.P.B.); (M.A.M.-V.)
| | | | - Rafael Rosell
- Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (I.C.); (S.F.); (F.L.)
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