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Shen X, Wang J, Deng B, Zhao Z, Chen S, Kong W, Zhou C, Bae-Jump V. Review of the Potential Role of Ascorbate in the Prevention and Treatment of Gynecological Cancers. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:617. [PMID: 38790722 PMCID: PMC11118910 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Ascorbate (vitamin C) is an essential vitamin for the human body and participates in various physiological processes as an important coenzyme and antioxidant. Furthermore, the role of ascorbate in the prevention and treatment of cancer including gynecological cancer has gained much more interest recently. The bioavailability and certain biological functions of ascorbate are distinct in males versus females due to differences in lean body mass, sex hormones, and lifestyle factors. Despite epidemiological evidence that ascorbate-rich foods and ascorbate plasma concentrations are inversely related to cancer risk, ascorbate has not demonstrated a significant protective effect in patients with gynecological cancers. Adequate ascorbate intake may have the potential to reduce the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and high-risk HPV persistence status. High-dose ascorbate exerts antitumor activity and synergizes with chemotherapeutic agents in preclinical cancer models of gynecological cancer. In this review, we provide evidence for the biological activity of ascorbate in females and discuss the potential role of ascorbate in the prevention and treatment of ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochang Shen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China; (X.S.); (J.W.); (B.D.); (Z.Z.); (S.C.); (W.K.)
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China; (X.S.); (J.W.); (B.D.); (Z.Z.); (S.C.); (W.K.)
| | - Boer Deng
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China; (X.S.); (J.W.); (B.D.); (Z.Z.); (S.C.); (W.K.)
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ziyi Zhao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China; (X.S.); (J.W.); (B.D.); (Z.Z.); (S.C.); (W.K.)
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Shuning Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China; (X.S.); (J.W.); (B.D.); (Z.Z.); (S.C.); (W.K.)
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Weimin Kong
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China; (X.S.); (J.W.); (B.D.); (Z.Z.); (S.C.); (W.K.)
| | - Chunxiao Zhou
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Victoria Bae-Jump
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Ito H, Shoji Y, Matsumoto KI, Fukuhara K, Nakanishi I. Enhanced Inhibition of Cancer Cell Migration by a Planar Catechin Analog. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:310-313. [PMID: 38352823 PMCID: PMC10860178 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00499] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell migration is related to malignancy and patient prognosis. We previously reported that intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) promoted cancer cellular migration and invasion and that an antioxidant enzyme could help to attenuate the malignancy. Catechin is known as an antioxidant, and we have developed a catechin analog, planar catechin, which showed an antioxidant activity significantly stronger than that of the parent (+)-catechin. In this study, we examined the effects of the planar catechin on the migration of gastric normal and cancer cells. A scratched assay showed that the planar catechin suppressed the cellular migration rates in both normal and cancer cells, while the prevention levels in cancer cells were remarkable compared to the normal cells. These results suggest that the planar catechin with the enhanced antioxidant activity effectively scavenged the ROS overexpressed in the cancer cells and inhibited cancer cellular activities, including migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromu Ito
- Quantum
RedOx Chemistry Team, Institute for Quantum Life Science (iQLS), Quantum
Life and Medical Science Directorate (QLMS), National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Shoji
- Quantum
RedOx Chemistry Team, Institute for Quantum Life Science (iQLS), Quantum
Life and Medical Science Directorate (QLMS), National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan
- Quantitative
RedOx Sensing Group, Department of Radiation Regulatory Science Research,
Institute for Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Quantum Life and Medical
Science Directorate (QLMS), National Institutes
for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Ken-ichiro Matsumoto
- Quantitative
RedOx Sensing Group, Department of Radiation Regulatory Science Research,
Institute for Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Quantum Life and Medical
Science Directorate (QLMS), National Institutes
for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Fukuhara
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Showa University School of Pharmacy, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Ikuo Nakanishi
- Quantum
RedOx Chemistry Team, Institute for Quantum Life Science (iQLS), Quantum
Life and Medical Science Directorate (QLMS), National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan
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3
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Wang N, Ali A, Liu Z, Chi H, Lv Z, Zhao X, Zhang Z, Hao H, Zhang Y, Rahman FU. Monofunctional dimetallic Ru(η6-arene) complexes inhibit NOTCH1 signaling pathway and synergistically enhance anticancer effect in combination with cisplatin or vitamin C. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115536. [PMID: 37295260 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115536] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ONS donor ligands L1-L4 were utilized in the preparation of monofunctional dimetallic Ru(η6-arene) complexes (C1-C4). These ONS donor ligand based novel tricoordinated Ru(II) complexes bearing η6-arene co-ligand were prepared for the first time. The current methodology resulted in excellent isolated yields and these complexes were characterized in detail by different spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. The structures of C1-C2 and C4 were characterized in solid state by single crystal X-ray analysis. The in vitro anticancer analyses showed these novel complexes suppressed the growth of breast (MCF-7), liver (HepG2) and lung (A549) cancer cells. C2 suppressed the growth of these cells in dose-dependent manner revealed form the MTT and crystal violet cell viability assays. Moreover, C2 was observed the most potent complex that was used further in detailed mechanistic analyses in cancer cells. C2 showed good cytotoxic activity at 10 μM dose level as compared to cisplatin or oxaliplatin in these cancer cells. We observed morphological changes in cancer cells upon treatment with C2. Moreover, C2 suppressed the invasion and migration ability of cancer cells. C2 induced cellular senescence to retard cell growth and suppressed the formation of cancer stem cells. Importantly, C2 showed synergistic anticancer effect in combination with cisplatin and Vitamin C to further inhibit cell growth which suggested the potential role of C2 in cancer therapy. Mechanistically, C2 inhibited NOTCH1 dependent signaling pathway to suppress cancer cell invasion, migration and cancer stem cells formation. Thus, these data suggested potential role of C2 in cancer therapy by targeting NOTCH1-dependent signaling to suppress tumorigenesis. The results obtained in this study for these novel monofunctional dimetallic Ru(η6-arene) complexes showed their high anticancer potency and this study will pave to further cytotoxicity exploration on this class of complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- Inner Mongolia University Research Center for Glycochemistry of Characteristic Medicinal Resources, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, People's Republic of China
| | - Amjad Ali
- Institute of Integrative Biosciences, CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar, KPK, Pakistan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongwei Liu
- Inner Mongolia University Research Center for Glycochemistry of Characteristic Medicinal Resources, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiqin Chi
- Inner Mongolia University Research Center for Glycochemistry of Characteristic Medicinal Resources, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Lv
- Inner Mongolia University Research Center for Glycochemistry of Characteristic Medicinal Resources, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Zhao
- Inner Mongolia University Research Center for Glycochemistry of Characteristic Medicinal Resources, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeqing Zhang
- Inner Mongolia University Research Center for Glycochemistry of Characteristic Medicinal Resources, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifang Hao
- Inner Mongolia University Research Center for Glycochemistry of Characteristic Medicinal Resources, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, People's Republic of China; School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongmin Zhang
- Inner Mongolia University Research Center for Glycochemistry of Characteristic Medicinal Resources, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, People's Republic of China; Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, UMR 8232, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Faiz-Ur Rahman
- Inner Mongolia University Research Center for Glycochemistry of Characteristic Medicinal Resources, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, People's Republic of China.
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Leischner C, Marongiu L, Piotrowsky A, Niessner H, Venturelli S, Burkard M, Renner O. Relevant Membrane Transport Proteins as Possible Gatekeepers for Effective Pharmacological Ascorbate Treatment in Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040916. [PMID: 37107291 PMCID: PMC10135768 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing number of newly diagnosed malignancies worldwide, therapeutic options for some tumor diseases are unfortunately still limited. Interestingly, preclinical but also some clinical data suggest that the administration of pharmacological ascorbate seems to respond well, especially in some aggressively growing tumor entities. The membrane transport and channel proteins are highly relevant for the use of pharmacological ascorbate in cancer therapy and are involved in the transfer of active substances such as ascorbate, hydrogen peroxide, and iron that predominantly must enter malignant cells to induce antiproliferative effects and especially ferroptosis. In this review, the relevant conveying proteins from cellular surfaces are presented as an integral part of the efficacy of pharmacological ascorbate, considering the already known genetic and functional features in tumor tissues. Accordingly, candidates for diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets are mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Leischner
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Luigi Marongiu
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Straße 10, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Alban Piotrowsky
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Heike Niessner
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Dermatooncology, University of Tuebingen, Liebermeisterstraße 25, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sascha Venturelli
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Vegetative and Clinical Physiology, University of Tuebingen, Wilhelmstraße 56, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Markus Burkard
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Olga Renner
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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5
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Kim JH, Hwang S, Lee JH, Im SS, Son J. Vitamin C Suppresses Pancreatic Carcinogenesis through the Inhibition of Both Glucose Metabolism and Wnt Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012249. [PMID: 36293106 PMCID: PMC9603812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cumulative studies have indicated that high-dose vitamin C has antitumor effects against a variety of cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these inhibitory effects against tumorigenesis and metastasis, particularly in relation to pancreatic cancer, are unclear. Here, we report that vitamin C at high concentrations impairs the growth and survival of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells by inhibiting glucose metabolism. Vitamin C was also found to trigger apoptosis in a caspase-independent manner. We further demonstrate that it suppresses the invasion and metastasis of PDAC cells by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Taken together, our results suggest that vitamin C has therapeutic effects against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hye Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, AMIST, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Sein Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, AMIST, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, AMIST, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Se Seul Im
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, AMIST, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Jaekyoung Son
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, AMIST, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
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6
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Maekawa T, Miyake T, Tani M, Uemoto S. Diverse antitumor effects of ascorbic acid on cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:981547. [PMID: 36203466 PMCID: PMC9531273 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.981547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascorbic acid has attracted substantial attention for its potential antitumor effects by acting as an antioxidant in vivo and as a cofactor in diverse enzymatic reactions. However, solid proof of its clinical efficacy against cancer and the mechanism behind its effect have not been established. Moreover, cancer forms cancer-specific microenvironments and interacts with various cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), to maintain cancer growth and progression; however, the effect of ascorbic acid on the cancer microenvironment is unclear. This review discusses the effects and mechanisms of ascorbic acid on cancer, including the role of ascorbic acid concentration. In addition, we present future perspectives on the effects of ascorbic acid on cancer cells and the CAF microenvironment. Ascorbic acid has a variety of effects, which contributes to the complexity of these effects. Oral administration of ascorbic acid results in low blood concentrations (<0.2 mM) and acts as a cofactor for antioxidant effects, collagen secretion, and HIFα degradation. In contrast, intravenous treatment achieves large blood concentrations (>1 mM) and has oxidative-promoting actions that exert anticancer effects via reactive oxygen species. Therefore, intravenous administration at high concentrations is required to achieve the desired effects on cancer cells during treatment. Partial data on the effect of ascorbic acid on fibroblasts indicate that it may also modulate collagen secretion in CAFs and impart tumor-suppressive effects. Thus, future studies should verify the effect of ascorbic acid on CAFs. The findings of this review can be used to guide further research and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeru Maekawa
- Division of Gastrointestinal, Breast, Pediatric, and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Toru Miyake
- Division of Gastrointestinal, Breast, Pediatric, and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
- *Correspondence: Toru Miyake,
| | - Masaji Tani
- Division of Gastrointestinal, Breast, Pediatric, and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
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Xiong Y, Xu S, Fu B, Tang W, Zaky MY, Tian R, Yao R, Zhang S, Zhao Q, Nian W, Lin X, Wu H. Vitamin C-induced competitive binding of HIF-1α and p53 to ubiquitin E3 ligase CBL contributes to anti-breast cancer progression through p53 deacetylation. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 168:113321. [PMID: 35931247 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113321] [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: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin C (VC), in regard to its effectiveness against tumors, has had a controversial history in cancer treatment. However, the anticancer mechanisms of VC are not fully understood. Here, we reported that VC exerted an anticancer effect on cancer cell and xenograft models via inhibiting HIF-1α-dependent cell proliferation and promoting p53-dependent cell apoptosis. To be specific, VC modulated the competitive binding of HIF-1α and p53 to their common E3 ubiquitin ligase CBL, thereby inhibiting tumorigenesis. Moreover, VC treatment activated SIRT1, resulting in p53 deacetylation and CBL-p53 complex dissociation, which in turn facilitated CBL recruitment of HIF-1α for ubiquitination in a proteasome-dependent manner. Altogether, our results provided a mechanistic rationale for exploring the therapeutic use of VC in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Shiyao Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Beibei Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Wanyan Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Mohamed Y Zaky
- Molecular Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Rong Tian
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Hygeia Hospital, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Rui Yao
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Hygeia Hospital, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Shanfu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Qingting Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Weiqi Nian
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
| | - Haibo Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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Gu I, Gregory E, Atwood C, Lee SO, Song YH. Exploring the Role of Metabolites in Cancer and the Associated Nerve Crosstalk. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091722. [PMID: 35565690 PMCID: PMC9103817 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Since Otto Warburg's first report on the increased uptake of glucose and lactate release by cancer cells, dysregulated metabolism has been acknowledged as a hallmark of cancer that promotes proliferation and metastasis. Over the last century, studies have shown that cancer metabolism is complex, and by-products of glucose and glutamine catabolism induce a cascade of both pro- and antitumorigenic processes. Some vitamins, which have traditionally been praised for preventing and inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells, have also been proven to cause cancer progression in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, recent findings have shown that the nervous system is a key player in tumor growth and metastasis via perineural invasion and tumor innervation. However, the link between cancer-nerve crosstalk and tumor metabolism remains unclear. Here, we discuss the roles of relatively underappreciated metabolites in cancer-nerve crosstalk, including lactate, vitamins, and amino acids, and propose the investigation of nutrients in cancer-nerve crosstalk based on their tumorigenicity and neuroregulatory capabilities. Continued research into the metabolic regulation of cancer-nerve crosstalk will provide a more comprehensive understanding of tumor mechanisms and may lead to the identification of potential targets for future cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inah Gu
- Department of Food Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA
| | - Emory Gregory
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Casey Atwood
- Department of Food Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA
| | - Sun-Ok Lee
- Department of Food Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA
| | - Young Hye Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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9
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Role of Vitamin C in Selected Malignant Neoplasms in Women. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14040882. [PMID: 35215535 PMCID: PMC8876016 DOI: 10.3390/nu14040882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first reports describing the anti-cancer properties of vitamin C published several decades ago, its actual effectiveness in fighting cancer has been under investigation and widely discussed. Some scientific reports indicate that vitamin C in high concentrations can contribute to effective and selective destruction of cancer cells. Furthermore, preclinical and clinical studies have shown that relatively high doses of vitamin C administered intravenously in ‘pharmacological concentrations’ may not only be well-tolerated, but significantly improve patients’ quality of life. This seems to be particularly important, especially for terminal cancer patients. However, the relatively high frequency of vitamin C use by cancer patients means that the potential clinical benefits may not be obvious. For this reason, in this review article, we focus on the articles published mainly in the last two decades, describing possible beneficial effects of vitamin C in preventing and treating selected malignant neoplasms in women, including breast, cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. According to the reviewed studies, vitamin C use may contribute to an improvement of the overall quality of life of patients, among others, by reducing chemotherapy-related side effects. Nevertheless, new clinical trials are needed to collect stronger evidence of the role of this nutrient in supportive cancer treatment.
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Knaup I, Symmank J, Bastian A, Neuss S, Pufe T, Jacobs C, Wolf M. Impact of FGF1 on human periodontal ligament fibroblast growth, osteogenic differentiation and inflammatory reaction in vitro. J Orofac Orthop 2021; 83:42-55. [PMID: 34874457 DOI: 10.1007/s00056-021-00363-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate in vitro the impact of fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) in comparison to ascorbic acid (AscA) on human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPdLF) growth, their osteogenic differentiation, and modulation of their inflammatory reaction to mechanical stress. METHODS The influence of different concentrations of FGF1 (12.5-200 ng/mL) on growth and proliferation of HPdLF cells was analyzed over 20 days by counting cell numbers and the percentage of Ki67-positive cells. Quantitative expression analysis of genes encoding the osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OSP), as well as the fibroblast markers vimentin (VIM) and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1), was performed after 2 and 20 days of cultivation. Metabolic activity was determined by MTT assay. For comparison with AscA, 50 ng/mL FGF1 was used for stimulation for 2 and 20 days. Cell number, percentage of Ki67-positive cells, and expression of osteoblast- and fibroblast-specific genes were examined. Alkaline phosphatase activity was visualized by NBT/BCIP and calcium deposits were stained with alizarin red. Cytokine (IL‑6, IL‑8, COX2/PGE2) expression and secretion were analyzed by qPCR and ELISA in 6 h mechanically compressed HPdLF cultured for 2 days with FGF1 or ascorbic acid. RESULTS Higher concentrations of FGF1 promoted cell proliferation upon short-term stimulation, whereas prolonged treatment induced the expression of osteogenic markers even with low concentrations. AscA promotes cell growth more markedly than FGF1 in short-term cultures, whereas FGF1 induced osteogenic cell fate more strongly in long-term culture. Both factors induced an increased inflammatory response of HPdLF to mechanical compression. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that FGF1 promotes an osteogenic phenotype of HPdLF and limits inflammatory response to mechanical forces compared to AscA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Knaup
- Department of Orthodontics, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Judit Symmank
- Department of Orthodontics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Asisa Bastian
- Department of Orthodontics, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabine Neuss
- Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, BioInterface Group, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Pufe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Collin Jacobs
- Department of Orthodontics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Wolf
- Department of Orthodontics, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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11
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Abstract
Significance: Vitamin C (ascorbate), in regard to its effectiveness against malignancies, has had a controversial history in cancer treatment. It has been shown that in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy of ascorbate relies on its pro-oxidant effect mainly from an increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A growing understanding of its anticancer activities and pharmacokinetic properties has prompted scientists to re-evaluate the significance of ascorbate in cancer treatment. Recent Advances: A recent resurge in ascorbate research emerged after discovering that, at high doses, ascorbate preferentially kills Kirsten-Ras (K-ras)- and B-raf oncogene (BRAF)-mutant cancer cells. In addition, some of the main hallmarks of cancer cells, such as redox homeostasis and oxygen-sensing regulation (through inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha [HIF-1α] activity), are affected by vitamin C. Critical Issues: Currently, there is no clear consensus from the literature in regard to the beneficial effects of antioxidants. Results from both human and animal studies provide no clear evidence about the benefit of antioxidant treatment in preventing or suppressing cancer development. Since pro-oxidants may affect both normal and tumor cells, the extremely low toxicity of ascorbate represents a main advantage. This guarantees the safe inclusion of ascorbate in clinical protocols to treat cancer patients. Future Directions: Current research could focus on elucidating the wide array of reactions between ascorbate and reactive species, namely ROS, reactive nitrogen species as well as reactive sulfide species, and their intracellular molecular targets. Unraveling these mechanisms could allow researchers to assess what could be the optimal combination of ascorbate with standard treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Glorieux
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Pedro Buc Calderon
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile.,Research Group in Metabolism and Nutrition, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Böttger F, Vallés-Martí A, Cahn L, Jimenez CR. High-dose intravenous vitamin C, a promising multi-targeting agent in the treatment of cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:343. [PMID: 34717701 PMCID: PMC8557029 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02134-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that vitamin C has the potential to be a potent anti-cancer agent when administered intravenously and in high doses (high-dose IVC). Early phase clinical trials have confirmed safety and indicated efficacy of IVC in eradicating tumour cells of various cancer types. In recent years, the multi-targeting effects of vitamin C were unravelled, demonstrating a role as cancer-specific, pro-oxidative cytotoxic agent, anti-cancer epigenetic regulator and immune modulator, reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inhibiting hypoxia and oncogenic kinase signalling and boosting immune response. Moreover, high-dose IVC is powerful as an adjuvant treatment for cancer, acting synergistically with many standard (chemo-) therapies, as well as a method for mitigating the toxic side-effects of chemotherapy. Despite the rationale and ample evidence, strong clinical data and phase III studies are lacking. Therefore, there is a need for more extensive awareness of the use of this highly promising, non-toxic cancer treatment in the clinical setting. In this review, we provide an elaborate overview of pre-clinical and clinical studies using high-dose IVC as anti-cancer agent, as well as a detailed evaluation of the main known molecular mechanisms involved. A special focus is put on global molecular profiling studies in this respect. In addition, an outlook on future implications of high-dose vitamin C in cancer treatment is presented and recommendations for further research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Böttger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Vallés-Martí
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Loraine Cahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Connie R Jimenez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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13
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Ou J, Zhu X, Zhang H, Du Y, Chen P, Wang J, Peng X, Bao S, Zhang X, Zhang T, Pang CLK. A Retrospective Study of Gemcitabine and Carboplatin With or Without Intravenous Vitamin C on Patients With Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 19:1534735419895591. [PMID: 32070148 PMCID: PMC7031790 DOI: 10.1177/1534735419895591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This is a retrospective study to examine the effect of chemotherapy with or without intravenous vitamin C (IVC) on women with advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods: From 2008 to 2016, a total of 113 patients with pathologically confirmed TNBC at Clifford Hospital were evaluated, and 70 patients were matched and divided into IVC (treatment group) and non-IVC groups (control group). The match was according to age, menopausal status, and metastatic sites. In the control group, 35 patients received gemcitabine and carboplatin. In the treatment group, 35 patients received the same chemotherapy plus IVC. Results: Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the 2 groups. According to the criteria of RECIST 1.1 (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors), enhanced computed tomography scan was compared after 2 cycles of chemotherapy. In the treatment group, 2/35 cases had a complete remission (CR), 15/35 cases had partial remission (PR), and 13/35 cases had stable disease (SD). The response rate was 48.6%. In the control group, there were no CR cases, 14/35 cases had PR, 14/35 cases had SD, and the response rate was 40.0% (P > .05). The median progression-free survival time and median overall survival time was 7 months (95% confidence interval [CI] =1.5-28.5 months) and 27 months (95% CI = 4-40 months) in the treatment group compared with 4.5 months (95% CI = 1.5-8 months) and 18 months (95% CI = 3-26 months) in the control group (P < .05). All patients experienced diverse reactions in the gastrointestinal tract and myelosuppression. The incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < .05). Conclusion: IVC may have an effect on improving the prognosis of patients with advanced TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwen Ou
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Zhu
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Du
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Chen
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhua Wang
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiufan Peng
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Bao
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinting Zhang
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Clifford L K Pang
- Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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14
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Koç A, Karabay AZ, Yaprak A, Büyükbingöl Z, Aktan F. Effect of Probucol on Proliferation of Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, Lymphoma, and Fibroblast Cells. Turk J Pharm Sci 2021; 18:75-79. [PMID: 33634671 DOI: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2019.04657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Probucol is a bisphenol antioxidant with antiinflammatory, antilipidemic and antidiabetic effect. Development and progression of cancer is closely related to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Agents that target these processes have been shown to modulate cancer cell proliferation. In this regard, the effect of probucol on proliferation of different cancer cell lines was investigated. Materials and Methods Different concentrations of probucol solutions were prepared and applied to the following cancer cell lines: K562S (imatinib sensitive) and K562R (imatinib resistant) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells; U937 histiocytic lymphoma cells; HL60 acute myeloid leukemia cells; U266, H929, and RPMI8226 multiple myeloma cells; and L929 fibroblast cells. Cell viability was conducted by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Results Significant toxicity was not exhibited due to probucol treatment (0.1-10 µM) in K562S and K562R CML cells, U937 histiocytic lymphoma cells, HL60 acute myeloid leukemia cells, U266 multiple myeloma cells, and L929 fibroblast cells. However, probucol treatment significantly inhibited the viability of H929 and RPMI8226 multiple myeloma cells at the concentration of 0.5-10 µM and 5-10 µM, respectively. Conclusion Probucol treatment slightly inhibited the viability of other cancer cell lines, but significantly inhibited the viability of H929 and RPMI8226 multiple myeloma cells. However, its effect was not potent, since a 50% reduction in cell viability could not be achieved at the concentrations of probucol treatment administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslı Koç
- Ankara Universtiy Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Arzu Zeynep Karabay
- Ankara Universtiy Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ali Yaprak
- Ankara Universtiy Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zeliha Büyükbingöl
- Ankara Universtiy Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fügen Aktan
- Ankara Universtiy Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
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15
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Shashni B, Nagasaki Y. Newly Developed Self-Assembling Antioxidants as Potential Therapeutics for the Cancers. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11020092. [PMID: 33540693 PMCID: PMC7912983 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated as significant for cancer survival by functioning as oncogene activators and secondary messengers. Hence, the attenuation of ROS-signaling pathways in cancer by antioxidants seems a suitable therapeutic regime for targeting cancers. Low molecular weight (LMW) antioxidants such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpyperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO), although they are catalytically effective in vitro, exerts off-target effects in vivo due to their size, thus, limiting their clinical use. Here, we discuss the superior impacts of our TEMPO radical-conjugated self-assembling antioxidant nanoparticle (RNP) compared to the LMW counterpart in terms of pharmacokinetics, therapeutic effect, and adverse effects in various cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babita Shashni
- Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan;
| | - Yukio Nagasaki
- Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan;
- Master’s School of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
- Center for Research in Isotopes and Environmental Dynamics (CRiED), University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +81-(0)29-853-5750
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16
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Parmar HS, Nayak A, Gavel PK, Jha HC, Bhagwat S, Sharma R. Cross Talk between COVID-19 and Breast Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:575-600. [PMID: 33593260 DOI: 10.2174/1568009621666210216102236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer patients are more susceptible to COVID-19; however, the prevalence of COVID-19 in different types of cancer is still inconsistent and inconclusive. Here, we delineate the intricate relationship between breast cancer and COVID-19. Breast cancer and COVID-19 share the involvement of common comorbidities, hormonal signalling pathways, gender differences, rennin- angiotensin system (RAS), angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). We also shed light on the possible effects of therapeutic modalities of COVID-19 on breast cancer outcomes. Briefly, we conclude that breast cancer patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 in comparison with their normal counterparts. Women are more resistant to the occurrence and severity of COVID-19. Increased expressions of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are correlated with occurrence and severity of COVID-19, but higher expression of ACE2 and lower expression of TMPRSS2 are prognostic markers for overall disease free survival in breast cancer. The ACE2 inhibitors and ibuprofen therapies for COVID-19 treatment may aggravate the clinical condition of breast cancer patients through chemo-resistance and metastasis. Most of the available therapeutic modalities for COVID-19 were also found to exert positive effects on breast cancer outcomes. Besides drugs in clinical trend, TMPRSS2 inhibitors, estrogen supplementation, androgen deprivation and DPP-IV inhibitors may also be used to treat breast cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, drug-drug interactions suggest that some of the drugs used for the treatment of COVID-19 may modulate the drug metabolism of anticancer therapies which may lead to adverse drug reaction events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aakruti Nayak
- School of Biotechnology, Devi Ahilya University, Indore-452001. M.P., India
| | - Pramod Kumar Gavel
- Department of Chemical Sciences, IIT, Indore, Simrol, Indore, M.P., India
| | - Hem Chandra Jha
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, IIT, Indore, Simrol, Indore, M.P., India
| | - Shivani Bhagwat
- Suraksha Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd., Newtown, Rajarhat, Kolkata-West Bengal, India
| | - Rajesh Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, Devi Ahilya University, Indore-452001., M.P., India
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17
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Vitamin C Transporters and Their Implications in Carcinogenesis. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123869. [PMID: 33352824 PMCID: PMC7765979 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is implicated in various bodily functions due to its unique properties in redox homeostasis. Moreover, vitamin C also plays a great role in restoring the activity of 2-oxoglutarate and Fe2+ dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDD), which are involved in active DNA demethylation (TET proteins), the demethylation of histones, and hypoxia processes. Therefore, vitamin C may be engaged in the regulation of gene expression or in a hypoxic state. Hence, vitamin C has acquired great interest for its plausible effects on cancer treatment. Since its conceptualization, the role of vitamin C in cancer therapy has been a controversial and disputed issue. Vitamin C is transferred to the cells with sodium dependent transporters (SVCTs) and glucose transporters (GLUT). However, it is unknown whether the impaired function of these transporters may lead to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Notably, previous studies have identified SVCTs’ polymorphisms or their altered expression in some types of cancer. This review discusses the potential effects of vitamin C and the impaired SVCT function in cancers. The variations in vitamin C transporter genes may regulate the active transport of vitamin C, and therefore have an impact on cancer risk, but further studies are needed to thoroughly elucidate their involvement in cancer biology.
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18
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Codini M. Why Vitamin C Could Be an Excellent Complementary Remedy to Conventional Therapies for Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218397. [PMID: 33182353 PMCID: PMC7664876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The most frequent cancer in women is breast cancer, which is a major cause of death. Currently, there are many pharmacological therapies that have made possible the cure and resolution of this tumor. However, these therapies are accompanied by numerous collateral effects that influence the quality of life (QoL) of the patients to varying degrees. For this reason, attention is turning to the use of complementary medicine to improve QoL. In particular, there are increased trials of intravenous injection of vitamin C at high doses to enhance the antitumor activity of drugs and/or decrease their side effects. This review intends to underline the anticancer mechanisms of vitamin C that could explain its efficacy for treating breast cancer, and why the use of vitamin C at high doses could help patients with breast cancer to enhance the efficacy of pharmacological therapies and/or decrease their side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Codini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy
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19
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Fu J, Wu Z, Liu J, Wu T. Vitamin C: A stem cell promoter in cancer metastasis and immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110588. [PMID: 32836076 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is an electron donor and is involved in a variety of biochemical reactions in stem cell and cancer stem cell, as well as collagen synthesis and the regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor synthesis, which two affect extracellular matrix remodelling and hence cancer metastasis. Specific doses of vitamin C can stop cancer cell glycolysis and block nitroso synthesis, indicating the potential of vitamin C in cancer treatment. Recent studies preliminary revealed Vitamin C enhance the cancer's immune response to anti PD-L1 therapy through multiple indirect approaches. Herein we reviewed the recent function of vitamin C for further research in sequential aspects of cancer stem cell, extracellular matrix remodeling, cancer metastasis and cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Fu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoyi Wu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tianfu Wu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Cellular Mechanisms of Circulating Tumor Cells During Breast Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145040. [PMID: 32708855 PMCID: PMC7404335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that detach from the primary site and travel in the blood stream. A higher number of CTCs increases the risk of breast cancer metastasis, and it is inversely associated with the survival rates of patients with breast cancer. Although the numbers of CTCs are generally low and the majority of CTCs die in circulation, the survival of a few CTCs can seed the development of a tumor at a secondary location. An increasing number of studies demonstrate that CTCs undergo modification in response to the dynamic biophysical environment in the blood due in part to fluid shear stress. Fluid shear stress generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggers redox-sensitive cell signaling, and alters the function of intracellular organelles. In particular, the mitochondrion is an important target organelle in determining the metastatic phenotype of CTCs. In healthy cells, mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) via oxidative phosphorylation in the electron transport chain, and during oxidative phosphorylation, they produce physiological levels of ROS. Mitochondria also govern death mechanisms such as apoptosis and mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening to, in order eliminate unwanted or damaged cells. However, in cancer cells, mitochondria are dysregulated, causing aberrant energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, and cell death pathways that may favor cancer invasiveness. In this review, we discuss the influence of fluid shear stress on CTCs with an emphasis on breast cancer pathology, then discuss alterations of cellular mechanisms that may increase the metastatic potentials of CTCs.
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21
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Butt G, Farooqi AA, Adylova A, Attar R, Yilmaz S, Konysbayevna KK, Sabitaliyevich UY, Gasparri ML, Xu B. Vitamin C as an Anticancer Agent: Regulation of Signaling Pathways. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:1868-1875. [PMID: 32648842 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200710102841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Treatment options for effective treatment of cancer with minimum off-target effects and maximum clinical outcomes have remained overarching goals in the clinical oncology. Vitamin C has remained in the shadows of controversy since the past few decades; burgeoning evidence has started to shed light on wide-ranging anticancer effects exerted by Vitamin C to induce apoptosis in drug-resistant cancer cells, inhibit uncontrolled proliferation of the cancer cells and metastatic spread. Landmark achievements in molecular oncology have ushered in a new era, and researchers have focused on the identification of oncogenic pathways regulated by Vitamin C in different cancers. However, there are visible knowledge gaps in our understanding related to the ability of Vitamin C to modulate a myriad of transduction cascades. There are scattered pieces of scientific evidence about promising potential of Vitamin C to regulate JAK-STAT, TGF/SMAD, TRAIL and microRNAs in different cancers. However, published data is insufficient and needs to be investigated comprehensively to enable basic and clinical researchers to reap full benefits and promote result-oriented transition of Vitamin C into various phases of clinical trials. In this review, we will emphasize on available evidence related to the regulation of oncogenic cell signaling pathways by Vitamin C in different cancers. We will also highlight the conceptual gaps, which need detailed and cutting-edge research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazala Butt
- Department of Botany, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammad A Farooqi
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Aima Adylova
- Department of Postgraduate Education and Research, Kazakhstan Medical University KSPH, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Rukset Attar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seher Yilmaz
- Department of Anatomy, Yozgat Bozok University, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, Turkey
| | | | - Uteuliyev Y Sabitaliyevich
- Department of Postgraduate Education and Research, Kazakhstan Medical University KSPH, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Maria L Gasparri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Universita' della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Baojun Xu
- Food Science and Technology Program, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China
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22
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Choi YK, Kang JI, Han S, Kim YR, Jo J, Kang YW, Choo DR, Hyun JW, Koh YS, Yoo ES, Kang HK. L-Ascorbic Acid Inhibits Breast Cancer Growth by Inducing IRE/JNK/CHOP-Related Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated p62/SQSTM1 Accumulation in the Nucleus. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051351. [PMID: 32397306 PMCID: PMC7284633 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anticancer effects of L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C, L-AA) have been reported in various types of cancers. L-AA intake reduces breast cancer recurrence and mortality; however, the role of L-AA in the treatment of breast cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism action of L-AA on breast cancer growth. L-AA inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells by inducing apoptotic cell death at the evaluated treatment concentrations without affecting normal cells. Moreover, L-AA induces autophagosome formation via regulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Beclin1, and autophagy-related genes (ATGs) and increased autophagic flux. Notably, we observed that L-AA increased p62/SQSTM1 (sequestosome 1) protein levels. Accumulation of p62 protein in cancer cells in response to stress has been reported, but its role in cancer regulation remains controversial. Here, we demonstrated that L-AA-induced p62 accumulation is related to L-AA-induced breast cancer growth inhibition. Furthermore, L-AA induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress via the IRE–JNK–CHOP (inositol-requiring endonuclease–c-Jun N-terminal kinase–C/EBP homologous protein) signaling pathways, which increased the nuclear levels of p62/SQSTM1. These findings provide evidence that L-AA-induced ER stress could be crucial for p62 accumulation-dependent cell death, and L-AA can be useful in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youn Kyung Choi
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Jeju National University 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.K.C.); (J.-I.K.); (S.H.); (Y.R.K.); (J.J.); (Y.W.K.); (D.R.C.); (J.W.H.); (Y.S.K.); (E.-S.Y.)
| | - Jung-Il Kang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Jeju National University 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.K.C.); (J.-I.K.); (S.H.); (Y.R.K.); (J.J.); (Y.W.K.); (D.R.C.); (J.W.H.); (Y.S.K.); (E.-S.Y.)
| | - Sanghoon Han
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Jeju National University 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.K.C.); (J.-I.K.); (S.H.); (Y.R.K.); (J.J.); (Y.W.K.); (D.R.C.); (J.W.H.); (Y.S.K.); (E.-S.Y.)
| | - Young Ree Kim
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Jeju National University 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.K.C.); (J.-I.K.); (S.H.); (Y.R.K.); (J.J.); (Y.W.K.); (D.R.C.); (J.W.H.); (Y.S.K.); (E.-S.Y.)
| | - Jaemin Jo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Jeju National University 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.K.C.); (J.-I.K.); (S.H.); (Y.R.K.); (J.J.); (Y.W.K.); (D.R.C.); (J.W.H.); (Y.S.K.); (E.-S.Y.)
| | - Yong Woo Kang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Jeju National University 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.K.C.); (J.-I.K.); (S.H.); (Y.R.K.); (J.J.); (Y.W.K.); (D.R.C.); (J.W.H.); (Y.S.K.); (E.-S.Y.)
| | - Do Ryeon Choo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Jeju National University 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.K.C.); (J.-I.K.); (S.H.); (Y.R.K.); (J.J.); (Y.W.K.); (D.R.C.); (J.W.H.); (Y.S.K.); (E.-S.Y.)
| | - Jin Won Hyun
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Jeju National University 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.K.C.); (J.-I.K.); (S.H.); (Y.R.K.); (J.J.); (Y.W.K.); (D.R.C.); (J.W.H.); (Y.S.K.); (E.-S.Y.)
- Jeju Research Center for Natural Medicine, Jeju National University; 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea
| | - Young Sang Koh
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Jeju National University 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.K.C.); (J.-I.K.); (S.H.); (Y.R.K.); (J.J.); (Y.W.K.); (D.R.C.); (J.W.H.); (Y.S.K.); (E.-S.Y.)
- Jeju Research Center for Natural Medicine, Jeju National University; 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea
| | - Eun-Sook Yoo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Jeju National University 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.K.C.); (J.-I.K.); (S.H.); (Y.R.K.); (J.J.); (Y.W.K.); (D.R.C.); (J.W.H.); (Y.S.K.); (E.-S.Y.)
- Jeju Research Center for Natural Medicine, Jeju National University; 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea
| | - Hee-Kyoung Kang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Jeju National University 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.K.C.); (J.-I.K.); (S.H.); (Y.R.K.); (J.J.); (Y.W.K.); (D.R.C.); (J.W.H.); (Y.S.K.); (E.-S.Y.)
- Jeju Research Center for Natural Medicine, Jeju National University; 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+82-10-6214-5464
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Vitamin C Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis by Affecting the Expression of YAP1 and Synaptopodin 2. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11122997. [PMID: 31817810 PMCID: PMC6950019 DOI: 10.3390/nu11122997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to decrease triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) metastasis. However, the molecular mechanism whereby vitamin C inhibits metastasis remains elusive. It has been postulated that vitamin C reduces the levels of HIF-1α, the master regulator of metastasis, by promoting its hydroxylation and degradation. Here, we show that vitamin C at 100 µM, a concentration achievable in the plasma in vivo by oral administration, blocks TNBC cell migration and invasion in vitro. The protein level of HIF-1α remains largely unchanged in cultured TNBC cells and xenografts, partially due to its upregulated transcription by vitamin C, suggesting that HIF-1α unlikely mediates the action of vitamin C on metastasis. Vitamin C treatment upregulates the expression of synaptopodin 2 and downregulates the expression of the transcription coactivator YAP1, both genes in the Hippo pathway. The changes in SYNPO2 and YAP1 expression were subsequently validated at mRNA and protein levels in cultured TNBC cells and xenografts. Further experiments showed that vitamin C treatment inhibits F-actin assembly and lamellipodia formation, which correlates with the changes in SYNPO2 and YAP1 expression. Overall, these results suggest that vitamin C inhibits TNBC metastasis by affecting the expression of SYNPO2 and YAP1. Vitamin C may thus have a potential role in the prevention and treatment of TNBC metastasis.
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