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Xu X, Han Y, Deng J, Wang S, Zhuo S, Zhao K, Zhou W. Repurposing disulfiram with CuET nanocrystals: Enhancing anti-pyroptotic effect through NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition for treating inflammatory bowel diseases. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2698-2715. [PMID: 38828135 PMCID: PMC11143773 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.03.003] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing offers a valuable strategy for identifying new therapeutic applications for existing drugs. Recently, disulfiram (DSF), a drug primarily used for alcohol addiction treatment, has emerged as a potential treatment for inflammatory diseases by inhibiting pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death. The therapeutic activity of DSF can be further enhanced by the presence of Cu2+, although the underlying mechanism of this enhancement remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanistic basis of Cu2+-induced enhancement and discovered that it is attributed to the formation of a novel copper ethylthiocarbamate (CuET) complex. CuET exhibited significantly stronger anti-pyroptotic activity compared to DSF and employed a distinct mechanism of action. However, despite its potent activity, CuET suffered from poor solubility and limited permeability, as revealed by our druggability studies. To overcome these intrinsic limitations, we developed a scalable method to prepare CuET nanocrystals (CuET NCs) using a metal coordination-driven self-assembly approach. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that CuET NCs exhibited a 6-fold improvement in bioavailability. Notably, CuET NCs exhibited high biodistribution in the intestine, suggesting their potential application for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). To evaluate their therapeutic efficacy in vivo, we employed a murine model of DSS-induced colitis and observed that CuET NCs effectively attenuated inflammation and ameliorated colitis symptoms. Our findings highlight the discovery of CuET as a potent anti-pyroptotic agent, and the development of CuET NCs represents a novel approach to enhance the druggability of CuET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueming Xu
- Hematology and Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yuanfeng Han
- Hematology and Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Jiali Deng
- Hematology and Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
- Hunan Chidren's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Shengfeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Shijie Zhuo
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Hematology and Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Changsha 410008, China
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Malla R, Viswanathan S, Makena S, Kapoor S, Verma D, Raju AA, Dunna M, Muniraj N. Revitalizing Cancer Treatment: Exploring the Role of Drug Repurposing. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1463. [PMID: 38672545 PMCID: PMC11048531 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081463] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer persists as a global challenge necessitating continual innovation in treatment strategies. Despite significant advancements in comprehending the disease, cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, exerting substantial economic burdens on healthcare systems and societies. The emergence of drug resistance further complicates therapeutic efficacy, underscoring the urgent need for alternative approaches. Drug repurposing, characterized by the utilization of existing drugs for novel clinical applications, emerges as a promising avenue for addressing these challenges. Repurposed drugs, comprising FDA-approved (in other disease indications), generic, off-patent, and failed medications, offer distinct advantages including established safety profiles, cost-effectiveness, and expedited development timelines compared to novel drug discovery processes. Various methodologies, such as knowledge-based analyses, drug-centric strategies, and computational approaches, play pivotal roles in identifying potential candidates for repurposing. However, despite the promise of repurposed drugs, drug repositioning confronts formidable obstacles. Patenting issues, financial constraints associated with conducting extensive clinical trials, and the necessity for combination therapies to overcome the limitations of monotherapy pose significant challenges. This review provides an in-depth exploration of drug repurposing, covering a diverse array of approaches including experimental, re-engineering protein, nanotechnology, and computational methods. Each of these avenues presents distinct opportunities and obstacles in the pursuit of identifying novel clinical uses for established drugs. By examining the multifaceted landscape of drug repurposing, this review aims to offer comprehensive insights into its potential to transform cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- RamaRao Malla
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam 530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Sathiyapriya Viswanathan
- Department of Biochemistry, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai 600007, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Sree Makena
- Maharajah’s Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Vizianagaram 535217, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Shruti Kapoor
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Deepak Verma
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | | | - Manikantha Dunna
- Center for Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad 500085, Telangana, India
| | - Nethaji Muniraj
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Hospital, 111, Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
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Kerkhove L, Geirnaert F, Dufait I, De Ridder M. Ferroptosis: Frenemy of Radiotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3641. [PMID: 38612455 PMCID: PMC11011408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, it was established that ferroptosis, a type of iron-dependent regulated cell death, plays a prominent role in radiotherapy-triggered cell death. Accordingly, ferroptosis inducers attracted a lot of interest as potential radio-synergizing drugs, ultimately enhancing radioresponses and patient outcomes. Nevertheless, the tumor microenvironment seems to have a major impact on ferroptosis induction. The influence of hypoxic conditions is an area of interest, as it remains the principal hurdle in the field of radiotherapy. In this review, we focus on the implications of hypoxic conditions on ferroptosis, contemplating the plausibility of using ferroptosis inducers as clinical radiosensitizers. Furthermore, we dive into the prospects of drug repurposing in the domain of ferroptosis inducers and radiosensitizers. Lastly, the potential adverse effects of ferroptosis inducers on normal tissue were discussed in detail. This review will provide an important framework for subsequent ferroptosis research, ascertaining the feasibility of ferroptosis inducers as clinical radiosensitizers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mark De Ridder
- Department of Radiotherapy, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (L.K.); (F.G.); (I.D.)
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Zhang S, Zong Y, Chen L, Li Q, Li Z, Meng R. The immunomodulatory function and antitumor effect of disulfiram: paving the way for novel cancer therapeutics. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:103. [PMID: 37326784 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 60 years ago, disulfiram (DSF) was employed for the management of alcohol addiction. This promising cancer therapeutic agent inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of malignant tumor cells. Furthermore, divalent copper ions can enhance the antitumor effects of DSF. Molecular structure, pharmacokinetics, signaling pathways, mechanisms of action and current clinical results of DSF are summarized here. Additionally, our attention is directed towards the immunomodulatory properties of DSF and we explore novel administration methods that may address the limitations associated with antitumor treatments based on DSF. Despite the promising potential of these various delivery methods for utilizing DSF as an effective anticancer agent, further investigation is essential in order to extensively evaluate the safety and efficacy of these delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yan Zong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Leichong Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qianwen Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Rui Meng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Guo W, Chen S, Li C, Xu J, Wang L. Application of Disulfiram and its Metabolites in Treatment of Inflammatory Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:795078. [PMID: 35185542 PMCID: PMC8848744 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.795078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram has been used clinically for decades as an anti-alcoholic drug. Recently, several studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of disulfiram and its metabolism, which can alleviate the progression of inflammation in vivo and in vitro. In the current study, we summarize the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of disulfiram and its metabolism, including inhibition of pyroptosis by either covalently modifying gasdermin D or inactivating nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, dual effects of intracellular reactive oxygen species production, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Furthermore, we review the potential application of disulfiram and its metabolism in treatment of inflammatory disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory injury of kidney and liver, type 2 diabetes mellitus, sepsis, uveitis, and osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Guo
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shihong Chen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengqing Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianwei Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, China
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Puzari U, Fernandes PA, Mukherjee AK. Advances in the Therapeutic Application of Small-Molecule Inhibitors and Repurposed Drugs against Snakebite. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13938-13979. [PMID: 34565143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization has declared snakebite as a neglected tropical disease. Antivenom administration is the sole therapy against venomous snakebite; however, several limitations of this therapy reinforce the dire need for an alternative and/or additional treatment against envenomation. Inhibitors against snake venoms have been explored from natural resources and are synthesized in the laboratory; however, repurposing of small-molecule therapeutics (SMTs) against the principal toxins of snake venoms to inhibit their lethality and/or obnoxious effect of envenomation has been garnering greater attention owing to their established pharmacokinetic properties, low-risk attributes, cost-effectiveness, ease of administration, and storage stability. Nevertheless, SMTs are yet to be approved and commercialized for snakebite treatment. Therefore, we have systematically reviewed and critically analyzed the scenario of small synthetic inhibitors and repurposed drugs against snake envenomation from 2005 to date and proposed novel approaches and commercialization strategies for the development of efficacious therapies against snake envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upasana Puzari
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028, Assam, India
| | - Pedro Alexandrino Fernandes
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua Do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028, Assam, India.,Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India
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Liu CC, Wu CL, Lin MX, Sze CI, Gean PW. Disulfiram Sensitizes a Therapeutic-Resistant Glioblastoma to the TGF-β Receptor Inhibitor. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910496. [PMID: 34638842 PMCID: PMC8508702 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite neurosurgery following radiation and chemotherapy, residual glioblastoma (GBM) cells develop therapeutic resistance (TR) leading to recurrence. The GBM heterogeneity confers TR. Therefore, an effective strategy must target cancer stem cells (CSCs) and other malignant cancer cells. TGF-β and mesenchymal transition are the indicators for poor prognoses. The activity of aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) is a functional CSC marker. However, the interplay between TGF-β and ALDHs remains unclear. We developed radiation-resistant and radiation-temozolomide-resistant GBM models to investigate the underlying mechanisms conferring TR. Galunisertib is a drug targeting TGF-β receptors. Disulfiram (DSF) is an anti-alcoholism drug which functions by inhibiting ALDHs. The anti-tumor effects of combining DSF and Galunisertib were evaluated by in vitro cell grow, wound healing, Transwell assays, and in vivo orthotopic GBM model. Mesenchymal-like phenotype was facilitated by TGF-β in TR GBM. Additionally, TR activated ALDHs. DSF inhibited TR-induced cell migration and tumor sphere formation. However, DSF did not affect the tumor growth in vivo. Spectacularly, DSF sensitized TR GBM to Galunisertib both in vitro and in vivo. ALDH activity positively correlated with TGF-β-induced mesenchymal properties in TR GBM. CSCs and mesenchymal-like GBM cells targeted together by combining DSF and Galunisertib may be a good therapeutic strategy for recurrent GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Chuan Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Lin Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Xuan Lin
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
| | - Chun-I Sze
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (C.-I.S.); (P.-W.G.)
| | - Po-Wu Gean
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-I.S.); (P.-W.G.)
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Possible Therapeutic Potential of Disulfiram for Multiple Myeloma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:2087-2096. [PMID: 34205025 PMCID: PMC8293232 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28030193] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disease of the plasma cells representing approximately 10% of all hemato-oncological diseases. Detection of the disease is most probable at around 65 years of age, and the average survival of patients is estimated to be 5–10 years, specifically due to frequent relapses and resistance to the therapy used. Thus, the search for new therapeutic approaches is becoming a big challenge. Disulfiram (DSF), a substance primarily known as a medication against alcoholism, has often been mentioned in recent years in relation to cancer treatment for its secondary anti-cancer effects. Recent studies performed on myeloma cell lines confirm high inhibition of the cell growth activity if a complex of disulfiram and copper is used. Its significant potential is now being seen in the cure of haematological malignities.
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