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Žilinskas J, Stukas D, Jasukaitienė A, Žievytė I, Balion Z, Šapauskienė J, Banienė R, Paužas H, Lizdenis P, Čėsna V, Dambrauskas Ž, Gulbinas A, Tamelis A. Assessing the Therapeutic Impacts of HAMLET and FOLFOX on BRAF-Mutated Colorectal Cancer: A Study of Cancer Cell Survival and Mitochondrial Dynamics In Vitro and Ex Vivo. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:142. [PMID: 38256402 PMCID: PMC10818271 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health challenge. The BRAF V600E mutation, found in 8-12% of CRC patients, exacerbates this by conferring poor prognosis and resistance to therapy. Our study focuses on the efficacy of the HAMLET complex, a molecular substance derived from human breast milk, on CRC cell lines and ex vivo biopsies harboring this mutation, given its previously observed selective toxicity to cancer cells. Materials and Methods: we explored the effects of combining HAMLET with the FOLFOX chemotherapy regimen on CRC cell lines and ex vivo models. Key assessments included cell viability, apoptosis/necrosis induction, and mitochondrial function, aiming to understand the mutation-specific resistance or other cellular response mechanisms. Results: HAMLET and FOLFOX alone decreased viability in CRC explants, irrespective of the BRAF mutation status. Notably, their combination yielded a marked decrease in viability, particularly in the BRAF wild-type samples, suggesting a synergistic effect. While HAMLET showed a modest inhibitory effect on mitochondrial respiration across both mutant and wild-type samples, the response varied depending on the mutation status. Significant differences emerged in the responses of the HT-29 and WiDr cell lines to HAMLET, with WiDr cells showing greater resistance, pointing to factors beyond genetic mutations influencing drug responses. A slight synergy between HAMLET and FOLFOX was observed in WiDr cells, independent of the BRAF mutation. The bioenergetic analysis highlighted differences in mitochondrial respiration between HT-29 and WiDr cells, suggesting that bioenergetic profiles could be key in determining cellular responses to HAMLET. Conclusions: We highlight the potential of HAMLET and FOLFOX as a combined therapeutic approach in BRAF wild-type CRC, significantly reducing cancer cell viability. The varied responses in CRC cell lines, especially regarding bioenergetic and mitochondrial factors, emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach considering both genetic and metabolic aspects in CRC treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justas Žilinskas
- Department of Surgery, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (H.P.); (P.L.); (V.Č.); (Ž.D.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Darius Stukas
- Institute of Digestive Research, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.S.); (A.J.); (I.Ž.)
| | - Aldona Jasukaitienė
- Institute of Digestive Research, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.S.); (A.J.); (I.Ž.)
| | - Inga Žievytė
- Institute of Digestive Research, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.S.); (A.J.); (I.Ž.)
| | - Zbigniev Balion
- Preclinical Research Laboratory for Medicinal Products, Institute of Cardiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Jurgita Šapauskienė
- Department of Biochemistry, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (J.Š.); (R.B.)
| | - Rasa Banienė
- Department of Biochemistry, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (J.Š.); (R.B.)
| | - Henrikas Paužas
- Department of Surgery, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (H.P.); (P.L.); (V.Č.); (Ž.D.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Paulius Lizdenis
- Department of Surgery, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (H.P.); (P.L.); (V.Č.); (Ž.D.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Vaidotas Čėsna
- Department of Surgery, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (H.P.); (P.L.); (V.Č.); (Ž.D.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Žilvinas Dambrauskas
- Department of Surgery, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (H.P.); (P.L.); (V.Č.); (Ž.D.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
- Institute of Digestive Research, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.S.); (A.J.); (I.Ž.)
| | - Antanas Gulbinas
- Department of Surgery, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (H.P.); (P.L.); (V.Č.); (Ž.D.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
- Institute of Digestive Research, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.S.); (A.J.); (I.Ž.)
| | - Algimantas Tamelis
- Department of Surgery, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (H.P.); (P.L.); (V.Č.); (Ž.D.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
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Liang Z, Sun R, Tu P, Liang Y, Liang L, Liu F, Bian Y, Yin G, Zhao F, Jiang M, Gu J, Tang D. Immune-related gene-based prognostic index for predicting survival and immunotherapy outcomes in colorectal carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:944286. [PMID: 36591255 PMCID: PMC9795839 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.944286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer shows high incidence and mortality rates. Immune checkpoint blockade can be used to treat colorectal carcinoma (CRC); however, it shows limited effectiveness in most patients. Methods To identify patients who may benefit from immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors, we constructed an immune-related gene prognostic index (IRGPI) for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with CRC. Transcriptome datasets and clinical information of patients with CRC were used to identify differential immune-related genes between tumor and para-carcinoma tissue. Using weighted correlation network analysis and Cox regression analysis, the IRGPI was constructed, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate its predictive ability. We also analyzed the molecular and immune characteristics between IRGPI high-and low-risk subgroups, performed sensitivity analysis of ICI treatment, and constructed overall survival-related receiver operating characteristic curves to validate the IRGPI. Finally, IRGPI genes and tumor immune cell infiltration in CRC model mice with orthotopic metastases were analyzed to verify the results. Results The IRGPI was constructed based on the following 11 hub genes: ADIPOQ, CD36, CCL24, INHBE, UCN, IL1RL2, TRIM58, RBCK1, MC1R, PPARGC1A, and LGALS2. Patients with CRC in the high-risk subgroup showed longer overall survival than those in the low-risk subgroup, which was confirmed by GEO database. Clinicopathological features associated with cancer progression significantly differed between the high- and low-risk subgroups. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analysis of immune infiltration showed that the increased infiltration of naïve B cells, macrophages M1, and regulatory T cells and reduced infiltration of resting dendritic cells and mast cells led to a worse overall survival in patients with CRC. The ORC curves revealed that IRGPI predicted patient survival more sensitive than the published tumor immune dysfunction and rejection and tumor inflammatory signature. Discussion Thus, the low-risk subgroup is more likely to benefit from ICIs than the high-risk subgroup. CRC model mice showed higher proportions of Tregs, M1 macrophages, M2 macrophages and lower proportions of B cells, memory B cell immune cell infiltration, which is consistent with the IRGPI results. The IRGPI can predict the prognosis of patients with CRC, reflect the CRC immune microenvironment, and distinguish patients who are likely to benefit from ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqing Liang
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruolan Sun
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengcheng Tu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Laboratory of New Techniques of Restoration & Reconstruction of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Liang
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Liang
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuyan Liu
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Bian
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Laboratory Animal Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Yin
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fan Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingchen Jiang
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junfei Gu
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Decai Tang, ; Junfei Gu,
| | - Decai Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Decai Tang, ; Junfei Gu,
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