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Krebs M, Kotlyar MJ, Fahl J, Janaki Raman S, Röhrig F, Marquardt A, Kübler H, Kneitz B, Schulze A, Kalogirou C. Metformin Regulates the miR-205/VEGFA Axis in Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells: Exploring a Clinical Synergism with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. Urol Int 2023; 108:49-59. [PMID: 38035560 PMCID: PMC10836959 DOI: 10.1159/000535025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metformin (MF) intake could be associated with a favorable outcome in sunitinib (SUT)- and axitinib (AX)-treated clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients. Functionally, MF induces miR-205, a microRNA serving as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. METHODS Real-time quantitative PCR, viability assays, and Western blotting analyzed MF and SUT/AX effects in RCC4 and 786-O cells. A tetracycline-inducible overexpression model was used to study the role of miR-205 and its known target gene, VEGFA. We analyzed miR-205 and VEGFA within a public and an in-house ccRCC cohort. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) sprouting assays examined miR-205 effects on angiogenesis initiation. To determine the influence of the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (VHL), we examined VHLwt reexpressing RCC4 and 786-O cells. RESULTS Viability assays confirmed a sensitizing effect of MF toward SUT/AX in RCC4 and 786-O cells. Overexpression of miR-205 diminished VEGFA expression - as did treatment with MF. Tumor tissue displayed a downregulation of miR-205 and an upregulation of VEGFA. Accordingly, miR-205 caused less and shorter vessel sprouts in HUVEC assays. Finally, VHLwt-expressing RCC4 and 786-O cells displayed higher miR-205 and lower VEGFA levels. CONCLUSION Our results support the protective role of MF in ccRCC and offer functional insights into the clinical synergism with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Krebs
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mischa J Kotlyar
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany,
- Department of Interdisciplinary Critical Care Medicine and Intermediate Care, Helios Clinic Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany,
| | - Julian Fahl
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sudha Janaki Raman
- Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Röhrig
- Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - André Marquardt
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hubert Kübler
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Kneitz
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Almut Schulze
- Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Division of Tumor Metabolism and Microenvironment, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charis Kalogirou
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Zeng Q, Mousa M, Nadukkandy AS, Franssens L, Alnaqbi H, Alshamsi FY, Safar HA, Carmeliet P. Understanding tumour endothelial cell heterogeneity and function from single-cell omics. Nat Rev Cancer 2023:10.1038/s41568-023-00591-5. [PMID: 37349410 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00591-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic therapies (AATs) are used to treat different types of cancers. However, their success is limited owing to insufficient efficacy and resistance. Recently, single-cell omics studies of tumour endothelial cells (TECs) have provided new mechanistic insight. Here, we overview the heterogeneity of human TECs of all tumour types studied to date, at the single-cell level. Notably, most human tumour types contain varying numbers but only a small population of angiogenic TECs, the presumed targets of AATs, possibly contributing to the limited efficacy of and resistance to AATs. In general, TECs are heterogeneous within and across all tumour types, but comparing TEC phenotypes across tumours is currently challenging, owing to the lack of a uniform nomenclature for endothelial cells and consistent single-cell analysis protocols, urgently raising the need for a more consistent approach. Nonetheless, across most tumour types, universal TEC markers (ACKR1, PLVAP and IGFBP3) can be identified. Besides angiogenesis, biological processes such as immunomodulation and extracellular matrix organization are among the most commonly predicted enriched signatures of TECs across different tumour types. Although angiogenesis and extracellular matrix targets have been considered for AAT (without the hoped success), the immunomodulatory properties of TECs have not been fully considered as a novel anticancer therapeutic approach. Therefore, we also discuss progress, limitations, solutions and novel targets for AAT development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Zeng
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mira Mousa
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Aisha Shigna Nadukkandy
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lies Franssens
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Halima Alnaqbi
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Fatima Yousif Alshamsi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Habiba Al Safar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Verma S, Chitikela S, Singh V, Khurana S, Pushpam D, Jain D, Kumar S, Gupta Y, Malik PS. A phase II study of metformin plus pemetrexed and carboplatin in patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (METALUNG). Med Oncol 2023; 40:192. [PMID: 37261532 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02057-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) ± chemotherapy is the standard treatment for driver mutation-negative non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, accessibility to ICIs in LMICs is limited due to high cost, and platinum-based chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment. Metformin has anticancer properties, and studies suggest synergism between metformin and pemetrexed. Based on preclinical evidence, this combination may be more beneficial for STK11-mutated NSCLC, a subgroup, inherently resistant to ICIs. In this Simon two-stage, single-arm phase 2 trial, we investigated metformin with pemetrexed-carboplatin (PC) in patients with treatment-naive stage IV non-squamous NSCLC. The primary outcome was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate. Secondary outcomes were safety, overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), proportion of STK11 mutation, and effect of STK11 mutation on 6-month PFS rate. The study was terminated for futility after interim analysis. The median follow-up was 34.1 months. The 6-month PFS rate was 28% (95% CI 12.4-0.46). The median PFS and OS were 4.5 (95% CI 2.2-6.1) and 7.4 months (95% CI 5.3-15.3), respectively. The ORR was 72%. Gastrointestinal toxicities were the most common. No grade 4/5 toxicities were reported. Targeted sequencing was possible in nine cases. Two patients had STK11 mutation and a poor outcome (PFS < 12 weeks). We could not demonstrate the benefit of metformin with CP in terms of improvement in 6-month PFS rate; however, the combination was safe (CTRI/2019/02/017815).
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Affiliation(s)
- S Verma
- Department of Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S Chitikela
- Department of Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - V Singh
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S Khurana
- Department of Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - D Pushpam
- Department of Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - D Jain
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S Kumar
- Department of Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Y Gupta
- Department of Endocrinology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - P S Malik
- Department of Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr.B.R.A.I.R.C.H., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Room 245, New Delhi, India.
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4
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Wang Y, Hu Y, Wang T, Che G, Li L. Addition of metformin for non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving antineoplastic agents. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1123834. [PMID: 36969876 PMCID: PMC10036803 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1123834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose: Previous studies have found that metformin can inhibit tumor growth and improve outcomes for cancer patients. However, the association between the addition of metformin to the treatment regimen and survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving antineoplastic agents such as chemotherapy drugs, epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of metformin in NSCLC patients who received the aforementioned antineoplastic therapies.Methods: Several electronic databases were searched for relevant studies published by 10 September 2022. The primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS); eligible studies were those comparing patients with and without the addition of metformin. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined, with all statistical analyses performed using STATA 15.0.Results: A total of 19 studies involving 6,419 participants were included, of which six were randomized controlled trials. The overall pooled results indicate that the addition of metformin improved OS (HR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71–0.98, p = 0.029) and PFS (HR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74–0.99, p = 0.039). However, subgroup analysis based on treatment type and comorbidity of diabetes mellitus demonstrated that improvements in OS and PFS were observed only in diabetic and EGFR-TKI-treated patients (OS: HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45–0.90, p = 0.011; PFS: HR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.34–1.03, p = 0.061).Conclusion: Overall, this meta-analysis found that metformin use could improve outcomes for diabetic patients receiving EGFR-TKIs. However, no significant association between the addition of metformin and the survival of non-diabetic NSCLC patients receiving chemotherapy or ICI therapy was identified based on the current evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guowei Che
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Guowei Che, ; Lu Li,
| | - Lu Li
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Guowei Che, ; Lu Li,
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Cardiovascular Disease as a Consequence or a Cause of Cancer: Potential Role of Extracellular Vesicles. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020321. [PMID: 36830690 PMCID: PMC9953640 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Both cardiovascular disease and cancer continue to be causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Preventing and treating heart disease in patients undergoing cancer treatment remain an important and ongoing challenge for improving the lives of cancer patients, but also for their survival. Despite ongoing efforts to improve patient survival, minimal advances have been made in the early detection of cardiovascular disease in patients suffering from cancer. Understanding the communication between cancer and cardiovascular disease can be based on a deeper knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that define the profile of the bilateral network and establish disease-specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The role of exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, together defined as extracellular vesicles (EVs), in cross talk between cardiovascular disease and cancer is in an incipient form of research. Here, we will discuss the preclinical evidence on the bilateral connection between cancer and cardiovascular disease (especially early cardiac changes) through some specific mediators such as EVs. Investigating EV-based biomarkers and therapies may uncover the responsible mechanisms, detect the early stages of cardiovascular damage and elucidate novel therapeutic approaches. The ultimate goal is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases by improving the standard of care in oncological patients treated with anticancer drugs or radiotherapy.
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Monocarboxylate transporter 4 involves in energy metabolism and drug sensitivity in hypoxia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1501. [PMID: 36707650 PMCID: PMC9883486 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28558-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells is a potential target for cancer therapy. It is also known that a hypoxic environment, one of the tumor microenvironments, can alter the energy metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. However, the relationship between hypoxia and drug sensitivity, which targets energy metabolism, is not well known. In this study, A549 cells, a cell line derived from lung adenocarcinoma, were evaluated under normoxia and hypoxia for the sensitivity of reagents targeting oxidative phosphorylation (metformin) and glycolysis (α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid [CHC]). The results showed that a hypoxic environment increased the expression levels of monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 4 and hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α), whereas MCT1 and MCT2 expression did not vary between normoxia and hypoxia. Furthermore, the evaluation of the ATP production ratio indicated that glycolysis was enhanced under hypoxic conditions. It was then found that the sensitivity to metformin decreased while that to CHC increased under hypoxia. To elucidate this mechanism, MCT4 and HIF-1α were knocked down and the expression level of MCT4 was significantly decreased under both conditions. In contrast, the expression of HIF-1α was decreased by HIF-1α knockdown and increased by MCT4 knockdown. In addition, changes in metformin and CHC sensitivity under hypoxia were eliminated by the knockdown of MCT4 and HIF-1α, suggesting that MCT4 is involved in the phenomenon described above. In conclusion, it was shown that the sensitivity of reagents targeting energy metabolism is dependent on their microenvironment. As MCT4 is involved in some of these mechanisms, we hypothesized that MCT4 could be an important target molecule for cancer therapy.
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7
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Yang J, Kim SH, Jung EH, Kim S, Suh KJ, Lee JY, Kim J, Kim JW, Lee J, Kim YJ, Lee K, Kim JH, Bang S, Lee JS. The effect of metformin or dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors on clinical outcomes in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thorac Cancer 2022; 14:52-60. [PMID: 36351567 PMCID: PMC9807448 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical data have shown the immunomodulatory effects of metformin and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors in patients with diabetes. However, its clinical impact remains unclear in lung cancer. METHODS Between 2017 and 2021, 466 patients received ICI monotherapy. Patients were categorized into concurrent (MET; metformin or combination of metformin and DPP4 inhibitor) and without concomitant (NMET; nonmetformin/DPP4 inhibitors) administration of metformin and DPP4 inhibitors groups at least 8 weeks before and during ICI therapy. The primary objectives were the objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). The second objective was to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). RESULTS Among 466 patients, 89 (19.0%) and 377 (81%) were categorized into the MET and NMET groups, respectively. MET group had a significantly higher ORR (MET group: 24.7% vs. NMET group: 14.8%, p = 0.025) and longer PFS than those in the NMET group (MET group 5.1 month vs. NMET group 2.8 months, p = 0.018). After patients were stratified based on the prior line of therapy and PD L1 expression status, the PFS of the second-line therapy and PD L1 ≥50 was significantly higher in the MET than in the NMET group. The proportion of patients experiencing all-grade irAEs was numerically higher in the MET group (19.1%) than in the NMET group (14.3%), without statistical significance (p = 0.382). CONCLUSIONS Concurrent use of metformin and DPP4 inhibitors with ICIs significantly improved the clinical outcomes without increasing the incidence of irAEs in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Yang
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea
| | - Se Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Eun Hee Jung
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Sang‐A Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Koung Jin Suh
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Ji Yun Lee
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Ji‐Won Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Jin Won Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Jeong‐Ok Lee
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Keun‐Wook Lee
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Soo‐Mee Bang
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Jong Seok Lee
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamRepublic of Korea,Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
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Triggle CR, Mohammed I, Bshesh K, Marei I, Ye K, Ding H, MacDonald R, Hollenberg MD, Hill MA. Metformin: Is it a drug for all reasons and diseases? Metabolism 2022; 133:155223. [PMID: 35640743 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Metformin was first used to treat type 2 diabetes in the late 1950s and in 2022 remains the first-choice drug used daily by approximately 150 million people. An accumulation of positive pre-clinical and clinical data has stimulated interest in re-purposing metformin to treat a variety of diseases including COVID-19. In polycystic ovary syndrome metformin improves insulin sensitivity. In type 1 diabetes metformin may help reduce the insulin dose. Meta-analysis and data from pre-clinical and clinical studies link metformin to a reduction in the incidence of cancer. Clinical trials, including MILES (Metformin In Longevity Study), and TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin), have been designed to determine if metformin can offset aging and extend lifespan. Pre-clinical and clinical data suggest that metformin, via suppression of pro-inflammatory pathways, protection of mitochondria and vascular function, and direct actions on neuronal stem cells, may protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Metformin has also been studied for its anti-bacterial, -viral, -malaria efficacy. Collectively, these data raise the question: Is metformin a drug for all diseases? It remains unclear as to whether all of these putative beneficial effects are secondary to its actions as an anti-hyperglycemic and insulin-sensitizing drug, or result from other cellular actions, including inhibition of mTOR (mammalian target for rapamycin), or direct anti-viral actions. Clarification is also sought as to whether data from ex vivo studies based on the use of high concentrations of metformin can be translated into clinical benefits, or whether they reflect a 'Paracelsus' effect. The environmental impact of metformin, a drug with no known metabolites, is another emerging issue that has been linked to endocrine disruption in fish, and extensive use in T2D has also raised concerns over effects on human reproduction. The objectives for this review are to: 1) evaluate the putative mechanism(s) of action of metformin; 2) analyze the controversial evidence for metformin's effectiveness in the treatment of diseases other than type 2 diabetes; 3) assess the reproducibility of the data, and finally 4) reach an informed conclusion as to whether metformin is a drug for all diseases and reasons. We conclude that the primary clinical benefits of metformin result from its insulin-sensitizing and antihyperglycaemic effects that secondarily contribute to a reduced risk of a number of diseases and thereby enhancing healthspan. However, benefits like improving vascular endothelial function that are independent of effects on glucose homeostasis add to metformin's therapeutic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris R Triggle
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar; Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Ibrahim Mohammed
- Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Khalifa Bshesh
- Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Isra Marei
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kevin Ye
- Department of Biomedical Physiology & Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Hong Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar; Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ross MacDonald
- Distribution eLibrary, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Morley D Hollenberg
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, a Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Michael A Hill
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medical Pharmacology & Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, MO, USA
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Baci D, Cekani E, Imperatori A, Ribatti D, Mortara L. Host-Related Factors as Targetable Drivers of Immunotherapy Response in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:914890. [PMID: 35874749 PMCID: PMC9298844 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.914890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite some significant therapeutic breakthroughs leading to immunotherapy, a high percentage of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) do not respond to treatment on relapse, thus experiencing poor prognosis and survival. The unsatisfying results could be related to the features of the tumor immune microenvironment and the dynamic interactions between a tumor and immune infiltrate. Host-tumor interactions strongly influence the course of disease and response to therapies. Thus, targeting host-associated factors by restoring their physiologic functions altered by the presence of a tumor represents a new therapeutic approach to control tumor development and progression. In NSCLC, the immunogenic tumor balance is shifted negatively toward immunosuppression due to the release of inhibitory factors as well as the presence of immunosuppressive cells. Among these cells, there are myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells that can generate a tumor-permissive milieu by reprogramming the cells of the hosts such as tumor-associated macrophages, tumor-associated neutrophils, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and mast cells that acquire tumor-supporting phenotypes and functions. This review highlights the current knowledge of the involvement of host-related factors, including innate and adaptive immunity in orchestrating the tumor cell fate and the primary resistance mechanisms to immunotherapy in NSCLC. Finally, we discuss combinational therapeutic strategies targeting different aspects of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to prime the host response. Further research dissecting the characteristics and dynamic interactions within the interface host-tumor is necessary to improve a patient fitness immune response and provide answers regarding the immunotherapy efficacy, with the aim to develop more successful treatments for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Baci
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy.,Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Elona Cekani
- Medical Oncology Clinic, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Imperatori
- Center for Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Liang M, Li JW, Luo H, Lulu S, Calbay O, Shenoy A, Tan M, Law BK, Huang S, Xiao TS, Chen H, Wu L, Chang J, Lu J. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Suppresses AMPK and Sensitizes Cancer Cells to Pyroptosis under Energy Stress. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142208. [PMID: 35883651 PMCID: PMC9322750 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in tumor metastasis and therapeutic resistance. It remains a challenge to target cancer cells that have undergone EMT. The Snail family of key EMT-inducing transcription factors directly binds to and transcriptionally represses not only epithelial genes but also a myriad of additional genomic targets that may carry out significant biological functions. Therefore, we reasoned that EMT inherently causes various concomitant phenotypes, some of which may create targetable vulnerabilities for cancer treatment. In the present study, we found that Snail transcription factors bind to the promoters of multiple genes encoding subunits of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) complex, and expression of AMPK genes was markedly downregulated by EMT. Accordingly, high AMPK expression in tumors correlated with epithelial cell markers and low AMPK expression in tumors was strongly associated with adverse prognosis. AMPK is the principal sensor of cellular energy status. In response to energy stress, AMPK is activated and critically reprograms cellular metabolism to restore energy homeostasis and maintain cell survival. We showed that activation of AMPK by energy stress was severely impaired by EMT. Consequently, EMT cancer cells became hypersensitive to a variety of energy stress conditions and primarily underwent pyroptosis, a regulated form of necrotic cell death. Collectively, the study suggests that EMT impedes the activation of AMPK signaling induced by energy stress and sensitizes cancer cells to pyroptotic cell death under energy stress conditions. Therefore, while EMT promotes malignant progression, it concurrently induces collateral vulnerabilities that may be therapeutically exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (M.L.); (J.W.L.); (H.L.); (S.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Jennifer W. Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (M.L.); (J.W.L.); (H.L.); (S.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Huacheng Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (M.L.); (J.W.L.); (H.L.); (S.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Sarah Lulu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (M.L.); (J.W.L.); (H.L.); (S.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Ozlem Calbay
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (O.C.); (S.H.)
| | - Anitha Shenoy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (M.L.); (J.W.L.); (H.L.); (S.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Ming Tan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan;
| | - Brian K. Law
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Shuang Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (O.C.); (S.H.)
| | - Tsan Sam Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China;
| | - Lizi Wu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Jia Chang
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Jianrong Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (M.L.); (J.W.L.); (H.L.); (S.L.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Top WMC, Kooy A, Stehouwer CDA. Metformin: A Narrative Review of Its Potential Benefits for Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer and Dementia. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030312. [PMID: 35337110 PMCID: PMC8951049 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The biguanide metformin has been used as first-line therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment for several decades. In addition to its glucose-lowering properties and its prevention of weight gain, the landmark UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) demonstrated cardioprotective properties in obese T2DM patients. Coupled with a favorable side effect profile and low cost, metformin has become the cornerstone in the treatment of T2DM worldwide. In addition, metformin is increasingly being investigated for its potential anticancer and neuroprotective properties both in T2DM patients and non-diabetic individuals. In the meantime, new drugs with powerful cardioprotective properties have been introduced and compete with metformin for its place in the treatment of T2DM. In this review we will discuss actual insights in the various working mechanisms of metformin and the evidence for its beneficial effects on (the prevention of) cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. In addition to observational evidence, emphasis is placed on randomized trials and recent meta-analyses to obtain an up-to-date overview of the use of metformin in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebe M. C. Top
- Department of Intensive Care, Treant Care Group, 7909 AA Hoogeveen, The Netherlands;
| | - Adriaan Kooy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Treant Care Group, 7909 AA Hoogeveen, The Netherlands
- Bethesda Diabetes Research Center, 7909 AA Hoogeveen, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Coen D. A. Stehouwer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands;
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Chen N, Zhou YS, Wang LC, Huang JB. Advances in metformin‑based metabolic therapy for non‑small cell lung cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2022; 47:55. [PMID: 35039878 PMCID: PMC8808708 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic approaches that target the metabolism of tumor cells have been a popular research topic in recent years. Previous studies have demonstrated that glycolysis inhibitors reduce the proliferation of non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by interfering with the aerobic glycolytic pathway. However, the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway in tumor cells has also been implicated in lung cancer metabolism. Metformin, a known inhibitor of mitochondrial OXPHOS, has been indicated to reduce NSCLC morbidity and mortality in clinical studies. The present article reviewed the therapeutic effects of metformin against NSCLC, both as a single agent and combined with other anticancer treatments, in order to provide a theoretical basis for its clinical use in adjuvant therapy for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Yangtze University, Yangtze University Research and Experimentation Centre, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Shu Zhou
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Yangtze University, Yangtze University Research and Experimentation Centre, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Li-Cui Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Yangtze University, Yangtze University Research and Experimentation Centre, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Bai Huang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Yangtze University, Yangtze University Research and Experimentation Centre, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
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Fontana F, Limonta P. The multifaceted roles of mitochondria at the crossroads of cell life and death in cancer. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 176:203-221. [PMID: 34597798 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the cytoplasmic organelles mostly known as the "electric engine" of the cells; however, they also play pivotal roles in different biological processes, such as cell growth/apoptosis, Ca2+ and redox homeostasis, and cell stemness. In cancer cells, mitochondria undergo peculiar functional and structural dynamics involved in the survival/death fate of the cell. Cancer cells use glycolysis to support macromolecular biosynthesis and energy production ("Warburg effect"); however, mitochondrial OXPHOS has been shown to be still active during carcinogenesis and even exacerbated in drug-resistant and stem cancer cells. This metabolic rewiring is associated with mutations in genes encoding mitochondrial metabolic enzymes ("oncometabolites"), alterations of ROS production and redox biology, and a fine-tuned balance between anti-/proapoptotic proteins. In cancer cells, mitochondria also experience dynamic alterations from the structural point of view undergoing coordinated cycles of biogenesis, fusion/fission and mitophagy, and physically communicating with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), through the Ca2+ flux, at the MAM (mitochondria-associated membranes) levels. This review addresses the peculiar mitochondrial metabolic and structural dynamics occurring in cancer cells and their role in coordinating the balance between cell survival and death. The role of mitochondrial dynamics as effective biomarkers of tumor progression and promising targets for anticancer strategies is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Fontana
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Limonta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Insulin Resistance and Cancer: In Search for a Causal Link. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011137. [PMID: 34681797 PMCID: PMC8540232 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition which refers to individuals whose cells and tissues become insensitive to the peptide hormone, insulin. Over the recent years, a wealth of data has made it clear that a synergistic relationship exists between IR, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Although the underlying mechanism(s) for this association remain unclear, it is well established that hyperinsulinemia, a hallmark of IR, may play a role in tumorigenesis. On the other hand, IR is strongly associated with visceral adiposity dysfunction and systemic inflammation, two conditions which favor the establishment of a pro-tumorigenic environment. Similarly, epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA, in IR states, have been often associated with tumorigenesis in numerous types of human cancer. In addition to these observations, it is also broadly accepted that gut microbiota may play an intriguing role in the development of IR-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cancer, whereas potential chemopreventive properties have been attributed to some of the most commonly used antidiabetic medications. Herein we provide a concise overview of the most recent literature in this field and discuss how different but interrelated molecular pathways may impact on tumor development.
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