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Dixon S, O'connor AT, Brooks-Noreiga C, Clark MA, Levy A, Castejon AM. Role of renin angiotensin system inhibitors and metformin in Glioblastoma Therapy: a review. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2024; 94:1-23. [PMID: 38914751 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-024-04686-0] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive and incurable disease accounting for about 10,000 deaths in the USA each year. Despite the current treatment approach which includes surgery with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, there remains a high prevalence of recurrence. Notable improvements have been observed in persons receiving concurrent antihypertensive drugs such as renin angiotensin inhibitors (RAS) or the antidiabetic drug metformin with standard therapy. Anti-tumoral effects of RAS inhibitors and metformin have been observed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Although clinical trials have shown mixed results, the potential for the use of RAS inhibitors and metformin as adjuvant GBM therapy remains promising. Nevertheless, evidence suggest that these drugs exert multimodal antitumor actions; by particularly targeting several cancer hallmarks. In this review, we highlight the results of clinical studies using multidrug cocktails containing RAS inhibitors and or metformin added to standard therapy for GBM. In addition, we highlight the possible molecular mechanisms by which these repurposed drugs with an excellent safety profile might elicit their anti-tumoral effects. RAS inhibition elicits anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and immune sensitivity effects in GBM. However, metformin promotes anti-migratory, anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects mainly through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Also, we discussed metformin's potential in targeting both GBM cells as well as GBM associated-stem cells. Finally, we summarize a few drug interactions that may cause an additive or antagonistic effect that may lead to adverse effects and influence treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sashana Dixon
- Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA.
| | - Ann Tenneil O'connor
- Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Chloe Brooks-Noreiga
- Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Michelle A Clark
- Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Arkene Levy
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Ana M Castejon
- Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
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2
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Shah S, Mansour HM, Aguilar TM, Lucke-Wold B. Advances in Anti-Cancer Drug Development: Metformin as Anti-Angiogenic Supplemental Treatment for Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5694. [PMID: 38891882 PMCID: PMC11171521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115694] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the WHO 2016 classification, glioblastoma is the most prevalent primary tumor in the adult central nervous system (CNS) and is categorized as grade IV. With an average lifespan of about 15 months from diagnosis, glioblastoma has a poor prognosis and presents a significant treatment challenge. Aberrant angiogenesis, which promotes tumor neovascularization and is a prospective target for molecular target treatment, is one of its unique and aggressive characteristics. Recently, the existence of glioma stem cells (GSCs) within the tumor, which are tolerant to chemotherapy and radiation, has been linked to the highly aggressive form of glioblastoma. Anti-angiogenic medications have not significantly improved overall survival (OS), despite various preclinical investigations and clinical trials demonstrating encouraging results. This suggests the need to discover new treatment options. Glioblastoma is one of the numerous cancers for which metformin, an anti-hyperglycemic medication belonging to the Biguanides family, is used as first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and it has shown both in vitro and in vivo anti-tumoral activity. Based on these findings, the medication has been repurposed, which has shown the inhibition of many oncopromoter mechanisms and, as a result, identified the molecular pathways involved. Metformin inhibits cancer cell growth by blocking the LKB1/AMPK/mTOR/S6K1 pathway, leading to selective cell death in GSCs and inhibiting the proliferation of CD133+ cells. It has minimal impact on differentiated glioblastoma cells and normal human stem cells. The systematic retrieval of information was performed on PubMed. A total of 106 articles were found in a search on metformin for glioblastoma. Out of these six articles were Meta-analyses, Randomized Controlled Trials, clinical trials, and Systematic Reviews. The rest were Literature review articles. These articles were from the years 2011 to 2024. Appropriate studies were isolated, and important information from each of them was understood and entered into a database from which the information was used in this article. The clinical trials on metformin use in the treatment of glioblastoma were searched on clinicaltrials.gov. In this article, we examine and evaluate metformin's possible anti-tumoral effects on glioblastoma, determining whether or not it may appropriately function as an anti-angiogenic substance and be safely added to the treatment and management of glioblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Shah
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (S.S.)
| | - Hadeel M. Mansour
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (S.S.)
| | - Tania M. Aguilar
- College of Medicine at Chicago, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (S.S.)
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3
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Popović DJ, Popović KJ, Miljković D, Popović JK, Lalošević D, Poša M, Dolićanin Z, Čapo I. Diclofenac and metformin synergistic dose dependent inhibition of hamster fibrosarcoma, rescued with mebendazole. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115528. [PMID: 37738800 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115528] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined whether combinig diclofenac and metformin in doses equivalent to human doses would synergize their anticancer activity on fibrosarcoma inoculated to hamsters and in vitro. Rescue experiment was performed to examine whether the prosurvival NF-κB stimulation by mebendazole can reverse anticancer effects of the treatment. BHK-21/C13 cell culture was subcutaneously inoculated to Syrian golden hamsters randomly divided into groups (6 animals per group): 1) untreated control; treated daily with 2) diclofenac; 3) metformin; 4) combinations of diclofenac and metformin at various doses; 5) combination of diclofenac, metformin and mebendazole; 6) mebendazole. Dose response curves were made for diclofenac and metformin combination. Tumor growth kinetics, biophysical, pathological, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of excised tumors and hamster organs as well as biochemical and hematological blood tests were compared among the groups. Single treatments had no anticancer effects. Diclofenac (60 mg/kg/day) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) synergistic inhibitory effect with metformin (500 mg/kg/day) on all tumor growth parameters, without toxicity and influence on biochemical and hematological blood tests. The same results were obtained with double doses of diclofenac and metformin combination. The addition of mebendazole to the diclofenac and metformin combination rescued tumor expansion. Furthermore, diclofenac with metformin demonstrated antiproliferative effects in hamster fibrosarcoma BHK-21/C13, human lung carcinoma A549 (CCL-185), colon carcinoma HT-29 (HTB-38) and cervical carcinoma HeLa (CCL-2) cell cultures, with markedly lower cytotoxicity in the normal fetal lung MRC-5 cells. In conclusion, diclofenac and metformin combination may be recommended for potential use in oncology, due to synergistic anticancer effect in doses achievable in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dušica J Popović
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Novi Pazar, Vuka Karadžića 9, 36300 Novi Pazar, Serbia
| | - Kosta J Popović
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dejan Miljković
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jovan K Popović
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; Academy of Medical Sciences of the Serbian Medical Society, 19 George Washington str.,11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Dušan Lalošević
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Mihalj Poša
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Zana Dolićanin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Novi Pazar, Vuka Karadžića 9, 36300 Novi Pazar, Serbia
| | - Ivan Čapo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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4
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Ailuno G, Baldassari S, Balboni A, Drava G, Spalletti C, Tantillo E, Mazzanti M, Barbieri F, Thellung S, Florio T, Caviglioli G. Development and validation of a GC-MS method for determination of metformin in normal brain and in glioblastoma tissues. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 234:115503. [PMID: 37295189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115503] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Metformin hydrochloride (MH) has recently been repurposed as an anticancer agent, showing antiproliferative activity in vitro and in vivo. In particular, experimental evidence has suggested its potential clinical efficacy in glioblastoma (GBM), a very aggressive tumor frequently characterized by gloomy prognosis. Unfortunately, the published literature concerning experimental applications of MH in glioblastoma animal models report no data on metformin levels reached in the brain, which, considering the high hydrophilicity of the drug, are likely very low. Therefore, new sensitive analytical methods to be applied on biological tissues are necessary to improve our knowledge of MH in vivo biodistribution and biological effects on tumors. In this research work, a GC-MS method for MH quantification in brain tissues is proposed. MH has been derivatized using N-methyl-bis(trifluoroacetamide), as already described in the literature, but the derivatization conditions have been optimized; moreover, deuterated MH has been selected as the best internal standard, after a comparative evaluation including other internal standards employed in published methods. After ascertaining method linearity, its accuracy, precision, specificity, repeatability, LOD and LOQ (0.373 µM and 1.242 µM, respectively, corresponding to 0.887 and 2.958 pmol/mg of wet tissue) have been evaluated on mouse brain tissue samples, obtained through a straightforward preparation procedure involving methanolic extraction from lyophilized brain homogenates and solid phase purification. The method has been validated on brain samples obtained from mice, either healthy or xenografted with GBM cells, receiving metformin dissolved in the drinking water. This analytical method can be usefully applied in preclinical studies aiming at clarifying MH mechanism of action in brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Alice Balboni
- Department of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Giuliana Drava
- Department of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Cristina Spalletti
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Tantillo
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Giovanni Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Thellung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Gabriele Caviglioli
- Department of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy.
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5
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Heterogeneity of Amino Acid Profiles of Proneural and Mesenchymal Brain-Tumor Initiating Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043199. [PMID: 36834608 PMCID: PMC9962848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043199] [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: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas are highly malignant brain tumors that derive from brain-tumor-initiating cells (BTICs) and can be subdivided into several molecular subtypes. Metformin is an antidiabetic drug currently under investigation as a potential antineoplastic agent. The effects of metformin on glucose metabolism have been extensively studied, but there are only few data on amino acid metabolism. We investigated the basic amino acid profiles of proneural and mesenchymal BTICs to explore a potential distinct utilization and biosynthesis in these subgroups. We further measured extracellular amino acid concentrations of different BTICs at baseline and after treatment with metformin. Effects of metformin on apoptosis and autophagy were determined using Western Blot, annexin V/7-AAD FACS-analyses and a vector containing the human LC3B gene fused to green fluorescent protein. The effects of metformin on BTICs were challenged in an orthotopic BTIC model. The investigated proneural BTICs showed increased activity of the serine and glycine pathway, whereas mesenchymal BTICs in our study preferably metabolized aspartate and glutamate. Metformin treatment led to increased autophagy and strong inhibition of carbon flux from glucose to amino acids in all subtypes. However, oral treatment with metformin at tolerable doses did not significantly inhibit tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, we found distinct amino acid profiles of proneural and mesenchymal BTICs, and inhibitory effects of metformin on BTICs in vitro. However, further studies are warranted to better understand potential resistance mechanisms against metformin in vivo.
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6
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Benjamin D, Hall MN. Combining metformin with lactate transport inhibitors as a treatment modality for cancer - recommendation proposal. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1034397. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1034397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly glycolytic cancer cells excrete lactate to maintain cellular homeostasis. Inhibiting lactate export by pharmacological targeting of plasma membrane lactate transporters is being pursued as an anti-cancer therapy. Work from many laboratories show that the simultaneous inhibition of lactate export and mitochondrial respiration elicits strong synthetic lethality. The mitochondrial inhibitor, metformin, has been the subject of numerous clinical trials as an anti-cancer agent. We propose that, in future clinical trials, metformin be combined with lactate transport inhibitors to exploit this synergistic interaction.
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7
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Seliger C, Meyer AL, Leidgens V, Rauer L, Moeckel S, Jachnik B, Proske J, Dettmer K, Rothhammer-Hampl T, Kaulen LD, Riemenschneider MJ, Oefner PJ, Kreutz M, Schmidt NO, Merrill M, Uhl M, Renner K, Vollmann-Zwerenz A, Proescholdt M, Hau P. Metabolic Heterogeneity of Brain Tumor Cells of Proneural and Mesenchymal Origin. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911629. [PMID: 36232951 PMCID: PMC9569970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911629] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-tumor-initiating cells (BTICs) of proneural and mesenchymal origin contribute to the highly malignant phenotype of glioblastoma (GB) and resistance to current therapies. BTICs of different subtypes were challenged with oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) inhibition with metformin to assess the differential effects of metabolic intervention on key resistance features. Whereas mesenchymal BTICs varied according to their invasiveness, they were in general more glycolytic and less responsive to metformin. Proneural BTICs were less invasive, catabolized glucose more via the pentose phosphate pathway, and responded better to metformin. Targeting glycolysis may be a promising approach to inhibit tumor cells of mesenchymal origin, whereas proneural cells are more responsive to OXPHOS inhibition. Future clinical trials exploring metabolic interventions should account for metabolic heterogeneity of brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Seliger
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6221-56-7507
| | - Anne-Louise Meyer
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Verena Leidgens
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Rauer
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Moeckel
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Jachnik
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Judith Proske
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katja Dettmer
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Leon D. Kaulen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Peter J. Oefner
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marina Kreutz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nils-Ole Schmidt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marsha Merrill
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Martin Uhl
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Renner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Arabel Vollmann-Zwerenz
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Proescholdt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hau
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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8
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Ramos-Inza S, Ruberte AC, Sanmartín C, Sharma AK, Plano D. NSAIDs: Old Acquaintance in the Pipeline for Cancer Treatment and Prevention─Structural Modulation, Mechanisms of Action, and Bright Future. J Med Chem 2021; 64:16380-16421. [PMID: 34784195 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The limitations of current chemotherapeutic drugs are still a major issue in cancer treatment. Thus, targeted multimodal therapeutic approaches need to be strategically developed to successfully control tumor growth and prevent metastatic burden. Inflammation has long been recognized as a hallmark of cancer and plays a key role in the tumorigenesis and progression of the disease. Several epidemiological, clinical, and preclinical studies have shown that traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exhibit anticancer activities. This Perspective reports the most recent outcomes for the treatment and prevention of different types of cancers for several NSAIDs alone or in combination with current chemotherapeutic drugs. Furthermore, an extensive review of the most promising structural modifications is reported, such as phospho, H2S, and NO releasing-, selenium-, metal complex-, and natural product-NSAIDs, among others. We also provide a perspective about the new strategies used to obtain more efficient NSAID- or NSAID derivative- formulations for targeted delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ramos-Inza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Carolina Ruberte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carmen Sanmartín
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arun K Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Cancer Institute, CH72, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Daniel Plano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
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9
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Chen J, Lee H, Schmitt P, Choy CJ, Miller DM, Williams BJ, Bearer EL, Frieboes HB. Bioengineered Models to Study Microenvironmental Regulation of Glioblastoma Metabolism. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 80:1012–1023. [PMID: 34524448 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlab092] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research and aggressive therapies, glioblastoma (GBM) remains a central nervous system malignancy with poor prognosis. The varied histopathology of GBM suggests a landscape of differing microenvironments and clonal expansions, which may influence metabolism, driving tumor progression. Indeed, GBM metabolic plasticity in response to differing nutrient supply within these microenvironments has emerged as a key driver of aggressiveness. Additionally, emergent biophysical and biochemical interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are offering new perspectives on GBM metabolism. Perivascular and hypoxic niches exert crucial roles in tumor maintenance and progression, facilitating metabolic relationships between stromal and tumor cells. Alterations in extracellular matrix and its biophysical characteristics, such as rigidity and topography, regulate GBM metabolism through mechanotransductive mechanisms. This review highlights insights gained from deployment of bioengineering models, including engineered cell culture and mathematical models, to study the microenvironmental regulation of GBM metabolism. Bioengineered approaches building upon histopathology measurements may uncover potential therapeutic strategies that target both TME-dependent mechanotransductive and biomolecular drivers of metabolism to tackle this challenging disease. Longer term, a concerted effort integrating in vitro and in silico models predictive of patient therapy response may offer a powerful advance toward tailoring of treatment to patient-specific GBM characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Chen
- From the Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, CJC, HBF); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, DMM, HBF); Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HL, BJW); Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (PS, DMM); Department of Radiation Oncology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (DMM, BJW, HBF); Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HBF); Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA (ELB)
| | - Hyunchul Lee
- From the Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, CJC, HBF); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, DMM, HBF); Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HL, BJW); Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (PS, DMM); Department of Radiation Oncology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (DMM, BJW, HBF); Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HBF); Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA (ELB)
| | - Philipp Schmitt
- From the Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, CJC, HBF); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, DMM, HBF); Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HL, BJW); Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (PS, DMM); Department of Radiation Oncology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (DMM, BJW, HBF); Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HBF); Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA (ELB)
| | - Caleb J Choy
- From the Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, CJC, HBF); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, DMM, HBF); Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HL, BJW); Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (PS, DMM); Department of Radiation Oncology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (DMM, BJW, HBF); Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HBF); Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA (ELB)
| | - Donald M Miller
- From the Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, CJC, HBF); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, DMM, HBF); Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HL, BJW); Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (PS, DMM); Department of Radiation Oncology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (DMM, BJW, HBF); Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HBF); Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA (ELB)
| | - Brian J Williams
- From the Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, CJC, HBF); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, DMM, HBF); Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HL, BJW); Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (PS, DMM); Department of Radiation Oncology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (DMM, BJW, HBF); Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HBF); Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA (ELB)
| | - Elaine L Bearer
- From the Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, CJC, HBF); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, DMM, HBF); Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HL, BJW); Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (PS, DMM); Department of Radiation Oncology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (DMM, BJW, HBF); Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HBF); Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA (ELB)
| | - Hermann B Frieboes
- From the Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, CJC, HBF); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (JC, DMM, HBF); Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HL, BJW); Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (PS, DMM); Department of Radiation Oncology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (DMM, BJW, HBF); Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA (HBF); Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA (ELB)
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10
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Basheer AS, Abas F, Othman I, Naidu R. Role of Inflammatory Mediators, Macrophages, and Neutrophils in Glioma Maintenance and Progression: Mechanistic Understanding and Potential Therapeutic Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164226. [PMID: 34439380 PMCID: PMC8393628 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment is a complex network comprised of neoplastic and a variety of immune cells, proteins, and inflammatory mediators. Previous studies have shown that during cancer progression, diverse inflammatory molecules, either directly or indirectly via recruiting immune cells, support the process of carcinogenesis. The present review focuses on the mechanistic understanding of the oncogenic role of these inflammatory mediators and immune cells, particularly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) in glioma maintenance and progression. Moreover, the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting inflammatory mediators, immune cells, and associated signaling pathways in glioma genesis have also been discussed. Abstract Gliomas are the most common, highly malignant, and deadliest forms of brain tumors. These intra-cranial solid tumors are comprised of both cancerous and non-cancerous cells, which contribute to tumor development, progression, and resistance to the therapeutic regimen. A variety of soluble inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines, chemokines, and chemotactic factors) are secreted by these cells, which help in creating an inflammatory microenvironment and contribute to the various stages of cancer development, maintenance, and progression. The major tumor infiltrating immune cells of the tumor microenvironment include TAMs and TANs, which are either recruited peripherally or present as brain-resident macrophages (microglia) and support stroma for cancer cell expansion and invasion. These cells are highly plastic in nature and can be polarized into different phenotypes depending upon different types of stimuli. During neuroinflammation, glioma cells interact with TAMs and TANs, facilitating tumor cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Targeting inflammatory mediators along with the reprogramming of TAMs and TANs could be of great importance in glioma treatment and may delay disease progression. In addition, an inhibition of the key signaling pathways such as NF-κB, JAK/STAT, MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and TLRs, which are activated during neuroinflammation and have an oncogenic role in glioblastoma (GBM), can exert more pronounced anti-glioma effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Samad Basheer
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (A.S.B.); (I.O.)
| | - Faridah Abas
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 434000, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (A.S.B.); (I.O.)
| | - Rakesh Naidu
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (A.S.B.); (I.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-5514-6345
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11
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Qiu R, Zhong Y, Li Q, Li Y, Fan H. Metabolic Remodeling in Glioma Immune Microenvironment: Intercellular Interactions Distinct From Peripheral Tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:693215. [PMID: 34211978 PMCID: PMC8239469 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.693215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During metabolic reprogramming, glioma cells and their initiating cells efficiently utilized carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids in the hypoxic lesions, which not only ensured sufficient energy for rapid growth and improved the migration to normal brain tissues, but also altered the role of immune cells in tumor microenvironment. Glioma cells secreted interferential metabolites or depriving nutrients to injure the tumor recognition, phagocytosis and lysis of glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs), cytotoxic T lymphocytes, natural killer cells and dendritic cells, promoted the expansion and infiltration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and conferred immune silencing phenotypes on GAMs and dendritic cells. The overexpressed metabolic enzymes also increased the secretion of chemokines to attract neutrophils, regulatory T cells, GAMs, and dendritic cells, while weakening the recruitment of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, which activated anti-inflammatory and tolerant mechanisms and hindered anti-tumor responses. Therefore, brain-targeted metabolic therapy may improve glioma immunity. This review will clarify the metabolic properties of glioma cells and their interactions with tumor microenvironment immunity, and discuss the application strategies of metabolic therapy in glioma immune silence and escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runze Qiu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology Lab, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Zhong
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingquan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingbin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Fan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology Lab, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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12
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Feng WQ, Wang LY, Gao J, Zhao MY, Li YT, Wu ZY, Yan CW. Solid state and solubility study of a potential anticancer drug-drug molecular salt of diclofenac and metformin. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.130166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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13
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Calvo Tardón M, Marinari E, Migliorini D, Bes V, Tankov S, Charrier E, McKee TA, Dutoit V, Dietrich PY, Cosset E, Walker PR. An Experimentally Defined Hypoxia Gene Signature in Glioblastoma and Its Modulation by Metformin. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9090264. [PMID: 32887267 PMCID: PMC7563149 DOI: 10.3390/biology9090264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor, characterized by a high degree of intertumoral heterogeneity. However, a common feature of the GBM microenvironment is hypoxia, which can promote radio- and chemotherapy resistance, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and stemness. We experimentally defined common GBM adaptations to physiologically relevant oxygen gradients, and we assessed their modulation by the metabolic drug metformin. We directly exposed human GBM cell lines to hypoxia (1% O2) and to physioxia (5% O2). We then performed transcriptional profiling and compared our in vitro findings to predicted hypoxic areas in vivo using in silico analyses. We observed a heterogenous hypoxia response, but also a common gene signature that was induced by a physiologically relevant change in oxygenation from 5% O2 to 1% O2. In silico analyses showed that this hypoxia signature was highly correlated with a perinecrotic localization in GBM tumors, expression of certain glycolytic and immune-related genes, and poor prognosis of GBM patients. Metformin treatment of GBM cell lines under hypoxia and physioxia reduced viable cell number, oxygen consumption rate, and partially reversed the hypoxia gene signature, supporting further exploration of targeting tumor metabolism as a treatment component for hypoxic GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Calvo Tardón
- Center for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, Division of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.T.); (E.M.); (V.B.); (S.T.); (E.C.); (V.D.); (P.-Y.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Eliana Marinari
- Center for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, Division of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.T.); (E.M.); (V.B.); (S.T.); (E.C.); (V.D.); (P.-Y.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Denis Migliorini
- Department of Oncology, Clinical Research Unit, Dubois Ferrière Dinu Lipatti Research Foundation, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Viviane Bes
- Center for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, Division of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.T.); (E.M.); (V.B.); (S.T.); (E.C.); (V.D.); (P.-Y.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Stoyan Tankov
- Center for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, Division of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.T.); (E.M.); (V.B.); (S.T.); (E.C.); (V.D.); (P.-Y.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Emily Charrier
- Center for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, Division of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.T.); (E.M.); (V.B.); (S.T.); (E.C.); (V.D.); (P.-Y.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Thomas A McKee
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Valérie Dutoit
- Center for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, Division of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.T.); (E.M.); (V.B.); (S.T.); (E.C.); (V.D.); (P.-Y.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Pierre-Yves Dietrich
- Center for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, Division of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.T.); (E.M.); (V.B.); (S.T.); (E.C.); (V.D.); (P.-Y.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Erika Cosset
- Center for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, Division of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.T.); (E.M.); (V.B.); (S.T.); (E.C.); (V.D.); (P.-Y.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Paul R Walker
- Center for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, Division of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.C.T.); (E.M.); (V.B.); (S.T.); (E.C.); (V.D.); (P.-Y.D.); (E.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-223795079
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14
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Chen GG, Woo PYM, Ng SCP, Wong GKC, Chan DTM, van Hasselt CA, Tong MCF, Poon WS. Impact of metformin on immunological markers: Implication in its anti-tumor mechanism. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 213:107585. [PMID: 32473961 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Metformin, an anti-hyperglycemic drug, has been known to have antitumor properties for around 15 years. Although there are a number of reports attributing the antitumor function of metformin to its impact on energy homeostasis and oxygen re-distribution in tumor microenvironment, detailed mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the past several years, there is an increasing number of publications indicating that metformin can affect various immunological components including lymphocytes, macrophages, cytokines and several key immunological molecules in both human and animal studies. These interesting results appear to be in line with emerging data that suggest associations between immune responses and energy homeostasis/oxygen re-distribution, which may explain effective impacts of metformin on immunotherapies against autoimmune diseases as well as cancers. This review article is to analyse and discuss recent development in the above areas with aim to justify metformin as a new adjuvant for immunotherapy against human cancers. We hope that our summary will help to optimize the application of metformin for various types of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- George G Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Peter Y M Woo
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephanie C P Ng
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - George K C Wong
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - Danny T M Chan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - Charles A van Hasselt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - Michael C F Tong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Sang Poon
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.
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15
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Kirtonia A, Gala K, Fernandes SG, Pandya G, Pandey AK, Sethi G, Khattar E, Garg M. Repurposing of drugs: An attractive pharmacological strategy for cancer therapeutics. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 68:258-278. [PMID: 32380233 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human malignancies are one of the major health-related issues though out the world and anticipated to rise in the future. The development of novel drugs/agents requires a huge amount of cost and time that represents a major challenge for drug discovery. In the last three decades, the number of FDA approved drugs has dropped down and this led to increasing interest in drug reposition or repurposing. The present review focuses on recent concepts and therapeutic opportunities for the utilization of antidiabetics, antibiotics, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, PDE inhibitors and estrogen receptor antagonist, Antabuse, antiparasitic and cardiovascular agents/drugs as an alternative approach against human malignancies. The repurposing of approved non-cancerous drugs is an effective strategy to develop new therapeutic options for the treatment of cancer patients at an affordable cost in clinics. In the current scenario, most of the countries throughout the globe are unable to meet the medical needs of cancer patients because of the high cost of the available cancerous drugs. Some of these drugs displayed potential anti-cancer activity in preclinic and clinical studies by regulating several key molecular mechanisms and oncogenic pathways in human malignancies. The emerging pieces of evidence indicate that repurposing of drugs is crucial to the faster and cheaper discovery of anti-cancerous drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Kirtonia
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India; Equal contribution
| | - Kavita Gala
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, India; Equal contribution
| | - Stina George Fernandes
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, India; Equal contribution
| | - Gouri Pandya
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India; Equal contribution
| | - Amit Kumar Pandey
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Haryana, 122413, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Ekta Khattar
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, India.
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India.
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16
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Mazurek M, Litak J, Kamieniak P, Kulesza B, Jonak K, Baj J, Grochowski C. Metformin as Potential Therapy for High-Grade Glioma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E210. [PMID: 31952173 PMCID: PMC7016983 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin (MET), 1,1-dimethylbiguanide hydrochloride, is a biguanide drug used as the first-line medication in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The recent years have brought many observations showing metformin in its new role. The drug, commonly used in the therapy of diabetes, may also find application in the therapy of a vast variety of tumors. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in colon, breast, prostate, pancreatic cancer, leukemia, melanoma, lung and endometrial carcinoma, as well as in gliomas. This is especially important in light of the poor options offered to patients in the case of high-grade gliomas, which include glioblastoma (GBM). A thorough understanding of the mechanism of action of metformin can make it possible to discover new drugs that could be used in neoplasm therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Mazurek
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (J.L.); (P.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Jakub Litak
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (J.L.); (P.K.); (B.K.)
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Kamieniak
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (J.L.); (P.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Bartłomiej Kulesza
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (J.L.); (P.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Jonak
- Department of Foregin Languages, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Cezary Grochowski
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
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17
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Cuomo F, Altucci L, Cobellis G. Autophagy Function and Dysfunction: Potential Drugs as Anti-Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101465. [PMID: 31569540 PMCID: PMC6826381 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic and energy-generating process that facilitates the degradation of damaged organelles or intracellular components, providing cells with components for the synthesis of new ones. Autophagy acts as a quality control system, and has a pro-survival role. The imbalance of this process is associated with apoptosis, which is a “positive” and desired biological choice in some circumstances. Autophagy dysfunction is associated with several diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiomyopathy, diabetes, liver disease, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the regulatory mechanisms underlying autophagy, with a particular focus on cancer and the autophagy-targeting drugs currently approved for use in the treatment of solid and non-solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cuomo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", via L. De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", via L. De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", via L. De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy.
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18
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Raffaele M, Pittalà V, Zingales V, Barbagallo I, Salerno L, Li Volti G, Romeo G, Carota G, Sorrenti V, Vanella L. Heme Oxygenase-1 Inhibition Sensitizes Human Prostate Cancer Cells towards Glucose Deprivation and Metformin-Mediated Cell Death. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102593. [PMID: 31137785 PMCID: PMC6566853 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 have been frequently reported in different human cancers, playing a major role in drug resistance and regulation of cancer cell redox homeostasis. Metformin (MET), a drug widely used for type 2 diabetes, has recently gained interest for treating several cancers. Recent studies indicated that the anti-proliferative effects of metformin in cancer cells are highly dependent on glucose concentration. The present work was directed to determine whether use of a specific inhibitor of HO-1 activity, alone or in combination with metformin, affected metastatic prostate cancer cell viability under different concentrations of glucose. MTT assay and the xCELLigence system were used to evaluate cell viability and cell proliferation in DU145 human prostate cancer cells. Cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species were analyzed by flow cytometry. The activity of HO-1 was inhibited using a selective imidazole-based inhibitor; genes associated with antioxidant systems and cell death were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Our study demonstrates that metformin suppressed prostate cancer growth in vitro and increased oxidative stress. Disrupting the antioxidant HO-1 activity, especially under low glucose concentration, could be an attractive approach to potentiate metformin antineoplastic effects and could provide a biochemical basis for developing HO-1-targeting drugs against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Raffaele
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug Science, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Veronica Zingales
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Ignazio Barbagallo
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug Science, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Romeo
- Department of Drug Science, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Carota
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Luca Vanella
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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19
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Seliger C, Genbrugge E, Gorlia T, Chinot O, Stupp R, Nabors B, Weller M, Hau P. Use of metformin and outcome of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma: Pooled analysis. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:803-809. [PMID: 30980539 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Metformin has been linked to improve survival of patients with various cancers. There is little information on survival of glioblastoma patients after use of metformin. We assessed the association between metformin use and survival in a pooled analysis of patient data from 1,731 individuals from the randomized AVAglio, CENTRIC and CORE trials. We performed multivariate Cox analyses for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) comparing patients' use of metformin at baseline and/or during concomitant radiochemotherapy (TMZ/RT). Further exploratory analyses investigated the effect of metformin with a history of diabetes and nonfasting glucose levels in relation to OS or PFS of glioblastoma patients. Metformin alone or in any combination was not significantly associated with OS or PFS (at baseline, hazard ratio [HR] for OS = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.65-1.16; HR for PFS = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.64-1.10; during TMZ/RT HR for OS = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.68-1.38; HR for PFS = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.74-1.41). We found a statistically nonsignificant association of metformin monotherapy with glioblastoma survival at baseline (HR for OS = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.42-1.10; HR for PFS = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.36-0.91), but not during the TMZ/RT period (HR for OS = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.51-1.56; HR for PFS = 1.05; 95% CI = 0.64-1.73). Diabetes mellitus or increased nonfasting glucose levels were not associated with a difference in OS or PFS in our selected study population. Metformin did not prolong survival of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma in our analysis. Additional studies may identify patients with specific tumor characteristics that are associated with potential benefit from treatment with metformin, possibly due to metabolic vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Seliger
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Olivier Chinot
- Aix-Marseille University, APHM, CNRS, INP, Institute of Neurophysiopathology, CHU Timone, Service de Neuro-Oncologie, Marseille, France
| | - Roger Stupp
- Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Burt Nabors
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Hau
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
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Chen K, Lin ZW, He SM, Wang CQ, Yang JC, Lu Y, Xie XB, Li Q. Metformin inhibits the proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes through IGF-IR/PI3K/AKT/m-TOR pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 115:108875. [PMID: 31028998 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which synovial fibroblast-like cells (FLSs) play an important role in RA development and is known to be lack of effective therapy. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies are greatly needed for treatment of RA. Metformin, a first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of a variety of tumor cells. In this study, we demonstrated that metformin could inhibit the RA-FLS proliferation in dose- and time-dependent manner. Our cell viability MTT test and 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine incorporation assay showed that metformin inhibited the RA-FLSs proliferation with a time- and concentration-dependent increase. More importantly, metformin induced G2/M cell cycle phase arrest in RA-FLS via the IGF-IR/PI3K/AKT/ m-TOR pathway and inhibited m-TOR phosphorylation through both the IGF-IR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathways thereby further upregulating and down-regulating p70s6k and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, respectively; however, metformin was found not to induce apoptosis in RA-FLSs. In summary, these results demonstrate that metformin can effectively inhibit RA-FLS proliferation through inducing cell cycle and upregulating and down-regulating p70s6k and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation. Moreover, IGF-IR/PI3K/AKT m-TOR signaling pathway can be regulated by metformin. Our results indicate that metformin may provide a new way of thinking for the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China; Department of Orthopedics, Huizhou Third People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, 516002, China
| | - Zhao-Wei Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China
| | - Sheng-Mao He
- Department of orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Cheng-Qiang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China
| | - Jian-Cheng Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China.
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