1
|
Matos BS, Peixoto da Silva S, Vasconcelos MH, Xavier CPR. Chemosensitizing effect of pentoxifylline in sensitive and multidrug-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:19. [PMID: 38835347 PMCID: PMC11149106 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2024.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Aim: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is frequent in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, which can be due to its fibrotic stroma. This work explores the combination of pentoxifylline, an anti-fibrotic and chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) inhibitor drug, with conventional chemotherapy to improve NSCLC treatment. Methods: The effect of pentoxifylline in the expression levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), CHI3L1 and its main downstream proteins, as well as on cell death, cell cycle profile, and P-gp activity was studied in two pairs of sensitive and MDR counterpart NSCLC cell lines (NCI-H460/NCI-H460/R and A549/A549-CDR2). Association studies between CHI3L1 gene expression and NSCLC patients' survival were performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis. The sensitizing effect of pentoxifylline to different drug regimens was evaluated in both sensitive and MDR NSCLC cell lines. The cytotoxicity of the drug combinations was assessed in MCF10A non-tumorigenic cells. Results: Pentoxifylline slightly decreased the expression levels of CHI3L1, β-catenin and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and caused a significant increase in the G1 phase of the cell cycle in both pairs of NSCLC cell lines. A significant increase in the % of cell death was observed in the sensitive NCI-H460 cell line. TCGA analysis revealed that high levels of CHI3L1 are associated with low overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients treated with vinorelbine. Moreover, pentoxifylline sensitized both pairs of sensitive and MDR NSCLC cell lines to the different drug regimens, without causing significant toxicity to non-tumorigenic cells. Conclusion: This study suggests the possibility of combining pentoxifylline with chemotherapy to increase NSCLC therapeutic response, even in cases of MDR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz S Matos
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Sara Peixoto da Silva
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
- Department of Biological Sciences, FFUP - Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - M Helena Vasconcelos
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
- Department of Biological Sciences, FFUP - Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Cristina P R Xavier
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Toxicologic Pathology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), Gandra 4585-116, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences - CESPU, Gandra 4585-116, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang CW, Lee SY, Du CX, Wu ST, Kuo YH, Ku HC. Caffeic acid ethanolamide induces antifibrosis, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects protects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116298. [PMID: 38394850 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116298] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease; its cause is unknown, and it leads to notable health problems. Currently, only two drugs are recommended for IPF treatment. Although these drugs can mitigate lung function decline, neither can improve nor stabilize IPF or the symptoms perceived by patients. Therefore, the development of novel treatment options for pulmonary fibrosis is required. The present study investigated the effects of a novel compound, caffeic acid ethanolamide (CAEA), on human pulmonary fibroblasts and evaluated its potential to mitigate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. CAEA inhibited TGF-β-induced α-SMA and collagen expression in human pulmonary fibroblasts, indicating that CAEA prevents fibroblasts from differentiating into myofibroblasts following TGF-β exposure. In animal studies, CAEA treatment efficiently suppressed immune cell infiltration and the elevation of TNF-α and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, CAEA exerted antioxidant effects by recovering the enzymatic activities of oxidant scavengers. CAEA directly inhibited activation of TGF-β receptors and protected against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis through inhibition of the TGF-β/SMAD/CTGF signaling pathway. The protective effect of CAEA was comparable to that of pirfenidone, a clinically available drug. Our findings support the potential of CAEA as a viable method for preventing the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Wei Huang
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yi Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Xuan Du
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Tung Wu
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Hsiung Kuo
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chun Ku
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li H, Xu M, Chen D, Wen W, Luo J. Pirfenidone ameliorates alcohol-induced promotion of breast cancer in mice. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1351839. [PMID: 38590657 PMCID: PMC10999600 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1351839] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer and promotes cancer progression. Alcohol exposure could affect both processes of the mammary carcinogenesis, namely, the cell transformation and onset of tumorigenesis as well as cancer aggressiveness including metastasis and drug resistance/recurrence. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol tumor promotion remain unclear. There are four members of the mammalian p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, namely, p38α, p38β, p38γ and p38δ. We have previously demonstrated alcohol exposure selectively activated p38γ MAPK in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Pirfenidone (PFD), an antifibrotic compound approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is also a pharmacological inhibitor of p38γ MAPK. This study aimed to determine whether PFD is useful to inhibit alcohol-induced promotion of breast cancer. Methods Female adolescent (5 weeks) MMTV-Wnt1 mice were exposed to alcohol with a liquid diet containing 6.7% ethanol. Some mice received intraperitoneal (IP) injection of PFD (100 mg/kg) every other day. After that, the effects of alcohol and PFD on mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis were examined. Results Alcohol promoted the progression of mammary tumors in adolescent MMTV-Wnt1 mice. Treatment of PFD blocked tumor growth and alcohol-promoted metastasis. It also significantly inhibited alcohol-induced tumorsphere formation and cancer stem cell (CSC) population. Conclusion PFD inhibited mammary tumor growth and alcohol-promoted metastasis. Since PFD is an FDA-approved drug, the current findings may be helpful to re-purpose its application in treating aggressive breast cancer and alcohol-promoted mammary tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Mei Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Danlei Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Wen
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xavier CPR, Palmeira A. Special Issue: "Drug Repurposing for Cancer Therapies". Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1092. [PMID: 38256165 PMCID: PMC10817071 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the primary global causes of death, thus addressing cancer therapy remains a significant challenge, especially in cases where cancers exhibit resistance to treatment [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina P. R. Xavier
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP-Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia Palmeira
- LQOF—Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Teixeira RG, Mészáros JP, Matos B, Côrte-Real L, Xavier CPR, Fontrodona X, Garcia MH, Romero I, Spengler G, Vasconcelos MH, Tomaz AI, Enyedy ÉA, Valente A. Novel family of [RuCp(N,N)(P)] + compounds with simultaneous anticancer and antibacterial activity: Biological evaluation and solution chemistry studies. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 262:115922. [PMID: 37944388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115922] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
A family of ten novel ruthenium(II)-cyclopentadienyl organometallics of general formula [Ru(η5-C5H5)(N,N)(PPh2(C6H4COOR)][CF3SO3] (1-10) in which (N,N) = 4,4'-R'-2,2'-bipyridyl (R = -H or -CH2CH2OH; R' = -H, -CH3, -OCH3, -CH2OH, and -CH2-biotin) was prepared from [Ru(η5-C5H5)(PPh2(C6H4COOH))2Cl]. All compounds were fully characterized by means of several spectroscopic and analytical techniques, and the molecular structures of [Ru(η5-C5H5)(PPh2(C6H4COOH))2Cl], 1, 3 and 4 have been additionally studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The anticancer activity of all compounds was evaluated in sensitive and multidrug-resistant counterpart cell lines from human colorectal cancer (Colo 205 and Colo 320) and non-small cell lung cancer NSCLC (A549, NCI-H460 versus NCI-H460/R) as well. Notably, compounds 6 and 7 (R CH2CH2OH and (N,N) = bipy or Me2bipy, respectively) showed antiproliferative effect against both cell lines with high intrinsic selectivity towards cancer cells. The antibacterial activity of all compounds was also evaluated against both Gram negative and Gram positive strains, and some compounds in the series showed potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus strains, including the methicillin-resistant MRSA strains. Solution speciation studies revealed that the complexes bearing the PPh2(C6H4COO-) ligand are neutral at physiological pH (7.4) in contrast with their ethylene glycol derivatives that have a permanent positive charge. While all compounds are lipophilic, the difference in the distribution coefficient for neutral and charged complexes is around one order of magnitude. Complexes 6 and 7 exhibited excellent biological activity and were selected for further studies. Spectrofluorometric methods were used to investigate their interaction with biomolecules such as human serum albumin (HSA) and calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA). For these complexes, binding site II of HSA is a possible binding pocket through non-covalent interactions. The release of ethidium from the DNA adduct by the charged complexes proves their interaction with DNA in contrast to the neutral ones. In conclusion, Ru(II)-cyclopentadienyl complexes with 2,2'-bipyridyl-derivatives and an ethylene glycol moiety tethered to the phenylphosphane co-ligand are very promising from a therapeutic perspective, in particular complexes 6 and 7 that display remarkable antibacterial activity with a high anti-proliferative effect against colon and non-small cell lung cancers, both clinically challenging neoplasias in need of effective solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo G Teixeira
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - János P Mészáros
- Department of Molecular and Analytical Chemistry, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 7, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary; MTA-SZTE Lendület Functional Metal Complexes Research Group, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 7, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Beatriz Matos
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Leonor Côrte-Real
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristina P R Xavier
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Xavier Fontrodona
- Departament de Química and Serveis Tècnics de Recerca, Universitat de Girona, C/ M. Aurèlia Campmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - M Helena Garcia
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Romero
- Departament de Química and Serveis Tècnics de Recerca, Universitat de Girona, C/ M. Aurèlia Campmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Gabriella Spengler
- MTA-SZTE Lendület Functional Metal Complexes Research Group, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 7, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary; Department of Medical Microbiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Center and Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis utca 6, 6725, Szeged, Hungary
| | - M Helena Vasconcelos
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Isabel Tomaz
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Éva A Enyedy
- Department of Molecular and Analytical Chemistry, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 7, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary; MTA-SZTE Lendület Functional Metal Complexes Research Group, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 7, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Andreia Valente
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carvalhal F, Magalhães AC, Rebelo R, Palmeira A, Resende DISP, Durães F, Maia M, Xavier CPR, Pereira L, Sousa E, Correia-da-Silva M, Vasconcelos MH. Evaluation of the Cytotoxic and Antiviral Effects of Small Molecules Selected by In Silico Studies as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry. Molecules 2023; 28:7204. [PMID: 37894682 PMCID: PMC10609270 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The spike protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) relies on host cell surface glycans to facilitate interaction with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor. This interaction between ACE2 and the spike protein is a gateway for the virus to enter host cells and may be targeted by antiviral drugs to inhibit viral infection. Therefore, targeting the interaction between these two proteins is an interesting strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. A library of glycan mimetics and derivatives was selected for a virtual screening performed against both ACE2 and spike proteins. Subsequently, in vitro assays were performed on eleven of the most promising in silico compounds to evaluate: (i) their efficacy in inhibiting cell infection by SARS-CoV-2 (using the Vero CCL-81 cell line as a model), (ii) their impact on ACE2 expression (in the Vero CCL-81 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines), and (iii) their cytotoxicity in a human lung cell line (A549). We identified five synthetic compounds with the potential to block SARS-CoV-2 infection, three of them without relevant toxicity in human lung cells. Xanthene 1 stood out as the most promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent, inhibiting viral infection and viral replication in Vero CCL-81 cells, without causing cytotoxicity to human lung cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Carvalhal
- FFUP—Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (R.R.); (A.P.); (D.I.S.P.R.); (F.D.); (M.M.); (E.S.)
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4408-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (C.P.R.X.); (L.P.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Magalhães
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (C.P.R.X.); (L.P.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Rebelo
- FFUP—Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (R.R.); (A.P.); (D.I.S.P.R.); (F.D.); (M.M.); (E.S.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (C.P.R.X.); (L.P.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia Palmeira
- FFUP—Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (R.R.); (A.P.); (D.I.S.P.R.); (F.D.); (M.M.); (E.S.)
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4408-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Diana I. S. P. Resende
- FFUP—Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (R.R.); (A.P.); (D.I.S.P.R.); (F.D.); (M.M.); (E.S.)
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4408-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Fernando Durães
- FFUP—Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (R.R.); (A.P.); (D.I.S.P.R.); (F.D.); (M.M.); (E.S.)
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4408-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Miguel Maia
- FFUP—Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (R.R.); (A.P.); (D.I.S.P.R.); (F.D.); (M.M.); (E.S.)
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4408-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Cristina P. R. Xavier
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (C.P.R.X.); (L.P.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa Pereira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (C.P.R.X.); (L.P.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Emília Sousa
- FFUP—Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (R.R.); (A.P.); (D.I.S.P.R.); (F.D.); (M.M.); (E.S.)
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4408-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Marta Correia-da-Silva
- FFUP—Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (R.R.); (A.P.); (D.I.S.P.R.); (F.D.); (M.M.); (E.S.)
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4408-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - M. Helena Vasconcelos
- FFUP—Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (R.R.); (A.P.); (D.I.S.P.R.); (F.D.); (M.M.); (E.S.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (C.P.R.X.); (L.P.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nintedanib-αVβ6 Integrin Ligand Conjugates Reduce TGF β-Induced EMT in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021475. [PMID: 36674990 PMCID: PMC9861180 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021475] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth factors and cytokines released in the lung cancer microenvironment promote an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that sustains the progression of neoplastic diseases. TGFβ is one of the most powerful inducers of this transition, as it induces overexpression of the fibronectin receptor, αvβ6 integrin, in cancer cells which, in turn, is strongly associated with EMT. Thus, αvβ6 integrin receptors may be exploited as a target for the selective delivery of anti-tumor agents. We introduce three novel synthesized conjugates, in which a selective αvβ6 receptor ligand is linked to nintedanib, a potent kinase inhibitor used to treat advanced adenocarcinoma lung cancer in clinics. The αvβ6 integrin ligand directs nintedanib activity to the target cells of the tumor microenvironment, avoiding the onset of negative side effects in normal cells. We found that the three conjugates inhibit the adhesion of cancer cells to fibronectin in a concentration-dependent manner and that αvβ6-expressing cells internalized the conjugated compounds, thus permitting nintedanib to inhibit 2D and 3D cancer cell growth and suppress the clonogenic ability of the EMT phenotype as well as intervening in other aspects associated with the EMT transition. These results highlight αvβ6 receptors as privileged access points for dual-targeting molecular conjugates engaged in an efficient and precise strategy against non-small cell lung cancer.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang J, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Zhao J, Li Z, Wang K, Tian L, Yao B, Wu Q, Wang T, Wang J. Genes related to N6-methyladenosine in the diagnosis and prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Front Genet 2023; 13:1102422. [PMID: 36685949 PMCID: PMC9846232 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1102422] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive pulmonary fibrotic disease with unknown etiology and poor outcomes. It severely affects the quality of life. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the expression of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation regulators using gene expression data from various tissue sources in IPF patients and healthy volunteers. Methods: The gene expression matrix and clinical characteristics of IPF patients were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A random forest model was used to construct diagnosis signature m6A regulators. Regression analysis and correlation analysis were used to identify prognosis m6A regulators. Consensus cluster analysis was used to construct different m6A prognosis risk groups, then functional enrichment, immune infiltration and drug sensitivity analysis were performed. Result: Five candidate m6A genes from lung tissue were used to predict the incidence, and the incidence was validated using datasets from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Subsequently, the BALF dataset containing outcomes data was used for the prognosis analysis of m6A regulators. METTL14, G3BP2, and ZC3H13 were independent protective factors. Using correlation analysis with lung function in the lung tissue-derived dataset, METTL14 was a protective factor in IPF. Based on METTL14 and G3BP2, a consensus cluster analysis was applied to distinguish the prognostic m6A regulation patterns. The low-risk group's prognosis was significantly better than the high-risk group. Biological processes regulated by various risk groups included fibrogenesis and cell adhesion. Analysis of immune cell infiltration showed upregulation of neutrophils in the m6A high-risk group. Subsequently, five m6A high-risk group sensitive drugs and one m6A low-risk group sensitive drug were identified. Discussion: These findings suggest that m6A regulators are involved in the diagnosis and prognosis of IPF, and m6A patterns are a method to identify IPF outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingcheng Zhang
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jiachao Zhao
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Keju Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Respiratory, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Baojin Yao
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Qibiao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,Zhuhai MUST Science and Technology Research Institute, Zhuhai, China,*Correspondence: Qibiao Wu, ; Tan Wang, ; Jing Wang,
| | - Tan Wang
- Department of Respiratory, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Qibiao Wu, ; Tan Wang, ; Jing Wang,
| | - Jing Wang
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,Department of Respiratory, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Qibiao Wu, ; Tan Wang, ; Jing Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
CIGB-300 Anticancer Peptide Differentially Interacts with CK2 Subunits and Regulates Specific Signaling Mediators in a Highly Sensitive Large Cell Lung Carcinoma Cell Model. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010043. [PMID: 36672551 PMCID: PMC9856093 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010043] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Large cell lung carcinoma (LCLC) is one form of NSCLC that spreads more aggressively than some other forms, and it represents an unmet medical need. Here, we investigated for the first time the effect of the anti-CK2 CIGB-300 peptide in NCI-H460 cells as an LCLC model. NCI-H460 cells were highly sensitive toward CIGB-300 cytotoxicity, reaching a peak of apoptosis at 6 h. Moreover, CIGB-300 slightly impaired the cell cycle of NCI-H460 cells. The CIGB-300 interactomics profile revealed in more than 300 proteins that many of them participated in biological processes relevant in cancer. Interrogation of the CK2 subunits targeting by CIGB-300 indicated the higher binding of the peptide to the CK2α' catalytic subunit by in vivo pull-down assays plus immunoblotting analysis and confocal microscopy. The down-regulation of both phosphorylation and protein levels of the ribonuclear protein S6 (RPS6) was observed 48 h post treatment. Altogether, we have found that NCI-H460 cells are the most CIGB-300-sensitive solid tumor cell line described so far, and also, the findings we provide here uncover novel features linked to CK2 targeting by the CIGB-300 anticancer peptide.
Collapse
|
10
|
Pitavastatin and Ivermectin Enhance the Efficacy of Paclitaxel in Chemoresistant High-Grade Serous Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184357. [PMID: 36139522 PMCID: PMC9496819 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The main challenge in high-grade serous carcinoma management is to unveil therapeutic approaches to overcome chemoresistance. Drug combinations and repurposing of non-oncological agents are attractive strategies that allow for higher efficacy, decreased toxicity, and the overcoming of chemoresistance. Several non-oncological drugs display an effective anti-cancer activity and have been studied to be repurposed in multi-drug resistant neoplasms. The purpose of our study was to explore whether combining Paclitaxel with repurposed drugs (Pitavastatin, Metformin, Ivermectin, Itraconazole and Alendronate) led to a therapeutic benefit. Our results showed that the combination of Paclitaxel with Pitavastatin or Ivermectin demonstrates the highest cytotoxic effect and the strongest synergism among all combinations for two chemoresistant cell lines. Thus, the combination of these repurposed drugs with Paclitaxel could be a particularly valuable strategy to treat ovarian cancer patients with intrinsic or acquired chemoresistance. Abstract Chemotherapy is a hallmark in high-grade serous carcinoma management; however, chemoresistance and side effects lead to therapeutic interruption. Combining repurposed drugs with chemotherapy has the potential to improve antineoplastic efficacy, since drugs can have independent mechanisms of action and suppress different pathways simultaneously. This study aimed to explore whether the combination of Paclitaxel with repurposed drugs led to a therapeutic benefit. Thus, we evaluated the cytotoxic effects of Paclitaxel alone and in combination with several repurposed drugs (Pitavastatin, Metformin, Ivermectin, Itraconazole and Alendronate) in two tumor chemoresistant (OVCAR8 and OVCAR8 PTX R P) and a non-tumoral (HOSE6.3) cell lines. Cellular viability was assessed using Presto Blue assay, and the synergistic interactions were evaluated using Chou–Talalay, Bliss Independence and Highest Single Agent reference models. The combination of Paclitaxel with Pitavastatin or Ivermectin showed the highest cytotoxic effect and the strongest synergism among all combinations for both chemoresistant cell lines, resulting in a chemotherapeutic effect superior to both drugs alone. Almost all the repurposed drugs in combination with Paclitaxel presented a safe pharmacological profile in non-tumoral cells. Overall, we suggest that Pitavastatin and Ivermectin could act synergistically in combination with Paclitaxel, being promising two-drug combinations for high-grade serous carcinoma management.
Collapse
|