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Yun JH, Yang YH, Han CH, Kang SU, Kim CH. Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma induces selective cancer cell apoptosis by modulating redox homeostasis. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:452. [PMID: 39327567 PMCID: PMC11426099 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01810-8] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anticancer treatments aim to selectively target cancer cells without harming normal cells. While non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) has shown anticancer potential across various studies, the mechanisms behind its selective action on cancer cells remain inadequately understood. This study explores the mechanism of NTAPP-induced selective cell death and assesses its application in cancer therapy. METHODS We treated HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells with NTAPP and assessed the intracellular levels of mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial function, and cell death mechanisms. We employed N-acetylcysteine to investigate ROS's role in NTAPP-induced cell death. Additionally, single-cell RNA sequencing was used to compare gene expression in NTAPP-treated HT1080 cells and human normal fibroblasts (NF). Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining examined the expression and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a key antioxidant gene transcription factor. We also evaluated autophagy activity through fluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS NTAPP treatment increased ROS levels and induced mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to apoptosis in HT1080 cells. The involvement of ROS in selective cancer cell death was confirmed by N-acetylcysteine treatment. Distinct gene expression patterns were observed between NTAPP-treated NF and HT1080 cells, with NF showing upregulated antioxidant gene expression. Notably, NRF2 expression and nuclear translocation increased in NF but not in HT1080 cells. Furthermore, autophagy activity was significantly higher in normal cells compared to cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that NTAPP induces selective cell death in fibrosarcoma cells through the downregulation of the NRF2-induced ROS scavenger system and inhibition of autophagy. These findings suggest NTAPP's potential as a cancer therapy that minimizes damage to normal cells while effectively targeting cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Hyun Yun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea, 07985
| | - Yoon Hee Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea, 16499
| | - Chang Hak Han
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea, 16499
| | - Sung Un Kang
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea, 16499.
| | - Chul-Ho Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea, 16499.
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2
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Momeni S, Shanei A, Sazgarnia A, Attaran N, Aledavood SA. The Synergistic Effect of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Mediated Gold Nanoparticles Conjugated with Indocyanine Green as An Innovative Approach to Cooperation with Radiotherapy. CELL JOURNAL 2023; 25:51-61. [PMID: 36680484 PMCID: PMC9868434 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2022.559078.1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The multimodality treatment of cancer provides a secure and effective approach to improve the outcome of treatments. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has got attention because of selectively target and kills cancer cells. Likewise, gold nanoparticles (GNP) have been introduced as a radiosensitizer and drug delivery with high efficacy and low toxicity in cancer treatment. Conjugating GNP with indocyanine green (ICG) can develop a multifunctional drug to enhance radio and photosensitivity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anticancer effects of GNP@ICG in radiotherapy (RT) and CAP on DFW melanoma cancer and HFF fibroblast normal cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, the cells were irradiated to RT and CAP, alone and in combination with or without GNP@ICG at various time sequences between RT and CAP. Apoptosis Annexin V/PI, MTT, and colony formation assays evaluated the therapeutic effect. Finally, the index of synergism was calculated to compare the results. RESULTS Most crucially, the cell viability assay showed that RT was less toxic to tumors and normal cells, but CAP showed a significant anti-tumor effect on melanoma cells with selective toxicity. In addition, cold plasma sensitized melanoma cells to radiotherapy so increasing treatment efficiency. This effect is enhanced with GNP@ICG. In comparison to RT alone, the data showed that combination treatment greatly decreased monolayer cell colonization and boosted apoptotic induction. CONCLUSION The results provide new insights into the development of better approaches in radiotherapy of melanoma cells assisted plasma and nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Momeni
- . Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Shanei
- . Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran,P.O.Box: 8174673461Department of Medical PhysicsSchool of MedicineIsfahan University of
Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
P.O.Box: 9177948564Medical Physics Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
Emails:,
| | - Ameneh Sazgarnia
- Medical Physics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran ,P.O.Box: 8174673461Department of Medical PhysicsSchool of MedicineIsfahan University of
Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
P.O.Box: 9177948564Medical Physics Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
Emails:,
| | - Neda Attaran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Amir Aledavood
- Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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3
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Kugler P, Becker S, Welz C, Wiesmann N, Sax J, Buhr CR, Thoma MH, Brieger J, Eckrich J. Cold Atmospheric Plasma Reduces Vessel Density and Increases Vascular Permeability and Apoptotic Cell Death in Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102432. [PMID: 35626037 PMCID: PMC9139209 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102432] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) resembles a physical state of matter, best described as ionized gas. CAP has demonstrated promising anti-cancer effects. Despite their relevance for the treatment of solid tumors, effects of CAP on tumor vessels and tumor-blood-circulation are still insufficiently investigated. CAP exposure reduced the vessel network inside the tumor and increased vascular leakiness, leading to an elevated tumor cell death and bleeding into the tumor tissue. These effects highlight the potential of CAP as a promising and yet underrated therapeutic modality for addressing the tumor vasculature in the treatment of solid tumors. Abstract Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has demonstrated promising anti-cancer effects in numerous in vitro and in vivo studies. Despite their relevance for the treatment of solid tumors, effects of CAP on tumor vasculature and microcirculation have only rarely been investigated. Here, we report the reduction of vessel density and an increase in vascular permeability and tumor cell apoptosis after CAP application. Solid tumors in the chorioallantoic membrane of chicken embryos were treated with CAP and evaluated with respect to effects of CAP on embryo survival, tumor size, and tumor morphology. Furthermore, intratumoral blood vessel density, apoptotic cell death and the tumor-associated microcirculation were investigated and compared to sham treatment. Treatment with CAP significantly reduced intratumoral vessel density while increasing the rate of intratumoral apoptosis in solid tumors. Furthermore, CAP treatment increased vascular permeability and attenuated the microcirculation by causing vessel occlusions in the tumor-associated vasculature. These effects point out the potential of CAP as a promising and yet underrated therapeutic modality for addressing the tumor vasculature in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Kugler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (P.K.); (N.W.); (C.R.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tübingen Medical Center, 72016 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Christian Welz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Nadine Wiesmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (P.K.); (N.W.); (C.R.B.); (J.B.)
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery—Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Jonas Sax
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery—Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Christoph R. Buhr
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (P.K.); (N.W.); (C.R.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Markus H. Thoma
- Institute of Experimental Physics I, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Juergen Brieger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (P.K.); (N.W.); (C.R.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jonas Eckrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (P.K.); (N.W.); (C.R.B.); (J.B.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-228-287-13712
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4
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Periodic Exposure of Plasma-Activated Medium Alters Fibroblast Cellular Homoeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063120. [PMID: 35328541 PMCID: PMC8949019 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Excess amounts of redox stress and failure to regulate homeostatic levels of reactive species are associated with several skin pathophysiologic conditions. Nonmalignant cells are assumed to cope better with higher reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) levels. However, the effect of periodic stress on this balance has not been investigated in fibroblasts in the field of plasma medicine. In this study, we aimed to investigate intrinsic changes with respect to cellular proliferation, cell cycle, and ability to neutralize the redox stress inside fibroblast cells following periodic redox stress in vitro. Soft jet plasma with air as feeding gas was used to generate plasma-activated medium (PAM) for inducing redox stress conditions. We assessed cellular viability, energetics, and cell cycle machinery under oxidative stress conditions at weeks 3, 6, 9, and 12. Fibroblasts retained their usual physiological properties until 6 weeks. Fibroblasts failed to overcome the redox stress induced by periodic PAM exposure after 6 weeks, indicating its threshold potential. Periodic stress above the threshold level led to alterations in fibroblast cellular processes. These include consistent increases in apoptosis, while RONS accumulation and cell cycle arrest were observed at the final stages. Currently, the use of NTP in clinical settings is limited due to a lack of knowledge about fibroblasts’ behavior in wound healing, scar formation, and other fibrotic disorders. Understanding fibroblasts’ physiology could help to utilize nonthermal plasma in redox-related skin diseases. Furthermore, these results provide new information about the threshold capacity of fibroblasts and an insight into the adaptation mechanism against periodic oxidative stress conditions in fibroblasts.
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5
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Nagar V, Kar R, Pansare-Godambe L, Chand N, Bute A, Bhale D, Rao AVSSN, Shashidhar R, Maiti N. Evaluation of Virucidal Efficacy of Cold Plasma on Bacteriophage Inside a Three-Layered Sterilization Chamber. PLASMA CHEMISTRY AND PLASMA PROCESSING 2022; 42:1115-1126. [PMCID: PMC9207833 DOI: 10.1007/s11090-022-10269-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Traditional disinfection methods against pathogens have numerous shortcomings, and inventive methods like cold plasma are required for virus inactivation. Here, an atmospheric pressure 13.56 MHz radio-frequency hollow cathode (RF–HC) cold plasma device has been used to build a cold plasma sterilization device, and its virucidal activity is assessed against P2 bacteriophage, a model surrogate for pathogenic viruses. The heart of this device contains a three-layered sterilization chamber which is a rectangular parallelopiped of 42 × 32 × 30 cm3. Optimization experiments were performed to make each corner of this chamber completely virus free after cold plasma treatment. This two-pronged study was conducted to establish the requirement of minimum vol. % H2O2 in minimum time for the complete elimination of phages inside this sterilization chamber even when plasma is not in the direct line of sight. In initial experiments, the effect of the direct plasma line of sight was seen as the top and bottom layers showing less phage killing as compared to the middle of the sterilization chamber. Complete sterilization of bacteriophage, in all the three layers inside the sterilization chamber, was achieved by plasma treatment with 6% H2O2 for 10 min in 80 watts of plasma operating power. It was also seen that 6% H2O2 mist alone is not sufficient to provide a high degree of sterilization, and normal water mist combined with cold plasma can provide a higher level of sterilization at each corner of the chamber.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Nagar
- Food Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085 India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 094 India
| | - R. Kar
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 094 India
- Laser and Plasma Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085 India
| | - L. Pansare-Godambe
- Food Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085 India
| | - N. Chand
- Laser and Plasma Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085 India
| | - A. Bute
- Laser and Plasma Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085 India
| | - D. Bhale
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 094 India
- Laser and Plasma Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085 India
| | - A. V. S. S. N. Rao
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 094 India
- Applied Genomics Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 094 India
| | - R. Shashidhar
- Food Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085 India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 094 India
| | - Namita Maiti
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 094 India
- Laser and Plasma Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085 India
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6
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Cold Physical Plasma in Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Signaling, and Immunity. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:9916796. [PMID: 35284036 PMCID: PMC8906949 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9916796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in therapy, cancer still is a devastating and life-threatening disease, motivating novel research lines in oncology. Cold physical plasma, a partially ionized gas, is a new modality in cancer research. Physical plasma produces various physicochemical factors, primarily reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), causing cancer cell death when supplied at supraphysiological concentrations. This review outlines the biomedical consequences of plasma treatment in experimental cancer therapy, including cell death modalities. It also summarizes current knowledge on intracellular signaling pathways triggered by plasma treatment to induce cancer cell death. Besides the inactivation of tumor cells, an equally important aspect is the inflammatory context in which cell death occurs to suppress or promote the responses of immune cells. This is mainly governed by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to provoke immunogenic cancer cell death (ICD) that, in turn, activates cells of the innate immune system to promote adaptive antitumor immunity. The pivotal role of the immune system in cancer treatment, in general, is highlighted by many clinical trials and success stories on using checkpoint immunotherapy. Hence, the potential of plasma treatment to induce ICD in tumor cells to promote immunity targeting cancer lesions systemically is also discussed.
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7
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Soni V, Adhikari M, Simonyan H, Lin L, Sherman JH, Young CN, Keidar M. In Vitro and In Vivo Enhancement of Temozolomide Effect in Human Glioblastoma by Non-Invasive Application of Cold Atmospheric Plasma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4485. [PMID: 34503293 PMCID: PMC8430547 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive forms of adult brain cancers and is highly resistant to treatment, with a median survival of 12-18 months after diagnosis. The poor survival is due to its infiltrative pattern of invasion into the normal brain parenchyma, the diffuse nature of its growth, and its ability to quickly grow, spread, and relapse. Temozolomide is a well-known FDA-approved alkylating chemotherapy agent used for the treatment of high-grade malignant gliomas, and it has been shown to improve overall survival. However, in most cases, the tumor relapses. In recent years, CAP has been used as an emerging technology for cancer therapy. The purpose of this study was to implement a combination therapy of CAP and TMZ to enhance the effect of TMZ and apparently sensitize GBMs. In vitro evaluations in TMZ-sensitive and resistant GBM cell lines established a CAP chemotherapy enhancement and potential sensitization effect across various ranges of CAP jet application. This was further supported with in vivo findings demonstrating that a single CAP jet applied non-invasively through the skull potentially sensitizes GBM to subsequent treatment with TMZ. Gene functional enrichment analysis further demonstrated that co-treatment with CAP and TMZ resulted in a downregulation of cell cycle pathway genes. These observations indicate that CAP can be potentially useful in sensitizing GBM to chemotherapy and for the treatment of glioblastoma as a non-invasive translational therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Soni
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, MPNL, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (V.S.); (M.A.); (L.L.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Manish Adhikari
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, MPNL, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (V.S.); (M.A.); (L.L.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Hayk Simonyan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA;
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, MPNL, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (V.S.); (M.A.); (L.L.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Jonathan H. Sherman
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, MPNL, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (V.S.); (M.A.); (L.L.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Colin N. Young
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA;
| | - Michael Keidar
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, MPNL, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (V.S.); (M.A.); (L.L.); (J.H.S.)
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Abstract
Nonthermal atmospheric pressure biocompatible plasma (NBP), alternatively called bio-cold plasma, is a partially ionized gas that consists of charged particles, neutral atoms and molecules, photons, an electric field, and heat. Recently, nonthermal plasma-based technology has been applied to bioscience, medicine, agriculture, food processing, and safety. Various plasma device configurations and electrode layouts has fast-tracked plasma applications in the treatment of biological and material surfaces. The NBP action mechanism may be related to the synergy of plasma constituents, such as ultraviolet radiation or a reactive species. Recently, plasma has been used in the inactivation of viruses and resistant microbes, such as fungal cells, bacteria, spores, and biofilms made by microbes. It has also been used to heal wounds, coagulate blood, degrade pollutants, functionalize material surfaces, kill cancers, and for dental applications. This review provides an outline of NBP devices and their applications in bioscience and medicine. We also discuss the role of plasma-activated liquids in biological applications, such as cancer treatments and agriculture. The individual adaptation of plasma to meet specific medical requirements necessitates real-time monitoring of both the plasma performance and the target that is treated and will provide a new paradigm of plasma-based therapeutic clinical systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun H. Choi
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center/Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897 Republic of Korea
| | - Han S. Uhm
- Canode # 702, 136-11 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 04081 Republic of Korea
| | - Nagendra K. Kaushik
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center/Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897 Republic of Korea
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Tavares-da-Silva E, Pereira E, Pires AS, Neves AR, Braz-Guilherme C, Marques IA, Abrantes AM, Gonçalves AC, Caramelo F, Silva-Teixeira R, Mendes F, Figueiredo A, Botelho MF. Cold Atmospheric Plasma, a Novel Approach against Bladder Cancer, with Higher Sensitivity for the High-Grade Cell Line. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10010041. [PMID: 33435434 PMCID: PMC7828061 DOI: 10.3390/biology10010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Bladder cancer has a high incidence and mortality. Besides this, currently available therapies for this type of cancer have low efficacy and show considerable adverse effects, urging the need of new therapeutic approaches. Cold Atmospheric Plasma treatment presents itself as a promising alternative, having demonstrated antitumor effects against several types of cancer. The present work arises from a multidisciplinary team, namely, medical doctors and researchers, in an attempt to find new therapeutic strategies to fight bladder cancer. Therefore, our main objective is to evaluate Cold Atmospheric Plasma effects against bladder cancer, as well as the mechanisms by which it exerts its effects. The results obtained demonstrate that Cold Atmospheric Plasma treatment has a promising antitumor effect on bladder cancer, with higher sensitivity for the high-grade cell line. This new approach using Cold Atmospheric Plasma for the treatment of bladder cancer presents enormous clinical benefits, since it is able to selectively treat the tumor tissue, sparing the normal urothelium, with an additional glaring positive economic impact, since it entails a decrease in the cost of therapy in comparison with conventional therapeutic options. Abstract Antitumor therapies based on Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) are an emerging medical field. In this work, we evaluated CAP effects on bladder cancer. Two bladder cancer cell lines were used, HT-1376 (stage III) and TCCSUP (stage IV). Cell proliferation assays were performed evaluating metabolic activity (MTT assay) and protein content (SRB assay). Cell viability, cell cycle, and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were assessed using flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were evaluated by fluorescence. The assays were carried out with different CAP exposure times. For both cell lines, we obtained a significant reduction in metabolic activity and protein content. There was a decrease in cell viability, as well as a cell cycle arrest in S phase. The Δψm was significantly reduced. There was an increase in superoxide and nitric oxide and a decrease in peroxide contents, while GSH content did not change. These results were dependent on the exposure time, with small differences for both cell lines, but overall, they were more pronounced in the TCCSUP cell line. CAP showed to have a promising antitumor effect on bladder cancer, with higher sensitivity for the high-grade cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Tavares-da-Silva
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.P.); (I.A.M.); (A.M.A.); (A.C.G.); (F.M.); (M.F.B.)
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: (E.T.-d.-S.); (E.P.)
| | - Eurico Pereira
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: (E.T.-d.-S.); (E.P.)
| | - Ana S. Pires
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.P.); (I.A.M.); (A.M.A.); (A.C.G.); (F.M.); (M.F.B.)
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana R. Neves
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Project Development Office, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), PO Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Catarina Braz-Guilherme
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Porto, Faculty of Medicine, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês A. Marques
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.P.); (I.A.M.); (A.M.A.); (A.C.G.); (F.M.); (M.F.B.)
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Abrantes
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.P.); (I.A.M.); (A.M.A.); (A.C.G.); (F.M.); (M.F.B.)
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Gonçalves
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.P.); (I.A.M.); (A.M.A.); (A.C.G.); (F.M.); (M.F.B.)
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology and University Clinic of Hematology of Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Caramelo
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Laboratory of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics of Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rafael Silva-Teixeira
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fernando Mendes
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.P.); (I.A.M.); (A.M.A.); (A.C.G.); (F.M.); (M.F.B.)
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, DCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro-SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arnaldo Figueiredo
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.P.); (I.A.M.); (A.M.A.); (A.C.G.); (F.M.); (M.F.B.)
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Filomena Botelho
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.P.); (I.A.M.); (A.M.A.); (A.C.G.); (F.M.); (M.F.B.)
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.R.N.); (C.B.-G.); (F.C.); (R.S.-T.)
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Zubor P, Wang Y, Liskova A, Samec M, Koklesova L, Dankova Z, Dørum A, Kajo K, Dvorska D, Lucansky V, Malicherova B, Kasubova I, Bujnak J, Mlyncek M, Dussan CA, Kubatka P, Büsselberg D, Golubnitschaja O. Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (CAP) as a New Tool for the Management of Vulva Cancer and Vulvar Premalignant Lesions in Gynaecological Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217988. [PMID: 33121141 PMCID: PMC7663780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvar cancer (VC) is a specific form of malignancy accounting for 5–6% of all gynaecologic malignancies. Although VC occurs most commonly in women after 60 years of age, disease incidence has risen progressively in premenopausal women in recent decades. VC demonstrates particular features requiring well-adapted therapeutic approaches to avoid potential treatment-related complications. Significant improvements in disease-free survival and overall survival rates for patients diagnosed with post-stage I disease have been achieved by implementing a combination therapy consisting of radical surgical resection, systemic chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Achieving local control remains challenging. However, mostly due to specific anatomical conditions, the need for comprehensive surgical reconstruction and frequent post-operative healing complications. Novel therapeutic tools better adapted to VC particularities are essential for improving individual outcomes. To this end, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment is a promising option for VC, and is particularly appropriate for the local treatment of dysplastic lesions, early intraepithelial cancer, and invasive tumours. In addition, CAP also helps reduce inflammatory complications and improve wound healing. The application of CAP may realise either directly or indirectly utilising nanoparticle technologies. CAP has demonstrated remarkable treatment benefits for several malignant conditions, and has created new medical fields, such as “plasma medicine” and “plasma oncology”. This article highlights the benefits of CAP for the treatment of VC, VC pre-stages, and postsurgical wound complications. There has not yet been a published report of CAP on vulvar cancer cells, and so this review summarises the progress made in gynaecological oncology and in other cancers, and promotes an important, understudied area for future research. The paradigm shift from reactive to predictive, preventive and personalised medical approaches in overall VC management is also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavol Zubor
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (Y.W.); (A.D.)
- OBGY Health & Care, Ltd., 010 01 Zilina, Slovakia
- Correspondence: or
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (Y.W.); (A.D.)
| | - Alena Liskova
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (A.L.); (M.S.); (L.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Marek Samec
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (A.L.); (M.S.); (L.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Lenka Koklesova
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (A.L.); (M.S.); (L.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Zuzana Dankova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (Z.D.); (D.D.); (V.L.); (B.M.); (I.K.)
| | - Anne Dørum
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (Y.W.); (A.D.)
| | - Karol Kajo
- Department of Pathology, St. Elizabeth Cancer Institute Hospital, 81250 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Dana Dvorska
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (Z.D.); (D.D.); (V.L.); (B.M.); (I.K.)
| | - Vincent Lucansky
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (Z.D.); (D.D.); (V.L.); (B.M.); (I.K.)
| | - Bibiana Malicherova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (Z.D.); (D.D.); (V.L.); (B.M.); (I.K.)
| | - Ivana Kasubova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (Z.D.); (D.D.); (V.L.); (B.M.); (I.K.)
| | - Jan Bujnak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kukuras Michalovce Hospital, 07101 Michalovce, Slovakia;
| | - Milos Mlyncek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty Hospital Nitra, Constantine the Philosopher University, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Carlos Alberto Dussan
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedics and Oncology, University Hospital Linköping, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (A.L.); (M.S.); (L.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 24144 Doha, Qatar;
| | - Olga Golubnitschaja
- Predictive, Preventive Personalised (3P) Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany;
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Combination therapy of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) with temozolomide in the treatment of U87MG glioblastoma cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16495. [PMID: 33020527 PMCID: PMC7536419 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73457-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) technology, a relatively novel technique mainly investigated as a stand-alone cancer treatment method in vivo and in vitro, is being proposed for application in conjunction with chemotherapy. In this study, we explore whether CAP, an ionized gas produced in laboratory settings and that operates at near room temperature, can enhance Temozolomide (TMZ) cytotoxicity on a glioblastoma cell line (U87MG). Temozolomide is the first line of treatment for glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain tumors that remains incurable despite advancements with treatment modalities. The cellular response to a single CAP treatment followed by three treatments with TMZ was monitored with a cell viability assay. According to the cell viability results, CAP treatment successfully augmented the effect of a cytotoxic TMZ dose (50 μM) and further restored the effect of a non-cytotoxic TMZ dose (10 μM). Application of CAP in conjunction TMZ increased DNA damage measured by the phosphorylation of H2AX and induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. These findings were supported by additional data indicating reduced cell migration and increased αvβ3 and αvβ5 cell surface integrin expression as a result of combined CAP–TMZ treatment. The data presented in this study serve as evidence that CAP technology can be a suitable candidate for combination therapy with existing chemotherapeutic drugs. CAP can also be investigated in future studies for sensitizing glioblastoma cells to TMZ and other drugs available in the market.
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Verloy R, Privat-Maldonado A, Smits E, Bogaerts A. Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer-The Importance of Pancreatic Stellate Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102782. [PMID: 32998311 PMCID: PMC7601057 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review aims to highlight the potential of cold plasma, the fourth state of matter, as anti-cancer treatment for pancreatic cancer, and the importance of pancreatic stellate cells in the response to this treatment. Currently, a significant lack of basic research on cold plasma considering both pancreatic cancer and stellate cells exists. However, co-cultures of these populations can be advantageous, as they resemble the cell-to-cell interactions occurring in a tumor in response to therapy. Even more, these studies should be performed prior to clinical trials of cold plasma to avoid unforeseen responses to treatment. This review article provides a framework for future research of cold plasma therapies for pancreatic cancer, considering the critical role of pancreatic stellate cells in the disease and treatment outcome. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with low five-year survival rates of 8% by conventional treatment methods, e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. PDAC shows high resistance towards chemo- and radiotherapy and only 15–20% of all patients can have surgery. This disease is predicted to become the third global leading cause of cancer death due to its significant rise in incidence. Therefore, the development of an alternative or combinational method is necessary to improve current approaches. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatments could offer multiple advantages to this emerging situation. The plasma-derived reactive species can induce oxidative damage and a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways, which could lead to cell death. Previous reports have shown that CAP treatment also influences cells in the tumor microenvironment, such as the pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). These PSCs, when activated, play a crucial role in the propagation, growth and survival of PDAC tumors. However, the effect of CAP on PSCs is not yet fully understood. This review focuses on the application of CAP for PDAC treatment and the importance of PSCs in the response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Verloy
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-ANTwerp, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (R.V.); (A.P.-M.); Tel.: +32-3265-2343 (R.V. & A.P.-M.)
| | - Angela Privat-Maldonado
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-ANTwerp, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (R.V.); (A.P.-M.); Tel.: +32-3265-2343 (R.V. & A.P.-M.)
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-ANTwerp, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
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Lafontaine J, Boisvert JS, Glory A, Coulombe S, Wong P. Synergy between Non-Thermal Plasma with Radiation Therapy and Olaparib in a Panel of Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020348. [PMID: 32033118 PMCID: PMC7072235 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapy has evolved to a more targeted approach and often involves drug combinations to achieve better response rates. Non-thermal plasma (NTP), a technology rapidly expanding its application in the medical field, is a near room temperature ionized gas capable of producing reactive species, and can induce cancer cell death both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we used proliferation assay to characterize the plasma sensitivity of fourteen breast cancer cell lines. These assays showed that all tested cell lines were sensitive to NTP. In addition, a good correlation was found comparing cell sensitivity to NTP and radiation therapy (RT), where cells that were sensitive to RT were also sensitive to plasma. Moreover, in some breast cancer cell lines, NTP and RT have a synergistic effect. Adding a dose of PARP-inhibitor olaparib to NTP treatment always increases the efficacy of the treatment. Olaparib also exhibits a synergistic effect with NTP, especially in triple negative breast cancer cells. Results presented here help elucidate the position of plasma use as a potential breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lafontaine
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, CRCHUM, 900 Rue St. Denis, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (J.L.); (A.G.)
| | - Jean-Sébastien Boisvert
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, CRCHUM, 900 Rue St. Denis, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (J.L.); (A.G.)
- Plasma Processing Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Audrey Glory
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, CRCHUM, 900 Rue St. Denis, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (J.L.); (A.G.)
| | - Sylvain Coulombe
- Plasma Processing Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 0C5, Canada
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (P.W.); Tel.: +1-514-398-5213 (S.C.); +1-514-890-8000 x31292 (P.W.)
| | - Philip Wong
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, CRCHUM, 900 Rue St. Denis, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (J.L.); (A.G.)
- Département de Radio-oncologie, CHUM, 1051 rue Sanguinet, Montreal, QC H2X 3E4, Canada
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (P.W.); Tel.: +1-514-398-5213 (S.C.); +1-514-890-8000 x31292 (P.W.)
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Modifying the Tumour Microenvironment: Challenges and Future Perspectives for Anticancer Plasma Treatments. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121920. [PMID: 31810265 PMCID: PMC6966454 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumours are complex systems formed by cellular (malignant, immune, and endothelial cells, fibroblasts) and acellular components (extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents and secreted factors). A close interplay between these factors, collectively called the tumour microenvironment, is required to respond appropriately to external cues and to determine the treatment outcome. Cold plasma (here referred as ‘plasma’) is an emerging anticancer technology that generates a unique cocktail of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to eliminate cancerous cells via multiple mechanisms of action. While plasma is currently regarded as a local therapy, it can also modulate the mechanisms of cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM communication, which could facilitate the propagation of its effect in tissue and distant sites. However, it is still largely unknown how the physical interactions occurring between cells and/or the ECM in the tumour microenvironment affect the plasma therapy outcome. In this review, we discuss the effect of plasma on cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM communication in the context of the tumour microenvironment and suggest new avenues of research to advance our knowledge in the field. Furthermore, we revise the relevant state-of-the-art in three-dimensional in vitro models that could be used to analyse cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM communication and further strengthen our understanding of the effect of plasma in solid tumours.
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ROS from Physical Plasmas: Redox Chemistry for Biomedical Therapy. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:9062098. [PMID: 31687089 PMCID: PMC6800937 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9062098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Physical plasmas generate unique mixes of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS or ROS). Only a bit more than a decade ago, these plasmas, operating at body temperature, started to be considered for medical therapy with considerably little mechanistic redox chemistry or biomedical research existing on that topic at that time. Today, a vast body of evidence is available on physical plasma-derived ROS, from their spatiotemporal resolution in the plasma gas phase to sophisticated chemical and biochemical analysis of these species once dissolved in liquids. Data from in silico analysis dissected potential reaction pathways of plasma-derived reactive species with biological membranes, and in vitro and in vivo experiments in cell and animal disease models identified molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic benefits of physical plasmas. In 2013, the first medical plasma systems entered the European market as class IIa devices and have proven to be a valuable resource in dermatology, especially for supporting the healing of chronic wounds. The first results in cancer patients treated with plasma are promising, too. Due to the many potentials of this blooming new field ahead, there is a need to highlight the main concepts distilled from plasma research in chemistry and biology that serve as a mechanistic link between plasma physics (how and which plasma-derived ROS are produced) and therapy (what is the medical benefit). This inevitably puts cellular membranes in focus, as these are the natural interphase between ROS produced by plasmas and translation of their chemical reactivity into distinct biological responses.
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Shaw P, Kumar N, Hammerschmid D, Privat-Maldonado A, Dewilde S, Bogaerts A. Synergistic Effects of Melittin and Plasma Treatment: A Promising Approach for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081109. [PMID: 31382579 PMCID: PMC6721819 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin (MEL), a small peptide component of bee venom, has been reported to exhibit anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo. However, its clinical applicability is disputed because of its non-specific cytotoxicity and haemolytic activity in high treatment doses. Plasma-treated phosphate buffered saline solution (PT-PBS), a solution rich in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) can disrupt the cell membrane integrity and induce cancer cell death through oxidative stress-mediated pathways. Thus, PT-PBS could be used in combination with MEL to facilitate its access into cancer cells and to reduce the required therapeutic dose. The aim of our study is to determine the reduction of the effective dose of MEL required to eliminate cancer cells by its combination with PT-PBS. For this purpose, we have optimised the MEL threshold concentration and tested the combined treatment of MEL and PT-PBS on A375 melanoma and MCF7 breast cancer cells, using in vitro, in ovo and in silico approaches. We investigated the cytotoxic effect of MEL and PT-PBS alone and in combination to reveal their synergistic cytological effects. To support the in vitro and in ovo experiments, we showed by computer simulations that plasma-induced oxidation of the phospholipid bilayer leads to a decrease of the free energy barrier for translocation of MEL in comparison with the non-oxidized bilayer, which also suggests a synergistic effect of MEL with plasma induced oxidation. Overall, our findings suggest that MEL in combination with PT-PBS can be a promising combinational therapy to circumvent the non-specific toxicity of MEL, which may help for clinical applicability in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Shaw
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Dietmar Hammerschmid
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics & Epigenetic Signaling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Angela Privat-Maldonado
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sylvia Dewilde
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics & Epigenetic Signaling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium.
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