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Hsu CY, Abdulrahim MN, Mustafa MA, Omar TM, Balto F, Pineda I, Khudair TT, Ubaid M, Ali MS. The multifaceted role of PCSK9 in cancer pathogenesis, tumor immunity, and immunotherapy. Med Oncol 2024; 41:202. [PMID: 39008137 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02435-0] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a well-known regulator of cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular diseases, has recently garnered attention for its emerging involvement in cancer biology. The multifunctional nature of PCSK9 extends beyond lipid regulation and encompasses a wide range of cellular processes that can influence cancer progression. Studies have revealed that PCSK9 can modulate signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin, thereby influencing cellular proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. Additionally, the interplay between PCSK9 and cholesterol homeostasis may impact membrane dynamics and cellular migration, further influencing tumor aggressiveness. The central role of the immune system in monitoring and controlling cancer is increasingly recognized. Recent research has demonstrated the ability of PCSK9 to modulate immune responses through interactions with immune cells and components of the tumor microenvironment. This includes effects on dendritic cell maturation, T cell activation, and cytokine production, suggesting a role in shaping antitumor immune responses. Moreover, the potential influence of PCSK9 on immune checkpoints such as PD1/PD-L1 lends an additional layer of complexity to its immunomodulatory functions. The growing interest in cancer immunotherapy has prompted exploration into the potential of targeting PCSK9 for therapeutic benefits. Preclinical studies have demonstrated synergistic effects between PCSK9 inhibitors and established immunotherapies, offering a novel avenue for combination treatments. The strategic manipulation of PCSK9 to enhance tumor immunity and improve therapeutic outcomes presents an exciting area for further investigations. Understanding the mechanisms by which PCSK9 influences cancer biology and immunity holds promise for the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the intricate connections between PCSK9, cancer pathogenesis, tumor immunity, and the potential implications for immunotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou-Yi Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan City, 71710, Taiwan.
- Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University Tempe Campus, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
| | | | - Mohammed Ahmed Mustafa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Imam Jaafar AL-Sadiq University, Baghdad, Iraq
- Department of Pathological Analyzes, College of Applied Sciences, University of Samarra, Samarra, Iraq
| | - Thabit Moath Omar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technics, Al-Noor University College, Nineveh, Iraq
| | - Franklin Balto
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560069, India
- Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 303012, India
| | - Indira Pineda
- School of Basic & Applied Sciences, Shobhit University, Gangoh, Uttar Pradesh, 247341, India
- Department of Health & Allied Sciences, Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 831001, India
| | - Teeba Thamer Khudair
- College of Nursing, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Ubaid
- Medical Technical College, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
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Zmaili M, Alzubi J, Alkhayyat M, Albakri A, Alkhalaileh F, Longinow J, Moudgil R. Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: The Conjoined Twins. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1450. [PMID: 38672532 PMCID: PMC11048405 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081450] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the two most common causes of death worldwide. As the fields of cardiovascular medicine and oncology continue to expand, the area of overlap is becoming more prominent demanding dedicated attention and individualized patient care. We have come to realize that both fields are inextricably intertwined in several aspects, so much so that the mere presence of one, with its resultant downstream implications, has an impact on the other. Nonetheless, cardiovascular disease and cancer are generally approached independently. The focus that is granted to the predominant pathological entity (either cardiovascular disease or cancer), does not allow for optimal medical care for the other. As a result, ample opportunities for improvement in overall health care are being overlooked. Herein, we hope to shed light on the interconnected relationship between cardiovascular disease and cancer and uncover some of the unintentionally neglected intricacies of common cardiovascular therapeutics from an oncologic standpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zmaili
- Robert and Suzanne Tomsich Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Jafar Alzubi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA
| | - Motasem Alkhayyat
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Almaza Albakri
- Jordanian Royal Medical Services, Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdullah II Ben Al-Hussein Street, Amman 11855, Jordan
| | - Feras Alkhalaileh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Joshua Longinow
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Rohit Moudgil
- Robert and Suzanne Tomsich Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Ruscica M, Macchi C, Gandini S, Macis D, Guerrieri-Gonzaga A, Aristarco V, Serrano D, Lazzeroni M, Rizzuto AS, Gaeta A, Corsini A, Gulisano M, Johansson H, Bonanni B. Prognostic Value of PCSK9 Levels in Premenopausal Women at Risk of Breast Cancer-Evidence from a 17-Year Follow-Up Study. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1411. [PMID: 38611089 PMCID: PMC11011028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The involvement of cholesterol in cancer development remains a topic of debate, and its association with breast cancer has yet to be consistently demonstrated. Considering that circulating cholesterol levels depend on several concomitant processes, we tested the liability of plasma levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), one of the key regulators of cholesterol levels, as a prognostic biomarker in the context of breast neoplastic events. METHODS Within a prospective randomized breast cancer prevention trial we measured baseline plasma levels of PCSK9. A total of 235 at-risk premenopausal women were randomized and followed up for 17 years. Participants enrolled in this placebo-controlled, phase II, double-blind trial were randomly assigned to receive either tamoxifen 5 mg/d or fenretinide 200 mg/d, both agents, or placebo for 2 years. The associations with breast cancer events were evaluated through competing risk and Cox regression survival models, adjusted for randomization strata (5-year Gail risk ≥ 1.3% vs. intraepithelial neoplasia or small invasive breast cancer of favorable prognosis), age, and treatment allocation. PCSK9 associations with biomarkers linked to breast cancer risk were assessed on blood samples collected at baseline. RESULTS The plasmatic PCSK9 median and interquartile range were 207 ng/mL and 170-252 ng/mL, respectively. Over a median follow-up period of 17 years and 89 breast neoplastic events, disease-free survival curves showed a hazard ratio of 1.002 (95% CI: 0.999-1.005, p = 0.22) for women with PCSK9 plasma levels ≥ 207 ng/mL compared to women with levels below 207 ng/mL. No differences between randomization strata were observed. We found a negative correlation between PCSK9 and estradiol (r = -0.305), maintained even after partial adjustment for BMI and age (r = -0.287). Cholesterol (r = 0.266), LDL-C (r = 0.207), non-HDL-C (r = 0.246), remnant cholesterol (r = 0.233), and triglycerides (r = 0.233) also correlated with PCSK9. CONCLUSIONS In premenopausal women at risk of early-stage breast cancer, PCSK9 did not appear to have a role as a prognostic biomarker of breast neoplastic events. Larger studies are warranted investigating patients in different settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (C.M.); (A.C.)
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases, Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (C.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Sara Gandini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (S.G.); (A.G.)
| | - Debora Macis
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Aliana Guerrieri-Gonzaga
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Valentina Aristarco
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Davide Serrano
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Matteo Lazzeroni
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
| | | | - Aurora Gaeta
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (S.G.); (A.G.)
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milan-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (C.M.); (A.C.)
| | | | - Harriet Johansson
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Bernardo Bonanni
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (A.G.-G.); (V.A.); (D.S.); (M.L.); (B.B.)
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Liu M, Zhang Q. Polydatin ameliorates low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipid metabolism by downregulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in triple-negative breast cancer with hyperlipidemia. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:52-72. [PMID: 38323270 PMCID: PMC10839302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
To investigate polydatin's effects on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipid metabolism in mice with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and hyperlipidemia, as well as the underlying mechanism of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). In vivo, we designed two animal models, namely breast pad in situ inoculation of TNBC model and TNBC with lung metastatic were inoculated with the caudal vein model. Mice were administered a high-fat diet. Upon the completion of the experiment, plasma triglycerides (TG), total plasma cholesterol (TC), plasma LDL-C, and plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. ELISA was employed to measure PCSK9 and the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). The morphological alterations were observed using Oil-red O staining. Immunohistochemical labeling was used to determine the expression of PCSK9 and LDLR in mouse breast cancer (BC) tissues. MTT, wound healing assay, and the transwell migration and invasion test were conducted to examine co-cultured adipocytes' effects on the growth, invasion, and migration of BC cells. In the 4T1-luc cell model injected in situ into the breast pad and 4T1-luc cell model injected into the tail vein, we observed that a high-fat diet promoted the proliferation and lung metastasis of BC cells, whereas polydatin suppressed the proliferation and lung metastasis of BC cells. Co-culture of BC cells with adipocytes enhanced the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, while polydatin intervention inhibited the growth, invasion, and metastasis. After treatment with polydatin, serum lipid levels decreased, PCSK9 decreased, LDLR increased, and LDL-C decreased in mouse BC, liver, and lung tissues. After polydatin treatment, PCSK9 decreased, LDLR increased, and LDL-C decreased in an in vitro co-culture system of BC cells and adipocytes. After transfection of siRNA PCSK9 in the co-culture system, the LDLR increased more significantly, and the LDL-C decreased more significantly. After transfection of LV-PCSK9, PCSK9 decreased, LDLR increased, and LDL-C decreased. We concluded that polydatin inhibited breast tumor proliferation and distant lung metastasis in mice promoted by a high lipid environment. By suppressing PCSK9, polydatin alters the lipid profile of hyperlipidemic TNBC mice and prevents distant metastases. Our findings provide credence to the established practice of using polydatin in treating TNBC combined with hyperlipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100069, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
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Bao X, Liang Y, Chang H, Cai T, Feng B, Gordon K, Zhu Y, Shi H, He Y, Xie L. Targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9): from bench to bedside. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:13. [PMID: 38185721 PMCID: PMC10772138 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01690-3] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has evolved as a pivotal enzyme in lipid metabolism and a revolutionary therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia and its related cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This comprehensive review delineates the intricate roles and wide-ranging implications of PCSK9, extending beyond CVD to emphasize its significance in diverse physiological and pathological states, including liver diseases, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and notably, cancer. Our exploration offers insights into the interaction between PCSK9 and low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs), elucidating its substantial impact on cholesterol homeostasis and cardiovascular health. It also details the evolution of PCSK9-targeted therapies, translating foundational bench discoveries into bedside applications for optimized patient care. The advent and clinical approval of innovative PCSK9 inhibitory therapies (PCSK9-iTs), including three monoclonal antibodies (Evolocumab, Alirocumab, and Tafolecimab) and one small interfering RNA (siRNA, Inclisiran), have marked a significant breakthrough in cardiovascular medicine. These therapies have demonstrated unparalleled efficacy in mitigating hypercholesterolemia, reducing cardiovascular risks, and have showcased profound value in clinical applications, offering novel therapeutic avenues and a promising future in personalized medicine for cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, emerging research, inclusive of our findings, unveils PCSK9's potential role as a pivotal indicator for cancer prognosis and its prospective application as a transformative target for cancer treatment. This review also highlights PCSK9's aberrant expression in various cancer forms, its association with cancer prognosis, and its crucial roles in carcinogenesis and cancer immunity. In conclusion, this synthesized review integrates existing knowledge and novel insights on PCSK9, providing a holistic perspective on its transformative impact in reshaping therapeutic paradigms across various disorders. It emphasizes the clinical value and effect of PCSK9-iT, underscoring its potential in advancing the landscape of biomedical research and its capabilities in heralding new eras in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Bao
- Institute of Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
- Center for Clinical Research, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Cell-based Immunotherapy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Yongjun Liang
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanman Chang
- Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tianji Cai
- Department of Sociology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Baijie Feng
- Department of Oncology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Konstantin Gordon
- Medical Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
- A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Center, Obninsk, Russia
| | - Yuekun Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hailian Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park, Shanghai, China
| | - Yundong He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liyi Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Hassandokht Mashhadi M, Taheri F, Irani S, Mesbah Mousavi A, Mehri A, Javid H. Current Understanding of PCSK9 and Its Relevance to Cancer Prognosis and Immune Therapy: A Review. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 19:1-9. [PMID: 38864086 PMCID: PMC11164309 DOI: 10.30699/ijp.2023.1999459.3093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The effectiveness of immunotherapy for most cancer patients remains low, with approximately 10-30% of those treated surviving. Thus, much effort is being put into finding new ways to improve immune checkpoint therapy. Our review concludes that inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which plays a critical role in regulating cholesterol metabolism, can cause movement of T cells toward tumors, with increased sensitivity to immune checkpoint therapies. We searched PubMed, NCBI, Scopus, and Google Scholar for the published articles without limitations on publication dates. We used the following terms: "PCSK9", "Cancer", "Immune Checkpoint", and "Cancer Prognosis" in the title and/or abstract. Our search initially revealed 600 records on the subject and stored them in the used databases under EndNote X8 management software. A total of 161 articles were selected and through a careful review, 76 were included in our research. We concluded that PCSK9 reduces the number of LDL receptors (LDL-R) on the cell surface, which is linked to its ability to regulate cholesterol levels in the body. Also, we discuss how suppressing PCSK9 leads to the MHC-1 accumulation on the surface of cancer cells, which results in T lymphocyte invasion. Finally, we believe that inhibiting PCSK9 may be an effective strategy for improving cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fahime Taheri
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sadaf Irani
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Arshiya Mesbah Mousavi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Mehri
- Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Javid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Oza PP, Kashfi K. The evolving landscape of PCSK9 inhibition in cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175721. [PMID: 37059376 PMCID: PMC10229316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease with a significant global burden in terms of premature mortality, loss of productivity, healthcare expenditures, and impact on mental health. Recent decades have seen numerous advances in cancer research and treatment options. Recently, a new role of cholesterol-lowering PCSK9 inhibitor therapy has come to light in the context of cancer. PCSK9 is an enzyme that induces the degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs), which are responsible for clearing cholesterol from the serum. Thus, PCSK9 inhibition is currently used to treat hypercholesterolemia, as it can upregulate LDLRs and enable cholesterol reduction through these receptors. The cholesterol-lowering effects of PCSK9 inhibitors have been suggested as a potential mechanism to combat cancer, as cancer cells have been found to increasingly rely on cholesterol for their growth needs. Additionally, PCSK9 inhibition has demonstrated the potential to induce cancer cell apoptosis through several pathways, increase the efficacy of a class of existing anticancer therapies, and boost the host immune response to cancer. A role in managing cancer- or cancer treatment-related development of dyslipidemia and life-threatening sepsis has also been suggested. This review examines the current evidence regarding the effects of PCSK9 inhibition in the context of different cancers and cancer-associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak P Oza
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10031, USA; Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, 10091, USA.
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Zivkovic S, Maric G, Cvetinovic N, Lepojevic-Stefanovic D, Bozic Cvijan B. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lipid-Lowering Drugs and Supplements-A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061517. [PMID: 36986246 PMCID: PMC10053759 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Since the establishment of the "lipid hypothesis", according to which, cholesterol level is directly correlated to the risk of CVD, many different lipid-lowering agents have been introduced in clinical practice. A majority of these drugs, in addition to their lipid-lowering properties, may also exhibit some anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. This hypothesis was based on the observation that a decrease in lipid levels occurs along with a decrease in inflammation. Insufficient reduction in the inflammation during treatment with lipid-lowering drugs could be one of the explanations for treatment failure and recurrent CVD events. Thus, the aim of this narrative review was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of currently available lipid-lowering medications including statins, ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants (BAS), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin, as well as dietary supplements and novel drugs used in modern times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Zivkovic
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Zvezdara University Medical Center, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gorica Maric
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology, University of Belgrade, Dr. Subotica 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Natasa Cvetinovic
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, University Medical Center "Dr Dragisa Misovic-Dedinje", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Bojana Bozic Cvijan
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Momtazi-Borojeni AA, Banach M, Tabatabaei SA, Sahebkar A. Preclinical toxicity assessment of a peptide-based antiPCSK9 vaccine in healthy mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114170. [PMID: 36587555 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition is a novel cholesterol-lowering treatment for decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis. We have previously shown that active immunization using the antiPCSK9 vaccine could decrease hypercholesterolemia and impede the development of atherosclerotic lesions in the experimental model of atherosclerosis. Here, we evaluated the toxicity of the vaccine in healthy mice. METHODS Forty male and female albino mice were divided into 4 experimental groups, including vaccine female (10 mice) and male (10 mice) groups receiving the antiPCSK9 vaccine as well as the corresponding control female (10 mice) and male (10 mice) groups receiving the phosphate buffer. Vaccination was planned based on 4 subcutaneous injections of the vaccine formulation (10 µg/mouse) in bi-weekly intervals. The toxicity study was performed by the subacute protocol, 28 days after the last vaccine injection. To this end, the plasma levels of lipid indexes, urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), as well as the CBC test were measured. To evaluate histopathological alterations, various tissues including the heart, liver, kidney, spleen, and brain were studied using hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining by an expert pathologist. The severity of damage to the tissue was considered based on the standard classification; grade 1 as light damage, grade 2 as moderate damage, grade 3 as near intense damage, and grade 4 as intense damage. RESULTS The results showed non-significant changes of total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglyceride, HDL-C, FBS, creatinine, urea, AST, ALP, ALT, and PAB in the vaccinated mice when compared with control mice. The CBS test indicated that there were no significant changes in the levels of WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCH, MCHC, PLT, LYM, NEUT, MCV, RDW-S, PDW, and MPV in the vaccinated mice when compared with control mice. Evaluating histopathological alterations in various tissues indicated no significant adverse effects in vaccinated mice when compared to control mice. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study indicate that antiPCSK9 is safe and exerts no adverse effects on the function of different organs and blood levels of cellular and biochemical biomarkers in healthy mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland
| | | | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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10
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Gu Y, Lin X, Dong Y, Wood G, Seidah NG, Werstuck G, Major P, Bonert M, Kapoor A, Tang D. PCSK9 facilitates melanoma pathogenesis via a network regulating tumor immunity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2023; 42:2. [PMID: 36588164 PMCID: PMC9806914 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02584-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PCSK9 regulates cholesterol homeostasis and promotes tumorigenesis. However, the relevance of these two actions and the mechanisms underlying PCSK9's oncogenic roles in melanoma and other cancers remain unclear. METHODS PCSK9's association with melanoma was analysed using the TCGA dataset. Empty vector (EV), PCSK9, gain-of-function (D374Y), and loss-of-function (Q152H) PCSK9 mutant were stably-expressed in murine melanoma B16 cells and studied for impact on B16 cell-derived oncogenesis in vitro and in vivo using syngeneic C57BL/6 and Pcsk9-/- mice. Intratumoral accumulation of cholesterol was determined. RNA-seq was performed on individual tumor types. Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were derived from the comparisons of B16 PCSK9, B16 D374Y, or B16 Q152H tumors to B16 EV allografts and analysed for pathway alterations. RESULTS PCSK9 expression and its network negatively correlated with the survival probability of patients with melanoma. PCSK9 promoted B16 cell proliferation, migration, and growth in soft agar in vitro, formation of tumors in C57BL/6 mice in vivo, and accumulation of intratumoral cholesterol in a manner reflecting its regulation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR): Q152H, EV, PCSK9, and D374Y. Tumor-associated T cells, CD8 + T cells, and NK cells were significantly increased in D374Y tumors along with upregulations of multiple immune checkpoints, IFNγ, and 143 genes associated with T cell dysfunction. Overlap of 36 genes between the D374Y DEGs and the PCSK9 DEGs predicted poor prognosis of melanoma and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. CYTH4, DENND1C, AOAH, TBC1D10C, EPSTI1, GIMAP7, and FASL (FAS ligand) were novel predictors of ICB therapy and displayed high level of correlations with multiple immune checkpoints in melanoma and across 30 human cancers. We observed FAS ligand being among the most robust biomarkers of ICB treatment and constructed two novel and effective multigene panels predicting response to ICB therapy. The profiles of allografts produced by B16 EV, PCSK9, D374Y, and Q152H remained comparable in C57BL/6 and Pcsk9-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Tumor-derived PCSK9 plays a critical role in melanoma pathogenesis. PCSK9's oncogenic actions are associated with intratumoral cholesterol accumulation. PCSK9 systemically affects the immune system, contributing to melanoma immune evasion. Novel biomarkers derived from the PCSK9-network effectively predicted ICB therapy responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gu
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), T3310, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355The Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, G344, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
| | - Xiaozeng Lin
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), T3310, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355The Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, G344, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
| | - Ying Dong
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), T3310, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355The Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, G344, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
| | - Geoffrey Wood
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Department of Pathology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Nabil G. Seidah
- grid.511547.30000 0001 2106 1695Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7 Canada
| | - Geoff Werstuck
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Pierre Major
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Michael Bonert
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355The Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, G344, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Anil Kapoor
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), T3310, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355The Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, G344, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
| | - Damu Tang
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), T3310, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355The Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, G344, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
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11
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Ataei S, Ganjali S, Banach M, Karimi E, Sahebkar A. The effect of PCSK9 immunization on the hepatic level of microRNAs associated with the PCSK9/LDLR pathway. Arch Med Sci 2023; 19:203-208. [PMID: 36817686 PMCID: PMC9897094 DOI: 10.5114/aoms/152000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of gene expression epigenetic regulators that play roles in regulating genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis, including low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and PCSK9; therefore, miRNAs have been suggested as potential therapeutic targets for treating cardiometabolic disorders. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the effect of immunotherapy with the PCSK9 peptide vaccine on the hepatic expression levels of microRNAs associated with the LDLR pathway, including miRNA-27a, miRNA-30c, and miRNA-191, in normal vaccinated mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS PCSK9 immunogenic peptide and 0.4% alum adjuvant were mixed at a 1 : 1 ratio and used as a vaccine formulation. Male albino mice were randomly assigned to the vaccine or control group. Mice in the vaccine group were injected four times at two-week intervals with a PCSK9 peptide vaccine, and mice in the control group were injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Animal livers were sampled 2 weeks after the last injection to assess miRNA expression levels. The hepatic expression levels of miRNA-27a, miRNA-30c, and miRNA-191 were evaluated by SYBR Green real-time PCR, quantified by a comparative (2- Δ Δ CT) method (fold change (FC)) and normalized to U6 small nuclear RNA (U6snRNA) expression as an internal control. RESULTS The hepatic expression level of miRNA-27a was significantly lower in mice following immunotherapy with the PCSK9 peptide vaccine compared to the control group (FC: 0.731 ±0.1, p = 0.027). Also, there was a borderline significantly lower hepatic expression level of miRNA-30c in the vaccinated group compared to the control (FC: 0.569 ±0.1, p = 0.078). However, no significant differences were found in the hepatic expression level of miRNA-191 between the two studied groups (FC: 0.852 ±0.1, p = 0.343). CONCLUSIONS According to the findings, the PCSK9 peptide vaccine could effectively reduce the hepatic expression level of miRNA-27a and may be helpful in the management of LDL-C level and atherosclerosis, which may be mediated through the LDLR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarina Ataei
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shiva Ganjali
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), Lodz, Poland
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Ehsan Karimi
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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12
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Alannan M, Seidah NG, Merched AJ. PCSK9 in Liver Cancers at the Crossroads between Lipid Metabolism and Immunity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244132. [PMID: 36552895 PMCID: PMC9777286 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic rewiring and defective immune responses are considered to be the main driving forces sustaining cell growth and oncogenesis in many cancers. The atypical enzyme, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), is produced by the liver in large amounts and plays a major role in lipid metabolism via the control of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and other cell surface receptors. In this context, many clinical studies have clearly demonstrated the high efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in treating hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Recent data implicated PCSK9 in the degradation of major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) receptors and the immune system as well as in other physiological activities. This review highlights the complex crosstalk between PCSK9, lipid metabolism and immunosuppression and underlines the latest advances in understanding the involvement of this convertase in other critical functions. We present a comprehensive assessment of the different strategies targeting PCSK9 and show how these approaches could be extended to future therapeutic options to treat cancers with a main focus on the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malak Alannan
- Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Nabil G. Seidah
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, IRCM, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Aksam J. Merched
- Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence:
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13
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Wong Chong E, Joncas FH, Seidah NG, Calon F, Diorio C, Gangloff A. Circulating levels of PCSK9, ANGPTL3 and Lp(a) in stage III breast cancers. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1049. [PMID: 36203122 PMCID: PMC9535963 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10120-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background / synopsis Cholesterol and lipids play an important role in sustaining tumor growth and metastasis in a large variety of cancers. ANGPTL3 and PCSK9 modify circulating cholesterol levels, thus availability of lipids to peripheral cells. Little is known on the role, if any, of circulating lipid-related factors such as PCSK9, ANGPTL3 and lipoprotein (a) in cancers. Objective/purpose To compare circulating levels of PCSK9, ANGPTL3, and Lp(a) in women with stage III breast cancer versus women with premalignant or benign breast lesions. Methods Twenty-three plasma samples from women diagnosed with a stage III breast cancer (ductal, lobular or mixed) were matched for age with twenty-three plasma samples from women bearing premalignant (stage 0, n = 9) or benign (n = 14) breast lesions. The lipid profile (Apo B, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels) and Lp(a) were measured on a Roche Modular analytical platform, whereas LDL levels were calculated with the Friedewald formula. ANGPTL3 and PCSK9 plasma levels were quantitated by ELISA. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.4. Results PCSK9 levels were significantly higher in women with stage III breast cancer compared to age-matched counterparts presenting a benign lesion (95.9 ± 27.1 ng/mL vs. 78.5 ± 19.3 ng/mL, p < 0.05, n = 14). Moreover, PCSK9 levels positively correlated with breast disease severity (benign, stage 0, stage III) (Rho = 0.34, p < 0.05, n = 46). In contrast, ANGPTL3 and Lp(a) plasma levels did not display any association with breast disease status and lipids did not correlate with disease severity. Conclusion In this small cohort of 46 women, PCSK9 levels tended to increase with the severity of the breast disease. Given that PCSK9 plays an important role in maintaining cholesterolemia, and a potential role in tumor evasion, present results warrant further investigation into a possible association between PCSK9 levels and breast cancer severity in larger cohorts of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Wong Chong
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Oncology Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Cancer Research Centre (CRC), Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - France-Hélène Joncas
- Oncology Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Cancer Research Centre (CRC), Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Nabil G Seidah
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Diorio
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Oncology Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Cancer Research Centre (CRC), Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Centre Des Maladies du Sein, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Anne Gangloff
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada. .,Oncology Research Axis, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada. .,Cancer Research Centre (CRC), Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada. .,Lipid Clinic, CHU de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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14
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Soleimani A, Mirzavi F, Nikoofal-Sahlabadi S, Nikpoor AR, Taghizadeh B, Barati M, Soukhtanloo M, Jaafari MR. CD73 downregulation by EGFR-targeted liposomal CD73 siRNA potentiates antitumor effect of liposomal doxorubicin in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10423. [PMID: 35729230 PMCID: PMC9213518 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14392-7] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Blocking CD73 ectonucleotidase has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of a novel EGFR-Targeted liposomal CD73 siRNA formulation in combination therapy with liposomal doxorubicin in the 4T1 mouse model. CD73 siRNA was encapsulated into nanoliposomes by the ethanol injection method. After preparation, characterization, morphology, and stability evaluation of formulations, the toxicity was measured by MTT assay. Uptake assay and efficiency of the liposomal formulations were investigated on the 4T1 cell line. The liposomal formulation containing CD73 siRNA was targeted with GE11 peptide for in vivo evaluations. Following biodistribution analysis, the antitumor activity of prepared formulations in combination with liposomal doxorubicin was studied in mice bearing 4T1 metastatic breast cancer cells. Finally, the induction of immune response of formulations in concomitant treatment with liposomal doxorubicin was evaluated in the tumor microenvironment of a mouse model of breast cancer. The size of prepared liposomal formulations at N/P = 16 for the liposomal CD73 siRNA and GE11-liposomal CD73 siRNA groups were 89 nm ± 4.4 and 95 nm ± 6.6, respectively. The nanoparticle's PDI was less than 0.3 and their surface charge was below 10 mV. The results demonstrated that N/P = 16 yielded the best encapsulation efficiency which was 94% ± 3.3. AFM results showed that the liposomes were spherical in shape and were less than 100 nm in size. The results of the MTT assay showed significant toxicity of the liposomes containing CD73 siRNA during the 48-h cell culture. Real-time PCR and flow cytometry results showed that liposomes containing CD73 siRNA could effectively downregulate CD73 expression. Liposomal formulations were able to significantly downregulate CD73 gene expression, in vivo. However, CD73 downregulation efficiency was significantly higher for the targeted form compared to the non-targeted formulation (P value < 0.01). The combination showed maximum tumor growth delay with remarkable survival improvement compared to the control group. Studying the immune responses in the treatment groups which received doxorubicin, showed decreased number of lymphocytes in the tumor environment. However, this decrease was lower in the combination therapy group. Finally, our results clearly showed that CD73 downregulation increases the activity of CD8+ lymphocytes (IFN-ℽ production) and also significantly decreases the Foxp3 in the CD25+ lymphocytes compared to the control group. GE11-Lipo CD73 siRNA formulation can efficiently knockdown CD73 ectonucleotidase. Also, the efficacy of liposomal doxorubicin is significantly enhanced via the downregulation of CD73 ectonucleotidase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anvar Soleimani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farshad Mirzavi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sara Nikoofal-Sahlabadi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Amin Reza Nikpoor
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Bita Taghizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Barati
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soukhtanloo
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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15
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Sun H, Meng W, Zhu J, Wang L. Antitumor activity and molecular mechanism of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 395:643-658. [PMID: 35307759 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02200-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a member of the proprotein convertase family of proteins that activate other proteins in cells. Functionally, PCSK9 binds to the receptor of low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL) to regulate cholesterol metabolism and lipoprotein homeostasis in human body. PCSK9 inhibition is a novel pharmacological strategy to control hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases. Recently accumulating evidence realizes that PCSK9 possesses other roles in cells, such as regulation of tissue inflammatory response, intratumoral immune cell infiltration, and tumor progression. This review discussed the advancement of PCSK9 research on its role and underlying mechanisms in tumor development and progression. For example, PCSK9 inhibition could attenuate progression of breast cancer, glioma, colon tumor, hepatocellular cancer, prostate cancer, and lung adenocarcinoma and promote apoptosis of glioma, prostate cancer, and hepatocellular cancer cells. PCSK9 deficiency could reduce liver metastasis of B16F1 melanoma cells by lowering the circulating cholesterol levels. PCSK9 gene knockdown substantially attenuated mouse tumor growth in vivo by activation of cytotoxic T cells, although PCSK9 knockdown had no effect on morphology and growth rate of different mouse cancer cell lines in vitro. PCSK9 inhibition thus can be used to control human cancers. Future preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to define anti-tumor activity of PCSK9 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Wen Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, Jinan, China.
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16
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Hu J, Zhang M, Gui L, Wan Q, Zhong J, Bai L, He M. PCSK9 Suppresses M2-Like Tumor-Associated Macrophage Polarization by Regulating the Secretion of OX40L from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Immunol Invest 2022; 51:1678-1693. [PMID: 35078374 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2022.2027439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) participates in the development of various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we attempted to reveal the underlying mechanism of PCSK9 in HCC. METHODS Tumor tissues and adjacent tissues were separated from HCC patients to detect PCSK9 expression. Then, PCSK9 was overexpressed or silenced in HCC cells (MHCC97H or Huh7), and then the cell supernatant was incubated with THP-1 macrophages. OX40L neutralizing antibody (nAb) was used to inhibit OX40L activity. The expression of macrophage markers was examined by immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry. Finally, tumor-bearing mouse model was constructed by inoculation of LV-PCSK9 infected MHCC97H cells to verify the role of PCSK in HCC. RESULTS PCSK9 expression was decreased in tumor tissues of HCC patient specimens. HCC patients displayed M2 macrophage infiltration in tumor tissues. Moreover, PCSK9-silenced Huh7 cell supernatant promoted cell migration, and enhanced the proportion of CD206-positive cells and the expression of M2 macrophage markers IL-10 and ARG-1 in THP-1 macrophages. PCSK9-overexpressing MHCC97H cell supernatant inhibited THP-1 macrophage migration and M2-like tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) polarization, which was abolished by OX40L nAb treatment. PCSK9 overexpression enhanced the expression of OX40L in MHCC97H cells. In tumor-bearing mouse models, PCSK9 overexpression inhibited tumor growth and M2 polarization of TAMs in HCC by promoting OX40L expression. Conclusion: This work demonstrated that PCSK9 suppressed M2-like TAM polarization by regulating the secretion of OX40L from hepatocellular carcinoma cells. This study suggests that PCSK9 may be a potential target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ling Gui
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qinsi Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiawei Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liangliang Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Mingyan He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Amin F, Fathi F, Reiner Ž, Banach M, Sahebkar A. The role of statins in lung cancer. Arch Med Sci 2022; 18:141-152. [PMID: 35154535 PMCID: PMC8826694 DOI: 10.5114/aoms/123225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortality in the 21st century. Statins as inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase not only reduce the cholesterol levels in the blood and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease but may also play an important role in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer. Statins have several antitumor properties including the ability to reduce cell proliferation and angiogenesis, decrease invasion and synergistic suppression of lung cancer progression. Statins induce tumor cell apoptosis by inhibition of downstream products such as small GTP-binding proteins, Rho, Ras and Rac, which are dependent on isoprenylation. Statins reduce angiogenesis in tumors by down-regulation of pro-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor. In this review, the feasibility and efficacy of statins in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Amin
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Fathi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Biosensor and Bioelectronic Department, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Željko Reiner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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18
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Xie M, Yu X, Chu X, Xie H, Zhou J, Zhao J, Su C. Low baseline plasma
PCSK9
level is associated with good clinical outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer. Thorac Cancer 2021; 13:353-360. [PMID: 34962050 PMCID: PMC8807327 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Xie
- Department of Oncology Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Xin Yu
- Department of Oncology Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Xiangling Chu
- Department of Oncology Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Huikang Xie
- Department of Pathology Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Department of Oncology Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Oncology Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Chunxia Su
- Department of Oncology Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine Shanghai China
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Bonaventura A, Vecchié A, Ruscica M, Grossi F, Dentali F. PCSK9 as a new player in cancer: New opportunity or red herring? Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:960-969. [PMID: 34781861 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666211115122324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Initially described as a factor involved in liver regeneration and neuronal differentiation, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has become one of the key regulators of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Besides that, a number of studies have suggested PCSK9 may play a role in cancer biology. This is particularly true for gastroenteric (gastric and liver cancers) and lung cancers, where higher PCSK9 levels were associated with the increased ability of the tumor to develop and give metastasis as well as with reduced overall survival. Accordingly, monoclonal antibodies blocking PCSK9 were recently shown to synergize with immunotherapy in different types of cancers to achieve tumor growth suppression through an increased intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T cells. Anti-PCSK9 vaccines have been tested in animal models with encouraging results only in colon carcinoma. As most of this evidence is based on pre-clinical studies, this has led to some controversies and inconsistencies, thus suggesting that additional research is needed to clarify the topic. Finally, modulation of intracellular PCSK9 levels by silencing RNA (siRNA) may help understand the physiological and pathological mechanisms of PCSK9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Bonaventura
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese. Italy
| | | | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan. Italy
| | - Francesco Grossi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese. Italy
| | - Francesco Dentali
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Insubria University, Varese. Italy
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20
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Ito M, Hiwasa T, Oshima Y, Yajima S, Suzuki T, Nanami T, Sumazaki M, Shiratori F, Funahashi K, Li SY, Iwadate Y, Yamagata H, Jambaljav B, Takemoto M, Yokote K, Takizawa H, Shimada H. Association of Serum Anti-PCSK9 Antibody Levels with Favorable Postoperative Prognosis in Esophageal Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:708039. [PMID: 34504788 PMCID: PMC8421770 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.708039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal cancer often appears as postoperative metastasis or recurrence after radical surgery. Although we had previously reported that serum programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) level correlated with the prognosis of esophageal cancer, further novel biomarkers are required for more precise prediction of the prognosis. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is associated with the cholesterol metabolism. But there was no report of relationship between serum PCSK9 antibody and cancer. Therefore, we investigated whether anti-PCSK9 antibodies could be a novel biomarker for solid cancer. Methods Serum levels of anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antigens in patients with solid cancer were analyzed using amplified luminescence proximity homogeneous assay-linked immunosorbent assay (AlphaLISA). The reactivity of serum antibodies against recombinant PCSK9 protein was investigated by Western blotting, and the expression of PCSK9 antigens in esophageal cancer tissues was examined by immunohistochemical staining. Results AlphaLISA showed that serum anti-PCSK9 antibody (s-PCSK9-Ab) levels were significantly higher in patients with esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer than in healthy donors, and patients with esophageal cancer had the highest levels. The presence of serum antibody in patients was confirmed by Western blotting. There was no apparent correlation between s-PCSK9-Ab and PCSK9 antigen levels. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the expression of PCSK9 antigen in both the cytoplasm and nuclear compartments of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissue but not in normal tissue. Compared with patients with low s-PCSK9-Ab levels, those with high s-PCSK9-Ab levels had a favorable postoperative prognosis after radical surgery for esophageal cancer. In the multivariate analysis, tumor depth and s-PCSK9-Ab level were identified as independent prognostic factors. In the univariate analysis of clinicopathological features, high PCSK9 antibody levels were not associated with sex, age, location, tumor depth, lymph node status, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, or p53-Ab, whereas they correlated significantly with PD-L1 levels, which were associated with unfavorable prognosis. Correlation between s-PCSK9-Ab and PD-L1 levels was also confirmed in the logistic regression analysis; therefore, low s-PCSK9-Ab levels could discriminate another poor prognosis group other than high-PD-L1 group. Conclusions Patients with solid cancer had higher s-PCSK9-Ab levels than healthy donors. High s-PCSK9-Ab levels indicated better prognosis for overall survival after surgery in patients with esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Ito
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takaki Hiwasa
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoko Oshima
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yajima
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Nanami
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Sumazaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Shiratori
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Funahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shu-Yang Li
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasuo Iwadate
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yamagata
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan
| | - Byambasteren Jambaljav
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan
| | - Minoru Takemoto
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koutaro Yokote
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Takizawa
- Port Square Kashiwado Clinic, Kashiwado Memorial Foundation, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hideaki Shimada
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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21
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Momtazi-Borojeni AA, Jaafari MR, Banach M, Gorabi AM, Sahraei H, Sahebkar A. Pre-Clinical Evaluation of the Nanoliposomal antiPCSK9 Vaccine in Healthy Non-Human Primates. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:749. [PMID: 34358164 PMCID: PMC8309966 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous studies showed the safe preventive and therapeutic effects of immunization using the nanoliposomal antiPCSK9 vaccine called "Liposomal Immunogenic Fused PCSK9-Tetanus plus Alum adjuvant" (L-IFPTA), in mouse models of atherosclerosis. Here we aimed to ascertain the immunogenicity and safety of the L-IFPTA vaccine in a pre-clinical study in healthy non-human primates. METHODS Five male rhesus macaque monkeys were subcutaneously immunized with the L-IFPTA vaccine, four times with bi-weekly intervals. To evaluate immunogenicity, the plasma antiPCSK9 antibody in immunized monkeys was detected and quantified using the ELISA method. The functionality of the induced antiPCSK9 antibodies was determined by the PCSK9/LDLR in vitro binding assay kit. The safety of the vaccine was tested using the evaluation of several major circulating indicators including plasma lipid alterations, inflammatory biomarkers and organ injury biomarkers. RESULTS The resultant data indicated that the L-IFPTA vaccine significantly and highly induced the generation of functional and safe antiPCSK9 antibodies in immunized monkeys. Plasma levels of specific biomarkers indicating organ performance including creatinine, urea, uric acid, bilirubin, ALP, AS, ALT and TSH were not significantly altered. After immunization in healthy monkeys, non-prespecified endpoints (plasma levels of TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C and TG) were non-significantly reduced by 11.6 ± 36%; 16 ± 28%; 22 ± 53% and 24 ± 51%, respectively, while HDL-C was slightly increased by 2 ± 64%. There were also no significant changes in plasma levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers. CONCLUSION The L-IFPTA vaccine could efficiently stimulate the host humoral immune response to produce active antibodies that inhibit plasma PCSK9 while not provoking systemic inflammation and not adversely affecting organ performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abbas Momtazi-Borojeni
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran; (A.A.M.-B.); (M.R.J.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj 3149969415, Iran
- Iran’s National Elites Foundation, Tehran 9311114578, Iran
| | - Mahmoud R. Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran; (A.A.M.-B.); (M.R.J.)
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, 65-046 Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Armita Mahdavi Gorabi
- Research Center for Advanced Technologies in Cardiovascular Medicine, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713138, Iran;
| | - Hedayat Sahraei
- Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 9311114578, Iran;
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Abbas Momtazi-Borojeni
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.,Iran's National Elites Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, WAM University Hospital in Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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23
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Bhattacharya A, Chowdhury A, Chaudhury K, Shukla PC. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9): A potential multifaceted player in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188581. [PMID: 34144130 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as a novel pharmacological target for hypercholesterolemia and associated cardiovascular diseases owing to its function to mediate the degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Findings over the past two decades have identified novel binding partners and cellular functions of PCSK9. Notably, PCSK9 is aberrantly expressed in a broad spectrum of cancers and apparently contributes to disease prognosis, indicating that PCSK9 could be a valuable cancer biomarker. Experimental studies demonstrate the contribution of PCSK9 in various aspects of cancer, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, anti-tumor immunity and radioresistance, strengthening the idea that PCSK9 could be a promising therapeutic target. Here, we comprehensively review the involvement of PCSK9 in cancer, summarizing its aberrant expression, association with disease prognosis, biological functions and underlying mechanisms in various malignancies. Besides, we highlight the potential of PCSK9 as a future therapeutic target in personalized cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Bhattacharya
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Abhirup Chowdhury
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Koel Chaudhury
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
| | - Praphulla Chandra Shukla
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
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24
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Mahboobnia K, Pirro M, Marini E, Grignani F, Bezsonov EE, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. PCSK9 and cancer: Rethinking the link. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 140:111758. [PMID: 34058443 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is emerging as a major problem globally, as it accounts for the second cause of death despite medical advances. According to epidemiological and basic studies, cholesterol is involved in cancer progression and there are abnormalities in cholesterol metabolism of cancer cells including prostate, breast, and colorectal carcinomas. However, the importance of cholesterol in carcinogenesis and thereby the role of cholesterol homeostasis as a therapeutic target is still a debated area in cancer therapy. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9), a serine protease, modulates cholesterol metabolism by attachment to the LDL receptor (LDLR) and reducing its recycling by targeting the receptor for lysosomal destruction. Published research has shown that PCSK9 is also involved in degradation of other LDLR family members namely very-low-density-lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1), and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2). As a result, this protein represents an interesting therapeutic target for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Interestingly, clinical trials on PCSK9-specific monoclonal antibodies have reported promising results with high efficacy in lowering LDL-C and in turn reducing cardiovascular complications. It is important to note that PCSK9 mediates several other pathways apart from its role in lipid homeostasis, including antiviral activity, hepatic regeneration, neuronal apoptosis, and modulation of various signaling pathways. Furthermore, recent literature has illustrated that PCSK9 is closely associated with incidence and progression of several cancers. In a number of studies, PCSK9 siRNA was shown to effectively suppress the proliferation and invasion of the several studied tumor cells. Hence, a novel application of PCSK9 inhibitors/silencers in cancer/metastasis could be considered. However, due to poor data on effectiveness and safety of PCSK9 inhibitors in cancer, the impact of PCSK9 inhibition in these pathological conditions is still unknown. SEARCH METHODS A vast literature search was conducted to find intended studies from 1956 up to 2020, and inclusion criteria were original peer-reviewed publications. PURPOSE OF REVIEW To date, PCSK9 has been scantly investigated in cancer. The question that needs to be discussed is "How does PCSK9 act in cancer pathophysiology and what are the risks or benefits associated to its inhibition?". We reviewed the available publications highlighting the contribution of this proprotein convertase in pathways related to cancer, with focus on the potential implications of its long-term pharmacological inhibition in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Mahboobnia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Matteo Pirro
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ettore Marini
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Grignani
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Evgeny E Bezsonov
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology of Cardiovascular System, Institute of Human Morphology, 3 Tsyurupa Street, Moscow 117418, Russia; Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 8 Baltiiskaya Street, Moscow 125315, Russia
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Quchan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Quchan, Iran; Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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25
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Macchi C, Ferri N, Sirtori CR, Corsini A, Banach M, Ruscica M. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9: A View beyond the Canonical Cholesterol-Lowering Impact. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:1385-1397. [PMID: 34019847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), mainly synthetized and released by the liver, represents one of the key regulators of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Although genetic and interventional studies have demonstrated that lowering PCSK9 levels corresponds to a cardiovascular benefit, identification of non-cholesterol-related processes has emerged since its discovery. Besides liver, PCSK9 is also expressed in many tissues (eg, intestine, endocrine pancreas, and brain). The aim of the present review is to describe and discuss PCSK9 pathophysiology and possible non-lipid-lowering effects whether already extensively characterized (eg, inflammatory burden of atherosclerosis, triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism, and platelet activation), or to be unraveled (eg, in adipose tissue). The identification of novel transcriptional factors in the promoter region of human PCSK9 (eg, ChREBP) characterizes new mechanisms explaining how controlling intrahepatic glucose may be a therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes. Finally, the evidence describing PCSK9 as involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis raises the possibility of this protein being involved in cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
| | - Nicola Ferri
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Italy; Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni/Milan, Italy
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Lodz, Poland; Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
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26
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PCSK9 promotes tumor growth by inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Hematol Oncol 2021; 10:25. [PMID: 33789749 PMCID: PMC8011384 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-021-00218-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), one of the key enzymes in the process of lipid transport, is involved in the disease progression of various types of tumors. This article is to study the role of PCSK9 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of PCSK9 in tumor specimens from 105 HCC patients who underwent curative resection. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were used to test the protein and mRNA expression levels in HCC cell lines. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and clone formation assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation ability of different kinds of cells in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate. A xenograft model was established to study the effect of PCSK9 on HCC growth in vivo. TUNEL and immunofluorescence assays were used to detect cell apoptosis. Results High expression of PCSK9 in tumor tissues was related to microvascular invasion (p = 0.036) and large tumor size (p = 0.001) in HCC patients. Overall survival and disease-free survival after surgery were poor in patients with high expression of PCSK9 (p = 0.035 and p = 0.007, respectively). In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that PCSK9 promoted the growth of HCC by inhibiting cell apoptosis. A mechanistic study revealed that PCSK9 increases FASN expression, thereby inhibiting apoptosis of HCC cells via the Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase9/Caspase3 pathway. Conclusions PCSK9 expression level in HCC is an indicator of poor prognosis for patients with HCC. FASN-mediated anti-apoptosis plays an important role in PCSK9-induced HCC progression.
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Pleiotropic Effects of PCSK-9 Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063144. [PMID: 33808697 PMCID: PMC8003510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) inhibitors are a group of drugs whose main mechanism of action is binding to the PCSK-9 molecule, which reduces the degradation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) and, hence, increases the uptake of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) from the bloodstream as well as reducing its concentration. The effectiveness of three monoclonal antibodies, namely, alirocumab (human IgG1/κ monoclonal antibody, genetically engineered in Chinese hamster ovary cells), evolocumab (the first fully human monoclonal antibody), and bococizumab (humanized mouse antibody), in inhibiting the action of PCSK-9 and reducing LDLc levels has been confirmed. The first two, after clinical trials, were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are used primarily in the treatment of autosomal familial hypercholesterolemia and in cases of statin intolerance. They are currently used both as monotherapy and in combination with statins and ezetimibe to intensify therapy and achieve therapeutic goals following the American Heart Association (AHA) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. However, the lipid-lowering effect is not the only effect of action described by researchers that PCSK-9 inhibitors have. This paper is a review of the literature describing the pleiotropic effects of PCSK-9 inhibitors, which belong to a group of drugs that are being increasingly used, especially when standard lipid-lowering therapy fails. The article focuses on activities other than lipid-lowering, such as the anti-atherosclerotic effect and stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque, the anti-aggregation effect, the anticoagulant effect, the antineoplastic effect, and the ability to influence the course of bacterial infections. In this publication, we try to systematically review the current scientific data, both from our own scientific work and knowledge from international publications.
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28
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Yang K, Zhu J, Luo HH, Yu SW, Wang L. Pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 promotes intestinal tumor development by activating Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/SOCS3 signaling in Apc Min/+ mice. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2021; 35:20587384211038345. [PMID: 34586888 PMCID: PMC8485261 DOI: 10.1177/20587384211038345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) regulates lipoprotein homeostasis in humans. Evolocumab is a selective PCSK9 inhibitor that can reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) level and decrease hypercholesterolemia. The current study aimed to explore whether PCSK9 increases the risk of colorectal cancer. METHODS First, we utilized the classic intestinal tumor ApcMin/+ mouse model and PCSK9 knock-in (KI) mice to establish ApcMin/+PCSK9(KI) mice. Then, we investigated the effect of PCSK9 overexpression in ApcMin/+PCSK9(KI) mice and PCSK9 inhibition using evolocumab on the progression of intestinal tumors in vivo by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. RESULTS ApcMin/+PCSK9(KI) mice had higher numbers and larger sizes of adenomas, with 83.3% of these mice developing adenocarcinoma (vs. 16.7% of ApcMin/+ mice). However, treatment with evolocumab reduced the number and size of adenomas and prevented the development of adenocarcinomas in ApcMin/+ mice. PCSK9 overexpression reduced tumor cell apoptosis, the Bax/bcl-2 ratio, and the levels of cytokine signaling 3 protein (SOCS3) suppressors, but activated Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in intestinal tumors. In contrast, evolocumab treatment had the opposite effect on ApcMin/+mice. CONCLUSION PCSK9 might act as an oncogene or have an oncogenic role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer in vivo via activation of JAK2/STAT3/SOCS3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huan-hua Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shu-wen Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Phase I Clinical Trial Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University; NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drugs, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Schlüter KD, Wolf A, Schreckenberg R. Coming Back to Physiology: Extra Hepatic Functions of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9. Front Physiol 2020; 11:598649. [PMID: 33364976 PMCID: PMC7750466 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.598649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal apoptosis regulated convertase-1 (NARC-1), now mostly known as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), has received a lot of attention due to the fact that it is a key regulator of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDL-R) and is therefore involved in hepatic LDL clearance. Within a few years, therapies targeting PCSK9 have reached clinical practice and they offer an additional tool to reduce blood cholesterol concentrations. However, PCSK9 is almost ubiquitously expressed in the body but has less well-understood functions and target proteins in extra hepatic tissues. As such, PCSK9 is involved in the regulation of neuronal survival and protein degradation, it affects the expression of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the kidney, it interacts with white blood cells and with cells of the vascular wall, and it modifies contractile activity of cardiomyocytes, and contributes to the regulation of cholesterol uptake in the intestine. Moreover, under stress conditions, signals from the kidney and heart can affect hepatic expression and thereby the plasma concentration of PCSK9 which then in turn can affect other target organs. Therefore, there is an intense relationship between the local (autocrine) and systemic (endocrine) effects of PCSK9. Although, PCSK9 has been recognized as a ubiquitously expressed modifier of cellular function and signaling molecules, its physiological role in different organs is not well-understood. The current review summarizes these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annemarie Wolf
- Institute of Physiology, Justus-Liebig-University, Gießen, Germany
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Nik Salleh NNH, Othman FA, Kamarudin NA, Tan SC. The Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potentials of Baicalein Extracted from Oroxylum indicum: A Systematic Review. Molecules 2020; 25:E5677. [PMID: 33276419 PMCID: PMC7730069 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In Southeast Asia, traditional medicine has a longestablished history and plays an important role in the health care system. Various traditional medicinal plants have been used to treat diseases since ancient times and much of this traditional knowledge remains preserved today. Oroxylum indicum (beko plant) is one of the medicinal herb plants that is widely distributed throughout Asia. It is a versatile plant and almost every part of the plant is reported to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities. Many of the important bioactivities of this medicinal plant is related to the most abundant bioactive constituent found in this plant-the baicalein. Nonetheless, there is still no systematic review to report and vindicate the biological activities and therapeutic potential of baicalein extracted from O. indicum to treat human diseases. In this review, we aimed to systematically present in vivo and in vitro studies searched from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar database up to 31 March 2020 based on keywords "Oroxylum indicum" and "baicalein". After an initial screening of titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text analysis and validation, 20 articles that fulfilled all the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. The searched data comprehensively reported the biological activities and therapeutic potential of baicalein originating from the O. indicum plant for anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-hyperglycemia, neurogenesis, cardioprotective, anti-adipogenesis, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. Nonetheless, we noticed that there was a scarcity of evidence on the efficacy of this natural active compound in human clinical studies. In conclusion, this systematic review article provides new insight into O. indicum and its active constituent baicalein as a prospective complementary therapy from the perspective of modern and scientific aspect. We indicate the potential of this natural product to be developed into more conscientious and judicious evidencebased medicine in the future. However, we also recommend more clinical research to confirm the efficacy and safety of baicalein as therapeutic medicine for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Suat Cheng Tan
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (N.N.H.N.S.); (F.A.O.); (N.A.K.)
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Mediratta K, El-Sahli S, D’Costa V, Wang L. Current Progresses and Challenges of Immunotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3529. [PMID: 33256070 PMCID: PMC7761500 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123529] [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: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With improved understanding of the immunogenicity of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), immunotherapy has emerged as a promising candidate to treat this lethal disease owing to the lack of specific targets and effective treatments. While immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has been effectively used in immunotherapy for several types of solid tumor, monotherapies targeting programmed death 1 (PD-1), its ligand PD-L1, or cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) have shown little efficacy for TNBC patients. Over the past few years, various therapeutic candidates have been reviewed, attempting to improve ICI efficacy on TNBC through combinatorial treatment. In this review, we describe the clinical limitations of ICI and illustrate candidates from an immunological, pharmacological, and metabolic perspective that may potentiate therapy to improve the outcomes of TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan Mediratta
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (K.M.); (S.E.-S.)
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Sara El-Sahli
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (K.M.); (S.E.-S.)
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Vanessa D’Costa
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (K.M.); (S.E.-S.)
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Lisheng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (K.M.); (S.E.-S.)
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
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Revilla G, Cedó L, Tondo M, Moral A, Pérez JI, Corcoy R, Lerma E, Fuste V, Reddy ST, Blanco-Vaca F, Mato E, Escolà-Gil JC. LDL, HDL and endocrine-related cancer: From pathogenic mechanisms to therapies. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 73:134-157. [PMID: 33249202 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol is essential for a variety of functions in endocrine-related cells, including hormone and steroid production. We have reviewed the progress to date in research on the role of the main cholesterol-containing lipoproteins; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and their impact on intracellular cholesterol homeostasis and carcinogenic pathways in endocrine-related cancers. Neither LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) nor HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) was consistently associated with endocrine-related cancer risk. However, preclinical studies showed that LDL receptor plays a critical role in endocrine-related tumor cells, mainly by enhancing circulating LDL-C uptake and modulating tumorigenic signaling pathways. Although scavenger receptor type BI-mediated uptake of HDL could enhance cell proliferation in breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer, these effects may be counteracted by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of HDL. Moreover, 27-hydroxycholesterol a metabolite of cholesterol promotes tumorigenic processes in breast and epithelial thyroid cancer. Furthermore, statins have been reported to reduce the incidence of breast, prostate, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer in large clinical trials, in part because of their ability to lower cholesterol synthesis. Overall, cholesterol homeostasis deregulation in endocrine-related cancers offers new therapeutic opportunities, but more mechanistic studies are needed to translate the preclinical findings into clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Revilla
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques (IIB) Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 77, 08041 Barcelona Spain; Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, C/ Antoni M. Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lídia Cedó
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques (IIB) Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 77, 08041 Barcelona Spain; CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Tondo
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques (IIB) Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 77, 08041 Barcelona Spain; Servei de Bioquímica, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 89, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Moral
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 89, 08041 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, C/ Antoni M. Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Ignacio Pérez
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 89, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Corcoy
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, C/ Antoni M. Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 89, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique Lerma
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques (IIB) Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 77, 08041 Barcelona Spain; Department of Anatomic Pathology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 89, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria Fuste
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques (IIB) Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 77, 08041 Barcelona Spain; Department of Anatomic Pathology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 89, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Srivinasa T Reddy
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1736, USA
| | - Francisco Blanco-Vaca
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques (IIB) Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 77, 08041 Barcelona Spain; Servei de Bioquímica, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 89, 08041 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Eugènia Mato
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques (IIB) Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 77, 08041 Barcelona Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Joan Carles Escolà-Gil
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques (IIB) Sant Pau, C/ Sant Quintí 77, 08041 Barcelona Spain.
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Moşteoru S, Gaiţă D, Banach M. An update on PCSK9 inhibitors- pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and toxicity. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:1199-1205. [PMID: 32966148 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1828343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is affecting growing numbers of patients, lipid-lowering therapies have been continuously improving to achieve prevention of cardiovascular events. Thus, the appearance of a novel therapeutic class, PCSK9 inhibitors, has raised both high expectations as well as concern over possible adverse effects. AREAS COVERED This current review aims to analyze adverse events of special interest linked to PCSK9 inhibitors and give recommendations regarding further conduct when dealing with patients on this therapy. The most stringent adverse effect, neurocognitive impairment has been investigated in several studies, concluding that PCSK9 inhibitors neither improved nor worsened cognitive function. While new onset diabetes mellitus has also been a cause of concern due to its possible association with lipid lowering therapies, studies conducted so far have dispelled this possibility by showing that PCSK9 inhibitors do not increase this risk. Also, statin-associated muscle symptoms have not been proven to arise after the use of PCSK9 inhibitors, even in statin-intolerant patients. EXPERT OPINION In conclusion, it can be safely stated that so far, no compelling evidence links PCSK9 inhibitors to these adverse events; however, long-term trials are always welcome to further assess potential adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Moşteoru
- Cardiology Department, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara , Romania
| | - Dan Gaiţă
- Cardiology Department, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara , Romania
| | - Maciej Banach
- Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Medical University of Lodz , Lodz, Poland
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Marais AD, Blom DJ, Raal FJ. Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and its treatment by inclisiran. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1784721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A David Marais
- Chemical Pathology Division of the Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town Health Science Faculty, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dirk J Blom
- Lipidology Division of the Department of Medicine and Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, University of Cape Town Health Science Faculty, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frederick J Raal
- Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Witwatersrand Health Science Faculty, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Momtazi-Borojeni AA, Sabouri-Rad S, Gotto AM, Pirro M, Banach M, Awan Z, Barreto GE, Sahebkar A. PCSK9 and inflammation: a review of experimental and clinical evidence. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOTHERAPY 2020; 5:237-245. [PMID: 31236571 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcvp/pvz022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) is now identified as an important and major player in hypercholesterolaemia and atherosclerosis pathophysiology. PCSK9, through promoting lysosomal degradation of hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, can decrease the clearance of plasma LDLs, leading to hypercholesterolaemia and consequent atherosclerotic plaque formation. Hypercholesterolaemia has been found to promote systemic and vascular inflammation, which can cause atherosclerotic lesion formation and progression and subsequent incidence of cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have shown the involvement of PCSK9 in the inflammatory pathway of atherosclerosis. Although trials with PCSK9 inhibitors have not shown any alteration in plasma C-reactive protein levels, there is accumulating evidence showing lessened inflammatory response in the arterial wall that could attenuate atherosclerotic plaque development beyond the established LDL-lowering effect of PCSK9 inhibition. In this review, we represent mounting evidence indicating that PCSK9 can locally increase vascular inflammation and contribute to atherosclerotic plaque progression in patients with hypercholesterolaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abbas Momtazi-Borojeni
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | | | - Matteo Pirro
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, WAM University Hospital in Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, Zeromskiego 113, Lodz, Poland.,Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland
| | - Zuhier Awan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.,Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Lei L, Li X, Yuan YJ, Chen ZL, He JH, Wu JH, Cai XS. Inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 attenuates 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis via repressing toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2020; 36:705-711. [PMID: 32396274 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by recurring inflammatory disorders in digestive system, and devoid of effective treatment. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), stimulated via inflammation whose inhibition could decrease secretion of inflammatory factors. We then determined whether inhibition of PCSK9 could improve the inflammation. First, rats model of colitis was first established via administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS), and then verified via determination of body weight loss, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and histopathological analysis of colonic damage. Results showed that treatment with TNBS induced a great body weight loss, MPO activity increase, and serious colonic damage, showing an obviously character of IBD. PCSK9 was elevated in TNBS-induced rats, and PCSK9 inhibition delivered by adenovirus vector increased the body weight, decreased MPO activity, and ameliorated histological change of colon. Second, the protective effect of PCSK9 inhibition against TNBS-induced colitis was accompanied by decrease of proinflammatory factors secretion, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. TNBS could activate toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, while PCSK9 inhibition suppressed activation of TLR4/NF-κB in TNBS-induced rats. In conclusion, PCSK9 inhibition attenuated TNBS-induced rat colitis through anti-inflammatory effect under inactivation of TLR4/NF-κB, suggesting potential therapeutic strategy in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Lei
- GI Medicine, The Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, China
| | - Xu Li
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, China
| | - You-Jun Yuan
- Department of Emergency, WenZhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou City, China
| | - Zhi-Li Chen
- Department of Emergency, WenZhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou City, China
| | - Jian-Hua He
- GI Medicine, The Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, China
| | - Jian-Hua Wu
- Department of Emergency, WenZhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou City, China
| | - Xiao-Sheng Cai
- Department of Emergency, WenZhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou City, China
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Pseurotin A as a novel suppressor of hormone dependent breast cancer progression and recurrence by inhibiting PCSK9 secretion and interaction with LDL receptor. Pharmacol Res 2020; 158:104847. [PMID: 32438039 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia has been documented to drive hormone-dependent breast cancer (BC) progression and resistance to hormonal therapy. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) regulates cholesterol metabolism through binding to LDL receptor (LDLR) and targeting the receptor for lysosomal degradation. Inhibition of PCSK9 is an established strategy to treat hypercholesterolemia. Pseurotin A (PS) is a unique spiro-heterocyclic γ-lactam alkaloid isolated from the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Preliminary studies indicated that PS lowered PCSK9 secretion in cultured HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, with an IC50 value of 1.20 μM. Docking studies suggested the ability of PS to bind at the PCSK9 narrow interface pocket that accommodates LDLR. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) showed PS ability to inhibit the PCSK9-LDLR interaction at a concentration range of 10-150 μM. PS showed in vitro dose-dependent reduction of PCSK9, along with increased LDLR levels in hormone-dependent BT-474 and T47D breast cancer (BC) cell lines. In vivo, daily oral 10 mg/kg PS suppressed the progression of the hormone-dependent BT-474 BC cells in orthotopic nude mouse xenograft model. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) investigation of BT-474 breast tumor tissue proved the PS ability to reduce PCSK9 expression. PS also effectively suppressed BT-474 BC cells locoregional recurrence after primary tumor surgical excision. Western blot analysis showed decreased PCSK9 expression in liver tissues of PS-treated mice compared to vehicle-treated control group. PS treatment significantly reduced PCSK9 expression and normalized LDLR levels in collected primary and recurrent breast tumors at the study end. PS-treated mice showed reduced plasma cholesterol and 17β-estradiol levels. Inhibition of tumor recurrence was associated with significant reductions in plasma level of the human BC recurrence marker CA 15-3 in treated mice at the study end. Histopathological examination of various PS-treated mice organs indicated lack of metastatic tumor cells and any pathological changes. The results of this study provide the first evidence for the suppression of the hormone-dependent breast tumor progression and recurrence by targeting the PCSK9-LDLR axis. PS is a novel first-in-class PCSK9-targeting lead appropriate for the use to control hormone-dependent BC progression and recurrence.
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Cesaro A, Bianconi V, Gragnano F, Moscarella E, Fimiani F, Monda E, Scudiero O, Limongelli G, Pirro M, Calabrò P. Beyond cholesterol metabolism: The pleiotropic effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Genetics, mutations, expression, and perspective for long-term inhibition. Biofactors 2020; 46:367-380. [PMID: 31999032 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has a crucial role in lipid metabolism, particularly due to its function in low-density lipoprotein receptor degradation. Gain-of-function genetic mutations of PCSK9 result in autosomal dominant familial hypercholesterolemia, characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and clinical signs of early atherosclerosis. In recent years, PCSK9 has become an important therapeutic target for cholesterol-lowering therapy. Particularly, its inhibition with monoclonal antibodies has shown excellent efficacy in decreasing LDL-C and reducing cardiovascular events. However, PCSK9, first identified in the brain, seems to be a ubiquitous protein with different tissue-specific functions also independent of cholesterol metabolism. Accordingly, it appears to be involved in the immune response, haemostasis, glucose metabolism, neuronal survival, and several other biological functions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genetics, biochemical structure, expression, and function of PCSK9 and discusses the potential implications of its long-term pharmacological inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Cesaro
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. "Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano", Caserta, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Vanessa Bianconi
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Felice Gragnano
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. "Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano", Caserta, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Moscarella
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. "Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano", Caserta, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Fimiani
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. "Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano", Caserta, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Monda
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Olga Scudiero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Limongelli
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Matteo Pirro
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabrò
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. "Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano", Caserta, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Cholesterol, Oxysterols and LXRs in Breast Cancer Pathophysiology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041356. [PMID: 32079340 PMCID: PMC7072989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women. In 2018, it is estimated that 627,000 women died from breast cancer. This is approximately 15% of all cancer deaths among women (WHO 2018). Breast cancer is a multifactorial chronic disease. While important progress has been made to treat patients, many questions regarding aspects of this disease relating to carcinogenesis are still open. During carcinogenesis, cells exhibit cholesterol homeostasis deregulation. This results in an accumulation of intracellular cholesterol, which is required to sustain their high growth rate. Cholesterol efflux and influx are two metabolic pathways that are necessary to prevent cholesterol accumulation in the cells. Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors that, upon activation, induce the expression of ABC transporters, responsible for promoting cholesterol efflux, and the expression of IDOL (inducible degrader of low-density lipoprotein receptor), in charge of reducing cholesterol influx. Oxysterols, oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol formed through different pathways, have been discovered as LXR-specific ligands. Some oxysterols are involved in tumor formation while others are considered anti-tumor agents. In the present review, we discuss the involvement of cholesterol, oxysterols and LXRs in breast cancer pathophysiology, with an emphasis on the biological effects of LXR ligands.
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Momtazi-Borojeni AA, Nik ME, Jaafari MR, Banach M, Sahebkar A. Effects of immunisation against PCSK9 in mice bearing melanoma. Arch Med Sci 2020; 16:189-199. [PMID: 32051723 PMCID: PMC6963136 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2020.91291] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is an established modality for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. However, the impact of PCSK9 inhibition in other situations such as cancer remains largely unknown. The current study was conducted to study the effects of PCSK9 inhibition on cancer endpoints in mice bearing melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS To generate antiPCSK9 antibody in vivo, a nanoliposomal antiPCSK9 vaccine adsorbed to 0.4% Alum adjuvant was subcutaneously injected in C57BL/6 mice four times with bi-weekly intervals. Two weeks after the last immunisation, mice were subcutaneously inoculated with B16F0 melanoma cells. After a tumour mass was palpable (approximately 10 mm3), the mice were randomly divided into four groups and subjected to different treatment protocols: (1) PBS (untreated control), (2) vaccine group, (3) the combination of vaccine and a single dose of liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil®), and (4) liposomal doxorubicin (positive control) group. To determine therapeutic efficacy, mouse body weight, tumour size, and survival were monitored every three days for 36 days. RESULTS The nanoliposomal antiPCSK9 vaccine was found to efficiently induce specific antibodies against PCSK9 in C57BL/6 mice, thereby reducing plasma levels and function of PCSK9. Tumour volumes in the vaccinated group were not significantly different from those in the liposomal doxorubicin, combination, and control groups. The time to reach endpoint (TTE) values of the vaccine (28 ±5 days), combination (30 ±6 days), liposomal doxorubicin (34 ±2 days), and control (31 ±2 days) groups were not significantly different, either. Furthermore, the tumour growth delay (TGD) values of the vaccine (-11.5 ±15.4%), liposomal doxorubicin (7.75 ±6.5%), combination (-6 ±20.77%), and control (0 ±7.5) groups were not significantly different. Finally, there was no significant difference between the median survival time and lifespan of the vaccinated versus other tested groups. CONCLUSIONS The nanoliposomal PCSK9 vaccine did not adversely affect the growth of melanoma tumour nor the survival of tumour-bearing mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abbas Momtazi-Borojeni
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Ebrahimi Nik
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Student Research Committee, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, WAM University Hospital in Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Reiner Ž, Simental-Mendía LE, Ruscica M, Katsiki N, Banach M, Al Rasadi K, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Pulse wave velocity as a measure of arterial stiffness in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Med Sci 2019; 15:1365-1374. [PMID: 31749863 PMCID: PMC6855171 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.89450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this meta-analysis was to establish whether vascular pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a measure of arterial stiffness is changed in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). MATERIAL AND METHODS Studies comparing PWV between patients with FH and controls were searched in PubMed-Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases (up to November 26, 2017). A meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2 software. A random-effects model (using the DerSimonian-Laird method) and the generic inverse variance method were used to compensate for the heterogeneity of studies concerning demographic characteristics and differences in the studies' design. RESULTS This meta-analysis of 8 studies involving 317 patients with FH and 244 non-FH individuals did not suggest a significantly altered PWV in FH patients versus controls (weighted mean difference (WMD): 0.17 m/s, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.31, 0.65, p = 0.489; I 2 = 80.15%). The result was robust in the sensitivity analysis and its significance was not influenced after omitting each of the included studies from the meta-analysis. Subanalysis of 6 of these studies which had data on intima-media thickness (IMT) indicated an increased IMT in FH patients when compared with controls (WMD = 0.03 mm, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.06, p = 0.034; I 2 = 48.95%). However, the effect size was sensitive to some of the included studies. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis suggests that FH patients do not have significantly altered PWV when compared with normocholesterolemic individuals. However, a subanalysis of studies in which IMT was measured indicated that IMT is increased in FH patients compared with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Željko Reiner
- University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Niki Katsiki
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippocration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, WAM University Hospital in Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland
| | - Khalid Al Rasadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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