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Cocetta V, Giacomini I, Tinazzi M, Berretta M, Quagliariello V, Maurea N, Ragazzi E, Carnevali I, Montopoli M. Maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity by a combination of probiotics, herbal extract, and vitamins. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2023:S2724-5276.23.07128-8. [PMID: 37166776 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.23.07128-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are pathological conditions that severely hamper the quality of life of patients. Especially in pediatric and adolescent patients, the use of Complementary and alternative medicine is an appealing approach as an adjuvant for the management of symptoms, limiting the detrimental effect of the conventional therapy. In this work, we tested the effect of Enterokind Junior (EntJ), a mix of two probiotic strains Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 25175 and Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 24936, Matricaria Chamomilla, and vitamins, in in vitro model of intestinal inflammation. Caco-2 cells were subjected to LPS treatment or THP-1 cells stimulated with LPS treatment, as paradigms of inflammatory conditions. METHODS The effect of the probiotic formulation was evaluated by measuring Caco-2 monolayer's Transepithelial Electrical resistance (TEER) and paracellular permeability alterations, tight junction proteins expression and localization by confocal microscopy, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-8) by ELISA assay. RESULTS Results demonstrated that upon impairment of intestinal parameters induced by inflammatory stimuli, the combination of probiotic was able to prevent TEER decrease and paracellular permeability alterations and to maintain the tight junction expression and localization. Moreover, the release of proinflammatory cytokines induced by inflammation was reduced by EntJ treatment. CONCLUSIONS This work, in line with previous observations, supports a protective role of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 25175, Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 24936 and the other components in the maintenance of a healthy gut, holding up the use of this combination as an adjuvant for irritable bowel syndrome-related symptoms management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Cocetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mattia Tinazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Quagliariello
- Division of Cardiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Maurea
- Division of Cardiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Carnevali
- Scientific Department Schwabe Pharma Italia, Egna, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- VIMM - Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
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2
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Giacomini I, Cortini M, Tinazzi M, Baldini N, Cocetta V, Ragazzi E, Avnet S, Montopoli M. Contribution of Mitochondrial Activity to Doxorubicin-Resistance in Osteosarcoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051370. [PMID: 36900165 PMCID: PMC10000149 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is considered the most common bone tumor affecting children and young adults. The standard of care is chemotherapy; however, the onset of drug resistance still jeopardizes osteosarcoma patients, thus making it necessary to conduct a thorough investigation of the possible mechanisms behind this phenomenon. In the last decades, metabolic rewiring of cancer cells has been proposed as a cause of chemotherapy resistance. Our aim was to compare the mitochondrial phenotype of sensitive osteosarcoma cells (HOS and MG-63) versus their clones when continuously exposed to doxorubicin (resistant cells) and identify alterations exploitable for pharmacological approaches to overcome chemotherapy resistance. Compared with sensitive cells, doxorubicin-resistant clones showed sustained viability with less oxygen-dependent metabolisms, and significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial mass, and ROS production. In addition, we found reduced expression of TFAM gene generally associated with mitochondrial biogenesis. Finally, combined treatment of resistant osteosarcoma cells with doxorubicin and quercetin, a known inducer of mitochondrial biogenesis, re-sensitizes the doxorubicin effect in resistant cells. Despite further investigations being needed, these results pave the way for the use of mitochondrial inducers as a promising strategy to re-sensitize doxorubicin cytotoxicity in patients who do not respond to therapy or reduce doxorubicin side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Margherita Cortini
- Biomedical Science and Technologies and Nanobiotechnology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mattia Tinazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola Baldini
- Biomedical Science and Technologies and Nanobiotechnology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Cocetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Sofia Avnet
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35129 Padova, Italy
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (M.M.)
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Cocetta V, Tinazzi M, Giacomini I, Rosato B, Ragazzi E, Berretta M, Montopoli M. Clinical Evidence of Interaction Between Nutraceutical Supplementation and Platinum-based Chemotherapy. Curr Med Chem 2022; 30:2141-2164. [PMID: 35638272 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220527120237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Platinum agents, which include cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin, are chemotherapeutic drugs which represent the first-line treatment for different types of solid tumors, such as ovarian, head and neck, testicular, and bladder cancers. Their beneficial effect is limited by the onset of drug resistance and by severe toxicities, involving mainly ototoxicity, neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Recent studies highlighted the supplementation of herbal products, vitamins and minerals with antioxidant properties to prevent and protect from side effects. In particular, the introduction of nutraceuticals associated with chemotherapy has improved the patients' quality of life. However, if from one side, complementary and alternative medicine ameliorates chemotherapeutics-induced toxicities, from the other side it is important to take into consideration the possible interference with drug metabolism. This review aims to consider the current literature focusing on clinical trials that report association between nutraceutical supplementation and platinum-based chemotherapy to prevent toxicities, highlighting both beneficial and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Cocetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mattia Tinazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Benedetta Rosato
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina Italy
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,VIMM - Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
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4
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Giacomini I, Montopoli M. Editorial: Metabolism Meets Function: The Multifaced Role of Metabolism in Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:906421. [PMID: 35600343 PMCID: PMC9115570 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.906421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, VIMM, Padova, Italy.,Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Giacomini I, Quagliariello V, Ragazzi E, Montopoli M. Letter to Editor on the paper entitled "Curcumin-Celecoxib: a synergistic and rationale combination chemotherapy for breast cancer". Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:6174-6175. [PMID: 34730196 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202110_26986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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Fratter A, Biagi D, Giacomini I, Montopoli M, Cocetta V. Novel Adenosine Triphosphate-Based Nutraceutical Formulation to Prevent Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Enteric Cell Toxicity: Preliminary In Vitro Evidence. J Med Food 2021; 24:1293-1303. [PMID: 34491844 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2021.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly prescribed and self-prescribed drugs to treat inflammation and pain associated with several conditions. Although their efficacy and overall safety have been recognized when used according to medical prescriptions and for a short period time, their acute impact on enteric physiology has rarely been studied. NSAIDs are known to cause gastrointestinal side effects due to their intrinsic mechanism of action, which involves prostaglandins synthesis, leading to impaired mucopolysaccharide layer production. Despite this well-known and investigated side effect, the short- and long-term influences of acute administration of these drugs on the biochemical environment of enteric cells are not well understood. This study investigates the rate of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) loss and permeability alterations occurring in a model of human enteric cells, as a consequence of acute administration of NSAIDs as major perpetrators of enteric toxicity. For the first time, we investigate the ability of a novel ATP-containing formulation to prevent ATP hydrolysis in the stomach and ensure its delivery at the proximal duodenal site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Fratter
- Labomar SPA, Nutraceutical Research and Innovation Department, Istrana, Treviso, Italy.,Italian Society of Nutraceutical Formulators (SIFNut), Castelfranco Veneto, Treviso, Italy
| | - Damiano Biagi
- Labomar SPA, Nutraceutical Research and Innovation Department, Istrana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Cocetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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7
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Giacomini I, Gianfanti F, Desbats MA, Orso G, Berretta M, Prayer-Galetti T, Ragazzi E, Cocetta V. Cholesterol Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer and Its Pharmacological Modulation as Therapeutic Strategy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:682911. [PMID: 34109128 PMCID: PMC8181394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.682911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is a ubiquitous sterol with many biological functions, which are crucial for proper cellular signaling and physiology. Indeed, cholesterol is essential in maintaining membrane physical properties, while its metabolism is involved in bile acid production and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Additionally, isoprenoids metabolites of the mevalonate pathway support protein-prenylation and dolichol, ubiquinone and the heme a biosynthesis. Cancer cells rely on cholesterol to satisfy their increased nutrient demands and to support their uncontrolled growth, thus promoting tumor development and progression. Indeed, transformed cells reprogram cholesterol metabolism either by increasing its uptake and de novo biosynthesis, or deregulating the efflux. Alternatively, tumor can efficiently accumulate cholesterol into lipid droplets and deeply modify the activity of key cholesterol homeostasis regulators. In light of these considerations, altered pathways of cholesterol metabolism might represent intriguing pharmacological targets for the development of exploitable strategies in the context of cancer therapy. Thus, this work aims to discuss the emerging evidence of in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials, on the role of cholesterol pathways in the treatment of cancer, starting from already available cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins or fibrates), and moving towards novel potential pharmacological inhibitors or selective target modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Gianfanti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, VIMM, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Genny Orso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Tommaso Prayer-Galetti
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology - Urology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Cocetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Cocetta V, Cadau J, Saponaro M, Giacomini I, Dall'Acqua S, Sut S, Catanzaro D, Orso G, Miolo G, Menilli L, Pagetta A, Ragazzi E, Montopoli M. Further assessment of Salvia haenkei as an innovative strategy to counteract skin photo-aging and restore the barrier integrity. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:89-103. [PMID: 33424011 PMCID: PMC7835004 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Skin is the essential barrier of the human body which performs multiple functions. Endogenous factors, in concert with external assaults, continuously affect skin integrity, leading to distinct structural changes that influence not only the skin appearance but also its various physiological functions. Alterations of the barrier functions lead to an increased risk of developing disease and side reactions, thus the importance of maintaining the integrity of the epidermal barrier and slowing down the skin aging process is evident. Salvia haenkei (SH) has been recently identified as a potential anti-senescence agent; its extract is able to decrease the level of senescent cells by affecting the IL1α release and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In this study, SH extract was tested on human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) exposed to stress factors related to premature aging of cells such as free radicals and ultraviolet B radiation. We confirmed that SH acts as scavenger of ROS and found its ability to restore the skin barrier integrity by reinforcing the cytoskeleton structure, sealing the tight junctions and increasing the migration rate of cells. Given these results, this work becomes relevant, identifying Salvia haenkei as a compound useful for anti-aging skin treatment in clinical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Cocetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Jessica Cadau
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Miriam Saponaro
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova 35121, Italy.,Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova 35128, Italy
| | - Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Stefano Dall'Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Stefania Sut
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Daniela Catanzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Genny Orso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Giorgia Miolo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Luca Menilli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Andrea Pagetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova 35121, Italy
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Saponaro M, Giacomini I, Morandin G, Cocetta V, Ragazzi E, Orso G, Carnevali I, Berretta M, Mancini M, Pagano F, Montopoli M. Serenoa repens and Urtica dioica Fixed Combination: In-Vitro Validation of a Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9178. [PMID: 33276425 PMCID: PMC7730996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related chronic disorder, characterized by the hyperproliferation of prostatic epithelial and stromal cells, which drives prostate enlargement. Since BPH aetiology and progression have been associated with the persistence of an inflammatory stimulus, induced both by Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the inhibition of these pathways could result in a good tool for its clinical treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of a combined formulation of Serenoa repens and Urtica dioica (SR/UD) in an in vitro human model of BPH. The results confirmed both the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory effects of SR/UD. In fact, SR/UD simultaneously reduced ROS production, NF-κB translocation inside the nucleus, and, consequently, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) production. Furthermore, the effect of SR/UD was also tested in a human androgen-independent prostate cell model, PC3. SR/UD did not show any significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, but was able to reduce NF-κB translocation. Taken together, these results suggested a promising role of SR/UD in BPH and BPH-linked disorder prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Saponaro
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, 35129 Padova, Italy;
| | - Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy; (I.G.); (G.M.); (V.C.); (E.R.); (G.O.)
| | - Giulia Morandin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy; (I.G.); (G.M.); (V.C.); (E.R.); (G.O.)
| | - Veronica Cocetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy; (I.G.); (G.M.); (V.C.); (E.R.); (G.O.)
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy; (I.G.); (G.M.); (V.C.); (E.R.); (G.O.)
| | - Genny Orso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy; (I.G.); (G.M.); (V.C.); (E.R.); (G.O.)
| | - Ilaria Carnevali
- Clinical Research Department of Schwabe Pharma Italia, 39100 Bolzano, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Medical Oncology-Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy;
| | - Mariangela Mancini
- Urological Clinic, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padova, 35124 Padova, Italy;
| | | | - Monica Montopoli
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, 35129 Padova, Italy;
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy; (I.G.); (G.M.); (V.C.); (E.R.); (G.O.)
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Giacomini I, Cocetta V, Carrara M, Ragazzi E, Montopoli M. Plumbagin Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in A431 Cisplatin-Resistant Cancer Cells. Nat Prod Commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x20921627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of drug resistance represents the leading cause of chemotherapy failure in clinics. In the last decades, natural compounds have emerged as possible anticancer strategies used either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, in order to overcome drug resistance. In fact, plant-derived therapies present biological activity and minimal side effects showing promising roles in the resensitization of resistant cancer cells. This work was aimed at investigating the anticancer potential of the natural naphthoquinone plumbagin in a cisplatin-resistant cancer cell line. The results indicated cytotoxic and pro-oxidant activity of plumbagin in both sensitive (A431wt) and cisplatin-resistant (A431/Pt) human cervix squamous carcinoma cell lines. Moreover, plumbagin treatment induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in A431/Pt cells and the inhibition of retinoblastoma complex, suggesting a stronger activity on the cisplatin-resistant cell line. Taken together, the data indicate appreciable in vitro anticancer activity of plumbagin, suggesting that this natural compound could become a tool to overcome cisplatin resistance. Although further studies are necessary, this work underlines a promising role of plumbagin in the resensitization of cisplatin-resistant cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Cocetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Carrara
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
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11
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Giacomini I, Ragazzi E, Pasut G, Montopoli M. The Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Its Involvement in Cisplatin Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E937. [PMID: 32023830 PMCID: PMC7036764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is the first-line treatment for different types of solid tumors, such as ovarian, testicular, bladder, cervical, head and neck, lung, and esophageal cancers. The main problem related to its clinical use is the onset of drug resistance. In the last decades, among the studied molecular mechanisms of cisplatin resistance, metabolic reprogramming has emerged as a possible one. This review focuses on the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) playing a pivotal role in maintaining the high cell proliferation rate and representing an advantage for cancer cells. In particular, the oxidative branch of PPP plays a role in oxidative stress and seems to be involved in cisplatin resistance. In light of these considerations, it has been demonstrated that overexpression and higher enzymatic activity of different enzymes of both oxidative and non-oxidative branches (such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and transketolase) increase cisplatin resistance, and their silencing or combined treatment with cisplatin could restore cisplatin sensitivity. Moreover, drug delivery systems loaded with both PPP inhibitors and cisplatin give the possibility of reaching cancer cells selectively. In conclusion, targeting PPP is becoming a strategy to overcome cisplatin resistance; however, further studies are required to better understand the mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo Egidio Meneghetti 2, 35131 Padova, Italy; (I.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo Egidio Meneghetti 2, 35131 Padova, Italy; (I.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Gianfranco Pasut
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo Egidio Meneghetti 2, 35131 Padova, Italy; (I.G.); (E.R.)
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Via Giuseppe Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy
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Abstract
Diverticulum of the cecum is a rare, benign, generally asymptomatic lesion that manifests itself only following inflammatory or hemorrhagic complications. A personal series of six cases discusses the difficulty of differential diagnosis at both the preoperative and intraoperative levels. The preferable treatment is simple resection.
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Abstract
Resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy is the first cause of cancer-associated death. Thus, new strategies to deal with the evasion of drug response and to improve clinical outcomes are needed. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms associated with uncontrolled cell growth result in metabolism reprogramming. Cancer cells enhance anabolic pathways and acquire the ability to use different carbon sources besides glucose. An oxygen and nutrient-poor tumor microenvironment determines metabolic interactions among normal cells, cancer cells and the immune system giving rise to metabolically heterogeneous tumors which will partially respond to metabolic therapy. Here we go into the best-known cancer metabolic profiles and discuss several studies that reported tumors sensitization to chemotherapy by modulating metabolic pathways. Uncovering metabolic dependencies across different chemotherapy treatments could help to rationalize the use of metabolic modulators to overcome therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Andrea Desbats
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Monica Montopoli
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Monica Montopoli
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