Paclitaxel up-regulates interleukin-8 synthesis in human lung carcinoma through an NF-kappaB- and AP-1-dependent mechanism

Lnc-PKNOX1-1 inhibits tumor progression in cutaneous malignant melanoma by regulating NF-κB/IL-8 axis

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the most lethal cutaneous malignancies. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the potential influence of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in biological behaviors of melanoma. Herein, we reported a novel lncRNA, lnc-PKNOX1-1 and systematically studied its functions and possible molecular mechanisms in melanoma. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR assay showed that lnc-PKNOX1-1 was significantly decreased in melanoma cells and tissues. Low lnc-PKNOX1-1 expression was significantly correlated with invasive pathological type and Breslow thickness of melanoma. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed lnc-PKNOX1-1 dramatically inhibited melanoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanically, protein microarray analysis suggested that interleukin-8 (IL-8) was negatively regulated by lnc-PKNOX1-1 in melanoma, which was confirmed by western blot and ELISA. Western blot analysis also showed that lnc-PKNOX1-1 could promote p65 phosphorylation at Ser536 in melanoma. Subsequent rescue assays proved IL-8 overexpression could partly reverse the tumor-suppressing function of lnc-PKNOX1-1 overexpression in melanoma cells, indicating that lnc-PKNOX1-1 suppressed the development of melanoma by regulating IL-8. Taken together, our study demonstrated the tumor-suppressing ability of lnc-PKNOX1-1 in melanoma, suggesting its potential as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for melanoma.

Relationships among Inflammatory Biomarkers and Self-Reported Treatment-Related Symptoms in Patients Treated with Chemotherapy for Gynecologic Cancer: A Controlled Comparison

Previous research suggests that inflammation triggers cancer-treatment-related symptoms (i.e., fatigue, depression, and disruptions in sleep and physical activity), but evidence is mixed. This study examined relationships between inflammatory biomarkers and symptoms in patients with gynecologic cancer compared to age-matched women with no cancer history (i.e., controls). Patients (n = 121) completed assessments before chemotherapy cycles 1, 3, and 6, and 6 and 12 months later. Controls (n = 105) completed assessments at similar timepoints. Changes in inflammation and symptomatology were evaluated using random-effects mixed models, and cross-sectional differences between patients and controls in inflammatory biomarkers and symptoms were evaluated using least squares means. Associations among inflammatory biomarkers and symptoms were evaluated using random-effects fluctuation mixed models. The results indicated that compared to controls, patients typically have higher inflammatory biomarkers (i.e., TNF-alpha, TNFR1, TNFR2, CRP, IL-1ra) and worse fatigue, depression, and sleep (ps < 0.05). Patients reported lower levels of baseline physical activity (p = 0.02) that became more similar to controls over time. Significant associations were observed between CRP, depression, and physical activity (ps < 0.05), but not between inflammation and other symptoms. The results suggest that inflammation may not play a significant role in fatigue or sleep disturbance among gynecologic cancer patients but may contribute to depression and physical inactivity.

When cell death goes wrong: inflammatory outcomes of failed apoptosis and mitotic cell death

Apoptosis is a regulated cellular pathway that ensures that a cell dies in a structured fashion to prevent negative consequences for the tissue or the organism. Dysfunctional apoptosis is a hallmark of numerous pathologies, and treatments for various diseases are successful based on the induction of apoptosis. Under homeostatic conditions, apoptosis is a non-inflammatory event, as the activation of caspases ensures that inflammatory pathways are disabled. However, there is an increasing understanding that under specific conditions, such as caspase inhibition, apoptosis and the apoptotic machinery can be re-wired into a process which is inflammatory. In this review we discuss how the death receptor and mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis can activate inflammation. Furthermore, we will highlight how cell death due to mitotic stress might be a special case when it comes to cell death and the induction of inflammation.

A comprehensive review on RNA interference-mediated targeting of interleukins and its potential therapeutic implications in colon cancer

Colon cancer is the world's fourth leading cause of death. It is cancer of the latter part of the large intestine, i.e. the colon. Chronic inflammation over a long period also leads to the development of cancer. Cancer in the colon region is arduous to diagnose and is detected at a later stage when it metastasizes to other parts of the body like the liver, lungs, peritoneum, etc. Colon cancer is a great example of solid tumours associated with chronic inflammation. Although conventional therapies are effective, they lose their effectiveness beyond a certain point. Relapse of the disease occurs frequently. RNA interference (RNAi) is emerging as a great tool to specifically attack the cancer cells of a target site like the colon. RNAi deals with epigenetic changes made in the defective cells which ultimately leads to their death without harming the healthy cells. In this review, two types of epigenetic modulators have been considered, namely siRNA and miRNA, and their effect on interleukins. Interleukins, a class of cytokines, are major inflammatory responses of the body that are released by immune cells like leukocytes and macrophages. Some of these interleukins are pro-inflammatory, thereby promoting inflammation which eventually causes cancer. RNAi can prevent colon cancer by inhibiting pro-inflammatory interleukins.

Mechanisms of cancer cell death induction by paclitaxel: an updated review

Chemoresistance of cancer cells is a major problem in treating cancer. Knowledge of how cancer cells may die or resist cancer drugs is critical to providing certain strategies to overcome tumour resistance to treatment. Paclitaxel is known as a chemotherapy drug that can suppress the proliferation of cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and induction of mitotic catastrophe. However, today, it is well known that paclitaxel can induce multiple kinds of cell death in cancers. Besides the induction of mitotic catastrophe that occurs during mitosis, paclitaxel has been shown to induce the expression of several pro-apoptosis mediators. It also can modulate the activity of anti-apoptosis mediators. However, certain cell-killing mechanisms such as senescence and autophagy can increase resistance to paclitaxel. This review focuses on the mechanisms of cell death, including apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, senescence, autophagic cell death, pyroptosis, etc., following paclitaxel treatment. In addition, mechanisms of resistance to cell death due to exposure to paclitaxel and the use of combinations to overcome drug resistance will be discussed.

Paclitaxel binds and activates C5aR1: A new potential therapeutic target for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and hypersensitivity reactions

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) are among the most frequent and impairing side effects of the antineoplastic agent paclitaxel. Here, we demonstrated that paclitaxel can bind and activate complement component 5a receptor 1 (C5aR1) and that this binding is crucial in the etiology of paclitaxel-induced CIPN and anaphylaxis. Starting from our previous data demonstrating the role of interleukin (IL)-8 in paclitaxel-induced neuronal toxicity, we searched for proteins that activate IL-8 expression and, by using the Exscalate platform for molecular docking simulations, we predicted the high affinity of C5aR1 with paclitaxel. By in vitro studies, we confirmed the specific and competitive nature of the C5aR1-paclitaxel binding and found that it triggers intracellularly the NFkB/P38 pathway and c-Fos. In F11 neuronal cells and rat dorsal root ganglia, C5aR1 inhibition protected from paclitaxel-induced neuropathological effects, while in paclitaxel-treated mice, the absence (knock-out mice) or the inhibition of C5aR1 significantly ameliorated CIPN symptoms-in terms of cold and mechanical allodynia-and reduced the chronic pathological state in the paw. Finally, we found that C5aR1 inhibition can counteract paclitaxel-induced anaphylactic cytokine release in macrophages in vitro, as well as the onset of HSRs in mice. Altogether these data identified C5aR1 as a key mediator and a new potential pharmacological target for the prevention and treatment of CIPN and HSRs induced by paclitaxel.

Paclitaxel-Induced Epidermal Alterations: An In Vitro Preclinical Assessment in Primary Keratinocytes and in a 3D Epidermis Model

Paclitaxel is a microtubule-stabilizing chemotherapeutic agent approved for the treatment of ovarian, non-small cell lung, head, neck, and breast cancers. Despite its beneficial effects on cancer and widespread use, paclitaxel also damages healthy tissues, including the skin. However, the mechanisms that drive these skin adverse events are not clearly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated, by using both primary epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) and a 3D epidermis model, that paclitaxel impairs different cellular processes: paclitaxel increased the release of IL-1α, IL-6, and IL-8 inflammatory cytokines, produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) release and apoptosis, and reduced the endothelial tube formation in the dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC). Some of the mechanisms driving these adverse skin events in vitro are mediated by the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), which phosphorylate transcription of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κb). This is the first study analyzing paclitaxel effects on healthy human epidermal cells with an epidermis 3D model, and will help in understanding paclitaxel's effects on the skin.

Celastrol attenuates the inflammatory response by inhibiting IL‑1β expression in triple‑negative breast cancer cells

IL-1 promotes cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness in various malignancies, such as breast and colorectal cancer. In the present study, the functional roles of IL-1β (IL1B) and the inhibitory effect of celastrol on IL1B expression were investigated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. The data revealed that celastrol markedly decreased IL1B expression and suppressed TNBC cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The levels of IL1B and IL8 mRNA were significantly increased in TNBC cells compared with non-TNBC cells. In addition, IL1B augmented the expression levels of IL8 as well as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP-1 and MMP-9, in TNBC cells. Furthermore, IL1B expression was decreased by a specific MEK1/2 inhibitor, MEK162. Celastrol also promoted IL1B downregulation through the suppression of the MEK/ERK-dependent pathway. Furthermore, the results also revealed a decrease in IL1B-induced IL8, MMP-1, and MMP-9 expression in response to celastrol treatment. The induction of cellular invasion by IL1B was also markedly decreased by celastrol. Collectively, the present study results suggested celastrol as an effective drug for the treatment of TNBC, involving a reduction in IL1B expression, activity or signaling pathways.

Docetaxel-induced acute myositis: a case report with review of literature

Docetaxel is an anti-microtubule agent and a highly effective treatment of locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer. There are several adverse effects associated with docetaxel, such as myelosuppression, peripheral neuropathy, fluid retention, and asthenia. One of the most well-known side-effects of this medication is mild to moderate myalgia. Here, we report a case of a 49-year-old female with stage 3 breast cancers who developed severe acute myositis following docetaxel use. The mechanism of docetaxel-induced myositis remains unclear; however, physicians still need to be aware of the possibility of this complication in patients with cancer and a history of exposure to this medication.

TRAIL Receptors Serve as Stress-Associated Molecular Patterns to Promote ER-Stress-Induced Inflammation

Inflammation triggered by infection or cellular necrosis is initiated by a battery of pattern-recognition receptors, such as Toll-like receptors or IL-1 family receptors. Diverse forms of cell stress, such as ER stress or mitochondrial stress, can also promote inflammatory responses that contribute to the chronic inflammation observed in cancer, obesity, and other conditions. However, the molecular mechanisms of cell-stress-induced inflammation are poorly understood. Here, we show that ER stress initiated NF-κB activation and inflammation through transcriptional upregulation and ligand-independent activation of TRAIL receptors. ER-stress-induced TRAIL receptor activation resulted in caspase-8/FADD/RIPK1-dependent NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine production. Silencing or deletion of TRAIL receptors, or their downstream effectors caspase-8, FADD, or RIPK1, suppressed ER-stress-induced inflammation. Furthermore, chemotherapeutic stress-induced inflammatory responses were blunted in DR5/TRAIL-R null animals. We propose that, upon ER stress, TRAIL receptors serve as "stress-associated molecular patterns (SAMPs)" coupling ER stress to NF-κB-dependent inflammation.

Activation of lncRNA lnc-SLC4A1-1 induced by H3K27 acetylation promotes the development of breast cancer via activating CXCL8 and NF-kB pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effect and potential modulation mechanism of lnc-SLC4A1-1 on breast cancer (BC) carcinogenesis. The expression of lnc-SLC4A1-1 in tissue and serum samples from BC patients, as well as BC cell lines, was detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCRs). Next, the expression of lnc-SLC4A1-1 was silenced or upregulated in BC cells, then cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected using MTT, flow cytometry analysis and Transwell assay. Meanwhile, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins were detected by western blotting. Furthermore, potential mechanism of lnc-SLC4A1-1 was explored by chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. CXCL8 was overexpressed to evaluate the relationship between lnc-SLC4A1-1 and CXCL8. Lnc-SLC4A1-1 was significantly up-regulated in BC tissue, serum samples and cell lines. In BC cells, lnc-SLC4A1-1 knockdown promoted cell apoptosis and suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, lnc-SLC4A1-1 is transcriptionally activated by H3K27 acetylation, and lnc-SLC4A1-1 interacted with transcription factor (NF)-κB p65, thereby regulating CXCL8 expression. Meanwhile, CXCL8 overexpression partly reversed the effects of lnc-SLC4A1-1 knockdown on cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion in BC cells. Lnc-SLC4A1-1 could promote the development of BC by regulating NF-κB/CXCL8. Highlights Lnc-SLC4A1-1 was overexpressed in BC tissues, blood and cell lines. Lnc-SLC4A1-1 was transcriptionally activated by H3K27 acetylation. Lnc-SLC4A1-1 interacted with NF-κB to promote CXCL8 expression. Lnc-SLC4A1-1 could promote the development of BC.

Gamma knife radiosurgery compared to whole brain radiation therapy enhances immunity via immunoregulatory molecules in patients with metastatic brain tumours

Background: There is lack of data on the effect of stereotactic radiosurgery in modulation of the immune system for cancer patients with metastatic brain tumours. Therefore, we investigated the change in levels of immunoregulatory molecules after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKR) and whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) in patients with brain metastases.Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 15 patients who received GKR, nine patients who received WBRT for brain metastases and 10 healthy controls. Samples were obtained at three time points such as before, 1h after and 1 week after the index procedure for patients treated with GKR or WBRT. All patients' demographic data and radiosurgical parameters were retrospectively reviewed. We analyzed the change in the levels of T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and cytokines such as IL-2, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α after GKR and WBRT using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).Results: Baseline level of IFN-γ was found to be lower and that of PD-L1 was higher in the GKR group compared to WBRT group and healthy controls (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were increased (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively), while CTLA-4 and PD-L1 were decreased (p = 0.05 and p = 0.01, respectively) after GKR compared to pre-GKR levels, while there was no change after WBRT.Conclusion: GKR regulates immunoregulatory molecules towards enhancing the immune system, while WBRT did not exert any effect. These findings suggested that treatment of metastatic brain lesion with GKR might stimulate a systemic immune response against the tumour.

Proton-irradiated breast cells: molecular points of view

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women, highly heterogeneous at both the clinical and molecular level. Radiation therapy (RT) represents an efficient modality to treat localized tumor in BC care, although the choice of a unique treatment plan for all BC patients, including RT, may not be the best option. Technological advances in RT are evolving with the use of charged particle beams (i.e. protons) which, due to a more localized delivery of the radiation dose, reduce the dose administered to the heart compared with conventional RT. However, few data regarding proton-induced molecular changes are currently available. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the production of immunological molecules and gene expression profiles induced by proton irradiation. We performed Luminex assay and cDNA microarray analyses to study the biological processes activated following irradiation with proton beams, both in the non-tumorigenic MCF10A cell line and in two tumorigenic BC cell lines, MCF7 and MDA-MB-231. The immunological signatures were dose dependent in MCF10A and MCF7 cell lines, whereas MDA-MB-231 cells show a strong pro-inflammatory profile regardless of the dose delivered. Clonogenic assay revealed different surviving fractions according to the breast cell lines analyzed. We found the involvement of genes related to cell response to proton irradiation and reported specific cell line- and dose-dependent gene signatures, able to drive cell fate after radiation exposure. Our data could represent a useful tool to better understand the molecular mechanisms elicited by proton irradiation and to predict treatment outcome.

Chemotherapeutic Agent Paclitaxel Mediates Priming of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation

Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic drug commonly used to treat different types of cancer. In addition to its antitumor effect, paclitaxel is also known to promote Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-dependent inflammatory responses, which may lower its chemotherapeutic efficacy. However, it remains unclear whether paclitaxel is able to affect inflammasome signaling in myeloid or cancer cells. Therefore, we examined the potential effect of paclitaxel on the activation of an inflammasome complex by examining caspase-1 activation and interleukin (IL)-1β secretion in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). The results showed that treatment with paclitaxel alone or following LPS priming failed to trigger the secretion of active caspase-1 and IL-1β from BMDMs. However, paclitaxel could induce robust activation of caspase-1 in BMDMs in the presence of NLRP3 inflammasome-activating signal 2, such as ATP or nigericin. This paclitaxel/ATP-mediated inflammasome activation was completely abrogated in Nlrp3-deficient macrophages. Mechanistically, paclitaxel treatment induced robust activation of the TLR4 signaling cascade, including phosphorylation of IκB and JNK and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokine mRNA levels in a TLR4-dependent manner. In contrast, paclitaxel treatment alone did not induce mitochondrial damages such as the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential and production of mitochondrial ROS. These findings suggest that paclitaxel can drive the priming of signal-mediated events for NLRP3 activation but not a second signal-triggered phenomenon such as mitochondrial damage. This suggestion was supported by the observations that paclitaxel treatment caused robust IL-1β production in macrophages in the presence of cell-free medium derived from growth of injured cells and also in the spleen of mice. Collectively, our data strongly indicate that paclitaxel is able to facilitate the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in a certain physiological environment.

Chemotherapy and Inflammatory Cytokine Signalling in Cancer Cells and the Tumour Microenvironment

Cancer is the result of a cell's acquisition of a variety of biological capabilities or 'hallmarks' as outlined by Hanahan and Weinberg. These include sustained proliferative signalling, the ability to evade growth suppressors, resisting cell death, enabling replicative immortality, inducing angiogenesis, and the ability to invade other tissue and metastasize. More recently, the ability to escape immune destruction has been recognized as another important hallmark of tumours. It is suggested that genome instability and inflammation accelerates the acquisition of a variety of the above hallmarks. Inflammation, is a product of the body's response to tissue damage or pathogen invasion. It is required for tissue repair and host defense, but prolonged inflammation can often be the cause for disease. In a cancer patient, it is often unclear whether inflammation plays a protective or deleterious role in disease progression. Chemotherapy drugs can suppress tumour growth but also induce pathways in tumour cells that have been shown experimentally to support tumour progression or, in other cases, encourage an anti-tumour immune response. Thus, with the goal of better understanding the context under which each of these possible outcomes occurs, recent progress exploring chemotherapy-induced inflammatory cytokine production and the effects of cytokines on drug efficacy in the tumour microenvironment will be reviewed. The implications of chemotherapy on host and tumour cytokine pathways and their effect on the treatment of cancer patients will also be discussed.

Lipid accumulation facilitates mitotic slippage-induced adaptation to anti-mitotic drug treatment

Aberrant lipid accumulation is a hallmark of cancer known to contribute to its aggressiveness and malignancy. Emerging studies have demonstrated context-dependent changes in lipid metabolism during chemotherapy. However, there is little known regarding the mechanisms linking lipid metabolism to chemotherapy-induced cell fates. Here, we describe lipid accumulation in cells following antimitotic drug treatment. Cells arrested in mitosis, as well as cells that escaped mitotic arrest and underwent mitotic slippage, showed elevated cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Interestingly, we found that TOFA, a lipid biosynthesis inhibitor that targets acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and blocks lipid accumulation, promoted early slippage, reduced cellular stress and enhanced survival of antimitotic-treated cells. Our work previously revealed that cells that survive after mitotic slippage can become senescent and confer pro-tumourigenic effects through paracrine signalling. Modulating lipid biosynthesis in cells post slippage by TOFA amplified their inflammatory secretion profiles and accelerated the development of tumourigenic behaviour, particularly cell migration and invasion, in a paracrine-dependent manner. In contrast to TOFA, inhibition of lipid accumulation by C75, a drug targeting fatty acid synthase (FASN), significantly reduced the production of pro-tumourigenic factors and associated phenotypic effects. This suggests that discrete lipid biosynthesis pathways could contribute differentially to the regulation of pro-tumourigenic inflammation. The divergent effects of TOFA and C75 may be attributed to the opposing regulation of Malonyl-CoA, an intermediate in fatty acid synthesis that serves as a mediator of fatty acid oxidation. Taken together, our data reveal a previously unappreciated role for lipid accumulation in the cellular adaptation to antimitotic drug treatment. Targeting lipid biosynthesis in cells post slippage may reprogramme its secretory profile such that it not only negates tumour-promoting effects, but may also promote anti-tumour inflammation for clearance of post-slippage senescent cells.

A Phase Ib/II Study of the JAK1 Inhibitor, Itacitinib, plus nab-Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine in Advanced Solid Tumors

Lessons Learned.

Itacitinib in combination with nab‐paclitaxel plus gemcitabine demonstrated an acceptable safety profile with clinical activity in patients with advanced solid tumors including pancreatic cancer.

The results support future studies of itacitinib as a component of combination regimens with other immunologic and targeted small molecule anticancer agents.

Background.

Cytokine‐mediated signaling via JAK/STAT is central to tumor growth, survival, and systemic inflammation, which is associated with cancer cachexia, particularly in pancreatic cancer. Because of their centrality in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia and progression, JAK isozymes have emerged as promising therapeutic targets. Preclinical studies have demonstrated antiproliferative effects of JAK/STAT pathway inhibition in both in vitro and in vivo models of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.

Methods.

This phase Ib/II dose‐optimization study assessed itacitinib, a selective JAK1 inhibitor, combined with nab‐paclitaxel plus gemcitabine in adults with treatment‐naïve advanced/metastatic disease (Part 1) or pancreatic adenocarcinoma (Parts 2/2A; NCT01858883). Starting doses (Part 1) were itacitinib 400 mg, nab‐paclitaxel 125 mg/m², and gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m². Additional dose levels incorporated were granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, de‐escalations of itacitinib to 300 mg once daily (QD), nab‐paclitaxel to 100 mg/m², and gemcitabine to 750 mg/m².

Results.

Among 55 patients in Part 1, 6 developed seven hematologic dose‐limiting toxicities (Cycle 1). Itacitinib 300 mg plus nab‐paclitaxel 125 mg/m² and gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m² was tolerated and expanded in Part 2. Treatment discontinuation and grade 3/4 neutropenia rates prompted itacitinib de‐escalation to 200 mg QD in Part 2A. The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were fatigue and neutropenia. Partial responses occurred across all itacitinib doses and several tumor types (overall response rate, 24%).

Conclusion.

Itacitinib plus chemotherapy demonstrated acceptable safety and clinical activity in patients with advanced solid tumors including pancreatic cancers. This study was terminated early (sponsor's decision) based on negative phase III results for a JAK1/2 inhibitor in previously treated advanced pancreatic cancer.

Berberine hydrochloride counteracts enhanced IL-8 expression induced by SN 38 in AGS cells

IL-8 over-expression could enhance cancer metastasis. In present study, berberine hydrochloride (BER) triggered proliferative inhibition and G2/M arrest in AGS cells, down-regulated protein expression of cyclin B1, Bcl-2, up-regulated expression of p21, p53 and cleaved caspase 3, but showed no effect on protein expression of CHOP, Bip, and caspase 4. BER could down-regulate the enhanced IL-8 expression through down-regulating ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK over-activation induced by SN 38. The increased IL-8 mediated adhesive ability of AGS cells to HUVECs induced by SN 38, could be reduced by BER. Thus, BER could reduce the side-effect of SN 38 in clinic.

Proinflammatory Factors Mediate Paclitaxel-Induced Impairment of Learning and Memory

The chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel is widely used for cancer treatment. Paclitaxel treatment impairs learning and memory function, a side effect that reduces the quality of life of cancer survivors. However, the neural mechanisms underlying paclitaxel-induced impairment of learning and memory remain unclear. Paclitaxel treatment leads to proinflammatory factor release and neuronal apoptosis. Thus, we hypothesized that paclitaxel impairs learning and memory function through proinflammatory factor-induced neuronal apoptosis. Neuronal apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay in the hippocampus. Protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the hippocampus tissue were analyzed by Western blot assay. Spatial learning and memory function were determined by using the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Paclitaxel treatment significantly increased the escape latencies and decreased the number of crossing in the MWM test. Furthermore, paclitaxel significantly increased the number of TUNEL-positive neurons in the hippocampus. Also, paclitaxel treatment increased the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the hippocampus tissue. In addition, the TNF-α synthesis inhibitor thalidomide significantly attenuated the number of paclitaxel-induced TUNEL-positive neurons in the hippocampus and restored the impaired spatial learning and memory function in paclitaxel-treated rats. These data suggest that TNF-α is critically involved in the paclitaxel-induced impairment of learning and memory function.

Impact of chemotherapy on cancer-related fatigue and cytokines in 1312 patients: a systematic review of quantitative studies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common psychosomatic distress experienced by cancer patients before, during and after chemotherapy. Its impact on functional status and Health Related Quality of Life is a great concern among patients, healthcare professionals and researchers. The primary objective of this systematic review is to determine whether the different chemotherapies affect the association of CRF with individual pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The PRISMA statement guideline has been followed to systematically search and screen article from PubMed and Embase.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review has examined 14 studies which included a total of 1312 patients. These studies assayed 20 different kinds of cytokines. The cytokines interleukin-6, interleukin-1RA, TGF-β and sTNF-R2 were associated with CRF in patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy. However, only interleukin-13 was identified in the taxane-based chemotherapy. Similarly, different sets of cytokines were linked with CRF in patients with chemotherapy regimens containing platinum, cyclophosphamides, topotecan or bleomycin.

SUMMARY

This review has identified that cytokines are differentially linked with CRF according to the various types of chemotherapy regimens.

Neutralization of IL-8 decreases tumor PMN-MDSCs and reduces mesenchymalization of claudin-low triple-negative breast cancer

The complex signaling networks of the tumor microenvironment that facilitate tumor growth and progression toward metastatic disease are becoming a focus of potential therapeutic options. The chemokine IL-8 is overexpressed in multiple cancer types, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), where it promotes the acquisition of mesenchymal features, stemness, resistance to therapies, and the recruitment of immune-suppressive cells to the tumor site. The present study explores the utility of a clinical-stage monoclonal antibody that neutralizes IL-8 (HuMax-IL8) as a potential therapeutic option for TNBC. HuMax-IL8 was shown to revert mesenchymalization in claudin-low TNBC models both in vitro and in vivo as well as to significantly decrease the recruitment of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) at the tumor site, an effect substantiated when used in combination with docetaxel. In addition, HuMax-IL8 enhanced the susceptibility of claudin-low breast cancer cells to immune-mediated lysis with NK and antigen-specific T cells in vitro. These results demonstrate the multifaceted way in which neutralizing this single chemokine reverts mesenchymalization, decreases recruitment of MDSCs at the tumor site, assists in immune-mediated killing, and forms the rationale for using HuMax-IL8 in combination with chemotherapy or immune-based therapies for the treatment of TNBC.

Cytokine profile of breast cell lines after different radiation doses

PURPOSE

Ionizing radiation (IR) treatment activates inflammatory processes causing the release of a great amount of molecules able to affect the cell survival. The aim of this study was to analyze the cytokine signature of conditioned medium produced by non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cell line MCF10A, as well as MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, after single high doses of IR in order to understand their role in high radiation response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a cytokine profile of irradiated conditioned media of MCF10A, MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines treated with 9 or 23 Gy, by Luminex and ELISA analyses.

RESULTS

Overall, our results show that both 9 Gy and 23 Gy of IR induce the release within the first 72 h of cytokines and growth factors potentially able to influence the tumor outcome, with a dose-independent and cell-line dependent signature. Moreover, our results show that the cell-senescence phenomenon does not correlate with the amount of 'senescence-associated secretory phenotype' (SASP) molecules released in media. Thus, additional mechanisms are probably involved in this process.

CONCLUSIONS

These data open the possibility to evaluate cytokine profile as useful marker in modulating the personalized radiotherapy in breast cancer care.

RNF183 promotes proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells via activation of NF-κB-IL-8 axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, which is a heterogeneous disease and main risk factors are associated with inflammation, family history, genetic mutations, epigenetics, and so on. Ring finger domain proteins have been reported involved in carcinogenesis, whereas their roles in CRC are rarely studied. Here, we reanalyzed the expression of 202 RNF family members in CRC using published microarray data from GEO database and found that RNF183 is markedly upregulated in tumor tissues. RNF183 high expression is significantly associated with tumor size (P=0.012), tumor invasive depth (P=0.004), TNM stage (P=0.01), and distant metastasis (P=0.009). CRC patients with high expression of RNF183 have poor overall survival (P<0.001) and progression-free survival (P<0.001). Functional studies suggest that RNF183 facilitates growth, migration, and invasion of CRC cells in vitro and promotes tumor proliferation and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, RNF183 activates NF-κB signal pathway through P65 and stimulates the transcription of multifunctional chemokine IL-8. Blockage of NF-κB by small molecule inhibitor or depletion of IL-8 by siRNA attenuates the function of RNF183 to promote cell migration. Moreover, the regulation of RNF183 on IL-8 transcription and cell viability/motility is dependent on its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. Our study provided proof of principle to show that RNF183 promotes proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells via activation of NF-κB-IL-8 axis.

Salivary IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Oral Cancer

Saliva has been useful as a liquid biopsy for the diagnosis of various oral or systemic diseases, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is no exception. While its early detection and prevention is important, salivary cytokines expression, specifically of Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), does contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer and these cytokines serve as potential biomarkers. Their excessive production plays a role in cancer progression and establishment of angiogenesis. However, other inflammatory or immunological conditions may affect the levels of cytokines in saliva. This article reviews the expression of levels of specific cytokines i.e., IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α, their signaling pathways in the development of oral cancer, and how they are essential for the diagnosis of OSCC and updates related to it. Apart from serum, the saliva-based test can be a cost-effective tool in the follow-up and diagnosis of OSCC. Moreover, large-scale investigations are still needed for the validation of salivary cytokines.

SN38 increases IL-8 expression through the MAPK pathways in HCT8 cells

The overexpression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) is closely associated with poor tumor differentiation, metastasis and tumor progression. This study aimed to examine the effects and mechanisms of action of SN38 (a metabolite of the camptothecin derivative, CPT-11) on IL-8 expression in HCT8 cells, using ELISA, CCK-8 and western blot analysis. Among jatrorrhizine, evodiamine, 5-fluorouracil and SN38, SN38 was found to inhibit the proliferation of HCT8 cells in a dose-dependent manner, but to increase IL-8 secretion from HCT8 cells. Of the other agents, evodiamine was found to inhibit both IL-8 secretion and cell proliferation, and jatrorrhizine was found to increase IL-8 secretion without any obvious inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Further experiments revealed that the increased activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) by SN38 contributed to the decreased cell proliferation and to the overexpression of IL-8 induced by SN38. Our results suggested that the MAPK pathways are activated by SN38, resulting in the upregulation of IL-8 expression and in the inhibition of cell proliferation in an IL-8-independent manner. Thus, the potential benefit of the use of a combination of camptothecin-11 with other chemical drugs with inhibitory effects on IL-8 expression, should be paid more attention in treating colon cancer.

Neutrophils and Granulocytic MDSC: The Janus God of Cancer Immunotherapy

Neutrophils are the most abundant circulating blood cell type in humans, and are the first white blood cells recruited at the inflammation site where they orchestrate the initial immune response. Although their presence at the tumor site was recognized in the 1970s, until recently these cells have been neglected and considered to play just a neutral role in tumor progression. Indeed, in recent years neutrophils have been recognized to play a dual role in tumor development by either assisting the growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis or by exerting tumoricidal action directly via the secretion of antitumoral compounds, or indirectly via the orchestration of antitumor immunity. Understanding the biology of these cells and influencing their polarization in the tumor micro- and macro-environment may be the key for the development of new therapeutic strategies, which may finally hold the promise of an effective immunotherapy for cancer.

Effects of IL-8 Up-Regulation on Cell Survival and Osteoclastogenesis in Multiple Myeloma

IL-8 promotes cancer cell growth, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis in several tumors. Herein, we investigated the sources of IL-8 production in multiple myeloma (MM) and its potential roles in MM pathogenesis. We found that bone marrow cells from patients with MM secreted higher amounts of IL-8 than healthy donors. IL-8 production was detected in cultures of CD138(+) plasma cells and CD138(-) cells isolated from bone marrows of MM patients, and in three of seven human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs) analyzed. Interactions between MM and stromal cells increased IL-8 secretion by stromal cells through cell-cell adhesion and soluble factors. Interestingly, IL8 expression also increased in HMCLs, stromal cells, and osteoclasts after treatment with the antimyeloma drugs melphalan and bortezomib. In fact, the effect of bortezomib on IL-8 production was higher than that exerted by stromal-MM cell interactions. Addition of exogenous IL-8 did not affect growth of HMCLs, although it protected cells from death induced by serum starvation through a caspase-independent mechanism. Furthermore, IL-8 induced by stromal-MM cell interactions strongly contributed to osteoclast formation in vitro, because osteoclastogenesis was markedly reduced by IL-8-specific neutralizing antibodies. In conclusion, our results implicate IL-8 in myeloma bone disease and point to the potential utility of an anti-IL-8 therapy to prevent unwanted effects of IL-8 up-regulation on survival, angiogenesis, and osteolysis in MM.

MAPK pathways are involved in the inhibitory effect of berberine hydrochloride on gastric cancer MGC 803 cell proliferation and IL-8 secretion in vitro and in vivo

Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. This investigation aimed to identify whether the mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are involved in the inhibitory effect of berberine hydrochloride (BER) on MGC 803 cells in vitro and in vivo. BER time‑ and dose‑dependently inhibited proliferation of MGC 803 cells. It also suppressed tumorigenesis in nude mice xenografted with MGC 803 cells. Additionally, BER reduced interleukin‑8 (IL‑8) secretion in vitro and in vivo. Further investigation demonstrated that inactivation of p38 MAPK, extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2 and c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase by BER contributed to the decreased proliferation and tumorigenesis, and the change in IL‑8 expression levels. However, there was no significant synergistic inhibitory effect of combined BER and evodiamine (EVO) treatment on tumorigenesis, and BER reduced the upregulation of IL‑8 induced by EVO in vivo. The results of the current study suggested that BER may be an effective and safe drug candidate for treating gastric cancer via modulation of the MAPK signaling pathways.

Curcumin mediates oxaliplatin-acquired resistance reversion in colorectal cancer cell lines through modulation of CXC-Chemokine/NF-κB signalling pathway

Resistance to oxaliplatin (OXA) is a complex process affecting the outcomes of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients treated with this drug. De-regulation of the NF-κB signalling pathway has been proposed as an important mechanism involved in this phenomenon. Here, we show that NF-κB was hyperactivated in in vitro models of OXA-acquired resistance but was attenuated by the addition of Curcumin, a non-toxic NF-κB inhibitor. The concomitant combination of Curcumin + OXA was more effective and synergistic in cell lines with acquired resistance to OXA, leading to the reversion of their resistant phenotype, through the inhibition of the NF-κB signalling cascade. Transcriptomic profiling revealed the up-regulation of three NF-κB-regulated CXC-chemokines, CXCL8, CXCL1 and CXCL2, in the resistant cells that were more efficiently down-regulated after OXA + Curcumin treatment as compared to the sensitive cells. Moreover, CXCL8 and CXCL1 gene silencing made resistant cells more sensitive to OXA through the inhibition of the Akt/NF-κB pathway. High expression of CXCL1 in FFPE samples from explant cultures of CRC patients-derived liver metastases was associated with response to OXA + Curcumin. In conclusion, we suggest that combination of OXA + Curcumin could be an effective treatment, for which CXCL1 could be used as a predictive marker, in CRC patients.

Bu-zhong-yi-qi pill alleviate the chemotherapy-related fatigue in 4 T1 murine breast cancer model

Background

Paclitaxel induced fatigue still remains underrecognized and undertreated, partly because of limited understanding of its pathophysiology and lack of effective treatments. This study is aim to evaluate the anti-fatigue effects and mechanism of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi pill in murine 4 T1 breast cancer mice were treated with paclitaxel.

Methods

Breast cancer mice established with murine 4 T1 cells were randomly and repectively divided into five groups: negative control group (NC), tumor control group (TC), paclitaxel group (PTX), Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi pill group (BZYQ) and Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi pill plus paclitaxel group (BZYQ + PTX). The mice were administered for 21 days. During this period, the tumor volume, body weight and the weight-loaded swimming time were measured. After the last administration, all mice were sacrificed, weighted the tumor, measured immune cell cytokines and oxidative stress indicator. The remaining 10 mice in each group were observed for survival analysis.

Results

Treatments with BZYQ + PTX and PTX significantly reduced the rates of tumor volume in comparison with TC starting on the 9th day and the 18th day respectively (P < 0.05-0.01), and presented decreased tumor weight compared to TC (P < 0.05-0.01). Compared with mice in TC group, the median survival time and the average survival time in BZYQ + PTX group, BZYQ group and PTX group were significantly prolonged (P < 0.05-0.01). The swimming time of the BZYQ + PTX group gradually increased, which is longer than the PTX group on Day 14 and Day 21 (P < 0.01). The level of TNF-α was lower in BZYQ + PTX group than PTX group (P < 0.01). The level of SOD activity in BZYQ + PTX group was lower than the NC group (P <0.01), but much higher than the PTX group (P < 0.01). The level of MDA of BZYQ + PTX group was higher than the NC group (P < 0.01), but significant lower than the PTX group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

BZYQ has the potential of alleviating paclitaxel chemotherapy-related fatigue in 4 T1 breast cancer mice by reducing the serum levels of TNF-α and modulating the level of MDA and the SOD activity.

Berberine hydrochloride IL-8 dependently inhibits invasion and IL-8-independently promotes cell apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells

Breast cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide in females, has high metastastic and recurrence rates. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-metastatic and anticancer in situ effect of berberine hydrochloride (BER) in MDA-MB-231 cells. BER dose-dependently inhibited proliferation and the IL-8 secretion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Additional experiments revealed that the inactivation of PI3K, JAK2, NF-κB and AP-1 by BER contributed to the decreased IL-8 secretion. BER abrogated cell invasion induced by IL-8 accompanied with the downregulation of the gene expression of MMP-2, EGF, E-cadherin, bFGF and fibronectin. In addition, BER reduced cell motility but induced G2/M arrest and cell apoptosis in an IL-8‑independent manner. BER modulated multiple signaling pathway molecules involved in the regulation of cell apoptosis, including activation of p38 MAPK and JNK and deactivation of JAK2, p85 PI3K, Akt and NF-κB. The enhanced cell apoptosis induced by BER was eliminated by inhibitors of p38 MAPK and JNK but was strengthened by activator of p38 MAPK. Thus, BER inhibited cell metastasis partly through the IL-8 mediated pathway while it induced G2/M arrest and promoted cell apoptosis through the IL-8 independent pathway. Apoptosis induced by BER was mediated by crosstalks of various pathways including activation of p38 MAPK and JNK pathways and inactivation of Jak2/PI3K/NF-κB/AP-1 pathways. The results suggested that BER may be an efficient and safe drug candidate for treating highly metastatic breast cancer.

CX3CL1-mediated macrophage activation contributed to paclitaxel-induced DRG neuronal apoptosis and painful peripheral neuropathy

Painful peripheral neuropathy is a dose-limiting side effect of paclitaxel therapy, which hampers the optimal clinical management of chemotherapy in cancer patients. Currently the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we showed that the clinically relevant dose of paclitaxel (3×8mg/kg, cumulative dose 24mg/kg) induced significant upregulation of the chemokine CX3CL1 in the A-fiber primary sensory neurons in vivo and in vitro and infiltration of macrophages into the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in rats. Paclitaxel treatment also increased cleaved caspase-3 expression, induced the loss of primary afferent terminal fibers and decreased sciatic-evoked A-fiber responses in the spinal dorsal horn, indicating DRG neuronal apoptosis induced by paclitaxel. In addition, the paclitaxel-induced DRG neuronal apoptosis occurred exclusively in the presence of macrophage in vitro study. Intrathecal or systemic injection of CX3CL1 neutralizing antibody blocked paclitaxel-induced macrophage recruitment and neuronal apoptosis in the DRG, and also attenuated paclitaxel-induced allodynia. Furthermore, depletion of macrophage by systemic administration of clodronate inhibited paclitaxel-induced allodynia. Blocking CX3CL1 decreased activation of p38 MAPK in the macrophage, and inhibition of p38 MAPK activity blocked the neuronal apoptosis and development of mechanical allodynia induced by paclitaxel. These findings provide novel evidence that CX3CL1-recruited macrophage contributed to paclitaxel-induced DRG neuronal apoptosis and painful peripheral neuropathy.

Chemotherapy-enhanced inflammation may lead to the failure of therapy and metastasis

The lack of therapy and the failure of existing therapy has been a challenge for clinicians in treating various cancers. Doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and paclitaxel are the first-line therapy in various cancers; however, toxicity, resistance, and treatment failure limit their clinical use. Their status leads us to discover and investigate more targeted therapy with more efficacy. In this article, we dissect literature from the patient perspective, the tumor biology perspective, therapy-induced metastasis, and cell data generated in the laboratory.

The Chemokine CXCL8 in Carcinogenesis and Drug Response

Although the functions of chemokines in the regulation of immune processes have been studied in some detail, the role of these biomolecules in cancer is not fully understood. Chemokines mediate migration of immune cells and other functions related to immunity. They are also involved in oncogenesis and in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis through mechanisms similar to their roles in immune functions. Various chemokines also promote cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis of stressed cells. Consequently, chemokines and their receptors present potential therapeutic targets for anticancer drugs. The chemokine CXCL8, also known as interleukin-8 (IL8), is a proinflammatory molecule that has functions within the tumor microenvironment. Due to its potent angiogenic effects and the activity of the chemokine and its receptors in the promotion of invasion and metastasis, CXCL8 and its receptors are now considered as attractive targets for cancer therapy. This review relates the current understanding of the regulation, signaling, and functions of CXCL8 that contribute to tumor growth and metastasis, and of its role in drug response.

Berberine counteracts enhanced IL-8 expression of AGS cells induced by evodiamine

AIMS

Although showing an anti-tumor activity, evodiamine also up-regulated IL-8 production of human gastric cancer AGS cells. This study aimed to assess this effect and to examine whether co-administration with berberine counteracts it.

MAIN METHODS

MTT assay was used to assess the cell proliferation and adhesive ability. Flow cytometry was performed to measure the cell cycle distribution. Wound healing assay was used to detect the migration ability of cells. IL-8 production was determined by ELISA. Levels of mRNA expression of IL-8, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were measured by real-time PCR. Molecular pathways involved were evaluated by ELISA and western-blotting methods.

KEY FINDINGS

Evodiamine triggered proliferative inhibition and cell cycle arrest, and decreased migration of AGS cells. IL-8 expression and the adhesive ability of AGS cells to HUVECs were significantly increased by evodiamine, but were inhibited after being co-treated with berberine in AGS cells. As IL-8 was neutralized, increased adhesion of AGS cells to HUVECs induced by evodiamine was abolished. Berberine significantly suppressed the up-regulation of VCAM-1 and the down-regulation of ICAM-1 induced by evodiamine. Evodiamine provoked IL-8 secretion via ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK, JAK2 and AP-1 pathways which could be counteracted by berberine.

SIGNIFICANCE

Although showing anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activities in AGS cells, evodiamine displayed a potential tendency to promote metastasis of gastric cancer cells by increasing IL-8 secretion and adhesion molecules. However, berberine could counteract the side-effect and simultaneously keep anti-proliferative and anti-migratory properties of evodiamine on AGS cells, which reduces the risk to use evodiamine in therapy of gastric cancers.

Concomitant combination of active immunotherapy and carboplatin- or paclitaxel-based chemotherapy improves anti-tumor response

Recent preclinical evidence substantially supports the successful combination of chemotherapies and active immunotherapy for cancer treatment. These data sustain the effect of sequential combination schemes (vaccine plus chemotherapy or vice versa), which could be difficult to implement in clinical practice. Since chemotherapy is the standard treatment for most cancers, ethical issues forbid its delay and make difficult the evaluation of other treatments such as using an immunotherapeutic agent. Besides, vaccines must be applied as soon as possible to advanced cancer patients, in order to give them time to develop an effective immune response. Thus, a clinically attractive scenario is the concomitant application of treatments. However, little is known about the specific effect of different chemotherapeutic agents when combined with a cancer vaccine in such concomitant treatment. In this work, we analyze the influence of high-dose carboplatin or paclitaxel in the generation of a specific immune response when administered concomitantly with an OVA vaccine. Interestingly, neither carboplatin nor paclitaxel affects the humoral and CTL in vivo response generated by the vaccine. Moreover, an enhancement of the overall anti-tumor effect was observed in animals treated with OVA/CF vaccine combined with cytotoxic drugs. Moreover, the effect of the concomitant treatment was tested using a tumor-related antigen, the epidermal growth factor (EGF). Animals administered with EGF-P64k/Montanide and cytotoxic agents showed an antibody response similar to that from control animals. Therefore, our study suggests that carboplatin and paclitaxel can be concomitantly combined with active immunotherapies in the clinical practice of advanced cancer patients.

Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 regulates the effects of paclitaxel on Stat3 activation and cellular survival in lung cancer cells

Growing evidence suggests that Stat3 contributes to chemoresistance. However, the impact of chemotherapy on Stat3 activity is unclear. We found that paclitaxel activated Stat3 in the human lung cancer cell lines PC14PE6AS2 (AS2) and H157, whereas it reduced Stat3 activation in A549 and H460 cells. Pretreatment of AS2 and H157 cells with rotenone, an inhibitor of mitochondrially produced reactive oxygen species (ROS), or carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy)-phenylhydrazone (FCCP), a mitochondrial uncoupler, suppressed the paclitaxel-induced activation of Stat3. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP-2), located in the inner membrane of the mitochondria, can reduce ROS production in conditions of oxidative stress. UCP-2 protein expression in the four cancer cell lines was higher than that in normal lung epithelial cells (NL-20), but its expression was lower in AS2 and H157 cells relative to A549 and H460 cells. Silencing high UCP-2 expression with small interfering RNA (siRNA) in A549 and H460 cells restored paclitaxel-induced Stat3 activation. In addition, paclitaxel-induced Stat3 activation led to the upregulation of survivin and Mcl-1, which in turn facilitated cell survival. Moreover, the CL1-5 subline had lower UCP-2 expression relative to the parental CL1-0 cells. Treatment with paclitaxel activated Stat3 in CL1-5 but not in CL1-0 cells, whereas in CL1-5 cells, the overexpression of UCP-2 with complementary DNA (cDNA) blocked Stat3 activation. In lung cancer patients, low UCP-2 expression in cancer cells was a predictor of a poor response to chemotherapy. Therefore, UCP-2 modulates the ROS/Stat3 signaling pathway and response to chemotherapy treatment in lung cancer cells. Targeting UCP-2, ROS and Stat3 pathways may improve anticancer therapies.

Targeting IL-8 in colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of death from gastrointestinal malignancy in the US. Chemokines and their receptors are being recognized as key regulators of cancers and increasingly as therapeutic targets for metastatic cancers, including colorectal cancer. Several studies have demonstrated that IL-8 and its receptor CXCR2 are two of the most significantly upregulated chemokines in colorectal cancer. IL-8 through binding to its receptors can act not only on inflammatory responses and infectious diseases, but also on cancer cells via their receptors to promote migration, invasion and proliferation, and in vivo angiogenesis. Therefore, IL-8 and CXCR2 may be important therapeutic targets against colorectal cancer.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides an update on the roles of IL-8 and its receptors in colorectal cancer preclinical models and translational relevance: i) Increased expression of IL-8 and/or its receptors has been characterized in colon cancer cells; ii) IL-8 signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells; iii) targeting IL-8 expression, or receptor-targeted strategies in colorectal cancer, eliminates the redundant function of IL-8 signaling and determines the effects of suppressing IL-8 signaling on tumor progression and development.

EXPERT OPINION

IL-8 and its receptor CXCR2 may function as significant regulatory factors within the tumor microenvironment and be important therapeutic targets in colorectal cancers. Not only may they lead to antitumor properties, but also they may chemosensitize the tumor toward the current chemotherapy.

The CXCR2 antagonist, SCH-527123, shows antitumor activity and sensitizes cells to oxaliplatin in preclinical colon cancer models

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Recent studies showed that interleukin-8 (IL-8) and its receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2) are significantly upregulated in both the tumor and its microenvironment, and act as key regulators of proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Our previous study showed that IL-8 overexpression in colorectal cancer cells triggers the upregulation of the CXCR2-mediated proliferative pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the CXCR2 antagonist, SCH-527123, inhibits colorectal cancer proliferation and if it can sensitize colorectal cancer cells to oxaliplatin both in vitro and in vivo. SCH-527123 showed concentration-dependent antiproliferative effects in HCT116, Caco2, and their respective IL-8-overexpressing variants colorectal cancer cell lines. Moreover, SCH-527123 was able to suppress CXCR2-mediated signal transduction as shown through decreased phosphorylation of the NF-κB/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/AKT pathway. These findings corresponded with decreased cell migration and invasion, while increased apoptosis in colorectal cancer cell lines. In vivo results verified that SCH-527123 treatment decreased tumor growth and microvessel density when compared with vehicle-treated tumors. Importantly, these preclinical studies showed that the combination of SCH-527123 and oxaliplatin resulted in a greater decrease in cell proliferation, tumor growth, apoptosis, and angiogenesis that was superior to single-agent treatment. Taken together, these findings suggest that targeting CXCR2 may block tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. In addition, CXCR2 blockade may further sensitize colorectal cancer to oxaliplatin treatment.

Synergy of nab-paclitaxel and bevacizumab in eradicating large orthotopic breast tumors and preexisting metastases

INTRODUCTION

Patients with metastatic disease are considered incurable. We previously showed that nabpaclitaxel (nanoparticle albumin-embedded paclitaxel) combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) antibody, bevacizumab, eradicates orthotopic small-sized breast tumors and metastasis. Here, we assessed this therapy in two models of advanced (450-600 mm(3)) breast tumors and delineated VEGF-A-dependent mechanisms of tumor resistance.

METHODS

Mice with luciferase-tagged advanced MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435 tumors were treated with saline, nab-paclitaxel (10 or 30 mg/kg), bevacizumab (4 mg/kg), or combined drugs. Lymphatic and lung metastases were measured by luciferase assay. Proinflammatory and survival pathways were measured by ELISA, Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Nab-paclitaxel transiently suppressed primary tumors by 70% to 90% but had no effect on metastasis. Coadministration of bevacizumab increased the response rate to 99%, including 71% of complete responses in MDA-MB-231-bearing mice treated concurrently with 30 mg/kg of nab-paclitaxel. This combinatory regimen significantly reduced or eliminated preexisting lymphatic and distant metastases in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435 models. The mechanism involves paclitaxel-induced NF-κB pathway that upregulates VEGF-A and other tumor prosurvival proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Bevacizumab prevents tumor recurrence and metastasis promoted by nab-paclitaxel activation of NF-κB pathway. Combination therapy with high-dosed nab-paclitaxel demonstrates the potential to eradicate advanced primary tumors and preexisting metastases. These findings strongly support translating this regimen into clinics.

DJ-1 enhances cell survival through the binding of Cezanne, a negative regulator of NF-kappaB

Heightened DJ-1 (Park7) expression is associated with a reduction in chemotherapeutic-induced cell death and poor prognosis in several cancers, whereas the loss of DJ-1 function is found in a subgroup of Parkinson disease associated with neuronal death. This study describes a novel pathway by which DJ-1 modulates cell survival. Mass spectrometry shows that DJ-1 interacts with BBS1, CLCF1, MTREF, and Cezanne/OTUD7B/Za20d1. Among these, Cezanne is a known deubiquitination enzyme that inhibits NF-κB activity. DJ-1/Cezanne interaction is confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation of overexpressed and endogenous proteins, maps to the amino-terminal 70 residues of DJ-1, and leads to the inhibition of the deubiquitinating activity of Cezanne. Microarray profiling of shRNA-transduced cells shows that DJ-1 and Cezanne regulate IL-8 and ICAM-1 expression in opposing directions. Similarly, DJ-1 enhances NF-κB nuclear translocation and cell survival, whereas Cezanne reduces these outcomes. Analysis of mouse Park7(-/-) primary cells confirms the regulation of ICAM-1 by DJ-1 and Cezanne. As NF-κB is important in cellular survival and transformation, IL-8 functions as an angiogenic factor and pro-survival signal, and ICAM-1 has been implicated in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis; these data provide an additional modality by which DJ-1 controls cell survival and possibly tumor progression via interaction with Cezanne.

The interleukin-8 pathway in cancer

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a proinflammatory CXC chemokine associated with the promotion of neutrophil chemotaxis and degranulation. This chemokine activates multiple intracellular signaling pathways downstream of two cell-surface, G protein-coupled receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2). Increased expression of IL-8 and/or its receptors has been characterized in cancer cells, endothelial cells, infiltrating neutrophils, and tumor-associated macrophages, suggesting that IL-8 may function as a significant regulatory factor within the tumor microenvironment. The induction of IL-8 signaling activates multiple upstream signaling pathways that (a) impinge on gene expression via regulation of numerous transcription factor activities, (b) modulate the cellular proteome at the level of translation, and/or (c) effect the organization of the cell cytoskeleton through posttranslational regulation of regulatory proteins. As a consequence of the diversity of effectors and downstream targets, IL-8 signaling promotes angiogenic responses in endothelial cells, increases proliferation and survival of endothelial and cancer cells, and potentiates the migration of cancer cells, endothelial cells, and infiltrating neutrophils at the tumor site. Accordingly, IL-8 expression correlates with the angiogenesis, tumorigenicity, and metastasis of tumors in numerous xenograft and orthotopic in vivo models. Recently, IL-8 signaling has been implicated in regulating the transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor, underpinning the transition to an androgen-independent proliferation of prostate cancer cells. In addition, stress and drug-induced IL-8 signaling has been shown to confer chemotherapeutic resistance in cancer cells. Therefore, inhibiting the effects of IL-8 signaling may be a significant therapeutic intervention in targeting the tumor microenvironment.

Dexamethasone potentiates the antiangiogenic activity of docetaxel in castration-resistant prostate cancer

We sought to characterise whether dexamethasone (DEX) may enhance tumour response to docetaxel in in vitro and in vivo models of metastatic prostate cancer (CaP). In vitro experiments conducted on PC3 and human bone marrow endothelial cells (hBMECs) determined that administration of DEX (10 nM) reduced constitutive nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity, decreasing interleukin (IL)-8, CXCL1 and VEGF gene expression in PC3 cells. Dexamethasone also attenuated docetaxel-induced NF-kappaB and activator protein-1 transcription and reduced docetaxel-promoted expression/secretion of IL-8 and CXCL1 in PC3 and hBMECs. Although DEX failed to enhance docetaxel cytotoxicity on PC3 cells, DEX potentiated the antiangiogenic activity of docetaxel in vitro, further reducing vessel area and vessel length in developing endothelial tubes (P<0.05). Docetaxel had a potent antiangiogenic activity in the dorsal skin flap-implanted PC3 tumours in vivo. Small blood vessel formation was further suppressed in tumours co-treated with docetaxel and DEX, substantiated by an increased average vessel diameter and segment length and a decreased number of branch points in the residual tumour vasculature (P<0.001). Our data show that DEX potentiates the antiangiogenic activity of docetaxel, suggesting a putative mechanism for the palliative and survival benefits of these agents in metastatic CaP.

Cytokines and their relationship to the symptoms and outcome of cancer

Tumours contain immune cells and a network of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which collaborate in the development and progression of cancer. Cytokine profiles might prove to be prognostic. The systemic effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with fatigue, depression and cognitive impairment, and can affect quality of life before, during and after treatment. In people with advanced cancer, pro-inflammatory cytokines are additionally associated with anorexia and cachexia, pain, toxicity of treatment and resistance to treatment. However, physical activity might modify cytokine levels and decrease fatigue in patients with cancer, and might also improve their prognosis.