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Abdollahi-Najafabadi M, Farhadian S, Shareghi B, Asgharzadeh S. The investigation of the interaction determination between carbendazim and elastase, using both in vitro and in silico methods. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 319:124586. [PMID: 38833886 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Pesticides, including fungicides, are one of the important groups of environmental toxins that affect human and animal health. Studies have shown that these compounds are considered chemical pollutants. Carbendazim is a systemic fungicide. Unfortunately, excessive use of carbendazim has caused environmental pollution all over the world. In this study, the effect of carbendazim on the enzyme elastase (secreted from the endocrine gland of the pancreas) has been investigated. In a study, the performance and reaction of carbendazim with elastase were investigated using spectroscopic techniques. The stability and structure of elastase enzymes were studied under the influence of carbendazim. The results of fluorescence emission and UV-visible absorption spectrum showed that in the presence of carbendazim, there is an increase in UV-Vis absorption and a decrease in the intensity of the intrinsic fluorescence emission in the protein spectrum. Additionally, a decrease in the thermal stability of elastase was observed in the presence of carbendazim. The stability and structure of elastase enzyme were investigated in the presence of carbendazim. The results revealed that the UV-Vis absorption increased due to the presence of carbendazim, as indicated by the hyperchromic spectrum at 220 and 280 nm peaks. Additionally, the intrinsic fluorescence emission in the protein spectrum decreased with increasing carbendazim concentration at three different temperatures (298, 303, and 313 K). Moreover, the study demonstrated that the TM decreased from 2.59 to 4.58 with the increase of carbendazim, suggesting a decrease in the stability of the elastase structure in response to the elevated carbendazim concentration. According to the results of the research, the interaction between elastase and carbendazim has occurred, and changes have been made in the enzyme under the influence of carbendazim. The formation of the complex between elastase and carbendazim was consistent with the results obtained from molecular simulation and confirmed the thermodynamic data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sadegh Farhadian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, P. O. Box 115, Iran; Central Laboratory, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Behzad Shareghi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, P. O. Box 115, Iran; Central Laboratory, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Sanaz Asgharzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, P. O. Box 115, Iran; Central Laboratory, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
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Raju B, Narendra G, Verma H, Kumar M, Sapra B, Kaur G, Jain SK, Sandeep Chary P, Mehra NK, Silakari O. Scaffold hopping for designing of potent and selective CYP1B1 inhibitors to overcome docetaxel resistance: synthesis and evaluation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38356135 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2310770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 1B1, a tumor-specific overexpressed enzyme, significantly impairs the pharmacokinetics of several commonly used anticancer drugs including docetaxel, paclitaxel and cisplatin, leading to the problem of resistance to these drugs. Currently, there is no CYP1B1 inhibition-based adjuvant therapy available to treat this resistance problem. Hence, in the current study, exhaustive in-silico studies including scaffold hopping followed by molecular docking, three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships (3D-QSAR), molecular dynamics and free energy perturbation studies were carried out to identify potent and selective CYP1B1 inhibitors. Initially, scaffold hopping analysis was performed against a well-reported potent and selective CYP1B1 inhibitor (i.e. compound 3n). A total of 200 scaffolds were identified along with their shape and field similarity scores. The top three scaffolds were further selected on the basis of these scores and their synthesis feasibility to design some potent and selective CYP1B1 inhibitors using the aforementioned in-silico techniques. Designed molecules were further synthesized to evaluate their CYP1B1 inhibitory activity and docetaxel resistance reversal potential against CYP1B1 overexpressed drug resistance MCF-7 cell line. In-vitro results indicated that compounds 2a, 2c and 2d manifested IC50 values for CYP1B1 ranging from 0.075, 0.092 to 0.088 μM with at least 10-fold selectivity. At low micromolar concentrations, compounds 1e, 1f, 2a and 2d exhibited promising cytotoxic effects in the docetaxel-resistant CYP1B1 overexpressed MCF-7 cell line. In particular, compound 2a is most effective in reversing the resistance with IC50 of 29.0 ± 3.6 μM. All of these discoveries could pave the way for the development of adjuvant therapy capable of overcoming CYP1B1-mediated resistance.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baddipadige Raju
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Gera Narendra
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Himanshu Verma
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Bharti Sapra
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Gurleen Kaur
- Center for Basic and Translational Research in Health Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Subheet Kumar Jain
- Center for Basic and Translational Research in Health Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Padakanti Sandeep Chary
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Neelesh Kumar Mehra
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Om Silakari
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
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Alalikhan A, Ebrahimi S, Aliee A, Mirzavi F, Hashemy SI. The combined anti-tumor effects of 5-fluorouracil and neurokinin receptor inhibitor, aprepitant, against colorectal cancer: In vitro and in vivo study. Med Oncol 2024; 41:70. [PMID: 38340190 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02312-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the world's largest health concerns with growing global incidence and mortality. The potential value of the neurokinin-1 receptor as a therapeutic target has been reported in several tumor types, including CRC. Here we examined the potential anti-tumor effects of a clinically approved neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, aprepitant, alone and its combination with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) as a first choice CRC chemotherapeutic drug, in both in vitro and in vivo models of CRC. METHODS MTT assay was employed for assessing cell proliferation. mRNA expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis was performed using an Annexin-V/propidium iodide assay kit. We finally conducted an in vivo experiment in a mouse model of CRC to confirm the in vitro antiproliferative activity of aprepitant and 5-FU. RESULTS We found that aprepitant and 5-FU significantly reduced CRC cell viability. The combination of drugs exhibited potent synergistic growth inhibitory effects on CRC cells. Moreover, aprepitant and 5-FU induced apoptosis and altered the levels of apoptotic genes (up-regulation of Bax, and p53 along with downregulation of Bcl-2). Importantly, the aprepitant and 5-FU combination showed a more pronounced impact on apoptosis and associated genes than either of the agents alone. Furthermore, aprepitant reduced tumor growth in vivo and led to significantly longer survival time, and this effect was more prominent when using the aprepitant and 5-FU combination. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, combinatory treatment with aprepitant and 5-FU potentially exerts synergistic growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in CRC, deserving further consideration as a novel strategy for CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Alalikhan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Safieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Aliee
- Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Khomeini and Mohammad Kermanshahi and Farabi Hospitals, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Farshad Mirzavi
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed Isaac Hashemy
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Alsadi N, Yahfoufi N, Nessim C, Matar C. Role of a Polyphenol-Enriched Blueberry Preparation on Inhibition of Melanoma Cancer Stem Cells and Modulation of MicroRNAs. Biomedicines 2024; 12:193. [PMID: 38255297 PMCID: PMC10813708 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer known for its high mortality rate. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that significantly contribute to tumour recurrence and differentiation. Epigenetic-specific changes involving miRNAs maintain CSCs. Plant polyphenols have been reported to be involved in cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy, with miRNAs being the novel effectors in their biological activities. A polyphenol-enriched blueberry preparation (PEBP) derived from fermented blueberries has demonstrated promising chemopreventative properties on breast cancer stem cells by influencing inflammatory pathways and miRNAs. In our current investigation, we seek to unveil the impact of PEBP on inhibiting melanoma development and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Our study employs various human cell lines, including an ex vivo cell line derived from a patient's metastatic tumour. We found that it elevates miR-200c, increasing E-cadherin expression and inhibiting miR-210-3p through NF-κB signalling, impacting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), a critical process in cancer progression. PEBP increases the SOCS1 expression, potentially contributing to miR-210-3p inhibition. Experiments involving miRNA manipulation confirm their functional roles. The study suggests that PEBP's anti-inflammatory effects involve regulating miR-200c and miR-210 expression and their targets in EMT-related pathways. The overall aim is to provide evidence-based supportive care and preclinical evaluation of PEBP, offering a promising strategy for skin cancer chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal Alsadi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (N.A.); (N.Y.)
| | - Nour Yahfoufi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (N.A.); (N.Y.)
| | - Carolyn Nessim
- Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada;
| | - Chantal Matar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (N.A.); (N.Y.)
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
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5
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Mirjat D, Kashif M, Roberts CM. Shake It Up Baby Now: The Changing Focus on TWIST1 and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer and Other Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17539. [PMID: 38139368 PMCID: PMC10743446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 is a transcription factor that is necessary for healthy neural crest migration, mesoderm development, and gastrulation. It functions as a key regulator of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which cells lose their polarity and gain the ability to migrate. EMT is often reactivated in cancers, where it is strongly associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Early work on TWIST1 in adult tissues focused on its transcriptional targets and how EMT gave rise to metastatic cells. In recent years, the roles of TWIST1 and other EMT factors in cancer have expanded greatly as our understanding of tumor progression has advanced. TWIST1 and related factors are frequently tied to cancer cell stemness and changes in therapeutic responses and thus are now being viewed as attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight non-metastatic roles for TWIST1 and related EMT factors in cancer and other disorders, discuss recent findings in the areas of therapeutic resistance and stemness in cancer, and comment on the potential to target EMT for therapy. Further research into EMT will inform novel treatment combinations and strategies for advanced cancers and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dureali Mirjat
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Cai M. Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
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Jafarinezhad S, Assaran Darban R, Javid H, Hashemy SI. The SP/NK1R system promotes the proliferation of breast cancer cells through NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:787-794. [PMID: 37740877 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01171-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous molecules have been introduced to participate in the formation of breast cancer, the most common malignancy in women. Among them, neuropeptide substance P (SP) and its related receptor neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) have attracted unprecedented attention in tumorigenesis processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of the SP/NK1R pathway on the induction of oxidative stress in breast cancer and examine the therapeutic potential of NK1R inhibition in this malignancy. METHODS MCF-7 cells were treated with varying concentrations of SP and aprepitant, an FDA-approved NK1R antagonist, either as a single drug or in a combined modality. Resazurin assay was used to evaluate the anti-cancer ability of aprepitant. The alteration in the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and gene expression were determined using ROS assay and the qRT-PCR analysis, respectively. RESULTS The stimulation of the SP/NK1R axis in the MCF-7 cells was coupled with the accumulation of ROS as well as upregulation of NF-κB and its related pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6. In contrast, the suppression of NK1R by aprepitant halted the viability of MCF-7 cells, at least partly due to p53-mediated upregulation of p21. Moreover, aprepitant attenuated the oncogenic properties of SP by preventing the oxidative property of this neuropeptide. CONCLUSION Overall, our results suggest that the SP/NK1R pathway might play a critical role in breast cancer pathogenesis, probably through inducing ROS/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses. Moreover, it seems that blockage of the axis has promising therapeutic value against breast cancer cells. Schematic representation proposed for the plausible mechanism by which the stimulation of the SP/NK1R might induce oxidative stress in breast cancer-derived MCF-7 cells. Once SP interacts with NK1R, this signaling axis could disturb the balance between the expression of p53 and NF-κB, an event that leads to the accumulation of ROS within MCF-7 cells. The produced ROS, in turn, elevates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and downregulates the expression of p21. On the other hand, aprepitant, an antagonist of NK1R, could reduce the survival of proliferative capacity of MCF-7 cells by decreasing the intracellular levels of ROS and p53-mediated up-regulation of p21. Along with the effect on p53, aprepitant could also reduce the expression of NF-κB and its related pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samine Jafarinezhad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reza Assaran Darban
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Hossein Javid
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Isaac Hashemy
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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7
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Ebrahimi S, Erfani B, Alalikhan A, Ghorbani H, Farzadnia M, Afshari AR, Mashkani B, Hashemy SI. The In Vitro Pro-inflammatory Functions of the SP/NK1R System in Prostate Cancer: a Focus on Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) and Its Pro-inflammatory Target Genes. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:7796-7807. [PMID: 37093533 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04495-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the main global health threats for men which is in close association with chronic inflammation. Neuropeptide substance P (SP), acting through neurokinin receptor (NK-1R), induces various pro-inflammatory responses which are strongly involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases as well as cancer. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the pro-inflammatory functions of the SP/NK1R complex in prostate cancer and the therapeutic effects of its inhibition by NK-1R antagonist, aprepitant, in vitro. MTT assay was conducted for the cytotoxicity assessment of aprepitant in prostate cancer cells. The protein expression levels were evaluated by Western blot assay. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to measure mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Concurrently, the protein concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines were also analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We observed that SP increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), while treatment with aprepitant reduced the effects of SP. We also indicated that SP increased the protein levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), as the main regulator of inflammatory processes, and also an NF-κB target gene, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in prostate cancer cells, while treatment with aprepitant reversed these effects. Taken together, our findings highlight the importance of the SP/NK1R system in the modulation of pro-inflammatory responses in prostate cancer cells and suggest that aprepitant may be developed as a novel anti-inflammatory agent for the management of cancer-associated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bahareh Erfani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abbas Alalikhan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Ghorbani
- Kidney Transplantation Complication Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdi Farzadnia
- Department of Pathology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - BaratAli Mashkani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Isaac Hashemy
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Coveñas R, Rodríguez FD, Robinson P, Muñoz M. The Repurposing of Non-Peptide Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists as Antitumor Drugs: An Urgent Challenge for Aprepitant. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15936. [PMID: 37958914 PMCID: PMC10650658 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) system is involved in cancer progression. NK-1R, activated by SP, promotes tumor cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, the Warburg effect, and the prevention of apoptosis. Tumor cells overexpress NK-1R, which influences their viability. A typical specific anticancer strategy using NK-1R antagonists, irrespective of the tumor type, is possible because these antagonists block all the effects mentioned above mediated by SP on cancer cells. This review will update the information regarding using NK-1R antagonists, particularly Aprepitant, as an anticancer drug. Aprepitant shows a broad-spectrum anticancer effect against many tumor types. Aprepitant alone or in combination therapy with radiotherapy or chemotherapy could reduce the sequelae and increase the cure rate and quality of life of patients with cancer. Current data open the door to new cancer research aimed at antitumor therapeutic strategies using Aprepitant. To achieve this goal, reprofiling the antiemetic Aprepitant as an anticancer drug is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Coveñas
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Group GIR-BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Francisco D. Rodríguez
- Group GIR-BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Prema Robinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Employee Health, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Miguel Muñoz
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Research Laboratory on Neuropeptides (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Seville, Spain;
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Ebrahimi S, Mirzavi F, Hashemy SI, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Stummer W, Gorji A. The in vitro anti-cancer synergy of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, aprepitant, and 5-aminolevulinic acid in glioblastoma. Biofactors 2023; 49:900-911. [PMID: 37092793 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant type of cerebral neoplasm in adults with a poor prognosis. Currently, combination therapy with different anti-cancer agents is at the forefront of GBM research. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the potential anti-cancer synergy of a clinically approved neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, aprepitant, and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), a prodrug that elicits fluorescent porphyrins in gliomas on U-87 human GBM cells. We found that aprepitant and 5-ALA effectively inhibited GBM cell viability. The combinatorial treatment of these drugs exerted potent synergistic growth inhibitory effects on GBM cells. Moreover, aprepitant and 5-ALA induced apoptosis and altered the levels of apoptotic genes (up-regulation of Bax and P53 along with downregulation of Bcl-2). Furthermore, aprepitant and 5-ALA increased the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX, a highly pro-apoptotic and fluorescent photosensitizer. Aprepitant and 5-ALA significantly inhibited GBM cell migration and reduced matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) activities. Importantly, all these effects were more prominent following aprepitant-5-ALA combination treatment than either drug alone. Collectively, the combination of aprepitant and 5-ALA leads to considerable synergistic anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-migratory effects on GBM cells and provides a firm basis for further evaluation of this combination as a novel therapeutic approach for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safieh Ebrahimi
- Epilepsy Research Center, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farshad Mirzavi
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed Isaac Hashemy
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Walter Stummer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Ali Gorji
- Epilepsy Research Center, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Safarpour S, Mirzavi F, Rahmani F, Forouzanfar F, Sadeghnia HR, Mashkani B, Hamidi Alamdari D, Soukhtanloo M. Fenugreek Seed Extract Regulates Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Angiogenesis and Proliferation via the PI3K/Akt/Cyclin D1 Pathway. Altern Lab Anim 2023; 51:249-257. [PMID: 37345436 DOI: 10.1177/02611929231181623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The significance of angiogenesis in tumour progression has been widely documented. Hence, the identification of anti-angiogenic agents with fewer common side effects would be valuable in cancer therapy. In this study, we evaluated the anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative effects of a hydro-alcoholic extract of fenugreek seed (HAEF) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with various concentrations of HAEF and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was estimated by using the MTT assay. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and matrix metalloproteinase enzyme (MMP-2 and MMP-9) gene expression profiles were evaluated by using quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Moreover, MMP activities and PI3K, Akt and cyclin D1 protein expression levels were evaluated by gel zymography and Western blotting, respectively. HAEF reduced HUVEC viability, with an IC50 value of 200 μg/ml. The qRT-PCR results demonstrated that treatment with HAEF markedly reduced MMP-2/MMP-9, VEGF and bFGF gene expression, as compared to the control group. We also found that MMP-2/MMP-9 enzyme activity and PI3K/Akt/cyclin D1 protein expression were notably decreased in cells treated with HAEF. Our results suggest that HAEF can potentially inhibit angiogenesis, and also affect cellular proliferation by targeting the PI3K/Akt/cyclin D1 pathway. Thus, fenugreek seed extract merits further investigation as a source of compounds with anti-cancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Safarpour
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farshad Mirzavi
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Farzad Rahmani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Forouzanfar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Sadeghnia
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Baratali Mashkani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Daryoush Hamidi Alamdari
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soukhtanloo
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Guan L, Yuan S, Ma J, Liu H, Huang L, Zhang F. Neurokinin-1 receptor is highly expressed in cervical cancer and its antagonist induces cervical cancer cell apoptosis. Eur J Histochem 2023; 67. [PMID: 36629320 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2023.3570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) belongs to tachykinin receptor family. Recent studies have suggested that NK1R was upregulated in cancer tissues including breast cancer, glioma and melanoma. Furthermore, NK1R antagonists have been employed to exert anti-tumor effect and promote cancer cell apoptosis. However, the role of NK1R in cervical cancer remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to detect the expression of NK1R in cervical cancer and evaluate the anti-tumor effects of NK1R antagonist on cervical cancer cells. We found that NK1R was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues than in adjacent normal cervical tissues. Furthermore, by using NK1R antagonist we demonstrated that NK1R antagonist inhibited the viability and induced the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ERK activation and the regulation of apoptosis proteins Bcl-2 and BAX. In conclusion, these findings suggest that NK1R plays an oncogenic role in cervical cancer and is a promising target for cervical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Guan
- Department of Oncology, The Third Hospital of Shijiazhuang.
| | - Shifa Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Hebei Province Crop of Chinese Armed Police Force, Shijiazhuang.
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang.
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Oncology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang.
| | - Lizhen Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang .
| | - Fengzhen Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang.
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The Potential In Vitro Inhibitory Effects of Neurokinin-1 Receptor (NK-1R) Antagonist, Aprepitant, in Osteosarcoma Cell Migration and Metastasis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:8082608. [PMID: 36177059 PMCID: PMC9514929 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8082608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Osteosarcoma, the most frequent osteogenic malignancy, has become a serious public health challenge due to its high morbidity rates and metastatic potential. Recently, the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) is proved to be a promising target in cancer therapy. This study is aimed at determining the effect of aprepitant, a safe and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved NK-1R antagonist, on osteosarcoma cell migration and metastasis, and to explore its underlying mechanism of action. Methods Colorimetric MTT assay was employed to assess cell viability and cytotoxicity. A wound-healing assay was used to examine migration ability. The desired genes' protein and mRNA expression levels were measured by western blot assay and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), respectively. Gelatinase activity was also measured by zymography. Results We found that aprepitant inhibited MG-63 osteosarcoma cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. We also observed that aprepitant inhibited the migrative phenotype of osteosarcoma cells and reduced the expression levels and activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Aprepitant also reduced the expression of an angiogenic factor, VEGF protein, and NF-κB as an important transcriptional regulator of metastasis-related genes. Conclusion Collectively, our observations indicate that aprepitant modulates the metastatic behavior of human osteosarcoma cells, which may be applied to an effective therapeutic approach for patients with metastatic osteosarcoma.
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García-Aranda M, Téllez T, McKenna L, Redondo M. Neurokinin-1 Receptor (NK-1R) Antagonists as a New Strategy to Overcome Cancer Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092255. [PMID: 35565383 PMCID: PMC9102068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the identification of new therapeutic targets that allow for the development of treatments, which as monotherapy, or in combination with other existing treatments can contribute to improve response rates, prognosis and survival of oncologic patients, is a priority to optimize healthcare within sustainable health systems. Recent studies have demonstrated the role of Substance P (SP) and its preferred receptor, Neurokinin 1 Receptor (NK-1R), in human cancer and the potential antitumor activity of NK-1R antagonists as an anticancer treatment. In this review, we outline the relevant studies published to date regarding the SP/NK-1R complex as a key player in human cancer and also evaluate if the repurposing of already marketed NK-1R antagonists may be useful in the development of new treatment strategies to overcome cancer resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilina García-Aranda
- Research and Innovation Unit, Hospital Costa del Sol, Autovía A-7, km 187, 29603 Marbella, Spain; (M.G.-A.); (L.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), C/Dr. Miguel Díaz Recio, 28, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC) and Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud (RICAPPS), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain;
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Teresa Téllez
- Red de Investigación en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC) and Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud (RICAPPS), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain;
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Lauraine McKenna
- Research and Innovation Unit, Hospital Costa del Sol, Autovía A-7, km 187, 29603 Marbella, Spain; (M.G.-A.); (L.M.)
| | - Maximino Redondo
- Research and Innovation Unit, Hospital Costa del Sol, Autovía A-7, km 187, 29603 Marbella, Spain; (M.G.-A.); (L.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), C/Dr. Miguel Díaz Recio, 28, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC) and Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud (RICAPPS), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain;
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Correspondence:
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