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Cao JL, Li SM, Tang YJ, Hou WS, Wang AQ, Li TZ, Jin CH. Network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification of the antitumor effect and molecular mechanism of isocryptomerin on HepG2 cells. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22165. [PMID: 38400652 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Isocryptomerin (ISO) is a flavonoid isolated from the natural medicine Selaginellae Herba, which has various pharmacological activities. This study investigated the antitumor effect and underlying molecular mechanism of ISO on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cells. The cell viability assay revealed that ISO has a considerable killing effect on HCC cell lines. The apoptosis assay showed that ISO induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis through the Bad/cyto-c/cleaved (cle)-caspase-3/cleaved (cle)-PARP pathway. The network pharmacological analysis found 13 key target genes, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), AKT, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathways were strongly associated with ISO against HCC. Further verification of the results showed that ISO induced apoptosis by increasing p-p38 and p-JNK expression and decreasing p-EGFR, p-SRC, p-ERK, and p-STAT3 expression. Furthermore, ISO induced G0/G1 phase arrest by downregulating p-AKT, Cyclin D, and CDK 4 expression and upregulating p21 and p27 expression in HepG2 cells. Moreover, ISO inhibited HepG2 cell migration by decreasing p-GSK-3β, β-catenin, and N-cadherin expression and increasing E-cadherin expression. Additionally, ISO promoted ROS accumulation in HepG2 cells, and ISO-induced apoptosis, arrest cell cycle, and inhibition of migration were reversed by an ROS scavenger, N-acetyl- l-cysteine. Overall, ISO induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell migration by ROS-mediated EGFR, AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways in HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Long Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Shu-Mei Li
- Hemodialysis Center, Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, Daqing, China
| | - Yan-Jun Tang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Food Science, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Wen-Shuang Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - An-Qi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Tian-Zhu Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Science, Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Cheng-Hao Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Food Science, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
- National Coarse Cereals Engineering Research Center, Daqing, China
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2
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Sazdova I, Keremidarska-Markova M, Dimitrova D, Mitrokhin V, Kamkin A, Hadzi-Petrushev N, Bogdanov J, Schubert R, Gagov H, Avtanski D, Mladenov M. Anticarcinogenic Potency of EF24: An Overview of Its Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, Mechanism of Action, and Nanoformulation for Drug Delivery. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5478. [PMID: 38001739 PMCID: PMC10670065 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225478] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
EF24, a synthetic monocarbonyl analog of curcumin, shows significant potential as an anticancer agent with both chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties. It exhibits rapid absorption, extensive tissue distribution, and efficient metabolism, ensuring optimal bioavailability and sustained exposure of the target tissues. The ability of EF24 to penetrate biological barriers and accumulate at tumor sites makes it advantageous for effective cancer treatment. Studies have demonstrated EF24's remarkable efficacy against various cancers, including breast, lung, prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancer. The unique mechanism of action of EF24 involves modulation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways, disrupting cancer-promoting inflammation and oxidative stress. EF24 inhibits tumor growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, mainly through inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and by regulating key genes by modulating microRNA (miRNA) expression or the proteasomal pathway. In summary, EF24 is a promising anticancer compound with a unique mechanism of action that makes it effective against various cancers. Its ability to enhance the effects of conventional therapies, coupled with improvements in drug delivery systems, could make it a valuable asset in cancer treatment. However, addressing its solubility and stability challenges will be crucial for its successful clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliyana Sazdova
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.S.); (M.K.-M.); (H.G.)
| | - Milena Keremidarska-Markova
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.S.); (M.K.-M.); (H.G.)
| | - Daniela Dimitrova
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Vadim Mitrokhin
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Physiology, Russian States Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Andre Kamkin
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Physiology, Russian States Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Nikola Hadzi-Petrushev
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
| | - Jane Bogdanov
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
| | - Rudolf Schubert
- Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Universitätsstrasse 2, 86159 Augsburg, Germany;
| | - Hristo Gagov
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.S.); (M.K.-M.); (H.G.)
| | - Dimiter Avtanski
- Friedman Diabetes Institute, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, 110 E 59th Street, New York, NY 10022, USA
| | - Mitko Mladenov
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Physiology, Russian States Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (A.K.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
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3
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Sandru F, Petca RC, Carsote M, Petca A, Dumitrascu M, Ghemigian A. Adrenocortical carcinoma: Pediatric aspects (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:287. [DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Florica Sandru
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Răzvan-Cosmin Petca
- Department of Urology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Dumitrascu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adina Ghemigian
- Department of Endocrinology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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4
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Sbiera I, Kircher S, Altieri B, Fassnacht M, Kroiss M, Sbiera S. Epithelial and Mesenchymal Markers in Adrenocortical Tissues: How Mesenchymal Are Adrenocortical Tissues? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1736. [PMID: 33917436 PMCID: PMC8038668 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A clinically relevant proportion of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) cases shows a tendency to metastatic spread. The objective was to determine whether the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a mechanism associated with metastasizing in several epithelial cancers, might play a crucial role in ACC. 138 ACC, 29 adrenocortical adenomas (ACA), three normal adrenal glands (NAG), and control tissue samples were assessed for the expression of epithelial (E-cadherin and EpCAM) and mesenchymal (N-cadherin, SLUG and SNAIL) markers by immunohistochemistry. Using real-time RT-PCR we quantified the alternative isoform splicing of FGFR 2 and 3, another known indicator of EMT. We also assessed the impact of these markers on clinical outcome. Results show that both normal and neoplastic adrenocortical tissues lacked expression of epithelial markers but strongly expressed mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and SLUG. FGFR isoform splicing confirmed higher similarity of adrenocortical tissues to mesenchymal compared to epithelial tissues. In ACC, higher SLUG expression was associated with clinical markers indicating aggressiveness, while N-cadherin expression inversely associated with these markers. In conclusion, we could not find any indication of EMT as all adrenocortical tissues lacked expression of epithelial markers and exhibited closer similarity to mesenchymal tissues. However, while N-cadherin might play a positive role in tissue structure upkeep, SLUG seems to be associated with a more aggressive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliu Sbiera
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (I.S.); (B.A.); (M.F.)
| | - Stefan Kircher
- Institute for Pathology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (I.S.); (B.A.); (M.F.)
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (I.S.); (B.A.); (M.F.)
- Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (I.S.); (B.A.); (M.F.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (I.S.); (B.A.); (M.F.)
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Mizdrak M, Tičinović Kurir T, Božić J. The Role of Biomarkers in Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Review of Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Biomedicines 2021; 9:174. [PMID: 33578890 PMCID: PMC7916711 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy arising from the adrenal cortex often with unexpected biological behavior. It can occur at any age, with two peaks of incidence: in the first and between fifth and seventh decades of life. Although ACC are mostly hormonally active, precursors and metabolites, rather than end products of steroidogenesis are produced by dedifferentiated and immature malignant cells. Distinguishing the etiology of adrenal mass, between benign adenomas, which are quite frequent in general population, and malignant carcinomas with dismal prognosis is often unfeasible. Even after pathohistological analysis, diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinomas is not always straightforward and represents a great challenge for experienced and multidisciplinary expert teams. No single imaging method, hormonal work-up or immunohistochemical labelling can definitively prove the diagnosis of ACC. Over several decades' great efforts have been made in finding novel reliable and available diagnostic and prognostic factors including steroid metabolome profiling or target gene identification. Despite these achievements, the 5-year mortality rate still accounts for approximately 75% to 90%, ACC is frequently diagnosed in advanced stages and therapeutic options are unfortunately limited. Therefore, imperative is to identify new biological markers that can predict patient prognosis and provide new therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Mizdrak
- Department of Nephrology and Hemodialysis, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Tina Tičinović Kurir
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Joško Božić
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
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Ahmed AA, Thomas AJ, Ganeshan DM, Blair KJ, Lall C, Lee JT, Morshid AI, Habra MA, Elsayes KM. Adrenal cortical carcinoma: pathology, genomics, prognosis, imaging features, and mimics with impact on management. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2020; 45:945-963. [PMID: 31894378 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-019-02371-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor with a poor prognosis. Most tumors are either metastatic or locally invasive at the time of diagnosis. Differentiation between ACC and other adrenal masses depends on clinical, biochemical, and imaging factors. This review will discuss the genetics, pathological, and imaging feature of ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayahallah A Ahmed
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Aaron J Thomas
- Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dhakshina Moorthy Ganeshan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Katherine J Blair
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chandana Lall
- Department of Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - James T Lee
- Department of Radiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Ali I Morshid
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mouhammed A Habra
- Departments of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Khaled M Elsayes
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Rubin B, Pilon C, Pezzani R, Rebellato A, Fallo F. The effects of mitotane and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 on Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in human adrenocortical carcinoma cells. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:357-367. [PMID: 31587178 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01127-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mitotane is the only chemotherapeutic agent available for the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), however, the anti-neoplastic efficacy is limited due to several side-effects in vivo. There is, therefore, a need of exploring for new anti-tumoral agents which can be used either alone or in combination with mitotane. The active vitamin D metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) acts as an anti-proliferative agent in human cancer by inhibiting the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The aim of this study was to study the effects of mitotane and 1α,25(OH)2D3, individually or in combination, in an in vitro model with H295R ACC cells, and to elucidate the molecular events behind their effects involving the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. METHODS AND RESULTS Multiple concentrations of mitotane and 1α,25(OH)2D3, individually or in combination, were tested on H295R cells for 24-96 h, and the effects analysed by MTT. A reduction in cell growth was observed in a dose/time-dependent manner for both mitotane and 1α,25(OH)2D3. In addition, a combination of clinically sub-therapeutic concentrations of mitotane with 1α,25(OH)2D3, had an additive anti-proliferative effect (Combination Index = 1.02). In a wound healing assay, individual treatments of both mitotane and 1α,25(OH)2D3 reduced the migration ability of H295R cells, with the effect further enhanced on combining both the agents. Western blotting and qRT-PCR analysis showed a modulation of the Wnt/beta-catenin and VDR signaling pathways. CONCLUSION Our results show an additive effect of mitotane and 1α,25(OH)2D3 on the inhibition of H295R ACC cell growth and viability, and suggest that molecular mechanisms of their effects involve a functional link between VDR and Wnt/beta-catenin pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Rubin
- Endocrine-Metabolic Laboratory, Clinica Medica 3, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - C Pilon
- Endocrine-Metabolic Laboratory, Clinica Medica 3, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - R Pezzani
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - A Rebellato
- Endocrine-Metabolic Laboratory, Clinica Medica 3, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - F Fallo
- Endocrine-Metabolic Laboratory, Clinica Medica 3, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy.
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Biological Effects of EF24, a Curcumin Derivative, Alone or Combined with Mitotane in Adrenocortical Tumor Cell Lines. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24122202. [PMID: 31212829 PMCID: PMC6630722 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24122202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Curcumin has numerous properties and is used in many preclinical conditions, including cancer. It has low bioavailability, while its derivative EF24 shows enhanced solubility. However, its effects have never been explored in adrenocortical tumor cell models. The efficacy of EF24 alone or combined with mitotane (reference drug for adrenocortical cancer) was evaluated in two adrenocortical tumor cell lines, SW13 and H295R. METHOD AND RESULTS EF24 reduced cell viability with an IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) of 6.5 ± 2.4 μM and 4.9 ± 2.8 μM for SW13 and H295R cells, respectively. Combination index (EF24 associated with mitotane) suggested an additivity effect in both cell lines. Cell cycle analysis revealed an increase in subG0/G1 phase, while motility assay showed a decrease in migratory cell capacity, and similarly, clonogenic assay indicated that EF24 could reduce colony numbers. Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3k/Akt pathways were modulated by Western blot analysis when treating cells with EF24 alone or combined with mitotane. In addition, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels increased in both cell lines. CONCLUSION This work analyzed EF24 in adrenocortical tumor cell lines for the first time. These results suggest that EF24 could potentially impact on adrenocortical tumors, laying the foundation for further research in animal models.
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Kwok GTY, Zhao JT, Glover AR, Gill AJ, Clifton-Bligh R, Robinson BG, Ip JCY, Sidhu SB. microRNA-431 as a Chemosensitizer and Potentiator of Drug Activity in Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Oncologist 2019; 24:e241-e250. [PMID: 30918109 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2018-0849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine cancer with treatments limited in efficacy for metastatic disease. New molecular targeted therapies have yet to improve patient outcomes. In contrast, established treatment regimens of adrenolytics and chemotherapy have demonstrated treatment benefit, although admittedly in a minority of patients. Identification of microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients responsive to adjuvant therapy may offer a means to sensitize patients with progressive disease to existing adjuvant regimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples from primary ACC tumors of 10 Stage IV patients were examined for differentially expressed miRNAs between a "sensitive" and "resistant" cohort. Candidate microRNAs were restored via transfection in two functional ACC cell lines. Gain of function and effects on apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed. RESULTS microRNA-431 (miR-431) was underexpressed in patients with ACC with progressive disease undergoing adjuvant therapy. Restoration of miR-431 in vitro decreased the half maximal inhibitory concentrations of doxorubicin and mitotane, with markedly increased apoptosis. We found that a reversal of epithelial-mesenchymal transition underlies the action of miR-431 with doxorubicin treatment, with Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 implicated as the molecular target of miR-431 in ACC. CONCLUSION This is the first report of the potential of miRNA therapy to sensitize ACC to current established adjuvant therapy regimens, which may mitigate the resistance underlying treatment failure in patients with advanced ACC. Effective and well-studied methods of targeted miRNA delivery in existence hints at the imminent translatability of these findings. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine cancer with outcomes not improving despite extensive research and new targeted therapies. Mitotane and etoposide/doxorubicin/cisplatin chemotherapy is trial validated for improved recurrence-free survival. However, a minority of patients experience sustained benefit. Significant side effects exist for this regimen, with patients often unable to attain target drug doses shown to give survival benefit. This preclinical study examines the role of microRNAs in sensitizing ACC to doxorubicin or mitotane. This study offers an important bridge between new and existing cancer treatments, offering an imminently translatable approach to the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace T Y Kwok
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jing Ting Zhao
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony R Glover
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital and University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony J Gill
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roderick Clifton-Bligh
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School Northern, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital and University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Sydney Endocrine Surgery Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bruce G Robinson
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital and University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julian C Y Ip
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stan B Sidhu
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Sydney Endocrine Surgery Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Fassnacht M, Dekkers O, Else T, Baudin E, Berruti A, de Krijger R, Haak H, Mihai R, Assie G, Terzolo M. European Society of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of adrenocortical carcinoma in adults, in collaboration with the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors. Eur J Endocrinol 2018; 179:G1-G46. [PMID: 30299884 DOI: 10.1530/eje-18-0608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 463] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and in most cases steroid hormone-producing tumor with variable prognosis. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide clinicians with best possible evidence-based recommendations for clinical management of patients with ACC based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. We predefined four main clinical questions, which we judged as particularly important for the management of ACC patients and performed systematic literature searches: (A) What is needed to diagnose an ACC by histopathology? (B) Which are the best prognostic markers in ACC? (C) Is adjuvant therapy able to prevent recurrent disease or reduce mortality after radical resection? (D) What is the best treatment option for macroscopically incompletely resected, recurrent or metastatic disease? Other relevant questions were discussed within the group. Selected Recommendations: (i) We recommend that all patients with suspected and proven ACC are discussed in a multidisciplinary expert team meeting. (ii) We recommend that every patient with (suspected) ACC should undergo careful clinical assessment, detailed endocrine work-up to identify autonomous hormone excess and adrenal-focused imaging. (iii) We recommend that adrenal surgery for (suspected) ACC should be performed only by surgeons experienced in adrenal and oncological surgery aiming at a complete en bloc resection (including resection of oligo-metastatic disease). (iv) We suggest that all suspected ACC should be reviewed by an expert adrenal pathologist using the Weiss score and providing Ki67 index. (v) We suggest adjuvant mitotane treatment in patients after radical surgery that have a perceived high risk of recurrence (ENSAT stage III, or R1 resection, or Ki67 >10%). (vi) For advanced ACC not amenable to complete surgical resection, local therapeutic measures (e.g. radiation therapy, radiofrequency ablation, chemoembolization) are of particular value. However, we suggest against the routine use of adrenal surgery in case of widespread metastatic disease. In these patients, we recommend either mitotane monotherapy or mitotane, etoposide, doxorubicin and cisplatin depending on prognostic parameters. In selected patients with a good response, surgery may be subsequently considered. (vii) In patients with recurrent disease and a disease-free interval of at least 12 months, in whom a complete resection/ablation seems feasible, we recommend surgery or alternatively other local therapies. Furthermore, we offer detailed recommendations about the management of mitotane treatment and other supportive therapies. Finally, we suggest directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Dekkers
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tobias Else
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Eric Baudin
- Endocrine Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- INSERM UMR 1185, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Université Paris Sud, Paris, France
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Medical Oncology, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ronald de Krijger
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Reinier de Graaf Hospital, Delft, the Netherlands
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Harm Haak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Máxima Medical Centre, Eindhoven/Veldhoven, the Netherlands
- Maastricht University, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Radu Mihai
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Churchill Cancer Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Guillaume Assie
- Department of Endocrinology, Reference Center for Rare Adrenal Diseases, Reference Center dor Rare Adrenal Cancers, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1016, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Massimo Terzolo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Internal Medicine, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
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11
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Lotfi CFP, Kremer JL, dos Santos Passaia B, Cavalcante IP. The human adrenal cortex: growth control and disorders. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2018; 73:e473s. [PMID: 30208164 PMCID: PMC6113920 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2018/e473s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes key knowledge regarding the development, growth, and growth disorders of the adrenal cortex from a molecular perspective. The adrenal gland consists of two distinct regions: the cortex and the medulla. During embryological development and transition to the adult adrenal gland, the adrenal cortex acquires three different structural and functional zones. Significant progress has been made in understanding the signaling and molecules involved during adrenal cortex zonation. Equally significant is the knowledge obtained regarding the action of peptide factors involved in the maintenance of zonation of the adrenal cortex, such as peptides derived from proopiomelanocortin processing, adrenocorticotropin and N-terminal proopiomelanocortin. Findings regarding the development, maintenance and growth of the adrenal cortex and the molecular factors involved has improved the scientific understanding of disorders that affect adrenal cortex growth. Hypoplasia, hyperplasia and adrenocortical tumors, including adult and pediatric adrenocortical adenomas and carcinomas, are described together with findings regarding molecular and pathway alterations. Comprehensive genomic analyses of adrenocortical tumors have shown gene expression profiles associated with malignancy as well as methylation alterations and the involvement of miRNAs. These findings provide a new perspective on the diagnosis, therapeutic possibilities and prognosis of adrenocortical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudimara Ferini Pacicco Lotfi
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- *Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Jean Lucas Kremer
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Barbara dos Santos Passaia
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Isadora Pontes Cavalcante
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
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12
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Liu S, Ding G, Zhou Z, Feng C. β-Catenin-driven adrenocortical carcinoma is characterized with immune exclusion. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:2029-2036. [PMID: 29670378 PMCID: PMC5898592 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s159979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is characterized by overexpressed CTNNB1, which is reported to modulate immune exclusion. Cross talk between CTNNB1 and cancer immunity in ACC remains unclear. Materials and methods In silico reproduction of TCGA-ACC dataset (N = 92) and external validation using tissue samples were performed (N = 16). Expression data of CTNNB1, PD-1, and PD-L1 were extracted in silico and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were profiled using code provided by Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER). In-house formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded ACC samples were processed using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for CTNNB1, CD45, PD-1, and PD-L1. Results Increased CTNNB1 expression was significantly associated with worsened overall survival (OS) (P = 0.006). CD8+ cells were significantly associated with better OS (P = 0.02). Higher PD-L1 (P = 0.019), but not PD-1 expression (P = 0.325), was associated with better OS. CTNNB1 overexpression was significantly associated with increased tumor purity (r = 0.356, P = 0.002) and fewer TILs (r = -0.833, P = 0.029), decreased infiltrating CD8+ cells (P = 0.033), and increased infiltrating B cells (P = 0.026). CTNNB1 expression was negatively correlated with PD-L1 expression (r = -0.308, P = 0.006) but not with PD-1 expression (P = 0.067), which were externally validated (P = 0.032 for PD-L1 and P = 0.400 for PD-1). The Cox regression model encompassing gender, B cells, CD8+ cells, PD-L1, CTNNB1, and Ki-67 revealed that only Ki-67 overexpression remained significantly associated with OS (P < 0.001), while CTNNB1 showed marginal significance (P = 0.06). CTNNB1-overexpressed patients were more likely to have cortisol excess (P = 0.003). Conclusion ACC with CTNNB1 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and decreased immunity. Our findings suggest that CTNNB1-targeting therapy may overcome immune exclusion in ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghua Liu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanxiong Ding
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongwen Zhou
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenchen Feng
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Shanghai, China
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13
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Hui W, Liu S, Zheng J, Fang Z, Ding Q, Feng C. Nutlin-3a as a novel anticancer agent for adrenocortical carcinoma with CTNNB1 mutation. Cancer Med 2018. [PMID: 29532999 PMCID: PMC5911589 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy, and CTNNB1 is frequently mutated in ACC. Our study aims to screen for effective agents with antineoplastic activity against ACC with CTNNB1 mutation. In‐silico screening of the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database was conducted. Drug sensitivity in cells with CTNNB1 mutation was analyzed and further in vitro and in vivo studies were performed using the compound. Only one compound, Nutlin‐3a, an MDM2 inhibitor, was significantly sensitive in 18 cancer cells with CTNNB1 mutation. Further analysis of the 18 cells revealed no significant efficacy between cells with both CTNNB1 and TP53 mutations indicating concomitant TP53 mutation did not impact on drug efficacy. We verified that Nutlin‐3a inhibited cellular proliferation in ACC cell line NCI‐H295R which harbored CTNNB1 mutation but not in SW13 cells which did not. Nutlin‐3a induced cell apoptosis and G1 cell‐cycle arrest in NCI‐H295R cells. Nutlin‐3a also decreased cellular migration and inhibited epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in terms of EMT index. Nutlin‐3a resulted in decreased β‐catenin level independent of p53 level in NCI‐H295R but not SW13 cells. We also evaluated the effect of Nutlin‐3a on hormonal secretion of NCI‐H295R cells and found it resulted in decreased levels of cortisol, androgen, and progesterone. Nutlin‐3a treatment inhibited ACC tumor growth with no observed toxicity in mice in vivo. Our study has revealed that Nutlin‐3a potently inhibits ACC with CTNNB1 mutation. How p53/MDM2 axis coordinates with Wnt/beta‐Catenin signaling in ACC warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Hui
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Shenghua Liu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Zujun Fang
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Chenchen Feng
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Shanghai, 200040, China
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