1
|
Olbrich K, Setkowicz Z, Kawon K, Czyzycki M, Janik-Olchawa N, Carlomagno I, Aquilanti G, Chwiej J. Vibrational spectroscopy methods for investigation of the animal models of glioblastoma multiforme. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 303:123230. [PMID: 37586277 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.123230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and devastating primary brain tumor among adults. It is highly lethal disease, as only 25% of patients survive longer than 1 year and only 5% more than 5 years from the diagnosis. To search for the new, more effective methods of treatment, the understanding of mechanisms underlying the process of tumorigenesis is needed. The new light on this problem may be shed by the analysis of biochemical anomalies of tissues affected by tumor growth. Therefore, in the present work, we applied the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman microspectroscopy to evaluate changes in the distribution and structure of biomolecules appearing in the rat brain as a result of glioblastoma development. In turn, synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy was utilized to determine the elemental anomalies appearing in the nervous tissue. To achieve the assumed goals of the study animal models of GBM were used. The rats were subjected to the intracranial implantation of glioma cells with different degree of invasiveness. For spectroscopic investigation brain slices taken from the area of cancer cells administration were used. The obtained results revealed, among others, the decrease content of lipids and compounds containing carbonyl groups, compositional and structural changes of proteins as well as abnormalities in the distribution of low atomic number elements within the region of tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Olbrich
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Setkowicz
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamil Kawon
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mateusz Czyzycki
- Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Natalia Janik-Olchawa
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | | | | | - Joanna Chwiej
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marecki R, Kałuska J, Kolanek A, Hakało D, Waszkiewicz N. Zuranolone - synthetic neurosteroid in treatment of mental disorders: narrative review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1298359. [PMID: 38116383 PMCID: PMC10729607 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1298359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
With each passing year, the number of people suffering from mental disorders grows at a disturbing speed. Neuroactive steroids are a new promising group of drugs with the potential for use in many diseases like postpartum depression, postnatal psychosis, major depression, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and Parkinson's tremor, due to their ability to modulate the activity of GABAA receptor. Neurosteroids are progesterone metabolites that are synthesized from cholesterol or steroid hormones in various brain regions. They regulate neuronal development, regeneration, and neurotransmission. They are implicated in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD, and impulsive aggression. Neurosteroids have been studied for their potential to prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and HIV-associated dementia. They can promote neurogenesis, neuronal survival, myelination, and memory function. They can also affect the growth and sensitivity of hormone-dependent brain tumors such as gliomas. Zuranolone, a newly registered neurosteroid drug has shown huge flexibility in both clinical and ambulatory treatment thanks to its pharmacokinetic traits, especially the possibility for oral administration, unlike its predecessor Brexanolone. Zuranolone is a synthetic positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor that can be taken orally. The review aims to summarize the current knowledge on zuranolone as a novel neurosteroid drug for various mental disorders, especially for postpartum mental disorders for which this drug was meant originally. It covers studies indexed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases published since 2017. Keywords used in the search, as well as inclusion and exclusion criteria, are given in the aims and methodology section. The review explains the evidence for the role of neurosteroids, especially allopregnanolone, in the pathophysiology and treatment of postpartum depression. It discusses the mechanisms of neurosteroid action, the changes in neurosteroid levels during pregnancy and postpartum, and the clinical trials of brexanolone and zuranolone, two synthetic analogs of allopregnanolone, for postpartum depression. It provides an overview of the biosynthesis and metabolism of neurosteroids in the central and peripheral nervous system. Furthermore, it explains the different sources and pathways of neurosteroid production and the factors that influence their synthesis and regulation, such as stress, hormones, drugs, and genetic variations. The review also explores the potential relevance of neurosteroids for other psychiatric disorders, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Finally, it highlights the associations between neurosteroid levels and symptom severity and the effects of neurosteroid modulation on mood, cognition, and neuroplasticity.
Collapse
|
3
|
Panada J, Klopava V, Kulahava T, Koran S, Faletrov Y, Frolova N, Fomina E, Shkumatov V. Differential induction of C6 glioma apoptosis and autophagy by 3β-hydroxysteroid-indolamine conjugates. Steroids 2023; 200:109326. [PMID: 37827441 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
In a previous work, we reported the synthesis of four novel indole steroids and their effect on rat C6 glioma proliferation in vitro. The steroid derived from dehydroepiandrosterone and tryptamine (IS-1) was the most active (52 % inhibition at 10 µM), followed by one of the epimers derived from pregnenolone and tryptamine (IS-3, 36 % inhibition at 10 µM). By contrast, the steroid derived from estrone and tryptamine (IS-2) showed negligible activity at 10 µM. No necrosis, increase in intracellular calcium or ROS levels was observed. In this work, the effect of compounds on C6 glioma apoptosis and autophagy is examined by fluorimetry and fluorescent microscopy. The IS-3 epimers disrupt the mitochondrial membrane potential and induce apoptosis in vitro moderately whereas IS-1 and IS-2 do not. However, IS-1 produces a large increase in monodansylcadaverine-positive autophagic vesicles over 24 h. The antiproliferative effect of indole steroids is ameliorated by autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine, suggesting an autophagy-dependent mechanism of cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Panada
- Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, 220006, 14 Lieninhradskaja str., Minsk, Belarus
| | - Valeriya Klopava
- Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, 220006, 14 Lieninhradskaja str., Minsk, Belarus
| | - Tatsiana Kulahava
- Institute for Nuclear Problems of the Belarusian State University, 220006, 11 Babrujskaja str., Minsk, Belarus
| | - Siarhei Koran
- Republican Research and Practical Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 220114, 23 Filimonava str., Minsk, Belarus
| | - Yaroslav Faletrov
- Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, 220006, 14 Lieninhradskaja str., Minsk, Belarus; Department of Chemistry, Belarusian State University, 220050, 4 Independence ave., Minsk, Belarus
| | - Nina Frolova
- Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, 220006, 14 Lieninhradskaja str., Minsk, Belarus
| | - Elena Fomina
- Republican Research and Practical Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 220114, 23 Filimonava str., Minsk, Belarus
| | - Vladimir Shkumatov
- Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, 220006, 14 Lieninhradskaja str., Minsk, Belarus; Department of Chemistry, Belarusian State University, 220050, 4 Independence ave., Minsk, Belarus.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gan X, Liu Y, Wang X. Targeting androgen receptor in glioblastoma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 191:104142. [PMID: 37742885 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas are primary brain tumors that originate from glial stem cells or progenitor cells. There is a large difference in the incidence of glioblastoma between males and females. Studies revealed that the gender differences in the tumor may be attributable to the androgen receptor signaling axis. The incidence rate of glioblastoma in men is higher than that in women. Aberrant activation of the androgen receptor signaling pathway, or interactions between the androgen receptor signaling axis and other signaling axes promote the development of glioblastoma. Therefore, targeting the androgen receptor holds promise as a therapeutic approach for glioblastoma. This review investigates the dynamics of drug research into the treatment of glioblastoma by targeting the androgen receptor. The first finding in line with expectations is that androgen receptor antagonists, represented by enzalutamide, have been studied and shown to have anti-glioblastoma effects. In addition, it was found that the combination of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and androgen receptor antagonists resulted in better therapeutic outcomes than each of them alone. Similar results were obtained with the combination of an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor and an androgen receptor antagonist. In addition, four small molecule compounds have been shown to exert significant anti-glioblastoma effects by directly or indirectly targeting the androgen receptor. Expectantly, one of these small molecules, seviteronel, progressed to the phase II clinical trial stage. These findings suggest that targeting the androgen receptor for glioblastoma may be a promising therapeutic option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Gan
- Guangxi Zhuang Yao Medicine Center of Engineering and Technology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, 13 Wuhe Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530200, China; Guangxi key laboratory of marine drugs, Institute of marine drugs, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, 13 Wuhe Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- Guangxi key laboratory of marine drugs, Institute of marine drugs, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, 13 Wuhe Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530200, China.
| | - Xueni Wang
- Guangxi Zhuang Yao Medicine Center of Engineering and Technology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, 13 Wuhe Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530200, China; Guangxi key laboratory of marine drugs, Institute of marine drugs, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, 13 Wuhe Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530200, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Izumi Y, Ishikawa M, Nakazawa T, Kunikata H, Sato K, Covey DF, Zorumski CF. Neurosteroids as stress modulators and neurotherapeutics: lessons from the retina. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:1004-1008. [PMID: 36254981 PMCID: PMC9827771 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids are rapidly emerging as important new therapies in neuropsychiatry, with one such agent, brexanolone, already approved for treatment of postpartum depression, and others on the horizon. These steroids have unique properties, including neuroprotective effects that could benefit a wide range of brain illnesses including depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and neurodegeneration. Over the past 25 years, our group has developed ex vivo rodent models to examine factors contributing to several forms of neurodegeneration in the retina. In the course of this work, we have developed a model of acute closed angle glaucoma that involves incubation of ex vivo retinas under hyperbaric conditions and results in neuronal and axonal changes that mimic glaucoma. We have used this model to determine neuroprotective mechanisms that could have therapeutic implications. In particular, we have focused on the role of both endogenous and exogenous neurosteroids in modulating the effects of acute high pressure. Endogenous allopregnanolone, a major stress-activated neurosteroid in the brain and retina, helps to prevent severe pressure-induced retinal excitotoxicity but is unable to protect against degenerative changes in ganglion cells and their axons under hyperbaric conditions. However, exogenous allopregnanolone, at a pharmacological concentration, completely preserves retinal structure and does so by combined effects on gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors and stimulation of the cellular process of macroautophagy. Surprisingly, the enantiomer of allopregnanolone, which is inactive at gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors, is equally retinoprotective and acts primarily via autophagy. Both enantiomers are also equally effective in preserving retinal structure and function in an in vivo glaucoma model. These studies in the retina have important implications for the ongoing development of allopregnanolone and other neurosteroids as therapeutics for neuropsychiatric illnesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukitoshi Izumi
- Department of Psychiatry and Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Makoto Ishikawa
- Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics; Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toru Nakazawa
- Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics; Department of Ophthalmology; Department of Retinal Disease Control; Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kunikata
- Department of Ophthalmology; Department of Retinal Disease Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kota Sato
- Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics; Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Psychiatry and Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry and Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zamora-Sánchez CJ, Camacho-Arroyo I. Allopregnanolone: Metabolism, Mechanisms of Action, and Its Role in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010560. [PMID: 36614002 PMCID: PMC9820109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (3α-THP) has been one of the most studied progesterone metabolites for decades. 3α-THP and its synthetic analogs have been evaluated as therapeutic agents for pathologies such as anxiety and depression. Enzymes involved in the metabolism of 3α-THP are expressed in classical and nonclassical steroidogenic tissues. Additionally, due to its chemical structure, 3α-THP presents high affinity and agonist activity for nuclear and membrane receptors of neuroactive steroids and neurotransmitters, such as the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR), membrane progesterone receptors (mPR) and the ionotropic GABAA receptor, among others. 3α-THP has immunomodulator and antiapoptotic properties. It also induces cell proliferation and migration, all of which are critical processes involved in cancer progression. Recently the study of 3α-THP has indicated that low physiological concentrations of this metabolite induce the progression of several types of cancer, such as breast, ovarian, and glioblastoma, while high concentrations inhibit it. In this review, we explore current knowledge on the metabolism and mechanisms of action of 3α-THP in normal and tumor cells.
Collapse
|
7
|
Simińska D, Korbecki J, Kojder K, Jeżewski D, Tarnowski M, Tomasiak P, Piotrowska K, Masztalewicz M, Kolasa A, Chlubek D, Baranowska-Bosiacka I. Androgen Receptor Expression in the Various Regions of Resected Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumors and in an In Vitro Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13004. [PMID: 36361793 PMCID: PMC9655141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant glioma, difficult to detect and with the lowest survival rates among gliomas. Its greater incidence among men and its higher survival rate among premenopausal women suggest that it may be associated with the levels of androgens. As androgens stimulate the androgen receptor (AR), which acts as a transcription factor, the aim of this study was the investigate the role of AR in the progression of GBM. The study was conducted on tissues collected from three regions of GBM tumors (tumor core, enhancing tumor region, and peritumoral area). In addition, an in vitro experiment was conducted on U-87 cells under various culture conditions (necrotic, hypoxic, and nutrient-deficient), mimicking the conditions in a tumor. In both of the models, androgen receptor expression was determined at the gene and protein levels, and the results were confirmed by confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry. AR mRNA expression was higher under nutrient-deficient conditions and lower under hypoxic conditions in vitro. However, there were no differences in AR protein expression. No differences in AR mRNA expression were observed between the tested tumor structures taken from patients. No differences in AR mRNA expression were observed between the men and women. However, AR protein expression in tumors resected from patients was higher in the enhancing tumor region and in the peritumoral area than in the tumor core. In women, higher AR expression was observed in the peritumoral area than in the tumor core. AR expression in GBM tumors did not differ significantly between men and women, which suggests that the higher incidence of GBM in men is not associated with AR expression. In the group consisting of men and women, AR expression varied between the regions of the tumor: AR expression was higher in the enhancing tumor region and in the peritumoral area than in the tumor core, showing a dependence on tumor conditions (hypoxia and insufficient nutrient supply).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donata Simińska
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jan Korbecki
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Klaudyna Kojder
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Jeżewski
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
- Department of Applied Neurocognitivistics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Maciej Tarnowski
- Department of Physiology in Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 54, 70-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Patrycja Tomasiak
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Piotrowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marta Masztalewicz
- Department of Neurology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kolasa
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Chlubek
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hassel B, Niehusmann P, Halvorsen B, Dahlberg D. Pro-inflammatory cytokines in cystic glioblastoma: A quantitative study with a comparison with bacterial brain abscesses. With an MRI investigation of displacement and destruction of the brain tissue surrounding a glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:846674. [PMID: 35965529 PMCID: PMC9372434 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.846674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic glioblastomas are aggressive primary brain tumors that may both destroy and displace the surrounding brain tissue as they grow. The mechanisms underlying these tumors’ destructive effect could include exposure of brain tissue to tumor-derived cytokines, but quantitative cytokine data are lacking. Here, we provide quantitative data on leukocyte markers and cytokines in the cyst fluid from 21 cystic glioblastomas, which we compare to values in 13 brain abscess pus samples. The concentration of macrophage/microglia markers sCD163 and MCP-1 was higher in glioblastoma cyst fluid than in brain abscess pus; lymphocyte marker sCD25 was similar in cyst fluid and pus, whereas neutrophil marker myeloperoxidase was higher in pus. Median cytokine levels in glioblastoma cyst fluid were high (pg/mL): TNF-α: 32, IL-6: 1064, IL-8: 23585, tissue factor: 28, the chemokine CXCL1: 639. These values were not significantly different from values in pus, pointing to a highly pro-inflammatory glioblastoma environment. In contrast, levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-13 were higher in pus than in glioblastoma cyst fluid. Based on the quantitative data, we show for the first time that the concentrations of cytokines in glioblastoma cyst fluid correlate with blood leukocyte levels, suggesting an important interaction between glioblastomas and the circulation. Preoperative MRI of the cystic glioblastomas confirmed both destruction and displacement of brain tissue, but none of the cytokine levels correlated with degree of brain tissue displacement or peri-tumoral edema, as could be assessed by MRI. We conclude that cystic glioblastomas are highly pro-inflammatory environments that interact with the circulation and that they both displace and destroy brain tissue. These observations point to the need for neuroprotective strategies in glioblastoma therapy, which could include an anti-inflammatory approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bjørnar Hassel
- Department of Neurohabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), Kjeller, Norway
- *Correspondence: Bjørnar Hassel,
| | - Pitt Niehusmann
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Halvorsen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel Dahlberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Łysiak M, Trybuła M, Mudaisi M, Bratthäll C, Strandeus M, Milos P, Hallbeck M, Malmström A. The sex-dependent role of the androgen receptor in glioblastoma: results of molecular analyses. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3436-3451. [PMID: 35661403 PMCID: PMC9533693 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We sought to analyse the androgen receptor (AR) in glioblastoma (GBM) due to the location of the AR gene on chromosome X, often reported with shorter survival and higher prevalence of GBM among males. Copy number (CN) and mRNA expression of AR were tested with droplet digital PCR in 91 fresh‐frozen GBM samples and 170 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded samples collected at Linköping University Hospital. The fresh‐frozen cohort was also subjected to pyrosequencing methylation analysis of 17 CpG sites in the AR promoter. Additionally, the gene expression of AR was analysed in the fresh‐frozen cohort and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort of isocitrate dehydrogenase wild‐type primary GBM (135 females and 219 males). The association of AR expression and overall survival (OS) was tested with Kaplan–Meier log rank analysis after dichotomisation by maximally selected rank statistics. We found that AR CN alterations were more common in female GBM. AR gene expression correlated with methylation levels of different CpG sites in males and females but there was no difference in expression between sexes. Survival analysis of TCGA cohort revealed the opposite effect of AR overexpression on OS of males and females, with high AR expression correlating with shorter OS in females and longer OS in males. Additional gene set enrichment analysis showed that AR expression correlated with DNA repair response, especially in the male group. In summary, we found that high AR gene expression in GBM exhibits sex‐dependent effects on patient survival, which, for males, is linked to DNA repair response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Łysiak
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Małgorzata Trybuła
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Munila Mudaisi
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | | | - Peter Milos
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Neurosurgery, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Martin Hallbeck
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Annika Malmström
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Advanced Home Care, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Allopregnanolone Promotes Migration and Invasion of Human Glioblastoma Cells through the Protein Tyrosine Kinase c-Src Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094996. [PMID: 35563388 PMCID: PMC9105169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBs) are the most aggressive and common primary malignant brain tumors. Steroid hormone progesterone (P4) and its neuroactive metabolites, such as allopregnanolone (3α-THP) are synthesized by neural, glial, and malignant GB cells. P4 promotes cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion of human GB cells at physiological concentrations. It has been reported that 3α-THP promotes GB cell proliferation. Here we investigated the effects of 3α-THP on GB cell migration and invasion, the participation of the enzymes involved in its metabolism (AKR1C1-4), and the role of the c-Src kinase in 3α-THP effects in GBs. 3α-THP 100 nM promoted migration and invasion of U251, U87, and LN229 human-derived GB cell lines. We observed that U251, LN229, and T98G cell lines exhibited a higher protein content of AKR1C1-4 than normal human astrocytes. AKR1C1-4 silencing did not modify 3α-THP effects on migration and invasion. 3α-THP activated c-Src protein at 10 min (U251 cells) and 15 min (U87 and LN229 cells). Interestingly, the pharmacological inhibition of c-Src decreases the promoting effects of 3α-THP on cell migration and invasion. Together, these data indicate that 3α-THP promotes GB migration and invasion through c-Src activation.
Collapse
|
11
|
Sharpe MA, Baskin DS, Jenson AV, Baskin AM. Hijacking Sexual Immuno-Privilege in GBM-An Immuno-Evasion Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10983. [PMID: 34681642 PMCID: PMC8536168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are immunosuppressive T-cells, which arrest immune responses to 'Self' tissues. Some immunosuppressive Tregs that recognize seminal epitopes suppress immune responses to the proteins in semen, in both men and women. We postulated that GBMs express reproductive-associated proteins to manipulate reproductive Tregs and to gain immune privilege. We analyzed four GBM transcriptome databases representing ≈900 tumors for hypoxia-responsive Tregs, steroidogenic pathways, and sperm/testicular and placenta-specific genes, stratifying tumors by expression. In silico analysis suggested that the presence of reproductive-associated Tregs in GBM tumors was associated with worse patient outcomes. These tumors have an androgenic signature, express male-specific antigens, and attract reproductive-associated Related Orphan Receptor C (RORC)-Treg immunosuppressive cells. GBM patient sera were interrogated for the presence of anti-sperm/testicular antibodies, along with age-matched controls, utilizing monkey testicle sections. GBM patient serum contained anti-sperm/testicular antibodies at levels > six-fold that of controls. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with estrogenic tumors which appear to mimic placental tissue. We demonstrate that RORC-Tregs drive poor patient outcome, and Treg infiltration correlates strongly with androgen levels. Androgens support GBM expression of sperm/testicular proteins allowing Tregs from the patient's reproductive system to infiltrate the tumor. In contrast, estrogen appears responsible for MDSC/TAM immunosuppression.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Androgens/metabolism
- Brain Neoplasms/immunology
- Brain Neoplasms/mortality
- Brain Neoplasms/pathology
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Databases, Factual
- Estrogens/metabolism
- Female
- Glioblastoma/immunology
- Glioblastoma/mortality
- Glioblastoma/pathology
- Humans
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Male
- Microglia/immunology
- Microglia/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Tumor Microenvironment
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/immunology
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martyn A. Sharpe
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
| | - David S. Baskin
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Amanda V. Jenson
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Alexandra M. Baskin
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mondragón JA, Serrano Y, Torres A, Orozco M, Segovia J, Manjarrez G, Romano MC. Glioblastoma cells express crucial enzymes involved in androgen synthesis: 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17-20α-hydroxylase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5α-reductase. ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES & METABOLISM 2021; 4:e00289. [PMID: 34505421 PMCID: PMC8502219 DOI: 10.1002/edm2.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour in adult humans. Therapeutic resistance and tumour recurrence after surgical removal contribute to poor prognosis for glioblastoma patients. Men are known to be more likely than women to develop an aggressive form of GB, and differences in sex steroids have emerged as a leading explanation for this finding. Studies indicate that the metabolism and proliferation of GB‐derived cells are increased by sex steroids, the expression of androgen receptors (ARs) and the synthesis of androgens and oestrogens, suggesting that these hormones have a role in the tumour pathogenesis. The expression of aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens to oestrogens, has been reported in glial cells and GB cell lines. Thus, it was necessary to test whether the steroidogenic enzymes involved in androgen synthesis are expressed in GB cells. Therefore, here, we investigated the expression of four key enzymes involved in androgen synthesis in human‐derived GB cells. U87 cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium plus foetal bovine serum and antibiotics on slides for immunocytochemistry or immunofluorescence. U87, LN229 and C6 cells were also cultured in multi‐well chambers to obtain proteins for Western blotting. We used primary antibodies against 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD), 17α‐hydroxilase/17,20‐lyase (P450c17), 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) and 5α‐reductase. Immunocytochemistry, and immunofluorescence results revealed that glioblastoma cells express 3β‐HSD, P450c17, 17β‐HSD and 5α‐reductase proteins in their cytoplasm. Moreover, Western blot analyses revealed bands corresponding to the molecular weight of these four enzymes in the three GB cell lines. Thus, glioblastoma cells have the key enzymatic machinery necessary to synthesize androgens, and these enzymes might be useful targets for new therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Antonio Mondragón
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.,Unidad de Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades, México City, México
| | - Yesenia Serrano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Andrea Torres
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Martin Orozco
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Jose Segovia
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Manjarrez
- Unidad de Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades, México City, México
| | - Marta Catalina Romano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity of Finasteride against Glioblastoma Cells. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091410. [PMID: 34575486 PMCID: PMC8469955 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is an actively growing and aggressive brain tumor with a high propensity of recurrence. Although the surgical removal of tumor mass is the primary therapeutic option against glioblastoma, supportive pharmacotherapy is highly essential due to incredibly infiltrative characteristic of glioblastoma. Temozolomide, an FDA-approved alkylating agent, has been used as a first-line standard pharmacological approach, but several evident limitations were repeatedly reported. Despite additional therapeutic options suggested, there are no medications that successfully prevent a recurrence of glioblastoma and increase the five-year survival rate. In this study, we tested the possibility that finasteride has the potential to be developed as an anti-glioblastoma drug. Finasteride, an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia, is already known to pass through the blood-brain barrier and possess antiproliferative activity of prostate epithelial cells. We showed that finasteride inhibited the maintenance of glioma stem-like cells and repressed the proliferation of glioblastoma. Mechanistically, finasteride lowered intracellular ROS level by upregulating antioxidant genes, which contributed to inefficient β-catenin accumulation. Downregulated β-catenin resulted in the reduction in stemness and cell growth in glioblastoma.
Collapse
|
14
|
Daswani B, Khan Y. Insights into the role of estrogens and androgens in glial tumorigenesis. J Carcinog 2021; 20:10. [PMID: 34526856 PMCID: PMC8411981 DOI: 10.4103/jcar.jcar_2_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are more common in males than in females. Emerging evidence from several studies in vitro and in vivo have shown the role of estrogens and androgens in glial tumorigenesis. In recent times, studies have also shed light on the actions of estrogen receptors, alpha and beta, and androgen receptor. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the research hitherto on estrogens and androgens along with an emphasis on their receptors in glioma pathophysiology. Studies with conflicting results are discussed and future possibilities are put forward. A collective understanding of the studies on these steroid hormones in glioma may serve to create an amalgamated therapeutic approach; and thereby, augment the efforts in tackling this deadly disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhavna Daswani
- Department of Life Sciences, Sophia College (Autonomous), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Yasmin Khan
- Department of Life Sciences, Sophia College (Autonomous), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Klossner R, Groessl M, Schumacher N, Fux M, Escher G, Verouti S, Jamin H, Vogt B, Mohaupt MG, Gennari-Moser C. Steroid hormone bioavailability is controlled by the lymphatic system. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9666. [PMID: 33958648 PMCID: PMC8102502 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88508-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The steroid hormone progesterone accounts for immune tolerance in pregnancy. Enhanced progesterone metabolism to 6α-OH-pregnanolone occurs in complicated pregnancies such as in preeclampsia with preterm delivery or intrauterine growth restriction, and in cancer. As lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) promote tumor immunity, we hypothesized that human LECs modify progesterone bioavailability. Primary human LECs and mice lymph nodes were incubated with progesterone and progesterone metabolism was analyzed by thin layer chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Expression of steroidogenic enzymes, down-stream signal and steroid hormone receptors was assessed by Real-time PCR. The placental cell line HTR-8/SV neo was used as reference. The impact of the progesterone metabolites of interest was investigated on the immune system by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. LECs metabolize progesterone to 6α-OH-pregnanolone and reactivate progesterone from a precursor. LECs highly express 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 and are therefore antiandrogenic and antiestrogenic. LECs express several steroid hormone receptors and PIBF1. Progesterone and its metabolites reduced TNF-α and IFN-γ production in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. LECs modify progesterone bioavailability and are a target of steroid hormones. Given the global area represented by LECs, they might have a critical immunomodulatory control in pregnancy and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Klossner
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Medicine, Lindenhofgruppe, 3006, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Groessl
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Schumacher
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Fux
- Department for Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Geneviève Escher
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Verouti
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Heidi Jamin
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Vogt
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus G Mohaupt
- Department of Medicine, Lindenhofgruppe, 3006, Bern, Switzerland.,Campus SLB, Sitem, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.,Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Carine Gennari-Moser
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bello-Alvarez C, Camacho-Arroyo I. Impact of sex in the prevalence and progression of glioblastomas: the role of gonadal steroid hormones. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:28. [PMID: 33752729 PMCID: PMC7986260 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00372-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As in other types of cancers, sex is an essential factor in the origin and progression of glioblastomas. Research in the field of endocrinology and cancer suggests that gonadal steroid hormones play an important role in the progression and prevalence of glioblastomas. In the present review, we aim to discuss the actions and mechanism triggered by gonadal steroid hormones in glioblastomas. MAIN BODY Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor. According to the epidemiological data, glioblastomas are more frequent in men than in women in a 1.6/1 proportion both in children and adults. This evidence, and the knowledge about sex influence over the prevalence of countless diseases, suggest that male gonadal steroid hormones, such as testosterone, promote glioblastomas growth. In contrast, a protective role of female gonadal steroid hormones (estradiol and progesterone) against glioblastomas has been questioned. Several pieces of evidence demonstrate a variety of effects induced by female and male gonadal steroid hormones in glioblastomas. Several studies indicate that pregnancy, a physiological state with the highest progesterone and estradiol levels, accelerates the progression of low-grade astrocytomas to glioblastomas and increases the symptoms associated with these tumors. In vitro studies have demonstrated that progesterone has a dual role in glioblastoma cells: physiological concentrations promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while very high doses (out physiological range) reduce cell proliferation and increases cell death. CONCLUSION Gonadal steroid hormones can stimulate the progression of glioblastomas through the increase in proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, the effects mentioned above depend on the concentrations of these hormones and the receptor involved in hormone actions. Estradiol and progesterone can exert promoter or protective effects while the role of testosterone has been always associated to glioblastomas progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bello-Alvarez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 04510, Ciudad de México, México.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Martínez-Gallegos AA, Guerrero-Luna G, Ortiz-González A, Cárdenas-García M, Bernès S, Hernández-Linares MG. Azasteroids from diosgenin: Synthesis and evaluation of their antiproliferative activity. Steroids 2021; 166:108777. [PMID: 33309534 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2020.108777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we report the synthesis of two new azasteroids through the modification of the A and B rings of diosgenin 1. The 4-azasteroid derivative 12 was prepared in three steps using the α,β-insaturated-3-keto compound 11 as a precursor, which was first oxidized with KMnO4/KIO4 followed by an oxidative cleavage of ring A, and subsequently cyclized with an ammonium salt, under focused microwave irradiation for a short time of 3 min. A second azasteroid was synthesized, for which the key step was the Beckmann rearrangement of ring B of the oxime 16, affording the lactam-type enamide 17 in good yield. The methodologies developed for the synthesis of the precursors derivatives 10 and 11 contribute to improved yields, compared to those reported in the literature. The biological activity of the azasteroidal compounds 12 and 17 and their precursors has been evaluated in cervical cancer cells (HeLa), colon (HCT-15), and triple negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Guerrero-Luna
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químicas. Benemérita, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72570 Puebla, Pue, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Ortiz-González
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72570 Puebla, Pue, Mexico
| | - Maura Cárdenas-García
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72570 Puebla, Pue, Mexico
| | - Sylvain Bernès
- Instituto de Física, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72570 Puebla, Pue, Mexico
| | - María Guadalupe Hernández-Linares
- Centro de Química, Instituto de Ciencias. Benemérita, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72570 Puebla, Pue, Mexico; Laboratorio de Investigación Herbario y Jardín Botánico Universitario, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72570 Puebla, Pue, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Orozco M, Valdez RA, Ramos L, Cabeza M, Segovia J, Romano MC. Dutasteride combined with androgen receptor antagonists inhibit glioblastoma U87 cell metabolism, proliferation, and invasion capacity: Androgen regulation. Steroids 2020; 164:108733. [PMID: 32980365 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2020.108733] [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: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adult humans. Therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence after surgical resection contributes to a poor prognosis for glioblastoma patients. Men are known to be more likely than women to develop an aggressive form of GB. Although the reasons for this disparity remain poorly understood, differences in sex steroids have emerged as a leading explanation. Studies indicate that GB-derived cells express androgen receptors (ARs) and synthesize androgens, suggesting that androgens may have a role in the tumor pathogenesis. Thus, our objective was to investigate the effects of the 5α-reductase enzyme inhibitor dutasteride, the AR antagonists cyproterone and flutamide, and combinations of these drugs on the metabolism, proliferation, and invasion capacity of GB-derived U87 cells. We also examined the effects of three natural androgens testosterone, androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone (T, A4, and DHT) on these cells. Cell metabolism was investigated by MTT assay, proliferation was assessed by the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay, and invasion was assessed by Boyden chamber assay. The results revealed that T and especially DHT, but not A4, increased U87 cell metabolism and proliferation. Following these findings, we examined the effect of adding dutasteride, cyproterone, or flutamide to the culture media and found that they all significantly decreased cell metabolism and proliferation. Dutasteride also significantly reduced cell invasion. Moreover, any combination of these drugs enhanced their inhibitory effects; the combination of dutasteride to flutamide was most effective at decreasing GB cell proliferation. Our results suggest that administering a combination of AR antagonists and enzyme blockers may be a more effective alternative treatment for GB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Orozco
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - R A Valdez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - L Ramos
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - M Cabeza
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J Segovia
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - M C Romano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del IPN, Ciudad de México, México.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zamora-Sánchez CJ, Hernández-Vega AM, Gaona-Domínguez S, Rodríguez-Dorantes M, Camacho-Arroyo I. 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone promotes proliferation and migration of human glioblastoma cells. Steroids 2020; 163:108708. [PMID: 32730775 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2020.108708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common and deadliest intracranial tumors. Steroid hormones, such as progesterone (P4), at physiological concentrations, promote proliferation, and migration of human GBM cells in vivo and in vitro. Neuronal and glial cells, but also GBMs, metabolize P4 and synthesize different active metabolites such as 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5α-DHP). However, their contribution to GBM malignancy remains unknown. Here, we determined the 5α-DHP effects on the number of cells, proliferation, and migration of the U87 and U251 human GBM-derived cell lines. Of the tested concentrations (1 nM-1 µM), 5α-DHP 10 nM significantly increased the number of U87 and U251 cells from day 2 of treatment, and proliferation (at day 3) in a similar manner as P4 (10 nM). The treatment with the progesterone receptor (PR) antagonist RU486 (mifepristone), blocked the effects of 5α-DHP on the number of cells and proliferation. Besides, in U251 and LN229 GBM cells, 5α-DHP promoted cell migration (from 12 to 24 h). We also determined that GBM cells expressed the 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductases (3α-HSOR), which reversibly reduce 5α-DHP to allopregnanolone (3α-THP). These data indicate that 5α-DHP induces proliferation and migration of human GBM through the activation of PR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen J Zamora-Sánchez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico
| | - Ana M Hernández-Vega
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico
| | - Saúl Gaona-Domínguez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico
| | - Mauricio Rodríguez-Dorantes
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Periférico Sur No. 4809, Col. Arenal Tepepan, Delegación Tlalpan, C.P. 14610 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rodríguez-Lozano DC, Velázquez-Vázquez DE, Del Moral-Morales A, Camacho-Arroyo I. Dihydrotestosterone Induces Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Human Glioblastoma Cell Lines. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:8813-8823. [PMID: 32982278 PMCID: PMC7490433 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s262359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most frequent and aggressive human brain tumors due to their high capacity to migrate, invade healthy brain tissue, and resist anticancer therapies. It has been reported that testosterone (T) levels are higher in patients with GBM than in healthy controls. It has also been dem{}onstrated that T induces proliferation, migration, and invasion of human GBM cell lines. T is mainly metabolized to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5α-reductase (5αR), but the role of this metabolite in GBM cells is unknown. Methods The expression of 5αR isoenzymes and AR in biopsies of GBMs was determined by the analysis of TCGA. U87 and U251 GBM cell lines were grown in supplemented DMEM. For evaluating the expression of AR in U251 and U87 cells, a RT-qPCR was performed. The cells were treated with T, DHT, finasteride (FIN), dutasteride (D), and the combined treatments, FIN+T and D+T or vehicle. After treatments, the viability was quantified by the trypan blue exclusion assay, the proliferation was evaluated by BrdU incorporation, and migration and invasion were analyzed by the scratch-wound and the transwell assays, respectively. Results In a set of glioma biopsies from TCGA, we observed that SRD5A2 (5αR2) expression was higher in GBM and in low-grade gliomas than in normal brain tissue. We observed that DHT and T increased proliferation, migration, and invasion of human GBM cell lines: U87 and U251. F and D, drugs that inhibit 5αR activity, blocked the effects of T on GBM cells. Discussion These data suggest that T induces human GBM progression through its conversion into DHT. These results can be related to the chemical structure of DHT, which increases its affinity for AR and decreases five times the rate of dissociation compared to T. Also, it is possible that DHT mediates the effects of T on cell human GBM cells motility by changing the expression of genes involved in tumor infiltration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Carolina Rodríguez-Lozano
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Diana Elisa Velázquez-Vázquez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Aylin Del Moral-Morales
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Estradiol Induces Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Human Glioblastoma Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9091930. [PMID: 32825553 PMCID: PMC7564468 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mesenchymal phenotype of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most frequent and malignant brain tumor, is associated with the worst prognosis. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cell plasticity mechanism involved in GBM malignancy. In this study, we determined 17β-estradiol (E2)-induced EMT by changes in cell morphology, expression of EMT markers, and cell migration and invasion assays in human GBM-derived cell lines. E2 (10 nM) modified the shape and size of GBM cells due to a reorganization of actin filaments. We evaluated EMT markers expression by RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence.We found that E2 upregulated the expression of the mesenchymal markers, vimentin, and N-cadherin. Scratch and transwell assays showed that E2 increased migration and invasion of GBM cells. The estrogen receptor-α (ER-α)-selective agonist 4,4’,4’’-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol (PPT, 10 nM) affected similarly to E2 in terms of the expression of EMT markers and cell migration, and the treatment with the ER-α antagonist methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (MPP, 1 μM) blocked E2 and PPT effects. ER-β-selective agonist diarylpropionitrile (DNP, 10 nM) and antagonist 4-[2-phenyl-5,7-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl]phenol (PHTPP, 1 μM) showed no effects on EMT marker expression. These data suggest that E2 induces EMT activation through ER-α in human GBM-derived cells.
Collapse
|
22
|
Anderson G. Glioblastoma chemoresistance: roles of the mitochondrial melatonergic pathway. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2020; 3:334-355. [PMID: 35582450 PMCID: PMC8992488 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Treatment-resistance is common in glioblastoma (GBM) and the glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSC) from which they arise. Current treatment options are generally regarded as very poor and this arises from a poor conceptualization of the biological underpinnings of GBM/GSC and of the plasticity that these cells are capable of utilizing in response to different treatments. A number of studies indicate melatonin to have utility in the management of GBM/GSC, both per se and when adjunctive to chemotherapy. Recent work shows melatonin to be produced in mitochondria, with the mitochondrial melatonergic pathway proposed to be a crucial factor in driving the wide array of changes in intra- and inter-cellular processes, as well as receptors that can be evident in the cells of the GBM/GSC microenvironment. Variations in the enzymatic conversion of N-acetylserotonin (NAS) to melatonin may be especially important in GSC, as NAS can activate the tyrosine receptor kinase B to increase GSC survival and proliferation. Consequently, variations in the NAS/melatonin ratio may have contrasting effects on GBM/GSC survival. It is proposed that mitochondrial communication across cell types in the tumour microenvironment is strongly driven by the need to carefully control the mitochondrial melatonergic pathways across cell types, with a number of intra- and inter-cellular processes occurring as a consequence of the need to carefully regulate the NAS/melatonin ratio. This better integrates previously disparate data on GBM/GSC as well as providing clear future research and treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PG, UK
| |
Collapse
|