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Thankarajan E, Tuchinsky H, Aviel-Ronen S, Bazylevich A, Gellerman G, Patsenker L. Antibody guided activatable NIR photosensitizing system for fluorescently monitored photodynamic therapy with reduced side effects. J Control Release 2022; 343:506-517. [PMID: 35150812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing an organic dye (photosensitizer) capable of killing cancer cells in the body upon light irradiation is one of the promising non-invasive treatment modalities for many cancers. A known drawback of PDT is a side-effect caused by existing photosensitizers to organs due to insufficient specificity and accidental light exposure of a patient during the delivery of the photosensitizer in the bloodstream. To overcome this issue, we developed a novel antibody guided, activatable photosensitizing system, Ab-mI2XCy-Ac, where the trastuzumab (Ab) is linked to the non-active (not phototoxic and not fluorescent) dye, mI2XCy-Ac, that contains the hydroxyl group protected by acetyl (Ac). This targeting, non-photo-active conjugate was shown to be safely (without detectable side-effects) delivered to the targeted tumor, where it is activated by the esterase-mediated acetyl group cleavage and effectively treats the tumor upon NIR light irradiation. It was demonstrated in the Her2 positive BT-474 tumor mouse model that the treatment efficacy of the activatable photosensitizing system is about the same as for the permanently active photosensitizer, Ab-mI2XCy, while the side-effects are noticeably reduced. In addition, this activatable system enables fluorescence monitoring of the photosensitizer activation events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebaston Thankarajan
- Department of Chemical Sciences, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Helena Tuchinsky
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Sarit Aviel-Ronen
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Andrii Bazylevich
- Department of Chemical Sciences, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Gary Gellerman
- Department of Chemical Sciences, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Leonid Patsenker
- Department of Chemical Sciences, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel.
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2
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Kalogera E, Pistos C, Provatopoulou X, Christophi CA, Zografos GC, Stefanidou M, Spiliopoulou C, Athanaselis S, Gounaris A. Bioanalytical LC-MS Method for the Quantification of Plasma Androgens and Androgen Glucuronides in Breast Cancer. J Chromatogr Sci 2016; 54:583-92. [PMID: 26762957 DOI: 10.1093/chromsci/bmv190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The physiological and pathological development of the breast is strongly affected by the hormonal milieu consisting of steroid hormones. Mass spectrometry (MS) technologies of high sensitivity and specificity enable the quantification of androgens and consequently the characterization of the hormonal status. The aim of this study is the assessment of plasma androgens and androgen glucuronides, in the par excellence hormone-sensitive tissue of the breast, through the application of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). A simple and efficient fit-for-purpose method for the simultaneous identification and quantification of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione (A4), androsterone glucuronide (ADTG) and androstane-3α, 17β-diol-17-glucuronide (3α-diol-17G) in human plasma was developed and validated. The presented method permits omission of derivatization, requires a single solid-phase extraction procedure and the chromatographic separation can be achieved on a single C18 analytical column, for all four analytes. The validated method was successfully applied for the analysis of 191 human plasma samples from postmenopausal women with benign breast disease (BBD), lobular neoplasia (LN), ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). DHEAS plasma levels exhibited significant differences between LN, IDC and BBD patients (P < 0.05). Additionally, ADTG levels were significantly higher in patients with LN compared with those with BBD (P < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Kalogera
- Research Center, Hellenic Anticancer Institute, 11 Valtetsiou st, Athens, 10680, Greece
| | - Constantinos Pistos
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Xeni Provatopoulou
- Research Center, Hellenic Anticancer Institute, 11 Valtetsiou st, Athens, 10680, Greece
| | - Costas A Christophi
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health in association with Harvard School of Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George C Zografos
- Breast Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokratio Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Stefanidou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chara Spiliopoulou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Athanaselis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonia Gounaris
- Research Center, Hellenic Anticancer Institute, 11 Valtetsiou st, Athens, 10680, Greece
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Mueller JW, Gilligan LC, Idkowiak J, Arlt W, Foster PA. The Regulation of Steroid Action by Sulfation and Desulfation. Endocr Rev 2015; 36:526-63. [PMID: 26213785 PMCID: PMC4591525 DOI: 10.1210/er.2015-1036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Steroid sulfation and desulfation are fundamental pathways vital for a functional vertebrate endocrine system. After biosynthesis, hydrophobic steroids are sulfated to expedite circulatory transit. Target cells express transmembrane organic anion-transporting polypeptides that facilitate cellular uptake of sulfated steroids. Once intracellular, sulfatases hydrolyze these steroid sulfate esters to their unconjugated, and usually active, forms. Because most steroids can be sulfated, including cholesterol, pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and estrone, understanding the function, tissue distribution, and regulation of sulfation and desulfation processes provides significant insights into normal endocrine function. Not surprisingly, dysregulation of these pathways is associated with numerous pathologies, including steroid-dependent cancers, polycystic ovary syndrome, and X-linked ichthyosis. Here we provide a comprehensive examination of our current knowledge of endocrine-related sulfation and desulfation pathways. We describe the interplay between sulfatases and sulfotransferases, showing how their expression and regulation influences steroid action. Furthermore, we address the role that organic anion-transporting polypeptides play in regulating intracellular steroid concentrations and how their expression patterns influence many pathologies, especially cancer. Finally, the recent advances in pharmacologically targeting steroidogenic pathways will be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Mueller
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna C Gilligan
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Idkowiak
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A Foster
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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Teng Y, Litchfield LM, Ivanova MM, Prough RA, Clark BJ, Klinge CM. Dehydroepiandrosterone-induces miR-21 transcription in HepG2 cells through estrogen receptor β and androgen receptor. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 392:23-36. [PMID: 24845419 PMCID: PMC4074919 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although oncomiR miR-21 is highly expressed in liver and overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its regulation is uncharacterized. We examined the effect of physiologically relevant nanomolar concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) on miR-21 expression in HepG2 human hepatoma cells. 10nM DHEA and DHEA-S increase pri-miR-21 transcription in HepG2 cells. Dietary DHEA increased miR-21 in vivo in mouse liver. siRNA and inhibitor studies suggest that DHEA-S requires desulfation for activity and that DHEA-induced pri-miR-21 transcription involves metabolism to androgen and estrogen receptor (AR and ER) ligands. Activation of ERβ and AR by DHEA metabolites androst-5-ene-3,17-dione (ADIONE), androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol (ADIOL), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol (3β-Adiol) increased miR-21 transcription. DHEA-induced miR-21 increased cell proliferation and decreased Pdcd4 protein, a bona fide miR-21. Estradiol (E2) inhibited miR-21 expression via ERα. DHEA increased ERβ and AR recruitment to the miR-21 promoter within the VMP1/TMEM49 gene, with possible significance in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Teng
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Lacey M Litchfield
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Margarita M Ivanova
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Russell A Prough
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Barbara J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
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In rats, oral oleoyl-DHEA is rapidly hydrolysed and converted to DHEA-sulphate. BMC Pharmacol 2007; 7:4. [PMID: 17346356 PMCID: PMC1831771 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2210-7-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2006] [Accepted: 03/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) released by adrenal glands may be converted to androgens and estrogens mainly in the gonadal, adipose, mammary, hepatic and nervous tissue. DHEA is also a key neurosteroid and has antiglucocorticoid activity. DHEA has been used for the treatment of a number of diseases, including obesity; its pharmacological effects depend on large oral doses, which effect rapidly wanes in part because of its short half-life in plasma. Since steroid hormone esters circulate for longer periods, we have studied here whether the administration of DHEA oleoyl ester may extend its pharmacologic availability by keeping high circulating levels. Results Tritium-labelled oleoyl-DHEA was given to Wistar male and female rats by gastric tube. The kinetics of appearance of the label in plasma was unrelated to sex; the pattern being largely coincident with the levels of DHEA-sulfate only in females, and after 2 h undistinguishable from the results obtained using labelled DHEA gavages; in the short term, practically no lipophilic DHEA label was found in plasma. After 24 h only a small fraction of the label remained in the rat organs, with a different sex-related distribution pattern coincident for oleoyl- and free- DHEA gavages. The rapid conversion of oleoyl-DHEA into circulating DHEA-sulfate was investigated using stomach, liver and intestine homogenates; which hydrolysed oleoyl-DHEA optimally near pH 8. Duodenum and ileum contained the highest esterase activities. Pure hog pancreas cholesterol-esterase broke down oleoyl-DHEA at rates similar to those of oleoyl-cholesterol. The intestinal and liver esterases were differently activated by taurocholate and showed different pH-activity patterns than cholesterol esterase, suggesting that oleoyl-DHEA can be hydrolysed by a number of esterases in the lumen (e.g. cholesterol-esterase), in the intestinal wall and the liver. Conclusion The esterase activities found may condition the pharmacological availability (and depot effect) of orally administered steroid hormone fatty acid esters such as oleoyl-DHEA. The oral administration of oleoyl-DHEA in order to extend DHEA plasma availability has not been proved effective, since the ester is rapidly hydrolysed, probably in the intestine itself, and mainly converted to DHEA-sulfate at least in females.
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Reed MJ, Purohit A, Woo LWL, Newman SP, Potter BVL. Steroid sulfatase: molecular biology, regulation, and inhibition. Endocr Rev 2005; 26:171-202. [PMID: 15561802 DOI: 10.1210/er.2004-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 372] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Steroid sulfatase (STS) is responsible for the hydrolysis of aryl and alkyl steroid sulfates and therefore has a pivotal role in regulating the formation of biologically active steroids. The enzyme is widely distributed throughout the body, and its action is implicated in physiological processes and pathological conditions. The crystal structure of the enzyme has been resolved, but relatively little is known about what regulates its expression or activity. Research into the control and inhibition of this enzyme has been stimulated by its important role in supporting the growth of hormone-dependent tumors of the breast and prostate. STS is responsible for the hydrolysis of estrone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate to estrone and dehydroepiandrosterone, respectively, both of which can be converted to steroids with estrogenic properties (i.e., estradiol and androstenediol) that can stimulate tumor growth. STS expression is increased in breast tumors and has prognostic significance. The role of STS in supporting tumor growth prompted the development of potent STS inhibitors. Several steroidal and nonsteroidal STS inhibitors are now available, with the irreversible type of inhibitor having a phenol sulfamate ester as its active pharmacophore. One such inhibitor, 667 COUMATE, has now entered a phase I trial in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The skin is also an important site of STS activity, and deficiency of this enzyme is associated with X-linked ichthyosis. STS may also be involved in regulating part of the immune response and some aspects of cognitive function. The development of potent STS inhibitors will allow investigation of the role of this enzyme in physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Reed
- Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine, Imperial College, St. Mary's Hospital, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom.
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Cutolo M, Villaggio B, Seriolo B, Montagna P, Capellino S, Straub RH, Sulli A. Synovial fluid estrogens in rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmun Rev 2004; 3:193-8. [PMID: 15110231 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2003.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2003] [Accepted: 08/25/2003] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Experimental and clinical evidence suggest that immune reactivity is modulated by gender. Immune reactivity is greater in females than in males and lymphocytes and monocytes from female subjects shows higher antigen presenting activity and mitogenic responses. Steroid hormones can be converted along defined pathways to downstream hormones in the periphery. The conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in target macrophages leads to an increase of downstream effector hormones (including estrogens), which may be an important factor for local immunomodulation at least in RA synovitis. The presence in the RA synovial fluids (SF) of an altered sex hormone balance resulting in lower immunosuppressive androgens and higher immunoenhancing estrogens, might determine a favorable condition for the development of the immuno-mediated RA synovitis and synovial hyperplasia. The increased estrogen concentration observed in RA SF of both sexes are characterized by the hydroxylated forms, in particular 16alpha-hydroxyestrone, that is a mitogenic and proliferative endogenous hormone. In contrast to 16alpha-hydroxylated estrogens, the 2-hydroxylated forms inhibit growth promoting effects of E2 and were found low in RA SF. Therefore, dose-related conversion to pro- or anti-inflammatory downstream metabolites of estrogens might support the dual role of estrogens (pro or anti-inflammatory) for example during estrogen replacement therapy, depending on local concentration (i.e. SF in RA) of 16alpha-hydroxyestrone or 2-hydroxyestrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Bebedetto XV, 6, Genova 16132, Italy.
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Merrill JT. Dehydroepiandrosterone, a sex steroid metabolite in development for systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2003; 12:1017-25. [PMID: 12783605 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.12.6.1017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Deficiency of the weak androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfoconjugated metabolite DHEA-S has been associated with a number of serious illnesses, including lupus, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and some cancers. Accordingly, supplementation with DHEA has been proposed for a variety of illnesses. Observational clinical studies and in vitro experiments have suggested that DHEA treatment might have a significant impact on immunological function, bone density, cognition, atherosclerotic disease, some malignancies, insulin resistance and obesity. Endogenous circulating DHEA levels, however, may vary widely by gender, age and ethnicity and can be affected by acute changes in corticosteroid production, alcohol intake, smoking, body mass index, medications and thyroid function [1-3]. Clearly, these variables complicate the interpretation of clinical data. DHEA also gives rise to a number of as yet poorly characterised metabolites, further confusing the assessment of its net effects when considered as treatment in heterogenous populations. Given the complexity of potential effects of DHEA and its metabolites, coupled to the diversity of clinical conditions that they might, at least in theory, affect, it is not surprising that clinical confirmation of efficacy in several clinical contexts has been inconsistent and controversial, hampering drug development in what might potentially be an important and widespread market. The current review will consider recent work suggesting efficacy of DHEA (GL-701, prasterone, Prestara( trade mark ) [US], Anastar( trade mark ) [Europe]; Genelabs) in systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan T Merrill
- Member and Head, Clinical Pharmacology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 Northeast 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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