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Schally AV, Theodoropoulos G, Sha W, Vidaurre I, Wangpaichitr M. A 50-year journey in the development of treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. NPJ AGING 2025; 11:41. [PMID: 40410203 PMCID: PMC12102307 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-025-00231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2025] [Indexed: 05/25/2025]
Abstract
Recent research underscores the crucial role of hormone regulation in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the therapeutic promise of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) antagonists. BPH incidence in aging men doubled over three decades, driven by prostatic enlargement and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Aging-related changes in GH-RH and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) biology promote BPH through hormonal and inflammatory processes. Traditional therapies provide symptomatic relief but often fail to prevent progression. This review explores the 50-year extensive development of LH-RH and GH-RH peptide analogs from discovery to delivery and their potential in BPH treatment. In preclinical studies, GH-RH antagonists reduced prostate volume, improved LUTS, and modulated inflammation mediated by NF-κB and IGF-I. Clinical trials are needed to validate antagonist efficacy and safety. Given BPH's public health impact among the aged, and especially among aging Veterans, integrating GH-RH antagonists into management strategies may offer precision-based therapeutic advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew V Schally
- Endocrine and Polypeptide Institute, Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Research Service, Miami, FL, USA
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Oncology and Endocrinology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - George Theodoropoulos
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Research Service, Miami, FL, USA
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Wei Sha
- Endocrine and Polypeptide Institute, Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Irving Vidaurre
- Endocrine and Polypeptide Institute, Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Research Service, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Medhi Wangpaichitr
- Endocrine and Polypeptide Institute, Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Research Service, Miami, FL, USA.
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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2
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Granata R, Leone S, Zhang X, Gesmundo I, Steenblock C, Cai R, Sha W, Ghigo E, Hare JM, Bornstein SR, Schally AV. Growth hormone-releasing hormone and its analogues in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2025; 21:180-195. [PMID: 39537825 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-024-01052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and its ability to stimulate the production and release of growth hormone from the pituitary were discovered more than four decades ago. Since then, this hormone has been studied extensively and research into its functions is still ongoing. GHRH has multifaceted roles beyond the originally identified functions that encompass a variety of direct extrapituitary effects. In this Review, we illustrate the different biological activities of GHRH, covering the effects of GHRH agonists and antagonists in physiological and pathological contexts, along with the underlying mechanisms. GHRH and GHRH analogues have been implicated in cell growth, wound healing, cell death, inflammation, immune functions, mood disorders, feeding behaviour, neuroprotection, diabetes mellitus and obesity, as well as cardiovascular, lung and neurodegenerative diseases and some cancers. The positive effects observed in preclinical models in vitro and in vivo strongly support the potential use of GHRH agonists and antagonists as clinical therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccarda Granata
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Xianyang Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Iacopo Gesmundo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Charlotte Steenblock
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Wei Sha
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center., Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ezio Ghigo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Joshua M Hare
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center., Miami, FL, USA
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3
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Pérez-Gómez JM, Montero-Hidalgo AJ, Luque RM. GHRH and reproductive systems: Mechanisms, functions, and clinical implications. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024:10.1007/s11154-024-09931-8. [PMID: 39612161 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-024-09931-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 11/30/2024]
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) has classically been considered a regulatory neuropeptide of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, which mediates its anabolic effects through hepatic GH/IGF-I axis. However, during the last decades it has been demonstrated that this key regulatory hormone may be produced in numerous peripheral tissues outside the central nervous system, participating in fundamental physiological functions through a complex balance between its purely endocrine action, and the recently local (autocrine/paracrine) discovered role. Among peripheral sites, its presence in the male and female reproductive systems stands out. In this review, we will first explore the role of the GHRH/GHRH-R hormone axis as a central player in the gonadal function; then, we will discuss available information regarding the presence of GHRH/GHRH-R and the potential physiological roles in reproductive systems of various species; and finally, we will address how reproductive system-related disorders-such as infertility problems, endometriosis, or tumor pathologies (including prostate, or ovarian cancer)-could benefit from hormonal interventions related to the manipulation of the GHRH axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús M Pérez-Gómez
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), IMIBIC Building. Av. Menéndez Pidal S/N. 14004, Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía (HURS), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Antonio J Montero-Hidalgo
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), IMIBIC Building. Av. Menéndez Pidal S/N. 14004, Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía (HURS), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Raúl M Luque
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), IMIBIC Building. Av. Menéndez Pidal S/N. 14004, Cordoba, Spain.
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain.
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía (HURS), Cordoba, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y Nutrición, (CIBERobn), Cordoba, Spain.
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Schally AV, Cai R, Zhang X, Sha W, Wangpaichitr M. The development of growth hormone-releasing hormone analogs: Therapeutic advances in cancer, regenerative medicine, and metabolic disorders. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024:10.1007/s11154-024-09929-2. [PMID: 39592529 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-024-09929-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024]
Abstract
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) and its analogs have gained significant attention for their therapeutic potential across various domains, including oncology, regenerative medicine, and metabolic disorders. Originally recognized for its role in regulating growth hormone (GH) secretion, GHRH has since been discovered to exert broader physiological effects beyond the pituitary gland, with GHRH receptors identified in multiple extrahypothalamic tissues, including tumor cells. This review explores the development of both GHRH agonists and antagonists, focusing on their mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, and future potential. GHRH agonists have shown promise in promoting tissue regeneration, improving cardiac function, and enhancing islet survival in diabetes. Meanwhile, GHRH antagonists, particularly those in the MIA and AVR series, demonstrate potent antitumor activity by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and downregulating growth factor pathways, while also exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. Preclinical studies in models of lung, prostate, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers indicate that GHRH analogs could offer a novel therapeutic approach with minimal toxicity. Additionally, GHRH antagonists are being investigated for their potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory conditions. This review highlights the versatility of GHRH analogs as a promising class of therapeutic agents, poised to impact multiple fields of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew V Schally
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Miami VA Healthcare System, Endocrine and Polypeptide Institute, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
- South FL VA Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Miami VA Healthcare System, Endocrine and Polypeptide Institute, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xianyang Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Miami VA Healthcare System, Endocrine and Polypeptide Institute, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Wei Sha
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Miami VA Healthcare System, Endocrine and Polypeptide Institute, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Medhi Wangpaichitr
- Miami VA Healthcare System, Endocrine and Polypeptide Institute, Miami, FL, USA.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
- South FL VA Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL, USA.
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Liu S, Liu X, Song P, Yang L, Liu Z, Zhou J, Wang L, Yan X, Ma K, Yu Y, Wang X, Dong Q. Circulating levels of blood biomarkers and risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia: Results from two large cohorts in Europe and East Asia. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04242. [PMID: 39582249 PMCID: PMC11586646 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background As one of the most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases affecting aging males, the burden of benign prostatic hyperplasia is growing over the world. Our study aims at investigating the potential relationships between various blood biomarkers and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in middle-aged and older men in European and East Asian population cohorts. Methods We included 229 022 male adults from the UK Biobank (UKB) and 20 284 male adults from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in this study. Forty-four blood biomarkers in UKB cohort and 16 blood biomarkers in the CHARLS cohort were analysed to examine their association with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cox, logistic analyses and restricted cubic spline models were used to investigate linear and nonlinear longitudinal associations. Results In our research, elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol showed significant associations with a decreased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and these associations remained significant after accounting for potential covariates both in UKB cohort (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.79-0.88, P < 0.001) and CHARLS cohort (odds ratio (OR) = 0.992; 95% CI = 0.985-0.999, P = 0.033). Apolipoprotein A was also found to be inversely associated with BPH (HR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.70-0.81, P < 0.001). L-shaped relationships were discovered between level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A with incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Conclusions This large prospective biomarker-based study highlights that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein A are significant protective factors against the development of BPH, with L-shaped associations suggesting an optimal protective range. In contrast, biomarkers related to glucose metabolism, inflammation, and hormone levels were not found to significantly influence BPH progression. Our findings support the potential involvement of lipid biomarkers in the early stages of BPH development, suggesting that future strategies should prioritise lipid-related pathways in the prevention and management of BPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengzhuo Liu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyang Liu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pan Song
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Luchen Yang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenghuan Liu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linchun Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Yan
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Ma
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunfei Yu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianding Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Kidney Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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6
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Abstract
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, hypothalamic regulatory hormones were isolated, characterized and sequenced. Later, it was demonstrated hypothalamic and ectopic production of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) in normal and tumor tissues, of both humans and animals. Pituitary-type GHRH receptors (pGHRH-R) had been demonstrated to be expressed predominantly in the anterior pituitary gland but also found in other somatic cells, and significantly present in various human cancers; in addition, the expression of splice variants (SVs) of GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) has been found not only in the pituitary but in extrapituitary tissues, including human neoplasms. In relation to the prostate, besides the pGHRH-R, it has been detected the presence of truncated splice variants of GHRH-R (SV1-SV4) in normal human prostate and human prostate cancer (PCa) specimens; lastly, a novel SV of GHRH-R has been detected in human PCa. Signaling pathways activated by GHRH include AC/cAMP/PKA, Ras/Raf/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and JAK2/STAT3, which are involved in processes such as cell survival, proliferation and cytokine secretion. The neuropeptide GHRH can also transactivate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2. Thus, GHRH-Rs have become drug targets for several types of clinical conditions, including prostate-related conditions such as prostatitis, benign hyperplasia and cancer. Over the last fifty years, the development of GHRH-R receptor antagonists has been unstoppable, improving their potency, stability and affinity for the receptor. The last series of GHRH-R antagonists, AVR, exhibits superior anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities in both in vivo and in vitro assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Muñoz-Moreno
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas. Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular (Research group "Cánceres de origen epitelial"), Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Científico-Tecnológico, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene D Román
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas. Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular (Research group "Cánceres de origen epitelial"), Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Científico-Tecnológico, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana M Bajo
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas. Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular (Research group "Cánceres de origen epitelial"), Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Científico-Tecnológico, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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Gesmundo I, Pedrolli F, Cai R, Sha W, Schally AV, Granata R. Growth hormone-releasing hormone and cancer. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024:10.1007/s11154-024-09919-4. [PMID: 39422787 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-024-09919-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
The hypothalamic hormone growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), in addition to promoting the synthesis and release of growth hormone (GH), stimulates the proliferation of human normal and malignant cells by binding to GHRH-receptor (GHRH-R) and its main splice variant, SV1. Both GHRH and GHRH-Rs are expressed in various cancers, forming a stimulatory pathway for cancer cell growth; additionally, SV1 possesses ligand independent proliferative effects. Therefore, targeting GHRH-Rs pharmacologically has been proposed for the treatment of cancer. Various classes of synthetic GHRH antagonists have been developed, endowed with strong anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo, in addition to displaying anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-modulatory functions. GHRH antagonists exert indirect effects by blocking the pituitary GH/hepatic insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis, or directly inhibiting the binding of GHRH on tumor GHRH-Rs. Additionally, GHRH antagonists block the mitogenic functions of SV1 in tumor cells. This review illustrates the main findings on the antitumor effects of GHRH antagonists in experimental human cancers, along with their underlying mechanisms. The development of GHRH antagonists, with reduced toxicity and high stability, could lead to novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iacopo Gesmundo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Wei Sha
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
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Liu R, Sun Z, Wang S, Liu X, Man Y, Chen M, Liu Q, Wang C. Wenshenqianlie capsule improves benign prostatic hyperplasia via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:12574-12592. [PMID: 39237304 PMCID: PMC11466478 DOI: 10.18632/aging.206103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects play crucial roles in the recovery of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Wenshenqianlie (WSQL) capsule, a typical traditional Chinese medicine formulation combining 14 Chinese herbs, has been reported to exert tonic effects on the kidneys and improve clinical symptoms of BPH. However, its potential antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and effects on the improvement of hormone levels have not been reported in depth. In this study, mice were subcutaneously injected with TP (5 mg/kg·d-1) to induce BPH. Forty-eight adult BALB/c male mice were randomly allocated to six groups based on the type of drug administered by gavage: control, BPH, BPH+WSQL (40 and 80 mg/kg·d-1), BPH+finasteride (1 mg/kg·d-1), and WSQL-only treated (80 mg/kg·d-1). We investigated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect and mechanism of WSQL on BPH via histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting combined with in vivo serum metabolomics, gut microbiomics analysis. WSQL alleviated prostate hyperplasia and reduced prostate-specific antigen, dihydrotestosterone, testosterone, and inflammation levels. Gut microbiomics and serum non-targeted metabolomics determined that the protective effect of WSQL against BPH may be related to the improvement of inflammation and testosterone-related gut microbiota and serum metabolites. Further studies showed that WSQL ameliorated nuclear factor-kappa B, its downstream inflammatory factors, and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, School of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Shimiao Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, School of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Xin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yuhong Man
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Chunyue Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, School of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
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Katsimperis S, Kapriniotis K, Manolitsis I, Bellos T, Angelopoulos P, Juliebø-Jones P, Somani B, Skolarikos A, Tzelves L. Early investigational agents for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia'. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:359-370. [PMID: 38421373 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2326023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as a clinical entity that affects many people, has always been in the forefront of interest among researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and physicians. Patients with BPH exhibit a diverse range of symptoms, while current treatment options can occasionally cause adverse events. All the aforementioned have led to an increased demand for more effective treatment options. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the outcomes of new medications used in a pre-clinical and clinical setting for the management of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/BPH and provides information about ongoing trials and future directions in the management of this condition. More specifically, sheds light upon drug categories, such as reductase‑adrenoceptor antagonists, drugs interfering with the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) signaling pathway, onabotulinumtoxinA, vitamin D3 (calcitriol) analogues, selective cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonists, talaporfin sodium, inhibitor of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), drugs targeting the hormonal control of the prostate, phytotherapy, and many more. EXPERT OPINION Clinical trials are being conducted on a number of new medications that may emerge as effective therapeutic alternatives in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stamatios Katsimperis
- 2nd University Department of Urology, Sismanoglio Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Manolitsis
- 2nd University Department of Urology, Sismanoglio Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Themistoklis Bellos
- 2nd University Department of Urology, Sismanoglio Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Angelopoulos
- 2nd University Department of Urology, Sismanoglio Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Patrick Juliebø-Jones
- Department of Urology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bhaskar Somani
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andreas Skolarikos
- 2nd University Department of Urology, Sismanoglio Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Lazaros Tzelves
- 2nd University Department of Urology, Sismanoglio Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Urology, University College of London Hospitals (UCLH), London, UK
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10
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Granato G, Gesmundo I, Pedrolli F, Kasarla R, Begani L, Banfi D, Bruno S, Lopatina T, Brizzi MF, Cai R, Sha W, Ghigo E, Schally AV, Granata R. Growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonist MIA-602 inhibits inflammation induced by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and bacterial lipopolysaccharide synergism in macrophages and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1231363. [PMID: 37649486 PMCID: PMC10462983 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1231363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is characterized by an excessive inflammatory response and macrophage hyperactivation, leading, in severe cases, to alveolar epithelial injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Recent studies have reported that SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein interacts with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to boost inflammatory responses in vitro, in macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and in vivo. The hypothalamic hormone growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), in addition to promoting pituitary GH release, exerts many peripheral functions, acting as a growth factor in both malignant and non-malignant cells. GHRH antagonists, in turn, display potent antitumor effects and antinflammatory activities in different cell types, including lung and endothelial cells. However, to date, the antinflammatory role of GHRH antagonists in COVID-19 remains unexplored. Here, we examined the ability of GHRH antagonist MIA-602 to reduce inflammation in human THP-1-derived macrophages and PBMCs stimulated with S protein and LPS combination. Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis revealed the presence of GHRH receptor and its splice variant SV1 in both THP-1 cells and PBMCs. Exposure of THP-1 cells to S protein and LPS combination increased the mRNA levels and protein secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as IL-8 and MCP-1 gene expression, an effect hampered by MIA-602. Similarly, MIA-602 hindered TNF-α and IL-1β secretion in PBMCs and reduced MCP-1 mRNA levels. Mechanistically, MIA-602 blunted the S protein and LPS-induced activation of inflammatory pathways in THP-1 cells, such as NF-κB, STAT3, MAPK ERK1/2 and JNK. MIA-602 also attenuated oxidative stress in PBMCs, by decreasing ROS production, iNOS and COX-2 protein levels, and MMP9 activity. Finally, MIA-602 prevented the effect of S protein and LPS synergism on NF-кB nuclear translocation and activity. Overall, these findings demonstrate a novel antinflammatory role for GHRH antagonists of MIA class and suggest their potential development for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as COVID-19 and related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Granato
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Iacopo Gesmundo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Pedrolli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ramesh Kasarla
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Begani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Dana Banfi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefania Bruno
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Tatiana Lopatina
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Renzhi Cai
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Wei Sha
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Ezio Ghigo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrew V. Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Medical/Oncology and Endocrinology, and the Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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11
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Barabutis N, Kubra KT, Akhter MS. Growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists protect against hydrochloric acid-induced endothelial injury in vitro. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 99:104113. [PMID: 36940786 PMCID: PMC10111240 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) regulates the synthesis of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland, and it is involved in inflammatory responses. On the other hand, GHRH antagonists (GHRHAnt) exhibit the opposite effects, resulting in endothelial barrier enhancement. Exposure to hydrochloric acid (HCL) is associated with acute and chronic lung injury. In this study, we investigate the effects of GHRHAnt in HCL-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction, utilizing commercially available bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAEC). Cell viability was measured by utilizing 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Moreover, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran was used to assess barrier function. Our observations suggest that GHRHAnt exert protective effects against HCL-induced endothelial breakdown, since those peptides counteract HCL-triggered paracellular hyperpermeability. Based on those findings, we propose that GHRHAnt represent a new therapeutic approach towards HCL-induced endothelial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | - Khadeja-Tul Kubra
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Mohammad S Akhter
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
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12
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Barabutis N, Akhter MS, Kubra KT, Jackson K. Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone in Endothelial Inflammation. Endocrinology 2022; 164:6887354. [PMID: 36503995 PMCID: PMC9923806 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of hypothalamic hormones propelled exciting advances in pharmacotherapy and improved life quality worldwide. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a crucial element in homeostasis maintenance, and regulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. Accumulating evidence suggests that this neuropeptide can also promote malignancies, as well as inflammation. Our review is focused on the role of that 44 - amino acid peptide (GHRH) and its antagonists in inflammation and vascular function, summarizing recent findings in the corresponding field. Preclinical studies demonstrate the protective role of GHRH antagonists against endothelial barrier dysfunction, suggesting that the development of those peptides may lead to new therapies against pathologies related to vascular remodeling (eg, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome). Targeted therapies for those diseases do not exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Barabutis
- Correspondence: Nektarios Barabutis, MSc, PhD, School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, 1800 Bienville Dr, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | | | - Khadeja-Tul Kubra
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
| | - Keith Jackson
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
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13
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Antagonist of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Potentiates the Antitumor Effect of Pemetrexed and Cisplatin in Pleural Mesothelioma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911248. [PMID: 36232554 PMCID: PMC9569772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911248] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis and no effective therapies, mainly caused by exposure to asbestos. Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) display strong antitumor effects in many experimental cancers, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Here, we aimed to determine whether GHRH antagonist MIA-690 potentiates the antitumor effect of cisplatin and pemetrexed in PM. In vitro, MIA-690, in combination with cisplatin and pemetrexed, synergistically reduced cell viability, restrained cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis, compared with drugs alone. In vivo, the same combination resulted in a strong growth inhibition of MSTO-211H xenografts, decreased tumor cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. Mechanistically, MIA-690, particularly with chemotherapeutic drugs, inhibited proliferative and oncogenic pathways, such as MAPK ERK1/2 and cMyc, and downregulated cyclin D1 and B1 mRNAs. Inflammatory pathways such as NF-kB and STAT3 were also reduced, as well as oxidative, angiogenic and tumorigenic markers (iNOS, COX-2, MMP2, MMP9 and HMGB1) and growth factors (VEGF and IGF-1). Overall, these findings strongly suggest that GHRH antagonists of MIA class, such as MIA-690, could increase the efficacy of standard therapy in PM.
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Ko YS, Pyo JS, Cho WJ. Roles of NF-κB activation in benign prostatic hyperplasia and association between NF-κB and HIF-1α. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 237:154021. [PMID: 35901596 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154021] [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: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of NF-κB activation in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using immunohistochemistry. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining for NF-κB was performed and evaluated, dividing into glands and stroma in 101 human BPH tissues. To evaluate the impacts of NF-κB activation on BPH progression, correlations between NF-κB expression and clinical findings, hormone receptors, and HIF-1α were evaluated. RESULTS NF-κB expression was found in 37.6% and 30.7% in glands and stroma of BPH, respectively. Total and T-zone volumes in transrectal ultrasonography were significantly higher in patients with NF-κB activation than those without NF-κB activation in the stroma. However, NF-κB activation of stroma was not correlated with HIF-1α expression and microvessel density. In subgroup analysis based on NF-κB activation, androgen and progesterone receptors of stroma were highly expressed in HIF-1α negative cases than in HIF-1α positive cases. In cases without NF-κB activation, patients with HIF-1α positivity showed a high frequency of diffuse fibrosis than those with HIF-1α negativity (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Taken together, our result showed that NF-κB activation of stroma was significantly correlated with low total and T-zone volumes in transrectal ultrasonography. Diffuse fibrosis was frequently found in patients with NF-κB inactivation and HIF-1α positivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young San Ko
- Forensic Medicine Div., Busan Institute, National Forensic Service, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Soo Pyo
- Department of Pathology, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Jin Cho
- Department of Urology, Chosun University Hospital, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Veschi S, Di Valerio V, Lattanzio R, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Gesmundo I, Granata R, Cai R, Sha W, Schally AV, Brunetti L, Leone S. Antagonist of growth hormone-releasing hormone MIA-690 attenuates the progression and inhibits growth of colorectal cancer in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 146:112554. [PMID: 34923341 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an aggressive tumor in which new treatment options deliver negative results on cure rates and long-term survival. The anticancer effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonists have been reported in various experimental tumors, but their activity in CRC is unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that chronic treatment with GHRH antagonist of MIAMI class, MIA-690, promoted survival and gradually blunted tumor progression in experimentally induced colitis-associated cancer in mice, paralleled by reduced inflammation in colon tissue. In particular, MIA-690 improved disease activity index score, and reduced loss of weight and mortality, by improving the survival rates, compared with vehicle-treated group. MIA-690 was also found to reduce various inflammatory and oxidative markers, such as serotonin, prostaglandin (PG)E2 and 8-iso-PGF2α levels, as well as COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and NF-kB gene expression. Moreover, MIA-690 inhibited the protein expression of c-Myc, P-AKT and Bcl-2 and upregulated p53 protein expression. In conclusion, we showed that MIA-690 suppresses CRC progression and growth by reducing inflammatory and oxidative markers and modulating apoptotic and oncogenic pathways. Further investigations are required for translating these findings into the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Chiavaroli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Valentina Di Valerio
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Rossano Lattanzio
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Iacopo Gesmundo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Wei Sha
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
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Li Y, Li Y, Xia Z, Zhang D, Chen X, Wang X, Liao J, Yi W, Chen J. Identification of a novel immune signature for optimizing prognosis and treatment prediction in colorectal cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:25518-25549. [PMID: 34898475 PMCID: PMC8714135 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most lethal malignant diseases. However, the currently approved therapeutic options for CRC failed to acquire satisfactory treatment efficacy. Tailoring therapeutic strategies for CRC individuals can provide new insights into personalized prediction approaches and thus maximize clinical benefits. METHODS In this study, a multi-step process was used to construct an immune-related genes (IRGs) based signature leveraging the expression profiles and clinical characteristics of CRC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. An integrated immunogenomic analysis was performed to determine the association between IRGs with prognostic significance and cancer genotypes in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Moreover, we performed a comprehensive in silico therapeutics screening to identify agents with subclass-specific efficacy. RESULTS The established signature was shown to be a promising biomarker for evaluating clinical outcomes in CRC. The immune risk score as calculated by this classifier was significantly correlated with over-riding malignant phenotypes and immunophenotypes. Further analyses demonstrated that CRCs with low immune risk scores achieved better therapeutic benefits from immunotherapy, while AZD4547, Cytochalasin B and S-crizotinib might have potential therapeutic implications in the immune risk score-high CRCs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this IRGs-based signature not only afforded a useful tool for determining the prognosis and evaluating the TIME features of CRCs, but also shed new light on tailoring CRCs with precise treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiyi Li
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zijin Xia
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dun Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaomei Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Liao
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Yi
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Disease-Model Animals, Laboratory Animal Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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17
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Cannarella R, Condorelli RA, Barbagallo F, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Endocrinology of the Aging Prostate: Current Concepts. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:554078. [PMID: 33692752 PMCID: PMC7939072 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.554078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), one of the most common diseases in older men, adversely affects quality-of-life due to the presence of low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Numerous data support the presence of an association between BPH-related LUTS (BPH-LUTS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Whether hormonal changes occurring in MetS play a role in the pathogenesis of BPH-LUTS is a debated issue. Therefore, this article aimed to systematically review the impact of hormonal changes that occur during aging on the prostate, including the role of sex hormones, insulin-like growth factor 1, thyroid hormones, and insulin. The possible explanatory mechanisms of the association between BPH-LUTS and MetS are also discussed. In particular, the presence of a male polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-equivalent may represent a possible hypothesis to support this link. Male PCOS-equivalent has been defined as an endocrine syndrome with a metabolic background, which predisposes to the development of type II diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, prostate cancer, BPH and prostatitis in old age. Its early identification would help prevent the onset of these long-term complications.
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18
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Chen WF, Yang ZB, Peng AX, Huang XQ, Su H, Chen TT, Huang YP. Effect of Kangquan Recipe () on BAMBI Expression in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Prostate in Rats with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Chin J Integr Med 2020; 27:361-368. [PMID: 32975759 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-020-3481-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Kangquan Recipe (, KQR) on bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) expression and its mechanism in rats with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups using a random number table, with 8 in each group: the normal group (normal saline 10 mL/kg), the model group (normal saline 10 mL/kg), the finasteride group (0.5 mg/kg), the low-dose KQR group (3.5 g/kg), the middle-dose KQR group (7 g/kg), and the high-dose KQR group (14 g/kg). The 40 rats were subcutaneously injected with testosterone propionate after castration for 30 days to establish the BPH rat model except for those in the normal group. At the same time, the corresponding drugs were administered by gavage for 30 consecutive days. The effects of different doses of KQR on the protate wet weight, prostate volume and prostate index (PI) were observed. The changes in histopathology were monitored with hematoxylin-eosin staining. BAMBI protein and mRNA expression contents were determined by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS All doses of KQR could decrease prostatic epithelial tissue proliferation. Compared to the model group, the high and middle-dose KQR significantly reduced prostate wet weight, prostate volume and PI; increased BAMBI protein expression in the hypothalamus, pituitary and prostate tissue; all doses of KQR up-regulated BAMBI mRNA expression in serum, prostatic fluid and prostate tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS KQR could inhibit the proliferation of rat prostatic tissue, promote BAMBI protein expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-prostate of rats with BPH; and increase BAMBI mRNA expression in the blood, prostatic fluid and prostate tissue of rats with BPH, showing a dose-effect relationship. KQR can be used as a potential drug for the treatment of BPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Fan Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361001, China
| | - Zong-Bao Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361101, China
| | - A-Xiang Peng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361001, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361101, China
| | - Hui Su
- Department of Internal Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361009, China
| | - Ting-Ting Chen
- Department of Internal Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361009, China
| | - Yuan-Peng Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361001, China. .,Department of Internal Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361009, China.
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19
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Barabutis N. A glimpse at growth hormone-releasing hormone cosmos. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:1632-1634. [PMID: 32289177 PMCID: PMC7426234 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone is a hypothalamic neuropeptide, which regulates the secretion of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary gland. Recent evidence suggest that it exerts growth factor activities in a diverse variety of in vivo and in vitro experimental malignancies, which are counteracted by growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists. Those peptides support lung endothelial barrier integrity by suppressing major inflammatory pathways and by inducing the endothelial defender P53. The present effort provides information regarding the effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone in the regulation of P53 and the unfolded protein response. Furthermore, it suggests the possible application of growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists towards the management of acute lung injury, including the lethal acute respiratory distress syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
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20
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Qin YJ, Chan SO, Lin HL, Zhang YQ, He BT, Zhang L, Yu HH, Chu WK, Pang CP, Zhang HY. Increased Expression of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone in Fibrinous Inflammation of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. Am J Ophthalmol 2020; 215:81-90. [PMID: 32061756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the involvement of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) - growth hormone (GH) signaling in pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). DESIGN Experimental laboratory study. METHODS Vitreous humor, aqueous humor, and serum were obtained from 36 eyes of 36 patients with or without type 2 diabetes from 2017 to 2019. For histologic examination, 6 fibrovascular membranes were excised from eyes with active PDR. Three fibrovascular membranes were excised from nondiabetic patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) as controls. RESULTS In PDR, the fibrovascular tissues consisted of a mature region containing fibrocytes, and an immature region populated by abundant polymorphonuclear leukocytes in a fibrinogen meshwork. Clusters of leukocytes were found adhering to the vascular walls. In PVR, no fibrinogen and polymorphonuclear leukocyte was observed in the fibrovascular membranes. The levels of GHRH and GH in PDR were significantly increased (P < .001), with 1.8-fold and 72.8-fold in vitreous humor, and 2-fold and 4.9-fold in aqueous humor, respectively, when compared with corresponding levels in controls. No significant difference was detected for insulin-like growth factor-1. Immunohistochemistry showed intense expression of GHRH and its receptor GHRH-R in polymorphonuclear leukocytes, vascular endothelial cells, and fibrocytes in fibrovascular membranes of PDR. GHRH staining was not detectable in infiltrating cells within the fibrovascular membrane of PVR. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal a possible involvement of GHRH/GHRH-R in fibrinous inflammation that might contribute to the formation of fibrovascular membrane in PDR through mediating activities of leukocytes, vascular endothelial cells, and fibrocytes. Targeting GHRH/GHRH-R may be considered as a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Jie Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sun On Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hong Liang Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yu Qiao Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Bei Ting He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China; School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Hua Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wai Kit Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hong Yang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
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21
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Signaling mechanisms of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor in LPS-induced acute ocular inflammation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:6067-6074. [PMID: 32123064 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1904532117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular inflammation is a major cause of visual impairment attributed to dysregulation of the immune system. Previously, we have shown that the receptor for growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH-R) affects multiple inflammatory processes. To clarify the pathological roles of GHRH-R in acute ocular inflammation, we investigated the inflammatory cascades mediated by this receptor. In human ciliary epithelial cells, the NF-κB subunit p65 was phosphorylated in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), resulting in transcriptional up-regulation of GHRH-R. Bioinformatics analysis and coimmunoprecipitation showed that GHRH-R had a direct interaction with JAK2. JAK2, but not JAK1, JAK3, and TYK2, was elevated in ciliary body and iris after treatment with LPS in a rat model of endotoxin-induced uveitis. This elevation augmented the phosphorylation of STAT3 and production of proinflammatory factors, including IL-6, IL-17A, COX2, and iNOS. In explants of iris and ciliary body, the GHRH-R antagonist, MIA-602, suppressed phosphorylation of STAT3 and attenuated expression of downstream proinflammatory factors after LPS treatment. A similar suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation was observed in human ciliary epithelial cells. In vivo studies showed that blocking of the GHRH-R/JAK2/STAT3 axis with the JAK inhibitor Ruxolitinib alleviated partially the LPS-induced acute ocular inflammation by reducing inflammatory cells and protein leakage in the aqueous humor and by repressing expression of STAT3 target genes in rat ciliary body and iris and in human ciliary epithelial cells. Our findings indicate a functional role of the GHRH-R/JAK2/STAT3-signaling axis in acute anterior uveitis and suggest a therapeutic strategy based on treatment with antagonists targeting this signaling pathway.
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22
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Barabutis N. Growth hormone releasing hormone in the unfolded protein response context. Endocrine 2020; 67:291-293. [PMID: 31960289 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02205-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The effects of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone in human pathophysiology are not limited to those mediated by the Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone-Growth Hormone-Insulin-like Growth Factor-I axis. Receptors specific for this neuropeptide are expressed in a diverse variety of human tissues, to initiate multifarious signaling cascades, regulators of cellular homeostasis and survival. The Unfolded Protein Response is in charge of adaptive responses towards a plethora of challenges, able to trigger cellular repair or death. The possible involvement of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone and its agonistic and antagonistic analogs in those events, may deliver exciting possibilities in the treatment of human disease, including the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA.
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23
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Ren JL, Yu QX, Ma D, Liang WC, Leung PY, Ng TK, Chu WK, Schally AV, Pang CP, Chan SO. Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor mediates cytokine production in ciliary and iris epithelial cells during LPS-induced ocular inflammation. Exp Eye Res 2019; 181:277-284. [PMID: 30831084 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The receptor for growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH-R) has been shown to upregulate specifically in the ciliary and iris epithelial cells and infiltrating cells in the aqueous humor in a rat model of acute anterior uveitis. Treatment with GHRHR-R antagonist alleviates significantly these inflammatory responses. Herein we investigated whether the ciliary and iris epithelial cells can respond directly to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) without the influences of circulating leukocytes to produce inflammatory mediators through a GHRH-R mediated mechanism. In explant cultures of rat ciliary body and iris, LPS caused a substantial increase of GHRH-R in 24 h. Immunohistochemistry showed a localization of TLR4, the receptor for LPS, and an elevated expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in ciliary and iris epithelial cells after LPS treatment. LPS also elevated the level of IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS and increased secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 from the explants. The GHRH-R antagonist, MIA-602, suppressed the elevated expression of IL-1β and IL-6, and reduced the release of IL-6. Such effects were not seen for the GHRHR agonist, MR-409. When co-cultured with leukocytes, expression of GHRH-R in the ocular explants was further enhanced during LPS treatment. Our results demonstrate a direct action of LPS on ciliary and iris epithelial cells to produce pro-inflammatory factors through a GHRH-R mediated mechanism, and suggest a role of these epithelial cells, in addition to the resident antigen presenting cells, in immune surveillance of the eye. Infiltrating leukocytes may enhance these inflammatory responses by regulating GHRH-R in ciliary and iris epithelial cells, in addition to their functions of synthesizing proinflammatory cytokines.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aqueous Humor/metabolism
- Ciliary Body/metabolism
- Ciliary Body/pathology
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Disease Models, Animal
- Eye Infections, Bacterial/genetics
- Eye Infections, Bacterial/metabolism
- Eye Infections, Bacterial/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Immunohistochemistry
- Iris/metabolism
- Male
- RNA/genetics
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/genetics
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone-Regulating Hormone/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone-Regulating Hormone/genetics
- Uveitis, Anterior/genetics
- Uveitis, Anterior/metabolism
- Uveitis, Anterior/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lin Ren
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Qiu Xiao Yu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ding Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wei Cheng Liang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Pui Ying Leung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tsz Kin Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai Kit Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, USA; Divisions of Hematology/Oncology and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Sun-On Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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24
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Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) inhibit the growth of human malignant pleural mesothelioma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:2226-2231. [PMID: 30659154 PMCID: PMC6369772 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1818865116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. MPM remains a serious public health problem, and novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. The antitumor properties of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonists have been demonstrated in different cancers; however, their influence in MPM remains unexplored. Our work shows that GHRH antagonists MIA-602 and MIA-690 reduce survival, proliferation, and migration of human MPM cell lines and primary MPM cells in vitro by modulating apoptotic and oncogenic pathways. In vivo, GHRH antagonists inhibited the growth of MPM xenografts and blunted the production of growth factors in tumors. Overall, the inhibitory activities described in this study suggest that GHRH antagonists may be considered for development of therapies for MPM. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy associated with exposure to asbestos, with poor prognosis and no effective therapies. The strong inhibitory activities of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonists have been demonstrated in different experimental human cancers, including lung cancer; however, their role in MPM remains unknown. We assessed the effects of the GHRH antagonists MIA-602 and MIA-690 in vitro in MPM cell lines and in primary MPM cells, and in vivo in MPM xenografts. GHRH, GHRH receptor, and its main splice variant SV1 were found in all the MPM cell types examined. In vitro, MIA-602 and MIA-690 reduced survival and proliferation in both MPM cell lines and primary cells and showed synergistic inhibitory activity with the chemotherapy drug pemetrexed. In MPM cells, GHRH antagonists also regulated activity and expression of apoptotic molecules, inhibited cell migration, and reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. These effects were accompanied by impairment of mitochondrial activity and increased production of reactive oxygen species. In vivo, s.c. administration of MIA-602 and MIA-690 at the dose of 5 μg/d for 4 wk strongly inhibited the growth of MPM xenografts in mice, along with reduction of tumor insulin-like growth factor-I and vascular endothelial growth factor. Overall, these results suggest that treatment with GHRH antagonists, alone or in association with chemotherapy, may offer an approach for the treatment of MPM.
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25
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Jin BR, Kim HJ, Park SK, Kim MS, Lee KH, Yoon IJ, An HJ. Anti-Proliferative Effects of HBX-5 on Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23102638. [PMID: 30322186 PMCID: PMC6222778 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23102638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an age-dependent disorder with a prevalence percentage of 60% in the 60s, has been found to involve an androgenic hormone imbalance that causes confusion between cell apoptosis and proliferation. Because general medications for BPH treatment have undesirable side effects, the development of effective alternative medicines has been considered. HBX-5 is a newly developed formula with the aim of improving BPH, and is composed of nine medicinal herbs. BPH was induced in the rats by intramuscular injection of testosterone propionate after castration. Rats were divided into six groups, and the efficacy of HBX-5 on testosterone-induced BPH in rats was estimated. In addition, RWPE-1 and WPMY-1 cells were used to demonstrate the effect of HBX-5 on BPH in vitro model. Compared with the control group, HBX-5 administration group suppressed BPH manifestations, such as excessive development of prostate, and increase of serum dihydrotestosterone and 5α-reductase concentrations. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that HBX-5 significantly decreased the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). In addition, results of RWPE-1 and WPMY-1 cells showed that HBX-5 inhibited the over-expression of AR and PSA in DHT-induced prostate hyperplastic microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Ram Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, 83 Sangjidae-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 26339, Korea.
| | - Hyo-Jung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, 83 Sangjidae-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 26339, Korea.
| | - Sang-Kyun Park
- Department of Meridian & Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, 83 Sangjidae-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 26339, Korea.
| | - Myoung-Seok Kim
- Central Research Institue of Hawon Pharmaceutical, Jangheung 59338, Korea.
| | - Kwang-Ho Lee
- Central Research Institue of Hawon Pharmaceutical, Jangheung 59338, Korea.
| | - Il-Joo Yoon
- Central Research Institue of Hawon Pharmaceutical, Jangheung 59338, Korea.
| | - Hyo-Jin An
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, 83 Sangjidae-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 26339, Korea.
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26
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Popovics P, Cai R, Sha W, Rick FG, Schally AV. Growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists reduce prostatic enlargement and inflammation in carrageenan-induced chronic prostatitis. Prostate 2018; 78:970-980. [PMID: 29786867 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation plays a key role in the etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through multiple pathways involving the stimulation of proliferation by cytokines and growth factors as well as the induction of the focal occurrence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We have previously reported that GHRH acts as a prostatic growth factor in experimental BPH and in autoimmune prostatitis models and its blockade with GHRH antagonists offer therapeutic approaches for these conditions. Our current study was aimed at the investigation of the beneficial effects of GHRH antagonists in λ-carrageenan-induced chronic prostatitis and at probing the downstream molecular pathways that are implicated in GHRH signaling. METHODS To demonstrate the complications triggered by recurrent/chronic prostatic inflammation in Sprague-Dawley rats, 50 μL 3% carrageenan was injected into both ventral prostate lobes two times, 3 weeks apart. GHRH antagonist, MIA-690, was administered 5 days after the second intraprostatic injection at 20 μg daily dose for 4 weeks. GHRH-induced signaling events were identified in BPH-1 and in primary prostate epithelial (PrEp) cells at 5, 15, 30, and 60 min with Western blot. RESULTS Inflammation induced prostatic enlargement and increased the area of the stromal compartment whereas treatment with the GHRH antagonist significantly reduced these effects. This beneficial activity was consistent with a decrease in prostatic GHRH, inflammatory marker COX-2, growth factor IGF-1 and inflammatory and EMT marker TGF-β1 protein levels and the expression of multiple genes related to EMT. In vitro, GHRH stimulated multiple pathways involved in inflammation and growth in both BPH-1 and PrEp cells including NFκB p65, AKT, ERK1/2, EGFR, STAT3 and increased the levels of TGF-β1 and Snail/Slug. Most interestingly, GHRH also stimulated the transactivation of the IGF receptor. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates that GHRH antagonists could be beneficial for the treatment of prostatic inflammation and BPH in part by inhibiting the growth-promoting and inflammatory effects of locally produced GHRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Popovics
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Wei Sha
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Ferenc G Rick
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
- Department of Urology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International, University, Miami, Florida
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
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27
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Shoieb SM, Esmat A, Khalifa AE, Abdel-Naim AB. Chrysin attenuates testosterone-induced benign prostate hyperplasia in rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 111:650-659. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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28
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Pópulo H, Nunes B, Sampaio C, Batista R, Pinto MT, Gaspar TB, Miranda-Alves L, Cai RZ, Zhang XY, Schally AV, Sobrinho-Simões M, Soares P. Inhibitory Effects of Antagonists of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) in Thyroid Cancer. Discov Oncol 2017; 8:314-324. [PMID: 28924876 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-017-0307-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a peptide hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that regulates the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone (GH) in the pituitary. The extra-hypothalamic GHRH and its cognate receptors (GHRHR and splice variants) play a mitogenic role by stimulating cell proliferation and preventing apoptotic cell death. It is well established that GHRH antagonists inhibit the growth, tumorigenicity, and metastasis of various human malignancies. In this work, we studied the effect of two new GHRH antagonists, MIA602 and MIA690, on thyroid cancer. We studied the effect of MIA602 and MIA690 on thyroid cancer in vitro, using human thyroid cancer cell lines, and in vivo, using chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays. We found that mRNA for GHRH and GHRH receptor is expressed in thyroid cell lines and in samples of thyroid tumors. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of GHRHR protein in specimens of thyroid tumor. We observed that GHRH antagonists inhibited the growth and increased apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells. In vivo, the antagonists inhibited growth and angiogenesis of engrafted thyroid tumors. Our results suggest that GHRH expression may play a role in growth of thyroid cancer and that GHRH antagonists can be a therapeutic option for thyroid cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pópulo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Experimental Endocrinology-GPEEx Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Postgraduate Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristina Sampaio
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Batista
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Teixeira Pinto
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tiago B Gaspar
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Leandro Miranda-Alves
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Experimental Endocrinology-GPEEx Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Postgraduate Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ren-Zhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Endocrinology and Hematology-Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xian Yang Zhang
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Endocrinology and Hematology-Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Endocrinology and Hematology-Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Divisions of Endocrinology and Hematology-Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Hospital S. João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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29
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Dubovy SR, Fernandez MP, Echegaray JJ, Block NL, Unoki N, Perez R, Vidaurre I, Lee RK, Nadji M, Schally AV. Expression of hypothalamic neurohormones and their receptors in the human eye. Oncotarget 2017; 8:66796-66814. [PMID: 28977997 PMCID: PMC5620137 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Extrapituitary roles for hypothalamic neurohormones have recently become apparent and clinically relevant, based on the use of synthetic peptide analogs for the treatment of multiple conditions including cancers, pulmonary edema and myocardial infarction. In the eye, it has been suggested that some of these hormones and their receptors may be present in the ciliary body, iris, trabecular meshwork and retina, but their physiological role has yet to be elucidated. Our study intends to comprehensively demonstrate the expression of some hypothalamic neuroendocrine hormones and their receptors within different retinal and extraretinal structures of the human eye. Immunofluorescence, Western blot analysis, and RT-PCR were used to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative expression of Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH), Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH), Gastrin Releasing Peptide (GRP) and Somatostatin as well as their respective receptors (LHRH-R, GHRH-R, TRH-R, GRP-R, SST-R1) in cadaveric human eye tissue and in paraffinized human eye tissue sections. The hypothalamic hormones LHRH, GHRH, TRH, GRP and Somatostatin and their respective receptors (LHRH-R, GHRH-R, TRH-R, GRPR/BB2 and SST-R1), were expressed in the conjunctiva, cornea, trabecular meshwork, ciliary body, lens, retina, and optic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander R Dubovy
- Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Maria P Fernandez
- Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jose J Echegaray
- Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Norman L Block
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,Divisions of Hematology/Oncology, Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Noriyuki Unoki
- Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Roberto Perez
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida, USA.,Divisions of Hematology/Oncology, Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Richard K Lee
- Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mehrdad Nadji
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,Divisions of Hematology/Oncology, Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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30
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Liu MC, Chen WH, Chiou CS, Lo WC, Dubey NK, Chen YC, Lai WFT, Yeh SD, Chiang HS, Deng WP. Inhibition of chronic prostate inflammation by hyaluronic acid through an immortalized human prostate stromal cell line model. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178152. [PMID: 28558037 PMCID: PMC5448756 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common urologic disease among elderly men. A well-established in vitro cell model is required to determine the therapeutic mechanism of BPH inflammation. In this study, we attempted to establish an immortalized human prostate stromal cell line by transfecting with HPV-16 E6/E7 and designated as ihPSC. No significant difference was found in fibroblast-like morphology between primary hPSC and ihPSC. The ihPSC possessed a significantly higher cell proliferation rate than primary hPSC. The prostate-specific markers and proteins including cytoskeleton (α-SMA and vimentin) and smooth muscle (calponin), especially the androgen receptor (AR) were also examined in ihPSC, almost identical to the primary hPSC. To create an in vitro model featuring chronic prostatic inflammation, ihPSC was stimulated with IFN-γ+IL-17 and then treated with the high molecular weight hyaluronic acid hylan G-F 20 as an alternative strategy for inhibiting BPH inflammation. Hylan G-F 20 could dose-dependently diminish the inflammation-induced proliferation in ihPSC. The enhanced expressions of inflammatory molecules including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), inducible nitrogen oxide synthase (iNOS), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were all abolished by hylan G-F 20. For inflammatory signaling, hylan G-F 20 can also diminish the IFN-γ+IL-17-increased expression of iNOS and p65 in ihPSC. These findings suggest that ihPSC could provide a mechanism-based platform for investigating prostate inflammation. The hylan G-F 20 showed strong anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing inflammatory cytokines and signalings in the ihPSC, indicating its therapeutic potentials in BPH treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Che Liu
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wei-Hong Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Stem Cell Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Sheng Chiou
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Cheng Lo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Navneet Kumar Dubey
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Stem Cell Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Chin Chen
- Stem Cell Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Fu T. Lai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shauh-Der Yeh
- Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Sun Chiang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Cardinal Tien Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Win-Ping Deng
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Stem Cell Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- College of Oral medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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31
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Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone inhibit proliferation induced by inflammation in prostatic epithelial cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:1359-1364. [PMID: 28123062 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1620884114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is multifactorial, and chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that has been shown to act as paracrine/autocrine factor in various malignancies including prostate cancer. GHRH and its receptors are expressed in experimental models of BPH, in which antagonists of GHRH suppressed the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and altered the expression of genes related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We investigated the effects of GHRH antagonist on prostatic enlargement induced by inflammation. Autoimmune prostatitis in Balb/C mice was induced by a homogenate of reproductive tissues of male rats. During the 8-wk induction of chronic prostatitis, we detected a progressive increase in prostatic volume reaching 92% at week 8 compared with control (P < 0.001). Daily treatment for 1 mo with GHRH antagonist MIA-690 caused a 30% reduction in prostate volume (P < 0.05). Conditioned medium derived from macrophages increased the average volume of spheres by 82.7% (P < 0.001) and elevated the expression of mRNA for N-cadherin, Snail, and GHRH GHRH antagonist reduced the average volume of spheres stimulated by inflammation by 75.5% (P < 0.05), and TGF-β2 by 91.8% (P < 0.01). The proliferation of primary epithelial cells stimulated by IL-17A or TGF-β2 was also inhibited by 124.1% and 69.9%, respectively. GHRH stimulated the growth of BPH-1 and primary prostate spheres. This study provides evidence that GHRH plays important roles in prostatic inflammation and EMT and suggests the merit of further investigation to elucidate the effects of GHRH antagonists in prostatitis and BPH.
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32
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Moscona JC, Peters MN, Schally AV, Srivastav S, Delafontaine P, Irimpen A. The effects of a growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonist and a gastrin-releasing peptide antagonist on intimal hyperplasia of the carotid artery after balloon injury in a diabetic rat model☆. Artery Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.artres.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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33
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Gan J, Ke X, Jiang J, Dong H, Yao Z, Lin Y, Lin W, Wu X, Yan S, Zhuang Y, Chu WK, Cai R, Zhang X, Cheung HS, Block NL, Pang CP, Schally AV, Zhang H. Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor antagonists inhibit human gastric cancer through downregulation of PAK1-STAT3/NF-κB signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:14745-14750. [PMID: 27930339 PMCID: PMC5187693 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1618582114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) ranks as the fourth most frequent in incidence and second in mortality among all cancers worldwide. The development of effective treatment approaches is an urgent requirement. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) have been found to be present in a variety of tumoral tissues and cell lines. Therefore the inhibition of GHRH-R was proposed as a promising approach for the treatment of these cancers. However, little is known about GHRH-R and the relevant therapy in human GC. By survival analyses of multiple cohorts of GC patients, we identified that increased GHRH-R in tumor specimens correlates with poor survival and is an independent predictor of patient prognosis. We next showed that MIA-602, a highly potent GHRH-R antagonist, effectively inhibited GC growth in cultured cells. Further, this inhibitory effect was verified in multiple models of human GC cell lines xenografted into nude mice. Mechanistically, GHRH-R antagonists target GHRH-R and down-regulate the p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1)-mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inflammatory pathway. Overall, our studies establish GHRH-R as a potential molecular target in human GC and suggest treatment with GHRH-R antagonist as a promising therapeutic intervention for this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Gan
- Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xiurong Ke
- Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jiali Jiang
- Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Hongmei Dong
- Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Zhimeng Yao
- Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yusheng Lin
- Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Wan Lin
- Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Tumor Tissue Bank, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Shumei Yan
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yixuan Zhuang
- Tumor Tissue Bank, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Wai Kit Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125
- South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL 33125
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Xianyang Zhang
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125
- South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL 33125
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Herman S Cheung
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125
- South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL 33125
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146
| | - Norman L Block
- Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125;
- South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL 33125
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
- Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Hao Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China;
- Tumor Tissue Bank, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
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34
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Eom JH, Cheon SY, Chung KS, Kim MD, An HJ. Bawu decoction () ameliorates benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats. Chin J Integr Med 2016; 23:611-616. [PMID: 27838873 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-016-2528-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of Bawu Decoction (, BWD, Palmul-tang in Korean) against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, with 6 rats in each group. The 4 study groups included sham-operated group (CON), BPH model group, fifinasteride-treated group, and BWD-treated group. All the groups except CON group received a subcutaneous injection of 10 mg/kg of testosterone, while CON group received saline. Finasteride at a dose of 5 mg/kg was administered to the finasteride-treated group for a period of 4 weeks. BWD group received BWD at a dose of 200 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The prostatic weight, prostate weight to body weight ratio, relative prostate weight ratio, serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) level, and histological analysis of prostatic tissue were analyzed. RESULTS Compared to BPH model group, BWD administration was associated with reductions in prostatic weight, prostate and relative prostate weight ratio weight to body weight ratio (P<0.05). The concentration of serum testosterone and DHT were higher in BPH group compared with CON group (P<0.05). Administration of finasteride and BWD suppressed the elevation of serum testosterone and DHT levels signifificantly (both P<0.05). In addition, BWD suppressed the growth of prostatic tissue (P<0.05). CONCLUSION BWD has suppressant effects on development of BPH through inhibition of serum testosterone and DHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hwan Eom
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju-si Gangwon-do, 220-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Yun Cheon
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju-si Gangwon-do, 220-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Sook Chung
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju-si Gangwon-do, 220-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Dong Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju-si Gangwon-do, 220-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jin An
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju-si Gangwon-do, 220-702, Republic of Korea.
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35
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Ju JY, Chung KS, Cheon SY, An HJ. Musulju improves benign prostatic hyperplasia by regulating inflammatory and apoptotic proteins. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:4692-4698. [PMID: 27748836 PMCID: PMC5102041 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative medicine is a widely accepted therapeutic approach for the management of various diseases. The Korean medicine, musulju (MSJ), has been traditionally used to improve vital energy in men with reduced physical strength and a weakened urinary system. The present study determined the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of MSJ against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common disorder in elderly men that involves inflammation‑mediated imbalance between cell proliferation and death. MSJ treatment was demonstrated to decrease prostate weight, cell proliferation, and the protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in a rat model of BPH. In addition, MSJ markedly reduced serum testosterone levels, 5α‑reductase2 mRNA expression and BPH‑associated upregulation of inflammatory proteins, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2. Furthermore, MSJ induced apoptosis by regulating B‑cell lymphoma (Bcl)‑2 protein expression and the Bcl‑2:Bax ratio, leading to caspase 3 activation. Taken together, MSJ demonstrated antiproliferative effects in BPH model rats by regulating the expression levels of proteins involved in inflammation and apoptosis. The effects of MSJ may be attributed to its alternative therapeutic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Yun Ju
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 220-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Sook Chung
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 220-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Yun Cheon
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 220-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jin An
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 220-702, Republic of Korea
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36
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Kanashiro-Takeuchi RM, Szalontay L, Schally AV, Takeuchi LM, Popovics P, Jaszberenyi M, Vidaurre I, Zarandi M, Cai RZ, Block NL, Hare JM, Rick FG. New therapeutic approach to heart failure due to myocardial infarction based on targeting growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor. Oncotarget 2016; 6:9728-39. [PMID: 25797248 PMCID: PMC4496393 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We previously showed that growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) agonists are cardioprotective following myocardial infarction (MI). Here, our aim was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo activities of highly potent new GHRH agonists, and elucidate their mechanisms of action in promoting cardiac repair. Methods and Results H9c2 cells were cultured in serum-free medium, mimicking nutritional deprivation. GHRH agonists decreased calcium influx and significantly improved cell survival. Rats with cardiac infarction were treated with GHRH agonists or placebo for four weeks. MI size was reduced by selected GHRH agonists (JI-38, MR-356, MR-409); this accompanied an increased number of cardiac c-kit+ cells, cellular mitotic divisions, and vascular density. One week post-MI, MR-409 significantly reduced plasma levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α compared to placebo. Gene expression studies revealed favorable outcomes of MR-409 treatment partially result from inhibitory activity on pro-apoptotic molecules and pro-fibrotic systems, and by elevation of bone morphogenetic proteins. Conclusions Treatment with GHRH agonists appears to reduce the inflammatory responses post-MI and may consequently improve mechanisms of healing and cardiac remod eling by regulating pathways involved in fibrosis, apoptosis and cardiac repair. Patients with cardiac dysfunction could benefit from treatment with novel GHRH agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemeire M Kanashiro-Takeuchi
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Florida, United States of America
| | - Luca Szalontay
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Department of Medicine, Divisions of Hematology/Oncology and Endocrinology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Lauro M Takeuchi
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Petra Popovics
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Department of Medicine III, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany.,Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Miklos Jaszberenyi
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Irving Vidaurre
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Marta Zarandi
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ren-Zhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Norman L Block
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Department of Medicine, Divisions of Hematology/Oncology and Endocrinology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Joshua M Hare
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ferenc G Rick
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, Florida, United States of America.,Department of Urology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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37
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Schally AV, Perez R, Block NL, Rick FG. Potentiating effects of GHRH analogs on the response to chemotherapy. Cell Cycle 2015; 14:699-704. [PMID: 25648497 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1010893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) from hypothalamus nominatively stimulates growth hormone release from adenohypophysis. GHRH is also produced by cancers, acting as an autocrine/paracrine growth factor. This growth factor function is seen in lymphoma, melanoma, colorectal, liver, lung, breast, prostate, kidney, bladder cancers. Pituitary type GHRH receptors and their splice variants are also expressed in these malignancies. Synthetic antagonists of the GHRH receptor inhibit proliferation of cancers. Besides direct inhibitory effects on tumors, GHRH antagonists also enhance cytotoxic chemotherapy. GHRH antagonists potentiate docetaxel effects on growth of H460 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and MX-1 breast cancer plus suppressive action of doxorubicin on MX-1 and HCC1806 breast cancer. We investigated mechanisms of antagonists on tumor growth, inflammatory signaling, doxorubicin response, expression of drug resistance genes, and efflux pump function. Triple negative breast cancer cell xenografted into nude mice were treated with GHRH antagonist, doxorubicin, or their combination. The combination reduced tumor growth, inflammatory gene expression, drug-resistance gene expression, cancer stem-cell marker expression, and efflux-pump function. Thus, antagonists increased the efficacy of doxorubicin in HCC1806 and MX-1 tumors. Growth inhibition of H460 NSCLC by GHRH antagonists induced marked downregulation in expression of prosurvival proteins K-Ras, COX-2, and pAKT. In HT-29, HCT-116 and HCT-15 colorectal cancer lines, GHRH antagonist treatment caused cellular arrest in S-phase of cell cycle, potentiated inhibition of in vitro proliferation and in vivo growth produced by S-phase specific cytotoxic agents, 5-FU, irinotecan and cisplatin. This enhancement of cytotoxic therapy by GHRH antagonists should have clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew V Schally
- a Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education ; Miami , FL USA
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38
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Schally AV. Endocrine approaches to treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions: Part I: Some recollections of my association with Dr. Abba Kastin: A tale of successful collaboration. Peptides 2015; 72:154-63. [PMID: 25843023 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew V Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States; South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL, United States; Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.
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39
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Kumar S, Yadav RN, Gupta P, Gaspar BL, Kakkar N, Verma A, Parthan G, Bhansali A, Mukherjee KK, Korbonits M, Dutta P. Prostatic hyperplasia in acromegaly, a myth or reality: a case-control study. Eur J Endocrinol 2015; 172:97-106. [PMID: 25550351 DOI: 10.1530/eje-14-0698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Disorders of the prostate gland are more prevalent in patients with acromegaly. GH-insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) axis plays an additive role in prostatic growth and development. OBJECTIVE To correlate the structural and histopathological changes of the prostate and prostatic symptoms with GH/IGF1 in patients with acromegaly. DESIGN Case-control study, from January 2012 to November 2013. SETTING Tertiary referral centre university hospital in Northern India. PATIENTS Fifty-three men with acromegaly and 50 healthy men matched for age and BMI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, dimensions of the prostate on trans-rectal ultrasonography, parameters on uroflowmetry, and immunopositivity with anti-IGF1 antibody in prostatic tissue biopsies. RESULTS Despite low serum testosterone levels (8.9 nmol/l vs 14.3 nmol/l, acromegaly vs control), patients with acromegaly had marginally higher IPSS, PSA levels, and grades of enlarged prostate and obstructive features on uroflowmetry compared with controls. Dimensions of the prostate on ultrasonography were also significantly higher in patients. These changes were present irrespective of age, current gonadal status, and disease activity. Evidence of prostatic hyperplasia on biopsy was seen in six of 14 patients (42.8%) who underwent prostatic biopsy while it was absent in the controls. Immunohistochemistry with anti-IGF1 antibody showed moderate positivity in all the 14 patients who underwent biopsy with benign prostatic hyperplasia, compared with mild positivity in 21% of controls. Similarly, 14 control patients with prostatic malignancies showed variable positivity, four patients had strong, two each had mild and moderate positivity, while six were negative. CONCLUSIONS In patients with acromegaly, there is a higher frequency of structural changes in the prostate, along with greater prostatic volume and obstructive features, compared with healthy controls, irrespective of age, gonadal status, and disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Kumar
- Departments of UrologyGeneral SurgeryNeurosurgeryHistopathologyEndocrinologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 4th Floor, F Block, Nehru Hospital, Chandigarh 160012, IndiaBarts and the London School of MedicineWilliam Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M6BQ, UK
| | - Ram Niwas Yadav
- Departments of UrologyGeneral SurgeryNeurosurgeryHistopathologyEndocrinologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 4th Floor, F Block, Nehru Hospital, Chandigarh 160012, IndiaBarts and the London School of MedicineWilliam Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M6BQ, UK
| | - Prakamya Gupta
- Departments of UrologyGeneral SurgeryNeurosurgeryHistopathologyEndocrinologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 4th Floor, F Block, Nehru Hospital, Chandigarh 160012, IndiaBarts and the London School of MedicineWilliam Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M6BQ, UK
| | - Balan Louis Gaspar
- Departments of UrologyGeneral SurgeryNeurosurgeryHistopathologyEndocrinologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 4th Floor, F Block, Nehru Hospital, Chandigarh 160012, IndiaBarts and the London School of MedicineWilliam Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M6BQ, UK
| | - Nandita Kakkar
- Departments of UrologyGeneral SurgeryNeurosurgeryHistopathologyEndocrinologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 4th Floor, F Block, Nehru Hospital, Chandigarh 160012, IndiaBarts and the London School of MedicineWilliam Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M6BQ, UK
| | - Alka Verma
- Departments of UrologyGeneral SurgeryNeurosurgeryHistopathologyEndocrinologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 4th Floor, F Block, Nehru Hospital, Chandigarh 160012, IndiaBarts and the London School of MedicineWilliam Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M6BQ, UK
| | - Girish Parthan
- Departments of UrologyGeneral SurgeryNeurosurgeryHistopathologyEndocrinologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 4th Floor, F Block, Nehru Hospital, Chandigarh 160012, IndiaBarts and the London School of MedicineWilliam Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M6BQ, UK
| | - Anil Bhansali
- Departments of UrologyGeneral SurgeryNeurosurgeryHistopathologyEndocrinologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 4th Floor, F Block, Nehru Hospital, Chandigarh 160012, IndiaBarts and the London School of MedicineWilliam Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M6BQ, UK
| | - K K Mukherjee
- Departments of UrologyGeneral SurgeryNeurosurgeryHistopathologyEndocrinologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 4th Floor, F Block, Nehru Hospital, Chandigarh 160012, IndiaBarts and the London School of MedicineWilliam Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M6BQ, UK
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Departments of UrologyGeneral SurgeryNeurosurgeryHistopathologyEndocrinologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 4th Floor, F Block, Nehru Hospital, Chandigarh 160012, IndiaBarts and the London School of MedicineWilliam Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M6BQ, UK
| | - Pinaki Dutta
- Departments of UrologyGeneral SurgeryNeurosurgeryHistopathologyEndocrinologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 4th Floor, F Block, Nehru Hospital, Chandigarh 160012, IndiaBarts and the London School of MedicineWilliam Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M6BQ, UK
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Said MM, Hassan NS, Schlicht MJ, Bosland MC. Flaxseed suppressed prostatic epithelial proliferation in a rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2015; 78:453-465. [PMID: 25785559 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.993779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a disease occurring frequently among elderly males, is a slow progressive enlargement of the fibromuscular and epithelial structures of the prostate gland. Dietary factors may influence the prostate and exert an influence on prostatic growth and disease. The current study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of dietary flaxseed supplementation against testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in male rats. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: (1) untreated control; (2) treatment with testosterone propionate (TP) to induce prostate enlargement; (3) TP-treated group fed a diet containing 5% milled flaxseed; (4) TP-treated group fed a diet containing 10% milled flaxseed; and (5) TP-treated group fed a diet containing 20 ppm finasteride. Treatment with TP significantly increased the absolute and relative weights of different prostatic lobes, serum testosterone (T), and testosterone/estradiol ratio, as well as prostatic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, RNA synthesis per cell, and epithelial cell proliferation, detected as Ki67 labeling. Histopathological examination did not reveal marked differences in acinar morphology in ventral prostate, whereas morphometric analysis showed significantly increased epithelial cell height. Co-administration of flaxseed or finasteride with TP significantly reduced prostatic VEFG, epithelial cell proliferation, and RNA/DNA ratio, along with a significant increase in serum T and testosterone/estradiol ratio compared with TP-only-treated rats. Our results indicate that flaxseed, similar to the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride, blocked TP-induced prostate enlargement in a rat model of BPH, likely through suppression of prostatic VEFG and cellular proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M Said
- a Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science , Ain Shams University , Cairo , Egypt
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Antagonist of GH-releasing hormone receptors alleviates experimental ocular inflammation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:18303-8. [PMID: 25489106 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1421815112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruptions in immunity and occurrence of inflammation cause many eye diseases. The growth hormone-releasing hormone-growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 (GHRH-GH-IGF1) axis exerts regulatory effects on the immune system. Its involvement in ocular inflammation remains to be investigated. Here we studied this signaling in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) generated by LPS. The increase in GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) protein levels was parallel to the increase in mRNA levels of pituitary-specific transcription factor-1, GHRH-R splice variant 1, GHRH, and GH following LPS insult. Elevation of GHRH-R and GH receptor was localized on the epithelium of the iris and ciliary body, and GHRH-R was confined to the infiltrating macrophages and leukocytes in aqueous humor but not to those in stroma. Treatment with GHRH-R antagonist decreased LPS-stimulated surges of GH and IGF1 in aqueous humor and alleviated inflammation by reducing the infiltration of macrophages and leukocytes and the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Our results indicate that inflammation in the iris and ciliary body involves the activation of GHRH signaling, which affects the recruitment of immune cells and the production of proinflammatory mediators that contribute to EIU pathogenesis. Moreover, the results suggest that GHRH-R antagonists are potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of acute ocular inflammation.
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Popovics P, Schally AV, Block NL, Rick FG. Preclinical therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia with neuropeptide hormone antagonists. World J Clin Urol 2014; 3:184-194. [DOI: 10.5410/wjcu.v3.i3.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a pathologic condition of the prostate described as a substantial increase in its number of epithelial and stromal cells. BPH may significantly reduce the quality of life due to the initiation of bladder outlet obstruction and lower urinary tract syndromes. Current medical therapies mostly consist of inhibitors of 5α-reductase or α1-adrenergic blockers; their efficacy is often insufficient. Antagonistic analogs of neuropeptide hormones are novel candidates for the management of BPH. At first, antagonists of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) have been introduced to the therapy aimed to reduce serum testosterone levels. However, they have also been found to produce an inhibitory activity on local LHRH receptors in the prostate as well as impotence and other related side effects. Since then, several preclinical and clinical studies reported the favorable effects of LHRH antagonists in BPH. In contrast, antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) have been tested only in preclinical settings and produce significant reduction in prostate size in experimental models of BPH. They act at least in part, by blocking the action of respective ligands produced locally on prostates through their respective receptors in the prostate, and by inhibition of autocrine insulin-like growth factors-I/II and epidermal growth factor production. GHRH and LHRH antagonists were also tested in combination resulting in a cumulative effect that was greater than that of each alone. This article will review the numerous studies that demonstrate the beneficial effects of antagonistic analogs of LHRH, GHRH and GRP in BPH, as well as suggesting a potential role for somatostatin analogs in experimental therapies.
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Antagonistic analogs of growth hormone-releasing hormone increase the efficacy of treatment of triple negative breast cancer in nude mice with doxorubicin; A preclinical study. Oncoscience 2014; 1:665-73. [PMID: 25593995 PMCID: PMC4278278 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study evaluated the effects of an antagonistic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone, MIA-602, on tumor growth, response to doxorubicin, expression of drug resistance genes, and efflux pump function in human triple negative breast cancers. Methods HCC1806 (doxorubicin-sensitive) and MX-1 (doxorubicin-resistant), cell lines were xenografted into nude mice and treated with MIA-602, doxorubicin, or their combination. Tumors were evaluated for changes in volume and the expression of the drug resistance genes MDR1 and NANOG. In-vitro cell culture assays were used to analyze the effect of MIA-602 on efflux pump function. Results Therapy with MIA-602 significantly reduced tumor growth and enhanced the efficacy of doxorubicin in both cell lines. Control HCC1806 tumors grew by 435%, while the volume of tumors treated with MIA-602 enlarged by 172.2% and with doxorubicin by 201.6%. Treatment with the combination of MIA-602 and doxorubicin resulted in an increase in volume of only 76.2%. Control MX-1 tumors grew by 907%, while tumors treated with MIA-602 enlarged by 434.8% and with doxorubicin by 815%. The combination of MIA-602 and doxorubicin reduced the increase in tumor volume to 256%. Treatment with MIA-602 lowered the level of growth hormone-releasing hormone and growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors and significantly reduced the expression of multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene and the drug resistance regulator NANOG. MIA-602 also suppressed efflux pump function in both cell lines. Conclusions We conclude that treatment of triple negative breast cancers with growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists reduces tumor growth and potentiates the effects of cytotoxic therapy by nullifying drug resistance.
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Atawia RT, Mosli HH, Tadros MG, Khalifa AE, Mosli HA, Abdel-Naim AB. Modulatory effect of silymarin on inflammatory mediators in experimentally induced benign prostatic hyperplasia: emphasis on PTEN, HIF-1α, and NF-κB. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2014; 387:1131-40. [PMID: 25164963 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-014-1040-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the potential role of the anti-inflammatory effects of silymarin (SIL) in inhibiting experimentally induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in rats. Rats were injected testosterone (3 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously (s.c.)) for 2 weeks. In the treatment group, SIL (50 mg/kg, per orally (p.o.)) was administered daily to rats concomitantly with testosterone. Rats were killed 72 h after the last testosterone injection. Then, prostate tissues were dissected out, weighed, and subjected to histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations. Rats treated with testosterone showed marked increase in prostate weight and prostate weight/body weight with histopathological picture of inflammation and hyperplasia as well as increased collagen deposition. Co-treatment with SIL significantly alleviated these pathological changes. Further, SIL attenuated testosterone-induced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-II (COX-II), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) upregulation, and blunted testosterone-mediated increase in nitric oxide level and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8. Testosterone-induced downregulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) were alleviated by SIL. Our findings highlight the anti-inflammatory properties of SIL as a crucial mechanism of its preventive actions against experimental BPH. This can be attributed to, at least partly, attenuating the expression of NF-kB and the subsequent inflammatory cascade, ameliorating the expression of PTEN, and mitigating that of HIF-1α. These data warrant further investigations for the potential use of SIL in the management of BPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem T Atawia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt
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Hohla F, Winder T, Greil R, Rick FG, Block NL, Schally AV. Targeted therapy in advanced metastatic colorectal cancer: Current concepts and perspectives. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:6102-6112. [PMID: 24876732 PMCID: PMC4033449 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i20.6102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of new cytotoxic substances as well as agents that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling has improved clinical outcome of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In this review we summarize the most relevant clinical data on VEGF and EGFR targeting regimens in mCRC. The effects of available treatment strategies for mCRC are often temporary, with resistance and disease progression developing in most patients. Thus, new treatment strategies are urgently needed. Some GI peptides including gastrin and gastrin releasing peptide, certain growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-I and II and neuropeptides such as growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) are implicated in the growth of CRC. Experimental investigations in CRC with antagonistic analogs of bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide, GHRH, and with cytotoxic peptides that can be targeted to peptide receptors on tumors, are summarized in the second part of the review.
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Raja A, Hori S, Armitage JN. Hormonal manipulation of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic obstruction. Indian J Urol 2014; 30:189-93. [PMID: 24744519 PMCID: PMC3989822 DOI: 10.4103/0970-1591.126904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the etiology of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is often multifactorial, a significant proportion of men over the age of 50 suffer from benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate, being an androgen responsive organ is dependent on the male sex hormone, testosterone, for growth. Thus, treatment strategies that manipulate the levels of circulating hormones that influence the level of testosterone and/or prostatic growth represent an important potential option for patients suffering with troublesome LUTS due to BPO. Despite this, the only hormonal treatment that is currently used in daily clinical practice is the 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. In this article, we review the current evidence on the use of the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride. We also discuss new emerging hormonal manipulation strategies for patients with LUTS secondary to BPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adita Raja
- Department of Urology, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Satoshi Hori
- Department of Uro-Oncology, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - James N Armitage
- Department of Urology, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
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Powerful inhibition of experimental human pancreatic cancers by receptor targeted cytotoxic LH-RH analog AEZS-108. Oncotarget 2014; 4:751-60. [PMID: 23744510 PMCID: PMC3742835 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic carcinoma is one of the cancers with the worse prognosis, thus any therapeutic improvement is imperative. Cytotoxic LH-RH analog, AN-152 (proprietary designation, AEZS-108), consisting of doxorubicin (DOX) conjugated to D-Lys⁶LH-RH, is now in clinical trials for targeted therapy of several sex hormone-dependent tumors that express LH-RH receptors. We investigated LH-RH receptors in human pancreatic carcinoma and the effects of AN-152 (AEZS-108) on experimental pancreatic cancers. We determined LH-RH receptor presence in human pancreatic cancer samples by immunohistochemistry and, in three human pancreatic cancer lines (SW-1990, Panc-1 and CFPAC-1), by binding assays and Western blotting. The effects of the cytotoxic LH-RH analog were investigated on growth of these same cancer lines xenografted into nude mice. We also analyzed differences between the antitumor effects of the cytotoxic analog and its cytotoxic radical alone, doxorubicin (DOX), on the expression of cancer-related genes by PCR arrays. LH-RH receptors were expressed in two randomly selected surgically removed human pancreatic cancer samples and in all three cancer lines. Cytotoxic LH-RH analogs powerfully inhibited growth of all three tumor lines in nude mice; AN-152 was significantly stronger than DOX on Panc-1 and CFPAC-1 cancers. PCR array showed that cytotoxic LH-RH analog AN-152 affected the expression of genes associated with cellular migration, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis more favorably than DOX, however the changes in gene expression varied considerably among the three cancer lines. Cytotoxic LH-RH analog, AEZS-108, may be a useful agent for the treatment of LH-RH receptor positive advanced pancreatic carcinoma.
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Preclinical efficacy of growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists for androgen-dependent and castration-resistant human prostate cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:1084-9. [PMID: 24395797 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1323102111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer responds to androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT); however, therapeutic options for recurrent castration-resistant disease are limited. Because growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) are regulated in an autocrine fashion in prostate cancer, inhibition of GHRH-R represents a compelling approach to treatment. We investigated the effects of the latest series of improved, highly potent GHRH antagonists--MIA-602, MIA-606, and MIA-690--on the growth of androgen-dependent as well as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells in vitro and in vivo. GHRH-R and its splice variant, SV1, were present in 22Rv1, LNCaP, and VCaP human prostate cancer cell lines. Androgen-dependent LNCaP and VCaP cells expressed higher levels of GHRH-R protein compared with castration-resistant 22Rv1 cells; however, 22Rv1 expressed higher levels of SV1. In vitro, MIA-602 decreased cell proliferation of 22Rv1, LNCaP, and VCaP prostate cancer cell lines by 70%, 61%, and 20%, respectively (all P < 0.05), indicating direct effects of MIA-602. In vivo, MIA-602 was more effective than MIA-606 and MIA-690 and decreased 22Rv1 xenograft tumor volumes in mice by 63% after 3 wk (P < 0.05). No noticeable untoward effects or changes in body weight occurred. In vitro, the VCaP cell line was minimally inhibited by MIA-602, but in vivo, this line showed a substantial reduction in growth of xenografts in response to MIA-602, indicating both direct and systemic inhibitory effects. MIA-602 also further inhibited VCaP xenografts when combined with ADT. This study demonstrates the preclinical efficacy of the GHRH antagonist MIA-602 for treatment of both androgen-dependent and CRPC.
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Szalontay L, Schally AV, Popovics P, Vidaurre I, Krishan A, Zarandi M, Cai RZ, Klukovits A, Block NL, Rick FG. Novel GHRH antagonists suppress the growth of human malignant melanoma by restoring nuclear p27 function. Cell Cycle 2014; 13:2790-7. [PMID: 25486366 PMCID: PMC4615138 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2015.945879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer; the treatment of advanced and recurrent forms remains a challenge. It has recently been reported that growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor is involved in the pathogenesis of melanoma. Therefore, we investigated the effects of our new GHRH antagonists on a human melanoma cancer cell line. Antiproliferative effects of GHRH antagonists, MIA-602, MIA-606 and MIA-690, on the human melanoma cell line, A-375, were studied in vitro using the MTS assay. The effect of MIA-690 (5 μg/day 28 d) was further evaluated in vivo in nude mice bearing xenografts of A-375. Subcellular localization of p27 was detected with Western blot and immunofluorescent staining. MIA-690 inhibited the proliferation of A-375 cells in a dose-dependent manner (33% at 10 μM, and 19.2% at 5 μM, P < 0 .05 vs. control), and suppressed the growth of xenografted tumors by 70.45% (P < 0.05). Flow cytometric analysis of cell cycle effects following the administration of MIA-690 revealed a decrease in the number of cells in G2/M phase (from 19.7% to 12.9%, P < 0.001). Additionally, Western blot and immunofluorescent studies showed that exposure of A-375 cells to MIA-690 triggered the nuclear accumulation of p27. MIA-690 inhibited tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, and increased the translocation of p27 into the nucleus thus inhibiting progression of the cell cycle. Our findings indicate that patients with malignant melanoma could benefit from treatment regimens, which combine existing chemotherapy agents and novel GHRH-antagonists.
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Key Words
- ANOVA, one-way analysis of variance
- Abu, a-aminobutyric acid
- Ac, acetyl
- Ada, 12-aminododecanoyl
- Agm, agmatine
- Amc, 8-aminocaprylyl
- Cpa, parachlorophenylalanine
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- Fpa5, pentafluoro-phenylalanine
- GH, growth hormone
- GHRH, growth hormone-releasing hormone
- GHRH-R, growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor
- Har, homoarginine
- IGF-I, insulin-like growth factor I
- MTS, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfonphenyl)-2H-tetrazolium
- Nle, norleucine
- Orn, ornithine
- Ph, phenyl
- PhAc, phenylacetyl
- SVs, splice variants
- TBS, tris-buffered saline
- Tyr(Me), O-methyltyrosine
- growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonist
- hGHRH, human growth hormone-releasing hormone
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
- melanoma
- p27
- pGHRH-R, pituitary type GHRH-receptor
- targeted therapy
- xenografted mouse model
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Szalontay
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education; Miami, FL USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education; Miami, FL USA
- Department of Pathology; University of Miami; Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
- Divisions of Hematology/Oncology; University of Miami; Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
- Department of Endocrinology; University of Miami; Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of Miami; Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
| | - Petra Popovics
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education; Miami, FL USA
- Cardiovascular Diseases; Department of Medicine; University of Miami; Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
| | - Irving Vidaurre
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education; Miami, FL USA
| | - Awtar Krishan
- Department of Pathology; University of Miami; Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
| | - Marta Zarandi
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education; Miami, FL USA
- Department of Pathology; University of Miami; Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
| | - Ren-Zhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education; Miami, FL USA
- Department of Pathology; University of Miami; Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
| | - Anna Klukovits
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education; Miami, FL USA
- Department of Pathology; University of Miami; Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
| | - Norman L Block
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education; Miami, FL USA
- Department of Pathology; University of Miami; Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
- Divisions of Hematology/Oncology; University of Miami; Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
| | - Ferenc G Rick
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education; Miami, FL USA
- Department of Urology; Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine; Florida International University; Miami, FL, USA
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Potentiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy by growth hormone-releasing hormone agonists. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 111:781-6. [PMID: 24379381 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1322622111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The dismal prognosis of malignant brain tumors drives the development of new treatment modalities. In view of the multiple activities of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), we hypothesized that pretreatment with a GHRH agonist, JI-34, might increase the susceptibility of U-87 MG glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells to subsequent treatment with the cytotoxic drug, doxorubicin (DOX). This concept was corroborated by our findings, in vivo, showing that the combination of the GHRH agonist, JI-34, and DOX inhibited the growth of GBM tumors, transplanted into nude mice, more than DOX alone. In vitro, the pretreatment of GBM cells with JI-34 potentiated inhibitory effects of DOX on cell proliferation, diminished cell size and viability, and promoted apoptotic processes, as shown by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide proliferation assay, ApoLive-Glo multiplex assay, and cell volumetric assay. Proteomic studies further revealed that the pretreatment with GHRH agonist evoked differentiation decreasing the expression of the neuroectodermal stem cell antigen, nestin, and up-regulating the glial maturation marker, GFAP. The GHRH agonist also reduced the release of humoral regulators of glial growth, such as FGF basic and TGFβ. Proteomic and gene-expression (RT-PCR) studies confirmed the strong proapoptotic activity (increase in p53, decrease in v-myc and Bcl-2) and anti-invasive potential (decrease in integrin α3) of the combination of GHRH agonist and DOX. These findings indicate that the GHRH agonists can potentiate the anticancer activity of the traditional chemotherapeutic drug, DOX, by multiple mechanisms including the induction of differentiation of cancer cells.
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