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Cao J, Zhao S, Zhang Y, Cai J, Zhang L, Yang L. Pregnancy influences expression of interferon-stimulated genes, progesterone receptor and progesterone-induced blocking factor in ovine thyroid. Anim Biosci 2024; 37:1377-1386. [PMID: 38665088 PMCID: PMC11222854 DOI: 10.5713/ab.23.0508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Embryonic interferon-tau (IFNT) and progesterone affect expression of interferonstimulated genes (ISGs), progesterone receptor (PGR) and progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) in the ovine thyroid. METHODS Thyroids of ewes were sampled at day 16 of nonpregnancy, days 13, 16, and 25 of pregnancy, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect expression of ISGs, PGR, and PIBF. RESULTS Free ISG15 protein was undetected, but ISG15 conjugated proteins upregulated at day 16 of pregnancy, and expression levels of ISG15 conjugated proteins, PGR isoform (70 kDa), PIBF, interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 and myxovirusresistance protein 1 peaked, but expression level of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 was the lowest at day 16 of pregnancy. In addition, the expression levels of PGR isoform (70 kDa) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) decreased, but levels of PGR isoform (43 kDa), 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase, IP-10 and MX1 increased at day 25 of pregnancy comparing with day 16 of the estrous cycle. CONCLUSION Early pregnancy affects expression of ISGs, PGR, and PIBF in maternal thyroid through IFNT and progesterone, which may regulate thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid hormone secretion in ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Cao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038,
China
| | - Shuxin Zhao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038,
China
| | - Yaqi Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038,
China
| | - Jiabao Cai
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038,
China
| | - Leying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038,
China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038,
China
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2
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Pu H, Wen X, Luo D, Guo Z. Regulation of progesterone receptor expression in endometriosis, endometrial cancer, and breast cancer by estrogen, polymorphisms, transcription factors, epigenetic alterations, and ubiquitin-proteasome system. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 227:106199. [PMID: 36191723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The uterus and breasts are hormone-responsive tissues. Progesterone and estradiol regulate gonadotropin secretion, prepare the endometrium for implantation, maintain pregnancy, and regulate the differentiation of breast tissue. Dysregulation of these hormones causes endometriosis, endometrial cancer, and breast cancer, damaging the physical and mental health of women. Emerging evidence has shown that progesterone resistance or elevated progesterone activity is the primary hormonal substrate of these diseases. Since progesterone acts through its specific nuclear receptor, the abnormal expression of the progesterone receptor (PR) dysregulates progesterone function. This review discusses the regulatory mechanisms of PR expression in patients with endometriosis, and endometrial or breast cancer, including estrogen, polymorphisms, transcription factors, epigenetics, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system. (1) Estrogen promotes the expression of PRA (a PR isoform) mRNA and protein through the interaction of estrogen receptors (ERs) and Sp1 with half-ERE/Sp1 binding sites. ERs also affect the binding of Sp1 and Sp1 sites to promote the expression of PRB (another PR isoform)(2) PR polymorphisms, mainly PROGINS and + 331 G/A polymorphism, regulate PR expression by affecting DNA methylation and transcription factor binding. (3) The influence of epigenetic alterations on PR expression occurs through DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA. (4) As one of the main protein degradation pathways in vivo, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) regulates PR expression by participating in protein degradation. These mechanisms may provide new molecular targets for diagnosing and treating endometriosis, endometrial, and breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Pu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaosha Wen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - DiXian Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Zifen Guo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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3
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Check JH, Check DL. The role of progesterone and the progesterone receptor in cancer: progress in the last 5 years. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2023; 18:5-18. [PMID: 36647582 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2166487] [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: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with various advanced cancers devoid of nuclear progesterone receptors (nPR) have demonstrated increased quality and length of life when treated with the PR modulator mifepristone, which likely works by interacting with membrane PRs (mPR). AREAS COVERED Two immunomodulatory proteins are discussed that seem to play a role in cancers that proliferate whether the malignant tumor is positive or negative for the nPR. These two proteins are the progesterone receptor membrane component-1 (PGRMC-1) and the progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF). Both PGRMC-1 and the parent form of PIBF foster increased tumor aggressiveness, whereas splice variants of the 90 kDa form of PIBF inhibit immune response against cancer cells. EXPERT OPINION The marked clinical improvement following 200-300 mg of mifepristone is likely related to blocking PIBF. In the low dosage used, mifepristone likely acts as an agonist for PGRMC-1 protein. Mifepristone may be less effective for cancers positive for the nPR because the nPR may be protective and blocking it may have detrimental effects. Based on this hypothetical model, the development of other potential treatment options to provide even greater efficacy for treating cancer are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome H Check
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
- Cooper Institute for Reproductive Hormonal Disorders P.C, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, USA
| | - Diane L Check
- Cooper Institute for Reproductive Hormonal Disorders P.C, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, USA
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Check JH, Check DL. A Hypothetical Model Suggesting Some Possible Ways That the Progesterone Receptor May Be Involved in Cancer Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212351. [PMID: 34830233 PMCID: PMC8621132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer and the fetal-placental semi-allograft share certain characteristics, e.g., rapid proliferation, the capacity to invade normal tissue, and, related to the presence of antigens foreign to the host, the need to evade immune surveillance. Many present-day methods to treat cancer use drugs that can block a key molecule that is important for one or more of these characteristics and thus reduce side effects. The ideal molecule would be one that is essential for both the survival of the fetus and malignant tumor, but not needed for normal cells. There is a potential suitable candidate, the progesterone induced blocking factor (PIBF). The parent 90 kilodalton (kDa) form seems to be required for cell-cycle regulation, required by both the fetal-placental unit and malignant tumors. The parent form may be converted to splice variants that help both the fetus and tumors escape immune surveillance, especially in the fetal and tumor microenvironment. Evidence suggests that membrane progesterone receptors are involved in PIBF production, and indeed there has been anecdotal evidence that progesterone receptor antagonists, e.g., mifepristone, can significantly improve longevity and quality of life, with few side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome H. Check
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
- Cooper Institute for Reproductive Hormonal Disorders, P.C., Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-215-635-4156; Fax: +1-215-635-2304
| | - Diane L. Check
- Cooper Institute for Reproductive Hormonal Disorders, P.C., Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054, USA;
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Meier T, Timm M, Montani M, Wilkens L. Gene networks and transcriptional regulators associated with liver cancer development and progression. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:41. [PMID: 33541355 PMCID: PMC7863452 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-00883-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited, and overall survival is poor. Despite the high frequency of this malignoma, its basic disease mechanisms are poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use different methodological approaches and combine the results to improve our knowledge on the development and progression of HCC. METHODS Twenty-three HCC samples were characterized by histological, morphometric and cytogenetic analyses, as well as comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and genome-wide gene expression followed by a bioinformatic search for potential transcriptional regulators and master regulatory molecules of gene networks. RESULTS Histological evaluation revealed low, intermediate and high-grade HCCs, and gene expression analysis split them into two main sets: GE1-HCC and GE2-HCC, with a low and high proliferation gene expression signature, respectively. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization demonstrated a high level of chromosomal instability, with recurrent chromosomal gains of 1q, 6p, 7q, 8q, 11q, 17q, 19p/q and 20q in both HCC groups and losses of 1p, 4q, 6q, 13q and 18q characteristic for GE2-HCC. Gene expression and bioinformatics analyses revealed that different genes and gene regulatory networks underlie the distinct biological features observed in GE1-HCC and GE2-HCC. Besides previously reported dysregulated genes, the current study identified new candidate genes with a putative role in liver cancer, e.g. C1orf35, PAFAH1B3, ZNF219 and others. CONCLUSION Analysis of our findings, in accordance with the available published data, argues in favour of the notion that the activated E2F1 signalling pathway, which can be responsible for both inappropriate cell proliferation and initial chromosomal instability, plays a pivotal role in HCC development and progression. A dedifferentiation switch that manifests in exaggerated gene expression changes might be due to turning on transcriptional co-regulators with broad impact on gene expression, e.g. POU2F1 (OCT1) and NFY, as a response to accumulating cell stress during malignant development. Our findings point towards the necessity of different approaches for the treatment of HCC forms with low and high proliferation signatures and provide new candidates for developing appropriate HCC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Meier
- Institute of Pathology, Nordstadtkrankenhaus, Hanover, Germany.
| | - Max Timm
- Institute of Pathology, Nordstadtkrankenhaus, Hanover, Germany
- Clinic for Laryngology, Rhinology and Otology, Medical School Hanover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Matteo Montani
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig Wilkens
- Institute of Pathology, Nordstadtkrankenhaus, Hanover, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical School Hanover, Hanover, Germany
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Matsuzaka Y, Uesawa Y. DeepSnap-Deep Learning Approach Predicts Progesterone Receptor Antagonist Activity With High Performance. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 7:485. [PMID: 32039185 PMCID: PMC6987043 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The progesterone receptor (PR) is important therapeutic target for many malignancies and endocrine disorders due to its role in controlling ovulation and pregnancy via the reproductive cycle. Therefore, the modulation of PR activity using its agonists and antagonists is receiving increasing interest as novel treatment strategy. However, clinical trials using the PR modulators have not yet been found conclusive evidences. Recently, increasing evidence from several fields shows that the classification of chemical compounds, including agonists and antagonists, can be done with recent improvements in deep learning (DL) using deep neural network. Therefore, we recently proposed a novel DL-based quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) strategy using transfer learning to build prediction models for agonists and antagonists. By employing this novel approach, referred as DeepSnap-DL method, which uses images captured from 3-dimension (3D) chemical structure with multiple angles as input data into the DL classification, we constructed prediction models of the PR antagonists in this study. Here, the DeepSnap-DL method showed a high performance prediction of the PR antagonists by optimization of some parameters and image adjustment from 3D-structures. Furthermore, comparison of the prediction models from this approach with conventional machine learnings (MLs) indicated the DeepSnap-DL method outperformed these MLs. Therefore, the models predicted by DeepSnap-DL would be powerful tool for not only QSAR field in predicting physiological and agonist/antagonist activities, toxicity, and molecular bindings; but also for identifying biological or pathological phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshihiro Uesawa
- Department of Medical Molecular Informatics, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Che X, Wang J, He J, Yu Q, Sun W, Chen S, Zou G, Li T, Guo X, Zhang X. A new trick for an old dog: The application of mifepristone in the treatment of adenomyosis. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:1724-1737. [PMID: 31814282 PMCID: PMC6991631 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is also called internal endometriosis and affects about 20% of reproductive‐aged women. It seriously reduces life quality of patients because current drug therapies face with numerous challenges. Long‐term clinical application of mifepristone exhibits wonderful therapeutic effects with mild side‐effects in many disorders since 1982. Since adenomyosis is a refractory disease, we investigate whether mifepristone can be applied in the treatment of adenomyosis. In this study, we investigated the direct effects of mifepristone on human primary eutopic endometrial epithelial cells and stromal cells in adenomyosis. We found that mifepristone causes cell cycle arrest through inhibiting CDK1 and CDK2 expressions and induces cell apoptosis via the mitochondria‐dependent signalling pathway in endometrial epithelial cells and stromal cells of adenomyosis. Furthermore, mifepristone inhibits the migration of endometrial epithelial cells and stromal cells through decreasing CXCR4 expression and restricts the invasion of endometrial epithelial cells via suppression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in adenomyosis. We also found that mifepristone treatment decreases the uterine volume, CA125 concentration and increases the haemoglobin concentration in serum for adenomyosis patients. Therefore, we demonstrate that mifepristone could serve as a novel therapeutic drug in the treatment of adenomyosis, and therefore, the old dog can do a new trick.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Che
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Jiaxing University Affiliated Women and Children Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jianzhang Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiayi He
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qin Yu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenting Sun
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gen Zou
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyue Guo
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinmei Zhang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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8
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Progesterone receptor antagonist provides palliative effects for uterine leiomyoma through a Bcl-2/Beclin1-dependent mechanism. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20190094. [PMID: 31262976 PMCID: PMC6646233 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign smooth muscle tumor of uterus in women of reproductive age, with a high lifetime incidence. Nowadays, the exploration on the pharmacotherapies, such as progesterone receptor antagonist (PRA) requires more attention. Hence, the current study aimed to examine whether mifepristone, a PRA, influences the autophagy and apoptosis of uterine leiomyoma cells. Primary uterine leiomyoma cells were collected from 36 patients diagnosed with uterine leiomyoma to establish PR-M-positive (PR-M[+]) cells. The lentiviral vector overexpressing or silencing PR-M was subsequently delivered into one part of PR-M(+) cells in order to evaluate the role of PR-M in PR-M(+) cells. The results obtained revealed that cell viability was increased, while cell autophagy and apoptosis were diminished in the PR-M(+) cells treated with overexpressed PR-M, whereby the Bcl-2 level was elevated and the level of Beclin1 was reduced. An opposite trends were identified following treatment with knockdown of PR-M. Mifepristone at different concentrations (low, moderate, or high) was then applied to treat another part of the PR-M(+) cells. Mifepristone was identified to promote cell autophagy and apoptosis, decrease Bcl-2 level and increase Beclin1 level, accompanied by weakened interaction between Bcl-2 and Beclin1. Moreover, these effects of mifepristone on PR-M(+) cells were enhanced with increasing of the concentration. Taken together, the present study present evidence indicates the ability of PRA to regulate the Bcl-2/Beclin1 axis, ultimately promoting the autophagy and apoptosis of uterine leiomyoma cells, highlighting that PRA serves as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma.
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9
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Gao F, Peng C, Li J, Zhuang R, Guo Z, Xu D, Su X, Zhang X. Radioiodinated progesterone derivative for progesterone receptor targeting with enhanced nucleus uptake via phenylboronic acid conjugation. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2019; 62:301-309. [PMID: 31032992 DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.3741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A novel 131 I-radiolabeled probe with aromatic boronate motif (131 I-EIPBA) was designed to target progesterone receptor (PR)-positive breast cancer with enhanced nucleus uptake. Acetylene progesterone was conjugated with pegylated phenylboronic acid via click reaction and radiolabeled with 131 I to afford 131 I-EIPBA. Meanwhile, 131 I-EIPB without boronate was prepared as control agent. After determination of the lipophilicity and stability of these tracers, in vitro cell uptake studies and in vivo biodistribution in rats were performed to verify the enhanced nucleus uptake and PR targeting ability of 131 I-EIPBA. 131 I-EIPBA was obtained with moderate radiochemical yield (40.35 ± 3.52%) and high radiochemical purity (>98%). As expected, the high binding affinity (39.58 nM) of 131 I-EIPBA for PR was determined by cell binding assay. The internalization ratio of 131 I-EIPBA was remarkably higher than that of 131 I-EIPB in PR-positive MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the enhanced nucleus uptake of 131 I-EIPBA (0.59 ± 0.02%) was found to be significantly higher than that of 131 I-EIPB (0.13 ± 0.01%) in MCF-7 cells. A novel 131 I-EIPBA compound was developed for PR targeting with improved cellular nucleus uptake. Furthermore, the introduction of aromatic boronate motif provides a worthwhile strategy for enhancing the nuclear receptor targeting of tracers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chenyu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jindian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Rongqiang Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhide Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Duo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xinhui Su
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xianzhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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10
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Fragni M, Fiorentini C, Rossini E, Fisogni S, Vezzoli S, Bonini SA, Dalmiglio C, Grisanti S, Tiberio GAM, Claps M, Cosentini D, Salvi V, Bosisio D, Terzolo M, Missale C, Facchetti F, Memo M, Berruti A, Sigala S. In vitro antitumor activity of progesterone in human adrenocortical carcinoma. Endocrine 2019; 63:592-601. [PMID: 30367443 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1795-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The management of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is challenging. As mitotane and chemotherapy show limited efficacy, there is an urgent need to develop therapeutic approaches. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor activity of progesterone and explore the molecular mechanisms underlying its cytotoxic effects in the NCI-H295R cell line and primary cell cultures derived from ACC patients. METHODS Cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis were analyzed in untreated and progesterone-treated ACC cells. The ability of progesterone to affect the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in NCI-H295R cells was investigated by immunofluorescence. Progesterone and mitotane combination experiments were also performed to evaluate their interaction on NCI-H295R cell viability. RESULTS We demonstrated that progesterone exerted a concentration-dependent inhibition of ACC cell viability. Apoptosis was the main mechanism, as demonstrated by a significant increase of apoptosis and cleaved-Caspase-3 levels. Reduction of β-catenin nuclear translocation may contribute to the progesterone cytotoxic effect. The progesterone antineoplastic activity was synergically increased when mitotane was added to the cell culture medium. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that progesterone has antineoplastic activity in ACC cells. The synergistic cytotoxic activity of progesterone with mitotane provides the rationale for testing this combination in a clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Fragni
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Fiorentini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simona Fisogni
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Vezzoli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara A Bonini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cristina Dalmiglio
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Guido A M Tiberio
- Surgical Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Melanie Claps
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvi
- Section of Oncology and Experimental Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Bosisio
- Section of Oncology and Experimental Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Terzolo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences University of Turin, Internal Medicine 1, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Cristina Missale
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabio Facchetti
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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11
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Malik P, Mukherjee TK. Recent advances in gold and silver nanoparticle based therapies for lung and breast cancers. Int J Pharm 2018; 553:483-509. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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