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Aristarco V, Serrano D, Maisonneuve P, Guerrieri-Gonzaga A, Lazzeroni M, Feroce I, Macis D, Cavadini E, Albertazzi E, Jemos C, Omodeo Salè E, Cortesi L, Massarut S, Gulisano M, Daidone MG, Johansson H, Bonanni B. Fenretinide in Young Women at Genetic or Familial Risk of Breast Cancer: A Placebo-Controlled Biomarker Trial. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2024; 17:255-263. [PMID: 38530139 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-23-0422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Fenretinide, a retinoid with a low-toxicity profile that accumulates in the breast, has been shown to prevent second breast cancer in young women. Fenretinide exhibits apoptotic and antiinvasive properties and it improves insulin sensitivity in overweight premenopausal women with insulin resistance. This study aimed to further characterize its role in cancer prevention by measuring circulating biomarkers related to insulin sensitivity and breast cancer risk.Sixty-two women, ages 20 to 46 years, healthy or who had already undergone breast cancer surgery, with a known BRCA1/2 mutation or a likelihood of mutation ≥20% according to the BRCAPRO model, were randomly assigned to receive fenretinide (200 mg/day) or placebo for 5 years (trial registration: EudraCT No. 2009-010260-41). Fasting blood samples were drawn at baseline, 12 and 36 months, and the following biomarkers were analyzed: retinol, leptin, adiponectin, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP-4), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), IGF-binding protein 3, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), testosterone, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).After 12 months of treatment, we observed a favorable effect of fenretinide on glucose (decrease; P = 0.005), insulin (decrease; P = 0.03), homeostatic model assessment index (decrease; P = 0.004), HDL cholesterol (increase; P = 0.002), even though these effects were less prominent after 36 months. Retinol and retinol-binding protein 4 markedly decreased (P < 0.0001) throughout the study. None of the other measured biomarkers changed. PREVENTION RELEVANCE Fenretinide exhibits beneficial effects on the metabolic profile, supporting its clinical use in breast cancer prevention especially in premenopausal women with a positive family history and pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 genes. This finding requires further investigations in larger trials to confirm its role in breast cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Aristarco
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Serrano
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrick Maisonneuve
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Aliana Guerrieri-Gonzaga
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Lazzeroni
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Feroce
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Debora Macis
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Cavadini
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan. Italy
| | - Elena Albertazzi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Costantino Jemos
- Division of Pharmacy, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Laura Cortesi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Samuele Massarut
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO-Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano (PN), Italy
| | | | - Maria Grazia Daidone
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Harriet Johansson
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Bernardo Bonanni
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Alfei S, Zuccari G. Attempts to Improve Lipophilic Drugs' Solubility and Bioavailability: A Focus on Fenretinide. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:579. [PMID: 38794242 PMCID: PMC11125266 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of numerous drugs is often arrested at clinical testing stages, due to their unfavorable biopharmaceutical characteristics. It is the case of fenretinide (4-HPR), a second-generation retinoid, that demonstrated promising in vitro cytotoxic activity against several cancer cell lines. Unfortunately, response rates in early clinical trials with 4-HPR did not confirm the in vitro findings, mainly due to the low bioavailability of the oral capsular formulation that was initially developed. Capsular 4-HPR provided variable and insufficient drug plasma levels attributable to the high hepatic first-pass effect and poor drug water solubility. To improve 4-HPR bioavailability, several approaches have been put forward and tested in preclinical and early-phase clinical trials, demonstrating generally improved plasma levels and minimal systemic toxicities, but also modest antitumor efficacy. The challenge is thus currently still far from being met. To redirect the diminished interest of pharmaceutical companies toward 4-HPR and promote its further clinical development, this manuscript reviewed the attempts made so far by researchers to enhance 4-HPR bioavailability. A comparison of the available data was performed, and future directions were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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3
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Zaluzec EK, Sempere LF. Systemic and Local Strategies for Primary Prevention of Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:248. [PMID: 38254741 PMCID: PMC10814018 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020248] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
One in eight women will develop breast cancer in the US. For women with moderate (15-20%) to average (12.5%) risk of breast cancer, there are few options available for risk reduction. For high-risk (>20%) women, such as BRCA mutation carriers, primary prevention strategies are limited to evidence-based surgical removal of breasts and/or ovaries and anti-estrogen treatment. Despite their effectiveness in risk reduction, not many high-risk individuals opt for surgical or hormonal interventions due to severe side effects and potentially life-changing outcomes as key deterrents. Thus, better communication about the benefits of existing strategies and the development of new strategies with minimal side effects are needed to offer women adequate risk-reducing interventions. We extensively review and discuss innovative investigational strategies for primary prevention. Most of these investigational strategies are at the pre-clinical stage, but some are already being evaluated in clinical trials and others are expected to lead to first-in-human clinical trials within 5 years. Likely, these strategies would be initially tested in high-risk individuals but may be applicable to lower-risk women, if shown to decrease risk at a similar rate to existing strategies, but with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin K. Zaluzec
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Lorenzo F. Sempere
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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4
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Al-Bustany HA, Muhammad HA, Chawsheen MA, Dash PR. Fenretinide induces apoptosis and synergises the apoptosis inducing effect of gemcitabine through inhibition of key signalling molecules involved in A549 cell survival in in silico and in vitro analyses. Cell Signal 2023; 111:110885. [PMID: 37704095 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Fenretinide is a synthetic retinoid compound, which induces apoptosis via generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. We hypothesise that fenretinide's mechanism of action in triggering apoptosis may involve other targets, beside mTOR signalling pathway and it may augment apoptosis inducing effects of chemotherapeutic drugs in lung cancer. Time-lapse microscopy and Western blotting were used to evaluate apoptosis and apoptotic marker cleaved-Caspase 3 in A549 cells. Relative levels of protein phosphorylation and ROS were quantified by Human Phospho-Kinase Array Kit and CellROX® Green Reagent, respectively. Docking and simulation analyses of proteins and fenretinide interactions were identified and visualised by Discovery Studio Visualizer and AutoDock Vina software. Our results showed that fenretinide induced apoptosis in a dose dependant manner and combinations of fenretinide (5 μg/mL) and gemcitabine (1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 μg/mL) synergistically enhanced apoptosis in A549 cells. Fenretinide caused significant increase of cleaved-Caspase 3, de-phosphorylated p-S473 of Akt and failed to inhibit mTORC1 downstream targets. In silico results revealed that Akt required the lowest energy (-10.2 kcal/mol) to interact with fenretinide in comparison with other proteins. In conclusion, Akt may be exploited as a good target for induction of apoptosis in A549 cells and fenretinide has great potentials to fulfil this task. The mechanism by which fenretinide boosts the apoptosis inducing effects of gemcitabine, which is likely expected to be via inhibiting mTORC2 downstream targets. However, docking investigation revealed that fenretinide lacks specificity as it may also interact with several secondary targets beside Akt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem A Al-Bustany
- Department of Basic Science, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Hawzheen A Muhammad
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mahmoud A Chawsheen
- Department of General Sciences, Faculty of Education, Soran University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; Medical Research Centre, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region. Iraq.
| | - Phil R Dash
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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Oluwamodupe C, Adeleye AO. Targeting Retinol-Binding Protein 4 (RBP4) in the Management of Cardiometabolic Diseases. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2023; 23:285-294. [PMID: 37587250 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-023-09803-8] [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: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The ancient use of herbs for the treatment of various human diseases have been documented, with several scientific literatures supporting the use of medicinal plants. There is however a major concern about the phyto-constituents in the plants that performs the healing function and the mechanism by which it works for different ailments are still a research prospect. Cardiometabolic disease (CMD) is no doubt becoming more frequent globally and this is due to poor approach in therapy, contrary effects linked with intensive control, inept strategies with old drugs, inadequate control of some risk factors and lack of knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to this malaise. Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) are predominantly secreted in the liver and adipose tissues and several researches have observed that elevation in serum levels of RBP4 often observed in obese experimental animals and human subjects causes CMD (obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, etc.). RBP4 has gained special attention in the last 20 years in the field of metabolism research. This review aims to show research interaction of some medicinal plants targeting RBP4 in treating CMD and to encourage researchers, who are interested in CMD drug design, to focus on medicinal plants that inhibit the secretion of serum RBP4 in the adipose tissue for therapeutic approach to CMD. It also aims to identify the major bioactive compounds of plants that serves as a better and cheaper drug candidate for CMD and also study the signaling pathway which the plant material uses to regulate the metabolic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Oluwamodupe
- Department of Chemical Sciences (Biochemistry Program), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, P. M. B. 353, Okitipupa, Nigeria.
| | - Adesola Oluwaseun Adeleye
- Department of Chemical Sciences (Biochemistry Program), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, P. M. B. 353, Okitipupa, Nigeria
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Fenizia S, Gaggini M, Vassalle C. The Sphingolipid-Signaling Pathway as a Modulator of Infection by SARS-CoV-2. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7956-7973. [PMID: 37886946 PMCID: PMC10605018 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ceramides and other related sphingolipids, important cellular components linked to metabolic homeostasis and cardiometabolic diseases, have been found to be involved in different steps of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Hence, changes in their physiological levels are identified as predictors of COVID-19 severity and prognosis, as well as potential therapeutic targets. In this review, an overview of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle is given, followed by a description of the sphingolipid metabolism and its role in viral infection, with a particular focus on those steps required to finalize the viral life cycle. Furthermore, the use and development of pharmaceutical strategies to target sphingolipids to prevent and treat severe and long-term symptoms of infectious diseases, particularly COVID-19, are reviewed herein. Finally, research perspectives and current challenges in this research field are highlighted. Although many aspects of sphingolipid metabolism are not fully known, this review aims to highlight how the discovery and use of molecules targeting sphingolipids with reliable and selective properties may offer new therapeutic alternatives to infectious and other diseases, including COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Fenizia
- Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica, Italian National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Melania Gaggini
- Fondazione CNR-Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Vassalle
- Fondazione CNR-Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Manna EDF, Serrano D, Aurilio G, Bonanni B, Lazzeroni M. Chemoprevention and Lifestyle Modifications for Risk Reduction in Sporadic and Hereditary Breast Cancer. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2360. [PMID: 37628558 PMCID: PMC10454363 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Female breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy worldwide. Risk assessment helps to identify women at increased risk of breast cancer and allows the adoption of a comprehensive approach to reducing breast cancer incidence through personalized interventions, including lifestyle modification, chemoprevention, intensified surveillance with breast imaging, genetic counseling, and testing. Primary prevention means acting on modifiable risk factors to reduce breast cancer occurrence. Chemoprevention with tamoxifen, raloxifene, anastrozole, and exemestane has already shown benefits in decreasing breast cancer incidence in women at an increased risk for breast cancer. For healthy women carrying BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variants, the efficacy of chemoprevention is still controversial. Adopting chemoprevention strategies and the choice among agents should depend on the safety profile and risk-benefit ratio. Unfortunately, the uptake of these agents has been low. Lifestyle modifications can reduce breast cancer incidence, and the recommendations for BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 P/LP germline variant carriers are comparable to the general population. This review summarizes the most recent evidence regarding the efficacy of chemoprevention and lifestyle interventions in women with sporadic and hereditary breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Del Fiol Manna
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (D.S.); (G.A.); (B.B.); (M.L.)
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8
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Moyer CL, Brown PH. Targeting nuclear hormone receptors for the prevention of breast cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1200947. [PMID: 37583424 PMCID: PMC10424511 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1200947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in research have led to the steady decline of breast cancer mortality over the past thirty years. However, breast cancer incidence has continued to rise, resulting in an undue burden on healthcare costs and highlighting a great need for more effective breast cancer prevention strategies, including targeted chemo preventative agents. Efforts to understand the etiology of breast cancer have uncovered important roles for nuclear receptors in the development and progression of breast cancer. Targeted therapies to inhibit estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) signaling (selective ER modulators, aromatase inhibitors and selective PR modulators) have shown great promise for the treatment and prevention of hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer. However, these drugs do not prevent HR-negative disease. Therefore, recent efforts have focused on novel targeted therapies with the potential to prevent both HR-positive and HR-negative breast cancer. Among these include drugs that target other nuclear receptors, such as retinoic acid receptor (RAR), retinoid X receptor (RXR) and vitamin D receptor (VDR). In this review we provide an overview of recent preclinical and clinical trials targeting members of the nuclear receptor superfamily for the prevention of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L. Moyer
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Powel H. Brown
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Shi M, Tang C, Wu JX, Ji BW, Gong BM, Wu XH, Wang X. Mass Spectrometry Detects Sphingolipid Metabolites for Discovery of New Strategy for Cancer Therapy from the Aspect of Programmed Cell Death. Metabolites 2023; 13:867. [PMID: 37512574 PMCID: PMC10384871 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids, a type of bioactive lipid, play crucial roles within cells, serving as integral components of membranes and exhibiting strong signaling properties that have potential therapeutic implications in anti-cancer treatments. However, due to the diverse group of lipids and intricate mechanisms, sphingolipids still face challenges in enhancing the efficacy of different therapy approaches. In recent decades, mass spectrometry has made significant advancements in uncovering sphingolipid biomarkers and elucidating their impact on cancer development, progression, and resistance. Primary sphingolipids, such as ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate, exhibit contrasting roles in regulating cancer cell death and survival. The evasion of cell death is a characteristic hallmark of cancer cells, leading to treatment failure and a poor prognosis. The escape initiates with long-established apoptosis and extends to other programmed cell death (PCD) forms when patients experience chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or immunotherapy. Gradually, supportive evidence has uncovered the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying various forms of PCD leading to the development of innovative molecular, genetic, and pharmacological tools that specifically target sphingolipid signaling nodes. In this study, we provide a comprehensive overview of the sphingolipid biomarkers revealed through mass spectrometry in recent decades, as well as an in-depth analysis of the six main forms of PCD (apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis) in aspects of tumorigenesis, metastasis, and tumor response to treatments. We review the corresponding small-molecule compounds associated with these processes and their potential implications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Chao Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jia-Xing Wu
- SINO-SWISS Institute of Advanced Technology, School of Microelectronics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Bao-Wei Ji
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bao-Ming Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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Chen S, Hu Q, Tao X, Xia J, Wu T, Cheng B, Wang J. Retinoids in cancer chemoprevention and therapy: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Genet 2022; 13:1065320. [PMID: 36437918 PMCID: PMC9681997 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1065320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoids, natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, have many regulatory functions in human body, including regulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis. Moreover, retinoids have been used successfully for the treatment of certain malignancies, especially acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in adults and neuroblastoma in children. However, retinoids have not yet been translated into effective systemic treatments for most solid cancers. Some recent studies have shown that retinoids promote tumorigenesis. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the efficacy of retinoids in the chemoprevention and treatment of cancers. We performed literature search of several electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library from 2000 January to 2021 November. Various outcomes were applied to investigate the potential of retinoids for prevention and treatment of cancers. The primary outcomes in this study were disease recurrence and clinical response. The secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), cancer development, disease progression and event-free survival. We identified 39 randomized controlled trials with 15,627 patients in this study. Our results showed that lower recurrence rate and better clinical response were obtained in retinoids treated patients with cancer or premalignancy as compared with control. The differences were statistically significant (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74-0.96, p = 0.01; RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.03-1.49, p = 0.02, respectively). Retinoids treatment was not associated with improvement in overall survival, cancer development, disease progression or event-free survival. Subgroup analysis conducted based on cancer type showed that patients benefited from retinoids treatment in APL, renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, and complete hydatidiform mole. No significant therapeutic effect was noted in head and neck cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), melanoma, breast cancer, bladder cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical carcinoma. Subgroup analysis based on tumor classification demonstrated that retinoids group obtained a lower recurrence rate and better clinical response than control group in solid cancers. In conclusion, clinical application of retinoids was associated with reduction in disease recurrence and improvement in clinical response, illustrating that retinoids play a key role in cancer prevention and therapy. Further research is needed to broaden the utility of retinoids in other types of cancers. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022296706.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Chen
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinchao Hu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoan Tao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Xia
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Cheng
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Hayashi Y, Matsuda K, Tanigawa K, Tanikawa T, Maeda K, Tsuchiya K. Dihydroceramide Δ4-Desaturase 1 Is Not Involved in SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:1559-1563. [PMID: 36184516 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b22-00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dihydroceramide Δ4-desaturase 1 (DEGS1) enzymatic activity is inhibited with N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-retinamide (4-HPR). We reported previously that 4-HPR suppresses severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry through a DEGS1-independent mechanism. However, it remains unclear whether DEGS1 is involved in other SARS-CoV-2 infection processes, such as virus replication and release. Here we established DEGS1 knockout (KO) in VeroE6TMPRSS2 cells. No significant difference was observed in virus production in the culture supernatant between wild-type (WT) cells and DEGS1-KO cells, although the levels of dihydroceramide (DHCer), a DEGS1 substrate, were significantly higher in DEGS1-KO cells than WT cells. Furthermore, the virus-induced cytopathic effect was also observed in DEGS1-KO cells. Importantly, the EC50 value of 4-HPR in DEGS1-KO cells was almost identical to the value reported previously in WT cells. Our results indicated the lack of involvement of DEGS1 in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kouki Matsuda
- Department of Refractory Viral Infections, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute
| | | | - Takashi Tanikawa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| | - Kenji Maeda
- Division of Antiviral Therapy, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University
| | - Kiyoto Tsuchiya
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine
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12
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Pal P, Atilla-Gokcumen GE, Frasor J. Emerging Roles of Ceramides in Breast Cancer Biology and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911178. [PMID: 36232480 PMCID: PMC9569866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the classic hallmarks of cancer is the imbalance between elevated cell proliferation and reduced cell death. Ceramide, a bioactive sphingolipid that can regulate this balance, has long been implicated in cancer. While the effects of ceramide on cell death and therapeutic efficacy are well established, emerging evidence indicates that ceramide turnover to downstream sphingolipids, such as sphingomyelin, hexosylceramides, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and ceramide-1-phosphate, is equally important in driving pro-tumorigenic phenotypes, such as proliferation, survival, migration, stemness, and therapy resistance. The complex and dynamic sphingolipid network has been extensively studied in several cancers, including breast cancer, to find key sphingolipidomic alterations that can be exploited to develop new therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes. Here, we review how the current literature shapes our understanding of how ceramide synthesis and turnover are altered in breast cancer and how these changes offer potential strategies to improve breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purab Pal
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
- Correspondence: (G.E.A.-G.); (J.F.)
| | - Jonna Frasor
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence: (G.E.A.-G.); (J.F.)
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13
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Salata GC, Malagó ID, Lopes LB. A Lipid-Based In Situ-Forming Hexagonal Phase for Prolonged Retention and Drug Release in the Breast Tissue. AAPS PharmSciTech 2022; 23:260. [PMID: 36123553 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-022-02411-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the addition of monoolein to phosphatidylcholine (PC), tricaprylin, and propylene glycol (PG) mixtures was studied to produce fluid precursor formulations (FIPs) that could transform into hexagonal phase (resistant to aqueous dilution) in vitro and in vivo. The overall goal was to obtain FIPs that could incorporate chemopreventive drugs for subcutaneous administration in the mammary tissue to inhibit the development and/or recurrence of breast cancer. Increasing PG content reduced FIP viscosity up to ~ 2.5-fold, while increases in PC (over monoolein) increased the formation of emulsified systems. The hexagonal phase was observed at 20% of water and higher, with the minimum amount of water necessary for this formation increasing with PG content. The selected FIP formed a depot in vivo after ~ 24 h of administration; its structure was compatible with the hexagonal phase and it remained in the mammary tissue for at least 30 days, prolonging the permanence of a fluorescent probe. In vitro, the release of the synthetic retinoid fenretinide was slow, with ~ 9% of the drug released in 72 h. Consistent with this slow release, fenretinide IC50 in breast cancer cells was ~ 100-fold higher in the selected FIP compared to its solution. The FIP reduced cell migration and presented higher cytotoxicity towards tumor compared to non-tumor cells. Given the limited number of options for pharmacological prevention of breast cancer development and recurrences, this formulation could potentially find applicability to reduce the frequency of administration and improve local concentrations of chemopreventive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna C Salata
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 1524 Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, São Paulo-SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Isabella D Malagó
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 1524 Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, São Paulo-SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Luciana B Lopes
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 1524 Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, São Paulo-SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
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14
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Apolinário AC, Salata GC, de Souza MM, Chorilli M, Lopes LB. Rethinking Breast Cancer Chemoprevention: Technological Advantages and Enhanced Performance of a Nanoethosomal-Based Hydrogel for Topical Administration of Fenretinide. AAPS PharmSciTech 2022; 23:104. [PMID: 35381947 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-022-02257-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we developed an ethosomal hydrogel based on three types of ethosomes: simple, mixed (surfactant-based micelles and lipid vesicles) or binary (comprising two type of alcohols). Ethanol injection was employed for vesicles preparation, and sodium alginate, as gelling agent. We purposed the local-transdermal administration of the off-the-shelf retinoid fenretinide (FENR) for chemoprevention of breast cancer. Rheograms and flow index values for alginate dispersion (without ethosomes) and hydrogels containing simple, mixed or binary ethosomes suggested pseudoplastic behavior. An increase in the apparent viscosity was observed upon ethosome incorporation. The ethosomal hydrogel displayed increased bioadhesion compared to the alginate dispersion, suggesting that the lipid vesicles contribute to the gelling and bioadhesion processes. In the Hen's Egg Test-Chorioallantoic Membrane model, few spots of lysis and hemorrhage were observed for formulations containing simple (score of 2) and mixed vesicles (score 4), but not for the hydrogel based on the binary system, indicating its lower irritation potential. The binary ethosomal hydrogel provided a slower FENR in vitro release and delivered 2.6-fold less drug into viable skin layers compared to the ethosome dispersion, supporting the ability of the gel matrix to slow down drug release. The ethosomal hydrogel decreased by ~ five-fold the IC50 values of FENR in MCF-7 cells. In conclusion, binary ethosomal gels presented technological advantages, provided sustained drug release and skin penetration, and did not preclude drug cytotoxic effects, supporting their potential applicability as topical chemopreventive systems.
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15
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Kim N, Priefer R. Retinol binding protein 4 antagonists and protein synthesis inhibitors: Potential for therapeutic development. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113856. [PMID: 34547506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a serum protein that transports Vitamin A. RBP4 is correlated with numerous diseases and metabolic syndromes, including insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and macular degeneration. Recently, RBP4 antagonists and protein synthesis inhibitors are under development to regulate the effect of RBP4. Several RBP4 antagonists, especially BPN-14136, have demonstrated promising safety profiles and potential therapeutic benefits in animal studies. Two RBP4 antagonists, specifically tinlarebant (Belite Bio) and STG-001 (Stargazer) are currently undergoing clinical trials. Some antidiabetic drugs and nutraceuticals have been reported to reduce RBP4 expression, but more clinical data is needed to evaluate their therapeutical benefits. As regulating RBP4 levels or its activities would benefit a wide range of patients, further research is highly recommended to develop clinically useful RBP4 antagonists or protein synthesis inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noheul Kim
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ronny Priefer
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Companioni O, Mir C, Garcia-Mayea Y, LLeonart ME. Targeting Sphingolipids for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:745092. [PMID: 34737957 PMCID: PMC8560795 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.745092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are an extensive class of lipids with different functions in the cell, ranging from proliferation to cell death. Sphingolipids are modified in multiple cancers and are responsible for tumor proliferation, progression, and metastasis. Several inhibitors or activators of sphingolipid signaling, such as fenretinide, safingol, ABC294640, ceramide nanoliposomes (CNLs), SKI-II, α-galactosylceramide, fingolimod, and sonepcizumab, have been described. The objective of this review was to analyze the results from preclinical and clinical trials of these drugs for the treatment of cancer. Sphingolipid-targeting drugs have been tested alone or in combination with chemotherapy, exhibiting antitumor activity alone and in synergism with chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. As a consequence of treatments, the most frequent mechanism of cell death is apoptosis, followed by autophagy. Aslthough all these drugs have produced good results in preclinical studies of multiple cancers, the outcomes of clinical trials have not been similar. The most effective drugs are fenretinide and α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). In contrast, minor adverse effects restricted to a few subjects and hepatic toxicity have been observed in clinical trials of ABC294640 and safingol, respectively. In the case of CNLs, SKI-II, fingolimod and sonepcizumab there are some limitations and absence of enough clinical studies to demonstrate a benefit. The effectiveness or lack of a major therapeutic effect of sphingolipid modulation by some drugs as a cancer therapy and other aspects related to their mechanism of action are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Companioni
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Mir
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yoelsis Garcia-Mayea
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Matilde E LLeonart
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Network Center in Oncology, CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Salata GC, Malagó ID, Carvalho Dartora VFM, Marçal Pessoa AF, Fantini MCDA, Costa SKP, Machado-Neto JA, Lopes LB. Microemulsion for Prolonged Release of Fenretinide in the Mammary Tissue and Prevention of Breast Cancer Development. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:3401-3417. [PMID: 34482696 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The need of pharmacological strategies to preclude breast cancer development motivated us to develop a non-aqueous microemulsion (ME) capable of forming a depot after administration in the mammary tissue and uptake of interstitial fluids for prolonged release of the retinoid fenretinide. The selected ME was composed of phosphatidylcholine/tricaprylin/propylene glycol (45:5:50, w/w/w) and presented a droplet diameter of 175.3 ± 8.9 nm. Upon water uptake, the ME transformed successively into a lamellar phase, gel, and a lamellar phase-containing emulsion in vitro as the water content increased and released 30% of fenretinide in vitro after 9 days. Consistent with the slow release, the ME formed a depot in cell cultures and increased fenretinide IC50 values by 68.3- and 13.2-fold in MCF-7 and T-47D cells compared to a solution, respectively. At non-cytotoxic concentrations, the ME reduced T-47D cell migration by 75.9% and spheroid growth, resulting in ∼30% smaller structures. The depot formed in vivo prolonged a fluorochrome release for 30 days without producing any sings of local irritation. In a preclinical model of chemically induced carcinogenesis, ME administration every 3 weeks for 3 months significantly reduced (4.7-fold) the incidence of breast tumors and increased type II collagen expression, which might contribute to limit spreading. These promising results support the potential ME applicability as a preventive therapy of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cassone Salata
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Isabella D Malagó
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Vanessa F M Carvalho Dartora
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Marçal Pessoa
- Departamento de Cirurgia, LIM26, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455, São Paulo, São Paulo 01246903, Brazil
| | - Márcia Carvalho de Abreu Fantini
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 1371, São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Soraia K P Costa
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - João Agostinho Machado-Neto
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Luciana B Lopes
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
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18
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Hayashi Y, Tsuchiya K, Yamamoto M, Nemoto-Sasaki Y, Tanigawa K, Hama K, Ueda Y, Tanikawa T, Gohda J, Maeda K, Inoue JI, Yamashita A. N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl) Retinamide Suppresses SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-Mediated Cell-Cell Fusion by a Dihydroceramide Δ4-Desaturase 1-Independent Mechanism. J Virol 2021; 95:e0080721. [PMID: 34106748 PMCID: PMC8354230 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00807-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The membrane fusion between the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and host cells is essential for the initial step of infection; therefore, the host cell membrane components, including sphingolipids, influence the viral infection. We assessed several inhibitors of the enzymes pertaining to sphingolipid metabolism, against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S)-mediated cell-cell fusion and viral infection. N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR), an inhibitor of dihydroceramide Δ4-desaturase 1 (DES1), suppressed cell-cell fusion and viral infection. The analysis of sphingolipid levels revealed that the inhibition efficiencies of cell-cell fusion and viral infection in 4-HPR-treated cells were consistent with an increased ratio of saturated sphinganine-based lipids to total sphingolipids. We investigated the relationship of DES1 with the inhibition efficiencies of cell-cell fusion. The changes in the sphingolipid profile induced by 4-HPR were mitigated by the supplementation with exogenous cell-permeative ceramide; however, the reduced cell-cell fusion could not be reversed. The efficiency of cell-cell fusion in DES1 knockout (KO) cells was at a level comparable to that in wild-type (WT) cells; however, the ratio of saturated sphinganine-based lipids to the total sphingolipids was higher in DES1 KO cells than in WT cells. 4-HPR reduced cell membrane fluidity without any significant effects on the expression or localization of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the SARS-CoV-2 receptor. Therefore, 4-HPR suppresses SARS-CoV-2 S-mediated membrane fusion through a DES1-independent mechanism, and this decrease in membrane fluidity induced by 4-HPR could be the major cause for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection. IMPORTANCE Sphingolipids could play an important role in SARS-CoV-2 S-mediated membrane fusion with host cells. We studied the cell-cell fusion using SARS-CoV-2 S-expressing cells and sphingolipid-manipulated target cells, with an inhibitor of the sphingolipid metabolism. 4-HPR (also known as fenretinide) is an inhibitor of DES1, and it exhibits antitumor activity and suppresses cell-cell fusion and viral infection. 4-HPR suppresses membrane fusion through a decrease in membrane fluidity, which could possibly be the cause for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection. There is accumulating clinical data on the safety of 4-HPR. Therefore, it could be a potential candidate drug against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kiyoto Tsuchiya
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mizuki Yamamoto
- Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Kotaro Hama
- Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ueda
- Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Tanikawa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Jin Gohda
- Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Maeda
- Department of Refractory Viral Infections, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Orienti I, Armida M, Dobrowolny G, Pepponi R, Sollazzini G, Pezzola A, Casola I, Musarò A, Popoli P, Potenza RL. Fenretinide Beneficial Effects on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-associated SOD1 G93A Mutant Protein Toxicity: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidences. Neuroscience 2021; 473:1-12. [PMID: 34363869 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most frequent motor neuron disease for which effective treatment options are still lacking. ALS occurs in sporadic and familial forms which are clinically indistinguishable; about 20% of familial ALS cases are linked to mutations of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. Fenretinide (FEN), a cancer chemopreventive and antiproliferative agent currently used in several clinical trials, is a multi-target drug which also exhibits redox regulation activities. We analyzed the effects of FEN on mutant SOD1 (mSOD1) toxicity in motoneuronal (NSC34) and a muscle (C2C12) cell lines and evaluated the impacts of chronic administration of a new nanomicellar fenretinide formulation (NanoMFen) on ALS disease progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model. The results showed that FEN significantly prevents the toxicity of mSOD1 expression in NSC34 motor neuron; furthermore, FEN is able to partially overcome the toxic effect of mSOD1 on the myogenic program of C2C12 muscle cells. Administration of NanoMFen ameliorates the disease progression and increases median survival of mSOD1G93A ALS mice, even when given after disease onset; beneficial effects in ALS mice, however, is restricted to female sex. Our data support the therapeutic potential of FEN against ALS-associated SOD1G93A mutant protein toxicity and promote further studies to elucidate specific cellular targets of the drug in ALS. Furthermore, the sex-related efficacy of NanoMFen in mSOD1G93A ALS mice strengthens the importance, in the perspective of a precision medicine approach, of gender pharmacology in ALS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Armida
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Pepponi
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Sollazzini
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Pezzola
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Casola
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Popoli
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Luisa Potenza
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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20
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Alsanafi M, Brown RDR, Oh J, Adams DR, Torta F, Pyne NJ, Pyne S. Dihydroceramide Desaturase Functions as an Inducer and Rectifier of Apoptosis: Effect of Retinol Derivatives, Antioxidants and Phenolic Compounds. Cell Biochem Biophys 2021; 79:461-475. [PMID: 33991313 PMCID: PMC8551130 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-021-00990-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Dihydroceramide desaturase (Degs1) catalyses the introduction of a 4,5-trans double bond into dihydroceramide to form ceramide. We show here that Degs1 is polyubiquitinated in response to retinol derivatives, phenolic compounds or anti-oxidants in HEK293T cells. The functional predominance of native versus polyubiquitinated forms of Degs1 appears to govern cytotoxicity. Therefore, 4-HPR or celecoxib appear to stimulate the de novo ceramide pathway (with the exception of C24:0 ceramide), using native Degs1, and thereby promote PARP cleavage and LC3B-I/II processing (autophagy/apoptosis). The ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of Degs1 is positively linked to cell survival via XBP-1s and results in a concomitant increase in dihydroceramides and a decrease in C24:0 ceramide levels. However, in the case of 4-HPR or celecoxib, the native form of Degs1 functionally predominates, such that the apoptotic programme is sustained. In contrast, 4-HPA or AM404 do not produce apoptotic ceramide, using native Degs1, but do promote a rectifier function to induce ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of Degs1 and are not cytotoxic. Therefore, Degs1 appears to function both as an ‘inducer’ and ‘rectifier’ of apoptosis in response to chemical cellular stress, the dynamic balance for which is dependent on the nature of chemical stress, thereby determining cytotoxicity. The de novo synthesis of ceramide or the ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of Degs1 in response to anti-oxidants, retinol derivatives and phenolic compounds appear to involve sensors, and for rectifier function, this might be Degs1 itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Alsanafi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Ryan D R Brown
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Jeongah Oh
- SLING, Singapore Lipidomics Incubator, Life Sciences Institute and Department of Biochemistry, YLL School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David R Adams
- School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Federico Torta
- SLING, Singapore Lipidomics Incubator, Life Sciences Institute and Department of Biochemistry, YLL School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nigel J Pyne
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Susan Pyne
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
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21
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Tang XH, Melis M, Mai K, Gudas LJ, Trasino SE. Fenretinide Improves Intestinal Barrier Function and Mitigates Alcohol Liver Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:630557. [PMID: 33815111 PMCID: PMC8012525 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.630557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of liver-related mortality globally, yet there remains an unmet demand for approved ALD drugs. The pathogenesis of ALD involves perturbations to the intestinal barrier and subsequent translocation of bacterial endotoxin that, acting through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), promotes hepatic inflammation and progression of ALD. In the present study we investigated the ability of fenretinide (Fen) [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide], a synthetic retinoid with known anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, to modulate intestinal permeability and clinical hallmarks of ALD in a mouse model of chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure. Our results show that EtOH-treated mice had reductions in mRNA and protein expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, including claudin one and occludin, and increases in intestinal permeability and endotoxemia compared to pair-fed mice. Also, EtOH-treated mice had marked increases in hepatic steatosis, liver injury, and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, and TLR4-positive macrophages, Kupffer cells, and hepatocytes in the intestines and liver, respectively. In contrast, EtOH + Fen-treated mice were resistant to the effects of EtOH on promoting intestinal permeability and had higher intestinal protein levels of claudin one and occludin. Also, EtOH + Fen-treated mice had significantly lower plasma levels of endotoxin, and reductions in expression of TNF-α and TLR4 positive macrophages, Kupffer cells, and hepatocytes in the intestine and liver. Lastly, we found that EtOH + Fen-treated mice exhibited major reductions in hepatic triglycerides, steatosis, and liver injury compared to EtOH-treated mice. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that Fen possesses anti-ALD properties, potentially through modulation of the intestinal barrier function, endotoxemia, and TLR4-mediated inflammation. These data warrant further pre-clinical investigations of Fen as a potential anti-ALD drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Han Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marta Melis
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Karen Mai
- Nutrition Program, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lorraine J Gudas
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Steven E Trasino
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, United States.,Nutrition Program, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
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22
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Garić D, Dumut DC, Shah J, De Sanctis JB, Radzioch D. The role of essential fatty acids in cystic fibrosis and normalizing effect of fenretinide. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4255-4267. [PMID: 32394023 PMCID: PMC11105061 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03530-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal-recessive disease in Caucasians caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene. Patients are usually diagnosed in infancy and are burdened with extensive medical treatments throughout their lives. One of the first documented biochemical defects in CF, which predates the cloning of CFTR gene for almost three decades, is an imbalance in the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The principal hallmarks of this imbalance are increased levels of arachidonic acid and decreased levels of docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) in CF. This pro-inflammatory profile of PUFAs is an important component of sterile inflammation in CF, which is known to be detrimental, rather than protective for the patients. Despite decades of intensive research, the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon remains unclear. In this review we summarized the current knowledge on the biochemistry of PUFAs, with a focus on the metabolism of AA and DHA in CF. Finally, a synthetic retinoid called fenretinide (N-(4-hydroxy-phenyl) retinamide) was shown to be able to correct the pro-inflammatory imbalance of PUFAs in CF. Therefore, its pharmacological actions and clinical potential are briefly discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dušan Garić
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health, McGill University Health Center, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Room EM3-3211, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Daciana Catalina Dumut
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health, McGill University Health Center, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Room EM3-3211, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Juhi Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health, McGill University Health Center, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Room EM3-3211, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Juan Bautista De Sanctis
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Danuta Radzioch
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health, McGill University Health Center, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Room EM3-3211, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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23
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Orienti I, Farruggia G, Nguyen F, Guan P, Calonghi N, Kolla V, Chorny M, Brodeur GM. Nanomicellar Lenalidomide-Fenretinide Combination Suppresses Tumor Growth in an MYCN Amplified Neuroblastoma Tumor. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:6873-6886. [PMID: 32982239 PMCID: PMC7502401 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s262032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In a previous study, we demonstrated that the combination of fenretinide with lenalidomide, administered by a novel nanomicellar formulation (FLM), provided a strong antitumor effect in a neuroblastoma TrkB-expressing tumor. In this study, we tested the nanomicellar combination in an MYCN amplified neuroblastoma xenograft to assess its efficacy in different tumor genotypes and evaluate the interactions of the nanomicelles with the tumor cells. Experimental Design FLM was administered to mice bearing human NLF xenografts to evaluate its efficacy in comparison with the nanomicelles containing fenretinide alone (FM). Confocal laser-scanning fluorescence microscopy images of the NLF cells treated with FLM and FM allowed us to estimate the nanomicelle ability to transport the encapsulated drugs inside the tumor cells. Flow cytometric analysis of the cells from treated tumors was performed to assess the effect of treatment on GD2 expression and NK cell infiltration. Results FLM and FM decreased the growth of NLF xenografts at comparable extents during the treatment period. Afterwards, FLM induced a progressive tumor regression without regrowth, while FM treatment was followed by regrowth within 15-20 days after the end of treatment. Both FLM and FM were able to penetrate the tumor cells transporting the encapsulated drugs. FLM transported higher amount of fenretinide inside the cells. Also, FLM treatment strongly increased GD2 expression in treated tumors and slightly decreased the NK infiltration compared to FM. Conclusion FLM treatment induced a superior antitumor response than FM in NLF xenografts, presumably due to the combined effects of fenretinide cytotoxicity and lenalidomide antiangiogenic activity. The ability of FLM to penetrate tumor cells, transporting the encapsulated drugs, substantially improved the therapeutic efficiency of this system. Moreover, the enhancement of GD2 expression in FLM treated tumors offers the possibility to further increase the antitumor effect by the use of anti-GD2 CAR-T cells and anti-GD2 antibodies in combination with FLM in multimodal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Ferro Nguyen
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peng Guan
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Calonghi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Venkatadri Kolla
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Chorny
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Garrett M Brodeur
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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24
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Zhang H, Xu H, Zhang R, Zhao X, Liang M, Wei F. Chemosensitization by 4-hydroxyphenyl retinamide-induced NF-κB inhibition in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2020; 86:257-266. [PMID: 32696214 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04115-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inherent and/or acquired multi-drug resistance might be the instigator of treatment failure for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the current study, we aimed to explored the chemosensitizing effect of 4-HPR on AML therapy. METHODS Luciferase reporter assays were used to test the effect of 4-HPR on transcriptional signaling pathways. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblots were used to confirm the role of 4-HPR in NF-κB inhibition, apoptosis, and drug resistance. MTT and flow cytometry assays were applied to test the drug response and chemosensitizing effect of 4-HPR with AML cell lines and primary AML samples. RESULTS 4-HPR suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α- and daunorubin-induced NF-κB activation in AML cell lines. The expression of anti-apoptotic gene, BCL2, was downregulated, while expressions of pro-apoptotic genes, cIAP, XIAP, and BID, were increased after 4-HPR treatment. Immunoblots showed decreased p65-NF-κB, IκBα, and MDR1, but increased cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and BIM. A low concentration of 4-HPR chemosensitized AML cells to daunorubin treatment in vitro. CONCLUSION 4-HPR-induced NF-κB inhibition was the main driver of the chemosensitizing effect observed in AML cell lines and primary AML samples. These results highlight that 4-HPR might be a promising chemosensitizing agent in AML therapy.
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MESH Headings
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/antagonists & inhibitors
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/metabolism
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis
- Cell Proliferation
- Daunorubicin/pharmacology
- Drug Synergism
- Fenretinide/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- NF-kappa B/antagonists & inhibitors
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
| | - Haoyu Xu
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Ranran Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinying Zhao
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Fenggui Wei
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
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25
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Orienti I, Gentilomi GA, Farruggia G. Pulmonary Delivery of Fenretinide: A Possible Adjuvant Treatment In COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3812. [PMID: 32471278 PMCID: PMC7312074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, there is no vaccine or effective standard treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (or coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19)), which frequently leads to lethal pulmonary inflammatory responses. COVID-19 pathology is characterized by extreme inflammation and amplified immune response with activation of a cytokine storm. A subsequent progression to acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can take place, which is often followed by death. The causes of these strong inflammatory responses in SARS-CoV-2 infection are still unknown. As uncontrolled pulmonary inflammation is likely the main cause of death in SARS-CoV-2 infection, anti-inflammatory therapeutic interventions are particularly important. Fenretinide N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide is a bioactive molecule characterized by poly-pharmacological properties and a low toxicity profile. Fenretinide is endowed with antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulating properties other than efficacy in obesity/diabetic pathologies. Its anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities, in particular, could likely have utility in multimodal therapies for the treatment of ALI/ARDS in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, fenretinide administration by pulmonary delivery systems could further increase its therapeutic value by carrying high drug concentrations to the lungs and triggering a rapid onset of activity. This is particularly important in SARS-CoV-2 infection, where only a narrow time window exists for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via S. Donato 19/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Angela Gentilomi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Unit of Microbiology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via S. Donato 19/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
- Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute (BBNI), 00136 Roma, Italy
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26
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Vogel VG. Breast cancer risk reduction: Notable achievements and remaining challenges. Breast J 2020; 26:86-91. [PMID: 31971344 DOI: 10.1111/tbj.13717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Millions of women in the United States are at increased risk of breast cancer. Multiple prospective, randomized clinical trials have demonstrated both the efficacy and safety of selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors in reducing substantially the risk of invasive breast cancer in women at increased risk. Published tables are available to aid clinicians in shared decision-making regarding drug interventions with their patients who are at increased risk of breast cancer. Both professional and governmental agencies have advised that these interventions should be offered to women at increased risk of breast cancer. Doing so would reduce breast cancer morbidity substantially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor G Vogel
- Breast Medical Oncology/Research, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
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27
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Raimundo L, Ramos H, Loureiro JB, Calheiros J, Saraiva L. BRCA1/P53: Two strengths in cancer chemoprevention. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1873:188339. [PMID: 31917206 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Increasing emphasis has been given to prevention as a feasible approach to reduce the cancer burden. However, for its clinical success, further advances are required to identify effective chemopreventive agents. This review affords a critical and up-to-date discussion of issues related to cancer prevention, including an in-depth knowledge on BRCA1 and p53 tumor suppressor proteins as key molecular players. Indeed, it compiles the most recent advances on the topic, highlighting the unique potential of BRCA1 and p53 germline mutations as molecular biomarkers for risk assessment and targets for chemoprevention. Relevant evidences are herein provided supporting the effectiveness of distinct pharmacological agents in cancer prevention, by targeting BRCA1 and p53. Moreover, the rationale for using germline mutant BRCA1- or p53-related cancer syndromes as model systems to investigate effective chemopreventive agents is also addressed. Altogether, this work provides an innovative conception about the dependence on p53 and BRCA1 co-inactivation in tumor formation and development, emphasizing the relationship between these two proteins as an encouraging direction for future personalized pharmacological interventions in cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Raimundo
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Ramos
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana B Loureiro
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana Calheiros
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lucília Saraiva
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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28
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Orienti I, Nguyen F, Guan P, Kolla V, Calonghi N, Farruggia G, Chorny M, Brodeur GM. A Novel Nanomicellar Combination of Fenretinide and Lenalidomide Shows Marked Antitumor Activity in a Neuroblastoma Xenograft Model. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:4305-4319. [PMID: 31908416 PMCID: PMC6930389 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s221909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Currently >50% of high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) patients, despite intensive therapy and initial partial or complete response, develop recurrent NB due to the persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD) that is resistant to conventional antitumor drugs. Indeed, their low therapeutic index prevents drug-dose escalation and protracted administration schedules, as would be required for MRD treatment. Thus, more effective and less toxic therapies are urgently needed for the management of MRD. To address this aim, we evaluated a new combination of fenretinide and lenalidomide, both endowed with antitumor activity and low-toxicity profiles. New nanomicelles were prepared as carriers for this combination to maximize bioavailability and accumulation at the tumor site because of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Experimental design New nanomicelles containing the fenretinide–lenalidomide combination (FLnMs) were prepared by a one-step method, providing high drug encapsulation and micelle dimensions suitable for tumor accumulation. Their administration to mice bearing human NB xenografts allowed us to evaluate their efficacy in comparison with the nanomicelles containing fenretinide alone (FnMs). Results Treatment by FLnMs significantly decreased the tumor growth of NB xenografts. FLnMs were more active than FnMs despite comparable fenretinide concentrations in tumors, and lenalidomide alone did not show cytotoxic activity in vitro against NB cells. The tumor mass at the end of treatment with FLnMs was predominantly necrotic, with a decreased Ki-67 proliferation index. Conclusion FLnMs provided superior antitumor efficacy in NB xenografts compared to FnMs. The enhanced efficacy of the combination was likely due to the antiangiogenic effect of lenalidomide added to the cytotoxic effect of fenretinide. This new nanomicellar combination is characterized by a low-toxicity profile and offers a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of high-risk tumors where the persistence of MRD requires repeated administrations of therapeutic agents over long periods of time to avoid recurrent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Ferro Nguyen
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peng Guan
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Venkatadri Kolla
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Calonghi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Michael Chorny
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Garrett M Brodeur
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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29
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Bens A, Langballe R, Bernstein JL, Cronin-Fenton D, Friis S, Mellemkjaer L. Preventive drug therapy and contralateral breast cancer: summary of the evidence of clinical trials and observational studies. Acta Oncol 2019; 58:1581-1593. [PMID: 31393200 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2019.1643915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer patients have a lifelong 2-4-fold increased risk of developing a second primary tumor in the contralateral breast compared with the risk for a first primary breast cancer in the general female population. Prevention of contralateral breast cancer (CBC) has received increased attention during recent decades. Here, we summarize and discuss the available literature on drug preventive therapy and CBC.Results: The endocrine-targetting drugs, tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors are used as standard adjuvant treatment for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Both are associated with relative risk reductions of CBC of up to 50%, but incur serious side effects. Several prescription drugs originally developed for other purposes, including bisphosphonates, statins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, metformin, anti-hypertensives and retinoids, have shown anti-cancer activity in preclinical models. However, results of observational studies on CBC are sparse and inconsistent, with only statins demonstrating promise as preventive agents and a potential treatment option for ER-negative breast cancer patients.Conclusion: Future studies are needed to assess the effect of statins in risk reduction and to identify other drugs with chemopreventive potential against CBC. Eventually, efforts must be directed towards identifying those breast cancer patients likely to benefit most from specific preventive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annet Bens
- Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rikke Langballe
- Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Søren Friis
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Unit of Statistics and Pharmacoepidemiology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Mellemkjaer
- Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
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30
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Orienti I, Francescangeli F, De Angelis ML, Fecchi K, Bongiorno-Borbone L, Signore M, Peschiaroli A, Boe A, Bruselles A, Costantino A, Eramo A, Salvati V, Sette G, Contavalli P, Zolla L, Oki T, Kitamura T, Spada M, Giuliani A, Baiocchi M, La Torre F, Melino G, Tartaglia M, De Maria R, Zeuner A. A new bioavailable fenretinide formulation with antiproliferative, antimetabolic, and cytotoxic effects on solid tumors. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:529. [PMID: 31332161 PMCID: PMC6646369 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1775-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Fenretinide is a synthetic retinoid characterized by anticancer activity in preclinical models and favorable toxicological profile, but also by a low bioavailability that hindered its clinical efficacy in former clinical trials. We developed a new formulation of fenretinide complexed with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (nanofenretinide) characterized by an increased bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Nanofenretinide was active in cell lines derived from multiple solid tumors, in primary spheroid cultures and in xenografts of lung and colorectal cancer, where it inhibited tumor growth independently from the mutational status of tumor cells. A global profiling of pathways activated by nanofenretinide was performed by reverse-phase proteomic arrays and lipid analysis, revealing widespread repression of the mTOR pathway, activation of apoptotic, autophagic and DNA damage signals and massive production of dihydroceramide, a bioactive lipid with pleiotropic effects on several biological processes. In cells that survived nanofenretinide treatment there was a decrease of factors involved in cell cycle progression and an increase in the levels of p16 and phosphorylated p38 MAPK with consequent block in G0 and early G1. The capacity of nanofenretinide to induce cancer cell death and quiescence, together with its elevated bioavailability and broad antitumor activity indicate its potential use in cancer treatment and chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Francescangeli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Laura De Angelis
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Fecchi
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucilla Bongiorno-Borbone
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Signore
- RPPA Unit, Proteomics, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Peschiaroli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boe
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bruselles
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelita Costantino
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences BIOMETEC, University of Catania, via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Adriana Eramo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvati
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sette
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Contavalli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lello Zolla
- DAFNE Department, University Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Toshihiko Oki
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.,Division of Stem Cell Signaling, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Toshio Kitamura
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.,Division of Stem Cell Signaling, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Massimo Spada
- Center of Animal research and Welfare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Baiocchi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo La Torre
- Surgical Sciences and Emergency Department, Division of Emergency & Trauma Surgery, Emergency Department, Policlinico Umberto I/Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Viale di San Paolo 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Institute of General Pathology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ann Zeuner
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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31
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Tharmapalan P, Mahendralingam M, Berman HK, Khokha R. Mammary stem cells and progenitors: targeting the roots of breast cancer for prevention. EMBO J 2019; 38:e100852. [PMID: 31267556 PMCID: PMC6627238 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2018100852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer prevention is daunting, yet not an unsurmountable goal. Mammary stem and progenitors have been proposed as the cells-of-origin in breast cancer. Here, we present the concept of limiting these breast cancer precursors as a risk reduction approach in high-risk women. A wealth of information now exists for phenotypic and functional characterization of mammary stem and progenitor cells in mouse and human. Recent work has also revealed the hormonal regulation of stem/progenitor dynamics as well as intrinsic lineage distinctions between mammary epithelial populations. Leveraging these insights, molecular marker-guided chemoprevention is an achievable reality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathepan Mahendralingam
- Princess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Hal K Berman
- Princess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Rama Khokha
- Princess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
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Antiglioma via regulating oxidative stress and remodeling tumor-associated macrophage using lactoferrin-mediated biomimetic codelivery of simvastatin/fenretinide. J Control Release 2018; 287:12-23. [PMID: 30096402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Effective treatment of malignant glioma still remains a formidable challenge due to lack of the effective BBB-permeable drugs and efficient brain delivery methods, and the pharmacotherapy options are very limited. Therefore, to develop an effective therapeutic strategy is a pressing need. In this work, a noncytotoxic drug combination (i.e., simvastatin and fenretinide) was revealed to be potent for treating glioma, which was co-encapsulated into a TPGS-TAT-embedded lactoferrin nanoparticle system for achieving brain-targeted biomimetic delivery via the LRP-1 receptor. It was shown that the lactoferrin nanoparticle repolarized the tumor-associated macrophages from the M2 phenotype to M1 via regulating the STAT6 pathway, as well as induced the ROS-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis by inhibiting the Ras/Raf/p-Erk pathway in the glioma cells. The antiglioma efficacy was further demonstrated in both the subcutaneous and orthotopic glioma models. The repolarization of tumor-associated macrophages not only prompted the ROS generation but also induced the innate immunity (e.g., antitumor cytokine release). This delivery and therapeutic strategy provides a novel modality for the glioma treatment.
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Evans DG, Howell SJ, Howell A. Personalized prevention in high risk individuals: Managing hormones and beyond. Breast 2018; 39:139-147. [PMID: 29610032 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing numbers of women are being identified at 'high-risk' of breast cancer, defined by The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a 10-year risk of ≥8%. Classically women have been so identified through family history based risk algorithms or genetic testing of high-risk genes. Recent research has shown that assessment of mammographic density and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), when combined with established risk factors, trebles the number of women reaching the high risk threshold. The options for risk reduction in such women include endocrine chemoprevention with the selective estrogen receptor modulators tamoxifen and raloxifene or the aromatase inhibitors anastrozole or exemestane. NICE recommends offering anastrozole to postmenopausal women at high-risk of breast cancer as cost effectiveness analysis showed this to be cost saving to the National Health Service. Overall uptake to chemoprevention has been disappointingly low but this may improve with the improved efficacy of aromatase inhibitors, particularly the lack of toxicity to the endometrium and thrombogenic risks. Novel approaches to chemoprevention under investigation include lower dose and topical tamoxifen, denosumab, anti-progestins and metformin. Although oophorectomy is usually only recommended to women at increased risk of ovarian cancer it has been shown in numerous studies to reduce breast cancer risks in the general population and in those with mutations in BRCA1/2. However, recent evidence from studies that have confined analysis to true prospective follow up have cast doubt on the efficacy of oophorectomy to reduce breast cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers, at least in the short-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gareth Evans
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; Prevent Breast Cancer and Nightingale Breast Screening Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital Manchester Universities Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Manchester Breast Centre, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Sacha J Howell
- Prevent Breast Cancer and Nightingale Breast Screening Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital Manchester Universities Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Manchester Breast Centre, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Anthony Howell
- Prevent Breast Cancer and Nightingale Breast Screening Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital Manchester Universities Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Manchester Breast Centre, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Fettig LM, McGinn O, Finlay-Schultz J, LaBarbera DV, Nordeen SK, Sartorius CA. Cross talk between progesterone receptors and retinoic acid receptors in regulation of cytokeratin 5-positive breast cancer cells. Oncogene 2017; 36:6074-6084. [PMID: 28692043 PMCID: PMC5668194 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Half of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers contain a subpopulation of cytokeratin 5 (CK5)-expressing cells that are therapy resistant and exhibit increased cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. We and others have demonstrated that progesterone (P4) increases CK5+ breast cancer cells. We previously discovered that retinoids block P4 induction of CK5+ cells. Here we investigated the mechanisms by which progesterone receptors (PR) and retinoic acid receptors (RAR) regulate CK5 expression and breast CSC activity. After P4 treatment, sorted CK5+ compared to CK5- cells were more tumorigenic in vivo. In vitro, P4-treated breast cancer cells formed larger mammospheres and silencing of CK5 using small hairpin RNA abolished this P4-dependent increase in mammosphere size. Retinoic acid (RA) treatment blocked the P4 increase in CK5+ cells and prevented the P4 increase in mammosphere size. Dual small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing of RARα and RARγ reversed RA blockade of P4-induced CK5. Using promoter deletion analysis, we identified a region 1.1 kb upstream of the CK5 transcriptional start site that is necessary for P4 activation and contains a putative progesterone response element (PRE). We confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation that P4 recruits PR to the CK5 promoter near the -1.1 kb essential PRE, and also to a proximal region near -130 bp that contains PRE half-sites and a RA response element (RARE). RA induced loss of PR binding only at the proximal site. Interestingly, RARα was recruited to the -1.1 kb PRE and the -130 bp PRE/RARE regions with P4, but not RA alone or RA plus P4. Treatment of breast cancer xenografts in vivo with the retinoid fenretinide reduced the accumulation of CK5+ cells during estrogen depletion. This reduction, together with the inhibition of CK5+ cell expansion through RAR/PR cross talk, may explain the efficacy of retinoids in prevention of some breast cancer recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- LM Fettig
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - O McGinn
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - J Finlay-Schultz
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - DV LaBarbera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - SK Nordeen
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - CA Sartorius
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Poliakov E, Samuel W, Duncan T, Gutierrez DB, Mata NL, Redmond TM. Inhibitory effects of fenretinide metabolites N-[4-methoxyphenyl]retinamide (MPR) and 4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (3-keto-HPR) on fenretinide molecular targets β-carotene oxygenase 1, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 and dihydroceramide Δ4-desaturase 1. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176487. [PMID: 28448568 PMCID: PMC5407626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic capacity of fenretinide (N-[4-hydroxyphenyl] retinamide; 4-HPR) has been demonstrated for several conditions, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, and ocular disease. Yet, the mechanisms of action for its pleiotropic effects are still undefined. We hypothesized that investigation of two of the major physiological metabolites of fenretinide, N-[4-methoxyphenyl]retinamide (MPR) and 4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (3-keto-HPR), might begin to resolve the multifaceted effects of this synthetic retinoid. We analyzed the effects of fenretinide, MPR, 3-keto-HPR, and the non-retinoid RBP4 ligand A1120, on the activity of known targets of fenretinide, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) and dihydroceramide Δ4-desaturase 1 (DES1) in ARPE-19 cells, and purified recombinant mouse beta-carotene oxygenase 1 (BCO1) in vitro. Lipids and retinoids were extracted and quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and reversed phase HPLC, respectively. The data demonstrate that while fenretinide is an inhibitor of the activities of these three enzymes, that 3-keto-HPR is a more potent inhibitor of all three enzymes, potentially mediating most of the in vivo beneficial effects of fenretinide. However, while MPR does not affect SCD1 and DES1 activity, it is a potent specific inhibitor of BCO1. We conclude that a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of action of fenretinide and its metabolites provides new avenues for therapeutic specificity. For example, administration of 3-keto-HPR instead of fenretinide may be preferential if inhibition of SCD1 or DES1 activity is the goal (cancer), while MPR may be better for BCO1 modulation (carotenoid metabolism). Continued investigation of fenretinide metabolites in the context of fenretinide’s various therapeutic uses will begin to resolve the pleotropic nature of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Poliakov
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (EP); (TMR)
| | - William Samuel
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Todd Duncan
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Danielle B. Gutierrez
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nathan L. Mata
- Acucela Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - T. Michael Redmond
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (EP); (TMR)
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Tiberio P, Cavadini E, Cleris L, Dallavalle S, Musso L, Daidone MG, Appierto V. Sodium 4-Carboxymethoxyimino-(4-HPR) a Novel Water-Soluble Derivative of 4-Oxo-4-HPR Endowed with In Vivo Anticancer Activity on Solid Tumors. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:226. [PMID: 28491037 PMCID: PMC5405676 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-oxo-4-HPR), an active polar metabolite of the synthetic retinoid N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-HPR), was shown to exert promising antitumor activity through at least two independent mechanisms of action. Specifically, differently from 4-HPR and other retinoids, 4-oxo-4-HPR targets microtubules and inhibits tubulin polymerization causing mitotic arrest and on the other hand, analogously to the parent drug, it induces apoptosis through the activation of a signaling cascade involving the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the potential in vivo use of 4-oxo-4-HPR is impaired by its poor solubility. By chemical modification of 4-oxo-4-HPR, a new class of compounds with improved solubility and in vivo bioavailability was obtained. We demonstrated here that, among them, the most promising molecule, sodium 4-carboxymethoxyimino-(4-HPR), was endowed with in vitro antitumor efficacy and entirely preserved the double mechanism of action of the parent drug in cancer cells of different histotypes. In fact, the retinoid induced the activation of the apoptotic cascade related to the generation of ROS through endoplasmic reticulum stress response and upregulation of phospho c-Jun N-terminal kinases and PLAcental Bone morphogenetic protein, leading to cell death through caspase-3 cleavage. Otherwise, sodium 4-carboxymethoxyimino-(4-HPR) caused a marked mitotic arrest coupled with multipolar spindle formation and tubulin depolymerization. To assess the compound antitumor activity, in vivo experiments were performed in three mouse xenograft models (ovarian and breast cancers and mesothelioma). The in vivo results demonstrated that retinoid administration as single agent significantly increased the survival in ovarian cancer xenografts, induced a statistically significant decrease in tumor growth in breast cancer xenografts, and caused a 30% reduction in tumor growth in a mesothelioma mouse model. Even though further studies investigating sodium 4-carboxymethoxyimino-(4-HPR) toxicity and in vitro and in vivo activities in combination with other drugs are required, the double mechanism of action of the retinoid coupled with its in vivo antitumor efficacy and potential low toxicity suggest a promising therapeutic potential for the compound in different solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Tiberio
- Biomarkers Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilan, Italy
| | - Elena Cavadini
- Biomarkers Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilan, Italy
| | - Loredana Cleris
- Biomarkers Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Dallavalle
- Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, Università degli Studi di MilanoMilan, Italy
| | - Loana Musso
- Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, Università degli Studi di MilanoMilan, Italy
| | - Maria G Daidone
- Biomarkers Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilan, Italy
| | - Valentina Appierto
- Biomarkers Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilan, Italy
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Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Novel All-Trans-Retinoic Acid-Podophyllotoxin Conjugate towards Human Gastric Cancer Cells. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22040628. [PMID: 28420180 PMCID: PMC6154554 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22040628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
With the purpose of creating a multifunctional drug for gastric cancer treatment, a novel all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) conjugate with podophyllotoxin (PPT) was designed and synthesized, and its in vitro antiproliferative activity was evaluated against human gastric cancer cell lines using CCK-8 assay. The conjugate, P-A, exhibited significant anticancer activity against MKN-45 and BGC-823 cells with IC50 values of 0.419 ± 0.032 and 0.202 ± 0.055 μM, respectively. Moreover, P-A efficiently triggered cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis in MKN-45 and BGC-823 cells due to modulation of cell cycle arrest- (CDK1, CDK2, CyclinA and CyclinB1) and apoptosis- (cleaved caspase-3, -8 and -9) related proteins, respectively. Further mechanism studies revealed that P-A could increase the expression levels of RARα and RARβ, and decrease the level of RARγ in MKN-45 and BGC-823 cells. Finally, P-A inhibited the ERK1/2 and AKT signaling in the above two cancer cell lines. More importantly, the underlying mechanisms of P-A were similar to those of precursor PPT but different with the other precursor ATRA. Together, the conjugate P-A was a promising candidate for the potential treatment of human gastric cancer.
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Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE There are a number of redox-active anticancer agents currently in development based on the premise that altered redox homeostasis is necessary for cancer cell's survival. Recent Advances: This review focuses on the relatively few agents that target cellular redox homeostasis to have entered clinical trial as anticancer drugs. CRITICAL ISSUES The success rate of redox anticancer drugs has been disappointing compared to other classes of anticancer agents. This is due, in part, to our incomplete understanding of the functions of the redox targets in normal and cancer tissues, leading to off-target toxicities and low therapeutic indexes of the drugs. The field also lags behind in the use biomarkers and other means to select patients who are most likely to respond to redox-targeted therapy. FUTURE DIRECTIONS If we wish to derive clinical benefit from agents that attack redox targets, then the future will require a more sophisticated understanding of the role of redox targets in cancer and the increased application of personalized medicine principles for their use. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 262-273.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Garth Powis
- 2 Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute Cancer Center , La Jolla, California
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Meikle PJ, Summers SA. Sphingolipids and phospholipids in insulin resistance and related metabolic disorders. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2017; 13:79-91. [PMID: 27767036 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2016.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease form a metabolic disease continuum that has seen a dramatic increase in prevalence in developed and developing countries over the past two decades. Dyslipidaemia resulting from hypercaloric diets is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of metabolic disease, and lipid-lowering therapies are the main therapeutic option for this group of disorders. However, the fact that dysfunctional lipid metabolism extends far beyond cholesterol and triglycerides is becoming increasingly clear. Lipidomic studies and mouse models are helping to explain the complex interactions between diet, lipid metabolism and metabolic disease. These studies are not only improving our understanding of this complex biology, but are also identifying potential therapeutic avenues to combat this growing epidemic. This Review examines what is currently known about phospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism in the setting of obesity and how metabolic pathways are being modulated for therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Meikle
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Scott A Summers
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, 201 Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, USA
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Wang XQ, Li ZN, Wang QM, Jin HY, Gao Z, Jin ZH. Lipid nano-bubble combined with ultrasound for anti-keloids therapy. J Liposome Res 2016; 28:5-13. [PMID: 27733083 DOI: 10.1080/08982104.2016.1239633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Keloids were characterized by excessive growth of fibrous tissues, and shared several pathological characteristics with cancer. They did put physical and emotional stress on patients in that keloids could badly change appearance of patients. N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4HPR) showed cytotoxic activity on a wide variety of invasive-growth cells. Our work was aim to prepare N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide-loaded lipid microbubbles (4HPR-LM) combined with ultrasound for anti-keloid therapy. 4HPR-loaded liposomes (4HPR-L) were first prepared by film evaporation method, and then 4HPR-LM were manufactured by mixing 4HPR-L and perfluoropentane (PFP) with ultrasonic cavitation method. The mean particle size and entrapment efficiency 4HPR-LM were 113 nm and 95%, respectively. The anti-keloids activity of 4HPR-LM was assessed with BALB/c nude mice bearing subcutaneous xenograft keloids model. 4HPR-LM, combined with ultrasound, could significantly induce apoptosis of keloid fibroblasts in vitro and inhibited growth of keloids in vivo. Thus, 4HPR-LM could be considered as a promising agent for anti-keloids therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Qing Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College , Beijing , China.,b Yanbian University Hospital , Yanji , China , and.,c Jining No.1 People's Hospital , Jining , China
| | - Zhou-Na Li
- a State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College , Beijing , China.,b Yanbian University Hospital , Yanji , China , and
| | - Qi-Ming Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College , Beijing , China
| | - Hong-Yan Jin
- b Yanbian University Hospital , Yanji , China , and
| | - Zhonggao Gao
- a State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College , Beijing , China
| | - Zhe-Hu Jin
- b Yanbian University Hospital , Yanji , China , and
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Steineck A, MacKenzie JD, Twist CJ. Premature physeal closure following 13-cis-retinoic acid and prolonged fenretinide administration in neuroblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2016; 63:2050-3. [PMID: 27399265 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Retinoid therapy has contributed to improved outcomes in neuroblastoma. Clinical trials of fenretinide report favorable toxicity and disease stabilization in patients with high risk (HR) neuroblastoma. Skeletal effects have been described with other retinoids, but not with fenretinide to date. Two patients with HR, metastatic, refractory neuroblastoma received protracted courses of oral fenretinide for more than 5 years' duration. Both developed premature long bone physeal closure, causing limb length discrepancies; their neuroblastoma remains in remission. The radiographic and clinical findings reported suggest these skeletal abnormalities may be a consequence of treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid (13cisRA) followed by prolonged oral fenretinide exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Steineck
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - John D MacKenzie
- Department of Radiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Clare J Twist
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Chen H, Chen L, Wang L, Zhou X, Chan JYW, Li J, Cui G, Lee SMY. Synergistic effect of fenretinide and curcumin for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2016; 17:1022-1029. [PMID: 27628049 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2016.1219810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Curcumin and fenretinide are 2 well-known and promising chemotherapeutic compounds via various molecular mechanisms. However, the anticancer capacity of either curcumin or fenretinide is limited. This prompted us to examine the combined anticancer effects of curcumin and fenretinide. Our results demonstrate for the first time that there is synergistic anticancer effect of combined treatment with these 2 agents, leading to enhanced cytotoxicity and enhanced expression level of pro-apoptotic protein cleaved PARP in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells while showed little toxicity to rat cardiomyoblast normal cells. The combination treatment was also demonstrated to inhibit lung carcinoma growth in vivo. Furthermore, we show that fenretinide or the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA decreased curcumin-induced Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) upregulation, and produced a similar enhanced cytotoxic effect. In addition, GRP78 knockdown by siRNA also enhanced the cytotoxic effect of curcumin in A549 and H1299 cells. Our findings suggest that the 2 small molecules, when used in combination, can potentially be effective therapeutic agents for treating NSCLC, at least in part, by regulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone protein GRP78.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanxian Chen
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macau , China
| | - Linmin Chen
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macau , China
| | - Liang Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macau , China
| | - Xinhua Zhou
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macau , China
| | - Judy Yuet-Wa Chan
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macau , China
| | - Jingjing Li
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macau , China
| | - Guozhen Cui
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macau , China.,b Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine , Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical College , Zhuhai , China
| | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macau , China
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Bassani B, Bartolini D, Pagani A, Principi E, Zollo M, Noonan DM, Albini A, Bruno A. Fenretinide (4-HPR) Targets Caspase-9, ERK 1/2 and the Wnt3a/β-Catenin Pathway in Medulloblastoma Cells and Medulloblastoma Cell Spheroids. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154111. [PMID: 27367907 PMCID: PMC4930187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), a neuroectodermal tumor arising in the cerebellum, represents the most frequent childhood brain malignancy. Current treatments for MB combine radiation and chemotherapy and are often associated with relevant side effects; novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR, fenretinide), a synthetic analogue of all-trans retinoic acid, has emerged as a promising and well-tolerated cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent for various neoplasms, from breast cancer to neuroblastoma. Here we investigated the effects of 4-HPR on MB cell lines and identified the mechanism of action for a potential use in therapy of MB. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate 4-HPR induction of apoptosis and oxygen reactive species (ROS) production, as well as cell cycle effects. Functional analysis to determine 4-HPR ability to interfere with MB cell migration and invasion were performed. Western Blot analysis were used to investigate the crucial molecules involved in selected signaling pathways associated with apoptosis (caspase-9 and PARP-1), cell survival (ERK 1/2) and tumor progression (Wnt3a and β-catenin). We show that 4-HPR induces caspase 9-dependent cell death in DAOY and ONS-76 cells, associated with increased ROS generation, suggesting that free radical intermediates might be directly involved. We observed 4-HPR induction of cell cycle arrest in G1/S phase, inactivated β-catenin, and inhibition of MB cell migration and invasion. We also evaluated the ability of 4-HPR to target MB cancer-stem/cancer-initiating cells, using an MB spheroids model, followed by flow cytometry and quantitative real-time PCR. 4-HPR treatment reduced DAOY and ONS-76 spheroid formation, in term of number and size. Decreased expression of the surface markers CD133+ and ABCG2+ as well as Oct-4 and Sox-2 gene expression were observed on BTICs treated with 4-HPR further reducing BITIC invasive activities. Finally, we analyzed 4-HPR ability to inhibit MB tumor cell growth in vivo in nude mice. Taken together, our data suggest that 4-HPR targets both parental and MB tumor stem/initiating cell-like populations. Since 4-HPR exerts low toxicity, it could represent a valid compound in the treatment of human MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bassani
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Arianna Pagani
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Principi
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Zollo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Douglas M. Noonan
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Adriana Albini
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Scientific and Technological Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy
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Musso L, Tiberio P, Appierto V, Cincinelli R, Cavadini E, Cleris L, Daidone MG, Dallavalle S. Water-soluble derivatives of 4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide: synthesis and biological activity. Chem Biol Drug Des 2016; 88:608-14. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Loana Musso
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences; Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milano Italy
| | - Paola Tiberio
- Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine; Fondazione IRCCS - Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori; Milano Italy
| | - Valentina Appierto
- Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine; Fondazione IRCCS - Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori; Milano Italy
| | - Raffaella Cincinelli
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences; Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milano Italy
| | - Elena Cavadini
- Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine; Fondazione IRCCS - Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori; Milano Italy
| | - Loredana Cleris
- Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine; Fondazione IRCCS - Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori; Milano Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Daidone
- Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine; Fondazione IRCCS - Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori; Milano Italy
| | - Sabrina Dallavalle
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences; Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milano Italy
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Novel dengue virus inhibitor 4-HPR activates ATF4 independent of protein kinase R-like Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase and elevates levels of eIF2α phosphorylation in virus infected cells. Antiviral Res 2016; 130:1-6. [PMID: 26965420 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Infections by dengue virus (DENV) are increasing worldwide, with an urgent need for effective anti-DENV agents. We recently identified N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR), an anti-DENV agent effective against all 4 serotypes of DENV in cell culture, and in a lethal mouse model for DENV infection (Fraser et al., 2014b). Although identified as an inhibitor of DENV non-structural protein 5 (NS5) recognition by host nuclear import proteins, the precise impact and mode of action of 4-HPR in effecting DENV clearance remains to be defined. Significantly, concurrent with decreased viral RNA and infectious DENV in 4-HPR-treated cells, we previously observed specific up-regulation of transcripts representing the Protein Kinase R-like Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase (PERK) arm of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway upon 4-HPR addition. Here we pursue these findings in detail, examining the role of specific PERK pathway components in DENV clearance. We demonstrate that 4-HPR-induced nuclear localization of Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4), a pathway component downstream from PERK, occurs in a PERK-independent manner, implying activation instead occurs through Integrated Stress Response (ISR) kinases. Significantly, ATF4 does not appear to be required for the antiviral activity of 4-HPR, suggesting transcriptional events induced by ATF4 do not drive the 4-HPR-induced antiviral state. Instead, we demonstrate that 4-HPR induces phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), a target of ISR kinases which controls translation attenuation, and confirm the importance of phosphorylated-eIF2α in DENV infection using guanabenz, a specific inhibitor of eIF2α dephosphorylation. This study provides the first detailed insight into the cellular effects modulated by 4-HPR in DENV-infected cells, critical to progressing 4-HPR towards the clinic.
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Pavone ME, Malpani SS, Dyson M, Kim JJ, Bulun SE. Fenretinide: A Potential Treatment for Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:1139-47. [PMID: 26919975 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116632920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fenretinide is a synthetic retinoid analogue that promotes apoptosis but has decreased toxicity when compared to other retinoids. We have previously shown that retinoic acid (RA) production in endometriotic tissue is decreased, resulting in reduced estrogen metabolism and apoptotic resistance. We hypothesize fenretinide may induce apoptosis in endometriotic cells and tissues, thereby reducing disease burden. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary endometriotic stromal cells were collected, isolated, cultured, and treated with fenretinide in doses from 0 to 20 µmol/L. Cell count, viability, and immunoblots were performed to examine apoptosis. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from endometriotic cells treated with fenretinide was used to examine expression of genes involved in RA signaling including stimulated by RA 6 (STRA6), cellular RA binding protein 2 (CRABP2), and fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5). Endometriotic tissue was xenografted subcutaneously into the flanks of mice which were treated with fenretinide for 2 weeks, after which the mice were killed and lesion volumes calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using t test and analysis of variance. RESULTS Treatment with fenretinide significantly decreased total cell count (doses 5-20 µL) and viability (doses 10-20 µmol/L). Fenretinide increased protein levels of the apoptotic marker poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (starting at 10 µmol/L) and decreased proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (10 µmol/L, starting at 8-day treatment). Examination of genes involved in retinoid uptake and action showed that treatment induced STRA6 expression while expression of CRABP2 and FABP5 remained unchanged. Fenretinide also significantly decreased the endometriotic lesion xenograft volume. CONCLUSIONS Fenretinide increases STRA6 expression thereby potentially reversing the pathological loss of retinoid availability. Treatment with this compound induces apoptosis. In vivo treatments decrease lesion volume. Targeting the RA signaling pathway may be a promising novel treatment for women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Saurabh S Malpani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew Dyson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - J Julie Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Serdar E Bulun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Lee O, Khan SA. Novel routes for administering chemoprevention: local transdermal therapy to the breasts. Semin Oncol 2016; 43:107-115. [DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Landoni E, Miceli R, Callari M, Tiberio P, Appierto V, Angeloni V, Mariani L, Daidone MG. Proposal of supervised data analysis strategy of plasma miRNAs from hybridisation array data with an application to assess hemolysis-related deregulation. BMC Bioinformatics 2015; 16:388. [PMID: 26581577 PMCID: PMC4650369 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-015-0820-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plasma miRNAs have the potential as cancer biomarkers but no consolidated guidelines for data mining in this field are available. The purpose of the study was to apply a supervised data analysis strategy in a context where prior knowledge is available, i.e., that of hemolysis-related miRNAs deregulation, so as to compare our results with existing evidence. Results We developed a structured strategy with innovative applications of existing bioinformatics methods for supervised analyses including: 1) the combination of two statistical (t- and Anderson-Darling) test results to detect miRNAs with significant fold change or general distributional differences in class comparison, which could reveal hidden differential biological processes worth to be considered for building predictive tools; 2) a bootstrap selection procedure together with machine learning techniques in class prediction to guarantee the transferability of results and explore the interconnections among the selected miRNAs, which is important for highlighting their inherent biological dependences. The strategy was applied to develop a classifier for discriminating between hemolyzed and not hemolyzed plasma samples, defined according to a recently published hemolysis score. We identified five miRNAs with increased expression in hemolyzed plasma samples (miR-486-5p, miR-92a, miR-451, miR-16, miR-22). Conclusions We identified four miRNAs previously reported in the literature as hemolysis related together with a new one (miR-22).which needs further investigations. Our findings confirm the validity of the proposed strategy and, in parallel, the hemolysis score capability to be used as pre-analytic hemolysis detector. R codes for implementing the approaches are provided. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12859-015-0820-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Landoni
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Miceli
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Callari
- Biomarkers Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Tiberio
- Biomarkers Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Appierto
- Biomarkers Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Angeloni
- Biomarkers Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Mariani
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Daidone
- Biomarkers Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Mallick S, Benson R, Julka PK. Breast cancer prevention with anti-estrogens: review of the current evidence and future directions. Breast Cancer 2015; 23:170-7. [PMID: 26439380 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-015-0647-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There is a potential for reducing the incidence of breast cancer by modifying or changing the reversible risk factors like dietary modifications, modifications in the sedentary life habits, etc. One of such methods which has gained popularity now is chemoprevention. Many agents have been evaluated in the chemoprevention setting in females with increased risk of breast cancers. Metformin, NSAIDS, Bisphosphonates, and statins were evaluated by various investigators with variable results. One of the agents that have been proven to be beneficial in this setting is the anti-estrogens. A major disadvantage of chemoprevention is that unlike prophylactic mastectomy it can never reduce the risk to near zero although it reduces the risk significantly. Another issue is the compliance as chemoprevention with anti-estrogens will need to be continued for 5 years while surgery is a one-time procedure. Another disadvantage is the possible side effects peculiar to each drug used which may not be a significant concern in prophylactic mastectomy group. All these factors must also be kept in mind and properly explained to the patient before starting chemoprevention using anti-estrogens. Here in this review we intend to look into the large randomized controlled trials to quantify the present status of chemoprevention with anti-estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Mallick
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Rony Benson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - P K Julka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Abstract
Early in the age of modern medicine the consequences of vitamin A deficiency drew attention to the fundamental link between retinoid-dependent homeostatic regulation and malignant hyperproliferative diseases. The term "retinoid" includes a handful of endogenous and a large group of synthetic derivatives of vitamin A. These multifunctional lipid-soluble compounds directly regulate target genes of specific biological functions and critical signaling pathways to orchestrate complex functions from vision to development, metabolism, and inflammation. Many of the retinoid activities on the cellular level have been well characterized and translated to the regulation of processes like differentiation and cell death, which play critical roles in the outcome of malignant transformation of tissues. In fact, retinoid-based differentiation therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia was one of the first successful examples of molecularly targeted treatment strategies. The selectivity, high receptor binding affinity and the ability of retinoids to directly modulate gene expression programs present a distinct pharmacological opportunity for cancer treatment and prevention. However, to fully exploit their potential, the adverse effects of retinoids must be averted. In this review we provide an overview of the biology of retinoid (activated by nuclear retinoic acid receptors [RARs]) and rexinoid (engaged by nuclear retinoid X receptors [RXRs]) action concluded from a long line of preclinical studies, in relation to normal and transformed states of cells. We will also discuss the past and current uses of retinoids in the treatment of malignancies, the potential of rexinoids in the cancer prevention setting, both as single agents and in combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván P Uray
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Ethan Dmitrovsky
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Powel H Brown
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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