Immunomodulatory effects of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors on T lymphocytes in mice with colorectal liver metastases

Angiotensin system inhibitors improve survival in patients undergoing pancreatic cancer resection: a meta-analysis of real-world evidence

BACKGROUND

The role of angiotensin system inhibitors (ASIs) in modifying the prognosis for patients undergoing pancreatic cancer resection is not yet definitively established. This meta-analysis endeavors to consolidate existing real-world data to provide a robust, evidence-based assessment of their impact on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A meticulous search strategy was devised and executed across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to retrieve all relevant studies evaluating the prognostic impact of ASIs in patients who have undergone resection for pancreatic cancer. Studies comparing survival outcomes between ASI users and non-users were included in the meta-analysis. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plotand Egger's test. Sensitivity analysis employing the leave-one-out approach was conducted to ensure the robustness and reliability of the pooled estimate.

RESULTS

Seven studies encompassing 8,549 patients were analyzed. The utilization of ASIs was significantly associated with improved overall survival (HR: 0.78; 95%CI: 0.68-0.89) in patients undergoing pancreatic cancer resection. Sensitivity analysis further validated the consistency and stability of the pooled result.

CONCLUSION

Current clinical evidence suggests that ASIs are associated with improved prognosis in patients who have undergone pancreatic cancer resection. These findings highlight the potential of ASIs as a beneficial adjunctive therapy in the management of resected pancreatic cancer, warranting their consideration in clinical management protocols.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (identifier: CRD42024580624).

Prognostic impact of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in patients with ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis of real-world evidence

BACKGROUND

The prognostic impact of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) on ovarian cancer (OC) remains indeterminate. This meta-analysis aims to consolidate real-world data to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of the association between RASIs use and clinical outcomes in OC patients.

METHODS

A meticulous search strategy was devised and executed across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases to retrieve all relevant studies evaluating the prognostic impact of RASIs in patients with OC. Studies comparing survival outcomes between RASIs users and non-users were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and Egger's test. Sensitivity analysis employing the leave-one-out approach was performed to ensure the robustness and reliability of the pooled estimates.

RESULTS

A total of six studies, encompassing eleven cohorts and 14,634 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. RASIs use was found to be significantly correlated with enhanced survival (HR: 0.82; 95%CI: 0.72-0.92) in the OC patient population. Subgroup analysis showed that ACEIs use (HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.78-0.89) and post-diagnostic RASIs use (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.66-0.90) significantly improved overall survival. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the consistency and stability of the pooled results.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis provides evidence that RASIs are associated with improved prognosis in OC patients. These findings suggest that RASIs may have potential as an adjunctive therapy in the management of OC, warranting further investigation and consideration in clinical management protocols.

Modulation of the local angiotensin II: Suppression of ferroptosis and radiosensitivity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via the HIF-1α-HILPDA axis

PURPOSE

Radiotherapy presents a curative approach for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC); however, the cellular radiosensitivity heterogeneity limits its efficacy. Thus, investigating the specific mechanisms of radioresistance in NPC is crucial for identifying and employing effective radiosensitizing agents to enhance treatment success.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Radioresistant NPC cell lines HONE1-RR and SUNE1-RR were established. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, and enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to detect the activation of the angiotensinogen (AGT) and local angiotensin II (Ang II). Transmission electron microscopy, ferrous ion detection, and lipid oxidation levels were utilized to detect radiation-induced ferroptosis in NPC. Bioinformatics analysis, along with qRT-PCR, western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase assays were employed to explore downstream mechanisms. Colony formation assay, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and a nude mouse xenograft model were utilized to assess NPC radiosensitivity. The expression of AGT, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), hypoxia-inducible lipid droplet-associated protein (HILPDA), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in NPC tissues was detected through immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Activation of local Ang II was revealed to play a critical role in driving radioresistance in NPC cells modulating ferroptosis. This local Ang II established a positive feedback loop with HIF-1α through two parallel pathways; Ang II stabilizes HIF-1α by activating the MAPK pathway, and AGT directly binds HIF-1α to prevent its degradation. This AGT-HIF-1α loop regulated NPC cell ferroptosis via transcriptional regulation of HILPDA expression. Moreover, the co-administration of Ang II receptor antagonist (ARB) and ferroptosis inducers markedly increased NPC radiosensitivity.Additionally, the expression of AGT, HIF-1α, and HILPDA was closely correlated with the intensity of ferroptosis, radiosensitivity, and prognosis in NPC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the AGT-HIF-1α-HILPDA pathway promotes radioresistance in NPC by enhancing lipid droplet accumulation, thereby suppressing ferroptosis. Targeting local Ang II alongside ferroptosis induction offers a promising strategy to improve radiosensitivity in NPC.

Advanced progress of the relationship between renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and cancers

Hypertension and cancers are the most common causes of death in humans, as well as common co-diseases among elderly population. Studies have shown that hypertension is associated with carcinogenesis. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a crucial regulatory system of blood pressure, fluid, and electrolyte homeostasis, which plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of hypertension, whose mechanism is relatively clear. Studies have indicated that RAAS also widely exists in cancer tissues of different systems, which can affect the risk of cancers by stimulating cancer angiogenesis, participating in cancer-related oxidative stress, and regulating cancer-related immunity. Therefore, inhibiting RAAS activity seems beneficial to decreasing the risk of cancers. As one of the most commonly used antihypertensive drugs, RAAS inhibitors have been widely used in clinical practice. However, the conclusions of clinical studies on the relationship between RAAS inhibitors and cancers are not entirely consistent, which has been widely concerned by clinicians. The latest findings suggest that while RAAS inhibitors may reduce the risk of digestive cancers, respiratory cancers, urological cancers, gynecological cancers, and skin cancers, ACEIs may increase the risk of lung cancer, endometrial cancer, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. This article comprehensively reviews animal experiments, clinical studies, and meta-analyses on the relationship between RAAS inhibitors and cancers, to provide references for related studies in the future.

Role of angiotensin converting enzyme in pathogenesis associated with immunity in cardiovascular diseases

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is not only a critical component in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), but also suggested as an important mediator for immune response and activity, such as immune cell mobilization, metabolism, biogenesis of immunoregulatory molecules, etc. The chronic duration of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has been increasingly considered to be triggered by uncontrolled pathologic immune reactions from myeloid cells and lymphocytes. Considering the potential anti-inflammatory effect of the traditional antihypertensive ACE inhibitor (ACEi), we attempt to elucidate whether ACE and its catalytically relevant substances as well as signaling pathways play a role in the immunity-related pathogenesis of common CVD, such as arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis and arrythmias. ACEi was also reported to benefit the prognoses of COVID-19-positive patients with CVD, and COVID-19 disease with preexisting CVD or subsequent cardiovascular damage is featured by a significant influx of immune cells and proinflammatory molecules, suggesting that ACE may also participate in COVID-19 induced cardiovascular injury, because COVID-19 disease basically triggers an overactive pathologic immune response. Hopefully, the ACE inhibition and manipulation of those associated bioactive signals could supplement the current medicinal management of various CVD and bring greater benefit to patients' cardiovascular health.

Role of renin angiotensin system inhibitors and metformin in Glioblastoma Therapy: a review

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive and incurable disease accounting for about 10,000 deaths in the USA each year. Despite the current treatment approach which includes surgery with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, there remains a high prevalence of recurrence. Notable improvements have been observed in persons receiving concurrent antihypertensive drugs such as renin angiotensin inhibitors (RAS) or the antidiabetic drug metformin with standard therapy. Anti-tumoral effects of RAS inhibitors and metformin have been observed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Although clinical trials have shown mixed results, the potential for the use of RAS inhibitors and metformin as adjuvant GBM therapy remains promising. Nevertheless, evidence suggest that these drugs exert multimodal antitumor actions; by particularly targeting several cancer hallmarks. In this review, we highlight the results of clinical studies using multidrug cocktails containing RAS inhibitors and or metformin added to standard therapy for GBM. In addition, we highlight the possible molecular mechanisms by which these repurposed drugs with an excellent safety profile might elicit their anti-tumoral effects. RAS inhibition elicits anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and immune sensitivity effects in GBM. However, metformin promotes anti-migratory, anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects mainly through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Also, we discussed metformin's potential in targeting both GBM cells as well as GBM associated-stem cells. Finally, we summarize a few drug interactions that may cause an additive or antagonistic effect that may lead to adverse effects and influence treatment outcome.

Renin-Angiotensin Inhibitor, Captopril, Attenuates Growth of Patient-Derived Colorectal Liver Metastasis Organoids

The recurrence of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) following liver resection is common; approximately 40% of patients will experience tumor recurrence post-surgery. Renin-angiotensin inhibitors (RASis) have been shown to attenuate the growth and progression of CRLM in pre-clinical models following liver resection. This study examined the efficacy of the RASi captopril on patient-derived colorectal liver metastasis organoids. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) were established using fresh samples of colorectal liver metastasis from appropriately consented patients undergoing liver resection. To mimic the regenerating liver post-CRLM liver resection, PDOs were cultured under hepatocyte regeneration conditions in vitro. CRLM PDOs were established from three patients' parent tissue. CRLM PDOs and parent tissue expressed markers of colorectal cancer, CDX2 and CK20, consistently. Furthermore, CRLM PDOs treated with captopril showed a dose dependent reduction in their expansion in vitro. In conclusion, CRLM PDOs recapitulate in vivo disease and displayed a dose-dependent response to treatment with captopril. RASis may be an additional viable treatment for patients with CRLM.

Diverse biological functions of the renin-angiotensin system

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been widely known as a circulating endocrine system involved in the control of blood pressure. However, components of RAS have been found to be localized in rather unexpected sites in the body including the kidneys, brain, bone marrow, immune cells, and reproductive system. These discoveries have led to steady, growing evidence of the existence of independent tissue RAS specific to several parts of the body. It is important to understand how RAS regulates these systems for a variety of reasons: It gives a better overall picture of human physiology, helps to understand and mitigate the unintended consequences of RAS-inhibiting or activating drugs, and sets the stage for potential new therapies for a variety of ailments. This review fulfills the need for an updated overview of knowledge about local tissue RAS in several bodily systems, including their components, functions, and medical implications.

Several first-line anti-hypertensives act on fibrosarcoma progression and PD1ab blockade therapy

PURPOSE

Patients are typically diagnosed with both hypertension and fibrosarcoma. Medical oncologists must prescribe suitable anti-hypertensive medications while considering anti-tumor drugs. Recently, immunotherapy has become prominent in cancer treatment. Nonetheless, it is unknown what role anti-hypertensive medications will play in immunotherapy.

METHODS

We examined the effects of six first-line anti-hypertensive medications on programmed cell death protein 1 antibody (PD1ab) in tumor treatment using a mouse model of subcutaneous fibrosarcoma. The drugs examined were verapamil, losartan, furosemide, spironolactone, captopril, and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The infiltration of CD8+ T cells was examined by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, several in vitro and in vivo assays were used to study the effects of HCTZ on human fibrosarcoma cancer cells to explore its mechanism.

RESULTS

Verapamil suppressed tumor growth and showed an improved effect on the tumor inhibition of PD1ab. Captopril did not affect tumor growth but brought an unexpected benefit to PD1ab treatment. In contrast, spironolactone and furosemide showed no effect on tumor growth but had an offset effect on the PD1ab therapy. Consequently, the survival time of mice was also significantly reduced. Notably, losartan and HCTZ, especially HCTZ, promoted tumor growth and weakened the effect of PD1ab treatment. Consistent results were observed in vivo and in vitro using the human fibrosarcoma cell line HT1080. We determined that the Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 3 (SLC12A3), a known target of HCTZ, may be the principal factor underlying its effect-enhancing properties through mechanism studies employing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data and in vivo and in vitro assays.

CONCLUSION

Verapamil and captopril potentiated the anti-tumor effect of PD1ab, whereas spironolactone and furosemide weakened the effect of PD1ab on tumor inhibition. Alarmingly, losartan and HCTZ promoted tumor growth and impaired the effect of PD1ab. Furthermore, we preliminarily found that HCTZ may promote tumor progression through SLC12A3. Based on this study, futher mechanism researches and clinical trials should be conducted in the future.

ACE-Inhibitors in Hypertension: A Historical Perspective and Current Insights

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review describes the discovery and development of ACE inhibitors as antihypertensive agents, compares their efficacy, tolerability, and safety to ARBs, and highlights the contemporary issues surrounding ACE inhibitor use for HTN.

RECENT FINDINGS

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are commonly prescribed medications for the management of hypertension (HTN) and other chronic conditions including heart failure and chronic kidney disease. These agents inhibit ACE, the enzyme that is responsible for converting angiotensin (AT) I to AT II. Inhibiting the synthesis of AT II causes arterial and venous vasodilation, natriuresis, and a decrease in sympathetic activity, resulting in the reduction of blood pressure. ACE inhibitors are first-line therapy in HTN management along with thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). Along with inhibiting AT II synthesis, inhibition of ACE causes accumulation of bradykinin, increasing the risk of bradykinin-mediated side effects like angioedema and cough. Since ARBs do not work on ACE in the renin-angiotensin system, the risk of angioedema and cough are lower with ARBs. Recent evidence has also suggested ARBs may have neuroprotective effects compared to other antihypertensives, including ACE inhibitors; however, this warrants further study. Currently, ACE inhibitors and ARBs have an equal class of recommendation for first-line treatment for the management of HTN. Recent evidence has shown ARBs to be just as effective as ACE inhibitors for HTN but with improved tolerability.

The use of angiotensin system inhibitors correlates with longer survival in resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

Activities and inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) may affect the survival of resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients METHOD: A single-institution retrospective analysis of resected PDAC patients between 2010 and 2019. To estimate the effect of angiotensin system inhibitors (ASIs) on patient survival, we performed Kaplan Meier analysis, Cox Proportional Hazards model, Propensity Score Matching (PSM), and inverse probability weighting (IPW) analysis.

RESULTS

742 patients were included in the analysis. The average age was 67.0 years, with a median follow-up of 24.1 months. The use of ASI was associated with significantly longer overall survival in univariate (p = 0.004) and multivariable (HR = 0.70 [0.56-0.88],p = 0.003) adjusted analysis. In a propensity score-matched cohort of 400 patients, ASI use was again associated with longer overall survival (p = 0.039). Lastly, inverse probability weighting (IPW) analysis suggested that the use of ASI was associated with an average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) of HR = 0.68 [0.53-0.86],p = 0.002) for overall survival.

CONCLUSION

In this single-institution retrospective study focusing on resected PDAC patients, the use of ASI was associated with longer overall survival in multiple statistical models. Prospective clinical trials are needed before routine clinical implementation of ASI as an adjuvant to existing therapy can be recommended.

Effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors on survival outcomes in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASIs) in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on prognoses in cancer patients remains controversial. This study systematically evaluated the effect of RAASIs on survival outcomes in cancer patients receiving ICIs treatment and provided an evidence-based reference for the rational use of RAASIs and ICIs combination therapy in clinical practice.

Methods

Studies evaluating the prognosis of RAASIs-used versus RAASIs-free in cancer patients receiving ICIs treatment from inception to 1 November 2022 were retrieved by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and major conference proceedings. Studies in English reporting hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS) and/or progression-free survival (PFS) were included. Statistical analyses were conducted using the software Stata 17.0.

Results

A total of 12 studies containing 11739 patients were included, comprising ~4861 patients in the RAASIs-used and ICIs-treated group and ~6878 patients in RAASIs-free and ICIs-treated group. The pooled HR was 0.85 (95%CI, 0.75-0.96; P = 0.009) for OS and 0.91 (95%CI, 0.76-1.09; P = 0.296) for PFS, indicating a positive effect of RAASIs concomitant with ICIs on cancer patients. This effect was observed especially in patients with urothelial carcinoma (HR, 0.53; 95%CI, 0.31-0.89; P = 0.018) and renal cell carcinoma (HR, 0.56; 95%CI, 0.37-0.84; P = 0.005) on OS.

Conclusion

Concomitant use of RAASIs and ICIs enhanced the efficacy of ICIs and this combination regimen was associated with significantly improved OS and a trend towards better PFS. RAASIs can be considered as adjuvant drugs when hypertensive patients receive ICIs treatment. Our results provide an evidence-based reference for the rational use of the RAASIs and ICIs combination therapy to improve the efficacy of ICIs in clinical practice.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022372636; https://inplasy.com/, identifier INPLASY2022110136.

Exploring the Impact of ACE Inhibition in Immunity and Disease

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc-dependent dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase and is crucial in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) but also implicated in immune regulation. Intrinsic ACE has been detected in several immune cell populations, including macrophages and neutrophils, where its overexpression results in enhanced bactericidal and antitumour responses, independent of angiotensin II. With roles in antigen presentation and inflammation, the impact of ACE inhibitors must be explored to understand how ACE inhibition may impact our ability to clear infections or malignancy, particularly in the wake of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) pandemic and as antibiotic resistance grows. Patients using ACE inhibitors may be more at risk of postsurgical complications as ACE inhibition in human neutrophils results in decreased ROS and phagocytosis whilst angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have no effect. In contrast, ACE is also elevated in certain autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and its inhibition benefits patient outcome where inflammatory immune cells are overactive. Although the ACE autoimmune landscape is changing, some studies have conflicting results and require further input. This review seeks to highlight the need for further research covering ACE inhibitor therapeutics and their potential role in improving autoimmune conditions, cancer, or how they may contribute to immunocompromise during infection and neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding ACE inhibition in immune cells is a developing field that will alter how ACE inhibitors are designed in future and aid in developing therapeutic interventions.

The immunomodulatory effects of antihypertensive therapy: A review

Hypertension remains the leading preventable risk factor for stroke and coronary artery disease, significantly contributing to all-cause global mortality and predisposing patients to renal and heart failure, as well as peripheral vascular disease. Due to the widespread usage of antihypertensive drugs, global mean blood pressure has remained unchanged or even slightly decreased over the past four decades. However, considering the broad spectrum of mechanisms involved in the action of antihypertensive drugs and the prevalence of their target receptors on immune cells, possible immunomodulatory effects which may exert beneficial effects of lowering blood pressure but also potentially alter immune function should be considered. In this review, we attempt to assess the consequences to immune system function of administering the five most commonly prescribed groups of antihypertensive drugs and to explain the mechanisms behind those interactions. Finally, we show potential gaps in our understanding of the effects of antihypertensive drugs on patient health. With regard to the widespread use of these drugs in the adult population worldwide, the discussed results may be of vital importance to evidence-based decision-making in daily clinical practice.

SAR131675, a VEGRF3 Inhibitor, Modulates the Immune Response and Reduces the Growth of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis

Most patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) develop metastases, predominantly in the liver (CLM). Targeted therapies are being investigated to improve current CLM treatments. This study tested the effectiveness of SAR131675, a selective VEGFR-3 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, to inhibit CLM in a murine model. Following intrasplenic induction of CLM, mice were treated daily with SAR131675. Tumor growth and immune infiltrates into tumor and liver tissues were assessed at 10-, 16- and 22-days post tumor induction by stereology, IHC and flow cytometry. SAR151675 treatment significantly reduced tumor burden and F4/80+ macrophages in the liver tissues. Analysis of immune cell infiltrates in liver showed tissue that at day 22, had the proportion of CD45+ leukocytes significantly reduced, particularly myeloid cells. Analysis of myeloid cells (CD11b+ CD45+) indicated that the proportion of F4/80- Ly6Clow was significantly reduced, including a predominate PD-L1+ subset, while CD3+ T cells increased, particularly CD8+ PD1+, reflected by an increase in the CD8+:CD4+ T cell ratio. In the tumor tissue SAR11675 treatment reduced the predominant population of F4/80+ Ly6Clo and increased CD4+ T cells. These results suggest that SAR131675 alters the immune composition within tumor and the surrounding liver in the later stages of development, resulting in a less immunosuppressive environment. This immunomodulation effect may contribute to the suppression of tumor growth.

Captopril, a Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitor, Attenuates Tumour Progression in the Regenerating Liver Following Partial Hepatectomy

(1) Liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) has been linked to tumour recurrence. Inhibition of the renin−angiotensin system (RASi) attenuates CRLM growth in the non-regenerating liver. This study investigates whether RASi exerts an antitumour effect within the regenerating liver following partial hepatectomy for CRLM and examines RASi-induced changes in the tumour immune microenvironment; (2) CRLM in mice was induced via intrasplenic injection of mouse colorectal tumour cells, followed by splenectomy on Day 0. Mice were treated with RASi captopril (250 mg/kg/day), or saline (control) from Day 4 to Day 16 (endpoint) and underwent 70% partial hepatectomy on Day 7. Liver and tumour samples were characterised by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence; (3) captopril treatment reduced tumour burden in mice following partial hepatectomy (p < 0.01). Captopril treatment reduced populations of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) (CD11b+Ly6CHi p < 0.05, CD11b+Ly6CLo p < 0.01) and increased PD-1 expression on infiltrating hepatic tissue-resident memory (TRM)-like CD8+ (p < 0.001) and double-negative (CD4-CD8-; p < 0.001) T cells; (4) RASi reduced CRLM growth in the regenerating liver and altered immune cell composition by reducing populations of immunosuppressive MDSCs and boosting populations of PD-1+ hepatic TRMs. Thus, RASi should be explored as an adjunct therapy for patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for CRLM.

Repurposing non-oncology small-molecule drugs to improve cancer therapy: Current situation and future directions

Drug repurposing or repositioning has been well-known to refer to the therapeutic applications of a drug for another indication other than it was originally approved for. Repurposing non-oncology small-molecule drugs has been increasingly becoming an attractive approach to improve cancer therapy, with potentially lower overall costs and shorter timelines. Several non-oncology drugs approved by FDA have been recently reported to treat different types of human cancers, with the aid of some new emerging technologies, such as omics sequencing and artificial intelligence to overcome the bottleneck of drug repurposing. Therefore, in this review, we focus on summarizing the therapeutic potential of non-oncology drugs, including cardiovascular drugs, microbiological drugs, small-molecule antibiotics, anti-viral drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-neurodegenerative drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and other drugs in human cancers. We also discuss their novel potential targets and relevant signaling pathways of these old non-oncology drugs in cancer therapies. Taken together, these inspiring findings will shed new light on repurposing more non-oncology small-molecule drugs with their intricate molecular mechanisms for future cancer drug discovery.

Captopril Combined with Furosemide or Hydrochlorothiazide Affects Macrophage Functions in Mouse Contact Hypersensitivity Response

Hypertension is a chronic disease associated with chronic inflammation involving activated macrophages. Antihypertensive drugs (for example, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors—ACEIs) used in the treatment of hypertension have immunomodulatory properties. On the other hand, the immunological effect of diuretics and combined drugs (diuretics + ACEI) is unclear. Therefore, we examined the influence of diuretics and combination drugs (ACEI + diuretic) on cellular response (contact hypersensitivity), production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs), and nitric oxide (NO), and the secretion of interleukin-12 (IL-12). CBA mice were administered i.p. captopril (5 mg/kg) with or without hydrochlorothiazide (10 mg/kg) or furosemide (5 mg/kg) for 8 days. On the third day, the mice were administered i.p. mineral oil, and macrophages were collected 5 days later. In the presented results, we show that diuretics administered alone or with captopril increase the generation of ROIs and reduce the formation of NO by macrophages. Moreover, tested drugs inhibit the secretion of IL-12. Diuretics and combined drugs reduce the activity of contact hypersensitivity (both activation and induction phases). Our research shows that the tested drugs modulate the cellular response by influencing the function of macrophages, which is important in assessing the safety of antihypertensive therapy.

Captopril, a Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitor, Attenuates Features of Tumor Invasion and Down-Regulates C-Myc Expression in a Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis

(1) Background: Recent clinical and experimental data suggests that the liver's regenerative response following partial hepatectomy can stimulate tumor recurrence in the liver remnant. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays important roles in both colorectal cancer carcinogenesis and liver regeneration. Studies have shown that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates multiple renin-angiotensin system (RAS) genes, whilst RAS inhibition (RASi) reduces tumor burden and progression. This study explores whether RASi attenuates features of tumor progression in the regenerating liver post-hepatectomy by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. (2) Methods: Male CBA mice underwent CRLM induction, followed one week later by 70% partial hepatectomy. Mice were treated daily with captopril, a RASi, at 250 mg/kg/day or vehicle control from experimental Day 4. Tumor and liver samples were analyzed for RAS and Wnt signaling markers using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. (3) Results: Treatment with captopril reduced the expression of down-stream Wnt target genes, including a significant reduction in both c-myc and cyclin-D1, despite activating Wnt signaling. This was a tumor-specific response that was not elicited in corresponding liver samples. (4) Conclusions: We report for the first time decreased c-myc expression in colorectal tumors following RASi treatment in vivo. Decreased c-myc expression was accompanied by an attenuated invasive phenotype, despite increased Wnt signaling.

The Use of Antihypertensive Drugs as Coadjuvant Therapy in Cancer

Cancer is a complex group of diseases that constitute the second largest cause of mortality worldwide. The development of new drugs for treating this disease is a long and costly process, from the discovery of the molecule through testing in phase III clinical trials, a process during which most candidate molecules fail. The use of drugs currently employed for the management of other diseases (drug repurposing) represents an alternative for developing new medical treatments. Repurposing existing drugs is, in principle, cheaper and faster than developing new drugs. Antihypertensive drugs, primarily belonging to the pharmacological categories of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptors, direct aldosterone antagonists, β-blockers and calcium channel blockers, are commonly prescribed and have well-known safety profiles. Additionally, some of these drugs have exhibited pharmacological properties useful for the treatment of cancer, rendering them candidates for drug repurposing. In this review, we examine the preclinical and clinical evidence for utilizing antihypertensive agents in the treatment of cancer.

Uso terapéutico de los inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina en pacientes con COVID-19: las «dos caras de la moneda»

La evidencia actual es limitada para determinar el impacto del uso de los inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (IECA) en la predisposición al empeoramiento de la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Inicialmente se reportó que en los pacientes con progresión grave de la COVID-19 existía una mortalidad elevada, los cuales tenían antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus, enfermedad cardiovascular y enfermedad renal crónica. Parte de estos pacientes también tenía en común que utilizaban IECA, lo cual alertó a la comunidad médica sobre su riesgo potencial en coexistencia con COVID-19. Sin embargo, estudios más recientes de casos-controles encontraron que los inhibidores del sistema renina-angiotensina, incluyendo los IECA, no incrementan el riesgo de COVID-19 o de requerir admisión hospitalaria por esta causa. Diferentes revistas científicas han facilitado el acceso a reportes preliminares, dejando a discreción de la comunidad médica y científica hacer uso de dicha información para promover el desarrollo de estudios que confirmen experimentalmente dichos hallazgos, preclínicos y epidemiológicos, que finalmente impacten en las decisiones de la práctica clínica para beneficiar a los pacientes con COVID-19. En esta revisión de la literatura se exploran los diferentes efectos mediados por los IECA que podrían estar relacionados con la respuesta inmune durante la infección y la transmisión de COVID-19, compilando evidencia disponible que evalúa si en realidad representan un riesgo o si, por el contrario, confieren un efecto protector.