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Zhou W, Zhang W, Yan S, Zhang K, Wu H, Chen H, Shi M, Zhou T. Novel Therapeutic Targets on the Horizon: An Analysis of Clinical Trials on Therapies for Bone Metastasis in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:627. [PMID: 38339378 PMCID: PMC10854912 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030627] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In the absence of early detection and initial treatment, prostate cancer often progresses to an advanced stage, frequently spreading to the bones and significantly impacting patients' well-being and healthcare resources. Therefore, managing patients with prostate cancer that has spread to the bones often involves using bone-targeted medications like bisphosphonates and denosumab to enhance bone structure and minimize skeletal complications. Additionally, researchers are studying the tumor microenvironment and biomarkers to understand the mechanisms and potential treatment targets for bone metastases in prostate cancer. A literature search was conducted to identify clinical studies from 2013 to 2023 that focused on pain, performance status, or quality of life as primary outcomes. The analysis included details such as patient recruitment, prior palliative therapies, baseline characteristics, follow-up, and outcome reporting. The goal was to highlight the advancements and trends in bone metastasis research in prostate cancer over the past decade, with the aim of developing strategies to prevent and treat bone metastases and improve the quality of life and survival rates for prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; (W.Z.); (S.Y.); (K.Z.); (H.W.)
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China;
| | - Shi Yan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; (W.Z.); (S.Y.); (K.Z.); (H.W.)
| | - Kaixuan Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; (W.Z.); (S.Y.); (K.Z.); (H.W.)
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; (W.Z.); (S.Y.); (K.Z.); (H.W.)
| | - Hongyu Chen
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China;
| | - Minfeng Shi
- Reproduction Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Tie Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; (W.Z.); (S.Y.); (K.Z.); (H.W.)
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2
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Metformin and Cancer, an Ambiguanidous Relationship. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050626. [PMID: 35631452 PMCID: PMC9144507 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The deregulation of energetic and cellular metabolism is a signature of cancer cells. Thus, drugs targeting cancer cell metabolism may have promising therapeutic potential. Previous reports demonstrate that the widely used normoglycemic agent, metformin, can decrease the risk of cancer in type 2 diabetics and inhibit cell growth in various cancers, including pancreatic, colon, prostate, ovarian, and breast cancer. While metformin is a known adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist and an inhibitor of the electron transport chain complex I, its mechanism of action in cancer cells as well as its effect on cancer metabolism is not clearly established. In this review, we will give an update on the role of metformin as an antitumoral agent and detail relevant evidence on the potential use and mechanisms of action of metformin in cancer. Analyzing antitumoral, signaling, and metabolic impacts of metformin on cancer cells may provide promising new therapeutic strategies in oncology.
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3
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Induri SNR, Kansara P, Thomas SC, Xu F, Saxena D, Li X. The Gut Microbiome, Metformin, and Aging. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 62:85-108. [PMID: 34449247 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-051920-093829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metformin has been extensively used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and it may also promote healthy aging. Despite its widespread use and versatility, metformin's mechanisms of action remain elusive. The gut typically harbors thousands of bacterial species, and as the concentration of metformin is much higher in the gut as compared to plasma, it is plausible that microbiome-drug-host interactions may influence the functions of metformin. Detrimental perturbations in the aging gut microbiome lead to the activation of the innate immune response concomitant with chronic low-grade inflammation. With the effectiveness of metformin in diabetes and antiaging varying among individuals, there is reason to believe that the gut microbiome plays a role in the efficacy of metformin. Metformin has been implicated in the promotion and maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome and reduces many age-related degenerative pathologies. Mechanistic understanding of metformin in the promotion of a healthy gut microbiome and aging will require a systems-level approach. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Volume 62 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Nitya Reddy Induri
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Payalben Kansara
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Scott C Thomas
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Fangxi Xu
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Deepak Saxena
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA; .,Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA;
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4
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León-González AJ, Jiménez-Vacas JM, Fuentes-Fayos AC, Sarmento-Cabral A, Herrera-Martínez AD, Gahete MD, Luque RM. Role of metformin and other metabolic drugs in the prevention and therapy of endocrine-related cancers. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 60:17-26. [PMID: 34311387 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.06.002] [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] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is associated with chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review summarizes the current evidence on the antitumor effects of some relevant drugs currently used to manage metabolic-related pathologies (i.e. insulin and its analogs, metformin, statins, etc.) in endocrine-related cancers including breast cancer, prostate cancer, pituitary cancer, ovarian cancer, and neuroendocrine neoplasms. Although current evidence does not provide a clear antitumor role of several of these drugs, metformin seems to be a promising chemopreventive and adjuvant agent in cancer management, modulating tumor cell metabolism and microenvironment, through both AMP-activated protein kinase-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Moreover, its combination with statins might represent a promising therapeutic strategy to tackle the progression of endocrine-related tumors. However, further studies are needed to endorse the clinical relevance of these drugs as adjuvants for cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J León-González
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Juan M Jiménez-Vacas
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Antonio C Fuentes-Fayos
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Andre Sarmento-Cabral
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Aura D Herrera-Martínez
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel D Gahete
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Raúl M Luque
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain; Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, 14004 Cordoba, Spain.
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5
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Knura M, Garczorz W, Borek A, Drzymała F, Rachwał K, George K, Francuz T. The Influence of Anti-Diabetic Drugs on Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081827. [PMID: 33921222 PMCID: PMC8068793 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidences of prostate cancer (PC) and diabetes are increasing, with a sustained trend. The occurrence of PC and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is growing with aging. The correlation between PC occurrence and diabetes is noteworthy, as T2DM is correlated with a reduced risk of incidence of prostate cancer. Despite this reduction, diabetes mellitus increases the mortality in many cancer types, including prostate cancer. The treatment of T2DM is based on lifestyle changes and pharmacological management. Current available drugs, except insulin, are aimed at increasing insulin secretion (sulfonylureas, incretin drugs), improving insulin sensitivity (biguanides, thiazolidinediones), or increasing urinary glucose excretion (gliflozin). Comorbidities should be taken into consideration during the treatment of T2DM. This review describes currently known information about the mechanism and impact of commonly used antidiabetic drugs on the incidence and progression of PC. Outcomes of pre-clinical studies are briefly presented and their correlations with available clinical trials have also been observed. Available reports and meta-analyses demonstrate that most anti-diabetic drugs do not increase the risk during the treatment of patients with PC. However, some reports show a potential advantage of treatment of T2DM with specific drugs. Based on clinical reports, use of metformin should be considered as a therapeutic option. Moreover, anticancer properties of metformin were augmented while combined with GLP-1 analogs.
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6
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Saeed HK, Sutar Y, Patel P, Bhat R, Mallick S, Hatada AE, Koomoa DLT, Lange I, Date AA. Synthesis and Characterization of Lipophilic Salts of Metformin to Improve Its Repurposing for Cancer Therapy. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:2626-2637. [PMID: 33553880 PMCID: PMC7859945 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c04779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence has accentuated the repurposing of metformin hydrochloride for cancer treatment. However, the extreme hydrophilicity and poor permeability of metformin hydrochloride are responsible for its poor anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of several lipophilic metformin salts containing bulky anionic permeation enhancers such as caprate, laurate, oleate, cholate, and docusate as counterions. Of various counterions tested, only docusate was able to significantly improve the lipophilicity and lipid solubility of metformin. To evaluate the impact of the association of anionic permeation enhancers with metformin, we checked the in vitro anticancer activity of various lipophilic salts of metformin using drug-sensitive (MYCN-2) and drug-resistant (SK-N-Be2c) neuroblastoma cells as model cancer cells. Metformin hydrochloride showed a very low potency (IC50 ≈ >100 mM) against MYCN-2 and SK-N-Be2c cells. Anionic permeation enhancers showed a considerably higher activity (IC50 ≈ 125 μM to 1.6 mM) against MYCN-2 and SK-N-Be2c cells than metformin. The association of metformin with most of the bulky anionic agents negatively impacted the anticancer activity against MYCN-2 and SK-N-Be2c cells. However, metformin docusate showed 700- to 4300-fold improvement in anticancer potency compared to metformin hydrochloride and four- to five-fold higher in vitro anticancer activity compared to sodium docusate, indicating a synergistic association between metformin and docusate. A similar trend was observed when we tested the in vitro activity of metformin docusate, sodium docusate, and metformin hydrochloride against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiwa K. Saeed
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hilo Hawaii 96720, United States
| | - Yogesh Sutar
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hilo Hawaii 96720, United States
| | - Pratikkumar Patel
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hilo Hawaii 96720, United States
| | - Roopal Bhat
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hilo Hawaii 96720, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, Shree Chanakya Education
Society’s Indira College of Pharmacy, Tathawade, Pune, Maharashtra 411033, India
| | - Sudipta Mallick
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hilo Hawaii 96720, United States
| | - Alyssa E. Hatada
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hilo Hawaii 96720, United States
| | - Dana-Lynn T. Koomoa
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hilo Hawaii 96720, United States
| | - Ingo Lange
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hilo Hawaii 96720, United States
| | - Abhijit A. Date
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hilo Hawaii 96720, United States
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7
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Marzec J, Ross-Adams H, Pirrò S, Wang J, Zhu Y, Mao X, Gadaleta E, Ahmad AS, North BV, Kammerer-Jacquet SF, Stankiewicz E, Kudahetti SC, Beltran L, Ren G, Berney DM, Lu YJ, Chelala C. The Transcriptomic Landscape of Prostate Cancer Development and Progression: An Integrative Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:345. [PMID: 33477882 PMCID: PMC7838904 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing of primary tumors is now standard for transcriptomic studies, but microarray-based data still constitute the majority of available information on other clinically valuable samples, including archive material. Using prostate cancer (PC) as a model, we developed a robust analytical framework to integrate data across different technical platforms and disease subtypes to connect distinct disease stages and reveal potentially relevant genes not identifiable from single studies alone. We reconstructed the molecular profile of PC to yield the first comprehensive insight into its development, by tracking changes in mRNA levels from normal prostate to high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and metastatic disease. A total of nine previously unreported stage-specific candidate genes with prognostic significance were also found. Here, we integrate gene expression data from disparate sample types, disease stages and technical platforms into one coherent whole, to give a global view of the expression changes associated with the development and progression of PC from normal tissue through to metastatic disease. Summary and individual data are available online at the Prostate Integrative Expression Database (PIXdb), a user-friendly interface designed for clinicians and laboratory researchers to facilitate translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Marzec
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.M.); (S.P.); (J.W.); (E.G.)
| | - Helen Ross-Adams
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.M.); (S.P.); (J.W.); (E.G.)
| | - Stefano Pirrò
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.M.); (S.P.); (J.W.); (E.G.)
| | - Jun Wang
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.M.); (S.P.); (J.W.); (E.G.)
| | - Yanan Zhu
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (Y.Z.); (X.M.); (S.-F.K.-J.); (E.S.); (S.C.K.); (D.M.B.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Xueying Mao
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (Y.Z.); (X.M.); (S.-F.K.-J.); (E.S.); (S.C.K.); (D.M.B.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Emanuela Gadaleta
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.M.); (S.P.); (J.W.); (E.G.)
| | - Amar S. Ahmad
- Centre for Cancer Prevention, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (A.S.A.); (B.V.N.)
| | - Bernard V. North
- Centre for Cancer Prevention, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (A.S.A.); (B.V.N.)
| | - Solène-Florence Kammerer-Jacquet
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (Y.Z.); (X.M.); (S.-F.K.-J.); (E.S.); (S.C.K.); (D.M.B.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Elzbieta Stankiewicz
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (Y.Z.); (X.M.); (S.-F.K.-J.); (E.S.); (S.C.K.); (D.M.B.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Sakunthala C. Kudahetti
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (Y.Z.); (X.M.); (S.-F.K.-J.); (E.S.); (S.C.K.); (D.M.B.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Luis Beltran
- Department of Pathology, Barts Health NHS, London E1 F1R, UK;
| | - Guoping Ren
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Daniel M. Berney
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (Y.Z.); (X.M.); (S.-F.K.-J.); (E.S.); (S.C.K.); (D.M.B.); (Y.-J.L.)
- Department of Pathology, Barts Health NHS, London E1 F1R, UK;
| | - Yong-Jie Lu
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (Y.Z.); (X.M.); (S.-F.K.-J.); (E.S.); (S.C.K.); (D.M.B.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Claude Chelala
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.M.); (S.P.); (J.W.); (E.G.)
- Centre for Computational Biology, Life Sciences Initiative, Queen Mary University London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
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8
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Yu T, Dong T, Eyvani H, Fang Y, Wang X, Zhang X, Lu X. Metabolic interventions: A new insight into the cancer immunotherapy. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 697:108659. [PMID: 33144083 PMCID: PMC8638212 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming confers cancer cells plasticity and viability under harsh conditions. Such active alterations lead to cell metabolic dependency, which can be exploited as an attractive target in development of effective antitumor therapies. Similar to cancer cells, activated T cells also execute global metabolic reprogramming for their proliferation and effector functions when recruited to the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the high metabolic activity of rapidly proliferating cancer cells can compete for nutrients with immune cells in the TME, and consequently, suppressing their anti-tumor functions. Thus, therapeutic strategies could aim to restore T cell metabolism and anti-tumor responses in the TME by targeting the metabolic dependence of cancer cells. In this review, we highlight current research progress on metabolic reprogramming and the interplay between cancer cells and immune cells. We also discuss potential therapeutic intervention strategies for targeting metabolic pathways to improve cancer immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Tianhan Dong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Haniyeh Eyvani
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Yuanzhang Fang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Xiyu Wang
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Xinna Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Xiongbin Lu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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9
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Galgani M, Bruzzaniti S, La Rocca C, Micillo T, de Candia P, Bifulco M, Matarese G. Immunometabolism of regulatory T cells in cancer. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 77:100936. [PMID: 33250195 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are known to orchestrate the regulatory mechanisms aimed at suppressing pathological auto-reactive immune responses and are thus key in ensuring the maintenance of immune homeostasis. On the other hand, the presence of Treg cells with enhanced suppressive capability in a plethora of human cancers represents a major obstacle to an effective anti-cancer immune response. A relevant research effort has thus been dedicated to comprehend Treg cell biology, leading to a continuously refining characterization of their phenotype and function and unveiling the central role of metabolism in ensuring Treg cell fitness in cancer. Here we focus on how the peculiar biochemical characteristics of the tumor microenvironment actually support Treg cell metabolic activation and favor their selective survival and proliferation. Moreover, we examine the key metabolic pathways that may become useful targets of novel treatments directed at hampering tumor resident Treg cell proficiency, thus representing the next research frontier in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Galgani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80131, Napoli, Italy; Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Bruzzaniti
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), 80131, Napoli, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, Università Degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudia La Rocca
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Micillo
- Unità di Neuroimmunologia, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Matarese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80131, Napoli, Italy; Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), 80131, Napoli, Italy.
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10
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Chen YH, Yang SF, Yang CK, Tsai HD, Chen TH, Chou MC, Hsiao YH. Metformin induces apoptosis and inhibits migration by activating the AMPK/p53 axis and suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling in human cervical cancer cells. Mol Med Rep 2020; 23:88. [PMID: 33236135 PMCID: PMC7716426 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy among women worldwide, and it is expected to result in 460,000 deaths per year by 2040. Moreover, patients with cervical cancer often display drug resistance and severe side effects; therefore, the development of effective novel chemotherapeutic agents is important. In the present study, the effects of metformin, a first-line therapeutic drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus, were evaluated in cervical cancer. Compared with the control group, metformin significantly inhibited cell viability and migration, and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human cervical cancer cell lines (CaSki and HeLa). Following metformin treatment, the protein expression levels of p-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), which promotes cell death, and the tumor suppressor protein p-p53 were remarkably upregulated in CaSki and C33A cells compared with the control group. Furthermore, compared with the control group, metformin significantly suppressed the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in CaSki, C33A and HeLa cells. Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) significantly reversed the effects of metformin on CaSki, C33A and HeLa cell viability, and AMPK and p53 phosphorylation. The results of the present study suggested that metformin induced AMPK-mediated apoptosis, thus metformin may serve as a chemotherapeutic agent for human cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hui Chen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chueh-Ko Yang
- Women's Health Research Laboratory, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Horng-Der Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tze-Ho Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Chih Chou
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Hsuan Hsiao
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
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11
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Chen K, Li Y, Guo Z, Zeng Y, Zhang W, Wang H. Metformin: current clinical applications in nondiabetic patients with cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:3993-4009. [PMID: 32074084 PMCID: PMC7066888 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is one of the most commonly used first-line oral medications for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Multiple observational studies, reviewed in numerous systematic reviews, have shown that metformin treatment may not only reduce the risk of cancer but may also improve the efficacy of cancer treatment in diabetic patients. Recent studies have been conducted to determine whether a similar protective effect can be demonstrated in nondiabetic cancer patients. However, the results are controversial. The potential optimal dose, schedule, and duration of metformin treatment and the heterogeneity of histological subtypes and genotypes among cancer patients might contribute to the different clinical benefits. In addition, as the immune property of metformin was investigated, further studies of the immunomodulatory effect of metformin on cancer cells should also be taken into account to optimize its clinical use. In this review, we present and discuss the latest findings regarding the anticancer potential of metformin in nondiabetic patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, Department of Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Yajun Li
- Department of Lymphoma and Hematology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University and Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Translational Medicine Center, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, P.R. China.,Engineering Technology Research Center for Diagnosis-Treatment and Application of Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Changsha 410013, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University and Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, Department of Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, P.R. China
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12
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Cadeddu G, Hervás-Morón A, Martín-Martín M, Pelari-Mici L, Ytuza-Charahua de Kirsch K, Hernández-Corrales A, Vallejo-Ocaña C, Sastre-Gallego S, Carrasco-Esteban E, Sancho-García S, López-Campos F. Metformin and statins: a possible role in high-risk prostate cancer. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2020; 25:163-167. [PMID: 32021570 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpor.2019.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim and background There is increasing evidence that statins and oral anti-diabetic drugs, such as metformin, can have a favorable role in advanced prostate cancer treatment.Metformin has been shown to inhibit proliferation of tumor cells in vitro and statins inhibit carcinogenesis by suppressing angiogenesis/invasion mechanisms. However, clinical evidence on the protective effect of these drugs is still weak.The purpose of this study is to analyze if these drugs have an impact on Biochemical-Failure-Free-Survival (BFFS) and on Distant-Failure-Free-Survival (DFFS) in localized high-risk prostate cancer. Material and Methods From 2002-2016, 447 patients with histologically confirmed high-risk prostate cancer were retrospectively evaluated. All patients received radiotherapy and androgen deprivation therapy. Biochemical recurrence was determined by the Phoenix criteria and metastatic patients were defined by the presence of radiological metastasis. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results 175 patients were treated with statins (65.3 % with a dose ≤ 20 mg/day) and 70 with metformin (75.7 % with a dose ≤ 1700 mg/day). Median follow-up was 88 months (1-194) with no differences in BFFS and DFFS between metformin and non-metformin patients (77.4 % versus 80 %, p = 0.91 and 89.4 % versus 88.7 %, p = 0.56, respectively). We did not find a statistical difference in BFFS and DFFS in patients taking higher doses of those drugs. Conclusion Metformin and statins were not associated with BFFS or DFFS improvement in our analysis. However, the small number of patients treated with these drugs limits the reliability of the results and prospective studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cadeddu
- Radiation Oncology Department, "Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal", Carretera M-607 Colmenar Viejo, km. 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Asunción Hervás-Morón
- Radiation Oncology Department, "Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal", Carretera M-607 Colmenar Viejo, km. 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita Martín-Martín
- Radiation Oncology Department, "Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal", Carretera M-607 Colmenar Viejo, km. 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lira Pelari-Mici
- Radiation Oncology Department, "Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal", Carretera M-607 Colmenar Viejo, km. 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Kathy Ytuza-Charahua de Kirsch
- Radiation Oncology Department, "Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal", Carretera M-607 Colmenar Viejo, km. 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Hernández-Corrales
- Radiation Oncology Department, "Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal", Carretera M-607 Colmenar Viejo, km. 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Vallejo-Ocaña
- Radiation Oncology Department, "Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal", Carretera M-607 Colmenar Viejo, km. 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Sastre-Gallego
- Radiation Oncology Department, "Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal", Carretera M-607 Colmenar Viejo, km. 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eliseo Carrasco-Esteban
- Radiation Oncology Department, "Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal", Carretera M-607 Colmenar Viejo, km. 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonsoles Sancho-García
- Radiation Oncology Department, "Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal", Carretera M-607 Colmenar Viejo, km. 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando López-Campos
- Radiation Oncology Department, "Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal", Carretera M-607 Colmenar Viejo, km. 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
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13
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Jin D, Guo J, Wu Y, Chen W, Du J, Yang L, Wang X, Gong K, Dai J, Miao S, Li X, Su G. Metformin-repressed miR-381-YAP-snail axis activity disrupts NSCLC growth and metastasis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:6. [PMID: 31906986 PMCID: PMC6945774 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1503-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence indicates that metformin inhibits mammalian cancer growth and metastasis through the regulation of microRNAs. Metformin regulates miR-381 stability, which plays a vital role in tumor progression. Moreover, increased YAP expression and activity induce non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor growth and metastasis. However, the molecular mechanism underpinning how metformin-induced upregulation of miR-381 directly targets YAP or its interactions with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker protein Snail in NSCLC is still unknown. METHODS Levels of RNA and protein were analyzed using qPCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Cellular proliferation was detected using a CCK8 assay. Cell migration and invasion were analyzed using wound healing and transwell assays. Promoter activity and transcription were investigated using the luciferase reporter assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to detect the binding of YAP to the promoter of Snail. The interaction between miR-381 and the 3'UTR of YAP mRNA was analyzed using the MS2 expression system and co-immunoprecipitation with biotin. RESULTS We observed that miR-381 expression is negatively correlated with YAP expression and plays an opposite role to YAP in the regulation of cellular proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT of NSCLC cells. The miR-381 function as a tumor suppressor was significantly downregulated in lung cancer tissue specimens and cell lines, which decreased the expression of its direct target YAP. In addition, metformin decreased cell growth, migration, invasion, and EMT via up-regulation of miR-381. Moreover, YAP, which functions as a co-transcription factor, enhanced NSCLC progression and metastasis by upregulation of Snail. Snail knockdown downregulated the mesenchymal marker vimentin and upregulated the epithelial marker E-cadherin in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, miR-381, YAP, and Snail constitute the miR-381-YAP-Snail signal axis, which is repressed by metformin, and enhances cancer cell invasiveness by directly regulating EMT. CONCLUSIONS Metformin-induced repression of miR-381-YAP-Snail axis activity disrupts NSCLC growth and metastasis. Thus, we believe that the miR-381-YAP-Snail signal axis may be a suitable diagnostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Jin
- grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Clinical Medicine Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiwei Guo
- grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Cancer research institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Wu
- grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Cancer research institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603 People’s Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Cancer research institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Du
- grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Cancer research institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603 People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Cancer research institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603 People’s Republic of China
| | - Kaikai Gong
- grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Cancer research institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603 People’s Republic of China
| | - Juanjuan Dai
- grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Cancer research institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Miao
- grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Cancer research institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuelin Li
- grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Cancer research institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603 People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoming Su
- Department of Nursing, Binzhou Polytechnic University, Binzhou, 256603 People’s Republic of China
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14
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Amano T, Chano T, Isono T, Kimura F, Kushima R, Murakami T. Abundance of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase is a negative predictive biomarker for endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers. World J Surg Oncol 2019; 17:24. [PMID: 30700285 PMCID: PMC6354361 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-019-1565-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endometrioid ovarian carcinoma and clear cell ovarian carcinoma are both classified as endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOCs). Despite the high rates of recurrence and mortality of EAOC, only a few prognostic biomarkers have been reported. Mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2) plays an important role in maintaining mitochondrial function through oxidative stress tolerance and contributes to chemotherapeutic resistance. Methods To clarify the clinical significance of SOD2 in EAOC, SOD2 expression was semi-quantitatively investigated by immunohistochemical analysis in 61 primary EAOC cases, and the correlations between SOD2 expression and clinicopathological data and survival were analyzed. Results Forty-six (75%) cases expressed high levels of SOD2. High SOD2 expression was associated with a poor prognosis on both univariate and multivariate analyses after adjusting for variables such as age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, blood markers, histological type, and completion of treatment. There were 14 fatalities from 15 recurrences among 46 cases with high SOD2 expression. In contrast, only one recurrence and no fatalities were seen among 15 cases with low SOD2 expression. Conclusion Increased SOD2 expression is a predictive biomarker for worse prognosis in EAOC. The therapeutic efficacy of the current standard therapeutic protocol for EAOC is limited; thus, mitochondrial SOD2 should be a therapeutic target for SOD2-abundant EAOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukuru Amano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, SetaTsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Tokuhiro Chano
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, SetaTsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.
| | - Takahiro Isono
- Central Research Laboratory, Shiga University of Medical Science, SetaTsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Fuminori Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, SetaTsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Ryoji Kushima
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, SetaTsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, SetaTsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
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15
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Abstract
Metformin is a lipophilic biguanide which inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis and improves peripheral utilization of glucose. It is the first line pharmacotherapy for glucose control in patients with Type 2 diabetes due to its safety, efficacy and tolerability. Metformin exhibits pleotropic effects, which may have beneficial effects on a variety of tissues independent of glucose control. A potential anti-tumourigenic effect of metformin may be mediated by its role in activating AMP-kinase, which in turn inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Non-AMPK dependent protective pathways may include reduction of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, leptin, inflammatory pathways and potentiation of adiponectin, all of which may have a role in tumourigenesis. A role in inhibiting cancer stem cells is also postulated. A number of large scale observational and cohort studies suggest metformin is associated with a reduced risk of a number of cancers, although the data is not conclusive. Recent randomised studies reporting use of metformin in treatment of cancer have revealed mixed results, and the results of much larger randomised trials of metformin as an adjuvant therapy in breast and colorectal cancers are awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritwika Mallik
- (a)International Training Fellow in Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Diabetes and Metabolism, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Tahseen A Chowdhury
- Department of Diabetes and Metabolism, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.
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16
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Le Bourgeois T, Strauss L, Aksoylar HI, Daneshmandi S, Seth P, Patsoukis N, Boussiotis VA. Targeting T Cell Metabolism for Improvement of Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2018; 8:237. [PMID: 30123774 PMCID: PMC6085483 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been significant progress in utilizing our immune system against cancer, mainly by checkpoint blockade and T cell-mediated therapies. The field of cancer immunotherapy is growing rapidly but durable clinical benefits occur only in a small subset of responding patients. It is currently recognized that cancer creates a suppressive metabolic microenvironment, which contributes to ineffective immune function. Metabolism is a common cellular feature, and although there has been significant progress in understanding the detrimental role of metabolic changes of the tumor microenvironment (TEM) in immune cells, there is still much to be learned regarding unique targetable pathways. Elucidation of cancer and immune cell metabolic profiles is critical for identifying mechanisms that regulate metabolic reprogramming within the TEM. Metabolic targets that mediate immunosuppression and are fundamental in sustaining tumor growth can be exploited therapeutically for the development of approaches to increase the efficacy of immunotherapies. Here, we will highlight the importance of metabolism on the function of tumor-associated immune cells and will address the role of key metabolic determinants that might be targets of therapeutic intervention for improvement of tumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Le Bourgeois
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Laura Strauss
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Halil-Ibrahim Aksoylar
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Saeed Daneshmandi
- Division of Interdisciplinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pankaj Seth
- Division of Interdisciplinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nikolaos Patsoukis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vassiliki A Boussiotis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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