Doxorubicin treatment modulates chemoresistance and affects the cell cycle in two canine mammary tumour cell lines

Isolation and characterization of mammary epithelial cells derived from Göttingen Minipigs: A comparative study versus hybrid pig cells from the IMI-ConcePTION Project

The value of pig as "large animal model" is a well-known tool for translational medicine, but it can also be beneficial in studying animal health in a one-health vision. The ConcePTION Project aims to provide new information about the risks associated with medication use during breastfeeding, as this information is not available for most commonly used drugs. In the IMI-Conception context, Göttingen Minipigs have been preferred to hybrid pigs for their genetic stability and microbiological control. For the first time, in the present research, three primary cell cultures of mammary epithelial cells were isolated and characterized from Göttingen Minipigs (mpMECs), including their ability to create the epithelial barrier. In addition, a comparative analysis between Göttingen Minipigs and commercial hybrid pig mammary epithelial cells (pMECs) was conducted. Epithelial markers: CKs, CK18, E-CAD, ZO-1 and OCL, were expressed in both mpMECs and pMECs. RT2 Profiler PCR Array Pig Drug Transporters showed a similar profile in mRNA drug transporters. No difference in energy production under basal metabolic condition was evidenced, while under stressed state, a different metabolic behaviour was shown between mpMECs vs pMECs. TEER measurement and sodium fluorescein transport, indicated that mpMECs were able to create an epithelial barrier, although, this turned out to be less compact than pMECs. By comparing mpMECs with mammary epithelial cells isolated from Hybrid pigs (pMECs), although both cell lines have morphological and phenotypic characteristics that make them both useful in barrier studies, some specific differences exist and must be considered in a translational perspective.

Effects of Chemotherapy on the Immune System: Implications for Cancer Treatment and Patient Outcomes

Chemotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, but it can also induce immune suppression, which can have significant implications for patient outcomes. This review paper aims to give a general overview of how chemotherapy affects the immune system and how it affects cancer treatment. Chemotherapy can directly affect immune cells, leading to cytotoxic effects, cell differentiation and function alterations, and cell communication and signaling pathways disruptions. Such immune suppression can weaken the anti-tumor immune response and increase the risk of immune-related toxicities. Understanding the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced immune suppression is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies. Strategies to mitigate immune suppression include immunomodulatory agents as adjuvants to chemotherapy, combination therapies to enhance immune function, and supportive care measures of the immune system. Additionally, identifying potential biomarkers to predict immune suppression and guide treatment decisions holds promise for personalized cancer medicine. Future directions in this field involve further elucidating underlying mechanisms, exploring novel combination therapies, and developing targeted interventions to minimize immune suppression. By understanding and addressing chemotherapy-induced immune suppression, we can optimize cancer treatment strategies, enhance the anti-tumor immune response, and improve patient outcomes.

Doxorubicin as a Potential Treatment Option in Canine Mammary Tumors

Canine mammary tumors represent one of the leading malignant pathologies in female dogs, displaying the importance of efficient therapeutic findings, besides the golden-standard surgery, able to limit the development of the disease. Studies in human cancers demonstrated that Doxorubicin presents a good effect in different biological processes like apoptosis, autophagy, the cell cycle, cell invasion, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This study followed the effects of Doxorubicin on two canine mammary cancer cell lines P114 and CMT-U27. Doxorubicin treatment in both cell lines shows an inhibitory effect in cell proliferation and an alteration in expression of the EMT-related genes. The obtained results provide valuable information for revealing the link between Doxorubicin, phenotypic changes, and proliferation dynamics in canine mammary tumor models.

Evaluation of the anticancer activity of Origanum Marjoram as a safe natural drink for daily use

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapeutic agents have numerous side effects. There is a major interest in using natural and safe plants as food or drink to prevent from cancer. Origanum marjoram (OMAE) is a medicinal plant that can be used as a tea, food, and additive in traditional medicine.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the potential anticancer effects of OMAE as a soft drink for daily use against a model cancer, prevention and treatment.

METHOD

MCF-7 cells were chosen as model cancer cells. The MTT assay was used to assess the in vitro inhibitory effects of OMAE on cell growth. Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect specific genes associated with cancer, such as ESR1, Bax, Bcl-2, and p53. Furthermore, the DNA damage was evaluated using the comet assay.

RESULTS

OMAE has IC50 of 53.1 and IC90 of 97.5 μg/ml dependent inhibition of cell proliferation after 48 h of treatment toward MCF-7. Also, a significant decrease in the expression level of the ESR1 gene in the MCF-7 cell line. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the comet length and comet-positive cells after treatment with OMAE (88.7%) compared with those in the untreated control cells (9.5%), suggesting a high induction of DNA damage by OMAE. Also, OMAE showed a modification in bcl-2, tumor suppressor gene (p53), and Bax levels and influenced the BAX/BCL-2 ratio via releasing the cytochrome C.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study were promising, suggesting that the reduced apoptotic rate of MCF-7 breast cancer cells in this work was correlated to the potential anticancer effect of OMAE which would be a suitable preventable drink against cancer. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the potential of OMAE as a cancer treatment.

Influence of cyclin D1 splicing variants expression on breast cancer chemoresistance via CDK4/CyclinD1-pRB-E2F1 pathway

Cyclin D1 (CCND1), a mediator of cell cycle control, has a G870A polymorphism which results in the formation of two splicing variants: full-length CCND1 (CCND1a) and C-terminally truncated CCND1 species (CCND1b). However, the role of CCND1a and CCND1b variants in cancer chemoresistance remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of alternative splicing of CCND1 in breast cancer (BC) chemoresistance. To address the contribution of G870A polymorphism to the production of CCND1 variants in BC chemoresistance, we sequenced the G870A polymorphism and analysed the expressions of CCND1a and CCND1b in MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADM cells. In comparison with MCF-7 cells, MCF-7/ADM cells with the A allele could enhance alternative splicing with the increase of SC-35, upregulate the ratio of CCND1b/a at both mRNA and protein levels, and activate the CDK4/CyclinD1-pRB-E2F1 pathway. Furthermore, CCND1b expression and the downstream signalling pathway were analysed through Western blotting and cell cycle in MCF-7/ADM cells with knockdown of CCND1b. Knockdown of CCND1b downregulated the ratio of CCND1b/a, demoted cell proliferation, decelerated cell cycle progression, inhibited the CDK4/CyclinD1-pRB-E2F1 pathway and thereby decreased the chemoresistance of MCF-7/ADM cells. Finally, CCND1 G870A polymorphism, the alternative splicing of CCDN1 was detected through Sequenom Mass ARRAY platform, Sanger sequencing, semi-quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry in clinical BC specimens. The increase of the ratio of CCND1b/a caused by G870A polymorphism was involved in BC chemoresistance. Thus, these findings revealed that CCND1b/a ratio caused by the polymorphism is involved in BC chemoresistance via CDK4/CyclinD1-pRB-E2F1 pathway.

Canine mammary carcinoma: current therapeutic targets and future perspectives – a review

Canine mammary carcinoma (CMC) is the most common neoplasm in bitches, and it shares many biological similarities with breast cancer in humans. Drug resistance, high epigenetic mutations, and relapse rates are among the challenges which eventually urge the need for a veterinary oncologist to discover new therapeutic approaches that are more effective and safer. Therefore, in this review, we also cover the current therapeutic strategies from human medicine for the future perspectives of tumor immunotherapy in veterinary medicine. These strategies have great potential to be employed as therapeutic or prophylactic options due to their ability to modulate a specific and potent immune response against CMC. As we acquire a better understanding of canine tumor immunology, we can move towards a brighter prognosis. Additionally, we report on the recent successful studies in breast cancer that may benefit canines as well.

Adaptation of the gut holobiont to malnutrition during mouse pregnancy depends on the type of nutritional adversity

Malnutrition can influence maternal physiology and programme offspring development. Yet, in pregnancy, little is known about how dietary challenges that influence maternal phenotype affect gut structure and function. Emerging evidence suggests that interactions between the environment, multidrug resistance (MDR) transporters and microbes may influence maternal adaptation to pregnancy and regulate fetoplacental development. We hypothesized that the gut holobiont (host and microbes) during pregnancy adapts differently to suboptimal maternal diets, evidenced by changes in the gut microenvironment, morphology, and expression of key protective MDR transporters during pregnancy. Mice were fed a control diet (CON) during pregnancy, or undernourished (UN) by 30% of control intake from gestational day (GD) 5.5-18.5, or fed 60% high fat diet (HF) for 8 weeks before and during pregnancy. At GD18.5, maternal small intestinal (SI) architecture (H&E), proliferation (Ki67), P-glycoprotein (P-gp - encoded by Abcb1a/b) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/Abcg2) MDR transporter expression and levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers were assessed. Circulating inflammatory biomarkers and maternal caecal microbiome composition (G3 PhyloChip^TM) were measured. MDR transporter expression was also assessed in fetal gut. HF diet increased maternal SI crypt depth and proinflammatory load, and decreased SI expression of Abcb1a mRNA, whilst UN increased SI villi proliferation and Abcb1a, but decreased Abcg2, mRNA expression. There were significant associations between Abcb1a and Abcg2 mRNA levels with relative abundance of specific microbial taxa. Using a systems physiology approach we report that common nutritional adversities provoke adaptations in the pregnancy holobiont in mice, and reveal new mechanisms that could influence reproductive outcomes and fetal development.

Anticancer activity of an Artemisia annua L. hydroalcoholic extract on canine osteosarcoma cell lines

Since ancient times, Artemisia annua (A. annua) has been used as a medicinal plant in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition, recent studies have investigated the cytotoxic effects of A. annua extracts towards cancer cells. The leading aim of the present research is to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of an hydroalcoholic extract of A. annua on two canine osteosarcoma (OSA) cell lines, OSCA-8 and OSCA-40, focusing on the possible involvement of ferroptosis. The quantitative determination of artemisinin concentration in the extract, culture medium and OSA cells was carried out through the use of an instrumental analytical method based on liquid chromatography coupled with spectrophotometric detection and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS/MS). OSCA-8 and OSCA-40 were exposed to different dilutions of the extract for the EC₅₀ calculation then the uptake of artemisinin by the cells, the effects on the cell cycle, the intracellular iron level, the cellular morphology and the lipid oxidation state were evaluated. A concentration of artemisinin of 63.8 ± 3.4 μg/mL was detected in the extract. A dose-dependent cytotoxic effect was evidenced. In OSCA-40 alterations of the cell cycle and a significantly higher intracellular iron content were observed. In both cell lines the treatment with the extract was associated with lipid peroxidation and with the appearance of a "ballooning" phenotype suggesting the activation of ferroptosis. In conclusion the A. annua idroalcoholic extract utilized in this study showed anticancer activity on canine OSA cell lines that could be useful in treating drug resistant canine OSAs.

Functional Expression of Multidrug-Resistance (MDR) Transporters in Developing Human Fetal Brain Endothelial Cells

There is little information about the functional expression of the multidrug resistance (MDR) transporters P-glycoprotein (P-gp, encoded by ABCB1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) in the developing blood−brain barrier (BBB). We isolated and cultured primary human fetal brain endothelial cells (hfBECs) from early and mid-gestation brains and assessed P-gp/ABCB1 and BCRP/ABCG2 expression and function, as well as tube formation capability. Immunolocalization of the von Willebrand factor (marker of endothelial cells), zonula occludens-1 and claudin-5 (tight junctions) was detected in early and mid-gestation-derived hfBECs, which also formed capillary-like tube structures, confirming their BEC phenotype. P-gp and BCRP immunostaining was detected in capillary-like tubes and in the cytoplasm and nucleus of hfBECs. P-gp protein levels in the plasma membrane and nuclear protein fractions, as well as P-gp protein/ABCB1 mRNA and BCRP protein levels decreased (p < 0.05) in hfBECs, from early to mid-gestation. No differences in P-gp or BCRP activity in hfBECs were observed between the two age groups. The hfBECs from early and mid-gestation express functionally competent P-gp and BCRP drug transporters and may thus contribute to the BBB protective phenotype in the conceptus from early stages of pregnancy.

Oxidative stress-mediated up-regulation of ABC transporters in lung cancer cells

This paper aimed to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in the regulation of ABC transporters in human lung cancer (A549) cells facing substrate (doxorubicin, DOX) and non-substrate (ethanol, ETH and hydrogen peroxide, HP) chemicals. After 24-h treatment, all the chemicals caused significant cytotoxicity as reflected by the reduction in cell viability and the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Depending on the rescuing effects of ROS scavenger including glutathione (GSH) and Vitamin C (VC), the toxicity dependence on oxidative stress were found to be HP>ETH>DOX. Addition of transporter inhibitors significantly enhanced the ROS levels and death-inducing effects of chemicals, indicating the universal detoxification function of ABC transporters. At moderate ROS levels (about 3-4 folds of control levels, caused by 10 μM DOX, 400 mM ETH, and 400 μM HP), all the three chemicals induced the gene expressions and activities of ABC transporters, but these values decreased at too high ROS levels (8.36 folds of control levels) caused by HP at LC₅₀ (800 μM). Such induction could be attenuated by GSH and KCZ, and was completely abolished by 50 μM KCZ, indicating an important role of oxidative stress and pregnane X receptor (PXR) in the induction of ABC transporters. After all, this paper revealed a critical role of oxidative stress in the modulation of ABC transporters by either substrate or non-substrate chemicals during 24-h treatment. Such information should be beneficial for overcoming ABC transporter-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Development of a Pig Mammary Epithelial Cell Culture Model as a Non-Clinical Tool for Studying Epithelial Barrier-A Contribution from the IMI-ConcePTION Project

Simple Summary

The information about the risks related to the use of medication during breastfeeding is lacking for most commonly used drugs. The ConcePTION project aims to fill this gap using multiple approaches. Within the project, the pig has been selected as the most appropriate in vivo animal model. In agreement with the application of the “3Rs” principle (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) and international legislations, the present paper reports the establishment of cellular lines of porcine mammary epithelial cells as a valid tool to study the mammary epithelial barrier function in vitro.

Abstract

The ConcePTION project aims at generating further knowledge about the risks related to the use of medication during breastfeeding, as this information is lacking for most commonly used drugs. Taking into consideration multiple aspects, the pig model has been considered by the consortium as the most appropriate choice. The present research was planned to develop an efficient method for the isolation and culture of porcine Mammary Epithelial Cells (pMECs) to study the mammary epithelial barrier in vitro. Mammary gland tissues were collected at a local slaughterhouse, dissociated and the selected cellular population was cultured, expanded and characterized by morphology, cell cycle analysis and immunophenotyping. Their ability to create a barrier was tested by TEER measurement and sodium fluorescein transport activity. Expression of 84 genes related to drug transporters was evaluated by a PCR array. Our results show that primary cells express epithelial cell markers: CKs, CK18, E-Cad and tight junctions molecules ZO-1 and OCL. All the three pMEC cellular lines were able to create a tight barrier, although with different strengths and kinetics, and express the main ABC and SLC drug transporters. In conclusion, in the present paper we have reported an efficient method to obtain primary pMEC lines to study epithelial barrier function in the pig model.

The Effects of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction, Cynara cardunculus, and Olea europea L. Extract on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Doxorubicin is an anthracycline that is commonly used as a chemotherapy drug due to its cytotoxic effects. The clinical use of doxorubicin is limited due to its known cardiotoxic effects. Treatment with anthracyclines causes heart failure in 15–17% of patients, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, intracellular calcium dysregulation, the deterioration of the cardiomyocyte structure, and apoptotic cell death. Polyphenols have a wide range of beneficial properties, and particular importance is given to Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction; Oleuropein, one of the main polyphenolic compounds of olive oil; and Cynara cardunculus extract. These natural compounds have particular beneficial characteristics, owing to their high polyphenol contents. Among these, their antioxidant and antoproliferative properties are the most important. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of these three plant derivatives using an in vitro model of cardiotoxicity induced by the treatment of rat embryonic cardiomyoblasts (H9c2) with doxorubicin. The biological mechanisms involved and the crosstalk existing between the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum were examined. Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction, Oleuropein, and Cynara cardunculus extract were able to decrease the damage induced by exposure to doxorubicin. In particular, these natural compounds were found to reduce cell mortality and oxidative damage, increase the lipid content, and decrease the concentration of calcium ions that escaped from the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, the direct involvement of this cellular organelle was demonstrated by silencing the ATF6 arm of the Unfolded Protein Response, which was activated after treatment with doxorubicin.