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Tomecka P, Kunachowicz D, Górczyńska J, Gebuza M, Kuźnicki J, Skinderowicz K, Choromańska A. Factors Determining Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8972. [PMID: 39201656 PMCID: PMC11354349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process in which an epithelial cell undergoes multiple modifications, acquiring both morphological and functional characteristics of a mesenchymal cell. This dynamic process is initiated by various inducing signals that activate numerous signaling pathways, leading to the stimulation of transcription factors. EMT plays a significant role in cancer progression, such as metastasis and tumor heterogeneity, as well as in drug resistance. In this article, we studied molecular mechanisms, epigenetic regulation, and cellular plasticity of EMT, as well as microenvironmental factors influencing this process. We included both in vivo and in vitro models in EMT investigation and clinical implications of EMT, such as the use of EMT in curing oncological patients and targeting its use in therapies. Additionally, this review concludes with future directions and challenges in the wide field of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Tomecka
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.T.); (J.G.); (M.G.); (J.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Dominika Kunachowicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211a, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Julia Górczyńska
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.T.); (J.G.); (M.G.); (J.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Michał Gebuza
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.T.); (J.G.); (M.G.); (J.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Jacek Kuźnicki
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.T.); (J.G.); (M.G.); (J.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Skinderowicz
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.T.); (J.G.); (M.G.); (J.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Anna Choromańska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211a, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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Khan AQ, Hasan A, Mir SS, Rashid K, Uddin S, Steinhoff M. Exploiting transcription factors to target EMT and cancer stem cells for tumor modulation and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 100:1-16. [PMID: 38503384 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are essential in controlling gene regulatory networks that determine cellular fate during embryogenesis and tumor development. TFs are the major players in promoting cancer stemness by regulating the function of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding how TFs interact with their downstream targets for determining cell fate during embryogenesis and tumor development is a critical area of research. CSCs are increasingly recognized for their significance in tumorigenesis and patient prognosis, as they play a significant role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. However, traditional therapies have limited effectiveness in eliminating this subset of cells, allowing CSCs to persist and potentially form secondary tumors. Recent studies have revealed that cancer cells and tumors with CSC-like features also exhibit genes related to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT-associated transcription factors (EMT-TFs) like TWIST and Snail/Slug can upregulate EMT-related genes and reprogram cancer cells into a stem-like phenotype. Importantly, the regulation of EMT-TFs, particularly through post-translational modifications (PTMs), plays a significant role in cancer metastasis and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation, can alter the stability, localization, and activity of EMT-TFs, thereby modulating their ability to drive EMT and stemness properties in cancer cells. Although targeting EMT-TFs holds potential in tackling CSCs, current pharmacological approaches to do so directly are unavailable. Therefore, this review aims to explore the role of EMT- and CSC-TFs, their connection and impact in cellular development and cancer, emphasizing the potential of TF networks as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Snober S Mir
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Urology,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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3
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Zhao C, Zheng L, Ma Y, Zhang Y, Yue C, Gu F, Niu G, Chen Y. Low-dose metformin suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis via the AMPK/JNK/IL-8 pathway. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2024; 38:3946320241249445. [PMID: 38679570 PMCID: PMC11057349 DOI: 10.1177/03946320241249445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Metformin, an oral hypoglycemic drug, has been suggested to possess antitumour activity in several types of cancers. Additionally, interleukin-8 (IL-8) has been reported to be involved in the development and metastasis of many cancers. However, the effect of metformin on IL-8 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether metformin could inhibit IL-8 expression to exert an inhibitory effect on HCC progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS The IL-8 levels were measured in the plasma of 159 HCC patients (86 men, 73 women; average age 56 years) and in the culture supernatant of HCC cells (Hep3B and HuH7) using flow cytometry. In addition, the protein expression levels of IL-8 were also validated by the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. The prognostic value of IL-8 was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database. The association between IL-8 expression and immune checkpoints was estimated using the TIMER and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. What's more, bioinformatics analysis, western blotting, and transwell assays were conducted to illustrate the molecular mechanism of metformin (≤1 mM) on IL-8 in HCC. RESULTS IL-8 expression was found to be increased in the plasma of HCC patients, which is consistent with the expression of IL-8 in HCC cells and tissues. High expression of IL-8 was significantly related to poor prognosis. In addition, IL-8 was positively correlated with immune checkpoints in HCC. Notably, we found that low-dose metformin could inhibit the secretion of IL-8 by HCC cells and the migration of HCC cells. Mechanistically, low-dose metformin significantly suppresses HCC metastasis mainly through the AMPK/JNK/IL-8/MMP9 pathway. CONCLUSION The results indicate that low-dose metformin can inhibit HCC metastasis by suppressing IL-8 expression. Targeting the AMPK/JNK/IL-8 axis may be a promising treatment strategy for patients with HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwen Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xuzhou Institute of Medical Science, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xuzhou Institute of Medical Science, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuting Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xuzhou Institute of Medical Science, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xuzhou Institute of Medical Science, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chanjuan Yue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xuzhou Institute of Medical Science, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Feng Gu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xuzhou Institute of Medical Science, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Guoping Niu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xuzhou Institute of Medical Science, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yongqiang Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xuzhou Institute of Medical Science, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
- Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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4
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Zhang W, Li D, Li B, Chu X, Kong B. STAT3 as a therapeutic target in the metformin-related treatment. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109770. [PMID: 36746021 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling plays an important role in mediating tumor progression, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and other pathological processes.In recent years, STAT3 as a therapeutic target has received extensive attention. It is well known that metformin can play the role of hypoglycemia by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) through inhibition of mitochondrial ATP production.However, AMPK is not required for metformin activity.Although the application of STAT3 as a therapeutic target of metformin is still in the initial research stage, the importance of STAT3 in the mechanism of metformin is gradually being recognizedand further studies are needed to demonstrate the important role of the STAT3 regulatory network in the regulation of diseases by metformin. Here, we reviewed in detail that metformin inhibits the progression of various diseases like tumors, autoimmune diseases and hormone-related diseases by regulating multiple signaling pathways such as JAK/STAT3 and mTOR/STAT3 signaling centered on STAT3. We also summarized recent advances of STAT3 inhibitors combined with metformin in the treatment of diseases.We emphasized that STAT3 signaling, as an AMPK-independent signaling pathway, may be an important target for metformin in clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiran Zhang
- Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
| | - Daisong Li
- Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
| | - Bing Li
- Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
| | - Xianming Chu
- the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
| | - Bin Kong
- the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
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5
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Anwar S, Malik JA, Ahmed S, Kameshwar VA, Alanazi J, Alamri A, Ahemad N. Can Natural Products Targeting EMT Serve as the Future Anticancer Therapeutics? MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27227668. [PMID: 36431766 PMCID: PMC9698579 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death and has remained a big challenge for the scientific community. Because of the growing concerns, new therapeutic regimens are highly demanded to decrease the global burden. Despite advancements in chemotherapy, drug resistance is still a major hurdle to successful treatment. The primary challenge should be identifying and developing appropriate therapeutics for cancer patients to improve their survival. Multiple pathways are dysregulated in cancers, including disturbance in cellular metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, or epigenetic alterations. Over the last two decades, natural products have been a major research interest due to their therapeutic potential in various ailments. Natural compounds seem to be an alternative option for cancer management. Natural substances derived from plants and marine sources have been shown to have anti-cancer activity in preclinical settings. They might be proved as a sword to kill cancerous cells. The present review attempted to consolidate the available information on natural compounds derived from plants and marine sources and their anti-cancer potential underlying EMT mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirajudheen Anwar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit and Personalized Treatment, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
| | - Jonaid Ahmad Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati 781101, Assam, India
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar 140001, Punjab, India
| | - Sakeel Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Verma Abhishek Kameshwar
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi 641112, Kerala, India
| | - Jowaher Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit and Personalized Treatment, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulwahab Alamri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit and Personalized Treatment, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nafees Ahemad
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya 47500, Selangor DE, Malaysia
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Wang Y, Hu J, Sun Y, Song B, Zhang Y, Lu Y, Ma H. Metformin Synergizes with PD-L1 Monoclonal Antibody Enhancing Tumor Immune Response in Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Its Molecular Mechanism Investigation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:5983959. [PMID: 36199547 PMCID: PMC9527407 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5983959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Despite non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment is proved to be effective using PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (PD-L1 MAb), it is commonly seen in immune-related adverse events reported. We aimed to explore metformin synergized with PD-L1 MAb in treating NSCLC and its potential molecular mechanism. In mice, the transplantable lung cancer models were established and a co-culture system of CD8+T cells and LLC cells was constructed. The anti-tumor effect was assessed by xenograft tumor growth, proliferation signal Ki67 expression, and MTT assays. Immunohistochemistry and western blot assays were also conducted to determine tumor immune response as well as mechanism investigation. The results indicated that tumor volume and cell proliferation were markedly inhibited following metformin synergized with PD-L1 MAb which was more effective than either single metformin or PD-L1 MAb. The cytokines TNF-α, IL-2, and IFN-γ secretion in CD8+ T cells was significantly increased, and the immune response was enhanced by metformin synergized with PD-L1 MAb. Further, the WB results implied that metformin synergized with PD-L1 MAb could activate the AMPK pathway and inhibit mTOR. AMPK inhibitor (Compound C) was added, and the results showed that the anti-tumor effect was reduced in metformin + PD-L1 MAb + CC than in metformin + PD-L1 MAb which indicates the metformin synergized with PD-L1 MAb efficacy was AMPK pathway dependent. In conclusion, metformin synergized with PD-L1 MAb has better efficacy against NSCLC than metformin or PD-L1 MAb alone in an AMPK-dependent way and facilitates increasing CD8+ T cell infiltration and enhancing tumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suzhou 215006, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Jingguo Hu
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Bo Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Yusong Lu
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Haitao Ma
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Suzhou 215006, China
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Yun H, Han GH, Kim J, Chung J, Kim J, Cho H. NANOG
regulates epithelial–mesenchymal transition via
AMPK
/
mTOR
signalling pathway in ovarian cancer
SKOV
‐3 and
A2780
cells. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:5277-5291. [PMID: 36114703 PMCID: PMC9575063 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
NANOG engages with tumour initiation and metastasis by regulating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, its role in association with pAMPKα, and its clinical significance in EOC have not been elucidated even though AMPK is known to degrade NANOG in various human cancers. Hence, we investigated the role of pAMPKα and its association with NANOG as potential prognostic biomarkers in EOC. Both NANOG and pAMPKα expression were significantly overexpressed in EOCs comparing nonadjacent normal epithelial tissues, benign tissues, and borderline tumours. NANOG overexpression was significantly associated with poor disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), whereas pAMPKα overexpression was associated with good DFS and OS. Importantly, multivariate analysis revealed that the combination of high NANOG and low pAMPKα expression was a poor independent prognostic factor for DFS and was associated with platinum resistance. In ovarian cancer cell lines, siRNA‐mediated NANOG knockdown diminished migration and invasion properties by regulating the EMT process via the AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway. Furthermore, treatment with AMPK activator suppressed expression of stemness factors such as NANOG, Oct4 and Sox2. Collectively, these findings established that the combination of high NANOG and low pAMPKα expression was associated with EOC progression and platinum resistance, suggesting a potential prognostic biomarker for clinical management in EOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Yun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Gwan Hee Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong Seoul Korea
| | - Julie Kim
- Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York USA
| | - Joon‐Yong Chung
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland USA
| | - Jae‐Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Hanbyoul Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
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Circ_001042 Inhibits TGF-β1/P38 MAPK Signaling Axis-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis in Lung Adenocarcinoma. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7890490. [PMID: 35966723 PMCID: PMC9371840 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7890490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore the role and molecular mechanism of circ_001042 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods The expression level of circ_001042 and linear RNA MRPS35 in cells and clinical tissues was detected by real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression of circ_001042 and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in LUAD cells was elevated by the respective transfection of overexpression vectors OE-circ_001042 and TGF-β1; MTT and transwell assays were applied to test the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of cells, respectively. The E-cadherin expression level in the cells was assessed by immunofluorescence staining, and western blot was utilized to determine the expression level of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and TGF-β1/P38 MAPK signaling axis-related proteins in the cells. Results Circ_001042 was significantly downregulated in LUAD tissues and cells, and high circ_001042 expression could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of LUAD cells. In addition, circ_001042 also inhibited the EMT process (the E-cadherin level was upregulated; and the levels of N-cadherin, vimentin, and Snail were downregulated) and TGF-β1/P38 MAPK signaling axis activity in LUAD cells. Moreover, circ_001042 could suppress the promotion of TGF-β1 on the proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT process of LUAD cells and the activation of TGF-β1/P38 MAPK signaling axis. Conclusion By inhibiting TGF-β1, circ_001042 not only suppresses the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of LUAD but also inhibits the activation of TGF-β1/P38 MAPK signaling axis. Therefore, circ_001042 can act as a potential target for early diagnosis and targeted therapy of LUAD.
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Ubenimex Combined with Pemetrexed Upregulates SOCS1 to Inhibit Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression via the JAK2-STAT3 Signaling Pathway. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:5614939. [PMID: 35789603 PMCID: PMC9250433 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5614939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
To study the effects of ubenimex (UBE) combined with pemetrexed (PEM) on lung adenocarcinoma cell behavior and its molecular mechanism, the tissue samples from lung adenocarcinoma patients who received PEM chemotherapy, those with PEM combined with UBE chemotherapy, and healthy volunteers were retrieved and analyzed. The expression levels of the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in the human lung adenocarcinoma cancer cell lines A549 and PC-9 and tissues were detected by qRT-PCR. MTT assay was performed for cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Cell invasion ability was assessed using the Transwell assay. The expression levels of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway proteins and apoptosis-related proteins were detected by Western blot. The antitumor effect of PEM combined with UBE was tested in nude mice using the tumor formation assay. Our results showed that UBE treatment, alone or combined with PEM, inhibited lung adenocarcinoma cell migration, invasion, and proliferation; promoted apoptosis; significantly increased the G0/G1-phase cell ratio; reduced the S-phase cell ratio; and inhibited the in vivo growth of tumor cells. UBE alone or in combination with PEM also inhibited the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in lung adenocarcinoma cells. In addition, UBE combined with PEM therapy was associated with increased SOCS1 expression in patients' serum and knocking down SOCS1 reversed the antitumor effects of UBE and PEM. Overall, combination therapy with UBE and PEM could inhibit the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway by upregulating SOCS1 expression to hinder the progression of lung adenocarcinoma cells.
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10
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Li X, Chen H, Zhang L, Chen L, Wei W, Gao S, Xue Q, Li Y, Wang B, Li J, Gao Y, Lin Y. 27-hydroxycholesterol linked high cholesterol diet to lung adenocarcinoma metastasis. Oncogene 2022; 41:2685-2695. [PMID: 35379924 PMCID: PMC9076535 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02285-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Dietary cholesterol has been implicated to promote lung cancer. Lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) is a main type of lung cancer, whereas the functional mechanism of cholesterol in LAC remained largely unknown. In the present study, we evidenced that cholesterol promoted cell proliferation and invasion of LAC in vitro as well as LAC metastasis in vivo. Cyp27A1 knockdown reduced the cholesterol-induced LAC cells proliferation and invasion. In contrast, Cyp7B1 knockdown enhanced the effect of cholesterol on LAC cells proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, Cyp27A1 deficiency remarkably reduced high cholesterol-induced LAC metastasis in vivo. Mechanism investigation demonstrated that exposure of LAC cells to 27-hydroxycholesterol induced the phosphorylation of AKT and NFκB p65, and promoted the expression of peptidylprolyl isomerase B (PPIB), especially in the coculture with THP1-derived macrophage. Meanwhile, 27-hydroxycholesterol induced the secretion of FGF2 and IL-6, which contributed to the expression of snail and vimentin. Luciferase report assay and ChIP assay confirmed that NFκB p65 controlled the transcription of PPIB. Inhibiting NFκB p65 activation reduced PPIB expression. PPIB inhibition reduced 27-hydroxycholesterol-induced expression of snail and vimentin. These results indicated that 27-hydroxycholesterol linked high cholesterol and LAC metastasis by regulating NFκB/PPIB axis and the secretion of FGF2 and IL-6.
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11
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Shin HJ, Gil M, Lee IS. Association of Elevated Expression Levels of COL4A1 in Stromal Cells with an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in Low-Grade Glioma, Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, Skin Cutaneous Melanoma, and Stomach Adenocarcinoma. J Pers Med 2022; 12:534. [PMID: 35455650 PMCID: PMC9029283 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of collagen type IV alpha chain 1 (COL4A1) can influence tumor cell behavior. To examine the association of COL4A1 expression in the tumor microenvironment (TME) with tumor progression, we performed bioinformatics analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas RNA sequencing and RNA microarray datasets available in public databases and identified upregulated COL4A1 expression in most examined tumor types compared to their normal counterparts. The elevated expression of COL4A1 was correlated with low survival rates of patients with low-grade glioma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, skin cutaneous melanoma, and stomach adenocarcinoma, thus suggesting its potential use as a biomarker for the poor prognosis of these tumors. However, COL4A1 was mostly expressed in adjacent stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and endothelial cells. Additionally, COL4A1 expression was highly correlated with the signatures of CAFs and endothelial cells in all four tumor types. The expression of marker genes for the infiltration of pro-tumoral immune cells, such as Treg, M2, and TAM, and those of immunosuppressive cytokines exhibited very strong positive correlations with COL4A1 expression. Collectively, our data suggest that COL4A1 overexpression in stromal cells may be a potential regulator of tumor-supporting TME composition associated with poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Jae Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea;
| | - Minchan Gil
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Im-Soon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea;
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Barrios-Bernal P, Hernandez-Pedro N, Orozco-Morales M, Viedma-Rodríguez R, Lucio-Lozada J, Avila-Moreno F, Cardona AF, Rosell R, Arrieta O. Metformin Enhances TKI-Afatinib Cytotoxic Effect, Causing Downregulation of Glycolysis, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, and EGFR-Signaling Pathway Activation in Lung Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030381. [PMID: 35337178 PMCID: PMC8955777 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of metformin and TKIs for non-small cell lung cancer has been proposed as a strategy to overcome resistance of neoplastic cells induced by several molecular mechanisms. This study sought to investigate the effects of a second generation TKI afatinib, metformin, or their combination on three adenocarcinoma lung cancer cell lines with different EGFRmutation status. A549, H1975, and HCC827 cell lines were treated with afatinib, metformin, and their combination for 72 h. Afterwards, several parameters were assessed including cytotoxicity, interactions, apoptosis, and EGFR protein levels at the cell membrane and several glycolytic, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and EMT expression markers. All cell lines showed additive to synergic interactions for the induction of cytotoxicity caused by the tested combination, as well as an improved pro-apoptotic effect. This effect was accompanied by downregulation of glycolytic, EMT markers, a significant decrease in glucose uptake, extracellular lactate, and a tendency towards increased OXPHOS subunits expression. Interestingly, we observed a better response to the combined therapy in lung cancer cell lines A549 and H1975, which normally have low affinity for TKI treatment. Findings from this study suggest a sensitization to afatinib therapy by metformin in TKI-resistant lung cancer cells, as well as a reduction in cellular glycolytic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Barrios-Bernal
- Laboratorio de Medicina Personalizada, Thoracic Oncology Unit Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, S.S.A., San Fernando 22 Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (P.B.-B.); (N.H.-P.); (M.O.-M.); (J.L.-L.)
| | - Norma Hernandez-Pedro
- Laboratorio de Medicina Personalizada, Thoracic Oncology Unit Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, S.S.A., San Fernando 22 Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (P.B.-B.); (N.H.-P.); (M.O.-M.); (J.L.-L.)
| | - Mario Orozco-Morales
- Laboratorio de Medicina Personalizada, Thoracic Oncology Unit Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, S.S.A., San Fernando 22 Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (P.B.-B.); (N.H.-P.); (M.O.-M.); (J.L.-L.)
| | - Rubí Viedma-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Estudios Superiores (FES) Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico City 54090, Mexico;
| | - José Lucio-Lozada
- Laboratorio de Medicina Personalizada, Thoracic Oncology Unit Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, S.S.A., San Fernando 22 Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (P.B.-B.); (N.H.-P.); (M.O.-M.); (J.L.-L.)
| | - Federico Avila-Moreno
- Lung Diseases and Cancer Epigenomics Laboratory, Biomedicine Research Unit (UBIMED), Facultad de Estudios Superiores (FES) Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico City 54090, Mexico;
| | - Andrés F. Cardona
- Foundation for Clinical and Applied Cancer Research—FICMAC/Molecular Oncology and Biology Systems Research Group (Fox-G), Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá 11001, Colombia;
| | - Rafael Rosell
- Catalan Institute of Oncology, Germans Trias I Pujol Research Institute and Hospital Campus Can Ruti, 8908 Badalona, Spain;
| | - Oscar Arrieta
- Laboratorio de Medicina Personalizada, Thoracic Oncology Unit Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, S.S.A., San Fernando 22 Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (P.B.-B.); (N.H.-P.); (M.O.-M.); (J.L.-L.)
- Correspondence:
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Font A, Ruiz de Porras V, Valderrama BP, Ramirez JL, Nonell L, Virizuela JA, Anido U, González-del-Alba A, Lainez N, Llorente MDM, Jiménez N, Mellado B, García-Donas J, Bellmunt J. Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Mediates Resistance to Maintenance Therapy with Vinflunine in Advanced Urothelial Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246235. [PMID: 34944855 PMCID: PMC8699401 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Platinum-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for advanced urothelial cell carcinoma (aUCC). After first-line treatment, we previously showed that maintenance therapy with vinflunine improves progression-free survival. However, some patients are resistant to vinflunine and the specific mechanisms of resistance in aUCC are unclear. We analyzed the genomic landscape and the biological processes potentially related to vinflunine activity and found that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role as a resistance mechanism. In experiments with cell lines, curcumin reversed EMT and sensitized cells to vinflunine. We suggest that EMT mediates resistance to vinflunine and that the reversion of this process could enhance the effect of vinflunine in aUCC patients. Abstract In the phase II MAJA trial, maintenance therapy with vinflunine resulted in longer progression-free survival compared to best supportive care in advanced urothelial cell carcinoma (aUCC) patients who did not progress after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. However, despite an initial benefit observed in some patients, unequivocal resistance appears which underlying mechanisms are presently unknown. We have performed gene expression and functional enrichment analyses to shed light on the discovery of these underlying resistance mechanisms. Differential gene expression profile of eight patients with poor outcome and nine with good outcome to vinflunine administered in the MAJA trial were analyzed. RNA was isolated from tumor tissue and gene expression was assessed by microarray. Differential expression was determined with linear models for microarray data. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used for the functional classification of the genes. In vitro functional studies were performed using UCC cell lines. Hierarchical clustering showed a differential gene expression pattern between patients with good and poor outcome to vinflunine treatment. GSEA identified epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as the top negatively enriched hallmark in patients with good outcome. In vitro analyses showed that the polyphenol curcumin downregulated EMT markers and sensitized UCC cells to vinflunine. We conclude that EMT mediates resistance to vinflunine and suggest that the reversion of this process could enhance the effect of vinflunine in aUCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Font
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Ctra. Can Ruti-Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
- Catalan Institute of Oncology, Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B·ARGO), Ctra. Can Ruti-Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
| | - Vicenç Ruiz de Porras
- Catalan Institute of Oncology, Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B·ARGO), Ctra. Can Ruti-Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Ctra. Can Ruti-Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Begoña P. Valderrama
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain;
| | - Jose Luis Ramirez
- Department of Haematology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Ctra. Can Ruti-Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
| | - Lara Nonell
- MARGenomics, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - José Antonio Virizuela
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Macarena, 41009 Seville, Spain;
| | - Urbano Anido
- Department of Medical Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Aránzazu González-del-Alba
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Nuria Lainez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Maria del Mar Llorente
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital General Universitario de Elda, 03600 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Natalia Jiménez
- Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumors Laboratory, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Begoña Mellado
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Jesus García-Donas
- Division of Medical Oncology, HM Hospitales-Centro Integral Oncológico Hospital de Madrid Clara Campal, 28050 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.G.D.); (J.B.)
| | - Joaquim Bellmunt
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Correspondence: (J.G.D.); (J.B.)
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Lu Y, Xin D, Guan L, Xu M, Yang Y, Chen Y, Yang Y, Wang-Gillam A, Wang L, Zong S, Wang F. Metformin Downregulates PD-L1 Expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Catrcinoma by Inhibiting IL-6 Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:762523. [PMID: 34881181 PMCID: PMC8645640 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.762523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize the mechanism by which metformin inhibits PD-L1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and to evaluate the effect of metformin on the antitumor immune response. Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to analyze the correlations between IL-6 and prognosis and between IL-6 and PD-L1 gene expression in esophageal cancer. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to study the mechanism by which metformin affects PD-L1 expression. Additionally, T cell function was assessed in a coculture system containing ESCC cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) treated with metformin or IL-6. In an in vivo assay, we used a model established with NPIdKO™ mice, which have a reconstituted immune system generated by transplanting PBMCs through intravenous injection, to evaluate the effect of metformin on tumors. Results The TCGA esophageal cancer data showed that IL-6 expression was positively correlated with PD-L1 expression and that patients with high IL-6 expression had a significantly lower overall survival rate than patients with low IL-6 expression. PD-L1 expression in ESCC cell lines was significantly inhibited by metformin via the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway but was not correlated with the canonical AMPK pathway. In the coculture system, the metformin pretreatment group showed higher T cell activation and better T cell killing function than the control group. Animal experiments confirmed that metformin downregulated PD-L1 expression and that combination treatment with metformin and PD-1 inhibitors synergistically enhanced the antitumor response. Conclusions Metformin downregulated PD-L1 expression by blocking the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in ESCC, which enhanced the antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dao Xin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lulu Guan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengli Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yalan Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Andrea Wang-Gillam
- Department of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Li Wang
- Henan Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Feng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Stott Bond NL, Dréau D, Marriott I, Bennett JM, Turner MJ, Arthur ST, Marino JS. Low-Dose Metformin as a Monotherapy Does Not Reduce Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Tumor Burden in Mice. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111685. [PMID: 34829914 PMCID: PMC8615566 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) makes up 80-85% of lung cancer diagnoses. Lung cancer patients undergo surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. Chemotherapy and radiation can induce deleterious systemic side effects, particularly within skeletal muscle. To determine whether metformin reduces NSCLC tumor burden while maintaining skeletal muscle health, C57BL/6J mice were injected with Lewis lung cancer (LL/2), containing a bioluminescent reporter for in vivo tracking, into the left lung. Control and metformin (250 mg/kg) groups received treatments twice weekly. Skeletal muscle was analyzed for changes in genes and proteins related to inflammation, muscle mass, and metabolism. The LL/2 model effectively mimics lung cancer growth and tumor burden. The in vivo data indicate that metformin as administered was not associated with significant improvement in tumor burden in this immunocompetent NSCLC model. Additionally, metformin was not associated with significant changes in key tumor cell division and inflammation markers, or improved skeletal muscle health. Metformin treatment, while exhibiting anti-neoplastic characteristics in many cancers, appears not to be an appropriate monotherapy for NSCLC tumor growth in vivo. Future studies should pursue co-treatment modalities, with metformin as a potentially supportive drug rather than a monotherapy to mitigate cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L. Stott Bond
- Distance Education, Technology and Integration, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, GA 30597, USA;
- Laboratory of Systems Physiology, Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (M.J.T.); (S.T.A.)
| | - Didier Dréau
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (D.D.); (I.M.)
| | - Ian Marriott
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (D.D.); (I.M.)
| | - Jeanette M. Bennett
- Department of Psychological Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA;
| | - Michael J. Turner
- Laboratory of Systems Physiology, Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (M.J.T.); (S.T.A.)
| | - Susan T. Arthur
- Laboratory of Systems Physiology, Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (M.J.T.); (S.T.A.)
| | - Joseph S. Marino
- Laboratory of Systems Physiology, Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (M.J.T.); (S.T.A.)
- Correspondence:
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The Role of the IL-6 Cytokine Family in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158334. [PMID: 34361105 PMCID: PMC8347315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) plays critical roles during embryonic development, wound repair, fibrosis, inflammation and cancer. During cancer progression, EMP results in heterogeneous and dynamic populations of cells with mixed epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics, which are required for local invasion and metastatic dissemination. Cancer development is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment characterized by the accumulation of multiple immune cells and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines from the interleukin 6 (IL-6) family play fundamental roles in mediating tumour-promoting inflammation within the tumour microenvironment, and have been associated with chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, infectious diseases and cancer, where some members often act as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. All IL-6 family members signal through the Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and are able to activate a wide array of signalling pathways and transcription factors. In general, IL-6 cytokines activate EMP processes, fostering the acquisition of mesenchymal features in cancer cells. However, this effect may be highly context dependent. This review will summarise all the relevant literature related to all members of the IL-6 family and EMP, although it is mainly focused on IL-6 and oncostatin M (OSM), the family members that have been more extensively studied.
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Exploring the Crosstalk between Inflammation and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:9918379. [PMID: 34220337 PMCID: PMC8219436 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9918379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells undergo invasion and metastasis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition (EMT) by activation of alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) protein-encoding genes, enzymes responsible for the breakdown of ECM, and activation of genes that drive the transformation of the epithelial cell to the mesenchymal type. Inflammatory cytokines such as TGFβ, TNFα, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8 activate transcription factors such as Smads, NF-κB, STAT3, Snail, Twist, and Zeb that drive EMT. EMT drives primary tumors to metastasize in different parts of the body. T and B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) which are present in the tumor microenvironment induce EMT. The current review elucidates the interaction between EMT tumor cells and immune cells under the microenvironment. Such complex interactions provide a better understanding of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis and in defining the aggressiveness of the primary tumors. Anti-inflammatory molecules in this context may open new therapeutic options for the better treatment of tumor progression. Targeting EMT and the related mechanisms by utilizing natural compounds may be an important and safe therapeutic alternative in the treatment of tumor growth.
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The AMPK modulator metformin as adjunct to methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A proof-of-concept, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 95:107575. [PMID: 33773207 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metformin (MET) may exert anti-rheumatic effects and reduce cartilage degradation through its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory actions. METHODS This was a double-blind placebo-controlled study, 120 adult patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were randomized to receive MET (1000 mg) or placebo daily with methotrexate (MTX, 7.5 mg/week) for 12 weeks. American College of Rheumatology (ACR)20, ACR50, and ACR70 response rates, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS-28), and drug safety were the efficacy endpoints. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, NF-κB, TGG-β1, MDA together with gene expression of AMPK and IGF-IR were assessed before and after the therapy. RESULTS A total of 80.8% of the patients in the MET group, compared with 54.7% in placebo group, met the criteria of ACR20 response after 12 weeks (P = 0.001). Statistically significant enhancements in the DAS28-3 (CRP) were observed after 4 and 8 weeks for the MET group compared with placebo and were sustained after 12 weeks. MET group showed statistically significant increase in percentage of patients achieving DAS remission after 12 weeks (P = 0.015). Significant improvements in ACR50, ACR70, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and DAS28-3 (CRP) were also reported. MET was well-tolerated, and no serious adverse effects were reported in both groups. Furthermore, the MET group was superior in improving the measured parameters compared to the placebo. CONCLUSIONS MET improved the anti-rheumatic effect of MTX; suggesting it to be a beneficial adjuvant in patients with RA. Trial registration ID: NCT04068246.
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Liao Y, Wang W, Li Z, Wang Y, Zhang L, Huang X, Cai P. Comparative proteomic analysis reveals cytotoxicity induced by graphene oxide exposure in A549 cells. J Appl Toxicol 2020; 41:1103-1114. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.4096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Liao
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Institute of Urban Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China
| | - Weiyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography Ministry of Natural Resources Xiamen China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Institute of Urban Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China
| | - Yahong Wang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Institute of Urban Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Institute of Urban Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China
| | - Xiaomei Huang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Institute of Urban Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China
| | - Peng Cai
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Institute of Urban Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
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20
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Golshan M, Khaleghi S, Shafiee SM, Valaee S, Ghanei Z, Jamshidizad A, Dashtizad M, Shamsara M. Metformin modulates oncogenic expression of HOTAIR gene via promoter methylation and reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MDA-MB-231 cells. J Cell Biochem 2020; 122:385-393. [PMID: 33164274 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological event, which critically regulates migration and invasion of cancer cells. EMT is regulated by several protein and nonprotein factors (such as noncoding RNAs). HOTAIR is an oncogenic long noncoding RNA that stimulates EMT in cancers. In the current study, we investigated the effect of metformin on EMT behavior and HOTAIR expression in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The minimal effective concentrations of metformin (10 and 20 mM) were obtained by the MTT test. Cell migration and invasion in the metformin-containing medium were assayed in the scratch assay and transwell test. Meaningful decreases in both cell migration and invasion were observed in the presence of metformin. Vimentin, snail, β-catenin, and HOTAIR transcripts were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Reduction in the expression of vimentin, β-catenin, and HOTAIR was detected as the result of metformin treatment, but the snail showed a constant expression. Western blottingrevealed the downregulation of vimentin and β-catenin proteins. HOTAIR promoter methylation pattern was also investigated in metformin-exposed cells using bisulfite sequencing PCR which the result showed differences in the methylation profile of CpG islands between the treated and untreated cells. In conclusion, metformin modulated oncogenic expression of the HOTAIR gene in the MDA-MB-231 cells. This downregulation was associated with the modification of promoter methylation patterns. Since HOTAIR induces EMT in breast cancer, HOTAIR decline might be one of the mechanisms by which metformin reverses EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Golshan
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Khaleghi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Shiva Valaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghanei
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Jamshidizad
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Dashtizad
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shamsara
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Cochard M, Ledoux F, Landkocz Y. Atmospheric fine particulate matter and epithelial mesenchymal transition in pulmonary cells: state of the art and critical review of the in vitro studies. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2020; 23:293-318. [PMID: 32921295 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2020.1816238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been associated with several diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation are well-documented and are considered as the starting point of some of the pathological responses. However, a number of studies also focused on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a biological process involved in fibrotic diseases and cancer progression notably via metastasis induction. Up until now, EMT was widely reported in vivo and in vitro in various cell types but investigations dealing with in vitro studies of PM2.5 induced EMT in pulmonary cells are limited. Further, few investigations combined the necessary endpoints for validation of the EMT state in cells: such as expression of several surface, cytoskeleton or extracellular matrix biomarkers and activation of transcription markers and epigenetic factors. Studies explored various cell types, cultured under differing conditions and exposed for various durations to different doses. Such unharmonized protocols (1) might introduce bias, (2) make difficult comparison of results and (3) preclude reaching a definitive conclusion regarding the ability of airborne PM2.5 to induce EMT in pulmonary cells. Some questions remain, in particular the specific PM2.5 components responsible for EMT triggering. The aim of this review is to examine the available PM2.5 induced EMT in vitro studies on pulmonary cells with special emphasis on the critical parameters considered to carry out future research in this field. This clarification appears necessary for production of reliable and comparable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Cochard
- Unité de Chimie Environnementale et Interactions sur le Vivant, UCEIV UR4492, SFR Condorcet FR-CNRS-3417, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale (ULCO) , Dunkerque, France
| | - Frédéric Ledoux
- Unité de Chimie Environnementale et Interactions sur le Vivant, UCEIV UR4492, SFR Condorcet FR-CNRS-3417, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale (ULCO) , Dunkerque, France
| | - Yann Landkocz
- Unité de Chimie Environnementale et Interactions sur le Vivant, UCEIV UR4492, SFR Condorcet FR-CNRS-3417, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale (ULCO) , Dunkerque, France
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Abdallah MS, Mosalam EM, Zidan AAA, Elattar KS, Zaki SA, Ramadan AN, Ebeid AM. The Antidiabetic Metformin as an Adjunct to Antidepressants in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Proof-of-Concept, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:1897-1906. [PMID: 32500486 PMCID: PMC7851215 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00878-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin (MET) has been reported to have antidepressant effects in animal models and in diabetic patients with depression, owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activity. Accordingly, we proposed that MET would show antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) without other comorbidities. In this double-blind placebo-controlled study, 80 adult outpatients with MDD (DSM-IV criteria) and a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score >18 were randomized to receive fluoxetine 20 mg once daily plus placebo (n = 40) or fluoxetine 20 mg once daily plus MET 1000 mg once daily for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed by HAM-D score (weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12). The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IGF-1, MDA, CRP, BDNF, and serotonin were measured before and after therapy. Mixed-effects model repeated-measures analysis of covariance was used to compare the HAM-D scores and the biological markers between the two groups. After 4, 8 and 12 weeks, patients in the MET group showed a statistically significant decline in HAM-D score relative to the placebo group (least squares mean difference [LSMD] -2.347, p = 0.000, LSMD -3.369, p = 0.000, and LSMD -3.454, p = 0.000, respectively). Response and remission rates were significantly higher in the MET group (89% and 81%, respectively) than in the placebo group (59% and 46%, respectively). Moreover, the MET group was superior in conserving the measured biological markers compared with the placebo group. Our findings suggest MET as a promising, effective, and safe short-term adjunctive approach in nondiabetic MDD patients. Trial registration ID: NCT04088448.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud S Abdallah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City (USC), Sadat City, Menoufia, 32897, Egypt.
| | - Esraa M Mosalam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Abdel-Aziz A Zidan
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour & Center of Excellence in Cancer Research (CECR), Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Khaled S Elattar
- Consultant of Psychiatry & Private Psychiatric Hospital Manager, 10th of Ramadan, Egypt
| | - Shimaa A Zaki
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed N Ramadan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Abla M Ebeid
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasaa, Egypt
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Wang M, Liu X, Chen Z, Chen H, Tan Y. Metformin suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer by inactivating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Transl Cancer Res 2020; 9:6086-6095. [PMID: 35117220 PMCID: PMC8798386 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-20-1186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the tumor micro- environment are involved in tumorigenesis and progression. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine in cancer that might be associated with promoting cancer invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to explore the potential effects of metformin on TNF-α-induced EMT in prostate cancer. METHODS TNF-α, NF-κB-P65 and E-cadherin were detected in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissues by immunohistochemistry. Prostate cancer PC3 cells were treated with TNF-α with or without metformin. Then, the cell invasion and cell proliferation ability was separately determined by scratch assay and invasion assay. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, TNF-α, NF-κB-P65, p-IKK and p-IκBα were detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence. RESULTS TNF-α and NF-κB-P65 were positively related to higher Gleason scores, but E-cadherin was negatively related to higher Gleason scores. TNF-α significantly increased the migration and invasion ability of prostate cancer cells, and it significantly promoted the expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin, NF-κB-P65, p-IKK and p-IκBα but reduced the expression of E-cadherin. Metformin significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, metformin decreased TNF-α-induced expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin, NF-κB-P65, p-IKK and p-IκBα but increased the expression of E-cadherin. Moreover, metformin inhibited NF-κB-P65 translocation into the nucleus. CONCLUSIONS TNF-α accelerated the EMT process potentially via activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Metformin might suppress TNF-α-induced EMT in prostate cancer by inactivating the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiuheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifan Tan
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Clinical Evidence of Antidepressant Effects of Insulin and Anti-Hyperglycemic Agents and Implications for the Pathophysiology of Depression-A Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186969. [PMID: 32971941 PMCID: PMC7554794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Close connections between depression and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have been suggested by many epidemiological and experimental studies. Disturbances in insulin sensitivity due to the disruption of various molecular pathways cause insulin resistance, which underpins many metabolic disorders, including diabetes, as well as depression. Several anti-hyperglycemic agents have demonstrated antidepressant properties in clinical trials, probably due to their action on brain targets based on the shared pathophysiology of depression and T2DM. In this article, we review reports of clinical trials examining the antidepressant effect of these medications, including insulin, metformin, glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ agonists, and briefly consider possible molecular mechanisms underlying the associations between amelioration of insulin resistance and improvement of depressive symptoms. In doing so, we intend to suggest an integrative perspective for understanding the pathophysiology of depression.
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25
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Pan T, Zhang F, Li F, Gao X, Li Z, Li X, Ren X. Shikonin blocks human lung adenocarcinoma cell migration and invasion in the inflammatory microenvironment via the IL‑6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1049-1063. [PMID: 32705271 PMCID: PMC7388308 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that the inflammatory tumor microenvironment can lead to cancer cell metastasis. Shikonin, which is extracted from the Chinese herb Zicao (the dried root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon), possesses various pharmacological effects, but its effect on tumor metastasis in the inflammatory microenvironment remains unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential effect of shikonin on tumor metastasis in an inflammatory microenvironment as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. It was found that, in the inflammatory microenvironment simulated by THP-1 cell conditioned medium (THP-1-CM) in vitro, shikonin significantly inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion of human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines A549 and H1299. In addition, we found that interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is expressed in THP-1-CM, promoted the EMT of lung adenocarcinoma cells, and shikonin markedly inhibited IL-6-induced EMT and cell motility. Moreover, shikonin inhibited IL-6-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), prevented phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) translocation into the nucleus, and suppressed p-STAT3 transactivation activity. Additionally, it was found that shikonin inhibited lung metastasis, EMT and expression of p-STAT3 of A549 cells in vivo. Furthermore, IL-6 levels in human lung adenocarcinoma tissues were significantly associated with tumor-node-metastasis stage and lymph node metastasis, and its expression was correlated with tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration. Together, these results suggest that shikonin suppresses the migration and invasion of human lung adenocarcinoma cells in an inflammatory microenvironment involving the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Pan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Fakai Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Xingchun Gao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, P.R. China
| | - Zhikui Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Xia Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Xinling Ren
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
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Liu Y, Yang M, Luo J, Zhou H. Radiotherapy targeting cancer stem cells "awakens" them to induce tumour relapse and metastasis in oral cancer. Int J Oral Sci 2020; 12:19. [PMID: 32576817 PMCID: PMC7311531 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-020-00087-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the most common treatments for oral cancer. However, in the clinic, recurrence and metastasis of oral cancer occur after radiotherapy, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), considered the “seeds” of cancer, have been confirmed to be in a quiescent state in most established tumours, with their innate radioresistance helping them survive more easily when exposed to radiation than differentiated cancer cells. There is increasing evidence that CSCs play an important role in recurrence and metastasis post-radiotherapy in many cancers. However, little is known about how oral CSCs cause tumour recurrence and metastasis post-radiotherapy. In this review article, we will first summarise methods for the identification of oral CSCs and then focus on the characteristics of a CSC subpopulation induced by radiation, hereafter referred to as “awakened” CSCs, to highlight their response to radiotherapy and potential role in tumour recurrence and metastasis post-radiotherapy as well as potential therapeutics targeting CSCs. In addition, we explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting these “awakened” CSCs to solve the serious clinical challenges of recurrence and metastasis in oral cancer after radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Preventive Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition: A Mechanism that Fuels Cancer Radio/Chemoresistance. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020428. [PMID: 32059478 PMCID: PMC7072371 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to tumor progression, cancer cell invasion, and therapy resistance. EMT is regulated by transcription factors such as the protein products of the SNAI gene family, which inhibits the expression of epithelial genes. Several signaling pathways, such as TGF-beta1, IL-6, Akt, and Erk1/2, trigger EMT responses. Besides regulatory transcription factors, RNA molecules without protein translation, micro RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs also assist in the initialization of the EMT gene cluster. A challenging novel aspect of EMT research is the investigation of the interplay between tumor microenvironments and EMT. Several microenvironmental factors, including fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, as well as inflammatory, immune, and endothelial cells, induce EMT in tumor cells. EMT tumor cells change their adverse microenvironment into a tumor friendly neighborhood, loaded with stromal regulatory T cells, exhausted CD8+ T cells, and M2 (protumor) macrophages. Several EMT inhibitory mechanisms are instrumental in reversing EMT or targeting EMT cells. Currently, these mechanisms are also significant for clinical use.
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Yoshida Y, Sibusa T, Ishii Y, Akino K, Kikuchi T, Mita H, Adachi Y, Nakamura M, Adachi Y, Kato Y, Endo T. Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor- and Interleukin-6-producing Large-cell Carcinoma of the Lung with Sarcomatoid Changes Suggestive of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition: An Autopsy Case Report. Intern Med 2019; 58:3305-3311. [PMID: 31366794 PMCID: PMC6911748 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.2819-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A rare case of lung cancer with the simultaneous production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) is reported. A 79-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to cachectic symptoms and an increased inflammatory response. Laboratory tests and imaging studies suggested metastatic lung cancer with high serum levels of G-CSF and IL-6. He died of progressive disease, and an autopsy showed that the lung tumor had positive protein expression of both cytokines and a solid growth of large-cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid changes, possibly resulting from the epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated by IL-6 and leading to widespread metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukinari Yoshida
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Sapporo Shirakabadai Hospital, Japan
| | - Takashi Sibusa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sapporo Shirakabadai Hospital, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Ishii
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Shirakabadai Hospital, Japan
| | - Kimishige Akino
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Sapporo Shirakabadai Hospital, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kikuchi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Sapporo Shirakabadai Hospital, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mita
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Sapporo Shirakabadai Hospital, Japan
| | - Yasuyo Adachi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Sapporo Shirakabadai Hospital, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakamura
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Sapporo Shirakabadai Hospital, Japan
| | - Yasushi Adachi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Sapporo Shirakabadai Hospital, Japan
| | - Yasuo Kato
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Sapporo Shirakabadai Hospital, Japan
| | - Takao Endo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Sapporo Shirakabadai Hospital, Japan
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Loh CY, Chai JY, Tang TF, Wong WF, Sethi G, Shanmugam MK, Chong PP, Looi CY. The E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin Switch in Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: Signaling, Therapeutic Implications, and Challenges. Cells 2019; 8:E1118. [PMID: 31547193 PMCID: PMC6830116 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 703] [Impact Index Per Article: 140.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) has been shown to be crucial in tumorigenesis where the EMT program enhances metastasis, chemoresistance and tumor stemness. Due to its emerging role as a pivotal driver of tumorigenesis, targeting EMT is of great therapeutic interest in counteracting metastasis and chemoresistance in cancer patients. The hallmark of EMT is the upregulation of N-cadherin followed by the downregulation of E-cadherin, and this process is regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways and transcription factors. In this review, we summarized the recent understanding of the roles of E- and N-cadherins in cancer invasion and metastasis as well as the crosstalk with other signaling pathways involved in EMT. We also highlighted a few natural compounds with potential anti-EMT property and outlined the future directions in the development of novel intervention in human cancer treatments. We have reviewed 287 published papers related to this topic and identified some of the challenges faced in translating the discovery work from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Yap Loh
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Jian Yi Chai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Ting Fang Tang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Won Fen Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
| | - Muthu Kumaraswamy Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Chung Yeng Looi
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
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Esparza-López J, Alvarado-Muñoz JF, Escobar-Arriaga E, Ulloa-Aguirre A, de Jesús Ibarra-Sánchez M. Metformin reverses mesenchymal phenotype of primary breast cancer cells through STAT3/NF-κB pathways. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:728. [PMID: 31337349 PMCID: PMC6651945 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer currently is the most frequently diagnosed neoplasm and the leading cause of death from cancer in women worldwide, which is mainly due to metastatic disease. Increasing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to metastasis might thus improve the pharmacological management of the disease. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key factor that plays a major role in tumor metastasis. Some pro-inflammatory cytokines, like IL-6, have been shown to stimulate phenotypes consistent with EMT in transformed epithelial cells as well as in carcinoma cell lines. Since the EMT is one of the crucial steps for metastasis, we studied the effects of metformin (MTF) on EMT. METHODS Cytotoxic effect of MTF was evaluated in eight primary breast cancer cell cultures by crystal violet assay. EMT markers and downstream signaling molecules were measured by Western blot. The effect of MTF on cell proliferation and cell migration were analyzed by MTT and Boyden chamber assays respectively. RESULTS We observed that the response of cultured breast cancer primary cells to MTF varied; mesenchymal cells were resistant to 10 mM MTF and expressed Vimentin and SNAIL, which are associated with a mesenchymal phenotype, whereas epithelial cells were sensitive to this MTF dose, and expressed E-cadherin but not mesenchymal markers. Further, exposure of mesenchymal cells to MTF down-regulated both Vimentin and SNAIL as well as cell proliferation, but not cell migration. In an in vitro IL-6-induced EMT assay, primary breast cancer cells showing an epithelial phenotype underwent EMT upon exposure to IL-6, with concomitant activation of STAT3 and NF-κB; addition of MTF to IL-6-induced EMT reversed the expression of the mesenchymal markers Vimentin and SNAIL, decreased pSTAT3 Y705 and pNF-κB S536 and increased E-cadherin. In addition, downregulation of STAT3·activation was dependent on AMPK, but not NF-κB phosphorylation. Further, MTF inhibited cell proliferation and migration stimulated by IL-6. CONCLUSION These results suggest that MTF inhibits IL-6-induced EMT, cell proliferation, and migration of primary breast cancer cells by preventing the activation of STAT3 and NF-κB. STAT3 inactivation occurs through AMPK, but not NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Esparza-López
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación (RAI), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Delegación Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, CP, Mexico.,Unidad de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Salvador Zubirán Vasco de Quiroga 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Delegación Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, CP, Mexico
| | - Juan Francisco Alvarado-Muñoz
- Unidad de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Salvador Zubirán Vasco de Quiroga 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Delegación Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, CP, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Escobar-Arriaga
- Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal, Camino a Santa Teresa # 1055, Col. Héroes de Padierna, 10700, Mexico City, CP, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación (RAI), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Delegación Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, CP, Mexico.
| | - María de Jesús Ibarra-Sánchez
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación (RAI), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Delegación Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, CP, Mexico. .,Unidad de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Salvador Zubirán Vasco de Quiroga 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Delegación Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, CP, Mexico.
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31
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Elisha Y, Sagi Y, Klein G, Straussman R, Geiger B. Cooperativity between stromal cytokines drives the invasive migration of human breast cancer cells. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180231. [PMID: 31431170 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cross-talk between cancer cells and the stromal microenvironment plays a key role in regulating cancer invasion. Here, we employed an ex vivo invasion model system for exploring the regulation of breast cancer cells infiltration into a variety of stromal fibroblast monolayers. Our results revealed considerable variability in the stromal induction of invasiveness, with some lines promoting and others blocking invasion. It was shown that conditioned medium (CM), derived from invasion-promoting fibroblasts, can induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like process in the cancer cells, and trigger their infiltration into a monolayer of invasion-blocking fibroblasts. To identify the specific invasion-promoting molecules, we analysed the cytokines in stimulatory CM, screened a library of purified cytokines for invasion-promoting activity and tested the effect of specific inhibitors of selected cytokine receptors on the CM-induced invasion. Taken together, these experiments indicated that the invasiveness of BT-474 is induced by the combined action of IL1 and IL6 and that IL1 can induce IL6 secretion by invasion-blocking fibroblasts, thereby triggering cancer cell invasion into the stroma. This unexpected observation suggests that stromal regulation of cancer invasion may involve not only cross-talk between stromal and cancer cells, but also cooperation between different stromal subpopulations. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Forces in cancer: interdisciplinary approaches in tumour mechanobiology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yair Elisha
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yael Sagi
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Georg Klein
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ravid Straussman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Benjamin Geiger
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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32
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Ranchoux B, Nadeau V, Bourgeois A, Provencher S, Tremblay É, Omura J, Coté N, Abu-Alhayja'a R, Dumais V, Nachbar RT, Tastet L, Dahou A, Breuils-Bonnet S, Marette A, Pibarot P, Dupuis J, Paulin R, Boucherat O, Archer SL, Bonnet S, Potus F. Metabolic Syndrome Exacerbates Pulmonary Hypertension due to Left Heart Disease. Circ Res 2019; 125:449-466. [PMID: 31154939 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.118.314555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to left heart disease (LHD), or group 2 PH, is the most prevalent form of PH worldwide. PH due to LHD is often associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). In 12% to 13% of cases, patients with PH due to LHD display vascular remodeling of pulmonary arteries (PAs) associated with poor prognosis. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown; PH-targeted therapies for this group are nonexistent, and the development of a new preclinical model is crucial. Among the numerous pathways dysregulated in MetS, inflammation plays also a critical role in both PH and vascular remodeling. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that MetS and inflammation may trigger the development of vascular remodeling in group 2 PH. METHODS AND RESULTS Using supracoronary aortic banding, we induced diastolic dysfunction in rats. Then we induced MetS by a combination of high-fat diet and olanzapine treatment. We used metformin treatment and anti-IL-6 (interleukin-6) antibodies to inhibit the IL-6 pathway. Compared with sham conditions, only supracoronary aortic banding+MetS rats developed precapillary PH, as measured by both echocardiography and right/left heart catheterization. PH in supracoronary aortic banding+MetS was associated with macrophage accumulation and increased IL-6 production in lung. PH was also associated with STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) activation and increased proliferation of PA smooth muscle cells, which contributes to remodeling of distal PA. We reported macrophage accumulation, increased IL-6 levels, and STAT3 activation in the lung of group 2 PH patients. In vitro, IL-6 activates STAT3 and induces human PA smooth muscle cell proliferation. Metformin treatment decreased inflammation, IL-6 levels, STAT3 activation, and human PA smooth muscle cell proliferation. In vivo, in the supracoronary aortic banding+MetS animals, reducing IL-6, either by anti-IL-6 antibody or metformin treatment, reversed pulmonary vascular remodeling and improve PH due to LHD. CONCLUSIONS We developed a new preclinical model of group 2 PH by combining MetS with LHD. We showed that MetS exacerbates group 2 PH. We provided evidence for the importance of the IL-6-STAT3 pathway in our experimental model of group 2 PH and human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Ranchoux
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Valérie Nadeau
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Alice Bourgeois
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Steeve Provencher
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Éve Tremblay
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Junichi Omura
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Nancy Coté
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Rami Abu-Alhayja'a
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Valérie Dumais
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (V.D., R.T.N., A.M.)
| | - Renato T Nachbar
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (V.D., R.T.N., A.M.)
| | - Lionel Tastet
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Abdellaziz Dahou
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Sandra Breuils-Bonnet
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - André Marette
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (V.D., R.T.N., A.M.)
| | - Philippe Pibarot
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Jocelyn Dupuis
- Institut de cardiologie de Montréal, Québec, Canada (J.D.)
| | - Roxane Paulin
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Olivier Boucherat
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - Stephen L Archer
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada (S.L.A., F.P.)
| | - Sébastien Bonnet
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.)
| | - François Potus
- From the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group of the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Canada (B.R., V.N., A.B., S.P., E.T., J.O., N.C., R.A-A., L.T., A.D., S.B.-B., P.P., R.P., O.B., S.B., F.P.).,Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada (S.L.A., F.P.)
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Faria J, Negalha G, Azevedo A, Martel F. Metformin and Breast Cancer: Molecular Targets. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2019; 24:111-123. [PMID: 30903363 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-019-09429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin has been the first-line drug for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus for decades, being presently the most widely prescribed antihyperglycemic drug. Retrospective studies associate the use of metformin with a reduction in cancer incidence and cancer-related death. However, despite extensive research about the molecular effects of metformin in cancer cells, its mode of action remains controversial. The major molecular targets of metformin include complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), but AMPK-independent effects of metformin have also been described. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Several studies have reinforced a link between breast cancer risk and diabetes. Moreover, metformin significantly reduces breast cancer risk, compared to patients who are not using metformin and is independent of diabetes status. In this review, we summarize the current molecular evidence to elucidate metformin's mode of action against breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Faria
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - G Negalha
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Azevedo
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - F Martel
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Kang S, Kim BR, Kang MH, Kim DY, Lee DH, Oh SC, Min BW, Um JW. Anti-metastatic effect of metformin via repression of interleukin 6-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human colon cancer cells. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205449. [PMID: 30308035 PMCID: PMC6181375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a first-line drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, has also been shown to have anticancer effects against a variety of malignancies, including colorectal cancer. Although inhibition of the mTOR pathway is known to be the most important mechanism for the antitumor effects of metformin, other mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the antitumor mechanism of metformin in colorectal cancer using high-throughput data, and then test the mechanism experimentally. We identified the gene signature of metformin-treated colon cancer cells. This signature was processed for prediction using colon adenocarcinoma patient data from the Cancer Genome Atlas to classify the patients showing a gene expression pattern similar to that in metformin-treated cells. This patient group showed better overall and disease-free survival. Furthermore, pathway analysis revealed that the metformin-predicted group was characterized by decreased interleukin (IL)-6 pathway signaling, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and colon cancer metastatic signaling. We induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in colon cancer cell lines via IL-6 treatment, which increased cell motility and promoted invasion. However, these effects were blocked by metformin. These findings suggest that blockade of IL-6-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition is an antitumor mechanism of metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghee Kang
- Department of Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Ram Kim
- Department of Oncology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-Hee Kang
- ASAN Medical Center, Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Young Kim
- Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hee Lee
- Department of Oncology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Cheul Oh
- Department of Oncology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Wook Min
- Department of Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Won Um
- Department of Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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USP24 induces IL-6 in tumor-associated microenvironment by stabilizing p300 and β-TrCP and promotes cancer malignancy. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3996. [PMID: 30266897 PMCID: PMC6162259 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06178-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that USP24 is involved in cancer progression. Here, we found that USP24 expression is upregulated in M2 macrophages and lung cancer cells. Conditioned medium from USP24-knockdown M2 macrophages decreases the migratory and chemotactic activity of lung cancer cells and the angiogenic properties of human microvascular endothelial cell 1 (HMEC-1). IL-6 expression is significantly decreased in USP24-knockdown M2 macrophages and lung cancer cells, and IL-6-replenished conditioned medium restores the migratory, chemotactic and angiogenetic properties of the cells. USP24 stabilizes p300 and β-TrCP to increase the levels of histone-3 acetylation and NF-κB, and decreases the levels of DNMT1 and IκB, thereby increasing IL-6 transcription in M2 macrophages and lung cancer cells, results in cancer malignancy finally. IL-6 has previously been a target for cancer drug development. Here, we provide direct evidence to support that USP24 promotes IL-6 expression, which might be beneficial for cancer therapy. USP24 has previously been reported to be involved in cancer progression. Here, the authors demonstrate that USP24 stabilizes p300 and β-TrCP to increase the levels of NF-κB and histone-3 acetylation, and decrease DNMT1 and IκB levels which promotes IL-6 expression in M2 macrophages and lung cancer cells.
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Targeting a phospho-STAT3-miRNAs pathway improves vesicular hepatic steatosis in an in vitro and in vivo model. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13638. [PMID: 30206377 PMCID: PMC6134080 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31835-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease. Although genetic predisposition and epigenetic factors contribute to the development of NAFLD, our understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of the disease is still emerging. Here we investigated a possible role of a microRNAs-STAT3 pathway in the induction of hepatic steatosis. Differentiated HepaRG cells treated with the fatty acid sodium oleate (fatty dHepaRG) recapitulated features of liver vesicular steatosis and activated a cell-autonomous inflammatory response, inducing STAT3-Tyrosine-phosphorylation. With a genome-wide approach (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing), many phospho-STAT3 binding sites were identified in fatty dHepaRG cells and several STAT3 and/or NAFLD-regulated microRNAs showed increased expression levels, including miR-21. Innovative CARS (Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering) microscopy revealed that chemical inhibition of STAT3 activity decreased lipid accumulation and deregulated STAT3-responsive microRNAs, including miR-21, in lipid overloaded dHepaRG cells. We were able to show in vivo that reducing phospho-STAT3-miR-21 levels in C57/BL6 mice liver, by long-term treatment with metformin, protected mice from aging-dependent hepatic vesicular steatosis. Our results identified a microRNAs-phosphoSTAT3 pathway involved in the development of hepatic steatosis, which may represent a molecular marker for both diagnosis and therapeutic targeting.
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Yan L, Xu F, Dai CL. Relationship between epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and the inflammatory microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:203. [PMID: 30157906 PMCID: PMC6114477 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0887-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex process involving multiple genes, steps and stages. It refers to the disruption of tight intercellular junctions among epithelial cells under specific conditions, resulting in loss of the original polarity, order and consistency of the cells. Following EMT, the cells show interstitial cell characteristics with the capacity for adhesion and migration, while apoptosis is inhibited. This process is critically involved in embryogenesis, wound-healing, tumor invasion and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment is composed of infiltrating inflammatory cells, stromal cells and the active medium secreted by interstitial cells. Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a history of hepatitis virus infection. In such cases, major components of the tumor microenvironment include inflammatory cells, inflammatory factors and virus-encoded protein are major components. Here, we review the relationship between EMT and the inflammatory tumor microenvironment in the context of HCC. We also further elaborate the significant influence of infiltrating inflammatory cells and inflammatory mediators as well as the products expressed by the infecting virus in the tumor microenvironment on the EMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Splenic Surgery, Sheng Jing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Splenic Surgery, Sheng Jing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chao-Liu Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Splenic Surgery, Sheng Jing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Qian YY, Shi YY, Lu SH, Yang T, Zhao XY, Yan Y, Li WY, Liu YQ. Extracts of Celastrus Orbiculatus Inhibit Cancer Metastasis by Down-regulating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Hypoxia-Induced Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Chin J Integr Med 2018; 25:334-341. [PMID: 30046956 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-018-2562-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of Celastrus Orbiculatus extracts (COE) on metastasis in hypoxia-induced hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS The effect of COE (160, 200 and 240 µ g/mL) on cell viability, scratch-wound, invasion and migration were studied by 3-4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), scratch-wound and transwell assays, respectively. CoCl2 was used to establish a hypoxia model in vitro. Effects of COE on the expressions of E-cadherin, vimentin and N-cadherin were investigated with Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis, respectively. RESULTS COE inhibited proliferation and metastasis of hypoxia-induced hepatocellular carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). Furthermore, the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related markers were also remarkably suppressed in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). In addition, the upstream signaling pathways, including the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (Hif-1 α) and Twist1 were suppressed by COE. Additionally, the Hif-1 α inhibitor 3-5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole (YC-1), potently suppressed cell invasion and migration as well as expression of EMT in hypoxia-induced HepG2 cells. Similarly, the combined treatment with COE and YC-1 showed a synergistic effect (P<0.01) compared with the treatment with COE or YC-1 alone in hypoxia-induced HepG2 cells. CONCLUSIONS COE significantly inhibited the tumor metastasis and EMT by suppressing Hif-1 α/Twist1 signaling pathway in hypoxia-induced HepG2 cell. Thus, COE might have potential effect to inhibit the progression of HepG2 in the context of tumor hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Yun Qian
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China. .,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225001, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China.
| | - You-Yang Shi
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Song-Hua Lu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Xue-Yu Zhao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Wen-Yuan Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Yan-Qing Liu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
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Wang Y, Wu Z, Hu L. The regulatory effects of metformin on the [SNAIL/miR-34]:[ZEB/miR-200] system in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) for colorectal cancer(CRC). Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 834:45-53. [PMID: 30017802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in cancer progression, metastasis and drug resistance. The transcription factor(TF) and microRNA (miR) chimeric [SNAIL/miR-34]:[ZEB/miR-200] unit is the core regulatory system for the EMT process. Here, we proposed to assess the anti-EMT abilities and explore the inherent pharmacological mechanisms of the classic hypoglycaemic agent metformin for colorectal cancer(CRC). For the EMT model, the TGF-β-induced CRC cell lines SW480 and HCT116 were treated with metformin. The viability, migration and invasion abilities of the cells were evaluated with the Cell Counting Kit-8, wound-healing and trans-well assay. The alterations of the [SNAIL/miR-34]:[ZEB/miR-200] system and the EMT markers E-cadherin and vimentin were detected by western blot, qPCR and immunofluorescent staining. Metformin exhibited inhibitory effects on the proliferation, migration and invasion of the CRC SW480 cells. The up-regulation of E-cadherin and the down-regulation of vimentin for both SW480 and HCT116 cells revealed the anti-EMT abilities of metformin. For the [SNAIL/miR-34]:[ZEB/miR-200] system, metformin increased miR-200a, miR-200c and miR-429 levels and decreased miR-34a, SNAIL1 and ZEB1 levels in the TGF-β-induced EMT. From immunofluorescence, we observed increased E-cadherin and ZEB1 co-expression in metformin-treated cells. Metformin may perform bidirectional regulations of the [SNAIL/miR-34]:[ZEB/miR-200] system in the EMT process for colorectal cancer. Such regulation is expressed as the inhibition of EMT in general as well as an increased higher proportion of E/M hybrid cells in the total population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaodu Wang
- Cancer Center, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, West Wenhua Road 107, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Zhiyang Wu
- Intensive Care Unit, Shandong University Qilu Hospital(Qingdao), Hefei Road 758, Qingdao 266035, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Likuan Hu
- Cancer Center, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, West Wenhua Road 107, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, PR China.
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Gao J, Ye J, Ying Y, Lin H, Luo Z. Negative regulation of TGF-β by AMPK and implications in the treatment of associated disorders. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 50:523-531. [PMID: 29873702 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmy028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) regulates a large number of biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, immune response, and development. In addition, TGF-β plays important roles in some pathological processes, for instance, it is upregulated and activated in fibrosis and advanced cancer. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) acts as a fuel gauge that is activated when cells sense shortage of ATP and increase in AMP or AMP:ATP ratio. Activation of AMPK slows down anabolic processes and stimulates catabolic processes, leading to increased production of ATP. Furthermore, the functions of AMPK have been extended beyond energy homeostasis. In fact, AMPK has been shown to exert a tumor suppressive effect. Recent studies have demonstrated negative impacts of AMPK on TGF-β function. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss the differences in the biological functions of TGF-β and AMPK, and some pathological processes such as fibrosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer metastasis, as well as angiogenesis and heterotopic ossifications where TGF-β and AMPK exert opposite effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Gao
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang 330000, China
- Department of Pathology, Schools of Basic Sciences, Nanchang University Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Jinhui Ye
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Ying Ying
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Zhijun Luo
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang 330000, China
- Department of Pathology, Schools of Basic Sciences, Nanchang University Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang 330000, China
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Jiang M, Wang Y, Zhang H, Ji Y, Zhao P, Sun R, Zhang C. IL-37 inhibits invasion and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer by suppressing the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Thorac Cancer 2018; 9:621-629. [PMID: 29575809 PMCID: PMC5928358 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background IL‐37 has been identified as a fundamental inhibitor of inflammatory and immunity responses. It plays a crucial protective role in several cancers, but its anti‐tumor activity and the potential regulatory mechanism of IL‐37 in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is largely unclear. Methods Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect plasma IL‐37 expression in NSCLC patients and healthy controls. The NSCLC cell line A549 was cultured with recombinant human IL‐37 or recombinant human IL‐6 protein. A549 invasion and metastasis were detected using Transwell invasion and scratch wound healing assays, respectively. Protein expression of STAT3, pSTAT3, E‐cadherin, vimentin, and N‐cadherin were detected using Western blotting, and messenger RNA expression of STAT3, E‐cadherin, vimentin, and N‐cadherin was assessed in each group using real time PCR. Results IL‐37 plasma expression was decreased in NSCLC patients, and the downregulation of IL‐37 was correlated with tumor stage. In vitro, IL‐37 inhibited invasion and migration in A549 cells, while IL‐6 promoted invasion and migration in A549 cells. pSTAT3, vimentin, and N‐cadherin expression was increased. E‐cadherin expression was lower in the IL‐6 group than in the control group; however, the opposite pattern was observed in the IL‐37 + IL‐6 group. Conclusion Our results showed that IL‐37 plays an inhibitory role in NSCLC progression, possibly by suppressing STAT3 activation and decreasing epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition by inhibiting IL‐6 expression. IL‐37 could serve as a potential novel tumor suppressor in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingfang Jiang
- Department of Respiration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Occupational Disease, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Youxin Ji
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Biotherapy Center, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Department of Respiration, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunling Zhang
- Department of Respiration, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, China
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Li Z, Wang L, Luo N, Zhao Y, Li J, Chen Q, Tian Y. Metformin inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells by suppressing the phosphorylation of Akt. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:7948-7954. [PMID: 29725482 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin (Met) is a therapeutic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is evidence that Met may reduce the risk of cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by inhibiting tumor cell growth, prolonging the overall survival time in patients with various types of malignancy. However, the function and mechanism of Met have not been fully elucidated in osteosarcoma (OS). The present study evaluated the anti-proliferative effect of Met on MG63 and U2OS OS cells, identifying that it acted in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Met also inhibited OS cell migration and invasion, potentially by regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in OS cells. Mechanistically, Met was demonstrated to partly exert these functions through the suppression of Akt phosphorylation, which was associated with increased phosphatase and tensin (PTEN) expression. Silencing PTEN prevented the Met-induced inhibition of the growth and metastasis of OS cells. As Met has anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects on OS cells it is a potential candidate, in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, for use in the treatment of OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuohong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, Liaoning 116033, P.R. China
| | - Lesheng Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Chinese People's Liberation Army 210 Hospital, Dalian, Liaoning 116015, P.R. China
| | - Nan Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
| | - Yantao Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, Liaoning 116033, P.R. China
| | - Jiazhi Li
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P.R. China
| | - Qiwei Chen
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P.R. China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P.R. China
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Leidgens V, Proske J, Rauer L, Moeckel S, Renner K, Bogdahn U, Riemenschneider MJ, Proescholdt M, Vollmann-Zwerenz A, Hau P, Seliger C. Stattic and metformin inhibit brain tumor initiating cells by reducing STAT3-phosphorylation. Oncotarget 2018; 8:8250-8263. [PMID: 28030813 PMCID: PMC5352398 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant type of primary brain tumor and associated with a devastating prognosis. Signal transducer and activator of transcription number 3 (STAT3) is an important pathogenic factor in GBM and can be specifically inhibited with Stattic. Metformin inhibits GBM cell proliferation and migration. Evidence from other tumor models suggests that metformin inhibits STAT3, but there is no specific data on brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs). We explored proliferation and migration of 7 BTICs and their differentiated counterparts (TCs) after treatment with Stattic, metformin or the combination thereof. Invasion was measured in situ on organotypic brain slice cultures. Protein expression of phosphorylated and total STAT3, as well as AMPK and mTOR signaling were explored using Western blot. To determine functional relevance of STAT3 inhibition by Stattic and metformin, we performed a stable knock-in of STAT3 in selected BTICs. Inhibition of STAT3 with Stattic reduced proliferation in all BTICs, but only in 4 out of 7 TCs. Migration and invasion were equally inhibited in BTICs and TCs. Treatment with metformin reduced STAT3-phosphorylation in all investigated BTICs and TCs. Combined treatment with Stattic and metformin led to significant additive effects on BTIC proliferation, but not migration or invasion. No additive effects on TCs could be detected. Stable STAT3 knock-in partly attenuated the effects of Stattic and metformin on BTICs. In conclusion, metformin was found to inhibit STAT3-phosphorylation in BTICs and TCs. Combined specific and unspecific inhibition of STAT3 might represent a promising new strategy in the treatment of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Leidgens
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Judith Proske
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Rauer
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Moeckel
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Renner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Bogdahn
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Martin Proescholdt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Arabel Vollmann-Zwerenz
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hau
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Seliger
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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44
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Sekino N, Kano M, Matsumoto Y, Sakata H, Akutsu Y, Hanari N, Murakami K, Toyozumi T, Takahashi M, Otsuka R, Yokoyama M, Shiraishi T, Okada K, Hoshino I, Iida K, Akimoto AK, Matsubara H. Antitumor effects of metformin are a result of inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B nuclear translocation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:1066-1074. [PMID: 29396886 PMCID: PMC5891201 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an intractable digestive organ cancer that has proven difficult to treat despite multidisciplinary therapy, and a new treatment strategy is demanded. Metformin is used for type 2 diabetes mellitus and its antitumor effects have been reported recently. Metformin exerts antitumor effects in various respects, such as inhibiting inflammation, tumor growth and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, few reports have described the efficacy of metformin on ESCC, and their findings have been controversial. We analyzed the antitumor effects of metformin and clarified its effects on anti‐inflammation, growth suppression and EMT inhibition. Activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), the major transcription factor induced by inflammation, was investigated by immunostaining. We found that localization of NF‐κB in the nucleus was reduced after metformin treatment. This suggests that metformin inhibited the activation of NF‐κB. Metformin inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis in ESCC cell lines. Associated with EMT, we examined cell motility by a wound healing assay and the epithelial marker E‐cadherin expression of various ESCC cell lines by western blotting. Metformin inhibited cell motility and induced E‐cadherin expression. In conclusion, metformin showed multiple antitumor effects such as growth suppression, invasion inhibition, and control of EMT by inhibiting NF‐κB localization on ESCC. Further exploration of the marker of treatment efficacy and combination therapy could result in the possibility for novel treatment to use metformin on ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobufumi Sekino
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kano
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasunori Matsumoto
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Haruhito Sakata
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasunori Akutsu
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Hanari
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kentaro Murakami
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takeshi Toyozumi
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahiko Takahashi
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryota Otsuka
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaya Yokoyama
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tadashi Shiraishi
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koichiro Okada
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Isamu Hoshino
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Keiko Iida
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Aki Komatsu Akimoto
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hisahiro Matsubara
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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Machado-Neto JA, Fenerich BA, Scopim-Ribeiro R, Eide CA, Coelho-Silva JL, Dechandt CRP, Fernandes JC, Rodrigues Alves APN, Scheucher PS, Simões BP, Alberici LC, de Figueiredo Pontes LL, Tognon CE, Druker BJ, Rego EM, Traina F. Metformin exerts multitarget antileukemia activity in JAK2 V617F-positive myeloproliferative neoplasms. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:311. [PMID: 29472557 PMCID: PMC5833553 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0256-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The recurrent gain-of-function JAK2V617F mutation confers growth factor-independent proliferation for hematopoietic cells and is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The lack of complete response in most patients treated with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib indicates the need for identifying novel therapeutic strategies. Metformin is a biguanide that exerts selective antineoplastic activity in hematological malignancies. In the present study, we investigate and compare effects of metformin and ruxolitinib alone and in combination on cell signaling and cellular functions in JAK2V617F-positive cells. In JAK2V617F-expressing cell lines, metformin treatment significantly reduced cell viability, cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and cellular oxygen consumption and delayed cell cycle progression. Metformin reduced cyclin D1 expression and RB, STAT3, STAT5, ERK1/2 and p70S6K phosphorylation. Metformin plus ruxolitinib demonstrated more intense reduction of cell viability and induction of apoptosis compared to monotherapy. Notably, metformin reduced Ba/F3 JAK2V617F tumor burden and splenomegaly in Jak2V617F knock-in-induced MPN mice and spontaneous erythroid colony formation in primary cells from polycythemia vera patients. In conclusion, metformin exerts multitarget antileukemia activity in MPN: downregulation of JAK2/STAT signaling and mitochondrial activity. Our exploratory study establishes novel molecular mechanisms of metformin and ruxolitinib action and provides insights for development of alternative/complementary therapeutic strategies for MPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Agostinho Machado-Neto
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna Alves Fenerich
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Scopim-Ribeiro
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christopher A Eide
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Juan Luiz Coelho-Silva
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roberto Porto Dechandt
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Cristina Fernandes
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Nunes Rodrigues Alves
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Santos Scheucher
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Belinda Pinto Simões
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciane Carla Alberici
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Cristina E Tognon
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Brian J Druker
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Eduardo Magalhães Rego
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiola Traina
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Roybal CN, Velez G, Toral MA, Tsang SH, Bassuk AG, Mahajan VB. Personalized Proteomics in Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy Implicate Hematopoietic Cell Recruitment and mTOR as a Therapeutic Target. Am J Ophthalmol 2018; 186:152-163. [PMID: 29246578 PMCID: PMC5805631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2017.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To profile vitreous cytokine expression of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) patients. DESIGN Case-control study. METHODS Liquid biopsies were collected from 2 groups: control subjects (n = 3) undergoing pars plana vitrectomy to remove an epiretinal membrane (ERM), and test subjects (n = 7) with varying degrees of PVR. A high-throughput cytokine screen measured expression of 200 cytokines. Cytokine expression patterns were prospectively validated in separate cohorts of control patients and those with PVR-A, PVR-B, and PVR-C (n = 10 for each group). Expression changes were evaluated by analysis of variance (significant P value < .05), hierarchical cluster algorithm, and pathway analysis, to identify candidate pathways for prospective studies. RESULTS In PVR vitreous, 29 cytokines were upregulated compared to controls. Early PVR vitreous showed upregulation of T-cell markers, profibrotic cytokines, and cytokines downstream of mTOR activation (IL-2, IL-6, and IL-13), whereas in late PVR vitreous, cytokines driving monocyte responses and stem-cell recruitment (SDF-1) prevailed. Prospective validation confirmed the differential expression of specific cytokines from PVR-A to C. CONCLUSIONS Early PVR is characterized by activation of T cells and mTOR signaling, whereas advanced PVR is characterized by a chronic monocyte response. PVR might be treated by rational repositioning of existing drugs that target mTOR and IL-6. Our analysis demonstrates that successful therapeutic intervention will be highly dependent on the specific therapeutic target and the stage of PVR. This study provides insights into cytokines that will serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. These biomarkers will help design clinical trials that intervene at appropriate times.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Nathaniel Roybal
- Eye Associates of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Omics Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Gabriel Velez
- Omics Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Marcus A Toral
- Omics Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Barbara and Donald Jonas Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Vinit B Mahajan
- Omics Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California; Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California; Palo Alto Veterans Administration, Palo Alto, California.
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47
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Metformin Increases E-cadherin in Tumors of Diabetic Patients With Endometrial Cancer and Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Endometrial Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2018; 26:1213-21. [PMID: 27643646 DOI: 10.1097/igc.0000000000000761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process for cancer metastasis and recurrence. Metformin, an effective oral antidiabetic drug, has been associated with decreased cancer risk and mortality. In this pilot study, we started to evaluate the effect of metformin on EMT in vivo and in vitro in endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS Endometrial cancer cell lines and freshly isolated EC tumor specimens were used to assess EMT after metformin treatment. Cell lines were subjected to wound healing and AlamarBlue assays to determine cell migration and cell proliferation; messenger RNA levels were measured by real-time reverse transcriptase (RT) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and protein levels were measured by Western blots to detect EMT marker expression. RESULTS Protein expression and messenger RNA of E-cadherin was found to be increased (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively) in 30 EC tumor specimens of diabetic patients treated with metformin compared with 20 EC tumor specimens of diabetic patients treated with other antidiabetic agents. In vitro, metformin reduced cell migration at 5 mM for 48 hours, as determined by the wound healing assay in EC cell lines (Ishikawa, 45% reduction; HEC50, 40% reduction), whereas more than 90% of the cells remained viable on the AlamarBlue assay. Metformin reduced EMT in the cell lines and regulated the expression of the EMT-related epithelial markers, E-cadherin and Pan-keratin; the mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin, fibronectin, and vimentin; and the EMT drivers, Twist-1, snail-1, and ZEB-1. CONCLUSIONS Tumors of patients on metformin have increased E-cadherin expression, and metformin decreases EMT in EC cell lines in vitro, suggesting clinical biological relevance of metformin in women with EC.
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Metformin therapy associated with survival benefit in lung cancer patients with diabetes. Oncotarget 2018; 7:35437-45. [PMID: 27105507 PMCID: PMC5085241 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to summarize the currently available evidence regarding the concerned issue by performing a comprehensive meta-analysis. Relevant publications reporting the association of metformin use with survival of lung cancer patients with diabetes were electronically searched to identify eligible studies. The meta-analysis was performed with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) as effect measures for disease-free survival(DFS) and overall survival(OS) estimates. A total of 17 individual studies from 10 publications were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the results revealed a significant association of metformin use with a better survival of lung cancer patients with diabetes(for DFS: HR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.52-0.83; for OS: HR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.64-0.93). The subgroup analyses showed similar association in Asian region(for DFS:HR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.59-0.80; for OS: HR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.46-0.67) but not in Western region. Such association was also presented in small cell lung cancer (for DFS: HR = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.38-0.77; for OS: HR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.39-0.69) and in non-small cell lung cancer(for DFS: HR = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.51-0.96; for OS: HR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.58-0.97). Analyses stratified by treatment strategy showed a reduction in the risk of cancer-related mortality in patients receiving chemotherapy(for DFS: HR = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.64-0.83; for OS: HR = 0.58, 95%CI = 0.47-0.71) but not in patients receiving chemoradiotherapy. The meta-analysis demonstrated that metformin use was significantly associated with a favorable survival outcome of lung cancer patients with diabetes.
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49
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Guan M, Li W, Xu L, Zeng Y, Wang D, Zheng Z, Lyv F, Xue Y. Metformin Improves Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Induced by TGF- β1 in Renal Tubular Epithelial NRK-52E Cells via Inhibiting Egr-1. J Diabetes Res 2018; 2018:1031367. [PMID: 30050950 PMCID: PMC6040246 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1031367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The early growth response- (Egr-) 1 has been found to play a key role in organ fibrosis. Metformin has been shown to be effective in attenuating renal tubular epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is involved in renal fibrosis. However, it is unknown whether metformin improves EMT via inhibiting Egr-1. In this study, rat renal tubular epithelial (NRK-52 E) cells, treated by transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1 of 10 ng/ml with or without metformin of 1 mmol/l, were transfected by siEgr-1 or M61-Egr-1 plasmids to knock down or overexpress Egr-1, respectively. The gene and protein expressions of E-cadherin, α-SMA, fibronectin (FN), and Egr-1 were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. We observed that TGF-β1 significantly reduced E-cadherin expression and upregulated the expressions of FN, α-SMA, and Egr-1, which can be reversed by metformin. M61-Egr-1 transfection could exacerbate EMT, which can be reversed by metformin. Taken together, our data show that Egr-1 plays an important role in TGF-β1-induced EMT of renal tubular epithelial cells and metformin improves EMT while inhibiting Egr-1, which provides a potential novel target to combat renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiping Guan
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Wenqi Li
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
- Department of Rheumatism & Immunity, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Lingling Xu
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Yanmei Zeng
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Zongji Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Fuping Lyv
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Yaoming Xue
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
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50
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Targeting epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer: clinical and preclinical advances in therapy and monitoring. Biochem J 2017; 474:3269-3306. [PMID: 28931648 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The concept of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), which describes the dynamic flux within the spectrum of phenotypic states that invasive carcinoma cells may reside, is being increasingly recognised for its role in cancer progression and therapy resistance. The myriad of events that are able to induce EMP, as well as the more recently characterised control loops, results in dynamic transitions of cancerous epithelial cells to more mesenchymal-like phenotypes through an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as the reverse transition from mesenchymal phenotypes to an epithelial one. The significance of EMP, in its ability to drive local invasion, generate cancer stem cells and facilitate metastasis by the dissemination of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), highlights its importance as a targetable programme to combat cancer morbidity and mortality. The focus of this review is to consolidate the existing knowledge on the strategies currently in development to combat cancer progression via inhibition of specific facets of EMP. The prevalence of relapse due to therapy resistance and metastatic propensity that EMP endows should be considered when designing therapy regimes, and such therapies should synergise with existing chemotherapeutics to benefit efficacy. To further improve upon EMP-targeted therapies, it is imperative to devise monitoring strategies to assess the impact of such treatments on EMP-related phenomenon such as CTC burden, chemosensitivity/-resistance and micrometastasis in patients.
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