Features and applications of Ehrlich tumor model in cancer studies: a literature review

Diacerein's antiproliferative effects alone and with 5-fluorouracil in an Ehrlich solid tumour model: Molecular docking, molecular dynamics Simulation studies, and experimental Verification

The current study used an experimental model of mammary gland carcinoma to assess the chemo-sensitizing effectiveness of the combined administration of diacerein and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). With docking scores of -8.1, -7.6, and -9.2 kcal/mol, respectively, the molecular docking experiments showed that diacerein exhibits significant binding affinities to Caspase-3, NF-κB, and AKT1. Molecular dynamics Simulations revealed that diacerein has favourable binding free energy (ΔGbind) of -26.7 kcal/mol for Caspase-3, -24.2 kcal/mol for NF-κB, and -39.9 kcal/mol for AKT1, combined with low root mean square deviation (RMSD) values of 3.1 Å, 1.6 Å, and 2.1 Å for the three targets respectively. To validate these findings in vivo, Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) was induced in female Swiss mice. Four groups of animals were randomly assigned: EST + vehicle, EST + 5-FU, EST + diacerein, and EST + combination. Diacerein and 5-FU combination treatment increased EST mice's life span and reduced the solid tumor's weight and volume. Furthermore, diacerein and 5-FU combination significantly suppressed oxidative stress, inhibited AKT phosphorylation, decreased downstream inflammation (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β), and increased apoptosis by modulating Bax, Bcl2, P53, and caspase-3 levels in tumor tissues. In conclusion, by inhibiting the AKT/NF-κB axis, diacerein and 5-FU combination showed possible antiproliferative effectiveness in the EST model.

The cardio-oncologic burden of breast cancer: molecular mechanisms and importance of preclinical models

Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer affecting women worldwide, poses a significant cardio-oncological burden. Despite advancements in novel therapeutic strategies, anthracyclines, HER2 antagonists, and radiation remain the cornerstones of oncological treatment. However, each carries a risk of cardiotoxicity, though the molecular mechanisms underlying these adverse effects differ. Common mechanisms include DNA damage response, increased reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which are key areas of ongoing research for potential cardioprotective strategies. Since these mechanisms are also essential for effective tumor cytotoxicity, we explore tumor-specific effects, particularly in hereditary breast cancer linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. These genetic variants impair DNA repair mechanisms, increase the risk of tumorigenesis and possibly for cardiotoxicity from treatments such as anthracyclines and HER2 antagonists. Novel therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, are used in the clinic for triple-negative breast cancer and improve the oncological outcomes of breast cancer patients. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying BRCA dysfunction and the associated pathological pathways. It gives an overview of preclinical models of breast cancer, such as genetically engineered mouse models, syngeneic murine models, humanized mouse models, and various in vitro and ex vivo systems and models to study cardiovascular side effects of breast cancer therapies. Understanding the underlying mechanism of cardiotoxicity and developing cardioprotective strategies in preclinical models are essential for improving treatment outcomes and reducing long-term cardiovascular risks in breast cancer patients.

Muti-target rationale design of novel substituted N-phenyl-2-((6-phenylpyridazin-3-yl)thio)acetamide candidates as telomerase/JAK1/STAT3/TLR4 inhibitors: In vitro and in vivo investigations

In this work, additional effort was applied to design new BIBR1532-based analogues with potential inhibitory activity against telomerase and acting as multitarget antitumor candidates to overcome the resistance problem. Therefore, novel substituted N-phenyl-2-((6-phenylpyridazin-3-yl)thio)acetamide candidates (4a-n) were synthesized. Applying the lead optimization strategy of the previously designed compound 8e; compound 4l showed an improved telomerase inhibition of 64.95 % and a superior growth inhibition of 79 % suggesting its potential use as a successful "multitarget-directed drug" for cancer therapy. Accordingly, compound 4l was further selected to evaluate its additional JAK1/STAT3/TLR4 inhibitory potentials. Compound 4l represented a very promising JAK1 inhibitory potential with a 0.46-fold change, compared to that of pacritinib reference standard (0.33-fold change). Besides, it showed a superior STAT3-inhibitory potential with a 0.22-fold change compared to sorafenib (0.33-fold change). Additionally, compound 4l downregulated TLR4 protein expression by 0.81-fold change compared to that of resatorvid (0.29-fold change). Also, molecular docking was performed to investigate the binding mode and affinity of the superior candidate 4l towards the four target receptors (telomerase, JAK1, STAT3, and TLR4). Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of compound 4l as an antitumor agent was additionally explored through in vivo studies involving female mice implanted with Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma (SEC). Remarkably, compound 4l led to prominent reductions in tumor size and mass. Concurrent enhancements in biochemical, hematologic, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical parameters further confirmed the suppression of angiogenesis and inflammation, elucidating additional mechanisms by which compound 4l exerts its anticancer effects.

Aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate conjugated to surface-modified Iron oxide nanoparticles as a magnetic targeting platform for photodynamic therapy of Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a targeted treatment option for cancers that are non-responding to ordinary anticancer therapies. It involves activating a photosensitizer with a light source of a specific wavelength to destroy targeted cells and their surrounding vasculature. Aluminum phthalocyanine tetra sulfonate (AlPcS4) has gained attention as a second-generation photosensitizer for its strong absorption in the red-light region. AlPcS4 can be conjugated to magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) to provide targeted drug delivery to the tumor cells while reducing its undesired effect on healthy tissues in other body parts.

METHODS

Magnetic glutamine functionalized iron oxide nanocomposites loaded with AlPcS4 (IONs-NH2-AlPcS4) were synthesized via the co-precipitation method. The conjugate (IONs-NH2-AlPcS4) was characterized by TEM, Zeta potential, DLS, FTIR, and UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, its photodynamic activity was investigated using albino mice with induced Ehrlich solid tumors.

RESULTS

AlPcS4 was successfully conjugated to IONs-NH2 with a high loading efficiency of 54±2%. The synthesized conjugate exhibited a spherical shape, with 7 ± 2 nm particle size. The In vivo experiment revealed that the albino mice with induced Ehrlich solid tumor that were treated by combined PDT and magnetic targeting conjugate exhibited significant tumor regression and notably higher levels of necrotic tissue compared to the animals in other groups.

CONCLUSION

PDT mediated by magnetic targeting significantly inhibited tumor growth with minimal adverse effects, indicating its great potential as a promising strategy for solid cancer treatment.

Tumor alkalization therapy: misconception or good therapeutics perspective? - the case of malignant ascites

Tumor acidity has been identified as a key factor in promoting cancer progression, metastasis, and resistance. Tumor alkalization therapy has emerged as a potential strategy for cancer treatment. This article provides preclinical and clinical evidence for tumor alkalization therapy as a promising cancer treatment strategy. The potential of tumor alkalization therapy using sodium bicarbonate in the treatment of malignant ascites was studied. The concept of intraperitoneal perfusion with an alkalizing solution to increase the extracellular pH and its antitumor effect were explored. The significant extension in the overall survival of the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma mice treated with sodium bicarbonate solution compared to those treated with a sodium chloride solution was observed. In the sodium bicarbonate group, mice had a median survival of 30 days after tumor cell injection, which was significantly (p<0.05) different from the median survival of 18 days in the sodium chloride group and 14 days in the intact group. We also performed a case study of a patient with ovarian cancer malignant ascites resistant to previous lines of chemotherapy who underwent intraperitoneal perfusions with a sodium bicarbonate solution, resulting in a significant drop of CA-125 levels from 5600 U/mL to 2200 U/mL in and disappearance of ascites, indicating the potential effectiveness of the treatment. The preclinical and clinical results obtained using sodium bicarbonate perfusion in the treatment of malignant ascites represent a small yet significant contribution to the evolving field of tumor alkalization as a cancer therapy. They unequivocally affirm the good prospects of this concept.