1
|
Dumas E, Grandal Rejo B, Gougis P, Houzard S, Abécassis J, Jochum F, Marande B, Ballesta A, Del Nery E, Dubois T, Alsafadi S, Asselain B, Latouche A, Espie M, Laas E, Coussy F, Bouchez C, Pierga JY, Le Bihan-Benjamin C, Bousquet PJ, Hotton J, Azencott CA, Reyal F, Hamy AS. Concomitant medication, comorbidity and survival in patients with breast cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2966. [PMID: 38580683 PMCID: PMC10997660 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47002-3] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Between 30% and 70% of patients with breast cancer have pre-existing chronic conditions, and more than half are on long-term non-cancer medication at the time of diagnosis. Preliminary epidemiological evidence suggests that some non-cancer medications may affect breast cancer risk, recurrence, and survival. In this nationwide cohort study, we assessed the association between medication use at breast cancer diagnosis and survival. We included 235,368 French women with newly diagnosed non-metastatic breast cancer. In analyzes of 288 medications, we identified eight medications positively associated with either overall survival or disease-free survival: rabeprazole, alverine, atenolol, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, estriol (vaginal or transmucosal), nomegestrol, and hypromellose; and eight medications negatively associated with overall survival or disease-free survival: ferrous fumarate, prednisolone, carbimazole, pristinamycin, oxazepam, alprazolam, hydroxyzine, and mianserin. Full results are available online from an interactive platform ( https://adrenaline.curie.fr ). This resource provides hypotheses for drugs that may naturally influence breast cancer evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Dumas
- Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory, RT2Lab, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Université Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France
- INSERM, U900, 75005, Paris, France
- MINES ParisTech, PSL Research University, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Beatriz Grandal Rejo
- Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory, RT2Lab, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Université Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Paul Gougis
- Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory, RT2Lab, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Université Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Houzard
- Health Data and Assessment, Health Survey Data Science and Assessment Division, French National Cancer Institute (Institut National du Cancer INCa), 92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Judith Abécassis
- Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory, RT2Lab, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Université Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France
- INRIA, Paris-Saclay University, CEA, Palaiseau, 91120, France
| | - Floriane Jochum
- Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory, RT2Lab, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Université Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France
- Department of Gynecology, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Benjamin Marande
- Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory, RT2Lab, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Université Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Annabelle Ballesta
- INSERM UMR-S 900, Institut Curie, MINES ParisTech CBIO, PSL Research University, 92210, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Elaine Del Nery
- Département de Recherche Translationnelle - Plateforme Biophenics, PICT-IBISA, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Dubois
- Institut Curie - PSL Research University Translational Research Department Breast Cancer Biology Group 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Samar Alsafadi
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Uveal Melanoma Group, Translational Research Department, Paris, France
| | | | - Aurélien Latouche
- INSERM, U900, 75005, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR-S 900, Institut Curie, MINES ParisTech CBIO, PSL Research University, 92210, Saint-Cloud, France
- Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, Paris, France
| | - Marc Espie
- Breast diseases Center Hôpital saint Louis APHP, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Enora Laas
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Université Paris Cité, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Florence Coussy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Université Paris Cité, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Clémentine Bouchez
- Breast diseases Center Hôpital saint Louis APHP, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Yves Pierga
- Department of Medical Oncology, Université Paris Cité, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Christine Le Bihan-Benjamin
- Health Data and Assessment, Health Survey Data Science and Assessment Division, French National Cancer Institute (Institut National du Cancer INCa), 92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Philippe-Jean Bousquet
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Équipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 13005, Marseille, France
- Health Survey Data Science and Assessment Division, French National Cancer Institute (Institut National du Cancer INCa), 92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | | | - Chloé-Agathe Azencott
- INSERM, U900, 75005, Paris, France
- MINES ParisTech, PSL Research University, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, 75006, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Fabien Reyal
- Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory, RT2Lab, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Université Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France.
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Université Paris Cité, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France.
- Department of Surgery, Institut Jean Godinot, Reims, France.
| | - Anne-Sophie Hamy
- Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory, RT2Lab, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Université Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Université Paris Cité, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Das D, Chakrabarty B, Srinivasan R, Roy A. Gex2SGen: Designing Drug-like Molecules from Desired Gene Expression Signatures. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:1882-1893. [PMID: 36971750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced gene expression profiling provides a lot of useful information covering various aspects of drug discovery and development. Most importantly, this knowledge can be used to discover drugs' mechanisms of action. Recently, deep learning-based drug design methods are in the spotlight due to their ability to explore huge chemical space and design property-optimized target-specific drug molecules. Recent advances in accessibility of open-source drug-induced transcriptomic data along with the ability of deep learning algorithms to understand hidden patterns have opened opportunities for designing drug molecules based on desired gene expression signatures. In this study, we propose a deep learning model, Gex2SGen (Gene Expression 2 SMILES Generation), to generate novel drug-like molecules based on desired gene expression profiles. The model accepts desired gene expression profiles in a cell-specific manner as input and designs drug-like molecules which can elicit the required transcriptomic profile. The model was first tested against individual gene-knocked-out transcriptomic profiles, where the newly designed molecules showed high similarity with known inhibitors of the knocked-out target genes. The model was next applied on a triple negative breast cancer signature profile, where it could generate novel molecules, highly similar to known anti-breast cancer drugs. Overall, this work provides a generalized method, where the method first learned the molecular signature of a given cell due to a specific condition, and designs new small molecules with drug-like properties.
Collapse
|
3
|
Pantziarka P, Blagden S. Inhibiting the Priming for Cancer in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071621. [PMID: 35406393 PMCID: PMC8997074 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) is a rare cancer pre-disposition syndrome associated with a germline mutation in the TP53 tumour suppressor gene. People with LFS have a 90% chance of suffering one or more cancers in their lifetime. No treatments exist to reduce this cancer risk. This paper reviews the evidence for how cancers start in people with LFS and proposes that a series of commonly used non-cancer drugs, including metformin and aspirin, can help reduce that lifetime risk of cancer. Abstract The concept of the pre-cancerous niche applies the ‘seed and soil’ theory of metastasis to the initial process of carcinogenesis. TP53 is at the nexus of this process and, in the context of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS), is a key determinant of the conditions in which cancers are formed and progress. Important factors in the creation of the pre-cancerous niche include disrupted tissue homeostasis, cellular metabolism and chronic inflammation. While druggability of TP53 remains a challenge, there is evidence that drug re-purposing may be able to address aspects of pre-cancerous niche formation and thereby reduce the risk of cancer in individuals with LFS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Pantziarka
- The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust, London KT1 2JP, UK
- The Anti-Cancer Fund, Brusselsesteenweg 11, 1860 Meise, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| | - Sarah Blagden
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fjæstad KY, Rømer AMA, Goitea V, Johansen AZ, Thorseth ML, Carretta M, Engelholm LH, Grøntved L, Junker N, Madsen DH. Blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors reduces cancer growth and enhances the response to anti-CTLA4 therapy by modulating the tumor microenvironment. Oncogene 2022; 41:1364-1375. [PMID: 35017664 PMCID: PMC8881216 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02170-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) marks an important breakthrough of cancer therapies in the past years. However, only a limited fraction of patients benefit from such treatments, prompting the search for immune modulating agents that can improve the therapeutic efficacy. The nonselective beta blocker, propranolol, which for decades has been prescribed for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions, has recently been used successfully to treat metastatic angiosarcoma. These results have led to an orphan drug designation by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. The anti-tumor effects of propranolol are suggested to involve the reduction of cancer cell proliferation as well as angiogenesis. Here, we show that oral administration of propranolol delays tumor progression of MCA205 fibrosarcoma model and MC38 colon cancer model and increases the survival rate of tumor bearing mice. Propranolol works by reducing tumor angiogenesis and facilitating an anti-tumoral microenvironment with increased T cell infiltration and reduced infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Using T cell deficient mice, we demonstrate that the full anti-tumor effect of propranolol requires the presence of T cells. Flow cytometry-based analysis and RNA sequencing of FACS-sorted cells show that propranolol treatment leads to an upregulation of PD-L1 on tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and changes in their chemokine expression profile. Lastly, we observe that the co-administration of propranolol significantly enhances the efficacy of anti-CTLA4 therapy. Our results identify propranolol as an immune modulating agent, which can improve immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies in soft tissue sarcoma patients and potentially in other cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaire Yixin Fjæstad
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Askehøj Rømer
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Victor Goitea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Astrid Zedlitz Johansen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Marie-Louise Thorseth
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco Carretta
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lars Henning Engelholm
- Finsen Laboratory, Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Grøntved
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Niels Junker
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Daniel Hargbøl Madsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Correia AS, Duarte D, Silva I, Reguengo H, Oliveira JC, Vale N. Serotonin after β-Adrenoreceptors' Exposition: New Approaches for Personalized Data in Breast Cancer Cells. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11100954. [PMID: 34683096 PMCID: PMC8537807 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin is an important monoamine in the human body, playing crucial roles, such as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Previously, our group reported that β-adrenergic drugs (ICI 118,551, isoprenaline, and propranolol) influence the proliferation of breast cancer cells (MCF-7 cells) and their inherent production of adrenaline. Thus, we aimed to investigate the production of serotonin in MCF-7 cells, clarifying if there is a relationship between this production and the viability of the cells. To address this question, briefly, we treated the MCF-7 cells with ICI 118,551, isoprenaline, and propranolol, and evaluated cellular viability and serotonin production by using MTT, Sulforhodamine B (SRB) and Neutral Red (NR) assays, and HPLC-ECD analysis, respectively. Our results demonstrate that isoprenaline promotes the most pronounced endogenous synthesis of serotonin, about 3.5-fold greater than control cells. Propranolol treatment also increased the synthesis of serotonin (when compared to control). On the other hand, treatment with the drug ICI 118,551 promoted a lower endogenous synthesis of serotonin, about 1.1-fold less than what was observed in the control. Together, these results reveal that MCF-7 cells can produce serotonin, and the drugs propranolol, isoprenaline and ICI 118,551 influence this endogenous production. For the first time, after modulation of the β-adrenergic system, a pronounced cellular growth can be related to higher consumption of serotonin by the cells, resulting in decreased levels of serotonin in cell media, indicative of the importance of serotonin in the growth of MCF-7 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Salomé Correia
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; (A.S.C.); (D.D.)
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Duarte
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; (A.S.C.); (D.D.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Silva
- Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Pathology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.S.); (H.R.); (J.C.O.)
| | - Henrique Reguengo
- Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Pathology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.S.); (H.R.); (J.C.O.)
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Carlos Oliveira
- Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Pathology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.S.); (H.R.); (J.C.O.)
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; (A.S.C.); (D.D.)
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225-513-622
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Critical role of Aquaporin-1 and telocytes in infantile hemangioma response to propranolol beta blockade. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2018690118. [PMID: 33558238 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2018690118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Propranolol, a nonselective β-adrenergic receptor (ADRB) antagonist, is the first-line therapy for severe infantile hemangiomas (IH). Since the incidental discovery of propranolol efficacy in IH, preclinical and clinical investigations have shown evidence of adjuvant propranolol response in some malignant tumors. However, the mechanism for propranolol antitumor effect is still largely unknown, owing to the absence of a tumor model responsive to propranolol at nontoxic concentrations. Immunodeficient mice engrafted with different human tumor cell lines were treated with anti-VEGF bevacizumab to create a model sensitive to propranolol. Proteomics analysis was used to reveal propranolol-mediated protein alteration correlating with tumor growth inhibition, and Aquaporin-1 (AQP1), a water channel modulated in tumor cell migration and invasion, was identified. IH tissues and cells were then functionally investigated. Our functional protein association networks analysis and knockdown of ADRB2 and AQP1 indicated that propranolol treatment and AQP1 down-regulation trigger the same pathway, suggesting that AQP1 is a major driver of beta-blocker antitumor response. Examining AQP1 in human hemangioma samples, we found it exclusively in a perivascular layer, so far unrecognized in IH, made of telocytes (TCs). Functional in vitro studies showed that AQP1-positive TCs play a critical role in IH response to propranolol and that modulation of AQP1 in IH-TC by propranolol or shAQP1 decreases capillary-like tube formation in a Matrigel-based angiogenesis assay. We conclude that IH sensitivity to propranolol may rely, at least in part, on a cross talk between lesional vascular cells and stromal TCs.
Collapse
|
7
|
Carlos-Escalante JA, de Jesús-Sánchez M, Rivas-Castro A, Pichardo-Rojas PS, Arce C, Wegman-Ostrosky T. The Use of Antihypertensive Drugs as Coadjuvant Therapy in Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:660943. [PMID: 34094953 PMCID: PMC8173186 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.660943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex group of diseases that constitute the second largest cause of mortality worldwide. The development of new drugs for treating this disease is a long and costly process, from the discovery of the molecule through testing in phase III clinical trials, a process during which most candidate molecules fail. The use of drugs currently employed for the management of other diseases (drug repurposing) represents an alternative for developing new medical treatments. Repurposing existing drugs is, in principle, cheaper and faster than developing new drugs. Antihypertensive drugs, primarily belonging to the pharmacological categories of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptors, direct aldosterone antagonists, β-blockers and calcium channel blockers, are commonly prescribed and have well-known safety profiles. Additionally, some of these drugs have exhibited pharmacological properties useful for the treatment of cancer, rendering them candidates for drug repurposing. In this review, we examine the preclinical and clinical evidence for utilizing antihypertensive agents in the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José A Carlos-Escalante
- Plan de Estudios Combinados En Medicina (PECEM) (MD/PhD), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marcela de Jesús-Sánchez
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba-Córdoba, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Rivas-Castro
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Claudia Arce
- Medical Oncology/Breast Tumors, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Talia Wegman-Ostrosky
- Basic Research Subdirection, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lopes-Coelho F, Martins F, Hipólito A, Mendes C, Sequeira CO, Pires RF, Almeida AM, Bonifácio VDB, Pereira SA, Serpa J. The Activation of Endothelial Cells Relies on a Ferroptosis-Like Mechanism: Novel Perspectives in Management of Angiogenesis and Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:656229. [PMID: 34041026 PMCID: PMC8141735 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.656229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of endothelial cells (ECs) is a crucial step on the road map of tumor angiogenesis and expanding evidence indicates that a pro-oxidant tumor microenvironment, conditioned by cancer metabolic rewiring, is a relevant controller of this process. Herein, we investigated the contribution of oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis to ECs activation. Moreover, we also addressed the anti-angiogenic effect of Propranolol. We observed that a ferroptosis-like mechanism, induced by xCT inhibition with Erastin, at a non-lethal level, promoted features of ECs activation, such as proliferation, migration and vessel-like structures formation, concomitantly with the depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) and increased levels of oxidative stress and lipid peroxides. Additionally, this ferroptosis-like mechanism promoted vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) junctional gaps and potentiated cancer cell adhesion to ECs and transendothelial migration. Propranolol was able to revert Erastin-dependent activation of ECs and increased levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) underlie the mechanism of action of Propranolol. Furthermore, we tested a dual-effect therapy by promoting ECs stability with Propranolol and boosting oxidative stress to induce cancer cell death with a nanoformulation comprising selenium-containing chrysin (SeChry) encapsulated in a fourth generation polyurea dendrimer (SeChry@PUREG4). Our data showed that novel developments in cancer treatment may rely on multi-targeting strategies focusing on nanoformulations for a safer induction of cancer cell death, taking advantage of tumor vasculature stabilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Lopes-Coelho
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal.,CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Martins
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal.,CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Hipólito
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal.,CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cindy Mendes
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal.,CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina O Sequeira
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita F Pires
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António M Almeida
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal.,Hematology, Hospital da Luz, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vasco D B Bonifácio
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia A Pereira
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal.,CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Brohée L, Crémer J, Colige A, Deroanne C. Lipin-1, a Versatile Regulator of Lipid Homeostasis, Is a Potential Target for Fighting Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094419. [PMID: 33922580 PMCID: PMC8122924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The rewiring of lipid metabolism is a major adaptation observed in cancer, and it is generally associated with the increased aggressiveness of cancer cells. Targeting lipid metabolism is therefore an appealing therapeutic strategy, but it requires a better understanding of the specific roles played by the main enzymes involved in lipid biosynthesis. Lipin-1 is a central regulator of lipid homeostasis, acting either as an enzyme or as a co-regulator of transcription. In spite of its important functions it is only recently that several groups have highlighted its role in cancer. Here, we will review the most recent research describing the role of lipin-1 in tumor progression when expressed by cancer cells or cells of the tumor microenvironment. The interest of its inhibition as an adjuvant therapy to amplify the effects of anti-cancer therapies will be also illustrated.
Collapse
|
10
|
Correia AS, Gärtner F, Vale N. Drug combination and repurposing for cancer therapy: the example of breast cancer. Heliyon 2021; 7:e05948. [PMID: 33490692 PMCID: PMC7810770 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a set of extremely complex diseases, which are increasingly prominent today, as it affects and kills millions of people worldwide, being the subject of intense study both in its pathophysiology and therapy. Especially in women, breast cancer is still a cancer with a high incidence and mortality. Even though mortality rates for this type of cancer have declined in recent years, it remains challenging at the treatment level, especially the metastatic type. Due to all the impact on health, cancer therapy is the subject of costly and intense research. To enrich this therapy, as well as decrease its underlying high associated costs, drug repurposing and drug combinations are strategies that have been increasingly studied and addressed. As the name implies, drug repurposing presupposes giving new purposes to agents which, in this case, are approved for the therapy of other diseases (for example, cardiovascular or metabolic diseases), but are not approved for cancer therapy. Therefore, a better knowledge of these therapeutic modalities for breast cancer therapy is crucial for improved therapy. In this particular review, we will discuss some relevant aspects of cancer and, particularly, breast cancer and its therapy. Also, drug combination and repurposing will be highlighted, together with relevant examples. Despite some limitations that need to be overcome, these methodologies are extremely important and advantageous in combating several current problems of cancer therapy, namely in terms of costs and resistance to current therapeutic modalities. These approaches will be explored with a special focus on breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Salomé Correia
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Luque-Bolivar A, Pérez-Mora E, Villegas VE, Rondón-Lagos M. Resistance and Overcoming Resistance in Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2020; 12:211-229. [PMID: 33204149 PMCID: PMC7666993 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s270799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The incidence and mortality of breast cancer (BC) have increased in recent years, and BC is the main cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. One of the most significant clinical problems in the treatment of patients with BC is the development of therapeutic resistance. Therefore, elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in drug resistance is critical. The therapeutic decision for the management of patients with BC is based not only on the assessment of prognostic factors but also on the evaluation of clinical and pathological parameters. Although this has been a successful approach, some patients relapse and/or eventually develop resistance to treatment. This review is focused on recent studies on the possible biological and molecular mechanisms involved in both response and resistance to treatment in BC. Additionally, emerging treatments that seek to overcome resistance and reduce side effects are also described. A greater understanding of the mechanisms of action of treatments used in BC might contribute not only to the enhancement of our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development of resistance but also to the optimization of the existing treatment regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Luque-Bolivar
- School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja 150003, Colombia
| | - Erika Pérez-Mora
- School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja 150003, Colombia
| | | | - Milena Rondón-Lagos
- School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja 150003, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mohammed MA, Ahmed MT, Anwer BE, Aboshanab KM, Aboulwafa MM. Propranolol, chlorpromazine and diclofenac restore susceptibility of extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-Acinetobacter baumannii to fluoroquinolones. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238195. [PMID: 32845920 PMCID: PMC7449414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosocomial infections caused by extensively drug-resistant (XDR) or Pan-Drug resistant (PDR) Acinetobacter (A.) baumannii have recently increased dramatically creating a medical challenge as therapeutic options became very limited. The aim of our study was to investigate the antibiotic-resistance profiles and evaluate the various combinations of ciprofloxacin (CIP) or levofloxacin (LEV) with antimicrobial agents and non-antimicrobial agents to combat antimicrobial resistance of XDR A. baumannii. A total of 100 (6.25%) A. baumannii clinical isolates were recovered from 1600 clinical specimens collected from hospitalized patients of two major university hospitals in Upper Egypt. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were carried out according to CLSI guidelines. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the respective isolates showed a high percentage of bacterial resistance to 19 antimicrobial agents ranging from 76 to99%. However, a lower percentage of resistance was observed for only colistin (5%) and doxycycline (57%). The isolates were categorized as PDR (2; 2%), XDR (68; 68%), and multi-drug resistant (MDR) (30; 30%). Genotypic analysis using ERIC-PCR on 2 PDR and 32 selected XDR isolates showed that they were not clonal. Combinations of CIP or LEV with antibiotics (including, ampicillin, ceftriaxone, amikacin, or doxycycline) were tested on these A. baumannii non-clonal isolates using standard protocols where fractional inhibitory concentrations (-FICs) were calculated. Results of the respective combinations showed synergism in 23.5%, 17.65%, 32.35%, 17.65% and 26.47%, 8.28%, 14.71%, 26.47%, of the tested isolates, respectively. CIP or LEV combinations with either chlorpromazine (CPZ) 200 μg/ml, propranolol (PR) in two concentrations, 0.5 mg/ml and 1.0 mg/ml or diclofenac (DIC) 4 mg/ml were carried out and the MIC decrease factor (MDF) of each isolate was calculated and results showed synergism in 44%, 50%, 100%, 100% and 94%, 85%, 100%, 100%, of the tested isolates, respectively. In conclusion, combinations of CIP or LEV with CPZ, PR, or DIC showed synergism in most of the selected PDR and XDR A. baumannii clinical isolates. However, these combinations have to be re-evaluated in vivo using appropriate animal models infected by XDR- or PDR- A. baumannii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa A. Mohammed
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohammed T. Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Bahaa E. Anwer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Khaled M. Aboshanab
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammad M. Aboulwafa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Costa B, Amorim I, Gärtner F, Vale N. Understanding Breast cancer: from conventional therapies to repurposed drugs. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 151:105401. [PMID: 32504806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and is considered a developed country disease. Moreover, is a heterogenous disease, existing different types and stages of breast cancer development, therefore, better understanding of cancer biology, helps to improve the development of therapies. The conventional treatments accessible after diagnosis, have the main goal of controlling the disease, by improving survival. In more advance stages the aim is to prolong life and symptom palliation care. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the main options available, which must be adapted to each person individually. However, patients are developing resistance to the conventional therapies. This resistance is due to alterations in important regulatory pathways such as PI3K/AKt/mTOR, this pathway contributes to trastuzumab resistance, a reference drug to treat breast cancer. Therefore, is proposed the repurposing of drugs, instead of developing drugs de novo, for example, to seek new medical treatments within the drugs available, to be used in breast cancer treatment. Providing safe and tolerable treatments to patients, and new insights to efficacy and efficiency of breast cancer treatments. The economic and social burden of cancer is enormous so it must be taken measures to relieve this burden and to ensure continued access to therapies to all patients. In this review we focus on how conventional therapies against breast cancer are leading to resistance, by reviewing those mechanisms and discussing the efficacy of repurposed drugs to fight breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Costa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irina Amorim
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo 228, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo 228, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo 228, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Armando RG, Gómez DLM, Gomez DE. New drugs are not enough‑drug repositioning in oncology: An update. Int J Oncol 2020; 56:651-684. [PMID: 32124955 PMCID: PMC7010222 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.4966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning refers to the concept of discovering novel clinical benefits of drugs that are already known for use treating other diseases. The advantages of this are that several important drug characteristics are already established (including efficacy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicity), making the process of research for a putative drug quicker and less costly. Drug repositioning in oncology has received extensive focus. The present review summarizes the most prominent examples of drug repositioning for the treatment of cancer, taking into consideration their primary use, proposed anticancer mechanisms and current development status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romina Gabriela Armando
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Science and Technology Department, National University of Quilmes, Bernal B1876, Argentina
| | - Diego Luis Mengual Gómez
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Science and Technology Department, National University of Quilmes, Bernal B1876, Argentina
| | - Daniel Eduardo Gomez
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Science and Technology Department, National University of Quilmes, Bernal B1876, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Roth IM, Wickremesekera AC, Wickremesekera SK, Davis PF, Tan ST. Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells via Modulation of the Renin-Angiotensin System. Front Oncol 2019; 9:745. [PMID: 31440473 PMCID: PMC6694711 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are proposed to be the cells that initiate tumorigenesis and maintain tumor development due to their self-renewal and multipotency properties. CSCs have been identified in many cancer types and are thought to be responsible for treatment resistance, metastasis, and recurrence. As such, targeting CSCs specifically should result in durable cancer treatment. One potential option for targeting CSCs is by manipulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and pathways that converge on the RAS with numerous inexpensive medications currently in common clinical use. In addition to its crucial role in cardiovascular and body fluid homeostasis, the RAS is vital for stem cell maintenance and differentiation and plays a role in tumorigenesis and cancer prevention, suggesting that these roles may converge and result in modulation of CSC function by the RAS. In support of this, components of the RAS have been shown to be expressed in many cancer types and have been more recently localized to the CSCs in some tumors. Given these roles of the RAS in tumor development, clinical trials using RAS inhibitors either singly or in combination with other therapies are underway in different cancer types. This review outlines the roles of the RAS, with respect to CSCs, and suggests that the presence of components of the RAS in CSCs could offer an avenue for therapeutic targeting using RAS modulators. Due to the nature of the RAS and its crosstalk with numerous other signaling pathways, a systems approach using traditional RAS inhibitors in combination with inhibitors of bypass loops of the RAS and other signaling pathways that converge on the RAS may offer a novel therapeutic approach to cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imogen M Roth
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Agadha C Wickremesekera
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Neurosurgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Susrutha K Wickremesekera
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Upper Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Section, Department of General Surgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Davis
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Correia A, Silva D, Correia A, Vilanova M, Gärtner F, Vale N. Study of New Therapeutic Strategies to Combat Breast Cancer Using Drug Combinations. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8040175. [PMID: 30558247 PMCID: PMC6315516 DOI: 10.3390/biom8040175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease that affects and kills millions of people worldwide. Breast cancer, especially, has a high incidence and mortality, and is challenging to treat. Due to its high impact on the health sector, oncological therapy is the subject of an intense and very expensive research. To improve this therapy and reduce its costs, strategies such as drug repurposing and drug combinations have been extensively studied. Drug repurposing means giving new usefulness to drugs which are approved for the therapy of various diseases, but, in this case, are not approved for cancer therapy. On the other hand, the purpose of combining drugs is that the response that is obtained is more advantageous than the response obtained by the single drugs. Using drugs with potential to be repurposed, combined with 5-fluorouracil, the aim of this project was to investigate whether this combination led to therapeutic benefits, comparing with the isolated drugs. We started with a screening of the most promising drugs, with verapamil and itraconazole being chosen. Several cellular viability studies, cell death and proliferation studies, mainly in MCF-7 cells (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7, human breast adenocarcinoma cells) were performed. Studies were also carried out to understand the effect of the drugs at the level of possible therapeutic resistance, evaluating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Combining all the results, the conclusion is that the combination of verapamil and itraconazole with 5-fluorouracil had benefits, mainly by decreasing cell viability and proliferation. Furthermore, the combination of itraconazole and 5-fluorouracil seemed to be the most effective, being an interesting focus in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Correia
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto,Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar(ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Dany Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto,Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Alexandra Correia
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208,4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Imuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar(ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC) of the University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208,4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Manuel Vilanova
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208,4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Imuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar(ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC) of the University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208,4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar(ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208,4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP),Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Nuno Vale
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto,Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar(ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208,4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP),Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|