|
1
|
Focaccetti C, Nardozi D, Benvenuto M, Lucarini V, Angiolini V, Carrano R, Scimeca M, Servadei F, Mauriello A, Mancini P, Besharat ZM, Milella M, Migliaccio S, Ferretti E, Cifaldi L, Masuelli L, Palumbo C, Bei R. Bisphenol-A in Drinking Water Accelerates Mammary Cancerogenesis and Favors an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in BALB- neuT Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6259. [PMID: 38892447 PMCID: PMC11172679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116259] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic compound ubiquitously present in the environment, can act as an endocrine disruptor by binding to both canonical and non-canonical estrogen receptors (ERs). Exposure to BPA has been linked to various cancers, in particular, those arising in hormone-targeted tissues such as the breast. In this study, we evaluated the effect of BPA intake through drinking water on ErbB2/neu-driven cancerogenesis in BALB-neuT mice, transgenic for a mutated ErbB2/neu receptor gene, which reproducibly develop carcinomas in all mammary glands. In this model, BPA accelerated mammary cancerogenesis with an increase in the number of tumors per mouse and a concurrent decrease in tumor-free and overall survival. As assessed by immunohistochemistry, BALB-neuT tumors were ER-negative but expressed high levels of the alternative estrogen receptor GPR30, regardless of BPA exposure. On the other hand, BPA exposure resulted in a marked upregulation of progesterone receptors in preinvasive tumors and of Ki67, CD31, and phosphorylated Akt in invasive tumors. Moreover, based on several infiltration markers of immune cells, BPA favored an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Finally, in vitro cell survival studies performed on a cell line established from a BALB-neuT breast carcinoma confirmed that BPA's impact on cancer progression can be particularly relevant after chronic, low-dose exposure.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Benzhydryl Compounds
- Phenols
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
- Female
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Receptors, Estrogen/genetics
- Drinking Water
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/chemically induced
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Mice, Transgenic
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, Progesterone/metabolism
- Receptors, Progesterone/genetics
- Carcinogenesis/chemically induced
- Carcinogenesis/drug effects
- Endocrine Disruptors/toxicity
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (L.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (L.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Valeria Lucarini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Valentina Angiolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Raffaele Carrano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (L.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (F.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Francesca Servadei
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (F.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (F.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Patrizia Mancini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Zein Mersini Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Michele Milella
- Department of Oncology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Silvia Migliaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (L.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (L.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (L.C.); (C.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Focaccetti C, Palumbo C, Benvenuto M, Carrano R, Melaiu O, Nardozi D, Angiolini V, Lucarini V, Kërpi B, Masuelli L, Cifaldi L, Bei R. The Combination of Bioavailable Concentrations of Curcumin and Resveratrol Shapes Immune Responses While Retaining the Ability to Reduce Cancer Cell Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:232. [PMID: 38203402 PMCID: PMC10779126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010232] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The polyphenols Curcumin (CUR) and Resveratrol (RES) are widely described for their antitumoral effects. However, their low bioavailability is a drawback for their use in therapy. The aim of this study was to explore whether CUR and RES, used at a bioavailable concentration, could modulate immune responses while retaining antitumor activity and to determine whether CUR and RES effects on the immune responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and tumor growth inhibition could be improved by their combination. We demonstrate that the low-dose combination of CUR and RES reduced the survival of cancer cell lines but had no effect on the viability of PBMCs. Although following CUR + RES treatment T lymphocytes showed an enhanced activated state, RES counteracted the increased IFN-γ expression induced by CUR in T cells and the polyphenol combination increased IL-10 production by T regulatory cells. On the other hand, the combined treatment enhanced NK cell activity through the up- and downregulation of activating and inhibitory receptors and increased CD68 expression levels on monocytes/macrophages. Overall, our results indicate that the combination of CUR and RES at low doses differentially shapes immune cells while retaining antitumor activity, support the use of this polyphenol combinations in anticancer therapy and suggest its possible application as adjuvant for NK cell-based immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (O.M.); (D.N.); (L.C.)
| | - Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (O.M.); (D.N.); (L.C.)
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (O.M.); (D.N.); (L.C.)
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Carrano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (O.M.); (D.N.); (L.C.)
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (O.M.); (D.N.); (L.C.)
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (O.M.); (D.N.); (L.C.)
| | - Valentina Angiolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.A.); (V.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Valeria Lucarini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.A.); (V.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Bora Kërpi
- Department of Biomedicine, Catholic University ‘Our Lady of Good Counsel’, 1000 Tirana, Albania;
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.A.); (V.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (O.M.); (D.N.); (L.C.)
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (O.M.); (D.N.); (L.C.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University ‘Our Lady of Good Counsel’, 1000 Tirana, Albania
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Paudel S, Mishra N, Agarwal R. Phytochemicals as Immunomodulatory Molecules in Cancer Therapeutics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1652. [PMID: 38139779 PMCID: PMC10746110 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytochemicals are natural plant-derived products that provide significant nutrition, essential biomolecules, and flavor as part of our diet. They have long been known to confer protection against several diseases via their anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, anti-microbial, and several other properties. Deciphering the role of phytochemicals in the prevention, inhibition, and treatment of cancer-unrestrained cell proliferation due to the loss of tight regulation on cell growth and replication-has been the focus of recent research. Particularly, the immunomodulatory role of phytochemicals, which is pivotal in unchecked cell proliferation and metastasis, has recently been studied extensively. The immune system is a critical component of the tumor microenvironment, and it plays essential roles in both preventing and promoting oncogenesis. Immunomodulation includes stimulation, amplification, or inactivation of some stage(s) of the immune response. Phytochemicals and their products have demonstrated immune regulation, such as macrophage migration, nitric oxide synthase inhibition, lymphocyte, T-cell, and cytokine stimulation, natural killer cell augmentation, and NFκB, TNF, and apoptosis regulation. There is a dearth of extensive accounts of the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals in cancer; thus, we have compiled these effects with mechanistic aspects of dietary phytochemicals in cancer, highlighting promising candidates and ongoing clinical trials on immunotherapeutic strategies to mitigate oncogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.P.); (N.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
4
|
Paoletti L, Zoratto N, Benvenuto M, Nardozi D, Angiolini V, Mancini P, Masuelli L, Bei R, Frajese GV, Matricardi P, Nalli M, Di Meo C. Hyaluronan-estradiol nanogels as potential drug carriers to target ER+ breast cancer cell line. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 314:120900. [PMID: 37173041 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.120900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
An innovative hyaluronan-based nano-delivery system is proposed for the active targeting towards ER+ breast cancer. Hyaluronic acid (HA), an endogenous and bioactive anionic polysaccharide, is functionalized with estradiol (ES), a sexual hormone involved in the development of some hormone-dependent tumors, to give an amphiphilic derivative (HA-ES) able to spontaneously self-assemble in water to form soft nanoparticles or nanogels (NHs). The synthetic strategy used to obtain the polymer derivatives and the physico-chemical properties of the obtained nanogels (ES-NHs) are reported. ES-NHs ability to entrap hydrophobic molecules has also been investigated, by loading curcumin (CUR) and docetaxel (DTX), both able to inhibit the growth of ER+ breast cancer. The formulations are studied for their capability to inhibit the growth of the MCF-7 cell line, thus evaluating their efficacy and potential as a selective drug delivery systems. Our results demonstrate that ES-NHs have not toxic effects on the cell line, and that both ES-NHs/CUR and ES-NHs/DTX treatments inhibit MCF-7 cell growth, with ES-NHs/DTX effect higher than that of free DTX. Our findings support the use of ES-NHs to deliver drugs to ER+ breast cancer cells, assuming a receptor-dependent targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Paoletti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - N Zoratto
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - M Benvenuto
- Saint Camillus International, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - D Nardozi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - V Angiolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - P Mancini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - L Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - R Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - G V Frajese
- Department of Sports Science, Human and Health, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Piazza Lauro De Bosis, 15, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - P Matricardi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - M Nalli
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - C Di Meo
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
|
5
|
Lucarini V, Nardozi D, Angiolini V, Benvenuto M, Focaccetti C, Carrano R, Besharat ZM, Bei R, Masuelli L. Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling in Gastrointestinal Cancer: Role of miRNAs as Biomarkers of Tumor Invasion. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1761. [PMID: 37371856 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the most frequent neoplasm, responsible for half of all cancer-related deaths. Metastasis is the leading cause of death from GI cancer; thus, studying the processes that regulate cancer cell migration is of paramount importance for the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms adopted by cancer cells to promote cell migration and the subsequent metastasis formation by highlighting the key role that tumor microenvironment components play in deregulating cellular pathways involved in these processes. We, therefore, provide an overview of the role of different microRNAs in promoting tumor metastasis and their role as potential biomarkers for the prognosis, monitoring, and diagnosis of GI cancer patients. Finally, we relate the possible use of nutraceuticals as a new strategy for targeting numerous microRNAs and different pathways involved in GI tumor invasiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Lucarini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Angiolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Carrano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Zein Mersini Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
|
6
|
Palumbo C, Benvenuto M, Focaccetti C, Albonici L, Cifaldi L, Rufini A, Nardozi D, Angiolini V, Bei A, Masuelli L, Bei R. Recent findings on the impact of ErbB receptors status on prognosis and therapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1066021. [PMID: 36817764 PMCID: PMC9932042 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1066021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer type, has often an aggressive course and is poorly responsive to current therapeutic approaches, so that 5-year survival rates for patients diagnosed with advanced disease is lower than 50%. The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) has emerged as an established oncogene in HNSCC. Indeed, although HNSCCs are a heterogeneous group of cancers which differ for histological, molecular and clinical features, EGFR is overexpressed or mutated in a percentage of cases up to about 90%. Moreover, aberrant expression of the other members of the ErbB receptor family, ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4, has also been reported in variable proportions of HNSCCs. Therefore, an increased expression/activity of one or multiple ErbB receptors is found in the vast majority of patients with HNSCC. While aberrant ErbB signaling has long been known to play a critical role in tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion, metastatization and resistance to therapy, more recent evidence has revealed its impact on other features of cancer cells' biology, such as the ability to evade antitumor immunity. In this paper we will review recent findings on how ErbB receptors expression and activity, including that associated with non-canonical signaling mechanisms, impacts on prognosis and therapy of HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Albonici
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rufini
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy,Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Angiolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Bei
- Medical School, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,*Correspondence: Roberto Bei,
| |
Collapse
|
|
7
|
Suteris NN, Yasin A, Misnon II, Roslan R, Zulkifli FH, Rahim MHA, Venugopal JR, Jose R. Curcumin loaded waste biomass resourced cellulosic nanofiber cloth as a potential scaffold for regenerative medicine: An in-vitro assessment. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 198:147-156. [PMID: 34971642 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This article demonstrates the development of nanofibrous cloths by electrospinning of renewable materials, i.e., curcumin-loaded 90% cellulose acetate (CA)/10% poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), for applications in regenerative medicine. The CA is derived from the biomass waste of the oil palm plantation (empty fruit bunch). The nanofiber scaffolds are characterized for the fiber morphology, microstructure, thermal properties, and wettability. The optimized smooth and bead-free electrospun fiber cloth contains 90% CA and 10% PCL in two curcumin compositions (0.5 and 1 wt%). The role of curcumin is shown to be two-fold: the first is its function as a drug and the second is its role in lowering the water contact angle and increasing the hydrophilicity. The hydrophilicity enhancements are related to the hydrogen bonding between the components. The enhanced hydrophilicity contributed to improve the swelling behavior of the scaffolds; the CA/PCL/Cur (0.5%) and the CA/PCL/Cur (1.0%) showed swelling of ~700 and 950%, respectively, in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The drug-release studies revealed the highest cumulative drug release of 60% and 78% for CA/PCL/Cur (0.5%) and CA/PCL/Cur (1.0%) nanofibers, respectively. The in-vitro studies showed that CA/PCL/Cur (0.5 wt%) and CA/PCL/Cur (1.0 wt%) nanofiber scaffolds facilitate a higher proliferation and expression of actin in fibroblasts than those scaffolds without curcumin for wound healing applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Nadirah Suteris
- Center for Advanced Intelligent Materials, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300 Kuantan, Malaysia; Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Amina Yasin
- Center for Advanced Intelligent Materials, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300 Kuantan, Malaysia; Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Izan Izwan Misnon
- Center for Advanced Intelligent Materials, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300 Kuantan, Malaysia; Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Rasidi Roslan
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Farah Hanani Zulkifli
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hasbi Ab Rahim
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Jayarama Reddy Venugopal
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300, Kuantan, Malaysia.
| | - Rajan Jose
- Center for Advanced Intelligent Materials, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300 Kuantan, Malaysia; Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300, Kuantan, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
|
8
|
Fu X, He Y, Li M, Huang Z, Najafi M. Targeting of the tumor microenvironment by curcumin. Biofactors 2021; 47:914-932. [PMID: 34375483 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is made up of several cells and molecules that affect the survival of cancer cells. Indeed, certain (immunosuppressive) cells which promote tumors can promote the growth of tumors by stimulating the proliferation of cancer cells and promoting angiogenesis. During tumor growth, antitumoral immunity includes natural killer cells and CD8+ T cells cannot overcome immunosuppressive responses and cancer cell proliferation. In order to achieve the appropriate therapeutic response, we must kill cancer cells and suppress the release of immunosuppressive molecules. The balance between anti-tumor immunity and immunosuppressive cells, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells plays a key role in the suppression or promotion of cancer cells. Curcumin is a plant-derived agent that has shown interesting properties for cancer therapy. It has shown that not only directly inhibit the growth of cancer cells, but can also modulate the growth and activity of immunosuppressant and tumor-promoting cells. In this review, we explain how curcumin modulates interactions within TME in favor of tumor treatment. The potential modulating effects of curcumin on the responses of cancer cells to treatment modalities such as immunotherapy will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Fu
- College of Basic Medicine, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang, China
| | - Yingni He
- College of Basic Medicine, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang, China
| | - Mu Li
- College of Basic Medicine, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang, China
| | - Zezhi Huang
- Shaoyang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology Diagnosis, Shaoyang, China
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
|
9
|
New Insights into Curcumin- and Resveratrol-Mediated Anti-Cancer Effects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14111068. [PMID: 34832850 PMCID: PMC8622305 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Curcumin and resveratrol are bioactive natural compounds displaying anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. In this study, we compared the cytotoxic effects of these molecules and the molecular mechanisms involved against Her-2/neu-positive breast and salivary cancer cell lines. We found that both curcumin and resveratrol were efficient in reducing cancer cell survival and that they differently affected autophagy, ROS and activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Moreover, we found that resveratrol and curcumin in combination exerted a stronger cytotoxic effect in correlation with the induction of a stronger ER stress and the upregulation of pro-death UPR molecule CHOP. This effect also correlated with the induction of pro-survival autophagy by curcumin and its inhibition by resveratrol. In conclusion, this study unveils new molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer effects of resveratrol, curcumin and their combination, which can help to design new therapeutic strategies based on the use of these polyphenols.
Collapse
|
|
10
|
Benvenuto M, Ciuffa S, Focaccetti C, Sbardella D, Fazi S, Scimeca M, Tundo GR, Barillari G, Segni M, Bonanno E, Manzari V, Modesti A, Masuelli L, Coletta M, Bei R. Proteasome inhibition by bortezomib parallels a reduction in head and neck cancer cells growth, and an increase in tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19051. [PMID: 34561494 PMCID: PMC8463577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98450-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) has frequently an aggressive course for the development of resistance to standard chemotherapy. Thus, the use of innovative therapeutic drugs is being assessed. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor with anticancer effects. In vitro antitumoral activity of Bortezomib was investigated employing human tongue (SCC-15, CAL-27), pharynx (FaDu), salivary gland (A-253) cancer cell lines and a murine cell line (SALTO-5) originated from a salivary gland adenocarcinoma arising in BALB-neuT male mice transgenic for the oncogene neu. Bortezomib inhibited cell proliferation, triggered apoptosis, modulated the expression and activation of pro-survival signaling transduction pathways proteins activated by ErbB receptors and inhibited proteasome activity in vitro. Intraperitoneal administration of Bortezomib delayed tumor growth of SALTO-5 cells transplanted in BALB-neuT mice, protracted mice survival and adjusted tumor microenvironment by increasing tumor-infiltrating immune cells (CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B lymphocytes, macrophages, and Natural Killer cells) and by decreasing vessels density. In addition, Bortezomib modified the expression of proteasome structural subunits in transplanted SALTO-5 cells. Our findings further support the use of Bortezomib for the treatment of HNC and reveal its ineffectiveness in counteracting the activation of deregulated specific signaling pathways in HNC cell lines when resistance to proteasome inhibition is developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Benvenuto
- Saint Camillus International, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ciuffa
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele University Rome, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sara Fazi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Saint Camillus International, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele University Rome, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Segni
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale Regina Elena 364, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Saint Camillus International, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,"Diagnostica Medica" & "Villa Dei Platani", Neuromed Group, 83100, Avellino, Italy
| | - Vittorio Manzari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
|
11
|
Ciccolella M, Andreone S, Mancini J, Sestili P, Negri D, Pacca AM, D’Urso MT, Macchia D, Canese R, Pang K, SaiYing Ko T, Decadt Y, Schiavoni G, Mattei F, Belardelli F, Aricò E, Bracci L. Anticancer Effects of Sublingual Type I IFN in Combination with Chemotherapy in Implantable and Spontaneous Tumor Models. Cells 2021; 10:845. [PMID: 33917958 PMCID: PMC8068355 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms representing less than 10% of all head and neck tumors. Among salivary gland tumors, salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare, but highly aggressive malignant tumor resembling ductal breast carcinoma. Sublingual treatments are promising for SDC due to the induction of both local and systemic biological effects and to reduced systemic toxicity compared to other administration routes. In the present study, we first established that the sublingual administration of type I IFN (IFN-I) is safe and feasible, and exerts antitumor effects both as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy in transplantable tumor models, i.e., B16-OVA melanoma and EG.7-OVA lymphoma. Subsequently, we proved that sublingual IFN-I in combination with cyclophosphamide (CTX) induces a long-lasting reduction of tumor mass in NeuT transgenic mice that spontaneously develop SDC. Most importantly, tumor shrinkage in NeuT transgenic micewas accompanied by the emergence of tumor-specific cellular immune responses both in the blood and in the tumor tissue. Altogether, these results provide evidence that sublingual IFN holds promise in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ciccolella
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (S.A.); (J.M.); (G.S.); (F.M.)
| | - Sara Andreone
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (S.A.); (J.M.); (G.S.); (F.M.)
| | - Jacopo Mancini
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (S.A.); (J.M.); (G.S.); (F.M.)
| | - Paola Sestili
- National Center for the Control and Evaluation of Medicines, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Donatella Negri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Pacca
- Animal Research and Welfare Centre, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.T.D.); (D.M.)
| | - Maria Teresa D’Urso
- Animal Research and Welfare Centre, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.T.D.); (D.M.)
| | - Daniele Macchia
- Animal Research and Welfare Centre, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.M.P.); (M.T.D.); (D.M.)
| | - Rossella Canese
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Ken Pang
- Biolingus AG, CH-6052 Hergiswil NW, Switzerland; (K.P.); (T.S.K.); (Y.D.)
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville 3052, Australia
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Thomas SaiYing Ko
- Biolingus AG, CH-6052 Hergiswil NW, Switzerland; (K.P.); (T.S.K.); (Y.D.)
| | - Yves Decadt
- Biolingus AG, CH-6052 Hergiswil NW, Switzerland; (K.P.); (T.S.K.); (Y.D.)
| | - Giovanna Schiavoni
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (S.A.); (J.M.); (G.S.); (F.M.)
| | - Fabrizio Mattei
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (S.A.); (J.M.); (G.S.); (F.M.)
| | - Filippo Belardelli
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Eleonora Aricò
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Laura Bracci
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (S.A.); (J.M.); (G.S.); (F.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
12
|
Masuelli L, Benvenuto M, Focaccetti C, Ciuffa S, Fazi S, Bei A, Miele MT, Piredda L, Manzari V, Modesti A, Bei R. Targeting the tumor immune microenvironment with "nutraceuticals": From bench to clinical trials. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 219:107700. [PMID: 33045254 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of immune effector cells in the tissue microenvironment during neoplastic progression is critical in determining tumor growth outcomes. On the other hand, tumors may also avoid immune system-mediated elimination by recruiting immunosuppressive leukocytes and soluble factors, which coordinate a tumor microenvironment that counteracts the efficiency of the antitumor immune response. Checkpoint inhibitor therapy results have indicated a way forward via activation of the immune system against cancer. Widespread evidence has shown that different compounds in foods, when administered as purified substances, can act as immunomodulators in humans and animals. Although there is no universally accepted definition of nutraceuticals, the term identifies a wide category of natural compounds that may impact health and disease statuses and includes purified substances from natural sources, plant extracts, dietary supplements, vitamins, phytonutrients, and various products with combinations of functional ingredients. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the immunomodulatory effects of nutraceuticals with a special focus on the cancer microenvironment, highlighting the conceptual benefits or drawbacks and subtle cell-specific effects of nutraceuticals for envisioning future therapies employing nutraceuticals as chemoadjuvants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele University Rome, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ciuffa
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Fazi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Bei
- Medical School, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Piredda
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Manzari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; CIMER, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|