1
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Ghalehbandi S, Yuzugulen J, Pranjol MZI, Pourgholami MH. The role of VEGF in cancer-induced angiogenesis and research progress of drugs targeting VEGF. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175586. [PMID: 36906141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a double-edged sword; it is a mechanism that defines the boundary between health and disease. In spite of its central role in physiological homeostasis, it provides the oxygen and nutrition needed by tumor cells to proceed from dormancy if pro-angiogenic factors tip the balance in favor of tumor angiogenesis. Among pro-angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a prominent target in therapeutic methods due to its strategic involvement in the formation of anomalous tumor vasculature. In addition, VEGF exhibits immune-regulatory properties which suppress immune cell antitumor activity. VEGF signaling through its receptors is an integral part of tumoral angiogenic approaches. A wide variety of medicines have been designed to target the ligands and receptors of this pro-angiogenic superfamily. Herein, we summarize the direct and indirect molecular mechanisms of VEGF to demonstrate its versatile role in the context of cancer angiogenesis and current transformative VEGF-targeted strategies interfering with tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jale Yuzugulen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus via Mersin 10, Turkey
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2
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Lee YT, Tan YJ, Oon CE. Benzimidazole and its derivatives as cancer therapeutics: The potential role from traditional to precision medicine. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:478-497. [PMID: 36873180 PMCID: PMC9978992 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality globally which remains a continuing threat to human health today. Drug insensitivity and resistance are critical hurdles in cancer treatment; therefore, the development of new entities targeting malignant cells is considered a high priority. Targeted therapy is the cornerstone of precision medicine. The synthesis of benzimidazole has garnered the attention of medicinal chemists and biologists due to its remarkable medicinal and pharmacological properties. Benzimidazole has a heterocyclic pharmacophore, which is an essential scaffold in drug and pharmaceutical development. Multiple studies have demonstrated the bioactivities of benzimidazole and its derivatives as potential anticancer therapeutics, either through targeting specific molecules or non-gene-specific strategies. This review provides an update on the mechanism of actions of various benzimidazole derivatives and the structure‒activity relationship from conventional anticancer to precision healthcare and from bench to clinics.
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3
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Florio R, De Filippis B, Veschi S, di Giacomo V, Lanuti P, Catitti G, Brocco D, di Rienzo A, Cataldi A, Cacciatore I, Amoroso R, Cama A, De Lellis L. Resveratrol Derivative Exhibits Marked Antiproliferative Actions, Affecting Stemness in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031977. [PMID: 36768301 PMCID: PMC9916441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies, with an increasing incidence and limited response to current therapeutic options. Therefore, more effective and low-toxic agents are needed to improve PC patients' outcomes. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol with multiple biological properties, including anticancer effects. In this study, we explored the antiproliferative activities of newly synthetized RSV analogues in a panel of PC cell lines and evaluated the physicochemical properties of the most active compound. This derivative exhibited marked antiproliferative effects in PC cells through mechanisms involving DNA damage, apoptosis induction, and interference in cell cycle progression, as assessed using flow cytometry and immunoblot analysis of cell cycle proteins, PARP cleavage, and H2AX phosphorylation. Notably, the compound induced a consistent reduction in the PC cell subpopulation with a CD133+EpCAM+ stem-like phenotype, paralleled by dramatic effects on cell clonogenicity. Moreover, the RSV derivative had negligible toxicity against normal HFF-1 cells and, thus, good selectivity index values toward PC cell lines. Remarkably, its higher lipophilicity and stability in human plasma, as compared to RSV, might ensure a better permeation along the gastrointestinal tract. Our results provide insights into the mechanisms of action contributing to the antiproliferative activity of a synthetic RSV analogue, supporting its potential value in the search for effective and safe agents in PC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Florio
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara De Filippis
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Viviana di Giacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Catitti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Davide Brocco
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Annalisa di Rienzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Amelia Cataldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ivana Cacciatore
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Rosa Amoroso
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cama
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Laura De Lellis
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (L.D.L.)
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4
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Surov AO, Vasilev NA, Magdysyuk OV, Perlovich GL, Varlamova AI, Arkhipov IA, Odoevskaya IM. Structural features, dissolution performance and anthelmintic efficacy of multicomponent solid forms of fenbendazole with maleic and oxalic acids. CrystEngComm 2023. [DOI: 10.1039/d2ce01644c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Two new multicomponent crystalline phases of fenbendazole (FNB), a benzimidazole anthelmintic agent, with maleic and oxalic acids have been prepared, and their structural and physicochemical properties carefully investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem O. Surov
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry RAS, 153045, Ivanovo, Russia
| | - Nikita A. Vasilev
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry RAS, 153045, Ivanovo, Russia
| | - Oxana V. Magdysyuk
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
| | | | - Anastasiya I. Varlamova
- Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Centre VIEV”, B. Cheremushkinskaya Street 28, 117218 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan A. Arkhipov
- Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Centre VIEV”, B. Cheremushkinskaya Street 28, 117218 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina M. Odoevskaya
- Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Centre VIEV”, B. Cheremushkinskaya Street 28, 117218 Moscow, Russia
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5
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The Novel IGF-1R Inhibitor PB-020 Acts Synergistically with Anti-PD-1 and Mebendazole against Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235747. [PMID: 36497233 PMCID: PMC9737525 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235747] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
CRC is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Chemotherapy is widely used for the treatment of CRC, but its efficacy remains unsatisfactory, mainly due to drug resistance. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new strategies to overcome drug resistance. Combination therapy that aims to achieve additive or synergistic therapeutic effects is an effective approach to tackle the development of drug resistance. Given its established roles in tumor development, progression and metastasis, IGF-1R is a promising drug target for combination therapy against CRC. In this study, we revealed that the novel IGF-1R inhibitor PB-020 can act synergistically with mebendazole (MBZ) to reduce the viability of CRC cells and block xenograft CRC progression. Moreover, the PB-020/anti-PD-1 combination synergistically blocked CRC propagation in the MC38 murine colon carcinoma model. Both combination therapies potently suppressed the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway genes in CRC that may be associated with the development of drug resistance. Our findings establish a preclinical proof-of-concept for combating CRC using combined multi-target treatment with PB-020 and clinical anticancer drugs, which may provide useful clues for clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these drug combinations in CRC patients.
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Limbu KR, Chhetri RB, Oh YS, Baek DJ, Park EY. Mebendazole Impedes the Proliferation and Migration of Pancreatic Cancer Cells through SK1 Inhibition Dependent Pathway. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238127. [PMID: 36500220 PMCID: PMC9739667 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the highest mortality rates and requires the development of highly efficacious medications that can improve the efficiency of existing treatment methods. In particular, in PDAC, resistance to conventional chemotherapy reduces the effectiveness of anticancer drugs, decreasing the therapeutic efficiency. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), produced by sphingosine kinase (SK), plays a vital role in cancer growth, metastasis, chemotherapy, and drug resistance. Focusing on the structural characteristics of mebendazole (MBZ), we studied whether MBZ would affect metastasis, invasion, and drug resistance in cancer by lowering S1P production through inhibition of SK activity. MBZ selectively inhibited SK1 more than SK2 and regulated the levels of sphingolipids. MBZ inhibited the proliferation and migration of cancer cells in other PDAC cell lines. To determine whether the effect of MBZ on cancer cell growth and migration is S1P-mediated, S1P was treated, and the growth and migration of cancer cells were observed. It was found that MBZ inhibited S1P-induced cancer cell growth, and MBZ showed a growth inhibitory effect by regulating the JAK2/STAT3/Bcl-2 pathway. The phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a transcription factor that regulates migration, was inhibited by MBZ, so it was found that the effect of MBZ regulates the migration of cancer cells through the S1P/FAK/vimentin pathway. In conclusion, our study suggests that the anthelmintic MBZ can be used as a potential therapeutic agent for treating PDAC and for structural synthesis studies of its analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khem Raj Limbu
- College of Pharmacy, Mokpo National University, Mokpo 58554, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Yoon Sin Oh
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Eulji University, Seongnam 13135, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Jae Baek
- College of Pharmacy, Mokpo National University, Mokpo 58554, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (D.J.B.); (E.-Y.P.)
| | - Eun-Young Park
- College of Pharmacy, Mokpo National University, Mokpo 58554, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (D.J.B.); (E.-Y.P.)
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7
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The use of machine learning modeling, virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to identify potential VEGFR2 kinase inhibitors. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18825. [PMID: 36335233 PMCID: PMC9637137 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22992-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting the signaling pathway of the Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 is a promising approach that has drawn attention in the quest to develop novel anti-cancer drugs and cardiovascular disease treatments. We construct a screening pipeline using machine learning classification integrated with similarity checks of approved drugs to find new inhibitors. The statistical metrics reveal that the random forest approach has slightly better performance. By further similarity screening against several approved drugs, two candidates are selected. Analysis of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, along with molecular docking and dynamics are performed for the two candidates with regorafenib as a reference. The binding energies of molecule1, molecule2, and regorafenib are - 89.1, - 95.3, and - 87.4 (kJ/mol), respectively which suggest candidate compounds have strong binding to the target. Meanwhile, the median lethal dose and maximum tolerated dose for regorafenib, molecule1, and molecule2 are predicted to be 800, 1600, and 393 mg/kg, and 0.257, 0.527, and 0.428 log mg/kg/day, respectively. Also, the inhibitory activity of these compounds is predicted to be 7.23 and 7.31, which is comparable with the activity of pazopanib and sorafenib drugs. In light of these findings, the two compounds could be further investigated as potential candidates for anti-angiogenesis therapy.
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8
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Jung YH, Lee DC, Kim JO, Kim JH. Untargeted metabolomics-assisted comparative cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism of fenbendazole in human and dog liver microsomes. Xenobiotica 2022; 52:986-996. [PMID: 36533905 DOI: 10.1080/00498254.2022.2160676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Fenbendazole (FBZ), a benzimidazole carbamate anthelmintic, has attracted attention for its antitumor activity. This study examined the metabolic characteristics of FBZ in humans compared with those in dogs. The phase I metabolites were identified in liver microsomal incubates using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS)-based untargeted metabolomics approaches. Seven metabolites of FBZ were identified by principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis based on the global ion variables of the FBZ incubation groups. The chemical structure of the FBZ metabolites was suggested by examining the MS/MS spectrum and isotope distribution pattern. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1, CYP2D6, and CYP2J2 were the major isozymes responsible for the FBZ metabolism. No differences in the types of metabolites produced by the two species were noted. Multivariate analysis of human and dog incubation groups showed that five metabolites were relatively abundant in humans and the other two were not. In summary, the phase I metabolic profile of FBZ and the comparative metabolism between humans and dogs were examined using an untargeted metabolomics approach. This study suggests a successful investigation of FBZ metabolism in humans for conducting safety assessments regarding drug repositioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dong-Cheol Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Korea
| | - Jong Oh Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Korea
| | - Ju-Hyun Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Korea
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9
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Abstract
Fenbendazole remains the drug of choice to treat pinworm infection in laboratory rodents. When fenbendazole was last reviewed (15 y ago), the literature supported the drug's lack of toxic effects at therapeutic levels, yet various demonstrated physiologic effects have the potential to alter research outcomes. Although more recent reports continue to reflect an overall discordancy of results, several studies support the premise that fenbendazole affects the bone marrow and the immune system. No effects on reproduction were reported in an extensive study that assessed common treatment protocols in mice, and food intake was unchanged in rats. Behavioral studies are sparse, with only a single report of a subtle change in a rotarod performance in mice. Notably, unexpected results in tumor models during facility treatment with fenbendazole have prompted preclinical and clinical studies of the potential roles of benzimidazoles in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology and,Corresponding author.
| | - Norman H Altman
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
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10
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Madgula K, Dandu S, Kasula S, Halady P. Microwave synthesized ionic liquids as green catalysts for the synthesis of benzimidazoles: Spectral and computational studies for potential anticancer activity. INORG CHEM COMMUN 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2022.109218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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11
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Alharbi W. Advancement and recent trends in seeking less toxic and more active anti-cancer drugs: Insights into thiourea based molecules. MAIN GROUP CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.3233/mgc-210183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The finding of potent anticancer agents with low toxicity and high selectivity has remained valuable for human health. Thiourea derivatives are the most significant organic compounds with integral and typical characteristics of numerous varieties of natural products and pharmaceutical agents. It exhibits various pharmacological properties, and its analogues confer a great deal of structural diversity that was proven to be the most advantageous in the search for novel therapeutic agents. Thiourea derivatives, which show beneficial antitumor activities, are typically considered the central core in various anticancer derivatives. They also have broad-ranging biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antitubercular, antihypertensive, antihistaminic, and antiviral activities. Several FDA-approved drugs of thiourea derivatives and their analogues in the market, currently in progress through various registration statuses or clinical stages, indicating that thiourea derivatives are the most promising drugs. The current review is intended to systematically provide comprehensive evidence in the recent developments of thiourea to treat numerous types of cancer. Furthermore, we hope that this review will be helpful for novel consideration in seeking rational designs of less toxic and more active drugs and more effective diagnostics agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa Alharbi
- Department of Chemistry, Science and Arts College, Rabigh Campus, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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12
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de Assis JMC, Barbosa EJ, Bezzon VDN, Lourenço FR, Carvalho FMS, Matos JR, Araci Bou-Chacra N, Benmore CJ, Byrn SR, Costa FN, de Araujo GLB. Hot-melt extrudability of amorphous solid dispersions of flubendazole-copovidone: An exploratory study of the effect of drug loading and the balance of adjuvants on extrudability and dissolution. Int J Pharm 2022; 614:121456. [PMID: 35017024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The FDA-approved anthelmintic flubendazole has shown potential to be repositioned to treat cancer and dry macular degeneration; however, its poor water solubility limits its use. Amorphous solid dispersions may overcome this challenge, but the balance of excipients may impact the preparation method and drug release. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of adjuvants and drug loading on the development of an amorphous solid dispersion of flubendazole-copovidone by hot-melt extrusion. The drug, copovidone, and adjuvants (magnesium stearate and hydroxypropyl cellulose) mixtures were statistically designed, and the process was performed in a twin-screw extruder. The study showed that flubendazole and copovidone mixtures were highly extrudable, except when drug loading was high (>40%). Furthermore, magnesium stearate positively impacted the extrusion and was more effective than hydroxypropyl cellulose. The extruded materials were evaluated by modulated differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction, obtaining positive amorphization and physical stability results. Pair distribution function analysis indicated the presence of drug-rich domains with medium-range order structure and no evidence of polymer-drug interaction. All extrudates presented faster dissolution (HCl, pH 1.2) than pure flubendazole, and both adjuvants had a notable influence on the dissolution rate. In conclusion, hot-melt extrusion may be a viable option to obtain stable flubendazole:copovidone amorphous dispersions.
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Affiliation(s)
- João M C de Assis
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo J Barbosa
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinícius D N Bezzon
- Center for Natural Sciences and Humanities (CCNH), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André 09210580, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe R Lourenço
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Flavio M S Carvalho
- Geosciences Institute, Department of Mineralogy and Geotectonics, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-08, SP, Brazil
| | - J R Matos
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Nadia Araci Bou-Chacra
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Chris J Benmore
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, IL, 60439, United States
| | - Stephen R Byrn
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, United States
| | - Fanny N Costa
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX110DE, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel L B de Araujo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil.
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13
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Khaled JM, Alharbi NS, Mothana RA, Kadaikunnan S, Alobaidi AS. Biochemical Profile by GC-MS of Fungal Biomass Produced from the Ascospores of Tirmania nivea as a Natural Renewable Resource. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:1083. [PMID: 34947065 PMCID: PMC8704506 DOI: 10.3390/jof7121083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The edible fruiting bodies of desert truffles are seasonally collected and consumed in many regions of the world. Although they are very expensive, they are bought and sold as a result of considerable scientific reports confirming their health and nutritional benefits. This study aimed to conduct laboratory production of the fungal biomass of Tirmania nivea as a natural renewable resource of many active biological compounds using an artificial growth medium. The T. nivea collected from Hafar Al-Batin, which is north of Saudi Arabia, and their ascospores were harvested and used to produce fungal biomass in potato dextrose broth. The cultivation was conducted using a shaking incubator at 25 °C for two weeks at 200 rpm. The crud extracts of the fungal biomass and mycelium-free broth were prepared using ethyl acetate, methanol and hexane. Preliminary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and their biological activity as antimicrobial agents were investigated. The results showed that the crude extracts have biological activity against mold, yeast and bacteria. The preliminary GC-MS analysis reported that the fungal biomass and extracellular metabolites in the growth medium are industrial renewable resources of several biological compounds that could be used as antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-trypanosomal and anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal M. Khaled
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (N.S.A.); (S.K.); (A.S.A.)
| | - Naiyf S. Alharbi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (N.S.A.); (S.K.); (A.S.A.)
| | - Ramzi A. Mothana
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shine Kadaikunnan
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (N.S.A.); (S.K.); (A.S.A.)
| | - Ahmed S. Alobaidi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (N.S.A.); (S.K.); (A.S.A.)
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14
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Wang T, Zou J, Wu Q, Wang R, Yuan CL, Shu J, Zhai BB, Huang XT, Liu NZ, Hua FY, Wang XC, Mei WJ. Tanshinone IIA derivatives induced S-phase arrest through stabilizing c-myc G-quadruplex DNA to regulate ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 912:174586. [PMID: 34710368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Herein, a derivate from tanshinone IIA, 1,6,6-trimethyl-11-phenyl-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6H-furo[2',3':1,2]phenanthro[3,4-d]imidazole (TA25), has been synthesized and investigated as potential inhibitor against the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. MTT assay and cell colony formation assay results showed that TA25 exhibits acceptable inhibitory effect against the proliferation of lung cancer A549 cells, and the value of IC50 was about 17.9 μM. This result was further confirmed by the inhibition of TA25 against the growth of xenograft lung cancer cells on zebrafish bearing tumor (A549 lung cancer cells). The results of wound-healing assay and FITC-gelatin invasion assay displayed that TA25 could inhibit the migration and invasion of lung cancer A549 cells. Moreover, the studies on the binding properties of TA25 interact with c-myc G-quadruplex DNA suggested that TA25 can bind in the G-quarter plane formed from G7, G11, G16 and G20 with c-myc G-quadruplex DNA through π-π stacking. Further study of the potential anti-cancer mechanism indicated that TA25 can induce S-phase arrest in lung cancer A549 cells, and this phenomenon resulted from the promotion of the production of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage in A549 cells under the action of TA25. Further research revealed that TA25 could inhibit the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway and increase the expression of p53 protein. Overall, TA25 can be developed into a promising inhibitor against the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells and has potential clinical application in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jun Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Guangdong Province Engineering Technology Centre for Molecular Probe and Bio-medicine Imaging, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Rui Wang
- The First Affiliation Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510062, China
| | - Chan-Ling Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jing Shu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bing-Bing Zhai
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Huang
- Guangdong Province Engineering Technology Centre for Molecular Probe and Bio-medicine Imaging, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ning-Zhi Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Feng-Yang Hua
- The First Affiliation Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510062, China
| | - Xi-Cheng Wang
- The First Affiliation Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510062, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Technology Centre for Molecular Probe and Bio-medicine Imaging, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Wen-Jie Mei
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Technology Centre for Molecular Probe and Bio-medicine Imaging, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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15
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Khachigian LM. Emerging insights on functions of the anthelmintic flubendazole as a repurposed anticancer agent. Cancer Lett 2021; 522:57-62. [PMID: 34520820 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
While flubendazole has been used as a macrofilaricide in humans and animals for some 40 years, work in vitro and in preclinical models over the last decade has suggested its potential use as an anticancer agent. This article reviews recent studies in a range of tumor types indicating novel functions for flubendazole in its control of processes associated with tumor growth, spread and renewal including ferroptosis, autophagy, cancer stem-like cell killing and suppression of intratumoral myeloid-derived suppressor cell accumulation and programmed cell death protein 1. Flubendazole's potential use in clinical oncology will require further understanding of its mechanistic roles, range of inhibition of cancer types, capacity for adjunctive therapy and possible reformulation for enhanced solubility, bioavailability and potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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16
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Kotynia A, Wiatrak B, Kamysz W, Neubauer D, Jawień P, Marciniak A. Cationic Peptides and Their Cu(II) and Ni(II) Complexes: Coordination and Biological Characteristics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112028. [PMID: 34769458 PMCID: PMC8584440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are a promising group of compounds used for the treatment of infections. In some cases, metal ions are essential to activate these molecules. Examples of metalloantibiotics are, for instance, bleomycin and dermcidin. This study is focused on three new pseudopeptides with potential biological activity. The coordination behavior of all ligands with Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions has been examined. Various analytical methods such as potentiometric titration, UV-Vis and CD spectroscopies, and mass spectrometry were used. All compounds are convenient chelators for metal ion-binding. Two of the ligands tested have histidine residues. Surprisingly, imidazole nitrogen is not involved in the coordination of the metal ion. The N-terminal amino group, Dab side chains, and amide nitrogen atoms of the peptide bonds coordinated Cu(II) and Ni(II) in all the complexes formed. The cytotoxicity of three pseudopeptides and their complexes was evaluated. Moreover, their other model allowed for assessing the attenuation of LPS-induced cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activities were also evaluated, the results of which revealed to be very promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Kotynia
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.K.); (A.M.); Tel.: +48-71-784-03-35 (A.K.)
| | - Benita Wiatrak
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.W.); (P.J.)
| | - Wojciech Kamysz
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (W.K.); (D.N.)
| | - Damian Neubauer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (W.K.); (D.N.)
| | - Paulina Jawień
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland; (B.W.); (P.J.)
- Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25/27, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Marciniak
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.K.); (A.M.); Tel.: +48-71-784-03-35 (A.K.)
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17
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De Lellis L, Veschi S, Tinari N, Mokini Z, Carradori S, Brocco D, Florio R, Grassadonia A, Cama A. Drug Repurposing, an Attractive Strategy in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: Preclinical and Clinical Updates. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3946. [PMID: 34439102 PMCID: PMC8394389 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide, since patients rarely display symptoms until an advanced and unresectable stage of the disease. Current chemotherapy options are unsatisfactory and there is an urgent need for more effective and less toxic drugs to improve the dismal PC therapy. Repurposing of non-oncology drugs in PC treatment represents a very promising therapeutic option and different compounds are currently being considered as candidates for repurposing in the treatment of this tumor. In this review, we provide an update on some of the most promising FDA-approved, non-oncology, repurposed drug candidates that show prominent clinical and preclinical data in pancreatic cancer. We also focus on proposed mechanisms of action and known molecular targets that they modulate in PC. Furthermore, we provide an explorative bioinformatic analysis, which suggests that some of the PC repurposed drug candidates have additional, unexplored, oncology-relevant targets. Finally, we discuss recent developments regarding the immunomodulatory role displayed by some of these drugs, which may expand their potential application in synergy with approved anticancer immunomodulatory agents that are mostly ineffective as single agents in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura De Lellis
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Nicola Tinari
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (N.T.); (A.G.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Zhirajr Mokini
- European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) Mentorship Programme, ESAIC, 24 Rue des Comédiens, BE-1000 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Davide Brocco
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Rosalba Florio
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Antonino Grassadonia
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (N.T.); (A.G.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cama
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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