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Man S, Bi J, Liu F, Xie W, Ma L. Vitamin C Inhibited Pulmonary Metastasis through Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300706. [PMID: 38419398 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300706] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
As an important nutritional component, vitamin C (Vc) shows good antitumor activity in a variety of cancer, but there are few studies in pulmonary metastasis. In order to verify its anticancer and antimetastatic effect, the study sets up H22 pulmonary metastasis mouse model. The results show that intraperitoneal injection of Vc inhibits pulmonary metastasis through up-regulating the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, cleaved caspases 3 and 9, and causing DNA damage and apoptosis which is similar to the pro-oxidant effect of Vc in p53 null cells (H1299 cells). Meanwhile, oral administration of Vc up-regulates the expression of p53, directly activates Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, increases expression of cleaved caspases 3 and 9, and ultimately inhibits pulmonary metastasis, which is the same as the antioxidant result of Vc in p53 wild-type cells. In addition, Vc inhibits the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner and has little cytotoxic effects on normal cells. Notably, the experiment further illustrates that besides intravenous Vc, oral Vc significantly inhibits the pulmonary metastasis in mice. All in all, these findings provide new clues for Vc-treated pulmonary metastasis in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Man
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Jingxian Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Furui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Wenwen Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
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2
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Belloni A, Pugnaloni A, Rippo MR, Di Valerio S, Giordani C, Procopio AD, Bronte G. The cell line models to study tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer with mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor: A scoping review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 194:104246. [PMID: 38135018 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) represents ∼85% of all lung cancers and ∼15-20% of them are characterized by mutations affecting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). For several years now, a class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors was developed, targeting sensitive mutations affecting the EGFR (EGFR-TKIs). To date, the main burden of the TKIs employment is due to the onset of resistance mutations. This scoping review aims to resume the current situation about the cell line models employed for the in vitro evaluation of resistance mechanisms induced by EGFR-TKIs in oncogene-addicted NSCLC. Adenocarcinoma results the most studied NSCLC histotype with the H1650, H1975, HCC827 and PC9 mutated cell lines, while Gefitinib and Osimertinib the most investigated inhibitors. Overall, data collected frame the current advancement of this topic, showing a plethora of approaches pursued to overcome the TKIs resistance, from RNA-mediated strategies to the innovative combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Belloni
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Armanda Pugnaloni
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Rippo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Valerio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Chiara Giordani
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health and Sciences on Ageing (IRCCS INRCA), Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Domenico Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health and Sciences on Ageing (IRCCS INRCA), Ancona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bronte
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health and Sciences on Ageing (IRCCS INRCA), Ancona, Italy.
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3
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Allegra A, Murdaca G, Mirabile G, Gangemi S. Redox Signaling Modulates Activity of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Patients. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051325. [PMID: 37238995 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although immunotherapy is already a staple of cancer care, many patients may not benefit from these cutting-edge treatments. A crucial field of research now focuses on figuring out how to improve treatment efficacy and assess the resistance mechanisms underlying this uneven response. For a good response, immune-based treatments, in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors, rely on a strong infiltration of T cells into the tumour microenvironment. The severe metabolic environment that immune cells must endure can drastically reduce effector activity. These immune dysregulation-related tumour-mediated perturbations include oxidative stress, which can encourage lipid peroxidation, ER stress, and T regulatory cells dysfunction. In this review, we have made an effort to characterize the status of immunological checkpoints, the degree of oxidative stress, and the part that latter plays in determining the therapeutic impact of immunological check point inhibitors in different neoplastic diseases. In the second section of the review, we will make an effort to assess new therapeutic possibilities that, by affecting redox signalling, may modify the effectiveness of immunological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Murdaca
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, n. 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mirabile
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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4
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Fan D, Liu X, Shen Z, Wu P, Zhong L, Lin F. Cell signaling pathways based on vitamin C and their application in cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114695. [PMID: 37058822 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C, a small organic molecule, is widely found in fruits and vegetables and is an essential nutrient in the human body. Vitamin C is closely associated with some human diseases such as cancer. Many studies have shown that high doses of vitamin C have anti-tumor ability and can target tumor cells in multiple targets. This review will describe vitamin C absorption and its function in cancer treatment. We will review the cellular signaling pathways associated with vitamin C against tumors depending on the different anti-cancer mechanisms. Based on this, we will further describe some applications of the use of vitamin C for cancer treatment in preclinical and clinical trials and the possible adverse events that can occur. Finally, this review also assesses the prospective advantages of vitamin C in oncology treatment and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianfa Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Zhen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Pan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Liping Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
| | - Faquan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education,Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University.
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5
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Qin S, Wang G, Chen L, Geng H, Zheng Y, Xia C, Wu S, Yao J, Deng L. Pharmacological vitamin C inhibits mTOR signaling and tumor growth by degrading Rictor and inducing HMOX1 expression. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010629. [PMID: 36787291 PMCID: PMC9928125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological vitamin C (VC) is a potential natural compound for cancer treatment. However, the mechanism underlying its antitumor effects remains unclear. In this study, we found that pharmacological VC significantly inhibits the mTOR (including mTORC1 and mTORC2) pathway activation and promotes GSK3-FBXW7-mediated Rictor ubiquitination and degradation by increasing the cellular ROS. Moreover, we identified that HMOX1 is a checkpoint for pharmacological-VC-mediated mTOR inactivation, and the deletion of FBXW7 or HMOX1 suppresses the regulation of pharmacological VC on mTOR activation, cell size, cell viability, and autophagy. More importantly, it was observed that the inhibition of mTOR by pharmacological VC supplementation in vivo produces positive therapeutic responses in tumor growth, while HMOX1 deficiency rescues the inhibitory effect of pharmacological VC on tumor growth. These results demonstrate that VC influences cellular activities and tumor growth by inhibiting the mTOR pathway through Rictor and HMOX1, which may have therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senlin Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guoyan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huijun Geng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yining Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chao Xia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shengru Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Junhu Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- * E-mail: (J.Y); (L.D)
| | - Lu Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- * E-mail: (J.Y); (L.D)
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6
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Chen D, Wei X, Yang K, Liu X, Song Y, Bai F, Jiang Y, Guo Y, Jha RK. Piperlongumine combined with vitamin C as a new adjuvant therapy against gastric cancer regulates the ROS-STAT3 pathway. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605221093308. [PMID: 35481419 PMCID: PMC9087272 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221093308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of piperlongumine (PL) and vitamin C (VC) on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling in gastric cancer cell lines. METHODS In vivo tumour xenograft anticancer assays were undertaken to confirm the anticancer activity of PL. Cell viability, flow cytometry and Western blot assays were undertaken to evaluate the anticancer effects of PL, VC and combinations of PL and VC in AGS and KATO III cells. RESULTS Both PL and VC induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation in AGS and KATO III cells. These effects were dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS). PL effectively suppressed STAT3 activation while VC caused abnormal activation of STAT3. The combination of PL and VC exhibited a stronger apoptotic effect compared with either agent alone. PL reversed the abnormal activation of STAT3 by VC, which could be a key to their synergistic effect. CONCLUSIONS PL combined with VC exhibited a stronger anticancer effect by regulating the ROS-STAT3 pathway, suggesting that this combination might be a potential adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Medical University,
Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
- China-Nepal Friendship Medical Research Centre of Rajiv Kumar
Jha, School of Clinical Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi
Province, China
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumour
Immunity, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xinyue Wei
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Medical University,
Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
- China-Nepal Friendship Medical Research Centre of Rajiv Kumar
Jha, School of Clinical Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi
Province, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Medical University,
Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
- China-Nepal Friendship Medical Research Centre of Rajiv Kumar
Jha, School of Clinical Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi
Province, China
| | - Xinyue Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Medical University,
Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
- China-Nepal Friendship Medical Research Centre of Rajiv Kumar
Jha, School of Clinical Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi
Province, China
| | - Yujin Song
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Medical University,
Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
- China-Nepal Friendship Medical Research Centre of Rajiv Kumar
Jha, School of Clinical Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi
Province, China
| | - Futing Bai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Medical University,
Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
- China-Nepal Friendship Medical Research Centre of Rajiv Kumar
Jha, School of Clinical Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi
Province, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Medical University,
Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
- China-Nepal Friendship Medical Research Centre of Rajiv Kumar
Jha, School of Clinical Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi
Province, China
| | - Yuhang Guo
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Medical University,
Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
- China-Nepal Friendship Medical Research Centre of Rajiv Kumar
Jha, School of Clinical Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi
Province, China
| | - Rajiv Kumar Jha
- China-Nepal Friendship Medical Research Centre of Rajiv Kumar
Jha, School of Clinical Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi
Province, China
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Fahmy SA, Ramzy A, Mandour AA, Nasr S, Abdelnaser A, Bakowsky U, Azzazy HMES. PEGylated Chitosan Nanoparticles Encapsulating Ascorbic Acid and Oxaliplatin Exhibit Dramatic Apoptotic Effects against Breast Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:407. [PMID: 35214139 PMCID: PMC8874531 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to design a pH-responsive dual-loaded nanosystem based on PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles loaded with ascorbic acid (AA) and oxaliplatin (OX) for the effective treatment of breast cancer. In this regard, non-PEGylated and PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) loaded with either ascorbic acid (AA), oxaliplatin (OX), or dual-loaded with AA-OX were fabricated using the ionotropic gelation method. The hydrodynamic diameters of the fabricated AA/CS NPs, OX/CS NPs, and AA-OX/CS NPs were 157.20 ± 2.40, 188.10 ± 9.70, and 261.10 ± 9.19 nm, respectively. While the hydrodynamic diameters of the designed AA/PEG-CS NPs, OX/PEG-CS NPs, and AA-OX/PEG-CS NPs were 152.20 ± 2.40, 156.60 ± 4.82, and 176.00 ± 4.21 nm, respectively. The ζ-potential of the prepared nanoparticles demonstrated high positive surface charges of +22.02 ± 1.50, +22.58 ± 1.85 and +40.4 ± 2.71 mV for AA/CS NPs, OX/CS NPs, and AA-OX/CS NPs, respectively. The ζ-potential of the PEGylated CS NPs was reduced owing to the shielding of the positive charges by the PEG chains. Additionally, all the prepared nanoparticles exhibited high entrapment efficiencies (EE%) and spherical-shaped morphology. The chemical features of the prepared nanoparticles were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Release studies showed the capability of the prepared non-PEGylated and PEGylated chitosan NPs to release their cargo in the acidic environment of cancer tissue (pH 5.5). Furthermore, the AA/CS NPs, AA/PEG-CS NPs, OX/CS NPs, OX/PEG-CS NPs, AA-OX/CS NPs and AA-OX/PEG-CS NPs exhibited remarkable cytotoxic activities against breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells with IC50 values of 44.87 ± 11.49, 23.3 ± 3.73, 23.88 ± 6.29, 17.98 ± 3.99, 18.69 ± 2.22, and 7.5 ± 0.69 µg/mL, respectively; as compared to free AA and OX (IC50 of 150.80 ± 26.50 and 147.70 ± 63.91 µg/mL, respectively). Additionally, treatment of MCF-7 cells with IC50 concentrations of AA, AA/CS NPs, AA/PEG-CS NPs, OX, OX/CS NPs, OX/PEG-CS NPs, AA-OX/CS NPs or AA-OX/PEG-CS NPs increased the percentages of early apoptotic cells to 5.28%, 9.53%, 11.20%, 5.27%, 13.80%, 8.43%, 2.32%, and 10.10%, respectively, and increased the percentages of late apoptotic cells to 0.98%, 0.37%, 2.41%, 2.06%, 0.97%, 9.66%, 56%, and 81.50%, respectively. These results clearly indicate that PEGylation enhances the apoptotic effect of AA and OX alone, in addition to potentiating the apoptotic effect of AA and OX when combined on MCF-7 cells. In conclusion, PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating AA, OX, or AA and OX represent an effective formula for induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Ashraf Fahmy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (S.A.F.); (A.R.)
| | - Asmaa Ramzy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (S.A.F.); (A.R.)
| | - Asmaa A. Mandour
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo 11835, Egypt;
| | - Soad Nasr
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (S.N.); (A.A.)
| | - Anwar Abdelnaser
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (S.N.); (A.A.)
| | - Udo Bakowsky
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Hassan Mohamed El-Said Azzazy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (S.A.F.); (A.R.)
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8
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Bedhiafi T, Inchakalody VP, Fernandes Q, Mestiri S, Billa N, Uddin S, Merhi M, Dermime S. The potential role of vitamin C in empowering cancer immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112553. [PMID: 34923342 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112553] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C also known as L-ascorbic acid is a nutrient naturally occurring in many fruits and vegetables and widely known for its potent antioxidant activity. Several studies have highlighted the importance of using high dose vitamin C as an adjuvant anti-cancer therapy. Interestingly, it has been shown that vitamin C is able to modulate the anti-cancer immune response and to help to overcome the resistance to immune checkpoints blockade (ICB) drugs such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CLTA-4) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1/PD-1) inhibitors. Indeed, it was reported that vitamin C regulates several mechanisms developed by cancer cells to escape T cells immune response and resist ICB. Understanding the role of vitamin C in the anti-tumor immune response will pave the way to the development of novel combination therapies that would enhance the response of cancer patients to ICB immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the effect of vitamin C on the immune system and its potential role in empowering cancer immunotherapy through its pro-oxidant potential, its ability to modulate epigenetic factors and its capacity to regulate the expression of different cytokines involved in the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takwa Bedhiafi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Philipose Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Queenie Fernandes
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarra Mestiri
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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9
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Böttger F, Vallés-Martí A, Cahn L, Jimenez CR. High-dose intravenous vitamin C, a promising multi-targeting agent in the treatment of cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:343. [PMID: 34717701 PMCID: PMC8557029 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02134-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that vitamin C has the potential to be a potent anti-cancer agent when administered intravenously and in high doses (high-dose IVC). Early phase clinical trials have confirmed safety and indicated efficacy of IVC in eradicating tumour cells of various cancer types. In recent years, the multi-targeting effects of vitamin C were unravelled, demonstrating a role as cancer-specific, pro-oxidative cytotoxic agent, anti-cancer epigenetic regulator and immune modulator, reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inhibiting hypoxia and oncogenic kinase signalling and boosting immune response. Moreover, high-dose IVC is powerful as an adjuvant treatment for cancer, acting synergistically with many standard (chemo-) therapies, as well as a method for mitigating the toxic side-effects of chemotherapy. Despite the rationale and ample evidence, strong clinical data and phase III studies are lacking. Therefore, there is a need for more extensive awareness of the use of this highly promising, non-toxic cancer treatment in the clinical setting. In this review, we provide an elaborate overview of pre-clinical and clinical studies using high-dose IVC as anti-cancer agent, as well as a detailed evaluation of the main known molecular mechanisms involved. A special focus is put on global molecular profiling studies in this respect. In addition, an outlook on future implications of high-dose vitamin C in cancer treatment is presented and recommendations for further research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Böttger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Vallés-Martí
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Loraine Cahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Connie R Jimenez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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10
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Karami A, Hossienpour M, Mohammadi Noori E, Rahpyma M, Najafi K, Kiani A. Synergistic Effect of Gefitinib and Temozolomide on U87MG Glioblastoma Angiogenesis. Nutr Cancer 2021; 74:1299-1307. [PMID: 34296963 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.1952441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
One of the most common and deadly brain tumors is Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Due to recent advances in angiogenesis and its related key factors, this process as a hallmark in glioblastoma has attracted more consideration from the research community. Temozolomide (TMZ) as the first-line treatment used to treat GBM but, resistance to TMZ limits its effectiveness and the need for better treatments is still felt. Therefore, we aimed to examine the Synergistic effects of Gefitinib (GFI) in combination with Temozolomide on VEGF and MMPs in glioma cell line (U87MG). Our results displayed that GFI could induce cytotoxic effects in U87MG with IC50 values of 11 μM. U87MG cells produced large amounts of VEGF without any stimuli, and the results showed that GFI in combination with TMZ caused a significant decrease in VEGF production in these cells. In this study, we demonstrated that after treating with TMZ and GFI, there was more decrease in the levels of MMP 2 and 9 secretions in cells than treatment with GFI and TMZ doses alone. This study indicates synergistic effects of GFI plus TMZ against glioma are mediated by the potentiated anti-angiogenesis. Therefore, it can be considered as a promising plan for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Karami
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Maryam Hossienpour
- Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mohammadi Noori
- Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mehdi Rahpyma
- Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Najafi
- Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amir Kiani
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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11
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Hu H, Miao XK, Li JY, Zhang XW, Xu JJ, Zhang JY, Zhou TX, Hu MN, Yang WL, Mou LY. YC-1 potentiates the antitumor activity of gefitinib by inhibiting HIF-1α and promoting the endocytic trafficking and degradation of EGFR in gefitinib-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 874:172961. [PMID: 32044322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.172961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) gefitinib exerts good therapeutic effect on NSCLC patients with sensitive EGFR-activating mutations. However, most patients ultimately relapse due to the development of drug resistance after 6-12 months of treatment. Here, we showed that a HIF-1α inhibitor, YC-1, potentiated the antitumor efficacy of gefitinib by promoting EGFR degradation in a panel of human NSCLC cells with wild-type or mutant EGFRs. YC-1 alone had little effect on NSCLC cell survival but significantly enhanced the antigrowth and proapoptotic effects of gefitinib. In insensitive NSCLC cell lines, gefitinib efficiently inhibited the phosphorylation of EGFR but not the downstream signaling of ERK, AKT and STAT3; however, when combined with YC-1 treatment, these signaling pathways were strongly impaired. Gefitinib treatment induced EGFR arrest in the early endosome, and YC-1 treatment promoted delayed EGFR transport into the late endosome as well as receptor degradation. Moreover, the YC-1-induced reduction of HIF-1α protein was associated with the enhancement of EGFR degradation. HIF-1α knockdown promoted EGFR degradation, showing synergistic antigrowth and proapoptotic effects similar to those of the gefitinib and YC-1 combination treatment in NSCLC cells. Our findings provide a novel combination treatment strategy with gefitinib and YC-1 to extend the usage of gefitinib and overcome gefitinib resistance in NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Xiao-Kang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Jing-Yi Li
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Xiao-Wei Zhang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Jing-Jie Xu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Jing-Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Tian-Xiong Zhou
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Ming-Ning Hu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Wen-Le Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Ling-Yun Mou
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
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12
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Sae-Lim P, Seetaha S, Tabtimmai L, Suphakun P, Kiriwan D, Panichayupakaranant P, Choowongkomon K. Chamuangone from Garcinia cowa leaves inhibits cell proliferation and migration and induces cell apoptosis in human cervical cancer in vitro. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 72:470-480. [PMID: 31875979 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of chamuangone on human cancer cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. METHODS An MTT assay was used to study the effect of chamuangone on human cervical carcinoma cell growth. An in-vitro scratch migration assay was used to investigate the activity of cell motility after chamuangone treatment. Chamuangone-induced cell apoptosis in HeLa cells was determined using the apoptotic assay kit. The inhibitory activities of chamuangone were examined by ADP-Glo™ kinase assay. The GOLD docking algorithm was used to demonstrate the mechanism against tyrosine kinase of EGFR. KEY FINDINGS Chamuangone showed a strong inhibitory cell proliferation of HeLa cells with IC50 values of 3.59 µm and effectively inhibited HeLa cell migration. In addition, chamuangone exhibited the apoptotic cell death induction in a time and dose-dependent manner. Finally, chamuangone also was tested for EGFR-TK inhibition activity. The IC50 value of chamuangone was 2.85 nm, whereas the IC50 value of gefitinib was 15.10 nm. CONCLUSIONS The above results confirm the inhibitory effects of chamuangone on HeLa cell proliferation and cell migration. In addition, chamuangone also induces cell apoptosis in HeLa cells. These findings indicate that chamuangone is a compound that is a potential chemotherapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pirunrat Sae-Lim
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat, Thailand.,Phytomedicine and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Excellence Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai, Thailand
| | - Supaphorn Seetaha
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center for Advanced Studies in Nanotechnology for Chemical, Food and Agricultural Industries, KU Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lueacha Tabtimmai
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prapasiri Suphakun
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Duangnapa Kiriwan
- Genetic Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pharkphoom Panichayupakaranant
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat, Thailand.,Phytomedicine and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Excellence Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai, Thailand
| | - Kiattawee Choowongkomon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center for Advanced Studies in Nanotechnology for Chemical, Food and Agricultural Industries, KU Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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13
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Xiang X, Zhuang L, Chen H, Yang X, Li H, Li G, Yu J. Everolimus inhibits the proliferation and migration of epidermal growth factor receptor-resistant lung cancer cells A549 via regulating the microRNA-4328/phosphatase and tensin homolog signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:5269-5276. [PMID: 31612036 PMCID: PMC6781784 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cancer type worldwide, and investigating novel therapeutics methods for the treatment of chemoresistant lung cancer are of notable clinical significance. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays were performed to analyze the expression levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and microRNA-4328 (miR-4328), and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell migration assays were conducted to evaluate the proliferation and migration of A549 cells, respectively. Everolimus was observed to upregulate the expression of PTEN and inhibit the proliferation and migration of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The knockdown of PTEN abolished the effects of everolimus on the proliferation and migration of A549 cells, and everolimus was demonstrated to upregulate PTEN, and inhibit the proliferation and migration of A549 cells via downregulating miR-4328. Collectively, the results of the present study indicate that everolimus inhibited the proliferation and migration of EGFR-resistant A549 lung cancer cells via regulating the miR-4328/PTEN signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Xiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhuang
- Department of Palliative Medicine and Palliative Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Huicheng Chen
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, P.R. China
| | - Xiumei Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Gaofeng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
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14
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Chen XY, Chen Y, Qu CJ, Pan ZH, Qin Y, Zhang X, Liu WJ, Li DF, Zheng Q. Vitamin C induces human melanoma A375 cell apoptosis via Bax- and Bcl-2-mediated mitochondrial pathways. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:3880-3886. [PMID: 31516599 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most malignant type of skin cancer and is resistant to numerous chemotherapeutic and radiotherapy-based treatment approaches due to the activation of rapid and reversible pro-survival signaling pathways. As a result, patients will often present with a poor prognosis. Therefore, novel preventive methods and treatments are urgently required for patients with melanoma. Vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is widely used as a dietary additive and has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-cancer properties. In the present study, the effects of vitamin C in human melanoma A375 cells, and the mechanisms underlying these effects were investigated. Vitamin C potently suppressed human melanoma A375 cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis in A375 cells. Induction of apoptosis was related to caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation and the mitochondrial membrane potential of A375 cells significantly decreased in the presence of vitamin C. Furthermore, vitamin C induced apoptosis in A375 cells by activating the Bax- and Bcl-2-mediated mitochondrial pathway. These results indicate that vitamin C may be a potentially useful clinical anti-tumor drug for treating patients with melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Chen
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Chuan-Jun Qu
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Zhao-Hai Pan
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Yao Qin
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jing Liu
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - De-Fang Li
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Qiusheng Zheng
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic Phytomedicine Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
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15
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Blaszczak W, Barczak W, Masternak J, Kopczyński P, Zhitkovich A, Rubiś B. Vitamin C as a Modulator of the Response to Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2019; 24:E453. [PMID: 30695991 PMCID: PMC6384696 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has been gaining attention as a potential treatment for human malignancies. Various experimental studies have shown the ability of pharmacological doses of vitamin C alone or in combinations with clinically used drugs to exert beneficial effects in various models of human cancers. Cytotoxicity of high doses of vitamin C in cancer cells appears to be related to excessive reactive oxygen species generation and the resulting suppression of the energy production via glycolysis. A hallmark of cancer cells is a strongly upregulated aerobic glycolysis, which elevates its relative importance as a source of ATP (Adenosine 5'-triphosphate). Aerobic glycolysis is maintained by a highly increased uptake of glucose, which is made possible by the upregulated expression of its transporters, such as GLUT-1, GLUT-3, and GLUT-4. These proteins can also transport the oxidized form of vitamin C, dehydroascorbate, permitting its preferential uptake by cancer cells with the subsequent depletion of critical cellular reducers as a result of ascorbate formation. Ascorbate also has a potential to affect other aspects of cancer cell metabolism due to its ability to promote reduction of iron(III) to iron(II) in numerous cellular metalloenzymes. Among iron-dependent dioxygenases, important targets for stimulation by vitamin C in cancer include prolyl hydroxylases targeting the hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1/HIF-2 and histone and DNA demethylases. Altered metabolism of cancer cells by vitamin C can be beneficial by itself and promote activity of specific drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Blaszczak
- Radiobiology Lab, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary, 61-866 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Barczak
- Radiobiology Lab, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary, 61-866 Poznan, Poland.
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary, 61-866 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Julia Masternak
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Przemysław Kopczyński
- Centre for Orthodontic Mini-implants at the Department and Clinic of Maxillofacial Orthopedics and Orthodontics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Anatoly Zhitkovich
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| | - Błażej Rubiś
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland.
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16
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Saitoh Y. Comments to the article “Artefacts with ascorbate and other redox-active compounds in cell culture: epigenetic modifications, and cell killing due to hydrogen peroxide generation in cell culture media”. Free Radic Res 2018; 52:910-912. [DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2018.1524891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasukazu Saitoh
- Laboratory of Bioscience and Biotechnology for Cell Function Control, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, Japan
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17
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Pires AS, Marques CR, Encarnação JC, Abrantes AM, Marques IA, Laranjo M, Oliveira R, Casalta-Lopes JE, Gonçalves AC, Sarmento-Ribeiro AB, Botelho MF. Ascorbic Acid Chemosensitizes Colorectal Cancer Cells and Synergistically Inhibits Tumor Growth. Front Physiol 2018; 9:911. [PMID: 30083105 PMCID: PMC6064950 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is continuously classified as one of the most incidental and mortal types of cancer worldwide. The positive outcomes of the conventional chemotherapy are frequently associated with high toxicity, which often leads to the suspension of the treatment. Growing evidences consider the use of pharmacological concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA), better known as vitamin C, in the treatment of cancer. The use of AA in a clinical context is essentially related to the adoption of new therapeutic strategies based on combination regimens, where AA plays a chemosensitizing role. The reduced sensitivity of some tumors to chemotherapy and the highly associated adverse effects continue to be some of the major obstacles in the effective treatment of CRC. So, this paper aimed to study the potential of a new therapeutic approach against this neoplasia with diminished side effects for the patient. This approach was based on the study of the combination of high concentrations of AA with reduced concentrations of drugs conventionally used in CRC patients and eligible for first and second line chemotherapeutic regimens, namely 5-fluorouracilo (5-FU), oxaliplatin (Oxa) or irinotecan (Iri). The evaluation of the potential synergy between the compounds was first assessed in vitro in three CRC cell lines with different genetic background and later in vivo using one xenograft animal model of CRC. AA and 5-FU act synergistically in vitro just for longer incubation times, however, in vivo showed no benefit compared to 5-FU alone. In contrast to the lack of synergy seen in in vitro studies with the combination of AA with irinotecan, the animal model revealed the therapeutic potential of this combination. AA also potentiated the effect of Oxa, since a synergistic effect was demonstrated, in almost all conditions and in the three cell lines. Moreover, this combined therapy (CT) caused a stagnation of the tumor growth rate, being the most promising tested combination. Pharmacological concentrations of AA increased the efficacy of Iri and Oxa against CRC, with promising results in cell lines with more aggressive phenotypes, namely, tumors with mutant or null P53 expression and tumors resistant to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Pires
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia R Marques
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João C Encarnação
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana M Abrantes
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês A Marques
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Laranjo
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Oliveira
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João E Casalta-Lopes
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana C Gonçalves
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Oncobiology and Hematology Laboratory, Applied Molecular Biology and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana B Sarmento-Ribeiro
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Oncobiology and Hematology Laboratory, Applied Molecular Biology and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Hematology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria F Botelho
- Biophysics Institute, CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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