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Paoletti N, Supuran CT. Benzothiazole derivatives in the design of antitumor agents. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024:e2400259. [PMID: 38873921 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202400259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Benzothiazoles are a class of heterocycles with multiple applications as anticancer, antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory agents. Benzothiazole is a privileged scaffold in drug discovery programs for modulating a variety of biological functions. This review focuses on the design and synthesis of new benzothiazole derivatives targeting hypoxic tumors. Cancer is a major health problem, being among the leading causes of death. Tumor-hypoxic areas promote proliferation, malignancy, and resistance to drug treatment, leading to the dysregulation of key signaling pathways that involve drug targets such as vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, hepatocyte growth factor receptor, dual-specificity protein kinase, cyclin-dependent protein kinases, casein kinase 2, Rho-related coil formation protein kinase, tunica interna endothelial cell kinase, cyclooxygenase-2, adenosine kinase, lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases, stearoyl-CoA desaturase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, thioredoxin, heat shock proteins, and carbonic anhydrase IX/XII. In turn, they regulate angiogenesis, proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival, controlling the cell cycle, inflammation, the immune system, and metabolic alterations. A wide diversity of benzothiazoles were reported over the last years to interfere with various proteins involved in tumorigenesis and, more specifically, in hypoxic tumors. Many hypoxic targets are overexpressed as a result of the hypoxia-inducible factor activation cascade and may not be present in normal tissues, providing a potential strategy for selectively targeting hypoxic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Paoletti
- Department of Neurofarba, Section of Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Sciences, Polo Scientifico, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Department of Neurofarba, Section of Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Sciences, Polo Scientifico, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy
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2
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Liu H, Wang C, Wang R, Cao H, Cao Y, Huang T, Lu Z, Xiao H, Hu M, Wang H, Zhao J. New insights into mechanisms and interventions of locoregional therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma. Chin J Cancer Res 2024; 36:167-194. [PMID: 38751435 PMCID: PMC11090796 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2024.02.06] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for a significant number of cancer-related deaths worldwide and its incidence is increasing. Locoregional treatments, which are precision procedures guided by imaging to specifically target liver tumors, play a critical role in the management of a substantial portion of HCC cases. These therapies have become an essential element of the HCC treatment landscape, with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) being the treatment of choice for patients with intermediate to advanced stages of the disease. Other locoregional therapies, like radiofrequency ablation, are highly effective for small, early-stage HCC. Nevertheless, the advent of targeted immunotherapy has challenged these established treatments. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown remarkable efficacy in clinical settings. However, their specific uses and the development of resistance in subsequent treatments have led clinicians to reevaluate the future direction of HCC therapy. This review concentrates on the distinct features of both systemic and novel locoregional therapies. We investigate their effects on the tumor microenvironment at the molecular level and discuss how targeted immunotherapy can be effectively integrated with locoregional therapies. We also examine research findings from retrospective studies and randomized controlled trials on various combined treatment regimens, assessing their validity to determine the future evolution of locoregional therapies within the framework of personalized, comprehensive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyuan Liu
- Department of General surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210019, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Department of Oncology, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ruiqiang Wang
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Hengsong Cao
- Department of General surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210019, China
| | - Yongfang Cao
- Department of General surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210019, China
| | - Tian Huang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Zhengqing Lu
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Hua Xiao
- Department of General surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210019, China
| | - Mengcheng Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211103, China
| | - Hanjin Wang
- Department of General surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210019, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213001, China
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3
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Yousef EH, El-Magd NFA, El Gayar AM. Norcantharidin potentiates sorafenib antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma rat model through inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Transl Res 2023; 260:69-82. [PMID: 37257560 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sorafenib (Sora) efficacy is limited by primary and/or acquired resistance. Emerging evidence shows that the inflammatory factor interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a role in Sora resistance. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a derivative of cantharidine, was identified as a potent IL-6 inhibitor. Thus, in this study, we evaluated NCTD ability to improve the Sora efficacy in HCC and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Male Sprague Dawely rats were administered NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day; orally) or Sora (10 mg/kg day; orally) or combination for 6 weeks after HCC induction using thioacetamide (200 mg/kg; ip; 2 times/wk) for 16 weeks. Our results showed that NCTD greatly enhanced Sora activity against HCC and potentiated Sora-induced oxidative stress. NCTD enhanced Sora-induced tumor immunity reactivation by decreasing both fibrinogen-like protein 1 level and increasing both tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression along with CD8+ T cells number. Also, NCTD augmented Sora attenuation activity against TAA-induced angiogenesis and metastasis by decreasing VEGFA, HIF-1α, serum lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, and vimentin levels. The combined use of NCTD/Sora suppressed drug resistance and stemness by downregulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2, neurogenic locus notch homolog protein, spalt-like transcription factor 4, and CD133. NCTD boosted Sora antiproliferative and apoptotic activities by decreasing Ccnd1 and BCL2 expressions along with increasing BAX and caspase-3 expressions. To our knowledge, this study represents the first study providing evidence for the potential novel therapeutic use of NCTD/Sora combination for HCC. Moreover, no previous studies have reported the effect of NCTD on FGL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman H Yousef
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, Damietta, Egypt.
| | - Nada F Abo El-Magd
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amal M El Gayar
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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4
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Abi-Jaoudeh N, Sadeghi B, Javan H, Na J, Beaton G, Tucci F, Ravula S, Imagawa DK. Drug-Eluting Embolic Loaded with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Targeted Therapies for Transarterial Chemoembolization in a VX2 Model. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3236. [PMID: 37370846 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123236] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug-eluting embolic transarterial chemoembolization (DEE-TACE) improves the overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the agents used are not tailored to HCC. Our patented liposomal formulation enables the loading and elution of targeted therapies onto DEEs. This study aimed to establish the safety, feasibility, and pharmacokinetics of sorafenib or regorafenib DEE-TACE in a VX2 model. DEE-TACE was performed in VX2 hepatic tumors in a selective manner until stasis using liposomal sorafenib- or regorafenib-loaded DEEs. The animals were euthanized at 1, 24, and 72 h timepoints post embolization. Blood samples were taken for pharmacokinetics at 5 and 20 min and at 1, 24, and 72 h. Measurements of sorafenib or regorafenib were performed in all tissue samples on explanted hepatic tissue using the same mass spectrometry method. Histopathological examinations were carried out on tumor tissues and non-embolized hepatic specimens. DEE-TACE was performed on 23 rabbits. The plasma concentrations of sorafenib and regorafenib were statistically significantly several folds lower than the embolized liver at all examined timepoints. This study demonstrates the feasibility of loading sorafenib or regorafenib onto commercially available DEEs for use in TACE. The drugs eluted locally without release into systemic circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ben Sadeghi
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92697, USA
| | - Hanna Javan
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jim Na
- Cullgen, Inc., San Diego, CA 92130, USA
| | | | - Fabio Tucci
- Epigen Biosciences, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - David K Imagawa
- Department of Surgery, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92697, USA
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Huynh KN, Rao S, Roth B, Bryan T, Fernando DM, Dayyani F, Imagawa D, Abi-Jaoudeh N. Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2738. [PMID: 37345074 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that regulates the cellular response to hypoxia and is upregulated in all types of solid tumor, leading to tumor angiogenesis, growth, and resistance to therapy. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascular tumor, as well as a hypoxic tumor, due to the liver being a relatively hypoxic environment compared to other organs. Trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and trans-arterial embolization (TAE) are locoregional therapies that are part of the treatment guidelines for HCC but can also exacerbate hypoxia in tumors, as seen with HIF-1α upregulation post-hepatic embolization. Hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs) are a novel class of anticancer agent that are selectively activated under hypoxic conditions, potentially allowing for the targeted treatment of hypoxic HCC. Early studies targeting hypoxia show promising results; however, further research is needed to understand the effects of HAPs in combination with embolization in the treatment of HCC. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the role of hypoxia and HIF-1α in HCC, as well as the potential of HAPs and liver-directed embolization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth N Huynh
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Sriram Rao
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Bradley Roth
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Theodore Bryan
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Dayantha M Fernando
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Farshid Dayyani
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - David Imagawa
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
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Hashemi M, Sabouni E, Rahmanian P, Entezari M, Mojtabavi M, Raei B, Zandieh MA, Behroozaghdam M, Mirzaei S, Hushmandi K, Nabavi N, Salimimoghadam S, Ren J, Rashidi M, Raesi R, Taheriazam A, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Tan SC. Deciphering STAT3 signaling potential in hepatocellular carcinoma: tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, and pharmacological significance. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:33. [PMID: 37085753 PMCID: PMC10122325 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00438-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered one of the greatest challenges to human life and is the most common form of liver cancer. Treatment of HCC depends on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy, all of which have their own drawbacks, and patients may develop resistance to these therapies due to the aggressive behavior of HCC cells. New and effective therapies for HCC can be developed by targeting molecular signaling pathways. The expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in human cancer cells changes, and during cancer progression, the expression tends to increase. After induction of STAT3 signaling by growth factors and cytokines, STAT3 is phosphorylated and translocated to the nucleus to regulate cancer progression. The concept of the current review revolves around the expression and phosphorylation status of STAT3 in HCC, and studies show that the expression of STAT3 is high during the progression of HCC. This review addresses the function of STAT3 as an oncogenic factor in HCC, as STAT3 is able to prevent apoptosis and thus promote the progression of HCC. Moreover, STAT3 regulates both survival- and death-inducing autophagy in HCC and promotes cancer metastasis by inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, upregulation of STAT3 is associated with the occurrence of chemoresistance and radioresistance in HCC. Specifically, non-protein-coding transcripts regulate STAT3 signaling in HCC, and their inhibition by antitumor agents may affect tumor progression. In this review, all these topics are discussed in detail to provide further insight into the role of STAT3 in tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, and pharmacological regulation of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eisa Sabouni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parham Rahmanian
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Behnaz Raei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Arad Zandieh
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Behroozaghdam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Rasoul Raesi
- Department of Health Services Management, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, Australia
- AFNP Med Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, University of Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Shing Cheng Tan
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Maimaiti A, Aierken Y, Zhou L, He J, Abudureyimu A, Li SX. Inhibiting Interleukin-6/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transduction-3/Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Signaling Pathway Suppressed the Growth of Infantile Hemangioma. Eur J Pediatr Surg 2023; 33:158-166. [PMID: 35820438 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1749436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in patients with infantile hemangioma (IH) and investigate the role of the IL-6/signal transducers and activators of transduction-3 (STAT3)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathways in the progression of IH. METHODS Serum samples were obtained from the patients with IH and normal infants to measure IL-6 expression. Hemangioma-derived stem cells (HemSCs) were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting IL-6, HIF-1α, or STAT3. Then, cell viability and wound healing assays were conducted. After that, the HemSC tumor mouse model was established. The in vivo anticancer effect of the IL-6 inhibitor was investigated. RESULTS The patients with IH had much higher IL-6 levels compared with the healthy controls (p = 0.005). HemSCs transfected with IL-6 siRNA had significantly lower viability and migration rates than normal HemSCs. HemSCs transfected with STAT3 siRNA or HIF-1α siRNA had similar tendencies. On tumor-bearing mice, the IL-6 inhibitor treatment significantly delayed tumor growth. Compared with the control group, caspase-3 was significantly increased in the IL-6 inhibitor group (p < 0.05), whereas Ki-67 was decreased in the IL-6 inhibitor group (p < 0.05). In the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, the IL-6 inhibitor group had much higher apoptosis rates than the controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3/HIF-1α signaling pathways could suppress IH growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziguli Maimaiti
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Yeerfan Aierken
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Abudusaimi Abudureyimu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Shui-Xue Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
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How Biology Guides the Combination of Locoregional Interventional Therapies and Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Cytokines and Their Roles. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041324. [PMID: 36831664 PMCID: PMC9954096 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041324] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are diagnosed at the intermediate or advanced stage and are no longer eligible for curative treatment, the overall survival rate of HCC remains unsatisfactory. Locoregional interventional therapies (LITs), and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based immunotherapy, focus on treating HCC, but the efficacy of their individual application is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to discuss the biological roles of cytokines and their therapeutic potential in the combination therapy of LITs and ICI-based immunotherapy. The two common techniques of LITs are ablative and transarterial therapies. Whether LITs are complete or incomplete can largely affect the antitumor immune response and tumor progression. Cytokines that induce both local and systemic responses to LITs, including interferons, interleukins, chemokines, TNF-α, TGF-β, VEGF, and HGF, and their roles are discussed in detail. In addition, specific cytokines that can be used as therapeutic targets to reduce immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are introduced. Overall, incomplete LITs in a tumor, combined with specific cytokines, are thought to be effective at improving the therapeutic efficacy and reducing treatment-induced irAEs, and represent a new hope for managing unresectable HCC.
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Interleukin-6 and Hypoxia Synergistically Promote EMT-Mediated Invasion in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer via the IL-6/STAT3/HIF-1 α Feedback Loop. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2023; 2023:8334881. [PMID: 36814597 PMCID: PMC9940980 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8334881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive peritoneal spread and capacity for distant metastasis account for the majority of mortality from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Accumulating evidence shows that interleukin-6 (IL-6) promotes tumor invasion and migration in EOC, although the molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Meanwhile, the hypoxic microenvironment has been recognized to cause metastasis by triggering epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in several types of cancers. Here, we studied the synergy between IL-6 and hypoxia in inducing EMT in two EOC cell lines, A2780 cells and SKOV3 cells. Exogenous recombination of IL-6 and autocrine production of IL-6 regulated by plasmids both induced EMT phenotype in EOC cells characterized by downregulated E-cadherin as well as upregulated expression of vimentin and EMT-related transcription factors. The combined effects of IL-6 and hypoxia were more significant than those of either one treatment on EMT. Suppression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) before IL-6 treatment inhibited the EMT phenotype and invasion ability of EOC cells, indicating that HIF-1α occupies a key position in the regulatory pathway of EMT associated with IL-6. EMT score was found positively correlated with mRNA levels of IL-6, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and HIF-1α, respectively, in 489 ovarian samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. Next, blockade of the abovementioned molecules by chemical inhibitors reversed the alteration in the protein levels of EMT markers induced by either exogenous or endogenous IL-6. These findings indicate a positive feedback loop between IL-6 and HIF-1α, and induce and maintain EMT phenotype through STAT3 signaling, which might provide a novel rationale for prognostic prediction and therapeutic targets in EOC.
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Qi W, Peng W, Qi X, Qiu Z, Wen T, Li C. TIDE: adjuvant tislelizumab plus donafenib combined with transarterial chemoembolization for high-risk hepatocellular carcinoma after surgery: protocol for a prospective, single-arm, phase II trial. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1138570. [PMID: 37139154 PMCID: PMC10149831 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1138570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The high recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery negatively affects the prognosis of patients. There is currently no widely accepted adjuvant therapy strategy for patients with HCC. A clinical study of effective adjuvant therapy is still needed. Methods In this prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical trial, an adjuvant regimen of donafenib plus tislelizumab combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) will be used to treat enrolled HCC patients after surgery. Briefly, patients newly diagnosed with HCC by pathological examination who underwent curative resection and had a single tumor more than 5 cm in diameter with microvascular invasion as detected by pathological examination are eligible. The primary endpoint of the study is the recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate at 3 years, and secondary endpoints are the overall survival (OS) rate and the incidence of adverse events (AEs). The planned sample size, 32 patients, was calculated to permit the accumulation of sufficient RFS events in 3 years to achieve 90% power for the RFS primary endpoint. Discussion Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathways regulate the relevant immunosuppressive mechanisms of HCC recurrence. Our trial will evaluate the clinical benefit of adding donafenib plus tislelizumab to TACE in patients with early-stage HCC and a high risk of recurrence. Clinical trial registration www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2200063003.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Qi
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Qi
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhancheng Qiu
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianfu Wen
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Chuan Li,
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Wang H, Zhang G, Fan W, Wu Y, Zhang J, Xue M, Zhao Y, Yao W, Li J. Clinical Significance of Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Subtypes and Cytokines in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with TACE. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:451-464. [PMID: 35153515 PMCID: PMC8827642 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s342527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Wang
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guixiong Zhang
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenzhe Fan
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanqin Wu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The first Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miao Xue
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wang Yao
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaping Li
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Jiaping Li, Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-20-13352890908, Fax +86-20-87755766, Email
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12
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Shen LJ, Sun HW, Chai YY, Jiang QY, Zhang J, Li WM, Xin SJ. The Disassociation of the A20/HSP90 Complex via Downregulation of HSP90 Restores the Effect of A20 Enhancing the Sensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells to Molecular Targeted Agents. Front Oncol 2022; 11:804412. [PMID: 34976842 PMCID: PMC8714928 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.804412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) is a regulator of hepatocellular cancer (HCC)-related inflammation and enhances HCC cells' resistance to antitumor therapies by promoting cell survival and anti-apoptosis processes. In the present work, we demonstrate that A20, a dominant-negative regulator of NF-κB, forms a complex with HSP90 (heat-shock protein 90) and causes the disassociation of the A20/HSP90 complex via downregulation of HSP90. This process restores the antitumor activation of A20. In clinical specimens, the expression level of A20 did not relate with the outcome in patients receiving sorafenib; however, high levels of HSP90 were associated with poor outcomes in these patients. A20 interacted with and formed complexes with HSP90. Knockdown of HSP90 and treatment with an HSP90 inhibitor disassociated the A20/HSP90 complex. Overexpression of A20 alone did not affect HCC cells. Downregulation of HSP90 combined with A20 overexpression restored the effect of A20. Overexpression of A20 repressed the expression of pro-survival and anti-apoptosis-related factors and enhanced HCC cells' sensitivity to sorafenib. These results suggest that interactions with HSP90 could be potential mechanisms of A20 inactivation and disassociation of the A20/HSP90 complex and could serve as a novel strategy for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Shen
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Division 8, Department of Hepatology, Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Wei Sun
- Senior Department of Infectious Disease, Institute of Infectious Disease, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Yao Chai
- Senior Department of Infectious Disease, Institute of Infectious Disease, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qi-Yu Jiang
- Senior Department of Infectious Disease, Institute of Infectious Disease, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Patient Management, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Ming Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shao-Jie Xin
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Division 6, Department of Hepatology, Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
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13
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Yang W, Wei X, Jiao Y, Bai Y, Sam WN, Yan Q, Sun X, Li G, Ma J, Wei W, Tian D, Zheng F. STAT3/HIF-1α/fascin-1 axis promotes RA FLSs migration and invasion ability under hypoxia. Mol Immunol 2021; 142:83-94. [PMID: 34971867 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium was identified as "tumor-like" tissues because of the hypoxic microenvironment, significant cell proliferation, and invasion phenotypes. It was reported that hypoxia promoted tumor aggressiveness via up-regulated expression of fascin-1 in cancer. However, the role of fascin-1 in RA synovial hyperplasia and joint injury progression remains unknown. In the current study, we first identified that both fascin-1 and HIF-1α were highly expressed in the RA synovium, in which they were widely colocalized, compared to osteoarthritis(OA). As well, levels of fascin-1 in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLSs) were found significantly higher than those in OA FLSs. Further, it was demonstrated that the mRNA and protein levels of fascin-1 in RA FLSs were up-regulated in hypoxia (3 % O2) and experimental hypoxia induced by cobalt chloride. Mechanistically, the HIF-1α-mediated hypoxia environment activated the gene expression of the fascin-1 protein, which in turn promoted the migration and invasion of RA FLSs. Accordingly, the restoration of FLSs migration and invasion was observed following siRNA-mediated silencing of fascin-1 and HIF-1α expression. Notably, under the experimental hypoxia, we found that the expression levels of fascin-1, HIF-1α, and p-STAT3 were increased in a time-dependent manner, and fascin-1and HIF-1α expressions were dependent on p-STAT3. Our results indicated that hypoxia-induced fascin-1 up-regulation promoted RA FLSs migration and invasion through the STAT3/HIF-1α/fascin-1 axis, which might represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yang
- Department of Clinical Immunology, School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyue Wei
- Department of Clinical Immunology, School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yachong Jiao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
| | - Yingyu Bai
- Laboratory for Mechanisms and Therapies of Heart Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wilfried Noel Sam
- Department of Clinical Immunology, School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiushuang Yan
- Department of Clinical Immunology, School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuguo Sun
- Department of Clinical Immunology, School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangping Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Rheumatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Derun Tian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Fang Zheng
- Department of Clinical Immunology, School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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14
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3-Formylchromone Counteracts STAT3 Signaling Pathway by Elevating SHP-2 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOLOGY 2021; 11:biology11010029. [PMID: 35053027 PMCID: PMC8773260 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary STAT3 acts as a potential tumor-promoting transcription factor that gets aberrantly activated in several types of human cancers and plays a crucial role in tumor progression and metastasis. STAT3 expression has been correlated with a dismal prognosis and poor survival. In this study, we have demonstrated that 3-formylchromone inhibits the STAT3 signaling in HCC cells by modulating SHP-2 expression. It also effectively diminished the tumor growth and subsequent reduction in metastasis in the HCC mouse model without exhibiting any major side effects. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading cancers that contribute to a large number of deaths throughout the globe. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a tumorigenic protein that is overactivated in several human malignancies including HCC. In the present report, the effect of 3-formylchromone (3FC) on the STAT3 signaling pathway in the HCC model was investigated. 3FC downregulated the constitutive phosphorylation of STAT3 and non-receptor tyrosine kinases such as JAK1 and JAK2. It also suppressed the transportation of STAT3 to the nucleus and reduced its DNA-binding ability. Pervanadate treatment overrode the 3FC-triggered STAT3 inhibition, and the profiling of cellular phosphatase expression revealed an increase in SHP-2 levels upon 3FC treatment. The siRNA-driven deletion of SHP-2 led to reinstate STAT3 activation. 3FC downmodulated the levels of various oncogenic proteins and decreased CXCL12-driven cell migration and invasion. Interestingly, 3FC did not exhibit any substantial toxicity, whereas it significantly regressed tumor growth in an orthotopic HCC mouse model and abrogated lung metastasis. Overall, 3FC can function as a potent agent that can display antitumor activity by targeting STAT3 signaling in HCC models.
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15
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Chemotherapy: a double-edged sword in cancer treatment. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:507-526. [PMID: 34355266 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is a well-known and effective treatment for different cancers; unfortunately, it has not been as efficient in the eradication of all cancer cells as been expected. The mechanism of this failure was not fully clarified, yet. Meanwhile, alterations in the physiologic conditions of the tumor microenvironment (TME) were suggested as one of the underlying possibilities. Chemotherapy drugs can activate multiple signaling pathways and augment the secretion of inflammatory mediators. Inflammation may show two opposite roles in the TME. On the one hand, inflammation, as an innate immune response, tries to suppress tumor growth but on the other hand, it might be not powerful enough to eradicate the cancer cells and even it can provide appropriate conditions for cancer promotion and relapse as well. Therefore, the administration of mild anti-inflammatory drugs during chemotherapy might result in more successful clinical results. Here, we will review and discuss this hypothesis. Most chemotherapy agents are triggers of inflammation in the tumor microenvironment through inducing the production of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) molecules. Some chemotherapy agents can induce systematic inflammation by provoking TLR4 signaling or triggering IL-1B secretion through the inflammasome pathway. NF-kB and MAPK are key signaling pathways of inflammation and could be activated by several chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, inflammation can play a key role in cancer development, metastasis and exacerbation.
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16
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Domfeh SA, Narkwa PW, Quaye O, Kusi KA, Awandare GA, Ansah C, Salam A, Mutocheluh M. Cryptolepine inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth through inhibiting interleukin-6/STAT3 signalling. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:161. [PMID: 34078370 PMCID: PMC8170807 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03326-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diverse signalling pathways are involved in carcinogenesis and one of such pathways implicated in many cancers is the interleukin 6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL-6/STAT3) signalling pathway. Therefore, inhibition of this pathway is targeted as an anti-cancer intervention. This study aimed to establish the effect of cryptolepine, which is the main bioactive alkaloid in the medicinal plant Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, on the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway. METHODS First, the effect of cryptolepine on the IL-6/STAT3 pathway in human hepatoma cells (HepG2 cells) was screened using the Cignal Finder Multi-Pathway Reporter Array. Next, to confirm the effect of cryptolepine on the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway, the pathway was activated using 200 ng/mL IL-6 in the presence of 0.5-2 μM cryptolepine. The levels of total STAT3, p-STAT3 and IL-23 were assessed by ELISA. RESULTS Cryptolepine downregulated 12 signalling pathways including the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway and upregulated 17 signalling pathways. Cryptolepine, in the presence of IL-6, decreased the levels of p-STAT3 and IL-23 in a dose-dependent fashion. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that cryptolepine inhibits the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway, and therefore cryptolepine-based remedies such as Cryptolepis sanguinolenta could potentially be used as an effective immunotherapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Domfeh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Patrick W Narkwa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Osbourne Quaye
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo A Kusi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Charles Ansah
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Mohamed Mutocheluh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
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17
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Common genetic variants and pathways in diabetes and associated complications and vulnerability of populations with different ethnic origins. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7504. [PMID: 33820928 PMCID: PMC8021559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a complex and heterogeneous metabolic disorder which is often pre- or post-existent with complications such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, inflammation, chronic kidney disease, diabetic retino- and nephropathies. However, the frequencies of these co-morbidities vary among individuals and across populations. It is, therefore, not unlikely that certain genetic variants might commonly contribute to these conditions. Here, we identified four single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs5186, rs1800795, rs1799983 and rs1800629 in AGTR1, IL6, NOS3 and TNFA genes, respectively) to be commonly associated with each of these conditions. We explored their possible interplay in diabetes and associated complications. The variant allele and haplotype frequencies at these polymorphic loci vary among different super-populations (African, European, admixed Americans, South and East Asians). The variant alleles are particularly highly prevalent in different European and admixed American populations. Differential distribution of these variants in different ethnic groups suggests that certain drugs might be more effective in selective populations rather than all. Therefore, population specific genetic architectures should be considered before considering a drug for these conditions.
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18
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Downregulation of RIPK4 Expression Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Ovarian Cancer through IL-6. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:8875450. [PMID: 33855091 PMCID: PMC8019379 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8875450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RIPK4 has been implicated in multiple cancer types, but its role in ovarian cancer (OC) has not been clearly elucidated. Our data from Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemical analysis showed that RIPK4 was expressed at higher levels in OC tissues and cells than in normal ovarian tissues and cells. Increased RIPK4 expression in OC markedly correlated with a worse overall survival than lower RIPK4 expression levels (hazard rate (HR) 1.5 (1.45–1.87); P = 0.001). In functional experiments, RIPK4 downregulation significantly inhibited metastatic behaviours in OC cells. Subsequently, based on data from 593 OC patients in the TCGA database, gene set enrichment analysis revealed that RIPK4 was involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in OC. At the molecular level, silencing RIPK4 significantly downregulated vimentin, N-cadherin, and Twist expression but induced an increase in the protein level of E-cadherin and inhibited the IL-6 and STAT3 levels. Moreover, IL-6 levels were significantly decreased in RIPK4-silenced OC cells (P < 0.05). The addition of IL-6 to OC cells rescued the suppressive effect of RIPK4 knockdown on EMT. Thus, our data illustrate that downregulation of RIPK4 expression can restrain EMT in OC by inhibiting IL-6. This finding may provide a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for improving the poor prognoses of OC patients.
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19
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The role of microRNA-338-3p in cancer: growth, invasion, chemoresistance, and mediators. Life Sci 2021; 268:119005. [PMID: 33421526 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.119005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer still remains as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Metastasis and proliferation are abnormally increased in cancer cells that subsequently, mediate resistance of cancer cells to different therapies such as radio-, chemo- and immune-therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous short non-coding RNAs that can regulate expression of target genes at post-transcriptional level and capable of interaction with mRNA-coding genes. Vital biological mechanisms including apoptosis, migration and differentiation are modulated by these small molecules. MiRNAs are key players in regulating cancer proliferation and metastasis as well as cancer therapy response. MiRNAs can function as both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting factors. In the present review, regulatory impact of miRNA-338-3p on cancer growth and migration is discussed. This new emerging miRNA can regulate response of cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It seems that miRNA-338-3p has dual role in cancer chemotherapy, acting as tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressor factor. Experiments reveal anti-tumor activity of miRNA-338-3p in cancer. Hence, increasing miRNA-338-3p expression is of importance in effective cancer therapy. Long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs and hypoxia are potential upstream mediators of miRNA-338-3p in cancer. Anti-tumor agents including baicalin and arbutin can promote expression of miRNA-338-3p in suppressing cancer progression. These topics are discussed to shed some light on function of miRNA-338-3p in cancer cells.
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20
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Chen L, Yi C, Li W, Tseng Y, Zhang J, Liu J. Inhibition of SPATS2 Suppresses Proliferation and Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells through TRIM44-STAT3 Signaling Pathway. J Cancer 2021; 12:89-98. [PMID: 33391405 PMCID: PMC7738826 DOI: 10.7150/jca.47526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health burden and its treatment options are limited. Spermatogenesis associated serine rich 2(SPATS2), a recent defined oncogene, was found to be a prognostic biomarker in HCC. However, the explicit mechanism underlying SPATS2 was urged to be elucidated. In vitro, knockdown of SPATS2 hampered the proliferation, invasion and migration of HCC cells. Moreover, phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and its downstream oncogenes were dramatically suppressed by SPATS2 knockdown. In addition, tripartite motif containing 44 (TRIM44) was found to be positively associated with SPATS2 in TCGA and declined after SPATS2 knockdown in HCC cells. Overexpression of TRIM44 rescued the effect of SPATS2 silencing on p-STAT3 and its downstream oncogenes. In vivo, SPATS2 silencing was confirmed to impede HCC tumor development in nude mice. In our own cohort containing 112 HCC patients, high SPATS2 protein level is indicative of an unfavorable clinicopathological feature and poor prognosis and could serve as an independent risk factor. Collectively, the present study is the first to propose the mechanism of significance of SPATS2-TRIM44-p-STAT3 in HCC and provide a new theoretical basis for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Chen
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chenhe Yi
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wenshuai Li
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yujen Tseng
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
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21
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You L, Wu W, Wang X, Fang L, Adam V, Nepovimova E, Wu Q, Kuca K. The role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 in tumor immune evasion. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:1622-1643. [PMID: 33305856 DOI: 10.1002/med.21771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) plays an indispensable role in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Hypoxia and HIF-1 are involved in multiple aspects of tumor progression, such as metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. In innate and adaptive immune systems, malignant tumor cells avoid their recognition and destruction by HIF-1. Tumor immune evasion allows cancer cells to proliferate and metastasize and is associated with immunotherapy failure and chemoresistance. In the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, HIF-1 signaling suppresses the innate and adaptive immune systems to evade immune attack by inducing the expression of immunosuppressive factors and immune checkpoint molecules, including vascular endothelial growth factor, prostaglandin E2 , and programmed death-ligand 1/programmed death-1. Moreover, HIF-1 blocks tumor-associated antigen presentation via major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related/natural killer group 2, member D signaling. Tumor-associated autophagy and the release of tumor-derived exosomes contribute to HIF-1-mediated immune evasion. This review focuses on recent findings on the potential mechanism(s) underlying the effect of hypoxia and HIF-1 signaling on tumor immune evasion in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. The effects of HIF-1 on immune checkpoint molecules, immunosuppressive molecules, autophagy, and exosomes have been described. Additionally, the potential role of HIF-1 in the regulation of tumor-derived exosomes, as well as the roles of HIF-1 and exosomes in tumor evasion, are discussed. This study will contribute to our understanding of HIF-1-mediated tumor immune evasion, leading to the development of effective HIF-1-targeting drugs and immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li You
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Wenda Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liurong Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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22
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Brusatol suppresses STAT3-driven metastasis by downregulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Adv Res 2020; 26:83-94. [PMID: 33133685 PMCID: PMC7584682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process of transdifferentiation where epithelial cells attain mesenchymal phenotype to gain invasive properties and thus, can contribute to metastasis of tumor cells. Objectives The antimetastatic and antitumor efficacy of brusatol (BT) was investigated in a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model. Methods We evaluated the action of BT on EMT process using various biological assays in HCC cell lines and its effect on tumorigenesis in an orthotopic mouse model. Results We found that BT treatment restored the expression of Occludin, E-cadherin (epithelial markers) while suppressing the levels of different mesenchymal markers in HCC cells and tumor tissues. Moreover, we observed a decline in the expression of transcription factors (Snail, Twist). Since the expression of these two factors can be regulated by STAT3 signaling, we deciphered the influence of BT on modulation of this pathway. BT suppressed the phosphorylation of STAT3Y705 and STAT3 depletion using siRNA resulted in the restoration of epithelial markers. Importantly, BT (1mg/kg) reduced the tumor burden in orthotopic mouse model with a concurrent decline in lung metastasis. Conclusions Overall, our results demonstrate that BT interferes with STAT3 induced metastasis by altering the expression of EMT-related proteins in HCC model.
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23
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Zhou T, Lin W, Lin S, Zhong Z, Luo Y, Lin Z, Xie W, Shen W, Hong K. Association of Nuclear Receptor Coactivators with Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 α in the Serum of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:1587915. [PMID: 32884936 PMCID: PMC7455818 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1587915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor coactivators (NCOAs), consisting of coactivators and corepressors, dramatically enhance the transcriptional activity of nuclear receptors. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that plays a major role under hypoxic conditions. This study was performed with the focus on the association of NCOAs with HIF-1α in the serum of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Sixty patients with stage 5 CKD and 30 healthy controls from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, between March 21, 2019, and October 30, 2019, were recruited in this prospective cohort study. We analyzed the serum levels of NCOAs (NCOA1, NCOA2, and NCOA3), HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), etc. and assessed whether there was any relationship between these parameters and CKD disease. We found that circulating NCOA1 was positively associated with circulating NCOA2, NCOA3, and HIF-1α. A positive correlation was also observed between NCOA2 and NCOA1, NCOA3, HIF-1α, and VEGF. Furthermore, statistically significant correlations between NCOA3 and NCOA1, NCOA2, and HIF-1α were observed. The serum levels of VEGF in the CKD group were higher than those of the healthy control group. Circulating NCOA1 and circulating NCOA2 were negatively associated with procalcitonin. In conclusion, there was an association between circulating NCOA1, NCOA2, NCOA3, and circulating HIF-1α, and circulating VEGF was a risk factor for CKD disease. However, more studies should be performed to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianbiao Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, 515041 Shantou, China
| | - Wenshan Lin
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, 515041 Shantou, China
| | - Shujun Lin
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, 515041 Shantou, China
| | - Zhiqing Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, 515041 Shantou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Luo
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, 515041 Shantou, China
| | - Zhijun Lin
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, 515041 Shantou, China
| | - Weiji Xie
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, 515041 Shantou, China
| | - Weitao Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, 515041 Shantou, China
| | - Kai Hong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, 515041 Shantou, China
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