1
|
Corleto KA, Strandmo JL, Giles ED. Metformin and Breast Cancer: Current Findings and Future Perspectives from Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:396. [PMID: 38543182 PMCID: PMC10974219 DOI: 10.3390/ph17030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last several decades, a growing body of research has investigated the potential to repurpose the anti-diabetic drug metformin for breast cancer prevention and/or treatment. Observational studies in the early 2000s demonstrated that patients with diabetes taking metformin had decreased cancer risk, providing the first evidence supporting the potential role of metformin as an anti-cancer agent. Despite substantial efforts, two decades later, the exact mechanisms and clinical efficacy of metformin for breast cancer remain ambiguous. Here, we have summarized key findings from studies examining the effect of metformin on breast cancer across the translational spectrum including in vitro, in vivo, and human studies. Importantly, we discuss critical factors that may help explain the significant heterogeneity in study outcomes, highlighting how metformin dose, underlying metabolic health, menopausal status, tumor subtype, membrane transporter expression, diet, and other factors may play a role in modulating metformin's anti-cancer effects. We hope that these insights will help with interpreting data from completed studies, improve the design of future studies, and aid in the identification of patient subsets with breast cancer or at high risk for the disease who are most likely to benefit from metformin treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen A. Corleto
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (K.A.C.)
- School of Kinesiology and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jenna L. Strandmo
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (K.A.C.)
| | - Erin D. Giles
- School of Kinesiology and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ammarah U, Pereira-Nunes A, Delfini M, Mazzone M. From monocyte-derived macrophages to resident macrophages-how metabolism leads their way in cancer. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38411356 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are innate immune cells that play key roles during both homeostasis and disease. Depending on the microenvironmental cues sensed in different tissues, macrophages are known to acquire specific phenotypes and exhibit unique features that, ultimately, orchestrate tissue homeostasis, defense, and repair. Within the tumor microenvironment, macrophages are referred to as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and constitute a heterogeneous population. Like their tissue resident counterpart, TAMs are plastic and can switch function and phenotype according to the niche-derived stimuli sensed. While changes in TAM phenotype are known to be accompanied by adaptive alterations in their cell metabolism, it is reported that metabolic reprogramming of macrophages can dictate their activation state and function. In line with these observations, recent research efforts have been focused on defining the metabolic traits of TAM subsets in different tumor malignancies and understanding their role in cancer progression and metastasis formation. This knowledge will pave the way to novel therapeutic strategies tailored to cancer subtype-specific metabolic landscapes. This review outlines the metabolic characteristics of distinct TAM subsets and their implications in tumorigenesis across multiple cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ummi Ammarah
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Centre, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Andreia Pereira-Nunes
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marcello Delfini
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ji X, Huang X, Li C, Guan N, Pan T, Dong J, Li L. Effect of tumor-associated macrophages on the pyroptosis of breast cancer tumor cells. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:197. [PMID: 37542283 PMCID: PMC10401873 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01208-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are immune cells with high plasticity that are widely distributed in all tissues and organs of the body. Under the influence of the immune microenvironment of breast tumors, macrophages differentiate into various germline lineages. They exert pro-tumor or tumor-suppressive effects by secreting various cytokines. Pyroptosis is mediated by Gasdermin family proteins, which form holes in cell membranes and cause a violent inflammatory response and cell death. This is an important way for the body to fight off infections. Tumor cell pyroptosis can activate anti-tumor immunity and inhibit tumor growth. At the same time, it releases inflammatory mediators and recruits tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) for accumulation. Macrophages act as "mediators" of cytokine interactions and indirectly influence the pyroptosis pathway. This paper describes the mechanism of action on the part of TAM in affecting the pyroptosis process of breast tumor cells, as well as its key role in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, it provides the basis for in-depth research on how to use immune cells to affect breast tumors and guide anti-tumor trends, with important implications for the prevention and treatment of breast tumors. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- XuLing Ji
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Xiaoxia Huang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Chao Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Ningning Guan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Tingting Pan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Jing Dong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.
| | - Lin Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu G, Li C, Di Z, Yang Y, Liang L, Yuan Q, Yang Q, Dong X, Xu S, Wu G. Development of the expression and prognostic significance of
m
5
C
‐related
LncRNAs
in breast cancer. Cancer Med 2022; 12:7667-7681. [PMID: 36464884 PMCID: PMC10067052 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5-Methylcytosine (m5C) methylation is a major epigenetic RNA modification and is closely related to tumorigenesis in various cancers. This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of m5C-related lncRNAs in breast cancer. METHODS Clinical characteristics and RNA-seq expression data from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) were used in the study. First, we performed differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis and constructed a PPI network for the 12 m5C regulators. Then, we identified the m5C-related LncRNAs by the "cor. test." An m5C-related lncRNA prognostic risk signature was developed using univariate Cox regression and Lasso-penalized Cox regression analyses. The model's performance was determined using Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis and ROC curves. Finally, a nomogram was constructed for clinical application in evaluating patients with BRCA. We also researched the drug sensitivity of signature lncRNAs and immune cell infiltration. Finally, we validated the expression of the signature lncRNAs through qRT-PCR in a breast cancer cell line and a breast epithelial cell line. RESULTS Overall, we constructed an 11-lncRNA risk score signature based on the lncRNAs associated with m5C regulators. According to the median risk score, we divided BRCA patients into high- and low-risk groups. The prognostic risk signature displayed excellent accuracy and demonstrated sufficient independence from other clinical characteristics. The immune cell infiltration analysis showed that the prognostic risk signature was related to the infiltration of immune cell subtypes. Drug sensitivity proved that our prognostic risk signature potentially has therapeutic value. CONCLUSIONS The m5C-related lncRNA signature reliably predicted the prognosis of breast cancer patients and may provide new insight into the breast cancer tumor immune microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaoran Xu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Chengxin Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Ziyang Di
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgical Oncology Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Yalong Yang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Leilei Liang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Beijing China
| | - Qianqian Yuan
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Xingxing Dong
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Siguang Xu
- Xinxiang Medical College Xinxiang Medical University Xinxiang China
| | - Gaosong Wu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Y, Lim D, Cai Z, Peng J, Jia B, Chu G, Zhang F, Dong C, Feng Z. Valproic acid counteracts polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-induced tumorigenic effects by regulating the polarization of macrophages. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2022; 241:113779. [PMID: 35751934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common persistent organic pollutants that are carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic, causing a variety of harm to human health. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of how valproic acid (VPA) interferes with the carcinogenesis of PAHs protect normal tissues via the regulation of macrophages' function. Using the established model of transformed malignant breast cancer by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), a representative PAH carcinogen, we discovered VPA induces the polarization of macrophages toward the M1 phenotype in the tumor tissues, facilitates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-12 and TNF-α, activates CD8+ T cells to secret Granzyme B thus to promote the apoptosis of tumor cells and suppresses the viability of vascular endothelial cells in tissue stroma of tumor. Surprisingly, VPA selectively induces macrophages to polarize towards the M2 phenotype in normal tissues and promotes the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 to enhance cell proliferation. Additionally, at the cellular level, VPA can directly regulate the polarization of macrophages to affect the growth of vascular endothelial cells by simulating the living conditions of tumor and normal cells. Collectively, VPA exerts an interventional effect on tumor growth and a protective effect on normal tissues by regulation of selective macrophages' polarization in their microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yisha Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - David Lim
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Zuchao Cai
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Junxuan Peng
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Beidi Jia
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Guoliang Chu
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Fengmei Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Dong
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhihui Feng
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Samuels M, Cilibrasi C, Papanastasopoulos P, Giamas G. Extracellular Vesicles as Mediators of Therapy Resistance in the Breast Cancer Microenvironment. Biomolecules 2022; 12:132. [PMID: 35053279 PMCID: PMC8773878 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to various therapies, including novel immunotherapies, poses a major challenge in the management of breast cancer and is the leading cause of treatment failure. Bidirectional communication between breast cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment is now known to be an important contributor to therapy resistance. Several studies have demonstrated that crosstalk with the tumour microenvironment through extracellular vesicles is an important mechanism employed by cancer cells that leads to drug resistance via changes in protein, lipid and nucleic acid cargoes. Moreover, the cargo content enables extracellular vesicles to be used as effective biomarkers for predicting response to treatments and as potential therapeutic targets. This review summarises the literature to date regarding the role of extracellular vesicles in promoting therapy resistance in breast cancer through communication with the tumour microenvironment.
Collapse
|
7
|
Holm JB, Rosendahl AH, Borgquist S. Local Biomarkers Involved in the Interplay between Obesity and Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246286. [PMID: 34944905 PMCID: PMC8699696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. The risk of developing breast cancer depends on various mechanisms, such as age, heredity, reproductive factors, physical inactivity, and obesity. Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer and worsens outcomes for breast cancer patients. The rate of obesity is increasing worldwide, stressing the need for awareness of the association between obesity and breast cancer. In this review, we outline the biomarkers—including cellular and soluble factors—in the breast, associated with obesity, that affect the risk of breast cancer and breast cancer prognosis. Through these biomarkers, we aim to better identify patients with obesity with a higher risk of breast cancer and an inferior prognosis. Abstract Obesity is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women worldwide (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Furthermore, breast cancer patients with obesity have an impaired prognosis. Adipose tissue is abundant in the breast. Therefore, breast cancer develops in an adipose-rich environment. During obesity, changes in the local environment in the breast occur which are associated with breast cancer. A shift towards a pro-inflammatory state is seen, resulting in altered levels of cytokines and immune cells. Levels of adipokines, such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin, are changed. Aromatase activity rises, resulting in higher levels of potent estrogen in the breast. Lastly, remodeling of the extracellular matrix takes place. In this review, we address the current knowledge on the changes in the breast adipose tissue in obesity associated with breast cancer initiation and progression. We aim to identify obesity-associated biomarkers in the breast involved in the interplay between obesity and breast cancer. Hereby, we can improve identification of women with obesity with an increased risk of breast cancer and an impaired prognosis. Studies investigating mammary adipocytes and breast adipose tissue in women with obesity versus women without obesity are, however, sparse and further research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Busk Holm
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Correspondence: (J.B.H.); (S.B.)
| | - Ann H. Rosendahl
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Barngatan 4, 221 85 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Signe Borgquist
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Barngatan 4, 221 85 Lund, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (J.B.H.); (S.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nascimento C, Ferreira F. Tumor microenvironment of human breast cancer, and feline mammary carcinoma as a potential study model. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188587. [PMID: 34237352 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been a research hotspot, as it is composed of distinct cellular and non-cellular elements that may influence the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of breast cancer patients. Cancer cells are able to escape immune control through an immunoediting process which depends on complex communication networks between immune and cancer cells. Thus, a better understanding of the immune cell infiltrate in the breast cancer microenvironment is crucial for the development of more effective therapeutic approaches. In this review article, we overview the different actors that orchestrate the complexity of the TME, including tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), natural killer cells, tumor infiltrating dendritic cells (TIDCs), tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), tumor associated neutrophils (TANs), cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), distinct pro-angiogenic factors and immune checkpoint biomarkers. Additionally, we summarize the recent advances in the TME of feline mammary carcinoma (FMC). FMC has been proposed as a reliable cancer model for the study of human breast cancer, as they share clinicopathological, histopathological and epidemiological features, as well as the pathways involved in cancer initiation and progression.
Collapse
|
9
|
Munir MT, Kay MK, Kang MH, Rahman MM, Al-Harrasi A, Choudhury M, Moustaid-Moussa N, Hussain F, Rahman SM. Tumor-Associated Macrophages as Multifaceted Regulators of Breast Tumor Growth. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6526. [PMID: 34207035 PMCID: PMC8233875 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women of Western countries and is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The breast tumor microenvironment contains immune cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and extracellular matrix. Among these cells, macrophages or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major components of the breast cancer microenvironment. TAMs facilitate metastasis of the breast tumor and are responsible for poor clinical outcomes. High TAM density was also found liable for the poor prognosis of breast cancer. These observations make altering TAM function a potential therapeutic target to treat breast cancer. The present review summarizes the origin of TAMs, mechanisms of macrophage recruitment and polarization in the tumor, and the contributions of TAMs in tumor progression. We have also discussed our current knowledge about TAM-targeted therapies and the roles of miRNAs and exosomes in re-educating TAM function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maliha Tabassum Munir
- Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (M.T.M.); (N.M.-M.)
- Obesity Research Institute, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Matthew K. Kay
- Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.K.K.); (M.C.)
| | - Min H. Kang
- Cancer Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA;
| | - Md Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al-Mouz 616, Oman;
| | - Mahua Choudhury
- Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.K.K.); (M.C.)
| | - Naima Moustaid-Moussa
- Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (M.T.M.); (N.M.-M.)
- Obesity Research Institute, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Fazle Hussain
- Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
| | - Shaikh Mizanoor Rahman
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al-Mouz 616, Oman;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jiang L, Zhang G, Li Y, Shi G, Li M. Potential Application of Plant-Based Functional Foods in the Development of Immune Boosters. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:637782. [PMID: 33959009 PMCID: PMC8096308 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.637782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune dysfunction, which is responsible for the development of human diseases including cancer, is caused by a variety of factors. Therefore, regulation of the factors influencing the immune response is a potentially effective strategy to counter diseases. Presently, several immune adjuvants are used in clinical practice to enhance the immune response and host defense ability; however, synthetic drugs can exert negative side effects. Thus, the search for natural products of plant origin as new leads for the development of potent and safe immune boosters is gaining considerable research interest. Plant-based functional foods have been shown to exert several immunomodulatory effects in humans; therefore, the application of new agents to enhance immunological and specific host defenses is a promising approach. In this comprehensive review, we have provided an up-to-date report on the use as well as the known and potential mechanisms of bioactive compounds obtained from plant-based functional foods as natural immune boosters. Plant-based bioactive compounds promote immunity through multiple mechanisms, including influencing the immune organs, cellular immunity, humoral immunity, nonspecific immunity, and immune-related signal transduction pathways. Enhancement of the immune response in a natural manner represents an excellent prospect for disease prevention and treatment and is worthy of further research and development using approaches of modern science and technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ye Li
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China
| | | | - Minhui Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China.,Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Inner Mongolia Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China.,Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Characteristic Geoherbs Resources Protection and Utilization, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li Y, Wang X, Ma X, Liu C, Wu J, Sun C. Natural Polysaccharides and Their Derivates: A Promising Natural Adjuvant for Tumor Immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:621813. [PMID: 33935714 PMCID: PMC8080043 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.621813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment process of tumor is advanced with the development of immunotherapy. In clinical experience, immunotherapy has achieved very significant results. However, the application of immunotherapy is limited by a variety of immune microenvironment. For a long time in the past, polysaccharides such as lentinan and Ganoderma lucidum glycopeptide have been used in clinic as adjuvant drugs to widely improve the immunity of the body. However, their mechanism in tumor immunotherapy has not been deeply discussed. Studies have shown that natural polysaccharides can stimulate innate immunity by activating upstream immune cells so as to regulate adaptive immune pathways such as T cells and improve the effect of immunotherapy, suggesting that polysaccharides also have a promising future in cancer therapy. This review systematically discusses that polysaccharides can directly or indirectly activate macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells etc., binding to their surface receptors, inducing PI3K/Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Notch and other pathways, promote their proliferation and differentiation, increasing the secretion of cytokines, and improve the state of immune suppression. These results provide relevant basis for guiding polysaccharide to be used as adjuvants of cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoran Ma
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jibiao Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China.,Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jenkins S, Wesolowski R, Gatti-Mays ME. Improving Breast Cancer Responses to Immunotherapy-a Search for the Achilles Heel of the Tumor Microenvironment. Curr Oncol Rep 2021; 23:55. [PMID: 33755828 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01040-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To explore the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in breast cancer, identify the changes that occur in the TME during breast cancer progression, and explore the possibility of modifying the TME to improve immune checkpoint inhibitor responses. RECENT FINDINGS Emerging evidence shows the TME may be shaped by internal and external factors. Preclinical data suggests it may be possible to shift the TME to allow for better immune infiltration. In this review, we summarize emerging evidence of changes in the TME and how it can affect prognosis and responses to therapy. We also examine pre-clinical and clinical research aiming at modulating TME to increase proportion of patients who benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. The composition of the TME in breast cancer is likely dynamic and may be altered. These changes may lead to more or less responses to immunotherapy.
Collapse
|