Growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonist MZ-5-156 inhibits growth of DU-145 human androgen-independent prostate carcinoma in nude mice and suppresses the levels and mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor II in tumors

Expression of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone and Its Receptor Splice Variants in Primary Human Endometrial Carcinomas: Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) inhibit the growth of various tumors, including endometrial carcinomas (EC). However, tumoral receptors that mediate the antiproliferative effects of GHRH antagonists in human ECs have not been fully characterized. In this study, we investigated the expression of mRNA for GHRH and splice variants (SVs) of GHRH receptors (GHRH-R) in 39 human ECs and in 7 normal endometrial tissue samples using RT-PCR. Primers designed for the PCR amplification of mRNA for the full length GHRH-R and SVs were utilized. The PCR products were sequenced, and their specificity was confirmed. Nine ECs cancers (23%) expressed mRNA for SV1, three (7.7%) showed SV2 and eight (20.5%) revealed mRNA for SV4. The presence of SVs for GHRH-Rs could not be detected in any of the normal endometrial tissue specimens. The presence of specific, high affinity GHRH-Rs was also demonstrated in EC specimens using radioligand binding studies. Twenty-four of the investigated thirty-nine tumor samples (61.5%) and three of the seven corresponding normal endometrial tissues (42.9%) expressed mRNA for GHRH ligand. Our findings suggest the possible existence of an autocrine loop in EC based on GHRH and its tumoral SV receptors. The antiproliferative effects of GHRH antagonists on EC are likely to be exerted in part by the local SVs and GHRH system.

Antiproliferative effect of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonist on ovarian cancer cells through the EGFR-Akt pathway

BACKGROUND

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) are being developed for the treatment of various human cancers.

METHODS

MTT assay was used to test the proliferation of SKOV3 and CaOV3. The splice variant expression of GHRH receptors was examined by RT-PCR. The expression of protein in signal pathway was examined by Western blotting. siRNA was used to block the effect of EGFR.

RESULTS

In this study, we investigated the effects of a new GHRH antagonist JMR-132, in ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 and CaOV3 expressing splice variant (SV)1 of GHRH receptors. MTT assay showed that JMR-132 had strong antiproliferative effects on SKOV3 and CaOV3 cells in both a time-dependent and dose-dependent fashion. JMR-132 also induced the activation and increased cleaved caspase3 in a time- and dose-dependent manner in both cell lines. In addition, JMR-132 treatments decreased significantly the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) level and the phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt), suggesting that JMR-132 inhibits the EGFR-Akt pathway in ovarian cancer cells. More importantly, treatment of SKOV3 and CaOV3 cells with 100 nM JMR-132 attenuated proliferation and the antiapoptotic effect induced by EGF in both cell lines. After the knockdown of the expression of EGFR by siRNA, the antiproliferative effect of JMR-132 was abolished in SKOV3 and CaOV3 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that the inhibitory effect of the GHRH antagonist JMR-132 on proliferation is due, in part, to an interference with the EGFR-Akt pathway in ovarian cancer cells.

Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) overexpression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma correlates with poor survival

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a lethal disease with a 5-year survival rate of 4% and typically presents in an advanced stage. In this setting, prognostic markers identifying the more agrressive tumors could aid in managment decisions. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3, also known as IMP3 or KOC) is an oncofetal RNA-binding protein that regulates targets such as insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) and ACTB (beta-actin).

Methods

We evaluated the expression of IGF2BP3 by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray of 127 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas with tumor grade 1, 2 and 3 according to WHO criteria, and the prognostic value of IGF2BP3 expression.

Results

IGF2BP3 was found to be selectively overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues but not in benign pancreatic tissues. Nine (38%) patient samples of tumor grade 1 (n = 24) and 27 (44%) of tumor grade 2 (n = 61) showed expression of IGF2BP3. The highest rate of expression was seen in poorly differentiated specimen (grade 3, n = 42) with 26 (62%) positive samples. Overall survival was found to be significantly shorter in patients with IGF2BP3 expressing tumors (P = 0.024; RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.8).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that IGF2BP3 overexpression identifies a subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas with an extremely poor outcome and supports the rationale for developing therapies to target the IGF pathway in this cancer.

Dose-dependent growth inhibition in vivo of PC-3 prostate cancer with a reduction in tumoral growth factors after therapy with GHRH antagonist MZ-J-7-138

BACKGROUND

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) inhibit the growth of various cancers and affect tumoral growth factors.

METHODS

We investigated the effect of a new GHRH antagonist MZ-J-7-138 at doses of 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 microg/day s.c. on the growth of PC-3 human androgen independent prostate cancers xenografted s.c. into nude mice. Binding assays were used to investigate GHRH receptors. The levels of IGF-II and VEGF in tumors were measured by radioimmunoassays.

RESULTS

Treatment with 2.5, 5, and 10 microg/day MZ-J-7-138 caused a significant dose-dependent growth reduction of PC-3 tumors. The greatest inhibition of 78% was obtained with 10 microg/day. The suppression of IGF-II protein levels in tumors was seen at all doses of MZ-J-7-138, but only 10 microg dose induced a significant inhibition. MZ-J-7-138 also reduced VEGF protein levels, the inhibition being significant at doses of 5 and 10 microg. Specific high affinity binding sites for GHRH were found on PC-3 tumors using (125)I-labeled GHRH antagonist JV-1-42. MZ-J-7-138 displaced radiolabeled JV-1-42 with an IC(50) of 0.32 nM indicating its high affinity to GHRH receptors. Real-time PCR analyses detected splice variant 1 (SV1) of GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) as well as pituitary type of GHRH-R and GHRH ligand.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate the efficacy of GHRH antagonist MZ-J-7-138 in suppressing growth of PC-3 prostate cancer at doses lower than previous antagonists. The reduction of levels of growth factors such as VEGF and IGF-II in tumors by GHRH antagonist was correlated with the suppression of tumor growth.

International Union of Pharmacology. LXVIII. Mammalian bombesin receptors: nomenclature, distribution, pharmacology, signaling, and functions in normal and disease states

The mammalian bombesin receptor family comprises three G protein-coupled heptahelical receptors: the neuromedin B (NMB) receptor (BB(1)), the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor (BB(2)), and the orphan receptor bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3) (BB(3)). Each receptor is widely distributed, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and central nervous system (CNS), and the receptors have a large range of effects in both normal physiology and pathophysiological conditions. The mammalian bombesin peptides, GRP and NMB, demonstrate a broad spectrum of pharmacological/biological responses. GRP stimulates smooth muscle contraction and GI motility, release of numerous GI hormones/neurotransmitters, and secretion and/or hormone release from the pancreas, stomach, colon, and numerous endocrine organs and has potent effects on immune cells, potent growth effects on both normal tissues and tumors, potent CNS effects, including regulation of circadian rhythm, thermoregulation; anxiety/fear responses, food intake, and numerous CNS effects on the GI tract as well as the spinal transmission of chronic pruritus. NMB causes contraction of smooth muscle, has growth effects in various tissues, has CNS effects, including effects on feeding and thermoregulation, regulates thyroid-stimulating hormone release, stimulates various CNS neurons, has behavioral effects, and has effects on spinal sensory transmission. GRP, and to a lesser extent NMB, affects growth and/or differentiation of various human tumors, including colon, prostate, lung, and some gynecologic cancers. Knockout studies show that BB(3) has important effects in energy balance, glucose homeostasis, control of body weight, lung development and response to injury, tumor growth, and perhaps GI motility. This review summarizes advances in our understanding of the biology/pharmacology of these receptors, including their classification, structure, pharmacology, physiology, and role in pathophysiological conditions.

The combination of antagonists of LHRH with antagonists of GHRH improves inhibition of androgen sensitive MDA-PCa-2b and LuCaP-35 prostate cancers

BACKGROUND

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) could extend the duration of response of androgen sensitive prostate cancers to androgen deprivation.

METHODS

We investigated the effect of new GHRH antagonists MZ-J-7-118 and MZ-J-7-138 and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist Cetrorelix or castration on androgen sensitive MDA-PCa-2b and LuCaP-35 prostate cancer models xenografted into nude mice. Animals bearing androgen-independent LuCaP-35V prostatic cancer model were also treated with MZ-J-7-118.

RESULTS

Receptors for LHRH and GHRH were present in MDA-PCA-2b, LuCaP-35, and LuCaP-35V tumors. GHRH antagonists increased the inhibitory effect of surgical castration and LHRH antagonists on androgen sensitive MDA-PCa-2b and LuCaP-35 tumors. The time to relapse of androgen-dependent LuCaP-35 tumors was extended by GHRH antagonists. Growth of androgen-independent LuCaP-35V xenografts was also significantly inhibited by MZ-J-7-118. In MDA-PCa-2b tumors treatment with MZ-J-7-118 caused a significant decrease of VEGF and Cetrorelix or its combination with MZ-J-7-118 reduced EGF. The B(max) of EGF receptors was significantly reduced by Cetrorelix, MZ-J-7-118 and their combination.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the use of a combination of antagonists of GHRH and LHRH could improve the therapy for androgen sensitive prostate cancer. Antagonists of GHRH could be also considered for treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancers.

Potentiation of mammary cancer inhibition by combination of antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone with docetaxel

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) are being developed for the treatment of various cancers. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of treatment with GHRH antagonist JMR-132 alone and in combination with docetaxel chemotherapy in nude mice bearing MX-1 human breast cancers. Specific high-affinity binding sites for GHRH were found on MX-1 tumor membranes using ligand competition assays with (125)I-labeled GHRH antagonist JV-1-42. JMR-132 displaced radiolabeled JV-1-42 with an IC(50) of 0.14 nM, indicating a high affinity of JMR-132 to GHRH receptors. Treatment of nude mice bearing xenografts of MX-1 with JMR-132 at 10 microg per day s.c. for 22 days significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited tumor volume by 62.9% and tumor weight by 47.8%. Docetaxel given twice at a dose of 20 mg/kg i.p. significantly reduced tumor volume and weight by 74.1% and 58.6%, respectively. Combination treatment with JMR-132 (10 microg/day) and docetaxel (20 mg/kg i.p.) led to growth arrest of most tumors as shown by an inhibition of tumor volume and weight by 97.7% and 95.6%, respectively (P < 0.001). Because no vital cancer cells were detected in some of the excised tumors, a total regression of the tumors was achieved in some cases. Treatment with JMR-132 also strongly reduced the concentration of EGF receptors in MX-1 tumors. Our results demonstrate that GHRH antagonists might provide a therapy for breast cancer and could be combined with docetaxel chemotherapy to enhance the efficacy of treatment.

Marqueurs biologiques du cancer de la prostate

Screening for prostate cancer is currently based on the assessment of blood prostate specific antigen (PSA). Although PSA was shown to be an adequate tool in prostate cancer screening, beginning from 4.0 ng/mL, its specificity is less significant. In men with a PSA between 4.0 and 10 ng/mL its predictive value is low. Therefore, there is a need for new instruments likely to improve the specificity of blood PSA levels between 4.0 and 10 ng/mL and the screening for prostate cancer in subjects with low PSA. Recent data are reviewed.

Inhibition of human experimental prostate cancers by a targeted cytotoxic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog AN-207

BACKGROUND

Receptors for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) on human prostate cancers can be used for targeted chemotherapy with cytotoxic analogs of LHRH, such as AN-207, which consists of superactive doxorubicin derivative 2-pyrrolino doxorubicin (AN-201) linked to carrier [D-Lys6] LHRH.

METHODS

The effects of AN-207 and AN-201 were investigated in DU-145 androgen independent and LuCaP-35 androgen sensitive human prostate cancers xenografted into nude mice. Toxicity was evaluated by survival rates, changes in body weights, and leukocyte counts. LHRH receptors on DU-145 and LuCaP-35 tumors were evaluated by radioreceptor assays and RT-PCR. The effects on apoptosis and cell proliferation were investigated by histology and evaluation of apoptotic oncogenes Bcl-2 and Bax by Western Blot analysis.

RESULTS

AN-207 inhibited growth of DU-145 tumors significantly by 75% (P < 0.01) and LuCaP-35 human prostate cancers by 80% (P < 0.01), and was less toxic than AN-201. Receptors for LHRH were expressed on DU-145 and LuCaP-35 tumors. Blockade of LHRH receptors with LHRH agonist Triptorelin nullified the effects of AN-207. Treatment with AN-207, but not with AN-201, decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio in DU-145 tumors and Bcl-2 in LuCaP-35 tumors indicating an increase in apoptotic activity. AN-207, but not AN-201, decreased cell proliferation in both models.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted chemotherapy with AN-207 could be considered for treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

Targeted chemotherapy with cytotoxic bombesin analogue AN-215 inhibits growth of experimental human prostate cancers

We developed a powerful cytotoxic analogue of bombesin AN-215, in which the bombesin (BN)-like carrier peptide is conjugated to 2-pyrrolino doxorubicin (AN-201). Human prostate cancers express high levels of receptors for BN/gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) that can be used for targeted chemotherapy. The effects of targeted chemotherapy with cytotoxic BN analogue AN-215 were evaluated in nude mice bearing subcutaneous xenografts of DU-145, LuCaP-35, MDA-PCa-2b and intraosseous implants of C4-2 human prostate cancers. Intraosseous growth of C4-2 tumors was monitored by serum PSA. BN/GRP receptors were evaluated by 125I-[Tyr4]BN binding assays and RT-PCR. The effects of AN-215 on apoptosis and cell proliferation were followed by histology, and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein was determined by Western blot analysis. Targeted analog AN-215 significantly inhibited growth of subcutaneously implanted DU-145, LuCaP-35 and MDA-PCa-2b prostate cancers by 81% to 91% compared to controls, while cytotoxic radical AN-201 was less effective and more toxic. Serum PSA levels of mice bearing intraosseous C4-2 prostate tumors were significantly reduced. In LuCaP-35 tumors administration of BN antagonist RC-3095 prior to AN-215 blocked the receptors for BN/GRP and inhibited the effects of AN-215. High affinity receptors for BN/GRP and their m-RNA were detected on membranes of all 4 tumor models. Therapy with AN-215, but not with AN-201, decreased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in DU-145 and the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 in LuCaP-35 tumors. The presence of BN/GRP receptors on primary and metastatic prostate cancers makes possible targeted chemotherapy with AN-215 for the treatment of this malignancy.

Antagonists of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and of bombesin/gastrin releasing peptide (BN/GRP) suppress the expression of VEGF, bFGF, and receptors of the EGF/HER family in PC-3 and DU-145 human androgen-independent prostate cancers

BACKGROUND

Antagonists of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) as well as antagonists of bombesin/gastrin releasing peptide (BN/GRP) inhibit the growth of various malignancies (cancers) including prostate cancer.

METHODS

We investigated the effects of GHRH antagonists MZ-J-7-118 and RC-J-29-18, BN/GRP antagonists RC-3940-II and RC-3940-Et and the combination of MZ-J-7-118 and RC-3940-II on the growth of PC-3 and DU-145 human androgen independent prostate cancers xenografted s.c. into nude mice. To elucidate the mechanisms of action of these analogs, growth factors like IGF-II (insulin-like growth factor-II), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and epidermal growth factor receptor/human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R/HER) family were measured in tumors as well as IGF-I in serum.

RESULTS

Antagonists of GHRH and BN/GRP alone or in combination significantly inhibited growth of PC-3 and DU-145 tumors, the greatest inhibition of tumor volume being achieved by combination of MZ-J-7-118 (5 microg/day) and RC-3940-II (10 microg/day). BN/GRP and GHRH antagonists and their combination also decreased the expression of VEGF significantly in PC-3 and non-significantly in DU-145, as measured by radioimmunoassay for VEGF protein and RT-PCR for mRNA levels of VEGF. GHRH and BN/GRP antagonists reduced bFGF concentrations and the maximal binding capacity of EGF receptors, and their mRNA levels in PC-3 and DU-145 tumors. mRNA levels for HER-2 and -3 were also diminished in PC-3 tumors by GHRH and BN/GRP antagonists. No changes in HER-4 were found after treatment. Serum IGF-I and tumoral IGF-II levels were not affected by the analogs.

CONCLUSIONS

BN/GRP and GHRH antagonists inhibit growth of PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancers by suppressing the expression of tumoral growth factors such as VEGF and bFGF as well as the receptors for EGF and related HER-2 and -3. Additive effects on tumor inhibition (TI) in vivo, but not on VEGF, bFGF, or members of the EGF/HER receptor family, can be achieved by the joint administration of both classes of analogs.

Expression of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor splicing variants in human primary adrenocortical tumours

OBJECTIVE

Several splice variants (SVs) of GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) have been identified in various human cancers through which GHRH antagonists may exert their IGF-II-mediated antiproliferative action. Because the overexpression of the IGF-II gene is a frequent feature of adrenal carcinoma, we searched for the presence of GHRH-R SVs in these tumours.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The expression of GHRH-R SVs was assessed by nested PCR in 45 human adrenocortical tumours. We have amplified 720-, 566- and 335-bp PCR products only in carcinomas. Their sequence revealed three open reading frames, corresponding to SV1, SV2 and SV4 of GHRH-R. SV2 was detected in five of 24 cancers examined, whereas the incidence of SV1 and SV4 was lower. Their simultaneous expression was observed in one carcinoma. No PCR products for SV3 or wild-type GHRH-R were found in carcinomas; mRNA for wild-type GHRH-R or SVs of GHRH-R were not observed either in adenomas or in normal adrenal or in NCI-H295R cells. Interestingly, all carcinomas which expressed SVs were also positive for the presence of GHRH mRNA.

CONCLUSION

This is the first time that the expression of splice variants of GHRH-R has been demonstrated in human adrenal carcinoma. This study raises the possibility that splice variants might play a role in adrenal carcinogenesis and might offer the possibility for new therapeutic strategies at least in a subgroup of adrenal carcinomas.

Extrapituitary Effects of the Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a neuropeptide secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates the synthesis and release of growth hormone (GH) in the pituitary. Accumulating evidence suggests that in addition to GHRH's neuroendocrine action, GHRH is present in several extrahypothalamic tissues and is involved in a variety of cellular processes. Its function is related to the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation of various nonpituitary cell types. In certain cases, ectopic production of GHRH has also been implicated in carcinogenesis. The mechanisms by which GHRH affects the peripheral extrapituitary tissues remain poorly understood, but it is likely that classic neuroendocrine action as well as paracrine and autocrine pathways are involved. Some headway has been made in the identification of extrapituitary receptors for GHRH and cDNA as splice variants of these GHRH receptors found in various tumors. The fact that the nonpituitary GHRH receptors are not fully identified, however, remains the major obstacle in studying, at a more mechanistic level, the action of local GHRH. This review summarizes the information available regarding the role of GHRH in the extrapituitary tissues with emphasis on its potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Development of a polyclonal antiserum for the detection of the isoforms of the receptors for human growth hormone-releasing hormone on tumors

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) inhibit the growth of various human cancers by multiple mechanisms, which include direct effects on tumor cells through the splice variants (SV) of the GHRH receptor. Our findings suggest that the tumoral protein encoded by SV 1 (SV1) is a likely functional receptor. The aim of this study was to develop a polyclonal antiserum against a polypeptide analog of segment 1-25 of the putative SV1 receptor protein. Rabbits were immunized with [Ala-23]SV1 (1-25)-Tyr-26-Cys-27-NH2 as a hapten, conjugated to BSA or keyhole limpet hemocyanin. The antisera thus generated were evaluated by RIA for binding to the radiolabeled hapten. The specificity and sensitivity of the antisera were studied on xenografts of RL and HT human non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The sera raised against keyhole limpet hemocyanin-SV1 hapten, showed binding values of 50-75% at a 1:56,000 dilution. In Western blot analyses, the purified polyclonal antibody recognized a specific signal with a molecular mass of approximately 40 kDa in RL and HT lymphomas. This band corresponds to the estimated molecular mass of the GHRH receptor isoform encoded by SV1. RT-PCR and ligand binding studies also revealed the expression of SV1 and the presence of high-affinity binding sites for GHRH on RL and HT tumors. Because the antiserum developed recognizes the tumoral GHRH receptor protein encoded by SV1, it should be of value in various investigations.

Bombesin antagonists inhibit proangiogenic factors in human experimental breast cancers

The overexpression of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) plays a role in the migration and proliferation of endothelial cells in many cancers. Consequently, we investigated the effects of bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) antagonists on the expression of these angiogenic factors, the activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and -9, as well as the vascular density in MDA-MB-435 human oestrogen-independent breast cancers. Nude mice bearing orthotopic xenografts of MDA-MB-435 breast cancers were treated with bombesin/GRP antagonists for 6 weeks. Daily administration of 20 μg of RC-3095 or 10 μg of RC-3940-II significantly decreased the weight of MDA-MB-435 cancers by 44 and 53%, respectively. The inhibition of tumour growth was associated with a substantial reduction in the expression of mRNA and protein levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), IGF-II and VEGF-A in the tumours. Both bombesin/GRP antagonists significantly decreased the vessel density of the tumours by about 37%, as shown by immunohistochemical detection of vessels on tumour slides. Gelatinolytic activities, detected by zymography, revealed a 33–46% reduction in MMP-9 activity after the treatment with either antagonist. In vitro studies revealed that MDA-MB-435 cells secrete bFGF, IGF-II and VEGF-A, and the secretion of these factors is inhibited by RC-3095 and RC-3940-II. This study demonstrates the antiangiogenic effect of bombesin/GRP antagonists RC-3095 and RC-3940-II, and underscores their possible therapeutic application for treatment of breast cancers.

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) enhance tumour growth inhibition induced by androgen deprivation in human MDA-Pca-2b prostate cancers

In the present study, we investigated whether the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) antagonist JV-1-38 could enhance the effects of androgen deprivation produced by the anti-androgen Flutamide and luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonist Decapeptyl in an experimental model of human androgen-sensitive MDA PCa 2b prostate carcinoma implanted subcutaneously (s.c.) into nude mice. We also evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) the effects of combined treatment on the mRNA expression for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and measured serum PSA levels. In experiment 1, GH-RH antagonist JV-1-38 greatly inhibited tumour growth in combination with Decapeptyl, but was ineffective when given alone. Thus, combined therapy with JV-1-38 at 20 microg/day and Decapeptyl microcapsules releasing 12.5 microg/day for 29 days inhibited significantly (P<0.01) MDA PCa 2b tumour growth by 65%, compared with controls. Combined treatment also significantly (P<0.05) decreased serum PSA levels by 52% and reduced tumour weight by 54% vs. controls. In experiment 2, GH-RH antagonist JV-1-38 at 20 microg/day likewise showed powerful growth inhibitory effects when combined with Flutamide (25 mg/kg/day) for 21 days. Combined treatment with JV-1-38 and slow-release pellets of Flutamide significantly (P<0.001) inhibited tumour growth by 61% versus controls, and was significantly (P<0.05) more effective than Flutamide or JV-1-38 alone. Combination therapy also reduced significantly (P<0.001) tumour weight and serum PSA levels by 59 and 47%, respectively. The mRNA expression for PSA in MDA PCa 2b tumours was not changed by JV-1-38, Decapeptyl and Flutamide alone or in their respective combinations. Our findings suggest that GH-RH antagonists could enhance the tumour inhibitory effects of androgen deprivation for the primary therapy of patients with advanced prostate carcinoma.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone and extra-pituitary tumorigenesis: therapeutic and diagnostic applications of growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) regulates growth hormone release from the pituitary. However, in addition to this neuroendocrine action, much evidence implies an additional role for GHRH in carcinogenesis in non-pituitary tissues. This role of GHRH in cancer development appears to be due to the operation of several mechanisms, which involve the regulation of the growth hormone-dependent hepatic insulin-like growth factor I (IGFI) production, tumoural IGF-I and IGF-II secretion and direct action of GHRH on tumour cells by autocrine and/or paracrine pathways. This review summarises the available information regarding the role of GHRH in tumorigenesis with special emphasis on the direct action of GHRH in primary and experimental cancers.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonists inhibit the proliferation of androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancers

The antiproliferative effects of an antagonist of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) JV-1-38 were evaluated in nude mice bearing s.c. xenografts of LNCaP and MDA-PCa-2b human androgen-sensitive and DU-145 androgen-independent prostate cancers. In the androgen-sensitive models, JV-1-38 greatly potentiated the antitumor effect of androgen deprivation induced by surgical castration, but was ineffective when given alone. Thus, in castrated animals bearing MDA-PCa-2b cancers, the administration of JV-1-38 for 35 days virtually arrested tumor growth (94% inhibition vs. intact control, P < 0.01; and 75% vs. castrated control, P < 0.05). The growth of LNCaP tumors was also powerfully suppressed by JV-1-38 combined with castration (83% inhibition vs. intact control, P < 0.01; and 68% vs. castrated control, P < 0.05). However, in androgen-independent DU-145 cancers, JV-1-38 alone could inhibit tumor growth by 57% (P < 0.05) after 45 days. In animals bearing MDA-PCa-2b and LNCaP tumors, the reduction in serum prostate-specific antigen levels, after therapy with JV-1-38, paralleled the decrease in tumor volume. Inhibition of MDA-PCa-2b and DU-145 cancers was associated with the reduction in the expression of mRNA and protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor. The mRNA expression for GHRH receptor splice variants was found in all these models of prostate cancer. Our results demonstrate that GHRH antagonists inhibit androgen-independent prostate cancers and, after combination with androgen deprivation, also androgen-sensitive tumors. Thus, the therapy with GHRH antagonist could be considered for the management of both androgen-dependent or -independent prostate cancers.

Expression of mRNA for growth hormone-releasing hormone and splice variants of GHRH receptors in human malignant bone tumors

Splice variants (SV) of receptors for growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) have been found in several human cancer cell lines. GHRH antagonists inhibit growth of various human cancers, including osteosarcomas and Ewing's sarcoma, xenografted into nude mice or cultured in vitro and their antiproliferative action could be mediated, in part, through these SV of GHRH receptors. In this study, we found mRNA for the SV(1) isoform of GHRH receptors in human osteosarcoma line MNNG/HOS and SK-ES-1 Ewing's sarcoma line. We also detected mRNA for GHRH, which is apparently translated into the GHRH peptide and secreted by the cells, as shown by the presence of GHRH-like immunoreactivity in the conditioned media of cell cultures. In proliferation studies in vitro, the growth of SK-ES-1 and MNNG/HOS cells was dose-dependently inhibited by GHRH antagonist JV-1-38 and an antiserum against human GHRH. Our study indicates the presence of an autocrine stimulatory loop based on GHRH and SV(1) of GHRH receptors in human sarcomas. The direct antiproliferative effects of GHRH antagonists on malignant bone tumors appear to be exerted through the SV(1) of GHRH receptors on tumoral cells.

Inhibition of proliferation in human MNNG/HOS osteosarcoma and SK-ES-1 Ewing sarcoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo by antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone: effects on insulin-like growth factor II

BACKGROUND

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) can inhibit the proliferation of various tumors either indirectly through the suppression of the pituitary growth hormone/hepatic insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis and the lowering of serum IGF-I concentration or directly by reducing the levels of IGF-I and IGF-II and their mRNA expression in tumors and blocking the effect of autocrine GH-RH. In this study, the authors investigated the effects of the GH-RH antagonist JV-1-38 on MNNG/HOS human osteosarcoma and SK-ES-1 human Ewing sarcoma cell lines.

METHODS

Male nude mice bearing subcutaneous xenografts of MNNG/HOS or SK-ES-1 tumors were treated subcutaneously with JV-1-38 at a dose of 20 microg twice daily for 4 weeks. The concentrations of IGF-I and IGF-II in serum and in tumor tissue were measured by radioimmunoassay. Tumor and liver levels of mRNA for IGF-I and IGF-II were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. The effects of JV-1-38, IGF-I, and IGF-II on cell proliferation in vitro were evaluated.

RESULTS

GH-RH antagonist significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the tumor volume and tumor weight of MNNG/HOS and SK-ES-1 tumors by > 50% after 4 weeks and increased tumor doubling time. JV-1-38 lowered the serum IGF-I level, decreased the expression of mRNA for IGF-I in the liver, and significantly (P < 0.05-0.01) reduced the concentration of IGF-II and mRNA levels for IGF-II in both sarcomas. The concentration of IGF-I was lowered only in SK-ES-1 tumors. In vitro, the proliferation of SK-ES-1 and MNNG/HOS cells was inhibited by JV-1-38 and by antisera to IGF-I and IGF-II.

CONCLUSIONS

The inhibition of MNNG/HOS osteosarcoma and SK-ES-1 Ewing sarcoma by GH-RH antagonists was linked to a suppression of IGF-II production in tumors. However, in SK-ES-1 tumors, the effects on IGF-I also may be involved.

Reduced growth of human sarcoma xenografts in hosts homozygous for the lit mutation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Prior studies have shown that sarcoma growth can be stimulated by insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). To extend this line of research, we carried out in vivo growth studies of primary human sarcoma in immunosuppressed control and IGF-I-deficient mice.

METHODS

Human sarcoma specimens (one osteosarcoma and seven soft tissue sarcomas) were harvested in the operating room and implanted in immunosuppressed mice. Second-generation sarcomas were transplanted to control (GH replete lit/+ mice) and to experimental (GH/IGF-I-deficient lit/lit) animals. When tumors reached 1,000 mm(3) in one group, average tumor size was compared in the two groups. IGF-I receptor expression was measured by RT-PCR and IGF-I receptor binding sites were assayed by radiolabeled IGF-I.

RESULTS

Five of eight sarcomas demonstrated reduced growth in the GH/IGF-I-deficient lit/lit animals. In four of the five sarcomas that demonstrated growth inhibition, IGF-R was elevated relative to placenta or a positive control cell line (MCF-7, which is known to be responsive to IGF-I in vitro and in vivo). In three of the five sarcomas that demonstrated growth suppression, IGF-R was elevated twofold after implantation in the experimental IGF-I-deficient animals.

CONCLUSIONS

The GH-IGF axis may be an important stimulator of tumor growth in sarcomas. These experiments suggest that IGF suppression may inhibit sarcoma growth in vivo.

The expression of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and splice variants of its receptor in human gastroenteropancreatic carcinomas

Splice variants (SVs) of receptors for growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) have been found in primary human prostate cancers and diverse human cancer cell lines. GHRH antagonists inhibit growth of various experimental human cancers, including pancreatic and colorectal, xenografted into nude mice or cultured in vitro, and their antiproliferative action could be mediated in part through SVs of GHRH receptors. In this study we examined the expression of mRNA for GHRH and for SVs of its receptors in tumors of human pancreatic, colorectal, and gastric cancer cell lines grown in nude mice. mRNA for both GHRH and SV(1) isoform of GHRH receptors was expressed in tumors of pancreatic (SW1990, PANC-1, MIA PaCa-2, Capan-1, Capan-2, and CFPAC1), colonic (COLO 320DM and HT-29), and gastric (NCI-N87, HS746T, and AGS) cancer cell lines; mRNA for SV(2) was also present in Capan-1, Capan-2, CFPAC1, HT-29, and NCI-N87 tumors. In proliferation studies in vitro, the growth of pancreatic, colonic, and gastric cancer cells was stimulated by GHRH(1-29)NH(2) and inhibited by GHRH antagonist JV-1-38. The stimulation of some gastroenteropancreatic cancer cells by GHRH was followed by an increase in cAMP production, and GHRH antagonist JV-1-38 competitively inhibited this effect. Our study indicates the presence of an autocrine/paracrine stimulatory loop based on GHRH and SV(1) of GHRH receptors in human pancreatic, colorectal, and gastric cancers. The finding of SV(1) receptor in human cancers provides an approach to an antitumor therapy based on the blockade of this receptor by specific GHRH antagonists.

Inhibition of proliferation of PC-3 human prostate cancer by antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone: lack of correlation with the levels of serum IGF-I and expression of tumoral IGF-II and vascular endothelial growth factor

BACKGROUND

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) such as JV-1-38 can inhibit androgen-independent prostate cancer directly by several mechanisms and/or indirectly by suppressing growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I (GH/IGF-I) axis. To shed more light on the mechanisms involved, the effects of JV-1-38 on PC-3 human prostate cancer were compared with those of somatostatin analog RC-160 in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

Nude mice bearing PC-3 tumors received JV-1-38 (20 microg), RC-160 (50 microg) or a combination of JV-1-38 and RC-160. The concentration of IGF-I in serum and the expression of mRNA for IGF-II and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tumor tissue were investigated.

RESULTS

In vivo, the final volume of PC-3 tumors treated with JV-1-38 was significantly lowered by 49% (P < 0.01), whereas RC-160 exerted only 30% inhibition (NS), compared with controls. Combined use of both compounds augmented tumor inhibition to 63% (P < 0.001). Serum IGF-I levels were decreased only in mice treated with RC-160. JV-1-38 suppressed mRNA for IGF-II in PC-3 tumors by 42%, whereas RC-160 alone or in combination with JV-1-38 caused a 65% reduction. JV-1-38 and RC-160 used as single drugs decreased the expression of VEGF by 50%, and their combination caused a 63% reduction. In vitro, JV-1-38 inhibited the proliferation of PC-3 cells by 39%. This effect could be partially reversed by addition of IGF-I to the serum-free medium. RC-160 alone did not affect the PC-3 cell growth in vitro, but in combination with JV-1-38 it augmented the antiproliferative effect of the GH-RH antagonist to 72%. Exposure to JV-1-38 in vitro reduced the expression of mRNA for IGF-II in PC-3 cells by 55% but did not change VEGF mRNA levels, whereas RC-160 had no effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The antiproliferative effect of JV-1-38 was not associated with the suppression of serum IGF-I and was only partially correlated with the expression of IGF-II and VEGF in PC-3 tumors, suggesting that other mechanisms play a role in the antitumor action of GHRH antagonists. Nevertheless, the stronger inhibition of tumor growth after combined treatment with JV-1-38 and RC-160 indicates that the interference with multiple local stimulatory factors leads to an enhanced inhibition of prostate cancer.

Antagonism of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) leads to reduced proliferation and apoptosis in MDA231 breast cancer cells

GHRH, in addition to stimulating the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary, is a trophic factor for pituitary somatotrophs. Growth hormone-releasing hormone is also expressed in the gonads, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, thymus, and lymphocytes, as well as in tumors of the pancreas, lung, central nervous system, and breast. Since GHRH has mitogenic effects, we examined the hypothesis that GHRH is an autocrine/paracrine growth factor in neoplastic breast tissue. The effect of disrupting endogenous GHRH on cell growth and apoptosis of MDA231 cells was examined through the use of a competitive GHRH antagonist, [N-acetyl-Tyr1, D-Arg2] fragment 1-29Amide (GHRHa). Cell proliferation was determined by direct cell counting and tritiated thymidine incorporation. Apoptosis was analyzed by examination of DNA laddering and nuclear condensation. GHRHa resulted in a dose-dependent, transient, and reversible decrease in cell number, proliferation rate, and tritiated thymidine uptake. Conversely, GHRHa led to a marked and dose-dependent increase in both DNA laddering and nuclear condensation. These results indicate that disruption of endogenous GHRH action in MDA231 cells results in both decreased cellular proliferation and increased apoptosis. Taken together, the findings suggest that endogenous GHRH acts as an autocrine/paracrine factor in the regulation of growth of at least some breast cancer cell types.

Expression of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and splice variants of GHRH receptors in human experimental prostate cancers

The expression of mRNA for GHRH and splice variants (SVs) of GHRH receptors in LNCaP, MDA-PCa-2b and PC-3 human prostate cancers grown in nude mice was investigated by RT-PCR. The expression of mRNA for GHRH was detected in LNCaP and PC-3, but not in MDA-PCa-2b prostatic carcinoma. RT-PCR analyses of mRNA isolated from LNCaP, MDA-PCa-2b and PC-3 cancers, revealed the presence of 720 and 566 bp products, corresponding to SV(1) and SV(2) isoforms of GHRH receptors. In PC-3 tumor membranes a radiolabeled GHRH antagonist [125I]-JV-1-42 was bound to one class of high-affinity binding sites (K(d)=1.81+/-0.47 nM) and maximum binding capacity of 332.7+/-27.8 fmol/mg membrane protein. The in vivo uptake of [125I]-JV-1-42 was observed in all xenografts of human prostate cancer, the tracer accumulation being the highest in PC-3 tumors. These results indicate that GHRH and SVs of its receptors, different from those found in the pituitary, are present in experimental human prostate cancers and may form a local mitogenic loop. The antiproliferative effects of GHRH antagonists on growth of prostate cancer could be exerted in part by an interference with this local GHRH system.

Ectopic secretion of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) in neuroendocrine tumors: relevant clinical aspects

The aim of this article is to briefly review the physiology of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and the diagnosis and treatment of GHRH-mediated acromegaly. Moreover, the role of GHRH and its antagonists in the pathogenesis and treatment of cancer will be reviewed. Hypothalamic GHRH is secreted into the portal system, binds to specific surface receptors of the somatotroph cell and elicits intracellular signals that modulate pituitary GH synthesis and/or secretion. GHRH-producing neurons have been well characterized in the hypothalamus by immunostaining techniques. Hypothalamic tumors, including hamartomas. choristomas, gliomas. and gangliocitomas. may produce excessive GHRH with subsequent GH hypersecretion and resultant acromegaly. GHRH is synthesized and expressed in multiple extrapituitary tissues. Excessive peripheral production of GHRH by a tumor source would therefore be expected to cause somatotroph cell hyperstimulation and increased GH secretion. The structure of hypothalamic GHRH was infact elucidated from material extracted from pancreatic GHRH-secreting tumors in two patients with acromegaly. Immunoreactive GHRH is present in several tumors, including carcinoid tumors, pancreatic cell tumors, small-cell lung cancers, adrenal adenomas, and pheochromocitomas which have been reported to secrete GHRH. Acromegaly in these patients. however, is uncommon. In a retrospective survey of 177 acromegalic patients only a single patient was identified with elevated plasma GHRH levels. Measuring GHRH plasma levels therefore provides a precise and cost-effective test for the diagnosis of ectopic acromegaly. Peripheral GHRH levels are not elevated in patients with hypothalamic GHRH- secreting tumors, supporting the notion that excess eutopic hypothalamic GHRH secretion into the hypophyseal portal system does not appreciably enter the systemic circulation. Elevated circulating GHRH levels, a normal or small-size pituitary gland, or clinical and biochemical features of other tumors known to be associated with extrapituitary acromegaly, are all indications for extrapituitary imaging. An enlarged pituitary is, however, often found on MRI of patients with peripheral GHRH-secreting tumors, and the radiologic diagnosis of a pituitary adenoma may be difficult to exclude. Surgical resection of the tumor secreting ectopic GHRH should reverse the hypersecretion of GH, and pituitary surgery should not be necessary in these patients. Nonresectable, disseminated or reccurrent carcinoid syndrome with ectopic GHRH secretion can also be managed medically with long-acting somatostatin analogs (octreotide and lanreotide). The presence of GHRH and its receptors in several extrahypothalamic tissues, including ovary, testis and the digestive tract, suggests that GHRH may have a regulatory role in these tissues. As previously mentioned, biologically or immunologically active GHRH and mRNA encoding GHRH have been found in several human malignant tumors. including cancers of the breast, endometrium and ovary and their cell lines. The synthesis and evaluation of analogs with various modifications revealed that certain hydrophobic and helix-stabilizing amino acid substitutions can produce antagonists with increased GH releasing inhibitory potencies and GHRH receptor-binding affinities in vitro. The review of experimental results of these substances are promising altrough no clinical data are yet available. Finally, the advent of these antagonists has allowed significant progress in the understanding of the role of the central and tissue GHRH-GH-IGFs system in the pathogenesis of tumors.

Advancing perspectives on prostate cancer: multihormonal influences in pathogenesis

Nonandrogenic hormones are implicated in the growth and function of the prostate, which is itself an endocrine gland that synthesizes and secretes hormones and growth factors, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prostatic inhibin peptide (PIP). Findings of increased FSH concentrations and receptor expression in diseased prostate tissue suggest a role for FSH in prostate cancer growth. Not only does PIP suppress circulating levels of FSH, but it responds to and modulates prostatic FSH, suggesting a close interlinkage of these compounds in controlling both healthy and diseased prostate cells. Other focuses of endocrinologic research include androgen receptors, vitamin D, growth factors (including insulin-like growth factors I and II), and retinoids. Issues such as optimal therapy timing, intermittent administration, and the adoption of a multihormonal approach to the management of prostate cancer remain to be resolved.

Expression of a splice variant of the receptor for GHRH in 3T3 fibroblasts activates cell proliferation responses to GHRH analogs

The stimulatory effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and the antiproliferative action of GHRH antagonists have been demonstrated in various cancers, but the receptors that mediate these responses are not clearly identified. Recently, we reported that human cancer cell lines express splice variants (SVs) of the receptors for GHRH. SV1 exhibits the greatest similarity to the pituitary GHRH receptor and is most likely to be functional. To ascertain whether SV1 mediates mitogenic effects on nonpituitary tissues, we expressed SV1 in 3T3 mouse fibroblasts and studied the properties of the transfected cells. Radioligand binding assays with (125)I-labeled GHRH antagonist JV-1-42 detected high affinity (K(d) = 0.58 +/- 0.17 nM) binding sites for GHRH with a maximal binding capacity (B(max)) of 103 +/- 17.4 fmol/mg of membrane protein in 3T3 cells transfected with pcDNA3-SV1, whereas the control cells transfected with the empty vector did not show any GHRH binding. Cell proliferation studies showed that cells expressing SV1 are much more sensitive to GHRH analogs than the pcDNA3 controls. Thus, the expression of SV1 augments the stimulatory responses to GHRH(1-29)NH(2) or GHRH agonist JI-38 and inhibitory responses to GHRH antagonist JV-1-38 as compared with pcDNA3 controls. The stimulation of SV1-expressing cells by GHRH or JI-38 is followed by an increase in cAMP production, but no GH release occurs. Vasoactive intestinal peptide had no effect, and its antagonist JV-1-53 did not inhibit the proliferation of SV1-expressing cells stimulated by GHRH. Our results suggest that SV1 could mediate responses of nonpituitary cells and various tumors to GHRH and GHRH antagonists. The presence of SV1 in several human cancer cell lines provides a rationale for antitumor therapy based on the blockade of this receptor by specific GHRH antagonists.

Androgen receptor signaling in androgen-refractory prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in males in the United States. Standard therapy relies on removing, or blocking the actions of, androgens. In most cases, this therapy results in a regression of the cancer because the prostate and most primary prostate tumors depend on androgens for growth and the avoidance of apoptosis. However, a portion of the cancers eventually relapse, at which point they are termed "androgen refractory" and can no longer be cured by conventional therapy of any type. The precise molecular events that lead from androgen-sensitive prostate cancer to androgen-refractory prostate cancer are, therefore, of great interest. This review seeks to identify specific molecular events that may be linked directly to the progression to androgen-refractory cancer. Some of the mechanisms appear to involve the androgen receptor (AR) directly and include mutations in, or amplification of, the AR gene in a manner that allows the AR to respond to low doses of androgens, other steroids, or antiandrogens. In a less direct manner, coactivators may increase the sensitivity of the AR to androgens and even other nonandrogenic substances through a number of mechanisms. Additional indirect mechanisms that do not result from mutation of the AR may involve activation of the AR by peptide growth factors or cytokines or may involve bypassing the AR entirely via other cellular pathways. Identification of the role of these mechanisms in the progression to androgen-refractory prostate cancer is critical for developing therapies capable of curing this disease.

A potential autocrine pathway for growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and its receptor in human prostate cancer cell lines

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that GHRH antagonists inhibit prostate tumour growth and IGF-II production both in vivo and in vitro. The mechanism underlying these observations is unknown, but may involve an interaction with a prostatic GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), raising the possibility of an autocrine pathway for the GHRH axis in the prostate.

METHODS

GHRH and GHRH-R mRNA expression was examined by RT-PCR in human prostate cancer cell lines, and the authenticity of PCR products was confirmed by Southern analysis and cDNA sequencing. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to examine the expression of GHRH protein in prostate cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

GHRH-R (mRNA) and GHRH (mRNA and protein) are co-expressed in the ALVA-41, DU145, LNCaP and PC3 human prostate cancer cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations suggest the presence of an intact prostatic GHRH autocrine pathway which may stimulate prostate cell proliferation. This pathway may be disrupted by GHRH antagonists.

Hypothalamic hormones and cancer

The use of peptide analogs for the therapy of various cancers is reviewed. Inhibition of the pituitary-gonadal axis forms the basis for oncological applications of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists and antagonists, but direct effects on tumors may also play a role. Analogs of somatostatin are likewise used for treatment of various tumors. Radiolabeled somatostatin analogs have been successfully applied for the localization of tumors expressing somatostatin receptors. Studies on the role of tumoral LH-RH, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH), and bombesin/GRP and their receptors in the proliferation of various tumors are summarized, but the complete elucidation of all the mechanisms involved will require much additional work. Human tumors producing hypothalamic hormones are also discussed. Treatment of many cancers remains a major challenge, but new therapeutic modalities are being developed based on antagonists of GH-RH and bombesin, which inhibit growth factors or their receptors. Other approaches consist of the use of cytotoxic analogs of LH-RH, bombesin, and somatostatin, which can be targeted to receptors for these peptides in various cancers and their metastases. These new classes of peptide analogs should lead to a more effective treatment for various cancers.

Inhibition of growth and metastases of MDA-MB-435 human estrogen-independent breast cancers by an antagonist of growth hormone-releasing hormone

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) inhibit the growth of various cancers by mechanism(s) that include the suppression of the insulin-like growth factors (IGF)-I and/or -II. In this study, nude mice bearing orthotopic implants of MDA-MB-435 human estrogen-independent breast carcinoma received 39 days of therapy with GH-RH antagonist JV-1-36 (20 microg/day). The treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth by 71.1% (p<0.01) and nullified the metastatic potential of MDA-MB-435 cells. Four of eight control mice (50%) developed metastases in the lymph nodes and one (12.5%) in the lung, but none of the animals receiving JV-1-36 showed metastatic spread. GH-RH antagonist JV-1-36 inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-435 cells in vitro, while IGF-I stimulated it. However, mRNA for IGF-I or -II was not detected in MDA-MB-435 cells, indicating that the suppression of autocrine IGFs may not be involved in the antiproliferative mechanism. Using ligand competition assays with (125)I-labeled GH-RH antagonist JV-1-42, specific high-affinity binding sites for GH-RH were found on tumor membranes. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed the expression of mRNA for GH-RH receptor splice variant-1 in MDA-MB-435 tumors. Our results suggest that the antitumorigenic action of GH-RH antagonists on MDA-MB-435 breast cancer could be direct and mediated by tumoral GH-RH receptors.

Clinical and experimental progression of a new model of human prostate cancer and therapeutic approach

We report the clinical evolution of a prostate cancer, metastasizing to lungs and bones, recurring locally, and escaping from anti-androgen therapy. Key event of biological progression of the patient's tumor was the coincidence of allelic imbalance accumulation and of bone metastases occurrence. The recurrent tumor was established as the transplantable xenograft PAC120 in nude mice, where it grew locally. PAC120 displayed the same immunophenotype of the original tumor (positive for keratin, vimentin, prostatic acid phosphatase, and Leu-7) and expressed human HOXB9, HOXA4, HER-2/neu, and prostate-specific antigen genes, as detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. It formed lung micrometastases detected by mRNA expression of human genes. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated numerous alterations reflecting the tumor evolution. PAC120 was still hormone-dependent; its growth was strongly inhibited by the new gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist FE 200486 but weakly by gonadotropin-releasing hormone superagonist D-Trp(6)-luteinizing-hormone releasing hormone (decapeptyl). Tumor growth inhibition induced by anti-hormone therapy was linked to the hormone deprivation degree, more important and more stable with FE 200486 than with D-Trp(6)-luteinizing-hormone releasing hormone. Surgical castration of mice led to tumor regressions but did not prevent late recurrences. Transition to hormone-independent tumors was frequently associated with a mucoid differentiation or with a neuroendocrine-like pattern. Independent variations of mRNA expression of HER-2/neu and prostate-specific antigen were observed in hormone-independent tumors whereas HOXB9 gene expression was constant. In conclusion, PAC120 xenograft, a new model of hormone-dependent prostate cancer retained the progression potential of the original tumor, opening the opportunity to study the hormone dependence escape mechanism.

GI side-effects of a possible therapeutic GRF analogue in monkeys are likely due to VIP receptor agonist activity

Growth hormone (GH) is used or is being evaluated for efficacy in treatment of short stature, aspects of aging, cardiac disorders, Crohn's disease, and short bowel syndrome. Therefore, we synthesized several stable growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) analogues that could be therapeutically useful. One potent analog, [D-Ala(2),Aib(8, 18,)Ala(9, 15, 16, 22, 24-26,)Gab(27)]hGRF(1-27)NH(2) (GRF-6), with prolonged infusion caused severe diarrhea in monkeys; however, it had no side-effects in rats. Because GRF has similarity to VIP/PACAP and VIPomas cause diarrhea, this study investigated the ability of this and other GRF analogues to interact with the VIP/PACAP receptors. Rat VPAC(1)-R (rVPAC(1)-R), human VPAC(1)-R (hVPAC(1)-R), rVPAC(2)-R and hVPAC(2)-R stably transfected CHO and PANC 1 cells were made and T47D breast cancer cells containing native human VPAC(1)-R and AR4-2J cells containing PAC(1)-R were used. hGRF(1-29)NH(2) had low affinity for both rVPAC(1)-R and rVPAC(2)-R while VIP had a high affinity for both receptors. GRF-6 had a low affinity for both rVPAC(1)-R and rVPAC(2)-R and very low affinity for the rPAC(1)-R. VIP had a high affinity, whereas hGRF(1-29)NH(2) had a low affinity for both hVPAC(1)-R and hVPAC(2)-R. In contrast GRF-6, while having a low affinity for hVPAC(2)-R, had relatively higher affinity for the hVPAC(1)-R. In guinea pig pancreatic acini, all GRF analogues were full agonists at the VPAC(1)-R causing enzyme secretion. These results demonstrate that in contrast to native hGRF(1-29)NH(2,) GRF-6 has a relatively high affinity for the human VPAC(1)-R but not for the human VPAC(2)-R, rat VPAC(1)-R, rat VPAC(2)-R or rat PAC(1)-R. These results suggest that the substituted GRF analog, GRF-6, likely causes the diarrheal side-effects in monkeys by interacting with the VPAC(1)-R. Furthermore, they demonstrate significant species differences can exist for possible therapeutic peptide agonists of the VIP/PACAP/GRF receptor family and that it is essential that receptor affinity assessments be performed in human cells or from a closely related species.

Antiproliferative actions of growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists on MiaPaCa-2 human pancreatic cancer cells involve cAMP independent pathways

We evaluated the effects of GHRH antagonists on the proliferation of MiaPaCa-2 human pancreatic cancer cells and cAMP signaling in vitro. GHRH antagonists inhibited the proliferation of MiaPaCa-2 cells in vitro in a dose-dependent way and caused a significant elevation in cAMP production. In a superfusion system, short-term exposure of the cells to GHRH antagonists evoked an acute, dose-dependent release of cAMP into the medium. Native GHRH, which stimulates cAMP efflux from pituitary at nanomolar doses, did not influence cAMP release from cultured or superfused MiaPaCa-2 cells even at 10-30 microM. VIP, PACAP, secretin and glucagon also did not influence cell proliferation or cAMP production. Adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (FSK) caused a greater cAMP response, but a smaller antiproliferative effect than GHRH antagonists. Combined treatment with FSK and GHRH antagonist JV-1-38 potentiated the cAMP-inducing effect of FSK, but did not produce a greater inhibition of cell proliferation than JV-1-38 alone. A selective accumulation of radiolabeled GHRH antagonist [(125)I]JV-1-42 in vivo in MiaPaCa-2 carcinoma xenografted into nude mice was also observed. In conclusion, second messengers other than cAMP participate in the signal transduction pathways of GHRH analogs mediated by tumoral GHRH receptors.

Nonandrogenic mediators of prostatic growth

Prostate growth and development are primarily under the control of androgens; however, other factors can also influence prostatic growth through alternative pathways. This article discusses some of the major nonandrogenic mediators of prostate growth. Information on the pathways by which these factors exert their effects is also reviewed.

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone and somatostatin analog RC-160 inhibit the growth of the OV-1063 human epithelial ovarian cancer cell line xenografted into nude mice

The effects of antagonists of GHRH and the somatostatin analog RC-160 on the growth of OV-1063 human epithelial ovarian cancer cells xenografted into nude mice were investigated. Treatment with 20 microg/day of the GHRH antagonist JV-1-36 or MZ-5-156 and 60 microg/day of the somatostatin analog RC-160 for 25 days decreased tumor volume by 70.9% (P < 0.01), 58.3% (P < 0.05), and 60.6% (P < 0.01), respectively, vs. the control value. The levels of GH in serum were decreased in all of the treated groups, but only RC-160 significantly reduced serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). The levels of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for IGF-I and -II and for their receptors in OV-1063 tumors were investigated by multiplex RT-PCR. No expression of mRNA for IGF-I was detected, but treatment with JV-1-136 caused a 51.8% decrease (P < 0.05) in the level of mRNA for IGF-II in tumors. Exposure of OV-1063 cells cultured in vitro to GHRH, IGF-I, or IGF-II significantly (P < 0.05) stimulated cell growth, but 10(-5) mol/L JV-1-36 nearly completely inhibited (P < 0.001) OV-1063 cell proliferation. OV-1063 tumors expressed mRNA for GHRH receptors and showed the presence of binding sites for GHRH. Our results indicate that antagonistic analogs of GHRH and the somatostatin analog RC-160 inhibit the growth of epithelial ovarian cancers. The effects of RC-160 seem to be exerted more on the pituitary GH-hepatic IGF-I axis, whereas GHRH antagonists appear to reduce IGF-II production and interfere with the autocrine regulatory pathway. The antitumorigenic action of GHRH antagonists appears to be mediated by GHRH receptors found in OV-1063 tumors.

Other novel agents: Rationale and current status as chemopreventive agents

Several novel targets are currently being evaluated both preclinically and clinically for the prevention of prostate cancer. Four divergent and novel approaches were discussed at the National Cancer Institute-sponsored workshop entitled, "New Clinical Strategies in Prostate Cancer Prevention." These interventions are further categorized into soy protein-based serine-protease inhibitors that reduce superoxide-induced DNA damage, and molecularly targeted approaches that are directed toward endothelin-1 expression/overexpression, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ligands, and insulinlike growth factors. Understanding each of these approaches has offered insights into the process of malignant transformation of prostatic epithelium, and further illustrates the difficulties of developing new agents in the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer. Close scrutiny of the clinical data emerging with these approaches, including validation of biologic endpoints, is required before large-scale prevention studies with these novel agents and targets can be considered.

Direct action of growth hormone-releasing hormone agonist JI-38 on normal human fibroblasts: evidence from studies on cell proliferation and c-myc proto-oncogene expression

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is secreted by the hypothalamus and stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary. Recent studies also indicate that in addition to its neuroendocrine function, GHRH may play a direct role in the proliferation of cancer cells, acting as growth factor for various human tumors. In the present study we investigated the effects of JI-38, an agonistic analog of GHRH, on the rate of proliferation of normal human diploid dermal fibroblasts (NHF) cultured in vitro. The effects of JI-38 on the levels of mRNA for c-myc proto-oncogene were also tested. Exposure to 10(-7) M JI-38 stimulated the rate of proliferation of early passage NHF by about 100%. Exposure of NHF cells to 10(-8)-5x10(-6) M JI-38 for 24 h resulted in about 0.5-3.5 fold increase in the levels of mRNA for c-myc proto-oncogene. The ability of JI-38 to stimulate the proliferation of NHF cells was abolished in cells cultured at late passage. Continuous exposure to 10(-7) M JI-38, over 6-7 passages (15-20 population doublings), progressively reduced the rate of proliferation of NHF compared with cells exposed to medium alone, indicating that GHRH agonist acted as a growth inhibitor. Our results suggest that at certain developmental stages, GHRH may act on various tissues, stimulating cell proliferation.

Peptide analogs in the therapy of prostate cancer

The use of peptide analogs in the therapy of prostate cancer is reviewed. The preferred primary treatment of advanced androgen-dependent prostate cancer is presently based on the use of depot preparations of LH-RH agonists. This treatment is likewise recommended in patients with rising PSA levels after surgery or radiotherapy. LH-RH agonists with or without antiandrogens can be also utilized prior to or following various local treatments in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and at high risk for disease recurrence. LH-RH antagonists like Cetrorelix are in clinical trials. However, most patients with advanced prostatic carcinoma treated by any modality of androgen deprivation eventually relapse. Treatment of relapsed androgen-independent prostate cancer remains a major challenge, but new therapeutic modalities are being developed based on antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) and bombesin, which inhibit growth factors or their receptors. Another approach consists of cytotoxic analogs of LH-RH, bombesin, and somatostatin containing doxorubicin or 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin, which can be targeted to receptors for these peptides found in prostate cancers and their metastases. These cytotoxic analogs inhibit growth of experimental androgen-dependent or -independent prostate cancers and reduce the incidence of metastases. A rational therapy with peptide analogs could be selected on the basis of receptors present in biopsy samples. The approaches based on peptide analogs should result in a more effective treatment for prostate cancer.

Human renal cell carcinoma expresses distinct binding sites for growth hormone-releasing hormone

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) inhibit the proliferation of various human cancers in vitro and in vivo by mechanisms that include apparent direct effects through specific binding sites expressed on tumors and that differ from pituitary human GHRH (hGHRH) receptors. In this study, GHRH antagonist JV-1-38 (20 microgram/day per animal s.c.) inhibited the growth of orthotopic CAKI-1 human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by 83% and inhibited the development of metastases to lung and lymph nodes. Using ligand competition assays with (125)I-labeled GHRH antagonist JV-1-42, we demonstrated the presence of specific high-affinity (K(d) = 0.25 +/- 0.03 nM) binding sites for GHRH with a maximal binding capacity (B(max)) of 70.2 +/- 4.1 fmol/mg of membrane protein in CAKI-1 tumors. These receptors bind GHRH antagonists preferentially and display a lower affinity for hGHRH. The binding of (125)I-JV-1-42 is not inhibited by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-related peptides sharing structural homology with hGHRH. The receptors for GHRH antagonists on CAKI-1 tumors are distinct from binding sites detected with (125)I-VIP (K(d) = 0.89 +/- 0.14 nM; B(max) = 183.5 +/- 2.6 fmol/mg of protein) and also have different characteristics from GHRH receptors on rat pituitary as documented by the insignificant binding of [His(1),(125)I-Tyr(10), Nle(27)]hGHRH(1-32)NH(2). Reverse transcription-PCR revealed the expression of splice variants of hGHRH receptor in CAKI-1 RCC. Biodistribution studies demonstrate an in vivo uptake of (125)I-JV-1-42 by the RCC tumor tissue. The presence of specific receptor proteins that bind GHRH antagonists in CAKI-1 RCC supports the view that distinct binding sites that mediate the inhibitory effect of GHRH antagonists are present on various human cancers.

Isolation and sequencing of cDNAs for splice variants of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors from human cancers

The proliferation of various tumors is inhibited by the antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) in vitro and in vivo, but the receptors mediating the effects of GHRH antagonists have not been identified so far. Using an approach based on PCR, we detected two major splice variants (SVs) of mRNA for human GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) in human cancer cell lines, including LNCaP prostatic, MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic, MDA-MB-468 breast, OV-1063 ovarian, and H-69 small-cell lung carcinomas. In addition, high-affinity, low-capacity binding sites for GHRH antagonists were found on the membranes of cancer cell lines such as MiaPaCa-2 that are negative for the vasoactive intestinal peptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide receptor (VPAC-R) or lines such as LNCaP that are positive for VPAC-R. Sequence analysis of cDNAs revealed that the first three exons in SV(1) and SV(2) are replaced by a fragment of retained intron 3 having a new putative in-frame start codon. The rest of the coding region of SV(1) is identical to that of human pituitary GHRH-R, whereas in SV(2) exon 7 is spliced out, resulting in a 1-nt upstream frameshift, which leads to a premature stop codon in exon 8. The intronic sequence may encode a distinct 25-aa fragment of the N-terminal extracellular domain, which could serve as a proposed signal peptide. The continuation of the deduced protein sequence coded by exons 4-13 in SV(1) is identical to that of pituitary GHRH-R. SV(2) may encode a GHRH-R isoform truncated after the second transmembrane domain. Thus SVs of GHRH-Rs have now been identified in human extrapituitary cells. The findings support the view that distinct receptors are expressed on human cancer cells, which may mediate the antiproliferative effect of GHRH antagonists.

Potentiation of the inhibitory effect of growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists on PC-3 human prostate cancer by bombesin antagonists indicative of interference with both IGF and EGF pathways

BACKGROUND

In view of the involvement of various neuropeptides and growth factors in the progression of androgen-independent prostate cancer, we investigated the effects of antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) alone or in combination with an antagonist of bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide (BN/GRP) on PC-3 human prostate cancers.

METHODS

Nude mice implanted with PC-3 tumors received GHRH antagonists MZ-5-156 or JV-1-38, each at 20 microgram/day s.c. In experiment 2, treatment consisted of daily injections of JV-1-38 (20 microgram), BN/GRP antagonist RC-3940-II (10 microgram), or a combination of JV-1-38 and RC-3940-II. Serum IGF-I levels, expression of mRNA for IGF-II, and characteristics of BN/GRP and EGF receptors in tumor tissue were investigated.

RESULTS

JV-1-38 induced a greater inhibition of tumor growth and suppression of IGF-II mRNA than MZ-5-156, both compounds causing a similar decrease in serum IGF-I. In experiment 2, JV-1-38 and RC-3940-II produced a comparable reduction in tumor volume (65% and 61%, respectively), but a combination of both antagonists augmented tumor inhibition to 75%. Combined treatment with JV-1-38 and RC-3940-II also led to a greater suppression of IGF-II mRNA (92%), as compared with JV-1-38 (72%) or RC-3940-II (77%). Serum IGF-I concentration was lowered only in mice treated with JV-1-38, while the downregulation of BN/GRP and EGF receptors was specific for groups receiving RC-3940-II.

CONCLUSIONS

The inhibitory effects of GHRH antagonists on PC-3 human androgen-independent prostate cancer can be potentiated by concomitant use of BN/GRP antagonists. The combination of both types of analogs apparently interferes with both IGF and bombesin/EGF pathways, and might be clinically useful for the management of androgen-independent prostate cancer.

The effects of insulin-like growth factors on tumorigenesis and neoplastic growth

Several decades of basic and clinical research have demonstrated that there is an association between the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and neoplasia. We begin with a brief discussion of the function and regulation of expression of the IGFs, their receptors and the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). A number of investigational interventional strategies targeting the GH or IGFs are then reviewed. Finally, we have assembled the available scientific knowledge about this relationship for each of the major tumor types. The tumors have been grouped together by organ system and for each of the major tumors, various key elements of the relationship between IGFs and tumor growth are discussed. Specifically these include the presence or absence of autocrine IGF-I and IGF-II production; presence or absence of IGF-I and IGF-II receptor expression; the expression and functions of the IGFBPs; in vitro and in vivo experiments involving therapeutic interventions; and available results from clinical trials evaluating the effect of GH/IGF axis down-regulation in various malignancies.

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) inhibit IGF-II production and growth of HT-29 human colon cancers

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) I and II are implicated in progression of various tumours including colorectal carcinomas. To interfere with the production of IGFs, we treated male nude mice bearing xenografts of HT-29 human colon cancer with various potent growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) antagonists. Twice daily injections of antagonist MZ-4-71, 10 microg intraperitoneally or 5 microg subcutaneously (s.c.) resulted in a significant 43-45% inhibition of tumour growth. Longer acting GH-RH antagonists, MZ-5-156 and JV-1-36 given once daily at doses of 20 microg s.c. produced a 43-58% decrease in volume and weight of cancers. Histological analyses of HT-29 cancers demonstrated that both a decreased cell proliferation and an increased apoptosis contributed to tumour inhibition. GH-RH antagonists did not change serum IGF-I or IGF-II levels, but significantly decreased IGF-II concentration and reduced mRNA expression for IGF-II in tumours. In vitro studies showed that HT-29 cells produced and secreted IGF-II into the medium, and addition of MZ-5-156 dose-dependently decreased IGF-II production by about 40% as well as proliferation of HT-29 cells. Our studies demonstrate that GH-RH antagonists inhibit growth of HT-29 human colon cancers in vivo and in vitro. The effect of GH-RH antagonists may be mediated through a reduced production and secretion of IGF-II by cancer cells.

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone inhibit the growth of U-87MG human glioblastoma in nude mice

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone(GH-RH)inhibit the growth of various cancers by mechanisms that involve the suppression of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and/or IGF-II. In view of the importance of the IGF system in glioma tumorigenesis, the effects of GH-RH antagonists MZ-5-156 and JV-1-36 were investigated in nude mice bearing subcutaneous and orthotopic xenografts of U-87MG human glioblastomas. After 4 weeks of therapy with MZ-5-156 or JV-1 -36 at the dose of 20 microg/day per animal, the final volume of subcutaneous U-87MG tumors was significantly (P < .01) decreased by 84% and 76%, respectively, as compared with controls. Treatment with GH-RH antagonists also reduced tumor weight and the levels of mRNA for IGF receptor type I (IGFR-I). A reduction in the mRNA levels for IGF-II was found in tumors of mice treated with MZ-5-156. Treatment with MZ-5-156 or JV-1 -36 also extended the survival of nude mice implanted orthotopically with U-87MG glioblastomas by 81% (P < .005) and 18%, respectively, as compared with the controls. Exposure in vitro to GH-RH antagonists MZ-5-156 or JV-1 -36 at 1 microM concentration for 24 hours decreased the tumorigenicity of U-87MG cells in nude mice by 10% to 30% and extended the latency period for the development of subcutaneous palpable tumors by 31% to 56%, as compared with the controls. Exposure of U-87MG cells to GH-RH antagonists in vitro also resulted in a time-dependent increase in the mRNA levels of IGFR-II or a decrease in the mRNA levels of IGFR-I. mRNA for GH-RH was detected in U-87MG cells and xenografts implying that GH-RH may play a role in the pathogenesis of this tumor. Our results suggest that GH-RH antagonists MZ-5-156 and JV-1-36 inhibit the growth of U-87MG human glioblastoma by mechanisms that involve the suppression of IGF system. Antagonistic analogs of GH-RH merit further development for the treatment of malignant glioblastoma.

IGFs and human cancer: implications regarding the risk of growth hormone therapy

Perturbations of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis, including the autocrine production of IGFs, IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) and IGFBP proteases such as prostate specific antigen (PSA), and cathepsin D have been identified in prostate, lung and breast cancer cells and tissues. Serum IGFBP-3 levels have been found to be negatively correlated to the risk of cancer. Interestingly, IGFBP-3 is a potent inhibitor of IGF action and also mediates apoptosis via an IGF-independent mechanism. Recent case-control studies have found an approximately 10% increase in the serum levels of IGF-I in patients with prostate, breast and lung cancers, which are among the most frequently diagnosed cancers. While the studies indicate an association between serum IGF-I levels and cancer risk, causality has not been established. Thus, serum IGF-I level may actually be a confounding variable, serving as a marker for autocrine tissue IGF-I production. Growth hormone (GH) therapy raises both IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels in serum. However, the role of GH in controlling prostate, breast and lung growth and carcinogenesis remains unclear from animal studies. Increased GH levels as seen in acromegaly have been associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia but not with prostate, breast or lung cancers, although colon cancer mortality may be increased. Should serum IGF-I levels be proven to play a causal role in the pathogenesis of cancer, interpreting the risk associated with therapies such as GH replacement must take into account both the duration of exposure and the risk magnitude associated with the degree of serum IGF-I elevation. Since GH-deficient patients often have a subnormal IGF-I serum level, which normalizes on therapy, their cancer risk on GH therapy probably does not increase substantially above that of the normal population. Until further research in the area dictates otherwise, ongoing surveillance and routine monitoring of IGF-I levels in GH recipients should become standard of care.

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone arrest the growth of MDA-MB-468 estrogen-independent human breast cancers in nude mice

Since antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) inhibit proliferation of various tumors, in this study we investigated the effects of GH-RH antagonists MZ-5-156 or JV-1-36 on growth of estrogen-independent MDA-MB-468 human breast cancers xenografted into nude mice. Both GH-RH antagonists administered at a dose of 20 microg/day induced regression of some and growth-arrest of other tumors, while control tumors continued to grow. After 5 weeks of therapy with MZ-5-156 or JV-1-36, final volume and weight of MDA-MB-468 tumors were significantly decreased (all p values < 0.001) and serum IGF-I levels as well as tumor IGF-I mRNA expression were reduced as compared with controls. High affinity binding sites for IGF-I were detected by the ligand binding method. Gene expression of human IGF-I receptors, as measured by the RT-PCR, was not significantly different in control and treated MDA-MB-468 tumors. In cell culture, IGF-I did not stimulate, GH-RH slightly stimulated, while MZ-5-156 and JV-1-36 inhibited proliferation of MDA-MB-468 cells known to possess defective insulin and IGF-I receptor signaling. The expression of mRNA for human GH-RH was found in five of 8 tumors treated with GH-RH antagonists, and in one of the five control tumors. These results suggest that GH-RH antagonists inhibit MDA-MB-468 breast cancers possibly through mechanisms involving interference with locally produced GH-RH.