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Hashemi M, Abbaszadeh S, Rashidi M, Amini N, Talebi Anaraki K, Motahhary M, Khalilipouya E, Harif Nashtifani A, Shafiei S, Ramezani Farani M, Nabavi N, Salimimoghadam S, Aref AR, Raesi R, Taheriazam A, Entezari M, Zha W. STAT3 as a newly emerging target in colorectal cancer therapy: Tumorigenesis, therapy response, and pharmacological/nanoplatform strategies. Environ Res 2023; 233:116458. [PMID: 37348629 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116458] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most aggressive tumor globally, and it can be categorized into two forms: colitis-mediated CRC and sporadic CRC. The therapeutic approaches for CRC encompass surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, even with the implementation of these techniques, the 5-year survival rate for metastatic CRC remains at a mere 12-14%. In the realm of CRC treatment, gene therapy has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach. Among the crucial molecular pathways that govern tumorigenesis, STAT3 plays a significant role. This pathway is subject to regulation by cytokines and growth factors. Once translocated into the nucleus, STAT3 influences the expression levels of factors associated with cell proliferation and metastasis. Literature suggests that the upregulation of STAT3 expression is observed as CRC cells progress towards metastatic stages. Consequently, elevated STAT3 levels serve as a significant determinant of poor prognosis and can be utilized as a diagnostic factor for cancer patients. The biological and malignant characteristics of CRC cells contribute to low survival rates in patients, as the upregulation of STAT3 prevents apoptosis and promotes pro-survival autophagy, thereby accelerating tumorigenesis. Furthermore, STAT3 plays a role in facilitating the proliferation of CRC cells through the stimulation of glycolysis and promoting metastasis via the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Notably, an intriguing observation is that the upregulation of STAT3 can mediate resistance to 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and other anti-cancer drugs. Moreover, the radio-sensitivity of CRC diminishes with increased STAT3 expression. Compounds such as curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, and other anti-tumor agents exhibit the ability to suppress STAT3 and its associated pathways, thereby impeding tumorigenesis in CRC. Furthermore, it is worth noting that nanostructures have demonstrated anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic properties in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Abbaszadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University Tonekabon Branch, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nafisesadat Amini
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | | | - Ensi Khalilipouya
- Department of Radiology, Mahdiyeh Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sasan Shafiei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Rasoul Raesi
- Health Services Management, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Wenliang Zha
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China.
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Yu C, Li Y, Chen G, Wu C, Wang X, Zhang Y. Bioactive constituents of animal-derived traditional Chinese medicinal materials for breast cancer: opportunities and challenges. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:547-563. [PMID: 35794685 PMCID: PMC9264107 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2101019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is globally the most common invasive cancer in women and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy are currently the main treatments for this cancer type. However, some breast cancer patients are prone to drug resistance related to chemotherapy or immunotherapy, resulting in limited treatment efficacy. Consequently, traditional Chinese medicinal materials (TCMMs) as natural products have become an attractive source of novel drugs. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on the active components of animal-derived TCMMs, including Ophiocordycepssinensis-derived cordycepin, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of O.sinensis, norcantharidin (NCTD), Chansu, bee venom, deer antlers, Ostreagigas, and scorpion venom, with reference to marked anti-breast cancer effects due to regulating cell cycle arrest, proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and drug resistance. In future studies, the underlying mechanisms for the antitumor effects of these components need to be further investigated by utilizing multi-omics technologies. Furthermore, large-scale clinical trials are necessary to validate the efficacy of bioactive constituents alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaochao Yu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guopeng Chen
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chaoyan Wu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiuping Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yingwen Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Liu HM, Ma LL, Li C, Cao B, Jiang Y, Han L, Xu R, Lin J, Zhang D. The molecular mechanism of chronic stress affecting the occurrence and development of breast cancer and potential drug therapy. Transl Oncol 2021; 15:101281. [PMID: 34875482 PMCID: PMC8652015 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the 2020 data released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the world's most newly diagnosed first-time cancer. Compared with patients with other types of cancer, those with breast cancer experience greater mental stress and more severe psychological impacts because of the life-threatening diagnosis, physical changes, treatment side effects, and family and social life dysfunctions. These usually manifest as anxiety, depression, nervousness, and insomnia, all of which elicit stress responses. Particularly under chronic stress, the continuous release of neurotransmitters from the neuroendocrine system can have a highly profound impact on the occurrence and prognosis of breast cancer. However, because of the complex mechanisms underlying chronic stress and the variability in individual tolerance, evidence of the role of chronic stress in the occurrence and evolution of breast cancer remains unclear. This article reviewed previous research on the correlation between chronic stress and the occurrence and development of breast cancer, particularly the molecular mechanism through which chronic stress promotes breast cancer via neurotransmitters secreted by the nervous system. We also review the progress in the development of potential drugs or blockers for the treatment of breast cancer by targeting the neuroendocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1066 Avenue Liutai, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Le-le Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1066 Avenue Liutai, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Bo Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1066 Avenue Liutai, Chengdu 611137, China; National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yifang Jiang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Road Shierqiao, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Li Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1066 Avenue Liutai, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Runchun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1066 Avenue Liutai, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Junzhi Lin
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Road Shierqiao, Chengdu 610072, China.
| | - Dingkun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1066 Avenue Liutai, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Hwang SI, Yoon YJ, Sung SH, Ha KT, Park JK. Toxic Animal-Based Medicinal Materials Can Be Effective in Treating Endometriosis: A Scoping Review. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:145. [PMID: 33673020 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal toxins and venoms have recently been developed as cancer treatments possessing tumor cell growth-inhibitory, antiangiogenesis, and proapoptotic effects. Endometriosis is a common benign gynecological disorder in reproductive-age women, and no definite treatment for this disorder is without severe side effects. As endometriosis and malignant tumors share similar characteristics (progressive, invasive, estrogen-dependent growth, and recurrence), animal toxins and venoms are thought to be effective against endometriosis. The objective of this study was to outline studies using toxic animal-based medicinal materials (TMM) as endometriosis treatment and to explore its clinical applicability. Preclinical and clinical studies using TMM were searched for in four databases from inception to October 2020. A total of 20 studies of TMM on endometriosis were included. In eight clinical studies, herbal medicines containing TMM were effective in relieving symptoms of endometriosis, with no side effects. In twelve experimental studies, the main therapeutic mechanisms of TMM against endometriosis were proapoptotic, antiangiogenesis, estrogen level-reducing, and possible anti-inflammatory effects. TMM are thus considered promising sources for the development of an effective treatment method for endometriosis. Further studies are needed to clarify the therapeutic mechanism of TMM against endometriosis and to provide sufficient grounds for clinical application.
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McCullough D, Atofanei C, Knight E, Trim SA, Trim CM. Kinome scale profiling of venom effects on cancer cells reveals potential new venom activities. Toxicon 2020; 185:129-146. [PMID: 32682827 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The search for novel and relevant cancer therapeutics is continuous and ongoing. Cancer adaptations, resulting in therapeutic treatment failures, fuel this continuous necessity for new drugs to novel targets. Recently, researchers have started to investigate the effect of venoms and venom components on different types of cancer, investigating their mechanisms of action. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) comprise a family of highly conserved and functionally important druggable targets for cancer therapy. This research exploits the novelty of complex venom mixtures to affect phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and related RTK family members, dually identifying new activities and unexplored avenues for future cancer and venom research. Six whole venoms from diverse species taxa, were evaluated for their ability to illicit changes in the phosphorylated expression of a panel of 49 commonly expressed RTKs. The triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 was treated with optimised venom doses, pre-determined by SDS PAGE and Western blot analysis. The phosphorylated expression levels of 49 RTKs in response to the venoms were assessed with the use of Human Phospho-RTK Arrays and analysed using ImageLab 5.2.1 analysis software (BioRad). Inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation occurred with treatment of venom from Acanthoscurria geniculata (Theraphosidae), Heterometrus swammerdami (Scorpionidae), Crotalus durissus vegrandis (Crotalidae) and Naja naja (Elapidae). Western green mamba Dendroaspis viridis venom increased EGFR phosphorylation. Eph, HGFR and HER were the most affected receptor families by venoms. Whilst the importance of these changes in terms of effect on MDA-MB-468 cells' long-term viability and functionality are still unclear, the findings present exciting opportunities for further investigation as potential drug targets in cancer and as tools to understand better how these pathways interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle McCullough
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK
| | - Cristina Atofanei
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK
| | - Emily Knight
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK; Life Sciences Industry Liaison laboratory, Canterbury Christ Church University, Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF, UK
| | - Steven A Trim
- Venomtech Ltd., Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF, UK
| | - Carol M Trim
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK.
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Dioguardi M, Caloro GA, Laino L, Alovisi M, Sovereto D, Crincoli V, Aiuto R, Dioguardi A, De Lillo A, Troiano G, Lo Muzio L. Therapeutic Anticancer Uses of the Active Principles of " Rhopalurus junceus" Venom. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8100382. [PMID: 32992456 PMCID: PMC7600222 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Rhopalurus junceus is a scorpion belonging to the Buthidae family that finds its habitat in Cuba. This scorpion is known by the common name of "Blue Scorpion". The venom is used on the island of Cuba as an alternative cure for cancer and, more recently, in the research of active components for biomedicine. Recently, the venom has been tested in several studies to investigate its effects on cancer cell lines, and the initial results of in vitro studies demonstrated how this poison can be effective on certain carcinoma cell lines (Hela, SiHa, Hep-2, NCI-H292, A549, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and HT-29). The aim of this review is, therefore, to describe the effects of the venom on carcinoma lines and to investigate all anti-cancer properties studied in the literature. The research was conducted using four databases, Pub Med, Scopus, EBSCO, and Web of Science, through the use of keywords, by two independent reviewers following the PRISMA protocol, identifying 57 records. The results led to a total of 13 articles that met the eligibility criteria. The data extracted for the purpose of meta-analysis included the IC50 of the venom on carcinoma cell lines. The results of the meta-analysis provided a pooled mean of the IC50 of 0.645 mg/mL (95% CI: 0.557, 0.733), with a standard error (SE) = 0.045, p < 0.001. The analysis of the subgroups, differentiated by the type of cell line used, provided insight regarding how the scorpion venom was effective on the cell lines of lung origin (NCI-H292, A549, and MRC-5) with a pooled mean of IC50 0.460 mg/mL (95% CI: 0.290, 0.631) SE (0.087) p < 0.001. The results described in the literature for in vitro studies are encouraging, and further investigations should be carried out and deepened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Dioguardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Rovelli 50, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.S.); (A.D.); (A.D.L.); (G.T.); (L.L.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giorgia Apollonia Caloro
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, University of Bari, Via Piazza Giulio Cesare, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Luigi Laino
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Odontostomatological Specialties, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80121 Naples, Italy;
| | - Mario Alovisi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dental School, University of Turin, 10127 Turin, Italy;
| | - Diego Sovereto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Rovelli 50, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.S.); (A.D.); (A.D.L.); (G.T.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Vito Crincoli
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, Division of Complex Operating Unit of Dentistry, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Aiuto
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical, and Dental Science, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Antonio Dioguardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Rovelli 50, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.S.); (A.D.); (A.D.L.); (G.T.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Alfredo De Lillo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Rovelli 50, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.S.); (A.D.); (A.D.L.); (G.T.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Troiano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Rovelli 50, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.S.); (A.D.); (A.D.L.); (G.T.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Lo Muzio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Rovelli 50, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (D.S.); (A.D.); (A.D.L.); (G.T.); (L.L.M.)
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Abstract
Breast cancer has grown to be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Only a few treatment options are available for breast cancer due to the widespread occurrence of chemoresistance, which emphasizes the need to discover and develop new methods to treat this disease. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an early tumor diagnostic marker and is known to promote breast cancer malignancy. Recent clinical and preclinical data indicate the involvement of overexpressed and constitutively activated STAT3 in the progression, proliferation, metastasis and chemoresistance of breast cancer. Moreover, new pathways comprised of upstream regulators and downstream targets of STAT3 have been discovered. In addition, small molecule inhibitors targeting STAT3 activation have been found to be efficient for therapeutic treatment of breast cancer. This systematic review discusses the advances in the discovery of the STAT3 pathways and drugs targeting STAT3 in breast cancer. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-hui Ma
- Marine College, Shandong University, Wenhua West Rd. 180, Weihai, Shandong 264209 P.R. China
| | - Li Qin
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Sino-US Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xia Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Wenhua West Rd. 180, Weihai, Shandong 264209 P.R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
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Mikaelian AG, Traboulay E, Zhang XM, Yeritsyan E, Pedersen PL, Ko YH, Matalka KZ. Pleiotropic Anticancer Properties of Scorpion Venom Peptides: Rhopalurus princeps Venom as an Anticancer Agent. Drug Des Devel Ther 2020; 14:881-893. [PMID: 32161447 PMCID: PMC7051175 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s231008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
To date, the success of conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted biological therapies in cancer treatment is not satisfactory. The main reasons for such outcomes rely on low target selectivity, primarily in chemo- and radiotherapy, ineffectiveness to metastatic disease, drug resistance, and severe side effects. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors may offer better clinical promise, success is still limited. Since cancer is a complex systemic disease, the need for new therapeutic modalities that can target or block several steps of cancer cell characteristics, modulate or repolarize immune cells, and are less toxic to healthy tissues is essential. Of these promising therapeutic modalities are pleiotropic natural products in which scorpion venom (SV) is an excellent example. SV consists of complex bioactive peptides that are disulfide-rich of different peptides’ length, potent, stable, and exerts various multi-pharmacological actions. SV peptides also contain ion channel inhibitors. These ion channels are dysregulated and overexpressed in cancer cells, and play essential roles in cancer development and invasion, as well as depolarizing immune cells. Furthermore, SV has been found to induce cancer cell apoptosis, and inhibit cancer cells proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In the current review, we are presenting data that show the pleiotropic effect of SV against different types of human cancer as well as revealing one potential anticancer agent, Rhopalurus princeps venom. Furthermore, we are addressing what is needed to be done to translate these potential cancer therapeutics to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Peter L Pedersen
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine Laboratory, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Young Hee Ko
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine Laboratory, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Keshavarz Alikhani H, Bidmeshkipour A, Zargan J. Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Induction Effects of the Venom of Iranian Scorpion (Odontobuthus bidentatus) in the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line (HepG2). Int J Pept Res Ther 2020; 26:2475-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Moradi M, Najafi R, Amini R, Solgi R, Tanzadehpanah H, Esfahani AM, Saidijam M. Remarkable apoptotic pathway of Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom on CT26 cell line. Cell Biol Toxicol 2019; 35:373-385. [PMID: 30617443 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-018-09455-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Scorpion venom, considered as a treasure trove of various bioactive molecules, is a new approach to induce cancer cell death via apoptosis pathways. In the present study, we evaluated for first time the anti-proliferative efficacy of Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom and its pathway on a colon carcinoma cell. MATERIALS AND METHODS The CT26 and VERO cell lines were treated with various concentrations of the venom. The IC50 values were estimated by MTT assay test, and the apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Moreover, RT-PCR analysis was used to investigate the levels of Bax, Bcl2, Trp53, and Casp3 mRNA expression. The mice xenograft model was established to evaluate the therapy efficiency of venom. Some valuable exponential growth parameters were evaluated in treated mice. RESULT The scorpion venom inhibited the growth of CT26 cells with an IC50 value about 120 μg/ml. However, VERO cells increased to 896 μg/ml under the same condition. A remarkable apoptotic cells in CT26 cells were revealed by flow cytometry assay. A significant over-expression was observed in Bax, Casp3, and Trp53 and downregulated in Bcl2 mRNA level in tumor tissue after treatment with scorpion venom (p < 0.05). All changes of valuable exponential growth parameters showed a shrinking tumor size. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that Hemiscorpius lepturus venom has a special anti-proliferative effect on CT26 cells via Trp53/Bcl2/Casp3 pathway. Considering its powerful cytotoxic vigor against a colon cancer cell (CT26) and low toxicity to non-tumorigenic cell (VERO), we propose that this venom probably has a specific effect on other colon cancer cells and may turn out to be a novel therapeutic strategy in treating colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Moradi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Pejohesh Crossroads, Hamadan, 65178-38678, Iran
| | - Rezvan Najafi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Pejohesh Crossroads, Hamadan, 65178-38678, Iran
| | - Razieh Amini
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Pejohesh Crossroads, Hamadan, 65178-38678, Iran
| | - Reza Solgi
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization of Iran, Hamadan, Iran
- Felestin Square, General Office of Legal Medicine, Ghobare Hamadani Blvd, Hamadan, 65187-53141, Iran
| | - Hamid Tanzadehpanah
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Pejohesh Crossroads, Hamadan, 65178-38678, Iran
| | - Alireza Monsef Esfahani
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Pejohesh Crossroads, Hamadan, 65178-38678, Iran
- Department of Pathology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Massoud Saidijam
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Pejohesh Crossroads, Hamadan, 65178-38678, Iran.
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