Atrophy of the cholinergic regions advances from early to late mild cognitive impairment

PURPOSE

We investigated the volumetric changes in the components of the cholinergic pathway for patients with early mild cognitive impairment (EMCI) and those with late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI). The effect of patients' apolipoprotein 4 (APOE-ε4) allele status on the structural changes were analyzed.

METHODS

Structural magnetic resonance imaging data were collected. Patients' demographic information, plasma data, and validated global cognitive composite scores were included. Relevant features were extracted for constructing machine learning models to differentiate between EMCI (n = 312) and LMCI (n = 541) and predict patients' neurocognitive function. The data were analyzed primarily through one-way analysis of variance and two-way analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

Considerable differences were observed in cholinergic structural changes between patients with EMCI and LMCI. Cholinergic atrophy was more prominent in the LMCI cohort than in the EMCI cohort (P < 0.05 family-wise error corrected). APOE-ε4 differentially affected cholinergic atrophy in the LMCI and EMCI cohorts. For LMCI cohort, APOE-ε4 carriers exhibited increased brain atrophy (left amygdala: P = 0.001; right amygdala: P = 0.006, and right Ch123, P = 0.032). EMCI and LCMI patients showed distinctive associations of gray matter volumes in cholinergic regions with executive (R2 = 0.063 and 0.030 for EMCI and LMCI, respectively) and language (R2 = 0.095 and 0.042 for EMCI and LMCI, respectively) function.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirmed significant cholinergic atrophy differences between early and late stages of mild cognitive impairment. The impact of the APOE-ε4 allele on cholinergic atrophy varied between the LMCI and EMCI groups.

Lenvatinib Suppresses Protein Kinase B Signaling and Induces Apoptosis in Osteosarcoma Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

Lenvatinib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, has demonstrated promising activity in patients with osteosarcoma (OS). Therefore, it is worth exploring the inhibitory efficacy and mechanism of action of lenvatinib in osteosarcoma. The primary goal of this study was to examine the inhibitory effectiveness and mechanism of lenvatinib on the growth and invasion of OS cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of lenvatinib on cell viability, apoptosis, protein kinase B (AKT) activation, its downstream effector proteins involved in tumor progression, and invasion capability were assessed using MTT assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, and invasion/migration assay on U-2 OS and MG63 cells.

RESULTS

Lenvatinib effectively induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, as well as extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic signaling in OS cells. Lenvatinib also significantly decreased the invasion/migration capability, AKT activation, and downstream effector proteins.

CONCLUSION

The anti-OS effect of lenvatinib may be associated with the induction of apoptosis and the inactivation of AKT.

Interplay between lncRNA RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 and YY1 plays a vital role in hypoxia-mediated gene expression and tumorigenesis

BACKGROUND

The hypoxia-responsive long non-coding RNA, RP11-367G18.1, has recently been reported to induce histone 4 lysine 16 acetylation (H4K16Ac) through its variant 2; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood.

METHODS

RNA pull-down assay and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were performed to identify RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-binding partner. The molecular events were examined utilizing western blot analysis, real-time PCR, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and chromatin isolation by RNA purification assays. The migration, invasion, soft agar colony formation, and in vivo xenograft experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-YY1 complex on tumor progression.

RESULTS

In this study, RNA sequencing data revealed that hypoxia and RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 co-regulated genes were enriched in tumor-related pathways. YY1 was identified as an RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-binding partner that activates the H4K16Ac mark. YY1 was upregulated under hypoxic conditions and served as a target gene for hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 colocalized with YY1 and H4K16Ac in the nucleus under hypoxic conditions. Head and neck cancer tissues had higher levels of RP11-367G18.1 and YY1 which were associated with poor patient outcomes. RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-YY1 complex contributes to hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity. YY1 regulated hypoxia-induced genes dependent on RP11-367G18.1 variant 2.

CONCLUSIONS

RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-YY1 complex mediates the tumor-promoting effects of hypoxia, suggesting that this complex can be targeted as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

Clinical Effect of Moisturized Skin Care on Radiation Dermatitis of Head and Neck Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer may cause severe radiation dermatitis (RD) resulting in RT interruption and affecting disease control. A few studies address skin moisture changes during RT for head and neck cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of moisturized skin care (MSC) on severity of RD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study includes newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients undergoing RT. Participants were divided into MSC group and routine skin care (RSC) group based on patient's preferred decision. Skin moisture in the four quadrants of the neck was measured weekly before and after RT. RD was assessed with the Radiation Induced Skin Reaction Assessment Scale (RISRAS) and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) acute skin toxicity grading criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 54 patients were enrolled, of which 49 patients were suitable for the statistical analysis. There was a statistically significant difference in the RISRAS total score since the 5th week after RT between the groups. The severity of RD was less (B=0.814, p=0.021) and the onset was later (B=-0.384, p=0.006) in the MSC group when compared to the RSC group. Skin moisture decreased with cumulative radiation dose. In the upper neck, the MSC group had a slower rate of skin moisture decrease compared to the RSC group (right upper neck: B=0.935, p=0.007; left upper neck: B=0.93, p=0.018).

CONCLUSION

MSC can effectively reduce the severity and delay the onset of RD, while slows down skin moisture decrease during RT.

Unlocking Synergistic Potential: Enhancing Regorafenib Efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Combination Therapy With 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid

BACKGROUND/AIM

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Regorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, has shown promise in HCC treatment; however, its efficacy can be enhanced by combining it with other agents. 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-gly) is a natural compound with potential anti-cancer properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The toxicity and mechanism of regorafenib and 18β-gly was assessed on Hep3B cells, Huh7 cells, and Hep3B bearing animal model.

RESULTS

The combination of regorafenib and 18β-gly exhibited synergistic toxicity in HCC cells and animal model. Importantly, no significant differences in body weight or major tissue damage were observed after treatment with the combination of two drugs. Furthermore, the combination treatment modulated apoptosis-related markers and the mTOR signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

The study provides evidence for the synergistic effect of 18β-gly and regorafenib in a HCC model. The combination treatment modulated apoptosis-related markers and the mTOR signaling pathway, highlighting potential mechanisms underlying its therapeutic efficacy.

Unveiling nature's potential weapon: Magnolol's role in combating bladder cancer by upregulating the miR-124 and inactivating PKC-δ/ERK axis

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BC) is a challenging disease to manage. Researchers have been investigating the potential of magnolol, a compound derived from Magnolia officinalis, as an anti-cancer agent. However, the exact regulatory mechanism of magnolol and its impact on the NF-κB signaling pathway in BC remain unclear.

MATERIALS

To comprehensively evaluate its therapeutic potential, the researchers conducted a series of experiments using BC cell lines (TSGH8301, T24, and MB49) and in vivo animal models.

RESULTS

The results of the study demonstrated that magnolol exhibits cytotoxic effects on BC cells by activating both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis signaling pathways. Additionally, the expression of anti-apoptotic genes was downregulated by magnolol treatment. The researchers also uncovered the regulatory role of PKCδ/ERK and miR-124-3p in the NF-κB pathway, which may be influenced by magnolol. Treatment with magnolol led to the inactivation of PKCδ/ERK and an increase in miR-124-3p expression, effectively inhibiting NF-κB-mediated progression of BC. Importantly, the administration of magnolol did not result in significant toxicity in normal tissues, highlighting its potential as a safe adjunctive therapy with minimal adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

These findings position magnolol as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of BC. By activating apoptosis signaling pathways and inhibiting NF-κB pathway through the upregulation of miR-124-3p and downregulation of PKCδ/ERK activation, magnolol holds promise for suppressing tumor progression and improving patient outcomes in BC. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to explore the full potential of magnolol in the future.

Imipramine Suppresses Tumor Growth and Induces Apoptosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Targeting Multiple Processes and Signaling Pathways

BACKGROUND/AIM

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has limited treatment options. This study investigated imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, as a potential therapy for OSCC using a SAS-bearing xenograft animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The SAS-bearing xenograft model evaluated imipramine's impact on tumor growth. The control group received no treatment, while the imipramine-treated group received regular doses. Tumor growth, confirmed by imaging, and histological analysis assessed size and weight. Imipramine's effects on apoptosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and transcription factors (AKT, ERK, STAT3) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Imipramine significantly suppressed tumor growth within 6 days of treatment, with sustained activity. Computer tomography (CT) scans and histology confirmed reduced size and weight by imipramine. Imipramine induced apoptosis via caspase-dependent/-independent pathways, inhibited EMT, and down-regulated phosphorylated AKT, ERK, and STAT3.

CONCLUSION

Imipramine shows promise as an effective OSCC therapy, inhibiting tumor growth, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting EMT. Its impact on transcription factors and modulation of the AKT/ERK/STAT3 pathway suggest a multifaceted approach.

Humanized PD-1 Knock-in Mice Reveal Nivolumab's Inhibitory Effects on Glioblastoma Tumor Progression In Vivo

BACKGROUND/AIM

Immunotherapy has been considered a promising approach for brain tumor treatment since the discovery of the brain lymphatic system. Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive type of brain tumor, is associated with poor prognosis and a lack of effective treatment options.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To test the efficacy of human anti-PD-1, we used a humanized PD-1 knock-in mouse to establish an orthotopic GBM-bearing model.

RESULTS

Nivolumab, a human anti-PD-1, effectively inhibited tumor growth, increased the survival rate of mice, enhanced the accumulation and function of cytotoxic T cells, reduced the accumulation and function of immunosuppressive cells and their related factors, and did not induce tissue damage or biochemical changes. The treatment also induced the accumulation and activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, while reducing the accumulation and activation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells, and tumor-associated macrophages in the immune microenvironment.

CONCLUSION

Nivolumab has the potential to be a treatment for GBM.

Imipramine Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits the Metastatic Potential of Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and deadly subtype of breast cancer, and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. The highly metastatic and anti-apoptotic characteristics are known to be the major factors causing uncontrolled growth in TNBC. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that possesses anti-inflammatory activity and has been reported to inhibit the progression of highly metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study used MTT assay, apoptosis markers flow cytometry analysis, open-source data analysis, NF-B reporter gene assay, and western blotting to elucidate the effect of imipramine on MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells.

RESULTS

Imipramine induced caspase-mediated extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis and was potentially associated with patient overall survival. Furthermore, imipramine suppressed the invasion and migration abilities and the expression of metastasis-associated proteins in TNBC cells.

CONCLUSION

Imipramine effectively suppressed TNBC progression by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting metastasis.

A Novel Isotope-labeled Small Molecule Probe CC12 for Anti-glioma via Suppressing LYN-mediated Progression and Activating Apoptosis Pathways

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal malignancy in brain, which is surrounded by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which limits the efficacy of standard treatments. Developing an effective drug that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains a critical challenge in the fight against GBM. CC12 (NSC749232) is an anthraquinone tetraheterocyclic homolog with a lipophilic structure that may facilitate penetration of the brain area. Methods: We used temozolomide sensitive and resistance GBM cells and animal model to identify the CC12 delivery, anti-tumor potential and its underlying mechanism. Results: Importantly, toxicity triggered by CC12 was not associated with the methyl guanine-DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) methylation status which revealed a greater application potential compared to temozolomide. Alexa F488 cadaverine-labelled CC12 successfully infiltrated into the GBM sphere; in addition, ⁶⁸Ga-labeled CC12 was also found in the orthotopic GBM area. After passing BBB, CC12 initiated both caspase-dependent intrinsic/extrinsic apoptosis pathways and apoptosis-inducing factor, EndoG-related caspase-independent apoptosis signaling in GBM. RNA sequence analysis from The Cancer Genome Atlas indicated that LYN was overexpressed in GBM is associated with poorer overall survival. We proved that targeting of LYN by CC12 may diminish GBM progression and suppress it downstream factors such as signal transduction and activator of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)/transcription 3 (STAT3)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB. CC12 was also found to participate in suppressing GBM metastasis and dysregulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through inactivation of the LYN axis. Conclusion: CC12, a newly developed BBB-penetrating drug, was found to possess an anti-GBM capacity via initiating an apoptotic mechanism and disrupting LYN/ERK/STAT3/NF-κB-regulated GBM progression.

Fluoxetine inactivates STAT3/NF-κB signaling and promotes sensitivity to cisplatin in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is known as one of the top ten most common cancer types worldwide and can be majorly divided into muscles invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and non-muscles invasive type (NMIBC). However, the prognosis of BC remains poor under standard treatment including radical cystectomy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Numerous studies have reported that the prognosis of BC is associated with the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Fluoxetine, a well-known anti-depressant, has been reported to against various type of cancers. However, it is unclear whether fluoxetine has the capacity to inhibit BC progression by targeting STAT3 and NF-κB-mediated signaling. Here, we used cell viability, apoptosis assay, wound healing assay, invasion/migration assay, Western blotting assay, immunofluorescence staining, as well as animal experiments, to elucidate the efficacy of fluoxetine on in vitro and in vivo BC models. We found that fluoxetine may induce cytotoxicity and intrinsic/extrinsic apoptosis in BC and enhance the potential of cisplatin. Fluoxetine promoted both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptosis signaling by activating caspase-3, 8, 9, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and EndG. Furthermore, fluoxetine suppressed invasion and migration ability and the expression of metastasis-associated genes. Fluoxetine was also found to inactivate the phosphorylation of STAT3 (Tyr705) and NF-κB (Ser536) and suppress the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. In MB49-bearing mice, fluoxetine effectively delayed the progression of BC without inducing general toxicity. In summary, the induction of apoptosis and the inhibition of invasion triggered by fluoxetine are associated with the inactivation of STAT3 and NF-κB.

Inactivation of EGFR/ERK/NF-κB signalling associates with radiosensitizing effect of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid on progression of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is recognized as the fifth most common cancer and the third most common cause of death in Asian population. Studies reported that HCC is relatively insensitive to radiotherapy (RT); thus, considering how to sensitize HCC to RT is worth to be elucidated. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated signalling transduction plays the important role in regulating treatment efficacy of HCC. An active compound, 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA), has been reported to own anti-tumour effect. However, whether 18β-GA possess RT sensitization ability in HCC remains unclear. Here, we used RNA data from TCGA-LIHC (Liver hepatocellular carcinoma) to identify the role between EGFR/ERK/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signalling and RT by radiosensitivity index (RSI) analysis. We suggested that patients with activated NF-κB signalling may show resistance to RT treatment, whereas combining 18β-GA may reinforce RT efficacy in a Hep3B-bearing animal model. 18β-GA combined with RT showed superior tumour inhibition capacity as compared to monotherapy and even reached similar efficacy as erlotinib combined with RT. Treatment promotion of RT by 18β-GA in HCC is not only through diminishing RT-induced EGFR/ERK/NF-κB signalling but also promoting RT-induced apoptosis pathways. 18β-GA may act as radiosensitizer through inactivating EGFR-mediated HCC progression and inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis signalling.

Accessing Apoptosis Induction and Metastasis Inhibition Effect of Magnolol on Triple Negative Breast Cancer In Vitro

BACKGROUND/AIM

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer that still requires improvement in treatment. Magnolol extract, derived from the bark of Magnolia officinalis, has traditionally been used in Asia to treat sleeping disorders and anxiety, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Several reports have indicated that magnolol may have the potential to inhibit the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and glioblastoma. However, the anti-tumor effect of magnolol on TNBC remains unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we used two TNBC cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and 4T1, to examine the cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and metastasis effects of magnolol. These were evaluated using MTT assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, and invasion/migration transwell assay, respectively.

RESULTS

Magnolol significantly induced cytotoxicity and extrinsic/intrinsic apoptosis in both TNBC cell lines. It also decreased metastasis and associated protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the anti-tumor effect was associated with the inactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Magnolol may not only induce cell death in TNBC through apoptosis signaling activation but also by down-regulating EGFR/JAK/STAT3 signaling, which mediates TNBC progression.

Amentoflavone induces caspase-dependent/-independent apoptosis and dysregulates cyclin-dependent kinase-mediated cell cycle in colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as the third most common malignancy and the second most deadly in highly developed countries. Although the treatment of CRC has improved in the past decade, the mortality rate of CRC is still increasing. Amentoflavone, one of the flavonoids detected in medical plants, is reported to possess potential anticancer properties in various cancers. However, its role in CRC has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of amentoflavone on CRC in vitro and in vivo. We identified the cytotoxicity, apoptosis effect, cell cycle alteration, DNA damage induction and tumor progression inhibition of amentoflavone in HT-29 model by using MTT assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence (IF) staining, Western blotting and animal experiments. Amentoflavone induced cytotoxicity is caused by triggering G1 arrest, DNA damage and apoptosis in HT-29 cells. The expression of cyclin D1, CDK4 and CDK6 was decreased by amentoflavone; in contrast, the phosphorylation of ATM and CHK2 and the expression of p21 and p27 were increased. The apoptosis induction of amentoflavone in CRC is not only caspase-dependent but also increases EndoG and AIF nuclear translocation in a caspase-independent manner. Importantly, the apoptosis induction of amentoflavone is not affected by the activity of p53 in CRC. Amentoflavone suppressed the progression of CRC by initiating G1 arrest and ATM/CHK2-mediated DNA damage-responsive, caspase-dependent/independent apoptotic effects. We uncovered a novel tumor-inhibitory role of amentoflavone in CRC that is not associated with p53 activity, which may serve as a potential treatment for CRC.

Abstract 6154: Imipramine induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis via suppression of EGFR signaling pathway in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant diseases of the urinary system, with poor prognosis and high recurrence and metastasis rate. Recent literatures suggested that BC patients have proportionately worse depression and mental health, as well as being at increased risk of suicidal death when compared to the general population, while relatively sane BC patients have a 2.2 times higher mortality rate, which means that depression can make BC worse. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant, was used to treat neuropathic pain, nocturnal enuresis, and depression. Recently, imipramine has been reported to owns anti-tumor efficacy in various type of cancer. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of imipramine on BC is remaining unclear. First, we indicated that imipramine may induce cytotoxicity of BC by MTT assay. Flow cytometry also showed that imipramine may trigger the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, the accumulation of oxidative stress (ROS), and the activation of cleaved-caspase-3, -8 and -9. Our western blotting assay and immunofluorescence translocation staining also verified that imipramine markedly inhibited BC progression by inhibiting both EGFR/AKT/NFΚB and EGFR/ERK/NΚB signaling pathways. Furthermore, transwell and wound healing assay indicated that imipramine effectively reduced the metastatic ability of BC. In addition, the anti-tumor effect of imipramine was also validated by MB49 bearing animal model. Most importantly biochemistry level and pathology was not affected by imipramine. In conclusion, imipramine may not only suppressed BC progression by inactivation of EGFR/AKT/NFΚB and EGFR/ERK/NFΚB signaling pathways and induction of apoptosis pathways. These results suggested that imipramine has the opportunity to be a new therapeutic strategy for BC patients.

Citation Format: Tsai Lin Lo, Jai-Jen Tsai, Fei-Ting Hsu, Yuan Chang. Imipramine induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis via suppression of EGFR signaling pathway in bladder cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6154.

Abstract 4874: Hyperforin induces apoptosis and inhibits invasion via inhibiting AKT/NF-ΚB signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells

Recently, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been increasing year by year and has become the first incidence cancer in Taiwan. Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFR inhibitor) has been recognized as an important target of CRC. Therefore, targeting EGFR and its related signaling could be a potential strategy to overcome this disease. Hyperforin is a natural prenylated phloroglucinol and has been identified as the major molecule responsible for the antidepressant effects. Previous studies indicated that hyperforin has other potentially pharmacologically meaningful biological properties, including antibacterial ability and inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Numerous studies have also pointed out the anti-tumor potential of hyperforin is associated with the induction of apoptosis signaling. However, whether hyperforin may regulate CRC progression and its underlying mechanism is unclear. In our study, we used the MTT assay to prove the cytotoxicity of CRC cells (HT29 and HCT116 cells) was induced by hyperforin. We then used the flow cytometry to confirmed that hyperforin may induce both extrinsic/intrinsic apoptotic pathways in CRC cells. We further demonstrated hyperforin-induced apoptosis pathways is associated with mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis and death receptor dependent apoptosis. Then, transwell invasion, migration, and wound healing assay results proved the inhibition effect by hyperforin in HT29 and HCT116 cells. Additionally, we suggested that hyperforin can effectively inhibit EGFR downstream genes MEK-ERK and AKT signaling, as well as inhibit the phosphorylation of NF-ΚB and the nuclear translocation in CRC cells. In sum, our results show that hyperforin can inhibit the apoptosis and metastasis ability of CRC cells by inhibiting both AKT/NF- ΚB and ERK/NF-ΚB signaling pathway.

Citation Format: Ying-Tzu Chen, I-Tsang Chiang, Yuan Chang, Fei-Ting Hsu. Hyperforin induces apoptosis and inhibits invasion via inhibiting AKT/NF-ΚB signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4874.

Abstract 2003: Evaluation of liposome encapsulated sunitinib efficacy and immune modulation on renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the deadliest malignant tumors worldwide. The RCC’s standard treatments are including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. SUTENT® (sunitinib) was approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016 to treat advanced RCC. According to the results from the clinical trial, sunitinib is associated with a higher objective response rate and survival rate than IFN-α, which indicates that it is an effective multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKi) against advanced RCC. Meanwhile, recent studies demonstrated sunitinib could cause tumor immune surveillance by upregulated autophagy to inhibit tumor PD-L1 expression. However, sunitinib targets not only tumor tissue but also multiple organs in the human body, which causes many serious side effects and even leads to death. In order to reduce the toxicity of sunitinib, our group design a novel nanocarrier by PEGylated liposome to encapsulate sunitinib (lipo-sunitinib). The PEGylated liposome could passively target tumor tissue by extravasation of nanoparticles through increased permeability of the tumor vasculature (enhanced permeability and retention, EPR effect). Moreover, the PEGylation on the liposome surface could prolong liposome half-life in the body through increased particle size. Through the EPR effect and PEGylation of lipo-sunitinib to target tumor cells precisely, we successfully increased RCC orthotopic tumor inhibition in mouse models compared with vehicle and sunitinib groups. Furthermore, the RCC tumor immunofluorescence staining revealed lipo-sunitinib had higher activated effector T cells (CD8+IL-2+IFN-γ+) and type 1 dendritic cells (CD11c+CD24+MHCII+) infiltration and lower vessel formation than sunitinib group. The flow cytometry also demonstrated that lipo-sunitinib had increased anti-tumor immune cells and inhibited immune suppressors in the systemic system. More importantly, lipo-sunitinib showed lower toxicity in mouse livers, hearts, and kidneys compared to the sunitinib group. Our results suggested lipo-sunitinib could inhibit tumor growth and prolong survival rate by modulating a positive anti-tumor microenvironment and anti-angiogenesis effects. In sum, with the polish of the delivery system, our novel nanodrug lipo-sunitinib could be a potential new treatment strategy for RCC patients.

Citation Format: Po-Fu Yueh, Yuan Chang, Keng-Li Lan, Fei-Ting Hsu. Evaluation of liposome encapsulated sunitinib efficacy and immune modulation on renal cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 2003.

Abstract 2827: Application of AZD2281 combine with radiation therapy in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM), can be divided into primary tumors from brain tissue (&gt;90% of all cases) and secondary tumors that progress from low-grade gliomas. The current GBM treatment strategy is chemotherapy drug temozolomide (TMZ) combined with radiotherapy (RT), which has limited treatment effect, poor prognosis, high recurrence rate, and short prognosis survival time. Recently, studies indicated that breast cancer susceptibility gene 1/2 (BRCA1/2) mutations are frequently occur in GBM, while few studies have explored this pathway in depth. At present, AZD2281 (PARP Inhibitor) has been used to treat breast cancer and ovarian cancer patients with BRCA1/2 mutation...etc. Whether AZD2281 can play a role in affecting the relevant pathways after BRCA1/2 mutate GBM patients, and the possible mechanism and benefit of combined RT are the focus of this study. AZD2281 is the first Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of germline BRCA mutation-associated ovarian cancer. AZD2281 is a targeted therapy that used to block DNA Damage Response (DDR) in cells/tumors deficient in homologous recombination repair (HRR). After RT, there may be a phenomenon of DNA repair; therefore, AZD2281 can be used to disrupt the repair process. At the beginning, we used RSI analysis to confirm that patient with higher expression level of BRCA1 may relatively resistance to RT. To overcome this issue, we identified the effect of AZD2281 combined with RT on GBM cells (BRCA1/2 higher and lower expression cells) by (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT assay), and colony formation. The internal/external apoptosis pathways (Caspase-3/Caspase-8/Caspase-9) and TUNEL assay were used to prove the superior apoptosis effect of AZD2281 combined with RT as compared to single treatment. Additionally, cells lower BRCA1 expression level (U87 and U251 siBRCA1) may sensitive to RT treatment. In our DNA damage, DNA fragmentation, and transwell invasion/migration results, we showed that the combination of AZD2281 and RT may effective induce DNA damage. In our animal data, we proved that combination therapy can effective suppression tumor growth and apoptosis-related protein signaling increased in DNA damage by IHC (p-ATM/p-CHK2/Caspase-3/Caspase-8/Caspase-9). In conclude, we suggested that AZD2281 can be used as a radiosensitizer to sensitize GBM patient to RT, which is dependent to BRCA1 expression.

Citation Format: Tsal-Lan Liao, I-Tsang Chiang, Yuan Chang, Fei-Ting Hsu. Application of AZD2281 combine with radiation therapy in glioblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 2827.

Abstract 3282: Regorafenib enhance PD-L1 expression via ATM activation and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of combining PD-L1 antibody on bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancer in urinary system in Taiwan. According to Ministry of Health and Welfare’s research, bladder cancer plays 15th leading causes of death in Taiwan in 2020. Recently immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy show several benefits on preventing T cell exhaustion, accumulating evidences showed ICI therapy still remain some limitation, including unable to regulated immunosuppressor cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) related elements which might lead to ICI therapy dysfunction. Recently, study report that DNA damage may activate the innate immune response and improve ICI efficacy. Thus, regulating DNA damage or illustrate the role of DNA damage related factor may bring the twilight to immunotherapy. To identify the possible combination methods with ICIs, we used MB49 cells and animal model to test the combination property of regorafenib (a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and 10F.9G2 (a PD-L1 monoclonal antibody). Our research illustrated the mechanism between regorafenib and PD-L1, we proved that regorafenib-induced regulated PD-L1 is associated with ATM activation. TUENL assay showed regorafenib are able to activate ATM by causing DNA break and thus enhance the expression of PD-L1 on tumor surface. This effect could be an important step to open the interaction potential of PD-L1 antibodies and thus enhance its efficacy. Through the interaction analysis of miRNA targeting gene (RNA22), we found that IDO1 mRNA could specifically interact with endogenous miR-124. Here, the propose mechanism in our research is that regorafenib may downregulate IDO1 expression via increasing of endogenous miR-124 expression. In animal model, the combination therapy showed extraordinary therapeutic effect, not only dramatically decreased tumor volume, but also upregulating the positive TME components, such as CD8+T cells and M1 macrophage. Though regorafenib may induce PD-L1 expression, regorafenib still showed several therapeutic benefits, including downregulating immunosuppressive factors, such as IDO1, VEGF, and suppressing the accumulation of regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and also repolarizing macrophage from M2-to-M1⋯etc. In conclusion, this study points out the combination therapy of regorafenib and anti-PD-L1 has present several benefits to bladder cancer patients and is associated with miR-124/ATM signaling.

Citation Format: Kai-Jen Pai, I-Tsang Chiang, Fei-Ting Hsu, Jai-Jen Tsai. Regorafenib enhance PD-L1 expression via ATM activation and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of combining PD-L1 antibody on bladder cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3282.

Lenvatinib Synergistically Promotes Radiation Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inhibiting Src/STAT3/NF-κB-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis

PURPOSE

This study suggested that lenvatinib may incapacitate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to radiation treatment by abrogating radiation-induced Src/signal transducer and the activator of transcription 3 signaling (STAT3)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) to escalate radiation-induced extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis. These findings uncover the role of targeting Src and its arbitrating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which could increase the anti-HCC efficacy of radiation therapy (RT). Lenvatinib and sorafenib are multikinase inhibitors used to treat HCC. Lenvatinib is noninferior to sorafenib in the therapeutic response in HCC. However, whether lenvatinib intensifies the anti-HCC efficacy of RT is ambiguous. Several oncogenic kinases and transcription factors, such as Src, STAT3, and NF-κB, enhance the radiosensitivity of cancers. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the roles of the Src/STAT3/NF-κB axis in HCC after RT treatment and assessed whether targeting Src by lenvatinib may enhance the effectiveness of RT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Hep3B, Huh7, HepG2, and SK-Hep1 HCC cells and 2 types of animal models were used to identify the efficacy of RT combined with lenvatinib. Cellular toxicity, apoptosis, DNA damage, EMT/metastasis regulation, and treatment efficacy were validated by colony formation, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and in vivo experiments, respectively. Knockdown of Src by siRNA was also used to validate the role of Src in RT treatment.

RESULTS

Silencing Src reduced STAT3/NF-κB signaling and sensitized HCC to radiation. Lenvatinib reversed radiation-elicited Src/STAT3/NF-κB signaling while enhancing the anti-HCC efficacy of radiation. Both lenvatinib and siSrc promoted the radiation effect of cell proliferation on suppression, inhibition of the invasion ability, and induction of apoptosis in HCC. Lenvatinib also alleviated radiation-triggered oncogenic and EMT-related protein expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings uncovered the role of the Src/STAT3/NF-κB regulatory axis in response to radiation-induced toxicity and confirmed Src as the key regulatory molecule for radiosensitization of HCC evoked by lenvatinib.

Fluoxetine Inhibits STAT3-mediated Survival and Invasion of Osteosarcoma Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common primary malignancy of bone in adolescents. Its highly metastatic characteristics can lead to treatment failure and poor prognosis. Although standard treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have progressed in the past decade, treatment options to overcome metastatic progression remain sparse. Fluoxetine, an anti-depressant, has been widely used in patients with cancer for their mental issues and was reported to possess antitumor potential. However, the effect of fluoxetine on OS remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we used cell viability, invasion/migration transwell, wound-healing and aortic ring assays to identify the effects of fluoxetine on metastasis and progression in OS.

RESULTS

Fluoxetine induced cytotoxicity in OS cells by activating both extrinsic/intrinsic apoptosis signaling pathways. Proliferation and anti-apoptosis-related factors such as cyclin D1 and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis were suppressed by fluoxetine. Additionally, fluoxetine suppressed the invasive/migratory abilities of OS and inhibited the development of angiogenesis by reducing the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Metastasis-associated factors, vascular endothelial growth factors, matrix metallopeptidase 2 and -9, were all reduced in OS cells by fluoxetine treatment.

CONCLUSION

Fluoxetine not only induces cytotoxicity and apoptosis of OS cells, but also suppresses metastasis and angiogenesis by targeting STAT3.

Iron oxide@chlorophyll clustered nanoparticles eliminate bladder cancer by photodynamic immunotherapy-initiated ferroptosis and immunostimulation

The escape of bladder cancer from immunosurveillance causes monotherapy to exhibit poor efficacy; therefore, designing a multifunctional nanoparticle that boosts programmed cell death and immunoactivation has potential as a treatment strategy. Herein, we developed a facile one-pot coprecipitation reaction to fabricate cluster-structured nanoparticles (CNPs) assembled from Fe₃O₄ and iron chlorophyll (Chl/Fe) photosensitizers. This nanoassembled CNP, as a multifunctional theranostic agent, could perform red-NIR fluorescence and change the redox balance by the photoinduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and attenuate iron-mediated lipid peroxidation by the induction of a Fenton-like reaction. The intravesical instillation of Fe₃O₄@Chl/Fe CNPs modified with 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid (CPBA) may target the BC wall through glycoproteins in the BC cavity, allowing local killing of cancer cells by photodynamic therapy (PDT)-induced singlet oxygen and causing chemodynamic therapy (CDT)-mediated ferroptosis. An interesting possibility is reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory after PDT-CDT treatment, which was demonstrated by the reduction of PD-L1 (lower “off” signal to the effector immune cells), IDO-1, TGF-β, and M2-like macrophages and the induction of CD8⁺ T cells on BC sections. Moreover, the intravesical instillation of Fe₃O₄@Chl/Fe CNPs may enhance the large-area distribution on the BC wall, improving antitumor efficacy and increasing survival rates from 0 to 91.7%. Our theranostic CNPs not only demonstrated combined PDT-CDT-induced cytotoxicity, ROS production, and ferroptosis to facilitate treatment efficacy but also opened up new horizons for eliminating the immunosuppressive effect by simultaneous PDT-CDT.

Magnolol Induces Apoptosis Through Extrinsic/intrinsic Pathways and Attenuates NF-κB/STAT3 Signaling in Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer worldwide, and treatment outcomes are still poor. Magnolol, a hydroxylated biphenyl isolated from Magnolia officinalis, was found to be effective against hepatocellular carcinoma via inactivating nuclear-factor-kappa B (NF-B) signaling. However, whether magnolol targets not only NF-B but also other factors in NSCLC and may contribute to the suppression of tumor progression is unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell viability, flow cytometry, and western blotting assays were used to identify the mechanism of magnolol action in human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines A549 and CL1-5-F4.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that magnolol induced cytotoxicity through extrinsic/intrinsic apoptosis signaling and suppressed phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/NF-B and expression of their downstream proteins.

CONCLUSION

Magnolol not only induced extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis signaling but also inactivated STAT3/NF-B and attenuated their signaling of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis-related protein expression in NSCLC.

STAT3 Inactivation and Induction of Apoptosis Associate With Fluoxetine-inhibited Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition and Growth of Triple-negative Breast Cancer In Vivo

BACKGROUND/AIM

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and second leading cause of death in women worldwide. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type of BC, while the treatment option is limited and has long been considered as a major unmet need. Meta-analysis indicated the anti-tumor potential of anti-depressants, especially selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The SSRI fluoxetine has been shown to suppress BC and ovarian cancer cell growth; however, whether it suppresses tumor progression in vivo is unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established an 4T1 bearing animal model, an orthotopic TNBC model, to identify the mechanism and therapeutic efficacy of fluoxetine.

RESULTS

Tumor growth evaluated by caliper and computed tomography scan demonstrated the inhibition effect by fluoxetine treatment. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of STAT3-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins and apoptosis-related proteins was decreased.

CONCLUSION

Fluoxetine may induce an anti-TNBC effect via inactivating STAT3 signaling transduction and triggering the caspase-mediated apoptotic pathway.

Abstract 6129: Investigate the mechanism and treatment efficacy of regorafenib combined with anti-PD-L1 on bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancer in urinary system in Taiwan. According to Ministry of Health and Welfare’s research, bladder cancer plays 15th leading causes of death in Taiwan in 2020. The patients who suffer from bladder cancer after undergoing resection surgery about 60% will relapse, and 80% of them will relapse in less than a year, 15% of the relapsing patients will aggravate and become invasive carcinoma spread all over the body. PD-L1 (Programmed death-ligand 1), also known as B7-H1 and CD274 is a transmembrane glycoprotein, which interacts with PD-1 (Programmed death-1) receptor on T cells to elicit the immune checkpoint response. Overexpression of PD-L1 suppresses the function of CD8+ T cells and facilitate tumor progression. Targeting tumor PD-L1 may be a possible treatment option; however, PD-L1 expression was only detected in small amount of population. Regorafenib is a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat advanced HCC. In our research, we found that regorafenib may upregulation the surface PD-L1 expression in both mice and human cell line. Based on this finding, we suggested that regorafenib may show potential to enhance treatment efficacy anti-PD-L1. Therefore, we established MB-49 bearing animal model to identify the immune regulation and treatment efficacy of regorafenib combined with anti-PD-L1. In ours animal data we found that combination therapy effectively increased the tumor infiltrating population of NK cells and CD8+ lymphocytes which were determined by flow cytometry assay. Not only anti-tumoral leukocytes, we also detected the population of immune suppressor cells including regulatory T cells, MDSCs and M2 macrophage was suppressed by combination therapy. We also detected the tumor microenvironment related markers (VEGF, IDO-1, PD-L1, CD8, CD31, CD49b, FOXP3, granzyme B) to evaluate combination therapy effect by using immunohistochemistry staining. In conclusion, regorafenib may effectively enhance anti-PD-L1 efficacy via triggering positive immune regulation and increasing the interaction of anti-PD-L1 with tumor.

Citation Format: Kai-Jen Pai, Yuan Chang, I-Tsang Chiang, Fei-Ting Hsu. Investigate the mechanism and treatment efficacy of regorafenib combined with anti-PD-L1 on bladder cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6129.

Abstract 5067: Identify the combination efficacy and immune regulation of Abraxane combines with human IL-15 albumin binding domain fusion protein on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma animal model

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the hardest medical challenge in the world. Nab-paclitaxel is significantly more effective chemotherapy drugs than paclitaxel formulated as Cremophor EL. In this study, we reported the immune effect of Abraxane to combine with our new design recombinant human IL-15 fused with albumin binding domain (hIL-15-ABD) on subcutaneously Panc02 and orthotopically KPC PDAC animal models. In our results, the combination treatment greatly reduced the subcutaneous tumor growth in Panc02 and KPC bearing models, compared with vehicle group. Furthermore, the combinational therapy successfully buildup the anticancer immunity microenvironment (TME) through increasing the activation of effector cells, such as of NK cells (CD3-/CD49b+/NK1.1+) and CD8+ T (CD8+/IFN-γ+/IL-2+) cells. Moreover, combination therapy may also decrease the accumulation of immunosuppressvie cells such as MDSCs (CD11b+/Gr-1+) and Tregs (CD4+/CD25+/Foxp3+). The combination of Abraxane and hIL-15-ABD were also reduced the NF-κB-mediated immunosuppressive markers, including IDO, Foxp3 and VEGF. In conclusion, Abraxane combined with hIL-15-ABD enhanced immue effector cells involved in both innate and adaptive immunities, reduced the TME’s immunosuppressive cells, and displayed superior inhibitory effect on both subcutaneous and orthotopic syngeneic murine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma models than that of either monotherapy. These results suggest that combinational therapy of Abraxane and hIL-15-ABD could be a promising treatment stratedgy for PDAC.

Citation Format: Po-Fu Yueh, Fei-Ting Hsu, Keng-Li Lan. Identify the combination efficacy and immune regulation of Abraxane combines with human IL-15 albumin binding domain fusion protein on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma animal model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5067.

Abstract 5392: Magnolol induces apoptosis and inhibits invasion ability via suppression of STAT3 signaling in glioblastoma multiforme cells

Magnolol is a phenolic compound extracted from magnolia officinalis, exhibited anti-tumor potential against many types of cancers. Magnolol has also recognized as an anti-inflammation agent which can downregulate several inflammation signals transduction. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common central nervous system (CNS) tumor and associated with poor prognosis among adults due to rapid growth and aggressive invasion. However, the treatment efficacy of current standard therapy for GBM is remaining unsatisfied. Nevertheless, whether magnolol may suppress GBM progression and its underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism and therapeutic efficacy of magnolol on GBM.First of all, we validated the potential treatment targets of GBM with the GEPIA (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis) analysis and Western blotting assay. GEPIA data indicated the PKCδ/STAT3 signaling pathway as a potential target of GBM that may affect patient survival. In our results, magnolol can effectively suppress the phosphorylation and the nuclear translocation of STAT3 in GBM cells. Then, we used the MTT assay to investigate the cytotoxicity of GBM cells after various dose of magnolol treatment. We also detected the extrinsic/intrinsic apoptosis induction ability of magnolol on GBM cells. This study also demonstrated that magnolol may significantly trigger the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and the activation of cleaved caspase-3, -8 and -9. Transwell invasion and wound healing assays was used to identify the suppression of migration and invasion effects of magnolol on glioblastoma cells. Meanwhile, tumor invasion and migration ability and the associated genes, including MMP9 and uPA, were all diminished by magnolol treatment. In sum, our results demonstrated that magnolol suppressed GBM progression may be associated with the inactivation of PKCδ/STAT3 signaling transduction.

Citation Format: Sin-Rong Lee, Yuan Chang, I-Tsang Chiang, Fei-Ting Hsu. Magnolol induces apoptosis and inhibits invasion ability via suppression of STAT3 signaling in glioblastoma multiforme cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5392.

Abstract 5401: Fluoxetine inhibit osteosarcoma progression via RANK/RANKL signaling pathway

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive malignant bone cancer commonly occurs on adolescent. OS was mostly found at sites of bone growth. Sixty percent OS cases happen at knee, 15% around hip, 10% shoulder and 8% jaw. Non-stop osteoclast cells differentiation by which osteoblasts secrete RANKL bind to RANK receptor on osteoclasts’ cell surface, stimulate rapid bone metabolism and considerable as an important signaling pathway correlate with OS progression.

Depressant is usually occurring in cancer patients. Several reports suggested that several anti-depressant drugs presented anti-tumour potential. Previous study has reported, fluoxetine, a prescription antidepressant can inactivate NF-κB and thus suppress hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer progression. Furthermore, fluoxetine may inhibit DNA repair in non-small cell lung cancer.

In our study, the MTT assay demonstrated fluoxetine significantly reduced viability of U-2 OS cells. Next, target protein RANK/RANKL expression were also downregulated by fluoxetine in dose dependent manner. Besides, STAT3 mediated NF-κB activity, were also inactivated by fluoxetine. Additionally, the expression of PARP1 (DNA damage related, and several oncogenes such as XIAP and Cyclin D1 were also downregulated by fluoxetine in dose dependent manner. Moreover, the inhibition of tumour angiogenesis by fluoxetine has also proven by using aorta ring assay. Further in vivo experiment may need to be performed to identify anti-tumor efficacy of fluoxetine.

In sum, fluoxetine can be used anti-tumour adjuvant of OS therapy and the detailed mechanism or further combination strategy may be worth exploring.

Citation Format: Peggy Tan, Fei-Ting Hsu, I-Tsang Chiang, Yuan Chang. Fluoxetine inhibit osteosarcoma progression via RANK/RANKL signaling pathway [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5401.

Abstract 5374: Amentoflavone induces apoptosis and promotes G1 phase cell cycle arrest through regulating p53 pathway in HT29 human colorectal cancer

Amentoflavone (AF) is a nature diflavonoid compound that could extract from Ginkgo biloba and Chamaecyparis obtusa. AF had been proven with many biological properties, including anti-oxidant activity, anti-inflammatory, and could also inhibit NF-κB mediating apoptosis to achieve anti-tumor effects in hepatocellular carcinoma. p53, a tumor suppressor gene that could inhibit cell division and proliferation through regulating with cell cycle and apoptosis related molecules. Patients with p53 gene mutation were often resistant to current standard treatment in clinic. Several studies also reported that the activation of p53 could induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Currently, there is no study determine whether AF can inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer by upregulating p53 gene expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer effect and the underlying mechanism of AF in CRC in vitro and in vivo. First, we indicated the cytotoxic effect was induced by AF in human CRC (HT29) cells. The suppression of metastasis ability including migration and invasion were found to be suppressed by AF treatment group using transwell assay. Also, in colony formation assay, AF inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells. The tumor suppressor gene p53 was upregulating with AF treatment, and the cell cycle related protein, such as CyclinD1 and CDK4 were all downregulated by AF which identified by Western blotting assay. Additionally, AF induced apoptosis in CRC cells were detected by Western blotting and flow cytometry with cleaved caspase-3, -8, -9 and Annexin V/PI assay. Moreover, Western blotting results indicated that DNA damage proteins (cleaved PARP-1 and ATM) were upregulated by AF. The nucleus translocation of caspase-dependent mitochondria initiated apoptotic protein (EndoG and AIF) were induced by AF in CRC cells. In animal experiments, the CRC tumors volume were effectively reduced in AF treatment groups as compared to non-treated control. In summary, AF mediated anti-CRC effects, such as inhibiting cell proliferation, suppressing migration/invasion ability, inducing apoptosis and triggering DNA damage is associated with the induction of p53.

Citation Format: Hsiang-Ju Ku, Yuan Chang, I-Tsang Chiang, Fei-Ting Hsu. Amentoflavone induces apoptosis and promotes G1 phase cell cycle arrest through regulating p53 pathway in HT29 human colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5374.

Abstract 5285: Antitumor and mechanism of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine on muscle invasive bladder cancer

Purpose/Introduction: Bladder cancer can be broadly divided into two type, including non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Among them, MIBC has been recognized as hard to treatment type of cancer for many decades. Therefore, to develop a new treatment strategy for MIBC is urgently needed. Transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) plays important role in various cancer progression, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and MIBC. Thus, NF-κB may be a potential target to suppress the progression of MIBC. Fluoxetine is FDA approval antidepressant agent, belongs to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Interestingly, recent study indicated that Fluoxetine inhibited NF-κB and induced apoptosis in the HCC both in vivo and in vitro. However, whether Fluoxetine may regulate NF-κB and inhibit MIBC tumor progression is remaining unknown. Therefore, the aim of present study is to verify the treatment efficacy and underlying mechanism of fluoxetine on MIBC.

Methods: Human MIBC cells TSGH8301 and T24 cells and mice bearing with MIBC MB49 cells was used in this study. Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and metastasis ability of cells after fluoxetine treatment was validated through MTT assay, cleaved caspase-3, -8, -9 activation using flow cytometry and transwell migration/invasion assay, respectively. In in vivo study murine MB49 cells were subcutaneous inoculated into right flank of C57B6/J mice and treated with fluoxetine for 15 days.

Result: Fluoxetine markedly induced cytotoxicity, cleaved caspase-3, -8, -9 expression, and inhibited migration and invasion in both TSGH8301 and T24 cells. Western blotting and reporter gene assay indicated that fluoxetine may suppress the phosphorylation and activity of NF-κB. In in vivo results, fluoxetine inhibited tumor growth and the expression of NF-κB within tumor. Tumor immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining results proved that the apoptosis marker such as Caspase-3, -8, -9 were all increased by fluoxetine. AST and ALT value that represent as liver function showed no significant difference between vehicle group and fluoxetine treatment group. Body weight and H&E results also proved the safety of fluoxetine usage.

Conclusion: Fluoxetine induced cytotoxicity via both extrinsic/intrinsic apoptotic pathway and inhibited metastasis ability as well. Fluoxetine may also suppress the phosphorylation and activity NF-κB in vitro and in vivo. In sum, we suggested that fluoxetine may effectively suppress tumor progression via inactivate NF-κB signaling pathway.

Citation Format: Zhao-Lin Tan, Yuan Chang, I-Tsang Chiang, Fei-Ting Hsu, Fei-Ting Hsu. Antitumor and mechanism of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine on muscle invasive bladder cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5285.

Inactivation of AKT/ERK Signaling and Induction of Apoptosis Are Associated With Amentoflavone Sensitization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Lenvatinib

BACKGROUND/AIM

AKT/ERK signaling transduction and anti-apoptosis effects have both been recognized as important mediators of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Targeting AKT/ERK signaling and mediating apoptosis may be beneficial for alleviating HCC growth. Lenvatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA to treat HCC since 2018 as a monotherapy with limited efficacy. Amentoflavone, a biflavonoid in natural plants, has been shown to have the potential to suppress HCC progression in previous studies. Whether the combination of lenvatinib and amentoflavone may show superior HCC suppression is unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used MTT, flow cytometry and western blotting assays to identify the role of lenvatinib and amentoflavone in both Hep3B and Huh7 cells.

RESULTS

We found that amentoflavone enhances the suppressive effect of AKT/ERK signaling induced by lenvatinib and, thus, sensitizes HCC to lenvatinib. The intrinsic/extrinsic apoptosis pathways induced by lenvatinib were also boosted by amentoflavone.

CONCLUSION

Amentoflavone sensitization of HCC to lenvatinib is associated with AKT/ERK inactivation and apoptosis induction.

Regorafenib Reverses Temozolomide-Induced CXCL12/CXCR4 Signaling and Triggers Apoptosis Mechanism in Glioblastoma

Temozolomide (TMZ) monotherapy is known to be insufficient for resistant/relapsed glioblastoma (GBM), thus seeking a sensitization agent for TMZ is necessary. It was found that regorafenib may improve the overall survival of relapsed GBM patients. We aimed to discover whether regorafenib can enhance the anti-GBM effects of TMZ, and elucidate underlying mechanism. Our analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database revealed that the increased expression of CXCR4 is linked to poor survival of GBM patients. Additionally, TMZ treatment may trigger CXCR4/CXCL12 axis of GBM. We used two GBM cell lines, two primary GBM cells, and animal model to identify underlying mechanism and treatment efficacy of regorafenib combined with TMZ by cytotoxicity, apoptosis, reporter gene and invasion/migration assays, chemokine array, Western blotting, MRI, microarray, and immunohistochemistry. We observed that the chemokine CXCL-12 and its receptor CXCR4 regulate the resistance to TMZ, whereas the inhibition of CXCL-12/CXCR4 signaling sensitizes GBM cells to TMZ. The TMZ-induced CXCL-12/CXCR4 signaling, phosphor-extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and NF-κB-related proteins can effectively diminish when combining with regorafenib. Regorafenib significantly enhanced the TMZ-induced extrinsic/intrinsic apoptotic pathways, and facilitated the suppression of invasion and migration potential in GBM. Orthotopic tumor experiments demonstrated tumor size reduction and prolonged survival in combination group even with half-dose of TMZ. Our findings provide promising evidence that regorafenib may sensitize GBM to TMZ treatment through inhibition of the CXCL12/CXCR4/ERK/NF-κB signaling.

Synergistic effect of Abraxane that combines human IL15 fused with an albumin-binding domain on murine models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Nab‐paclitaxel (Abraxane), which is a nanoparticle form of albumin‐bound paclitaxel, is one of the standard chemotherapies for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study determined the effect of Abraxane in combination with a fusion protein, hIL15‐ABD, on subcutaneous Panc02 and orthotopic KPC C57BL/6 murine PDAC models. Abraxane combined with hIL15‐ABD best suppressed tumour growth and produced a 40%–60% reduction in the tumour size for Panc02 and KPC, compared to the vehicle group. In the combination group, the active form of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)‐secreting CD8⁺ T cells and CD11b⁺CD86⁺ M1 macrophages in tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were increased. In the tumour drainage lymph nodes (TDLNs) of the combination group, there was a 18% reduction in CD8⁺IFN‐γ⁺ T cells and a 0.47% reduction in CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells, as opposed to 5.0% and 5.1% reductions, respectively, for the control group. Superior suppression of CD11b⁺GR‐1⁺ myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and the induction of M1 macrophages in the spleen and bone marrow of mice were found in the combination group. Abraxane and hIL15‐ABD effectively suppressed NF‐κB‐mediated immune suppressive markers, including indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO), Foxp3 and VEGF. In conclusion, Abraxane combined with hIL15‐ABD stimulates the anticancer activity of effector cells, inhibits immunosuppressive cells within the tumour microenvironment (TME) of PDAC, and produces a greater inhibitory effect than individual monotherapies.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin Induces Cell Apoptosis and Inhibits Human Brain Glioblastoma GBM 8401/Luc2 Cell Xenograft Tumor in Subcutaneous Nude Mice In Vivo

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) has biological activities, including anticancer effects in vitro; however, its anticancer effects in human glioblastoma (GBM) cells have not been examined yet. This study aimed to evaluate the tumor inhibitory effect and molecular mechanism of BDMC on human GBM 8401/luc2 cells in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies have shown that BDMC significantly reduced cell viability and induced cell apoptosis in GBM 8401/luc2 cells. Furthermore, BDMC induced apoptosis via inhibited Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic protein) and increased Bax (pro-apoptotic proteins) and cytochrome c release in GBM 8401/luc2 cells in vitro. Then, twelve BALB/c-nude mice were xenografted with human glioblastoma GBM 8401/luc2 cancer cells subcutaneously, and the xenograft nude mice were treated without and with BDMC (30 and 60 mg/kg of BDMC treatment) every 3 days. GBM 8401/luc2 cell xenografts experiment showed that the growth of the tumors was significantly suppressed by BDMC administration at both doses based on the reduction of tumor size and weights. BDMC did not change the body weight and the H&E histopathology analysis of liver samples, indicating that BDMC did not induce systemic toxicity. Meanwhile, treatment with BDMC up-regulated the expressions of BAX and cleaved caspase-3, while it down-regulated the protein expressions of Bcl-2 and XIAP in the tumor tissues compared with the control group. This study has demonstrated that BDMC presents potent anticancer activity on the human glioblastoma GBM 8401/luc2 cell xenograft model by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and shows the potential for further development to the anti-GBM cancer drug.

Revealing the suppressive role of protein kinase C delta and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/NF-κB axis associates with lenvatinib-inhibited progression in hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), an oncogenic transcription factor, modulates tumor formation and progression by inducing the expression of oncogenes involved in proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Oral multikinase inhibitors, such as sorafenib, regorafenib, and lenvatinib have been used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Both sorafenib and regorafenib were shown to abolish the NF-κB-mediated progression of HCC. However, the effect of lenvatinib on NF-κB-mediated progression of HCC is ambiguous. Therefore, the primary purpose of the present study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of lenvatinib and its inhibitory mechanism on the NF-κB-mediated progression of HCC in vitro and in vivo. Here, we used two HCC cell lines to identify the cytotoxicity, apoptosis and metastasis effect of lenvatinib. We also applied a Hep3B-bearing animal model to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of lenvatinib on in vivo model. An NF-κB translocation assay, NF-κB reporter gene assay, a Western blotting assay and immunohistochemistry staining were used to investigate the underlying mechanism by which lenvatinib acts on HCC. In this study, we demonstrated that lenvatinib induced extrinsic/intrinsic apoptosis and suppressed the metastasis of HCC both in vitro and in vivo. Lenvatinib may also suppress NF-κB translocation and activation. We also found both protein kinase C delta (PKC-δ) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inactivation participated in lenvatinib-reduced NF-κB signaling. In conclusion, this study reveals that the suppression of PKC-δ, and the p38 MAPK/NF-κB axis is associated with the lenvatinib-inhibited progression of HCC in vitro and in vivo.

Tetrandrine Suppresses Human Brain Glioblastoma GBM 8401/luc2 Cell-Xenografted Subcutaneous Tumors in Nude Mice In Vivo

Tetrandrine (TET), a bisbenzylisoquinoline (BBI) alkaloid, is isolated from the plant Stephania tetrandra S. Moore and has a wide range of biological activity, including anticancer properties in vitro and in vivo. At first, we established a luciferase-expressing stable clone that was named GBM 8401/luc2 cells. Herein, the primary results indicated that TET reduced the total cell viability and induced cell apoptosis in GBM 8401/luc2 human glioblastoma cells. However, there is no available information showing that TET suppresses glioblastoma cells in vivo. Thus, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of TET on a GBM 8401/luc2 cell-generated tumor in vivo. After the tumor volume reached 100-120 mm³ in subcutaneously xenografted nude mice, all of the mice were randomly divided into three groups: Group I was treated with phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) containing 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide, Group II with 25 mg/kg of TET, and Group III with 50 mg/kg of TET. All mice were given the oral treatment of PBS or TET by gavage for 21 days, and the body weight and tumor volumes were recorded every 5 days. After treatment, individual tumors, kidneys, livers, and spleens were isolated from each group. The results showed that TET did not affect the body weights, but it significantly decreased the tumor volumes. The TET treatment at 50 mg/kg had a two-fold decrease in tumor volumes than that at 25 mg/kg when compared to the control. TET decreased the total photon flux, and treatment with TET at 50 mg/kg had a lower total photon flux than that at 25 mg/kg, as measured by a Xenogen IVIS imaging system. Moreover, the higher TET treatment had lower tumor volumes and weights than those of the lower dose. The apoptosis-associated protein expression in the tumor section was examined by immunohistochemical analysis, and the results showed that TET treatment reduced the levels of c-FLIP, MCL-1, and XIAP but increased the signals of cleaved-caspase-3, -8, and -9. Furthermore, the hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining of kidney, liver, and spleen tissues showed no significant difference between the TET-treated and control groups. Overall, these observations demonstrated that TET suppressed subcutaneous tumor growth in a nude-mice model via the induction of cell apoptosis.

Suppression of EGFR/PKC-δ/NF-κB Signaling Associated With Imipramine-Inhibited Progression of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background

Anti-depressants have been reported to own anti-tumor potential types of cancers; however, the role of imipramine in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been elucidated. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was known to be one of the key regulators that control NSCLC progression. Whether EGFR would be the target of imipramine for suppressing tumor signaling transduction and results in anti-tumor potential is remaining unclear.

Methods

We used CL-1-5-F4 cells and animal models to identify the underlying mechanism and therapeutic efficacy of imipramine. Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, invasion/migration, DNA damage, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, activation of NF-κB, phosphorylation of EGFR/PKC-δ/NF-κB was assayed by MTT, flow cytometry, transwell, wound healing assay, comet assay, immunofluorescence staining, NF-κB reporter gene assay and Western blotting, respectively. Tumor growth was validated by CL-1-5-F4/NF-κB-luc2 bearing animal model.

Results

Imipramine effectively induces apoptosis of NSCLC cells via both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis signaling. DNA damage was increased, while, invasion and migration potential of NSCLC cells was suppressed by imipramine. The phosphorylation of EGFR/PKC-δ/NF-κB and their downstream proteins were all decreased by imipramine. Similar tumor growth inhibition was found in imipramine with standard therapy erlotinib (EGFR inhibitor). Non-obvious body weight loss and liver pathology change were found in imipramine treatment mice.

Conclusion

Imipramine-triggered anti-NSCLC effects in both in vitro and in vivo model are at least partially attributed to its suppression of EGFR/PKC-δ/NF-κB pathway.

In Situ Formation of Au-Glycopolymer Nanoparticles for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering-Based Biosensing and Single-Cell Immunity

Successful synthesis of glyconanoparticles has attracted much attention due to their various biointeractive capabilities, but it is still a challenge to understand different single-cell responses to exogenous particles among cell populations. Herein, we designed polyaniline-containing galactosylated gold nanoparticles (Au@PGlyco NPs) via in situ polymerization of ortho-nitrophenyl-β-galactoside assisted by Au nucleation. The nanogold-carrying polyaniline block produced electromagnetic enhancement in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The underlying polymerization mechanism of ortho-nitrophenyl compounds via the formation of Au nanoparticles was investigated. Depending on how the galactoside moiety reacted with β-galactosidase derived from bacteria, the Au@PGlyco NPs-mediated SERS biosensor could detect low amounts of bacteria (∼1 × 102 CFU/mL). In addition, a high accumulation of Au@PGlyco NPs mediated the immune response of tumor-associated M2 macrophages to the immunogenic M1 macrophage transition, which was elicited by reactive oxygen levels biostimulation using single-cell SERS-combined fluorescence imaging. Our study suggested that Au@PGlyco NPs may serve as a biosensing platform with the labeling capacity on galactose-binding receptors expressed cell and immune regulation.

Induction of Apoptosis and Inhibition of EGFR/NF-κB Signaling Are Associated With Regorafenib-sensitized Non-small Cell Lung Cancer to Cisplatin

BACKGROUND/AIM

The combination of regorafenib with cisplatin/pemetrexed has indicated controllable safety and encouraging antitumor activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, the anti-NSCLC effects and action mechanisms of regorafenib combined with cisplatin is ambiguous. The major goal of the study was to study the inhibitory effects and action mechanisms of regorafenib combined with cisplatin in NSCLC cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell viability, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, migration, and invasion assays were employed to verify the anti-NSCLC effects and mechanisms of regorafenib in combination with cisplatin.

RESULTS

Cisplatin-induced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling was effectively inhibited by regorafenib treatment. Regorafenib, erlotinib (EGFR inhibitor) and QNZ (NF-κB inhibitor) may all enhance the cytotoxicity effect of cisplatin. The invasion ability was effectively decreased by combination treatment. Caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis was activated by cisplatin combined with regorafenib.

CONCLUSION

Apoptosis induction and EGFR/NF-κB inactivation correlate with regorafenib-enhanced anti-NSCLC efficacy of cisplatin. This study provides evidence of the therapeutic efficacy of regorafenib in combination with cisplatin on NSCLC.

Abstract 966: Lenvatinib induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis through downregulate Wnt/GSK3β/NF-κB in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent cancer type and also the leading cause of cancer death among Taiwanese. The current treatments for liver cancer include eradication, chemical, targeted and radiotherapy… etc. Unfortunately, radiation therapy is quite harmful to patients and results in hepatic injury. Other treatment methods can only prolong patient's life for few months, and has considerable side effects; therefore, it is extremely important to find other more effective drugs for HCC. HCC patients with higher expression level of ASPM (abnormal spindle-like microcephaly associated) have significantly lower survival rate than those of patients with lower expression level. ASPM is the co-activator of Wnt, which can activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to increase the performance of GSK3β (Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta) and regulate angiogenesis. In addition, studies have also found that GSK3β can also activate the transcription factor NF-κB, causing a large number of downstream proteins upregulation and thus triggered tumor growth and metastasis. Recent studies suggested that sorafenib has ability to inhibit the activation of transcription factor NF-κB and the expression of its downstream related proteins. Lenvatinib is also a multi-kinase inhibitor and had been approved by FDA for HCC treatment, which is more effective and with fewer skin side effects than sorafenib. However, whether the anti-tumor efficacy of lenvatinib in HCC was associated with the regulation of Wnt/GSK3β/NF-κB in HCC is remaining unclear. We aim to investigate whether the effect of lenvatinib in HCC, such as apoptosis induction and tumor metastasis inhibition, were associated with the inactivation of Wnt/GSK3B/NF-κB. Our studies demonstrated that lenvatinib can induce cytotoxicity of human HCC Hep3B and Huh7 cells. Lenvatinib may induce apoptosis effect via activated extrinsic- and intrinsic-apoptosis related molecules, including cleaved caspase-3, -8 and -9. Lenvatinib also significantly inhibited metastasis through the reduction of NF-κB-mediated metastasis associated proteins expression (MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF) and inhibition of invasion/migration ability in HCC cells. In addition, the inhibition of ASPM, Wnt and GSK3β were found after lenvatinib treatment in both in vitro and in vivo models. NF-κB activation was also effectively suppressed by lenvatinib in cells and animal model. Tumor growth inhibition was also found in lenvatinib treatment group. In conclusion, lenvatinib induces apoptosis and suppresses metastasis was associated with Wnt/GSK3β/NF-κB inactivation.

Citation Format: Tsu-Lan Chao, Zhao-Lin Tan, I-Tsang Chiang, Yuan Chiang, Fei-Ting Hsu. Lenvatinib induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis through downregulate Wnt/GSK3β/NF-κB in hepatocellular carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 966.

Abstract 978: Magnolol induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis via suppression of NF-κB activation in human bladder cancer

Magnolol is a phenolic compound extracted from magnolia officinalis, and known as a common Chinese medicinal material used in the treatment of strokes, colds, etc. Magnolol has also recognized as an anti-inflammation agent which can downregulate several inflammation signals transduction. Several reports suggested that magnolol may also have anti-tumor potential in liver and colon cancer. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism of magnolol on apoptosis and NF-κB signaling in human bladder cancer has not been elucidated. Thus, the purpose of the study was to investigate the mechanism and therapeutic efficacy on bladder cancer. First of all, we used MTT assay to investigate the cytotoxicity induction after magnolol treatment in bladder cancer. Then, we used NF-κB translocation assay to evaluate whether the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) was decreased after magnolol treatment. We also detected the apoptosis induction ability of magnolol on extrinsic/intrinsic apoptosis pathway. This study demonstrated that magnolol significantly triggered the accumulation at the sub-G1 phase, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and the activation of cleaved caspase-3, -8 and -9. Further verify the effect of magnolol on the expression of anti-apoptotic related proteins, we performed Western blotting. Magnolol inhibited migration and invasion ability of bladder cancer were investigated by wound healing and invasion assay. Then, we performed Western blotting to detect whether magnolol may inhibit NF-κB-mediated downstream signaling that involving in anti-apoptosis and metastasis such as MCL-1 and MMP9 protein expression. Moreover, the reduction of Cyclin D1 protein expression was used to evaluate the inhibition of cell proliferation by magnolol. In sum, our result demonstrated that magnolol induced extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis mechanism and inhibit invasion/migration ability of bladder cancer was associated with the inactivation of NF-κB.

Citation Format: Sin-Rong Lee, Zhao-Lin Tan, Yuan Chang, I-Tsang Chiang, Fei-Ting Hsu. Magnolol induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis via suppression of NF-κB activation in human bladder cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 978.

Abstract 1201: Amentoflavone inhibits cell growth and metastasis in colorectal cancer was associated with the suppression of KIAA1199

Amentoflavone (AF), a kind of diflavonoid compound, which was used as a traditional folk medicine thousands years ago. AF had been proven to prevent cells degeneration, aging, and could also induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in various human cancer cells to achieve anti-tumor effects. Cell migration-induced hyaluronic acid binding protein (CEMIP, KIAA1199), an oncogene protein, has been confirmed to be associated with the abnormal expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Several studies also reported that the inhibition of KIAA1199 can suppress the proliferation of colorectal cancer (CRC). At present, there is no study identify whether AF can inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer by regulating KIAA1199. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer effect and mechanism of AF in colorectal in vitro and in vivo. First, we indicated that the cytotoxic effect was induced by AF in human and mouse CRC (CT26 & HT29) cells. The fewest colony formation was found in AF treated group, which represent the suppression of proliferation. Cell cycle was arrest at G1 by AF treatment which was evaluated by flow cytometry. Then, the migration and invasion suppression was also found in amentoflavone treatment group by wound healing and invasion/migration transwell assay. Furthermore, real-time polymerase chain reaction detection and Western blotting results indicated that KIAA1199 related genes, such as E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin and Fibronectin were all downregulated by amentoflavone. In animal experiments, the CRC tumors volume were reduced in AF treatment groups. In summary, AF can achieve therapeutic effects in colorectal cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration/invasion ability and EMT potential via suppression of KIAA1199.

Citation Format: Hsiang-Ju Ku, Zhao-Lin Tan, I-Tsang Chiang, Yuan Chang, Fei-Ting Hsu. Amentoflavone inhibits cell growth and metastasis in colorectal cancer was associated with the suppression of KIAA1199 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1201.

Abstract 1592: Palbociclib enhances anti-PD-L1 therapeutic efficacy in oral squamous cell carcinoma was associated with CXCR4 inactivation

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a subtype of HNSCC, which was recognized as a common malignant tumor with high mortality in the world. Oral cancer treatment methods include surgery, radiotherapy and adjuvant therapy, but none of these treatment methods can effectively improve the prognosis of oral cancer. The development of OSCC is driven by abnormal cell cycle regulation and immunosuppressive microenvironment. Palbociclib is an inhibitor of CDK4/6, which can trigger cell cycle arrest in cells. Currently, the development of CDK4/6 inhibitors has achieved certain effects on breast cancer patients. However, whether CDK4/6 inhibitors may be used in other cancers, such as OSCC and other cancers still need further discussion and research. In addition, the immunotherapy of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors has recently been explored on many types of cancers. While current data suggested that PD-L1 inhibitor may only be effectively on patient with PD-L1 molecules expression on tumor tissue. Studies have also pointed out that CDK4/6 inhibitor (palbociclib) treatment can induce PD-L1 expression in many different types of cancer and show potential to enhance the efficacy of PD-L1 inhibitors. C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 was also known to regulate the treatment efficacy via modulating tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, whether CXCR4 inhibition can improve TME and enhance the treatment efficacy of PD-L1 still needs to be investigated. Thus, the goal of this study is to identify whether CDK4/6 can be used to suppress cell proliferation and enhance PD-L1 efficacy via altering TME in OSCC. Here, we used cell viability test, Western blotting, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and animal experiments to explore the effects of palbociclib combined with PD-L1 inhibitor in OSCC. Our results indicated that palbociclib may suppress cell viability and induce the surface expression of PD-L1 in both human OSCC SAS and mouse OSCC MOC1 cells. Moreover, palbociclib effectively induce extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis (caspase-3, -8, -9, and mitochondria membrane potential) of OSCC cells. The expression of CXCR4 and its related downstream signaling were decreased by palbociclib. Immune suppressive factors, such as IDO, VEGF, TGF-β was also reduced by palbociclib. Smallest tumor size was also found in palbociclib combined PD-L1 inhibitor groups. Palbociclib may not only suppress tumor proliferation, induce apoptosis and downregulated tumor suppressive factors expression which result in the efficacy induction of anti-PD-L1. In sum, we proposed that palbociclib may enhance treatment efficacy of PD-L1 inhibitor through the inhibition of CXCR4 mediated signaling pathway.

Citation Format: Chi-Lung Wang, I-Tsang Chiang, Fei-Ting Hsu, Yuan Chang. Palbociclib enhances anti-PD-L1 therapeutic efficacy in oral squamous cell carcinoma was associated with CXCR4 inactivation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1592.

Lenvatinib Induces AKT/NF-κB Inactivation, Apoptosis Signal Transduction and Growth Inhibition of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer In Vivo

BACKGROUND/AIM

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer with poor prognosis. Lenvatinib is a multi-kinase inhibitor that has the potential to suppress tumor progression. Our previous study suggested that lenvatinib induces cytotoxicity and apoptosis in CL-1-5-F4 cells in vitro. However, whether lenvatinib suppresses NSCLC progression in vivo remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tumor growth inhibition and normal tissue toxicity evaluation following lenvatinib treatment were performed on CL-1-5-F4-bearing mice.

RESULTS

Tumor growth calculated by caliper and living cell intensity decreased by lenvatinib treatment as analysed by bioluminescence imaging. Phosphorylation of AKT, NF-κB, and NF-κB downstream proteins involved in tumor progression were reduced by lenvatinib in the tumor tissue. No pathological changes were found in the liver, kidney, and spleen after lenvatinib treatment.

CONCLUSION

Induction of apoptosis and suppression of AKT/NF-κB were associated with lenvatinib-induced inhibition of the progression of NSCLC in vivo.

ERK/AKT Inactivation and Apoptosis Induction Associate With Quetiapine-inhibited Cell Survival and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, has been encountered as a potential protective agent to suppress various types of tumor growth. However, the inhibitory mechanism of quetiapine in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still remains unclear. The purpose of present study was to investigate the inhibitory mechanism of quetiapine on cell survival and invasion in HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Changes of apoptotic signaling, migration/invasion ability, and signaling transduction involved in cell survival and invasion were evaluated with flow cytometry, migration/invasion, and western blot assays.

RESULTS

Quetiapine inhibited cell proliferation and migration/invasion in SK-Hep1 and Hep3B cells. Quetiapine induced extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), protein kinase B (AKT), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB), expression of anti-apoptotic, and metastasis-associated proteins were decreased by quetiapine.

CONCLUSION

The apoptosis induction, the decreased expression of ERK/AKT-mediated anti-apoptotic and the metastasis-associated proteins were associated with quetiapine-inhibited cell survival and invasion in HCC in vitro.

Therapeutic Efficacy and Inhibitory Mechanism of Regorafenib Combined With Radiation in Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Although both chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) can sufficiently maintain tumor suppression of colorectal cancer (CRC), these treatments may trigger the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and compromise patients' survival. Regorafenib suppresses NF-κB activity in various tumor types. However, whether regorafenib may act as a suitable radiosensitizer to enhance therapeutic efficacy of RT remains unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, we established a CRC-bearing animal model to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of regorafenib in combination with RT, through measurement of tumor growth, body weight, whole-body computed tomography (CT) scan and immunohisto-chemistry staining.

RESULTS

Smallest tumor size and weight were found in the combination treatment group. In addition, RT-induced up-regulation of NF-κB and downstream proteins were diminished by regorafenib. Moreover, the body weight and liver pathology in the treated group were similar to those of the non-treated control group.

CONCLUSION

Regorafenib may enhance the anti-CRC efficacy of RT.

The In Vivo Radiosensitizing Effect of Magnolol on Tumor Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

Radiation (RT) induced ERK/NF-κB in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been reported in our previous works; it weakens the toxicity of RT or triggers a radioresistance effect. Thus, combining RT with a suitable NF-κB inhibitor may sensitize HCC to RT. Magnolol, a bioactive compound, was known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor functions. Here, we aimed to investigate whether magnolol may enhance anti-HCC efficacy of RT in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established a Hep3B bearing mouse to evaluate the efficacy of the combination treatment of magnolol and RT.

RESULTS

Most significantly, tumor volume and tumor weight inhibition was found in the combination group. Tumor immunohistochemistry staining also illustrated the suppression of RT-induced ERK/NF-κB-related proteins expression by magnolol. In addition, intrinsic apoptosis-related proteins, such as caspase-3 and -9, were markedly increased in the combination group.

CONCLUSION

Magnolol may effectively enhance anti-HCC ability of RT by downregulating the expression of ERK/NF-κB-related proteins and increasing the expression of apoptosis-related proteins.

Demethoxycurcumin Suppresses Human Brain Glioblastoma Multiforme GBM 8401 Cell Xenograft Tumor in Nude Mice In Vivo

Demethoxycurcumin (DMC), a derivate of curcumin, has been shown to induce apoptotic cell death in human glioblastoma multiforme GBM 8401 cells via cell cycle arrest and induction of cell apoptosis. However, there is no report showing DMC suppresses glioblastoma multiforme cells in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the effects of DMC on GBM8401 cells in vivo. At first, we established a luciferase-expressing stable clone named GBM 8401/luc2. Second, mice were inoculated subcutaneously with GBM 8401/luc2 cells to generate a xenograft tumor mice model. After inoculation, tumor volume reached 100-120 mm³, and all mice were randomly divided into three groups: Group I was treated with 110 µL phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) containing 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide, Group II with 30 mg/kg of DMC, and Group III with 60 mg/kg of DMC. Mice from each group were given the oral treatment of DMC by gavage for 21 days. The body weight and tumor volume were recorded every 3 days. DMC significantly decreased the tumor volumes, and 60 mg/kg treatment showed a higher decrease in tumor volumes than that of 30 mg/kg, However, DMC did not affect the body weights. The photons emitted from mice tumors were detected with Xenogen IVIS imaging system, DMC at both doses decreased the total photon flux and 60 mg/kg treatment of DMC has low total photon flux than that of 30 mg/kg. The tumor volumes and weights in 60 mg/kg treatment of DMC were lower than that of 30 mg/kg. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to measure protein expression of tumors and results showed that DMC treatment led to lightly staining with anti-Bcl-2 and -XIAP and 60 mg/kg treatment of DMC has lighter staining with anti-Bcl-2 and -XIAP than that of 30 mg/kg. The higher dose (60 mg/kg) of DMC has higher signals of cleaved-caspase-3 than that of the lower dose (30 mg/kg). Furthermore, the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of liver tissues showed no significant difference between DMC-treated and control-groups. Overall, these observations showed that DMC suppressed tumor properties in vivo and DMC may be used against human glioblastoma multiforme in the future.