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Al-Rawi NH, Hachim IY, Hachim MY, Salmeh A, Uthman AT, Marei H. Anatomical landscape of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A single cancer center study in UAE. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15884. [PMID: 37206025 PMCID: PMC10189390 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to present demographic and clinicopathological aspects of OSCC identified in Pathology service in the UAE over a 13-year period and compare these findings to a cohort of 523 cases of Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using the Cancer Genome Atlas's cBioPortal database (http://cbioportal.org). Material and methods Histological examination of all hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides and assessment of all demographic and clinical information from laboratory records were performed on all OSCC diagnosed between 2005 and 2018. Results Males made up 71.4% of the sample of 231 OSCCs that were evaluated. The patients' average age was 55.38 years. The two most prevalent afflicted sites were the anterior two-thirds of the tongue (57.6%) and the cheek (28.1%). The most prevalent site among smokers were the floor of mouth, cheek, and jaw bones. There was a link between tumor size and numerous anatomical subsites that was shown to be highly significant. OSCC in the FOM was associated with a 25% mortality rate. Patients with OSCC of the anterior tongue and cheek had the best prognosis, with only 15.7% and 15.3% of patients dying during follow-up. Conclusion The present investigation found a correlation between the diverse clinicopathological characteristics of the various anatomical subsites in OSCC. Different anatomical subsites also displayed varying degrees of gene mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natheer H. Al-Rawi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Corresponding author. Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmood Y. Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Asmaa T. Uthman
- College of Dentistry, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hesham Marei
- College of Dentistry, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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Hersi F, Sebastian A, Tarazi H, Srinivasulu V, Mostafa A, Allayeh AK, Zeng C, Hachim IY, Liu SL, Abu-Yousef IA, Majdalawieh AF, Zaher DM, Omar HA, Al-Tel TH. Discovery of novel papain-like protease inhibitors for potential treatment of COVID-19. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 254:115380. [PMID: 37075625 PMCID: PMC10106510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The recent emergence of different SARS-CoV-2 variants creates an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutic agents to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks. Among SARS-CoV-2 essential proteases is papain-like protease (SARS-CoV-2 PLpro), which plays multiple roles in regulating SARS-CoV-2 viral spread and innate immunity such as deubiquitinating and deISG15ylating (interferon-induced gene 15) activities. Many studies are currently focused on targeting this protease to tackle SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this context, we performed a phenotypic screening using an in-house pilot compounds collection possessing a diverse skeleta against SARS-CoV-2 PLpro. This screen identified SIMR3030 as a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2. SIMR3030 has been shown to exhibit deubiquitinating activity and inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 specific gene expression (ORF1b and Spike) in infected host cells and possessing virucidal activity. Moreover, SIMR3030 was demonstrated to inhibit the expression of inflammatory markers, including IFN-α, IL-6, and OAS1, which are reported to mediate the development of cytokine storms and aggressive immune responses. In vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) assessment of the drug-likeness properties of SIMR3030 demonstrated good microsomal stability in liver microsomes. Furthermore, SIMR3030 demonstrated very low potency as an inhibitor of CYP450, CYP3A4, CYP2D6 and CYP2C9 which rules out any potential drug-drug interactions. In addition, SIMR3030 showed moderate permeability in Caco2-cells. Critically, SIMR3030 has maintained a high in vivo safety profile at different concentrations. Molecular modeling studies of SIMR3030 in the active sites of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV PLpro were performed to shed light on the binding modes of this inhibitor. This study demonstrates that SIMR3030 is a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro that forms the foundation for developing new drugs to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutics for a possible future outbreak of new SARS-CoV-2 variants or other Coronavirus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Hersi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anusha Sebastian
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamadeh Tarazi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vunnam Srinivasulu
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, Environment and Climate Change Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Abdou Kamal Allayeh
- Virology Lab 176, Water Pollution Research Department, Environment and Climate Change Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Cong Zeng
- Center for Retrovirus Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shan-Lu Liu
- Center for Retrovirus Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Imad A Abu-Yousef
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 26666, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amin F Majdalawieh
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 26666, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dana M Zaher
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hany A Omar
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt.
| | - Taleb H Al-Tel
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates.
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Shareef ZA, Hachim MY, Talaat IM, Bhamidimarri PM, Ershaid MNA, Ilce BY, Venkatachalam T, Eltayeb A, Hamoudi R, Hachim IY. DKK3's protective role in prostate cancer is partly due to the modulation of immune-related pathways. Front Immunol 2023; 14:978236. [PMID: 36845147 PMCID: PMC9947504 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.978236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
While it is considered one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of death in men worldwide, prognostic stratification and treatment modalities are still limited for patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Recently, the introduction of genomic profiling and the use of new techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS) in many cancers provide novel tools for the discovery of new molecular targets that might improve our understanding of the genomic aberrations in PCa and the discovery of novel prognostic and therapeutic targets. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms through which Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) produces its possible protective role in PCa using NGS in both the DKK3 overexpression PCa cell line (PC3) model and our patient cohort consisting of nine PCa and five benign prostatic hyperplasia. Interestingly, our results have shown that DKK3 transfection-modulated genes are involved in the regulation of cell motility, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and cytokine signaling in the immune system, as well as in the regulation of adaptive immune response. Further analysis of our NGS using our in vitro model revealed the presence of 36 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between DKK3 transfected cells and PC3 empty vector. In addition, both CP and ACE2 genes were differentially expressed not only between the transfected and empty groups but also between the transfected and Mock cells. The top common DEGs between the DKK3 overexpression cell line and our patient cohort are the following: IL32, IRAK1, RIOK1, HIST1H2BB, SNORA31, AKR1B1, ACE2, and CP. The upregulated genes including IL32, HIST1H2BB, and SNORA31 showed tumor suppressor functions in various cancers including PCa. On the other hand, both IRAK1 and RIOK1 were downregulated and involved in tumor initiation, tumor progression, poor outcome, and radiotherapy resistance. Together, our results highlighted the possible role of the DKK3-related genes in protecting against PCa initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Al Shareef
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmood Y. Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iman M. Talaat
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Mai Nidal Asad Ershaid
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Burcu Yener Ilce
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thenmozhi Venkatachalam
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdulla Eltayeb
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Hachim IY, Villatoro M, Canaff L, Hachim MY, Boudreault J, Haiub H, Ali S, Lebrun JJ. Author Correction: Transforming Growth Factor-beta Regulation of Ephrin Type-A Receptor 4 Signaling in Breast Cancer Cellular Migration. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21613. [PMID: 36517495 PMCID: PMC9750963 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24542-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Manuel Villatoro
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Lucie Canaff
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Mahmood Y. Hachim
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada ,grid.412789.10000 0004 4686 5317Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Julien Boudreault
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Halema Haiub
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Suhad Ali
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Jean-Jacques Lebrun
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
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5
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Talaat DM, Hachim IY, Afifi MM, Talaat IM, ElKateb MA. Assessment of risk factors and molecular biomarkers in children with supernumerary teeth: a single-center study. BMC Oral Health 2022; 22:117. [PMID: 35397562 PMCID: PMC8994298 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02151-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Supernumerary teeth are considered one of the commonly observed dental anomalies in children. Several theories have been proposed to explain the presence of supernumerary teeth, including environmental and genetic factors. This study aimed to identify the different risk factors and molecular biomarkers in patients presented with supernumerary teeth. Methods This case–control study included 240 children, 6 to 12-year-old. They were divided into a test group (n = 120 children presented with supernumerary teeth) and a control group (n = 120 children with no supernumerary teeth). Questionnaires were distributed to assess demographics and exposure to several environmental factors. Ten extracted supernumerary teeth from the test group were processed for histopathological analysis. Results Male gender, dental history of severe oral infection or medical history of chemotherapy treatment, previous history of taking medication or illness during pregnancy, family history of neoplastic disorders, use of electronic devices, and living beside agricultural fields or industrial areas were found to be statistically significant associated with the risk of supernumerary teeth development. Immunohistochemistry panel revealed that supernumerary teeth showed enhanced expression of wingless (Wnt) and sonic hedgehog (SHH) proteins as well as a reduced expression of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein, denoting molecular derangement in a group of pathways classically believed to be involved in its pathogenesis. Conclusions Males were more frequently affected by supernumerary teeth than females. Several risk factors were notably correlated with the existence of supernumerary teeth. Additionally, molecular biomarkers assessment demonstrated a high expression level of pro-tumorigenic proteins such as Wnt and SHH in patients with supernumerary teeth.
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6
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Hachim IY, Hachim MY, Talaat IM, López-Ozuna VM, Saheb Sharif-Askari N, Al Heialy S, Halwani R, Hamid Q. The Molecular Basis of Gender Variations in Mortality Rates Associated With the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:728409. [PMID: 34604307 PMCID: PMC8484873 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.728409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the end of 2019, the clinical presentation of the disease showed a great heterogeneity with a diverse impact among different subpopulations. Emerging evidence from different parts of the world showed that male patients usually had a longer disease course as well as worse outcome compared to female patients. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind this difference might be a fundamental step for more effective and personalized response to this disease outbreak. For that reason, here we investigate the molecular basis of gender variations in mortality rates related to COVID-19 infection. To achieve this, we used publicly available lung transcriptomic data from 141 females and compare it to 286 male lung tissues. After excluding Y specific genes, our results showed a shortlist of 73 genes that are differentially expressed between the two groups. Further analysis using pathway enrichment analysis revealed downregulation of a group of genes that are involved in the regulation of hydrolase activity including (CHM, DDX3X, FGFR3, SFRP2, and NLRP2) in males lungs compared to females. This pathway is believed to be essential for immune response and antimicrobial activity in the lung tissues. In contrast, our results showed an increased upregulation of angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1), a member of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that plays a role in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity modulation in male lungs compared to females. Finally, our results showed a differential expression of genes involved in the immune response including the NLRP2 and PTGDR2 in lung tissues of both genders, further supporting the notion of the sex-based immunological differences. Taken together, our results provide an initial evidence of the molecular mechanisms that might be involved in the differential outcomes observed in both genders during the COVID-19 outbreak. This maybe essential for the discovery of new targets and more precise therapeutic options to treat COVID-19 patients from different clinical and epidemiological characteristics with the aim of improving their outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iman Mamdouh Talaat
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Vanessa M López-Ozuna
- Woman's Breast Health Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Saba Al Heialy
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rabih Halwani
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Prince Abdullah Ben Khaled Celiac Disease Research Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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7
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López-Ozuna VM, Kogan L, Hachim MY, Matanes E, Hachim IY, Mitric C, Kiow LLC, Lau S, Salvador S, Yasmeen A, Gotlieb WH. Identification of Predictive Biomarkers for Lymph Node Involvement in Obese Women With Endometrial Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:695404. [PMID: 34307159 PMCID: PMC8292832 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.695404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity, an established risk factor for endometrial cancer (EC), is also associated to increased risks of intraoperative and postoperative complications. A reliable tool to identify patients at low risk for lymph node (LN) metastasis may allow minimizing the surgical staging and omit lymphadenectomy in obese patients. To identify molecular biomarkers that could predict LN involvement in obese patients with EC we performed gene expression analysis in 549 EC patients using publicly available transcriptomic datasets. Patients were filtrated according to cancer subtype, weight (>30 kg/m2) and LN status. While in the LN+ group, NEB, ANK1, AMIGO2, LZTS1, FKBP5, CHGA, USP32P1, CLIC6, CEMIP, HMCN1 and TNFRSF10C genes were highly expressed; in the LN- group CXCL14, FCN1, EPHX3, DDX11L2, TMEM254, RNF207, LTK, RPL36A, HGAL, B4GALNT4, KLRG1 genes were up-regulated. As a second step, we investigated these genes in our patient cohort of 35 patients (15 LN+ and 20 LN-) and found the same correlation with the in-silico analysis. In addition, immunohistochemical expression was confirmed in the tumor tissue. Altogether, our findings propose a novel panel of genes able to predict LN involvement in obese patients with endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M López-Ozuna
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Liron Kogan
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Hadassah Medical Center, affiliated with Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Emad Matanes
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- College of Medicine, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Cristina Mitric
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lauren Liu Chen Kiow
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Susie Lau
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shannon Salvador
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Amber Yasmeen
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Walter H Gotlieb
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Al-Ani M, Elemam NM, Hachim IY, Raju TK, Muhammad JS, Hachim MY, Bendardaf R, Maghazachi AA. Molecular Examination of Differentially Expressed Genes in the Brains of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice Post Herceptin Treatment. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:2601-2617. [PMID: 34168483 PMCID: PMC8216756 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s310535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Herceptin (trastuzumab) is an approved drug for treating HER2+ breast cancer patients, but its use for other diseases is not established. We sought to investigate the effects of Herceptin on ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and to examine its effects on the expression of various genes. Methods We used in-silico analysis of publicly available data, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine the expression of HER2+ cells in the brains of EAE mice. IHC was also utilized to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of Herceptin. The ability of Herceptin to alleviate the EAE clinical score was measured in these mice. Bioinformatics analysis of publicly available data and qRT-PCR were performed to investigate the differentially expressed genes that were either up-regulated or down-regulated during the high clinical score (HCS) of the disease. Results We observed that HER2/Erbb2, the receptor for Herceptin is upregulated in the brains of EAE mice when the brains were examined at the HCS stage. Further, we demonstrated that Herceptin ameliorates the EAE disease, increasing re-myelination, reducing brain inflammation, CD3+ T cell accumulation, and HER2+ cells in the brains of these mice. Molecular analysis demonstrated the expression of different genes that were either up-regulated or down-regulated during the HCS of the disease. Our combined bioinformatics and qRT-PCR analyses show increased mRNA expression of Atp6v0d2, C3, C3ar1, Ccl3, Ccl6, Cd74, Clec7a, Cybb, H2-Aa, Hspb1, Lilr4b, Lilrb4a, Mpeg1, Ms4a4a, Ms4a6c, Saa3, Serpina3n and Timp1, at HCS. Except for the mRNA levels of Cd74 and Clec7a which were increased at HCS when Herceptin was used in both prophylactic and therapeutic regimens, the levels of other described mRNAs were reduced. Conclusion These novel findings show that Herceptin ameliorates the clinical score in EAE mice and are the first to investigate in detail the differential gene expression post-treatment with the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mena Al-Ani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,The Immuno-Oncology Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noha Mousaad Elemam
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,The Immuno-Oncology Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tom K Raju
- The Immuno-Oncology Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jibran Sualeh Muhammad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,The Immuno-Oncology Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Riyad Bendardaf
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,University Hospital Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Azzam A Maghazachi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,The Immuno-Oncology Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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9
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Zaher DM, Ramadan WS, El-Awady R, Omar HA, Hersi F, Srinivasulu V, Hachim IY, Al-Marzooq FI, Vazhappilly CG, Merali S, Merali C, Soares NC, Schilf P, Ibrahim SM, Al-Tel TH. A Novel Benzopyrane Derivative Targeting Cancer Cell Metabolic and Survival Pathways. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112840. [PMID: 34200264 PMCID: PMC8201054 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Today, the discovery of novel anticancer agents with multitarget effects and high safety margins represents a high challenge. Drug discovery efforts indicated that benzopyrane scaffolds possess a wide range of pharmacological activities. This spurs on building a skeletally diverse library of benzopyranes to identify an anticancer lead drug candidate. Here, we aim to characterize the anticancer effect of a novel benzopyrane derivative, aiming to develop a promising clinical anticancer candidate. (2) Methods: The anticancer effect of SIMR1281 against a panel of cancer cell lines was tested. In vitro assays were performed to determine the effect of SIMR1281 on GSHR, TrxR, mitochondrial metabolism, DNA damage, cell cycle progression, and the induction of apoptosis. Additionally, SIMR1281 was evaluated in vivo for its safety and in a xenograft mice model. (3) Results: SIMR1281 strongly inhibits GSHR while it moderately inhibits TrxR and modulates the mitochondrial metabolism. SIMR1281 inhibits the cell proliferation of various cancers. The antiproliferative activity of SIMR1281 was mediated through the induction of DNA damage, perturbations in the cell cycle, and the inactivation of Ras/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways. Furthermore, SIMR1281 induced apoptosis and attenuated cell survival machinery. In addition, SIMR1281 reduced the tumor volume in a xenograft model while maintaining a high in vivo safety profile at a high dose. (4) Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the anticancer multitarget effect of SIMR1281, including the dual inhibition of glutathione and thioredoxin reductases. These findings support the development of SIMR1281 in preclinical and clinical settings, as it represents a potential lead compound for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M. Zaher
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wafaa S. Ramadan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raafat El-Awady
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hany A. Omar
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Fatema Hersi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vunnam Srinivasulu
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
| | - Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah I. Al-Marzooq
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Cijo G. Vazhappilly
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- School of Arts and Sciences, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, P.O. Box 10021, Ras Al Khaimah 10021, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salim Merali
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, 3307 N Broad Street, Room 552, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (S.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Carmen Merali
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, 3307 N Broad Street, Room 552, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (S.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Nelson C. Soares
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Paul Schilf
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Saleh M. Ibrahim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Taleb H. Al-Tel
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-6505-7417
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10
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Hachim IY, Hachim MY, Naeem KB, Hannawi H, Al Salmi I, Al-Zakwani I, Hannawi S. Kidney Dysfunction among COVID-19 Patients in the United Arab Emirates. Oman Med J 2021; 36:e221. [PMID: 33585042 PMCID: PMC7868039 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2020.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives We sought to determine the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among patients with COVID-19 and to examine its correlation with different demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics. Methods This study examined patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and enrolled at Al Kuwait Hospital, Dubai, UAE. eGFR was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation, 186 × (SCr mg/dL)-1.154 × (age)-0203 × 0.742 [if female] × 1.212 [if black], and compared for 250 COVID-19 cases and 153 non-COVID-19 controls. Analysis were performed using univariate statistics. Results The overall mean age of the cohort was 47.2±14.0 years, and 54.6% (n = 220) were males. The results showed that 45.3% of COVID-19 patients had mild-severe renal impairment, as reflected in the eGFR. When compared to patients with normal eGFR, those with severe renal impairment were older (62.5 vs. 40.2 years; p < 0.001), more likely to be male (100% vs. 71.1%; p = 0.016), and have comorbidities (90.9% vs. 40.0%; p < 0.001) including diabetes mellitus (72.7% vs. 21.5%; p < 0.001) and hypertension (72.7% vs. 25.2%; p = 0.003). They were also more likely to be associated with those that had severe (36.4% vs. 25.9%; p < 0.001) and critical (63.6% vs. 16.3%; p < 0.001) COVID-19 infection as well as intensive care unit admission (72.7% vs. 16.3%; p < 0.001). Correlational analysis showed a significant association between renal function indicators and different laboratory markers, including hematological indices and different liver enzymes. Conclusions This is the first study to examine the renal function among COVID-19 cases in the Middle East. Nearly half of COVID-19 patients had moderate to severe renal impairment. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the most common underlying comorbidities associated with moderate-severe renal function impairment among COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | | | - Haifa Hannawi
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai, UAE
| | - Issa Al Salmi
- Department of Internal Medicine-Nephrology, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.,Internal Medicine Residency Training Program, Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman
| | - Ibrahim Al-Zakwani
- Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Suad Hannawi
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai, UAE
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11
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Hachim MY, Hachim IY, Naeem K, Hannawi H, Al Salmi I, Hannawi S. Higher Temperatures, Higher Solar Radiation, and Less Humidity Is Associated With Poor Clinical and Laboratory Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients. Front Public Health 2021; 9:618828. [PMID: 33816417 PMCID: PMC8017282 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.618828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic varies between countries, with suggestions that weather might contribute to the transmission mode, disease presentation, severity, and clinical outcomes. Yet the exact link between climate and COVID-19 is still not well-explored. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hot geographical region weather [like United Arab Emirates (UAE)] on COVID-19 clinical profile and outcomes. Temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, precipitation, and other weather-related variables were studied concerning COVID-19 patients outcomes and laboratory results. Methodology: A total of 434 COVID-19 positive patients admitted between January and June 2020, were recruited from Al Kuwait Hospital, Dubai, UAE. Temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, and precipitation rate were retrieved from history+ for the day when COVID-19 patients presented to the hospital. These weather parameters were correlated with COVID-19 clinical and laboratory parameters. Results: Our results showed that patients needed admission in days with higher temperatures, higher solar radiation, and less humidity were associated with higher deaths. This association can be linked to the association of these weather parameters with age at diagnosis; higher C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil count, white cell count (WCC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); and lower lymphocyte count, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hemoglobin (Hb), Na, and albumin, all of which are considered poor prognostic factors for COVID-19. Conclusion: Our study highlighted the importance of weather-related variables on the dynamics of mortality and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. The hot weather might makes some people, especially those with comorbidities or older ages, develop aggressive inflammation that ends up with complications and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Yaseen Hachim
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Mahmood Yaseen Hachim
| | - Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kashif Naeem
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (United Arab Emirates), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haifa Hannawi
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (United Arab Emirates), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Suad Hannawi
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (United Arab Emirates), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Suad Hannawi
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12
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Hannawi S, Hannawi H, Naeem KB, Elemam NM, Hachim MY, Hachim IY, Darwish AS, Al Salmi I. Clinical and Laboratory Profile of Hospitalized Symptomatic COVID-19 Patients: Case Series Study From the First COVID-19 Center in the UAE. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:632965. [PMID: 33718282 PMCID: PMC7952884 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.632965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 is raising with a second wave threatening many countries. Therefore, it is important to understand COVID-19 characteristics across different countries. METHODS This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 525 hospitalized symptomatic COVID-19 patients, from the central federal hospital in Dubai-UAE during period of March to August 2020. RESULTS UAE's COVID-19 patients were relatively young; mean (SD) of the age 49(15) years, 130 (25%) were older than 60 and 4 (<1%) were younger than 18 years old. Majority were male(47; 78%). The mean (SD) BMI was 29 (6) kg/m2. While the source of contracting COVID-19 was not known in 369 (70%) of patients, 29 (6%) reported travel to overseas-country and 127 (24%) reported contact with another COVID-19 case/s. At least one comorbidity was present in 284 (54%) of patients and 241 (46%) had none. The most common comorbidities were diabetes (177; 34%) and hypertension (166; 32%). The mean (SD) of symptoms duration was 6 (3) days. The most common symptoms at hospitalization were fever (340; 65%), cough (296; 56%), and shortness of breath (SOB) (243; 46%). Most of the laboratory values were within normal range, but (184; 35%) of patients had lymphopenia, 43 (8%) had neutrophilia, and 116 (22%) had prolong international normalized ratio (INR), and 317 (60%) had high D-dimer. Chest x ray findings of consolidation was present in 334 (64%) of patients and CT scan ground glass appearance was present in 354 (68%). Acute cardiac injury occurred in 124 (24%), acute kidney injury in 111 (21%), liver injury in 101 (19%), ARDS in 155 (30%), acidosis in 118 (22%), and septic shock in 93 (18%). Consequently, 150 (29%) required ICU admission with 103 (20%) needed mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated the special profile of COVID-19 in UAE. Patients were young with diabetes and/or hypertension and associated with severe infection as shown by various clinical and laboratory data necessitating ICU admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suad Hannawi
- Department of Medicine, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haifa Hannawi
- Department of Medicine, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Reserach, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kashif Bin Naeem
- Department of Medicine, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noha Mousaad Elemam
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Issa Al Salmi
- Department of Medicine, Oman Medical Specialty Board, The Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman
- The Research Section, Oman Medical Speciality Board, The Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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13
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Naeem KB, Hachim MY, Hachim IY, Chkhis A, Quadros R, Hannawi H, Al Salmi I, Alokaily F, Hannawi S. Acute cardiac injury is associated with adverse outcomes, including mortality in COVID-19 patients. A single-center experience. Saudi Med J 2020; 41:1204-1210. [PMID: 33130840 PMCID: PMC7804230 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2020.11.25466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate acute cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients and its association with adverse outcomes including mortality in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) population. METHODS A retrospective study conducted between February and June 2020 in Dubai, UAE, for all laboratory-confirmed Coronavirus disease-19 patients. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without acute cardiac injury. RESULTS During the study period, 203 patients were included, of which, 44 (21.7%) had evidence of acute cardiac injury. Compared with patients without acute cardiac injury, patients with acute cardiac injury were: older, had more shortness of breath, diabetes, hypertension, and more bilateral airspace shadowing on admission chest radiography. These patients also had a higher neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, ferritin, D-dimers and lactate dehydrogenase but lower lymphocyte count. Regarding outcomes, these patients had higher intensive care admissions; a higher rate of complications including acute kidney and liver injury, acidosis, septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, needed more mechanical ventilation, and had a significantly higher risk of death. CONCLUSION Acute cardiac injury is common among Coronavirus disease-19 patients. These patients present with higher comorbidities, have high inflammatory markers and have greater risk for in-hospital multi-organ damage, need for mechanical ventilation, and death. Prompt full assessment and intervention are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashif B Naeem
- Ministry of Health and Prevention, Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. E-mail.
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14
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Shihab I, Khalil BA, Elemam NM, Hachim IY, Hachim MY, Hamoudi RA, Maghazachi AA. Understanding the Role of Innate Immune Cells and Identifying Genes in Breast Cancer Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082226. [PMID: 32784928 PMCID: PMC7464944 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system is the first line of defense against invading pathogens and has a major role in clearing transformed cells, besides its essential role in activating the adaptive immune system. Macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells, and granulocytes are part of the innate immune system that accumulate in the tumor microenvironment such as breast cancer. These cells induce inflammation in situ by secreting cytokines and chemokines that promote tumor growth and progression, in addition to orchestrating the activities of other immune cells. In breast cancer microenvironment, innate immune cells are skewed towards immunosuppression that may lead to tumor evasion. However, the mechanisms by which immune cells could interact with breast cancer cells are complex and not fully understood. Therefore, the importance of the mammary tumor microenvironment in the development, growth, and progression of cancer is widely recognized. With the advances of using bioinformatics and analyzing data from gene banks, several genes involved in NK cells of breast cancer individuals have been identified. In this review, we discuss the activities of certain genes involved in the cross-talk among NK cells and breast cancer. Consequently, altering tumor immune microenvironment can make breast tumors more responsive to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa Shihab
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Immuno-Oncology Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (I.S.); (B.A.K.); (N.M.E.); (I.Y.H.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Bariaa A. Khalil
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Immuno-Oncology Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (I.S.); (B.A.K.); (N.M.E.); (I.Y.H.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Noha Mousaad Elemam
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Immuno-Oncology Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (I.S.); (B.A.K.); (N.M.E.); (I.Y.H.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Immuno-Oncology Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (I.S.); (B.A.K.); (N.M.E.); (I.Y.H.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Mahmood Yaseen Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, UAE;
| | - Rifat A. Hamoudi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Immuno-Oncology Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (I.S.); (B.A.K.); (N.M.E.); (I.Y.H.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Azzam A. Maghazachi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Immuno-Oncology Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (I.S.); (B.A.K.); (N.M.E.); (I.Y.H.); (R.A.H.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Al Ameri M, Hachim IY, Al Hashmi FY, AlHarmoodi F, Al Awlaqi D, Alshehhi A. In vitro fertilization and its correlation with different breast cancer characteristics: single-center experience in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Breast J 2020; 26:2283-2285. [PMID: 32725707 DOI: 10.1111/tbj.13993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mouza Al Ameri
- Oncology Department, Breast Care Center, Tawam Hospital, SEHA, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Fatima Y Al Hashmi
- General Surgery Department, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, SEHA, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | - Dina Al Awlaqi
- General Surgery Department, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, SEHA, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Anood Alshehhi
- General Surgery Department, Tawam Hospital, SEHA, Al Ain, UAE
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16
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Ramakrishnan RK, Bajbouj K, Al Heialy S, Mahboub B, Ansari AW, Hachim IY, Rawat S, Salameh L, Hachim MY, Olivenstein R, Halwani R, Hamoudi R, Hamid Q. IL-17 Induced Autophagy Regulates Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Fibrosis in Severe Asthmatic Bronchial Fibroblasts. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1002. [PMID: 32670268 PMCID: PMC7326148 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of fibroblasts, their synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their innate resistance to apoptosis are characteristics of subepithelial fibrosis observed in severe asthma. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is an important regulator of airway remodeling in asthma. However, the contribution of IL-17 to the pro-fibrotic phenotype of bronchial fibroblasts is not well-characterized. In this study, we investigated whether IL-17 induced autophagy regulates mitochondrial and pro-fibrotic function in bronchial fibroblasts. The primary cultured bronchial fibroblasts isolated from non-asthmatic (NHBF) and severe asthmatic (DHBF) subjects were treated with IL-17 in order to ascertain its effect on mitochondrial function, mitochondrial quality control, and apoptosis using immunoblotting and flow cytometric analyses. At baseline, DHBF exhibited higher levels of mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis compared to NHBF. Immunohistochemical evaluation of bronchial biopsies showed intense PINK1 immunoreactivity in severe asthma than in control. IL-17 intensified the mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired the mitochondrial quality control machinery in NHBF and DHBF. Moreover, IL-17 augmented a pro-fibrotic and anti-apoptotic response in both group of fibroblasts. Inhibition of autophagy using bafilomycin-A1 reduced PINK1 expression in NHBF and restored the IL-17 mediated changes in PINK1 to their basal levels in DHBF. Bafilomycin-A1 also reversed the IL-17 associated fibrotic response in these fibroblasts, suggesting a role for IL-17 induced autophagy in the induction of fibrosis in bronchial fibroblasts. Taken together, our findings suggest that IL-17 induced autophagy promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and fibrosis in bronchial fibroblasts from both non-asthmatic and severe asthmatic subjects. Our study provides insights into the therapeutic potential of targeting autophagy in ameliorating fibrosis, particularly in severe asthmatic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakhee K Ramakrishnan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khuloud Bajbouj
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saba Al Heialy
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bassam Mahboub
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdul Wahid Ansari
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Surendra Rawat
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Laila Salameh
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Rabih Halwani
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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17
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Hachim MY, Aljaibeji H, Hamoudi RA, Hachim IY, Elemam NM, Mohammed AK, Salehi A, Taneera J, Sulaiman N. An Integrative Phenotype-Genotype Approach Using Phenotypic Characteristics from the UAE National Diabetes Study Identifies HSD17B12 as a Candidate Gene for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040461. [PMID: 32340285 PMCID: PMC7230604 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The United Arab Emirates National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study (UAEDIAB) has identified obesity, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and dyslipidemia as common phenotypic characteristics correlated with diabetes mellitus status. As these phenotypes are usually linked with genetic variants, we hypothesized that these phenotypes share single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-clusters that can be used to identify causal genes for diabetes. We explored the National Human Genome Research Institute-European Bioinformatics Institute Catalog of Published Genome-Wide Association Studies (NHGRI-EBI GWAS) to list SNPs with documented association with the UAEDIAB-phenotypes as well as diabetes. The shared chromosomal regions affected by SNPs were identified, intersected, and searched for Enriched Ontology Clustering. The potential SNP-clusters were validated using targeted DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) in two Emirati diabetic patients. RNA sequencing from human pancreatic islets was used to study the expression of identified genes in diabetic and non-diabetic donors. Eight chromosomal regions containing 46 SNPs were identified in at least four out of the five UAEDIAB-phenotypes. A list of 34 genes was shown to be affected by those SNPs. Targeted NGS from two Emirati patients confirmed that the identified genes have similar SNP-clusters. ASAH1, LRP4, FES, and HSD17B12 genes showed the highest SNPs rate among the identified genes. RNA-seq analysis revealed high expression levels of HSD17B12 in human islets and to be upregulated in type 2 diabetes (T2D) donors. Our integrative phenotype-genotype approach is a novel, simple, and powerful tool to identify clinically relevant potential biomarkers in diabetes. HSD17B12 is a novel candidate gene for pancreatic β-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Y. Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27273, UAE; (M.Y.H.); (H.A.); (R.A.H.); (N.M.E.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Hayat Aljaibeji
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27273, UAE; (M.Y.H.); (H.A.); (R.A.H.); (N.M.E.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Rifat A. Hamoudi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27273, UAE; (M.Y.H.); (H.A.); (R.A.H.); (N.M.E.); (A.K.M.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE;
| | - Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE;
| | - Noha M. Elemam
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27273, UAE; (M.Y.H.); (H.A.); (R.A.H.); (N.M.E.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27273, UAE; (M.Y.H.); (H.A.); (R.A.H.); (N.M.E.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Albert Salehi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Islets Cell Pathology, Lund University, SE-205 02 Malmö, Sweden;
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27273, UAE; (M.Y.H.); (H.A.); (R.A.H.); (N.M.E.); (A.K.M.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (N.S.)
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (N.S.)
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18
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Talaat IM, Ramadan WS, Hachim MY, Hachim IY, Yakout NS, AlNusairat DM, Abdel-Rahman WM. Differential Expression of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 Receptor in Breast Cancer Subtypes: A Marker of Early Metastasis in HER‐2 Subtype. FASEB J 2020. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.02830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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19
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Al-Ani MR, Raju TK, Hachim MY, Hachim IY, Elemam NM, Guimei M, Bendardaf R, Maghazachi AA. Rituximab Prevents the Development of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE): Comparison with Prophylactic, Therapeutic or Combinational Regimens. J Inflamm Res 2020; 13:151-164. [PMID: 32214838 PMCID: PMC7082624 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s243514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate, in detail, the effects of rituximab (RTX), an off-label drug for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) disease on preventing and/or ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods Using bioinformatics analysis of publicly available transcriptomics data, we determined the accumulation of B cells, plasma cells and T cells in different compartments of multiple sclerosis patients (MS) and healthy individual brains. Based on these observations and on the literature search, we dosed RTX in EAE mice either orally, or injected intraperitoneally (IP). The latter route was used either prophylactically (asymptomatic stage; upon the induction of the disease), or therapeutically (acute stage; upon the appearance of the first sign of the disease). Further, we used RTX as a preventive drug either as a single agent or in combination with other routes of administration. Results Because no complete recovery was observed when RTX was used prophylactically or therapeutically, we devised another protocol of injecting this drug before the onset of the disease and designated this regiment as prevention. We demonstrated that the 20 μg/mouse prevention completely reduced the EAE clinical score, impaired infiltration of T and B cells into the perivascular space of mice brains, along with inhibiting the inflammation and demyelination. However, the 5 and 10 μg/mouse doses although reduced all aspects of inflammation in these mice, their effects were not as potent as the 20 μg/mouse RTX dose. Finally, we combined the 5 μg/mouse prevention treatment with either the prophylactic or therapeutic regimen and observed a robust effect. Conclusion We observed that combinatorial regimens resulted in further reduction of inflammation, T and B cell extravasation into the brains of EAE mice and improved the re-myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mena R Al-Ani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arabs Emirates
| | - Tom K Raju
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arabs Emirates
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arabs Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arabs Emirates
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arabs Emirates
| | - Noha M Elemam
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arabs Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arabs Emirates
| | - Maha Guimei
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arabs Emirates.,Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Azzam A Maghazachi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arabs Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arabs Emirates
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20
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Hachim MY, Hachim IY, Naeem KB, Hannawi H, Salmi IA, Hannawi S. D-dimer, Troponin, and Urea Level at Presentation With COVID-19 can Predict ICU Admission: A Single Centered Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:585003. [PMID: 33363185 PMCID: PMC7756124 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.585003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Identifying clinical-features or a scoring-system to predict a benefit from hospital admission for patients with COVID-19 can be of great value for the decision-makers in the health sector. We aimed to identify differences in patients' demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings of COVID-19 positive cases to develop and validate a diagnostic-model predicting who will develop severe-form and who will need critical-care in the future. Methods: In this observational retrospective study, COVID-19 positive cases (total 417) diagnosed in Al Kuwait Hospital, Dubai, UAE were recruited, and their prognosis in terms of admission to the hospital and the need for intensive care was reviewed until their tests turned negative. Patients were classified according to their clinical state into mild, moderate, severe, and critical. We retrieved all the baseline clinical data, laboratory, and radiological results and used them to identify parameters that can predict admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Results: Patients with ICU admission showed a distinct clinical, demographic as well as laboratory features when compared to patients who did not need ICU admission. This includes the elder age group, male gender, and presence of comorbidities like diabetes and history of hypertension. ROC and Precision-Recall curves showed that among all variables, D dimers (>1.5 mg/dl), Urea (>6.5 mmol/L), and Troponin (>13.5 ng/ml) could positively predict the admission to ICU in patients with COVID-19. On the other hand, decreased Lymphocyte count and albumin can predict admission to ICU in patients with COVID-19 with acceptable sensitivity (59.32, 95% CI [49.89-68.27]) and specificity (79.31, 95% CI [72.53-85.07]). Conclusion: Using these three predictors with their cut of values can identify patients who are at risk of developing critical COVID-19 and might need aggressive intervention earlier in the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Y. Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kashif Bin Naeem
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haifa Hannawi
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Suad Hannawi
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Suad Hannawi
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21
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Hachim MY, Hachim IY, Naeem KB, Hannawi H, Al Salmi I, Hannawi S. C-C chemokine receptor type 5 links COVID-19, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hydroxychloroquine: in silico analysis. Transl Med Commun 2020; 5:14. [PMID: 32923679 PMCID: PMC7479747 DOI: 10.1186/s41231-020-00066-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represent one of the fragile patient groups that might be susceptible to the critical form of the coronavirus disease - 19 (COVID-19). On the other side, RA patients have been found not to have an increased risk of COVID-19 infection. Moreover, some of the Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS) commonly used to treat rheumatic diseases like Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) were proposed as a potential therapy for COVID-19 with a lack of full understanding of their molecular mechanisms. This highlights the need for the discovery of common pathways that may link both diseases at the molecular side. In this research, we used the in silico approach to investigate the transcriptomic profile of RA synovium to identify shared molecular pathways with that of severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus-2 (SARS-COV-2) infected lung tissue. Our results showed upregulation of chemotactic factors, including CCL4, CCL8, and CCL11, that all shared CCR5 as their receptor, as a common derangement observed in both diseases; RA and COVID-19. Moreover, our results also highlighted a possible mechanism through which HCQ, which can be used as a monotherapy in mild RA or as one of the triple-DMARDs therapy (tDMARDs; methotrexate, sulphasalazine, and HCQ), might interfere with the COVID-19 infection. This might be achieved through the ability of HCQ to upregulate specific immune cell populations like activated natural killer (NK) cells, which were found to be significantly reduced in COVID-19 infection. In addition to its ability to block CCR5 rich immune cell recruitment that also was upregulated in the SARS-COV-2 infected lungs. This might explain some of the reports that showed beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Y. Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- grid.412789.10000 0004 4686 5317Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Kashif Bin Naeem
- grid.415786.90000 0004 1773 3198Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai, UAE
| | - Haifa Hannawi
- grid.415786.90000 0004 1773 3198Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai, UAE
| | - Issa Al Salmi
- grid.416132.30000 0004 1772 5665The Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Suad Hannawi
- grid.415786.90000 0004 1773 3198Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai, UAE
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22
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Hachim IY, López-Ozuna VM, Hachim MY, Lebrun JJ, Ali S. Prolactin hormone exerts anti-tumorigenic effects in HER-2 overexpressing breast cancer cells through regulation of stemness. Stem Cell Res 2019; 40:101538. [PMID: 31450192 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2019.101538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancers characterized by HER2 overexpression, belong to HER-2 enriched or luminal B subtypes, are frequently associated with higher incidence of tumor recurrence and therapeutic failure. These aggressive features have been attributed to the presence of cancer stem-like cell subpopulations known to have high tumor initiation, self -renewal capacities and high metastatic potential. Depleting these stem-like cells in these tumors therefore might help in improving therapeutic response and patient outcome. METHODS Here we used human breast cancer cells representative of HER2- enriched and luminal B subtypes as well as purified ALDH-positive stem-like cell subpopulation for in vitro cell viability, proliferation, tumorshpere formation analyses and gene expression studies. In addition, we used a pre-clinical xenograft HER2 mouse model (NOD/SCID mice) for in vivo tumorigenesis assessment. Furthermore, patient survival outcomes were evaluated using in silico bioinformatics analyses of publicly available datasets. RESULTS Our results indicate that prolactin (PRL) exerts anti-tumorigenic effects in HER-2 positive breast cancer cells. Importantly, PRL caused a significant reduction in ALDHhi stem-like subpopulation, as well as their viability and tumorsphere formation capacity. Molecularly we found PRL to suppress gene expression of markers involved in stemness, tumor initiation, drug resistance and poor patient outcome found to be enriched in the ALDHhi stem-like subpopulation. Furthermore, we show PRL to impede tumor growth of HER-2 xenografts and to suppress expression of Ki67 proliferative marker. Finally, we found PRL pathway gene signature to correlate with favorable patient outcomes in HER-2 and luminal B breast cancer patients. CONCLUSION Together these results emphasize an anti-tumorigenic role with a potential therapeutic value for PRL in HER-2 and luminal B breast cancer subtypes targeting the cancer stem-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Vanessa M López-Ozuna
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Jean-Jacques Lebrun
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Suhad Ali
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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23
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Moamer A, Hachim IY, Binothman N, Wang N, Lebrun JJ, Ali S. A role for kinesin-1 subunits KIF5B/KLC1 in regulating epithelial mesenchymal plasticity in breast tumorigenesis. EBioMedicine 2019; 45:92-107. [PMID: 31204277 PMCID: PMC6642081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is deemed vital in breast cancer progression, metastasis, stemness and resistance to therapy. Therefore, characterizing molecular mechanisms contributing to EMP are in need enabling the development of more advanced therapeutics against breast cancer. While kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) are well known for their role in intracellular cargo movement, our knowledge of their function in breast tumorigenesis is still limited. Methods Various breast cancer cell lines representing different molecular subtypes were used to determine the role of kinesine-1 subunits KIF5B/KLC1 in regulation of EMP. Findings In breast cancer, we show that kinesin family member 5B (KIF5B) and its partner protein kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1), subunits of kinesin-1, to play differential roles in regulating EMP and tumorigenesis. Indeed, we found KIF5B to be expressed in triple negative (TN)-basal-like/claudin low breast cancer subtype and to be an inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, invasiveness, tumor formation and metastatic colonization. Whereas, we found KLC1 to be expressed in epithelial/luminal breast cancer subtypes and to be a suppressor of EMT, invasion, metastasis and stem cell markers expression as well as to be an inducer of epithelial/luminal phenotype. Interestingly, in TN-basal-like/claudin low cells we found a novel nuclear accumulation of KIF5B and its interaction with the EMT transcriptional regulator Snail1 independent of KLC1. In addition, TGF-β mediated pro-invasive activity was found to be dependent on KIF5B expression. In contrast, the epithelial differentiation factor and EMT suppressor prolactin (PRL) was found to repress KIF5B gene expression and KIF5B-Snail1 nuclear accumulation, but enhanced KLC1 gene expression and KIF5B-KLC1 interaction. Interpretation Together, these results highlight a new paradigm for kinesin-1 function in breast tumorigenesis by regulating EMP programing and aggressiveness. Fund This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (operating grants #233437 and 233438) granted to Suhad Ali.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Moamer
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Canada.
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Canada.
| | - Najat Binothman
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Canada.
| | - Ni Wang
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Canada.
| | - Jean-Jacques Lebrun
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Canada.
| | - Suhad Ali
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Canada.
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24
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López-Ozuna VM, Hachim IY, Hachim MY, Lebrun JJ, Ali S. Prolactin modulates TNBC aggressive phenotype limiting tumorigenesis. Endocr Relat Cancer 2019; 26:321-337. [PMID: 30640712 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for ~20% of all breast cancer cases. The management of TNBC represents a challenge due to its aggressive phenotype, heterogeneity and lack of targeted therapy. Loss of cell differentiation and enrichment with breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSC) are features of TNBC contributing to its aggressive nature. Here, we found that treatment of TNBC cells with PRL significantly depletes the highly tumorigenic BCSC subpopulations CD44+/CD24- and ALDH+ and differentiates them to the least tumorigenic CD44-/CD24- and ALDH- phenotype with limited tumorsphere formation and self-renewal capacities. Importantly, we found PRL to induce a heterochromatin phenotype marked by histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) and accompanied by ultra-structural cellular architecture associated with differentiation and senescence rendering the cells refractory to growth signals. Crucially, we found PRL to mediate these effects in vivo in a pre-clinical animal xenograft of TNBC controlling tumor growth. These results reveal that the lactogenic hormone PRL may exert its anti-tumorigenic effects on TNBC through cellular reprogramming indicative of differentiation resulting in the depletion of BCSCs and restricting tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M López-Ozuna
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jean-Jacques Lebrun
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Suhad Ali
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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25
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Sami MM, Hachim MY, Hachim IY, Elbarkouky AH, López-Ozuna VM. Nucleostemin expression in breast cancer is a marker of more aggressive phenotype and unfavorable patients' outcome: A STROBE-compliant article. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e14744. [PMID: 30817632 PMCID: PMC6831441 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000014744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are postulated to play significant role in the pathogenesis, progression as well as drug resistance of breast cancer. Nucleostemin (NS) is thought to be a key molecule for stemness, and the clinical impact of NS immunoreactivity in breast cancer can indicate its actual role and future therapeutic potentials.The current study is an observational study with an attempt to evaluate the correlation between NS expression (protein and gene expression levels) and different clinicopathological attributes of invasive breast cancer. For that reason, we investigated NS immunohistochemistry expression on commercial tissue microarray (TMA) of 102 patients and 51 archival specimens from patients admitted to Saqr Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah and diagnosed in Al Baraha Hospital, Dubai, UAE. In addition, the association between NS (GNL3) gene expression and different prognostic parameters as well as patient outcome was also evaluated using 2 large publicly available databases.Interestingly, we found NS expression to be associated with less differentiated and more advance stage. In addition, NS expression was significantly higher in larger size (P = .001) and LN-positive tumors (P = .007). Notably, NS expression was significantly correlated to P53 positive (P = .037) status. Furthermore, NS was found to be more expressed in the highly aggressive breast cancer subtypes including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes. Moreover, our results also showed that high GNL3 gene expression to be associated with poor patient outcome and higher chances of tumor recurrence.Our results highlight NS expression as a marker of aggressive phenotype and poor outcome and indicate its possible use as a potential target for CSC-associated breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal M. Sami
- Department of Pathology, Ras Al Khaimah College of Medical Sciences, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismaillia, Egypt
| | - Mahmood Y. Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ahmed H. Elbarkouky
- Department of Pathology, Al Baraha Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbia, Egypt
| | - Vanessa M. López-Ozuna
- Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Hachim MY, Hachim IY, Dai M, Ali S, Lebrun JJ. Differential expression of TGFβ isoforms in breast cancer highlights different roles during breast cancer progression. Tumour Biol 2018; 40:1010428317748254. [PMID: 29320969 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317748254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
While TGFβ plays a critical role in tumor formation and progression, the role and contribution of its three different isoforms remain unclear. In this study, we aimed at elucidating the prognostic value of the TGFβ isoforms and assessed their expression levels in breast cancer patients at different stages of the disease. We found higher levels of TGFβ1 and TGFβ3 in cancer patients compared to normal tissues, with no significant changes in TGFβ2 expression. Similarly, TGFβ1 and TGFβ3, but not TGFβ2, showed higher expression levels in advanced lymph node-positive and metastatic tumors, suggesting different roles for the different isoforms in tumor progression and the metastatic process, while in the least aggressive molecular subtype (luminal A), expression of the three TGFβ isoforms significantly correlated with expression of both TGFβ receptors, such correlation only occurred between TGFβ1 and TGFβ3 and the TGFβ type II receptor (TβRII) in the highly aggressive basal-like subtype. Interestingly, a distinct and somehow opposite pattern was observed in HER-2 tumors, only showing significant association pattern between TGFβ2 and the TGFβ type I receptor (TβRI). Finally, the three TGFβ isoforms showed distinct association patterns with patient outcome depending on the different molecular subtype, highlighting context-dependent, differential prognostic values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Y Hachim
- 1 Cancer Research Program, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,2 Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- 1 Cancer Research Program, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Meiou Dai
- 1 Cancer Research Program, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Suhad Ali
- 1 Cancer Research Program, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Jacques Lebrun
- 1 Cancer Research Program, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Hachim IY, Villatoro M, Canaff L, Hachim MY, Boudreault J, Haiub H, Ali S, Lebrun JJ. Transforming Growth Factor-beta Regulation of Ephrin Type-A Receptor 4 Signaling in Breast Cancer Cellular Migration. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14976. [PMID: 29101386 PMCID: PMC5670207 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14549-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer consists of a range of tumor subtypes with different clinical characteristics, disease prognosis, and treatment-response. Luminal breast cancer has the best prognosis while basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) represents the worst subtype. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) plays a prominent role in stimulating the migration and invasion of malignant breast cancer cells contributing to tumor progression. In this study, we identified the Ephrin type-A receptor 4 (EPHA4) as a novel target of TGFβ in breast cancer. Moreover, we show that TGFβ induction of EPHA4 gene expression is specific to basal-like tumors and is required for TGFβ-mediated cell migration. We further addressed the mechanism and found EPHA4 to be required for TGFβ-mediated cell migration in breast cancer through TGFβ-induced short term and long term activation of RhoGTPases. Finally, our data revealed a strong association between high EPHA4 expression and advanced tumor stage, aggressive BLBC molecular subtype and poor prognosis. Importantly, we found significant co-expression of EPHA4 and the TGFβ receptor type-2 (TGFβR2) in breast cancer subtypes associated with increased tumor relapse and drug resistance. Together, this study highlight the important role of the TGFβ/EPHA4 signaling axis in mediating tumor aggressiveness and poor patient survival in human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- 0000 0000 9064 4811grid.63984.30Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Manuel Villatoro
- 0000 0000 9064 4811grid.63984.30Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Lucie Canaff
- 0000 0000 9064 4811grid.63984.30Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Mahmood Y. Hachim
- 0000 0000 9064 4811grid.63984.30Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada ,grid.412789.10000 0004 4686 5317Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Julien Boudreault
- 0000 0000 9064 4811grid.63984.30Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Halema Haiub
- 0000 0000 9064 4811grid.63984.30Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Suhad Ali
- 0000 0000 9064 4811grid.63984.30Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Jean-Jacques Lebrun
- 0000 0000 9064 4811grid.63984.30Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
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Binothman N, Hachim IY, Lebrun JJ, Ali S. CPSF6 is a Clinically Relevant Breast Cancer Vulnerability Target: Role of CPSF6 in Breast Cancer. EBioMedicine 2017; 21:65-78. [PMID: 28673861 PMCID: PMC5514498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer represents a major health challenge. The majority of breast cancer deaths are due to cancer progression/recurrence for which no efficient therapies exist. Aggressive breast cancers are characterized by loss of cellular differentiation. Defining molecular mechanisms/targets contributing to cancer aggressiveness is needed to guide the design of new screening and targeted treatments. Here, we describe a novel tumor promoting function for the Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factor-6 (CPSF6). Importantly, aggressive breast cancer cells of luminal B, HER2-overexpressing and triple negative subtypes show dependency on CPSF6 for viability and tumorigenic capacity. Mechanistically, we found CPSF6 to interact with components of the A-to-I RNA editing machinery, paraspeckles and ADAR1 enzyme, and to be required for their physical integrity. Clinically, we found CPSF6 and all core paraspeckles proteins to be overexpressed in human breast cancer cases and their expression to correlate with poor patient outcomes. Finally, we found prolactin, a key mammary differentiation factor, to suppress CPSF6/RNA editing activity. Together, this study revealed CPSF6 as a molecular target with clinical relevance for prognosis and therapy in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najat Binothman
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Canada.
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Canada.
| | - Jean-Jacques Lebrun
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Canada.
| | - Suhad Ali
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Canada.
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29
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Tian J, Hachim MY, Hachim IY, Dai M, Lo C, Raffa FA, Ali S, Lebrun JJ. Cyclooxygenase-2 regulates TGFβ-induced cancer stemness in triple-negative breast cancer. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40258. [PMID: 28054666 PMCID: PMC5215509 DOI: 10.1038/srep40258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype of breast cancer, display poor prognosis and exhibit resistance to conventional therapies, partly due to an enrichment in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Here, we investigated the role of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a downstream target of TGFβ, in regulating BCSCs in TNBC. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that COX-2 is highly expressed in TNBC and that its expression correlated with poor survival outcome in basal subtype of breast cancer. We also found TGFβ-mediated COX-2 expression to be Smad3-dependent and to be required for BCSC self-renewal and expansion in TNBCs. Knocking down COX-2 expression strikingly blocked TGFβ-induced tumorsphere formation and TGFβ-induced enrichment of the two stem-like cell populations, CD24lowCD44high and ALDH+ BCSCs. Blocking COX-2 activity, using a pharmacological inhibitor also prevented TGFβ-induced BCSC self-renewal. Moreover, we found COX-2 to be required for TGFβ-induced expression of mesenchymal and basal breast cancer markers. In particular, we found that TGFβ-induced expression of fibronectin plays a central role in TGFβ-mediated breast cancer stemness. Together, our results describe a novel role for COX-2 in mediating the TGFβ effects on BCSC properties and imply that targeting the COX-2 pathway may prove useful for the treatment of TNBC by eliminating BCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Tian
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Meiou Dai
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Chieh Lo
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Fatmah Al Raffa
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Suhad Ali
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jean Jacques Lebrun
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada
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30
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López-Ozuna VM, Hachim IY, Hachim MY, Lebrun JJ, Ali S. Prolactin Pro-Differentiation Pathway in Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Impact on Prognosis and Potential Therapy. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30934. [PMID: 27480353 PMCID: PMC4969612 DOI: 10.1038/srep30934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease associated with poor clinical outcome and lack of targeted therapy. Here we show that prolactin (PRL) and its signaling pathway serve as a sub-classifier and predictor of pro-differentiation therapy in TNBC. Using immunohistochemistry and various gene expression in silica analyses we observed that prolactin receptor (PRLR) protein and mRNA levels are down regulated in TNBC cases. In addition, examining correlation of PRLR gene expression with metagenes of TNBC subtypes (580 cases), we found that PRLR gene expression sub-classifies TNBC patients into a new subgroup (TNBC-PRLR) characterized by epithelial-luminal differentiation. Importantly, gene expression of PRL signaling pathway components individually (PRL, PRLR, Jak2 and Stat5a), or as a gene signature is able to predict TNBC patients with significantly better survival outcomes. As PRL hormone is a druggable target we determined the biological role of PRL in TNBC biology. Significantly, restoration/activation of PRL pathway in TNBC cells representative of mesenchymal or TNBC-PRLR subgroups led to induction of epithelial phenotype and suppression of tumorigenesis. Altogether, these results offer potential new modalities for TNBC stratification and development of personalized therapy based on PRL pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M López-Ozuna
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- Medical Microbiology Department, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, UAE
| | - Jean-Jacques Lebrun
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Suhad Ali
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Hachim IY, Hachim MY, López-Ozuna VM, Ali S, Lebrun JJ. A dual prognostic role for the TGFβ receptors in human breast cancer. Hum Pathol 2016; 57:140-151. [PMID: 27445263 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) plays a dual role in breast cancer, acting as a tumor suppressor in early carcinomas while promoting tumor metastasis in more advanced breast carcinoma. As a result, the prognostic role of TGFβ and its signaling components in breast cancer remains unclear. Here we evaluated the expression levels of TGFβ signaling receptors TβRII and TβRI using human breast cancer tissue microarrays and a large publicly available gene profiling database in relation to various clinicopathological parameters. Our results indicate that breast cancer tissues express lower TβRII and TβRI protein levels compared with normal breast tissue. In contrast to TβRI expression, TβRII mRNA expression levels were also significantly downregulated in invasive breast cancer compared with normal breast tissue (4.18-fold downregulation, P=9.3×10-115). Interestingly, within the cancer cases analyzed, our results revealed a direct correlation between high TβRII and TβRI expression levels and classic poor prognostic clinicopathological parameters, including larger tumor size, advanced tumor stage, and poorly differentiated tumors. Next, we examined TGFβ receptors' expression in relation to breast cancer molecular subtypes. Importantly, our results revealed that whereas expression of TGFβ receptors in luminal A and triple-negative breast cancer showed no correlation with patient outcome, their expression in luminal B and HER2 subtypes showed significant association with favorable patient outcome. Together, these results indicate that although TGFβ receptors are downregulated in breast cancer, their expression in tumors is an indicator of aggressive breast cancer phenotype. Moreover, the relation between TGFβ pathway and patient outcome is breast cancer subtype dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Division of Hematology, Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Vanessa M López-Ozuna
- Division of Hematology, Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Suhad Ali
- Division of Hematology, Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Jean-Jacques Lebrun
- Division of Hematology, Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada; Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada.
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Hachim IY, Shams A, Lebrun JJ, Ali S. A favorable role of prolactin in human breast cancer reveals novel pathway-based gene signatures indicative of tumor differentiation and favorable patient outcome. Hum Pathol 2016; 53:142-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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