scholarly journals Heparan Sulfate Mimetics in Cancer Therapy: The Challenge to Define Structural Determinants and the Relevance of Targets for Optimal Activity

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 2915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cinzia Lanzi ◽  
Giuliana Cassinelli
Keyword(s):  
Heparan Sulfate ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Anticoagulant Activity ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Biological Behavior ◽  
Antitumor Action ◽  
Structural Determinants ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Combination Treatments ◽  
Heparin Derivatives

Beyond anticoagulation, the therapeutic potential of heparin derivatives and heparan sulfate (HS) mimetics (functionally defined HS mimetics) in oncology is related to their ability to bind and modulate the function of a vast array of HS-binding proteins with pivotal roles in cancer growth and progression. The definition of structural/functional determinants and the introduction of chemical modifications enabled heparin derivatives to be identified with greatly reduced or absent anticoagulant activity, but conserved/enhanced anticancer activity. These studies paved the way for the disclosure of structural requirements for the inhibitory effects of HS mimetics on heparanase, selectins, and growth factor receptor signaling, as well as for the limitation of side effects. Actually, HS mimetics affect the tumor biological behavior via a multi-target mechanism of action based on their effects on tumor cells and various components of the tumor microenvironment. Emerging evidence indicates that immunomodulation can participate in the antitumor activity of these agents. Significant ability to enhance the antitumor effects of combination treatments with standard therapies was shown in several tumor models. While the first HS mimetics are undergoing early clinical evaluation, an improved understanding of the molecular contexts favoring the antitumor action in certain malignancies or subgroups is needed to fully exploit their potential.

Anticoagulant Activity of Hirulog™, a Direct Thrombin Inhibitor, in Humans

1993 ◽  
Vol 69 (02) ◽  
pp. 157-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irving Fox ◽  
Adrian Dawson ◽  
Peter Loynds ◽  
Jane Eisner ◽  
Kathleen Findlen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rational Design ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Anticoagulant Activity ◽  
Subcutaneous Administration ◽  
Direct Thrombin Inhibitor ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitor ◽  
Thrombin Time ◽  
Thrombotic Disease ◽  
Dose Dependent

SummaryHirulog™ (BG8967) is a direct thrombin inhibitor built by rational design using the protein hirudin as a model (Maraganore et al. [1990]; Biochemistry 29: 7095–101). In order to evaluate the therapeutic potential for hirulog in the management of thrombotic disease, the tolerability and anticoagulant activity of the agent were examined in a study of human volunteers.In a randomized, placebo-controlled study (n = 54), the intravenous infusion of hirulog over 15 min showed a rapid, dose-dependent prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT). There was a corresponding dose-dependent increase in plasma hirulog levels. The peptide was rapidly cleared with a half-life of 36 min and a total body clearance rate for the peptide of 0.43 1 kg−1 h−1. Similar activity was observed following subcutaneous injection but with sustained pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic behavior. There was a significant correlation between pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variables for both intravenous (r = 0.8, p <0.001) and subcutaneous administration (r = 0.7, p = 0.002).To evaluate the possible interactions of aspirin on the tolerability and anticoagulant activity of intravenous hirulog, a cross-over design was employed in eight subjects. Aspirin administration did not modify the peptide’s activity. At the administered dose of 0.6 mg kg−1 h−1 for 2 h, hirulog infusion prolonged APTT from 230 to 260% baseline. The infusion of hirulog in subjects who had received aspirin was not associated with any significant changes in the template bleeding time.The final phase of the study examined the activity and tolerability of hirulog in ten subjects during prolonged intravenous infusions for up to 24 h. The peptide (0.3 mg kg−1 h−1) exhibited sustained anticoagulant activity with no evidence for a cumulative effect. During hirulog infusion, APTT was prolonged from 210 to 250% baseline.In all phases of the study, hirulog administration was generally well-tolerated.Our observations show that hirulog is an active antithrombin agent with excellent tolerability in humans. As a direct thrombin inhibitor, hirulog provides a novel approach for the management of thrombotic disease.

scholarly journals Intratumoral Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Antisense DNA Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer: First Human Application and Potential Antitumor Mechanisms

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1235-1242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Y. Lai ◽  
Priya Koppikar ◽  
Sufi M. Thomas ◽  
Erin E. Childs ◽  
Ann Marie Egloff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Epidermal Growth Factor ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Maximum Tolerated Dose ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Best Response ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Epidermal Growth

Purpose Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is characterized by upregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We developed a novel strategy to target EGFR by using a therapeutic gene that consisted of an EGFR antisense (AS) gene sequence under U6 promoter control. A phase I clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and biologic effects of EGFR AS. Patients and Methods Patients with advanced SCCHN who were refractory to standard therapies and who had at least one assessable and accessible lesion were enrolled. The EGFR AS dose was escalated in successive cohorts (six dose levels; 60 to 1,920 μg/injection). Patients received four weekly intratumoral EGFR AS injections. Tumor biopsies were performed before and after completion of therapy. Treatment response was assessed by tumor volume measurements (positron emission tomography/computed tomography), and levels of target proteins were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results Seventeen assessable patients were treated. No grades 3 to 4 or dose-limiting toxicities were noted, and a maximum-tolerated dose was not reached. Five patients (29%) achieved a clinical response, which included two complete responses (CRs) and three partial responses (PRs); two additional patients had stable disease (SD) as the best response. Patients with disease control (CR + PR + SD) had tumors with higher EGFR and lower STAT3 expression at baseline compared with patients who had progressive disease (P = .0312 and P = .095, respectively). Conclusion Intratumoral EGFR AS was safe and resulted in antitumor activity in patients with advanced SCCHN. Baseline levels of high EGFR and low STAT3 may be associated with antitumor effects.

scholarly journals New Pharmacological Opportunities for Betulinic Acid

Planta Medica ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 84 (01) ◽  
pp. 8-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Ríos ◽  
Salvador Máñez
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Natural Product ◽  
Betulinic Acid ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Present Review ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Pharmacological Activities ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Birch Trees

AbstractBetulinic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic lupane-type triterpenoid usually isolated from birch trees, but present in many other botanical sources. It is found in different plant organs, both as a free aglycon and as glycosyl derivatives. A wide range of pharmacological activities has been described for this triterpenoid, including antiviral and antitumor effects. In addition, several other interesting properties have been identified in the fields of immunity and metabolism, namely antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Taken together, these latter three properties make betulinic acid a highly interesting prospect for treating metabolic syndrome. The present review focuses on the therapeutic potential of this agent, along with several of its semisynthetic derivatives, which could open new frontiers in the use of natural product-based medicines.

scholarly journals Heparan Sulfate Facilitates Spike Protein-Mediated SARS-CoV-2 Host Cell Invasion and Contributes to Increased Infection of SARS-CoV-2 G614 Mutant and in Lung Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingwen Yue ◽  
Weihua Jin ◽  
Hua Yang ◽  
John Faulkner ◽  
Xuehong Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Heparan Sulfate ◽  
Host Cell ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Heparin Derivatives ◽  
Host Cell Surface

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and has been a serious threat to global public health with limited treatment. Cellular heparan sulfate (HS) has been found to bind SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SV2-S) and co-operate with cell surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to mediate SARS-CoV-2 infection of host cells. In this study, we determined that host cell surface SV2-S binding depends on and correlates with host cell surface HS expression. This binding is required for SARS-Cov-2 virus to infect host cells and can be blocked by heparin lyase, HS antagonist surfen, heparin, and heparin derivatives. The binding of heparin/HS to SV2-S is mainly determined by its overall sulfation with potential, minor contribution of specific SV2-S binding motifs. The higher binding affinity of SV2-S G614 mutant to heparin and upregulated HS expression may be one of the mechanisms underlying the higher infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 G614 variant and the high vulnerability of lung cancer patients to SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively. The higher host cell infection by SARS-CoV-2 G614 variant pseudovirus and the increased infection caused by upregulated HS expression both can be effectively blocked by heparin lyase and heparin, and possibly surfen and heparin derivatives too. Our findings support blocking HS-SV2-S interaction may provide one addition to achieve effective prevention and/treatment of COVID-19.

scholarly journals The Role of Cyclodextrins in the Design and Development of Triterpene-Based Therapeutic Agents

2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 736
Author(s):  
Alexandra Prodea ◽  
Alexandra Mioc ◽  
Christian Banciu ◽  
Cristina Trandafirescu ◽  
Andreea Milan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Solubility ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Biological Behavior ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Starch Derivatives ◽  
Solubility Enhancers ◽  
Low Solubility

Triterpenic compounds stand as a widely investigated class of natural compounds due to their remarkable therapeutic potential. However, their use is currently being hampered by their low solubility and, subsequently, bioavailability. In order to overcome this drawback and increase the therapeutic use of triterpenes, cyclodextrins have been introduced as water solubility enhancers; cyclodextrins are starch derivatives that possess hydrophobic internal cavities that can incorporate lipophilic molecules and exterior surfaces that can be subjected to various derivatizations in order to improve their biological behavior. This review aims to summarize the most recent achievements in terms of triterpene:cyclodextrin inclusion complexes and bioconjugates, emphasizing their practical applications including the development of new isolation and bioproduction protocols, the elucidation of their underlying mechanism of action, the optimization of triterpenes’ therapeutic effects and the development of new topical formulations.

scholarly journals Binding of Heparin/Heparan Sulfate to Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 4

2001 ◽  
Vol 276 (20) ◽  
pp. 16868-16876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Britt-Marie Loo ◽  
Johan Kreuger ◽  
Markku Jalkanen ◽  
Ulf Lindahl ◽  
Markku Salmivirta
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Heparan Sulfate ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Fibroblast Growth

Modulation of Long Non-Coding RNAs by Different Classes of Secondary Metabolites from Plants: A Mini-Review on Antitumor Effects

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamires Cunha Almeida ◽  
Janaína Brandão Seibert ◽  
Tatiane Roquete Amparo ◽  
Gustavo Henrique Bianco de Souza ◽  
Glenda Nicioli da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Antitumor Action ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Parameters ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Antitumor Potential ◽  
Inhibition Of Tumor Growth ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

: The broad pharmacological spectrum of plants is related to their secondary metabolism, which is responsible for the synthesis of different compounds that have multiple effects on cellular physiology. Among the biological effects presented by phytochemicals, their use for the prevention and treatment of cancer can be highlighted. This occurs due to several mechanisms of antitumor action demonstrated by these compounds, including regulation of the cell signaling pathways and inhibition of tumor growth. In this way, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) appear to be promising targets for the treatment of cancer. Their deregulation has already been related to a variety of clinical-pathological parameters. However, the effects of secondary metabolites on lncRNAs are still restricted. For this reason, the present review aimed to gather data on phytochemicals with action on lncRNAs in order to confirm their possible antitumor potential. According to the literature, terpenoid and flavonoid are the main examples of secondary metabolites involved with lncRNAs activity. In addition, the lncRNAs H19, CASC2, HOTAIR, NKILA, CCAT1, MALAT1, AFAP1-AS1, MEG3, and CDKN2B-AS1 can be highlighted as important targets in the search for new anti-tumor agents since they act as modulating pathways related to cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion. Finally, challenges for the use of natural products as a commercial drug were also discussed. The low yield, selectivity index and undesirable pharmacokinetic parameters were emphasized as a difficulty for obtaining these compounds on a large scale and for improving the potency of its biological effect. However, the synthesis and/or development of formulations were suggested as a possible approach to solve these problems. All of these data together confirm the potential of secondary metabolites as a source of new anti-tumor agents acting on lncRNAs.

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