A Macrocyclic Ruthenium(III) Complex Inhibits Angiogenesis with Down‐Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor‐2 and Suppresses Tumor Growth In Vivo

A macrocyclic ruthenium(III) complex [Ru^III(N₂O₂)Cl₂]Cl ( Ru‐1 ) is reported as an inhibitor of angiogenesis and an anti‐tumor compound. The complex is relatively non‐cytotoxic towards endothelial and cancer cell lines in vitro, but specifically inhibited the processes of angiogenic endothelial cell tube formation and cancer cell invasion. Moreover, compared with known anti‐cancer ruthenium complexes, Ru‐1 is distinct in that it suppressed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR2), and the associated downstream signaling that is crucial to tumor angiogenesis. In addition, in vivo studies showed that Ru‐1 inhibited angiogenesis in a zebrafish model and suppressed tumor growth in nude mice bearing cancer xenografts.     

Endothelial progenitor cell transplantation decreases lymphangiogenesis and adverse myocardial remodeling in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction

Cardiac lymphatic system in the remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been overlooked. We wanted to investigate the role of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and their contribution to lymphatic distribution in myocardial remodeling after AMI. Mouse (C57bl/6J) MI models were created by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and were treated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or EPCs. Real-time RT-PCR with 2- to 4-week myocardial tissue samples revealed that lymphangiogenetic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C (8.5 fold, P < 0.05), VEGF-D (6.1 fold, P < 0.05), Lyve-1 (15 fold, P < 0.05), and Prox-1 (11 fold, P < 0.05) were expressed at significantly higher levels in the PBS group than the EPC group. The PBS group also showed a significantly higher density of lymphatic vessels in the peri-infarction area. Echocardiography showed that from 2 weeks after the treatment, left ventricle (LV) dimensions at both systole and diastole were significantly smaller in the EPC group than in the PBS group (P < 0.01) and LV fractional shortening was higher in the EPC group accordingly (P < 0.01). Lymphangiogenic markers increased in a mouse MI model. EPC transplantation decreased lymphangiogenesis and adverse ventricular remodeling after AMI. These novel findings suggest that new lymphatic vessels may be formed in severely damaged myocardium, and may be involved in adverse myocardial remodeling after AMI.     

Identification of a Common Pharmacophore for Binding to MMP2 and RGD Integrin: Towards a Multitarget Approach to Inhibit Cancer Angiogenesis and Metastasis

During tumor angiogenesis different growth factors, cytokines and other molecules interact closely with each other to facilitate tumor cell invasion and metastatic diffusion. The most intensively studied as molecular targets in anti-angiogenic therapies are vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and related receptors, integrin receptors and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Considering the poor efficacy of cancer angiogenesis monotherapies, we reasoned combining the inhibition of α_vβ₃ and MMP2 as a multitarget approach to deliver a synergistic blockade of tumor cell migration, invasion and metastasis. Accordingly, we identified a common pharmacophore in the binding cavity of MMP2 and α_vβ₃, demonstrating such approach with the design, synthesis and bioassays of tyrosine-derived peptidomimetics carrying the necessary functional groups to bind to key pharmacophoric elements of MMP2 and α_vβ₃ RGD integrin.     

Studies on antineoplastic effect by adjusting ratios of targeted-ligand and antitumor drug

A series of drug delivery systems based on a sodium alginate derivative were prepared by mixing glycyrrhetinic acid(GA) and doxorubicin(DOX) conjugates at different ratios. GA(a liver-targeting ligand) and DOX(an antitumor drug) were both conjugated to oligomeric glycol monomethyl ether-modified sodium alginate(ALG-mOEG) for prolonged duration of action. These NP-based delivery systems exhibited active cell uptake and cytotoxicity in vitro and liver-targeted distribution and anti-tumor activity in vivo. In addition, nanoparticles with a 1:1(W:W) ratio of GA-ALG-mOEG and DOXALG-mOEG(NPs-3) showed the highest cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in vitro and liver-targeted distribution and antitumor activity in vivo. Specifically, when mixed nanoparticles defined as NPs-3 were injected in mice, liver DOX concentration reached 61.9 μg/g 3 h after injection, and AUC0-∞ and t1/2 of DOX in liver reached 4744.9 μg·h/g and 49.5 h, respectively. In addition, mice receiving a single injection of NPs-3 exhibited much slower tumor growth(88.37% reduction in tumor weight) 16 days after injection compared with placebo. These results indicate that effective cancer treatment may be developed using mixed NP delivery systems with appropriate ratio of targeted ligand and drug.     

6,7‐Dimethoxy‐quinazolin‐4‐yl‐amino‐thiophene‐2‐carboxamides as Potent Inhibitors of VEGF Receptors 1 and 2

The identification of agents with antiproliferative activity against endothelial cells has significant value for the treatment of many angiogenesis‐dependent pathologies. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors have been implicated as key factors in tumor angiogenesis and are major targets in cancer therapy. A series of novel 6,7‐dimethoxy‐quinazolin‐4‐yl‐amino‐thiophene‐2‐carboxamides were synthesized and evaluated as antagonists of VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2. More specifically, several analogues exhibited low micromolar to nanomolar potency in the inhibition of VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2. The most potent compound in this series, compound 7b , was found to be a potent inhibitor of VEGFR‐2 in a homogeneous time‐resolved fluorescence enzymatic assay with an IC₅₀ as low as 87 nm.     

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits photocarcinogenesis through inhibition of angiogenic factors and activation of CD8+ T cells in tumors

There has been considerable interest in the use of botanical supplements to protect skin from the adverse effects of solar UV radiation, including photocarcinogenesis. We and others have shown that topical application of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from green tea prevents photocarcinogenesis in mice; however, the chemopreventive mechanism of EGCG in an in vivo tumor model is not clearly understood. In this study, UV-B-induced skin tumors with and without treatment of EGCG ( approximately 1 mg/cm(2)) and age-matched skin biopsies from SKH-1 hairless mice were used to identify potential molecular targets of skin cancer prevention by EGCG. These biopsies were analyzed for various biomarkers of angiogenesis and antitumor immune response using immunostaining, Western blotting and gelatinolytic zymography. We report that compared to non-EGCG-treated tumors, topical application of EGCG in UV-induced tumors resulted in inhibition of protein expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, which play crucial roles in tumor growth and metastasis. In contrast, tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1), which inhibits MMP activity, was increased in tumors. With respect to the tumor vasculature, EGCG decreased the expression of CD31, a cell surface marker of vascular endothelial cells, and inhibited the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in tumors, which are essential for angiogenesis. EGCG inhibited proliferating cell nuclear antigen in UV-B-induced tumors as well. Additionally, higher numbers of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8(+) T cells) were detected in EGCG-treated tumors compared with non-EGCG-treated tumors. Together, these in vivo tumor data suggested that inhibition of photocarcinogenesis in mice by EGCG is associated with inhibition of angiogenic factors and induction of antitumor immune reactivity.     

Transactivation of bad by vorinostat-induced acetylated p53 enhances doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in cervical cancer cells

Vorinostat (VOR) has been reported to enhance the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin (DOX) with fewer side effects because of the lower DOX dosage in breast cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the novel mechanism underlying the synergistic cytotoxic effects of VOR and DOX co-treatment in cervical cancer cells HeLa, CaSki and SiHa cells. Co-treatment with VOR and DOX at marginal doses led to the induction of apoptosis through caspase-3 activation, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and DNA micronuclei. Notably, the synergistic growth inhibition induced by the co-treatment was attributed to the upregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bad, as the silencing of Bad expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) abolished the phenomenon. As siRNA against p53 did not result in an increase in acetylated p53 and the consequent upregulation of Bad, the observed Bad upregulation was mediated by acetylated p53. Moreover, a chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that the co-treatment of HeLa cells with VOR and DOX increased the recruitment of acetylated p53 to the bad promoter, with consequent bad transactivation. Conversely, C33A cervical cancer cells containing mutant p53 co-treated with VOR and DOX did not exhibit Bad upregulation, acetylated p53 induction or consequent synergistic growth inhibition. Together, the synergistic growth inhibition of cervical cancer cell lines induced by co-treatment with VOR and DOX can be attributed to the upregulation of Bad, which is induced by acetylated p53. These results show for the first time that the acetylation of p53, rather than histones, is a mechanism for the synergistic growth inhibition induced by VOR and DOX co-treatments.     

Src Kinase becomes preferentially associated with the VEGFR, KDR/Flk-1, following VEGF stimulation of vascular endothelial cells

Background  

The cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, Src, has been found to play a crucial role in VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) – dependent vascular permeability involved in angiogenesis. The two main VEGFRs present on vascular endothelial cells are KDR/Flk-1 (kinase insert domain-containing receptor/fetal liver kinase-1) and Flt-1 (Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1). However, to date, it has not been determined which VEGF receptor (VEGFR) is involved in binding to and activating Src kinase following VEGF stimulation of the receptors.     

Natural Phenolic Acid,Product of the Honey Bee,for the Control of Oxidative Stress,Peritoneal Angiogenesis,and Tumor Growth in Mice

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are key regulators of the link between inflammation and cancer, and the interplay between TAM and tumor cells represents a promising target of future therapeutic approaches. We investigated the effect of gallic acid (GA) and caffeic acid (CA) as strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents on tumor growth, angiogenesis, macrophage polarization, and oxidative stress on the angiogenic model caused by the intraperitoneal (ip) inoculation of Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells (2.5 × 10⁶) in Swiss albino mouse. Treatment with GA or CA at a dose of 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg ip was started in exponential tumor growth phase on days 5, 7, 9, and 11. On day 13, the ascites volume and the total number and differential count of the cells present in the peritoneal cavity, the functional activity of macrophages, and the antioxidant and anti-angiogenic parameters were determined. The results show that phenolic acids inhibit the processes of angiogenesis and tumor growth, leading to the increased survival of EAT-bearing mice, through the protection of the tumoricidal efficacy of M1 macrophages and inhibition of proangiogenic factors, particularly VEGF, metalloproteinases -2 and -9, and cyclooxygenase-2 activity.     

Angiogenesis induced by photodynamic therapy in normal rat brains

Angiogenesis promotes tumor growth and invasiveness in brain. Because brain injury often induces expression of angiogenic-promoting molecules, we hypothesize that oxidative insult induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT) could lead to an endogenous angiogenic response, possibly diminishing the efficacy of PDT treatment of tumors. Therefore, we sought to establish whether PDT induced an angiogenic response within the nontumored brain. PDT using Photofrin as a sensitizer at an optical dose of 140 J/cm2 was performed on normal rat brain (n = 30). Animals were sacrificed at 24 h, and 1, 2, 3 and 6 weeks after PDT treatment. Fluorescein isothiocyanatedextran perfusion was performed, and brains were fixed for immunohistological study. Immunostaining revealed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression increased within the PDT-treated hemisphere 1 week after treatment and remained elevated for 6 weeks. Three-dimensional morphologic analysis of vasculature within PDT-treated and contralateral brain demonstrated PDT-induced angiogenesis, as indicated by a significant increase in vessel connectivity (P < 0.001) concomitant with decreased (P < 0.05) mean segment length compared with vessels within the contralateral hemisphere. Volumetric measurement of angiogenic regions indicate that neovascular expansion continued for 4 weeks after PDT. These data demonstrate that PDT induces VEGF expression and neovascularization within normal brain. Because angiogenesis promotes growth and invasiveness of tumor, antagonizing this endogenous angiogenic response to PDT may present a practical means to enhance the efficacy of PDT.     

RK-805, an endothelial-cell-growth inhibitor produced by Neosartorya sp., and a docking model with methionine aminopeptidase-2

We found that a fungus Neosartorya sp. produced an angiogenesis inhibitor, RK-805. By spectroscopic analyses and semi-synthetic methods from fumagillin, the structure of RK-805 was identified as 6-oxo-6-deoxyfumagillol, which has not been reported as a natural product. RK-805 preferentially inhibited the growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) rather than that of human normal fibroblast in cell proliferation assays and blocked endothelial cell migration induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Moreover, RK-805 selectively inhibited methionine aminopeptidase-2 (MetAP2), but not methionine aminopeptidase-1 (MetAP1). The docked structure of RK-805 complexed with human MetAP2 indicated that not only a covalent bond between a nucleophilic imidazole nitrogen atom of His231 and the carbon of the reactive spirocyclic epoxide of RK-805, but also a hydrogen bond between NH (Asn329) and the carbonyl group of RK-805 at C-6 promote close contact in the binding pocket of the enzyme. Taken together, these results suggest that structure activity relationships of RK-805 derivatives at both C-4 and C-6, in comparison with ovalicin and TNP-470, would be useful for development of new angiogenesis inhibitors.     

Therapeutic Enhancement of Verteporfin-mediated Photodynamic Therapy by mTOR Inhibitors

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with photosensitizer verteporfin is a clinically approved vascular disrupting modality that is currently in clinical trial for cancer treatment. In this study, we evaluated PDT in combination with either mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin or mTORC1/C2 dual inhibitor AZD2014 for therapeutic enhancement in SVEC endothelial cells. Verteporfin-PDT alone induced cell apoptosis by activating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. However, it increased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1 and the phosphorylation of S6, a downstream molecule of mTOR signaling. In contrast, mTOR inhibitors rapamycin and AZD2014 did not induce apoptosis in SVEC cells. They suppressed MCL-1 expression and S6 phosphorylation and imposed a potent inhibition on cell proliferation. PDT in combination with mTOR inhibitors activated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and resulted in increased apoptosis. Combination treatments also led to sustained inhibition of cell proliferation. Although AZD2014 was more effective for cell growth inhibition and PDT enhancement than rapamycin at the higher concentrations examined in the study, both inhibitors effectively enhanced PDT response, suggesting that inhibition of mTORC1 is crucial for PDT enhancement. Our results indicate that mTOR inhibitors mechanistically cooperate with PDT for enhanced cell death and sustained growth inhibition, supporting a combination approach for therapeutic enhancement.     

A serum-stable branched dimeric anti-VEGF peptide blocks tumor growth via anti-angiogenic activity

Angiogenesis is critical and indispensable for tumor progression. Since VEGF is known to play a central role in angiogenesis, the disruption of VEGF-VEGF receptor system is a promising target for anti-cancer therapy. Previously, we reported that a hexapeptide (RRKRRR, RK6) blocked the growth and metastasis of tumor by inhibiting VEGF binding to its receptors. In addition, dRK6, the D-form derivative of RK6, retained its biological activity with improved serum stability. In the present study, we developed a serum-stable branched dimeric peptide (MAP2-dRK6) with enhanced anti-VEGF and anti-tumor activity. MAP2-dRK6 is more effective than dRK6 in many respects: inhibition of VEGF binding to its receptors, VEGF- and tumor conditioned medium-induced proliferation and ERK signaling of endothelial cells, and VEGF-induced migration and tube formation of endothelial cells. Moreover, MAP2-dRK6 blocks in vivo growth of VEGF-secreting colorectal cancer cells by the suppression of angiogenesis and the subsequent induction of tumor cell apoptosis. Our observations suggest that MAP2-dRK6 can be a prospective therapeutic molecule or lead compound for the development of drugs for various VEGF-related angiogenic diseases.     

Polydopamine(PDA)-activated cobalt sulfide nanospheres responsive to tumor microenvironment(TME)for chemotherapeutic-enhanced photothermal therapy

Most recently,cobalt sulfide(CoS) nanospheres(NSs) have been demonstrated as an ideal high-efficient photothermal agent for tumor elimination.Howeve r,the surface of CoS NSs is lack of functio nal chemical groups or active radicals to incorporate therapeutic agents,which tremendously hinders their versatile utilization in medical field.Here,surface activation of CoS NSs was realized through the growth of polydopamine(PDA) in situ via alkaline-triggered polymerization.Upon the formation of CoS@PDA NSs,thiol-polyethylene glycol(SH-PEG) and chemotherapeutic agent of doxorubicin(DOX) were loaded onto the particle surface by means of π-π electrostatic interaction and Michael addition reactions.Assynthesized CoS@PDA/PEG/DOX(CoPPD) NSs exhibited an admirable photothermal property and high loading capacity of DOX(44.6%).Furthermore,drug release can be accelerated under a more acidic pH condition mimicking tumor microenvironment(TME),ascribed to the protonation of amino group in DOX molecules.Finally,a strong chemotherapeutic-enhanced photothermal therapeutic effect was demonstrated toward solid tumor under near-infrared(NIR) light irradiation without causing significant systemic toxicity.In this regard,this paradigm may offer valuable guidance for the design of multifunctional CoS-based nanoagents for medical treatment.     

Development of biocompatible electrostatic-repulsive microparticles for local tumor treatment

In this study, we reported pH-responsive microparticles consisting of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), aminated hyaluronic acid (aHA) conjugated with 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMA, as a pH-responsive cleavable molecule) (aHA-DMA), and doxorubicin (DOX, as an antitumor drug) for local tumor treatment. The DOX-loaded microparticles, denoted as PLGA(aHA-DMA)/DOX MPs, were fabricated using the W₁/O/W₂ multi-emulsification method. These PLGA(aHA-DMA)/DOX MPs (~10 μm in diameter) accelerated the rate of DOX release at pH 6.8 due to the acidic pH-responsive cleavage of the DMA moieties followed by electrostatic-repulsion between aHA and DOX. This event caused the structural destabilization and collapse of the MPs, leading to the rapid release of DOX. Consequently, the PLGA(aHA-DMA)/DOX MPs resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth, demonstrating their ability for acidic tumor-specific treatment.     

Biointerface engineering of self-protective bionic nanomissiles for targeted synergistic chemotherapy

Erythrocyte membrane(EM)-camouflaged chemotherapeutic delivery nanovehicles hold promise for solid tumor therapy because of their excellent biostability and biocompatibility. However, it is accompanied with insufficient targeting effect and deficient pharmacokinetic behavior due to the lack of a regulated biointerface to navigate and overcome biological transportation obstacles in solid tumor therapy.Herein, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) aptamer(EApt) modified and EM-cloaked che...     

Coacervate-Filled Lipid Vesicles for Protein Delivery

Macromolecularly crowded coacervate is useful in protein delivery for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, coacervate tends to aggregate easily, which impedes their application. Here, this work presents a method to prepare coacervate with enhanced stability. This work assembles phospholipids on the surface of a coacervate to form lipocoacervate (LipCo). The resultant LipCo possesses a discrete spherical structure with a coacervate interior and phospholipid outer shell. The size of LipCo does not change over the four-week observation window, whereas coacervate coalesced into one bulk phase within 30 min. This work uses vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) as examples to test LipCo's ability to maintain protein bioactivity. The in vitro lymphangiogenesis assay demonstrates that human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) formed increased network of cord in VEGF-C and FGF-2 loaded LipCo group compared to free proteins and proteins loaded in coacervate. Overall, LipCo could serve as a protein delivery vehicle with improved colloidal stability.     

Novel Aryl‐Modified Benzoylamino‐N‐(5,6‐dimethoxy‐1H‐benzoimidazol‐2‐yl)‐heteroamides as Potent Inhibitors of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors 1 and 2

Tumor angiogenesis has become an important target for antitumor therapy, with most current therapies aimed at blocking the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. The VEGF and its receptors have been implicated as key factors in tumor angiogenesis and are major targets in cancer therapy. A series of aryl‐modified benzoylamino‐N‐(5,6‐dimethoxy‐1H‐benzoimidazol‐2‐yl)‐heteroamides were synthesized from 2‐amino‐5,6‐dimethoxy benzimidazole and aryl‐substituted benzoylamino hetero acids. The new compounds were tested for inhibition of VEGF receptors I and II (VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2). Compound 6e displayed VEGFR‐2 inhibitory activity with a 50% inhibition concentration value as low as 0.020 μM in a homogeneous time‐resolved fluorescence enzymatic assay. VEGFR‐2 active compounds display good activity against VEGFR‐1 as well.