benzofurans and Lung-Neoplasms

Fruquintinib (Elunate

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Colorectal Neoplasms; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Quinazolines; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1

PCBs are compounds whose physical/chemical properties led to their wide spread commercial use. The persistence and stability of PCBs have resulted in a world wide distribution. PCDFs, ones of PCB derivatives, are primary causal agents of mass food poisoning, called Yusho in Japan and Yu-Cheng in Taiwan. Several epidemiologic studies on the carcinogenicity of PCBs in both occupational exposure and accidental intoxication suggest that PCBs might be a potent carcinogen in liver and lung. Many investigators reported that PCBs induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rat and mice. Although either mutagenic or genotoxic effects of PCBs are not definite, their tumor promoting effects have been repeatedly demonstrated in the liver. The effects of PCBs as tumor promoter in the lung have also been reported. PCB congeners that efficaciously promote carcinogenesis increase cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases, which are abundant both in bronchiolar Clara cells and in hepatocytes. PCB congeners which are inducers of P-450 may be active as tumor promoter by inhibiting intercellular communication and/or by stimulating cell proliferation. Furan derivatives like PCDFs have high affinity to bronchiolar Clara cells and hepatocytes. PCDFs induce necrosis and epoxide formation to their target cells, which might result in carcinogenesis of liver and lung.

Topics: Animals; Benzofurans; Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Rats

Fruquintinib is an orally active kinase inhibitor that selectively targets the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor. A Phase II trial has demonstrated a significant benefit in progression-free survival (PFS) for fruquintinib-treated patients with locally advanced/metastatic nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed after second-line chemotherapy. This Phase III trial is a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial to confirm fruquintinib's efficacy in the same patient population.. From December 2015 to February 2018, 730 patients were screened, of whom 527 were enrolled into the study. Participants were randomized 2:1 to receive fruquintinib (n = 354) or placebo (n = 173) once daily for 3 weeks on-treatment, and 1 week off-treatment. Patients were stratified according to epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status and prior use of VEGF inhibitors. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS).. Median OS was 8.9 months for the fruquintinib group and 10.4 months for placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.02; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.82-1.28; P = 0.841), with median PFS of 3.7 months and 1.0 months, respectively (HR 0.34; 95 % CI, 0.28-0.43; P < 0.001). Objective response rate and disease control rate were 13.8 % and 66.7 % for fruquintinib, and 0.6 % and 24.9 % for placebo, respectively (P < 0.001). Hypertension was the most frequent treatment-emergent adverse event (≥grade 3) observed in fruquintinib-treated patients (21.0 %). Post hoc analysis revealed that fruquintinib prolonged the median OS for patients who did not receive subsequent antitumor therapy: 7.0 months versus 5.1 months for placebo (HR 0.65; 95 % CI, 0.46-0.91; P = 0.012). Patients receiving fruquintinib also reported improvements in quality of life for most functional scales measured by EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC13 questionnaires.. Although the study did not meet its primary endpoint, fruquintinib could be effective in combination with other agents for the treatment of patients with NSCLC who have failed second-line chemotherapy.

Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; China; Disease-Free Survival; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Quinazolines; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Purpose Patients with advanced non‒small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who fail two lines of chemotherapy have unmet medical needs. The kinase inhibitor fruquintinib selectively targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptors and, hence, tumor angiogenesis and lymphogenesis. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of fruquintinib in patients with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC who experienced disease progression after second-line chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Eligible patients were randomly assigned (two to one; stratified by epidermal growth factor receptor status) to receive fruquintinib or placebo, both in combination with best supportive care. Oral fruquintinib (5 mg once daily) was given in 4-week cycles of 3 weeks of treatment followed by 1 week off. Tumor response was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) evaluated by a blinded image central review (BICR) committee. Secondary end points included investigator-evaluated PFS, objective response rate, disease control rate, overall survival, and safety. Results Ninety-one patients from 12 hospitals received treatment with fruquintinib (n = 61) or placebo (n = 30). Median PFS was 3.8 months with fruquintinib by both BICR and investigators' evaluations (hazard ratio by BICR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.57; P < .001). Three- and 6-month survival rates were 90.2% and 67.2% in the fruquintinib group and 73.3% and 58.8% in the placebo group, respectively. The objective response rate and disease control rate were 13.1% and 60.7% with fruquintinib, compared with 0% and 13.3% with placebo ( P = .041 and < .001), respectively. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events with fruquintinib (≥ grade 3) were hypertension (8.2%), hand-foot syndrome (4.9%), and proteinuria (4.9%). Conclusion Third- and fourth-line fruquintinib for advanced NSCLC was superior to placebo and had an acceptable safety profile.

Topics: Aged; Asian People; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Double-Blind Method; ErbB Receptors; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Placebos; Progression-Free Survival; Quinazolines

BNC105P is a tubulin polymerisation inhibitor that selectively disrupts tumour vasculature and suppresses cancer cell proliferation. This agent has exhibited preclinical and phase I activity in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM). This phase II, single arm trial investigated the efficacy and safety of BNC105P as second line therapy in MPM. Participants had progressive MPM after first line pemetrexed/platinum chemotherapy, ECOG PS 0-1, adequate organ function, and measurable disease. BNC105P 16 mg/m(2) was administered intravenously on day 1 and 8 every 21 days until progression or undue toxicity. The primary endpoint was centrally reviewed objective response rate (RR). Tumour response was assessed every two cycles using modified RECIST. 30 patients were enrolled in 10 months, predominantly male (90%), ECOG PS 1 (77%), epithelioid histology (67%), and non-metastatic disease (67%). All patients received at least one dose of study drug, with a median of 2 cycles. No significant haematologic, biochemical, or cardiac adverse events (AEs) were observed. Grade 3 or 4 AEs occurred in 10 patients (33%). There were 2 deaths on study: 1 cardiorespiratory, the other to pneumonia. We observed 1 partial response (3%); 13 patients had stable disease (43%). Median progression free survival was 1.5 months (95% CI 1.4-2.4); median overall survival was 8.2 months (95% CI 3.8-11.9). BNC105P was safe and tolerable. The sole response was insufficient to warrant further research as a single agent.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antineoplastic Agents; Benzofurans; Biomarkers; Female; GPI-Linked Proteins; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mesothelin; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Organophosphates; Pleural Neoplasms; Radiography; Treatment Outcome; Tubulin Modulators; Tumor Burden

Disorganization and breakdown of extracellular matrix proteins like fibronectin, collagen, and elastin are key characteristics of skin aging due to the increased activation of important proteolytic enzymes like elastases and collagenase enzymes. Also, inhibition of their enzymatic activities by natural molecules might be a promising factor to prevent extrinsic skin aging. All chemicals were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich unless otherwise stated. The assay employed was based on spectrophotometric methods reported in the literature. The collagenase and elastase inhibition assays of some phenolic compounds were performed according to the previous studies. These compounds showed excellent to good inhibitory activities of vulpinic acid against studied these enzymes with IC50 values of 195.36 µM for collagenase and 25.24 µM for elastase. The molecular docking calculations were conducted to investigate the chemical and biological activity of vulpinic acid and usnic acid against collagenase and elastase. The results indicated that these two compounds can interact with the essential residues of the enzymes and affect their activities. The calculations of binding free energies were also performed to obtain more details about the characteristics and free energies of the ligand-enzyme complexes. Additionally, both compounds exhibited the most potent inhibition in the three lung cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 21-68 µM, indicating that vulpinic acid is more potent than Doxorubicin, which exhibited an IC50 value of 21-29 µM.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Benzofurans; Cell Line, Tumor; Collagenases; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Furans; Geroscience; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Models, Molecular; Pancreatic Elastase; Phenylacetates; Skin Aging

Topics: A549 Cells; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Signal Transduction; Smad2 Protein

Resveratrol has well-known anticancer properties; however, its oligomers, including α-viniferin, ε-viniferin, and kobophenol A, have not yet been well investigated. This is the first study examining the anti-epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) effects of α-viniferin and ε-viniferin on A549, NCI-H460, NCI-H520, MCF-7, HOS, and U2OS cells. The results showed that α-viniferin and ε-viniferin significantly inhibited EMT, invasion and migration in TGF-β1- or IL-1β-induced non-small cell lung cancer. α-Viniferin and ε-viniferin also reversed TGF-β1-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), MMP2, vimentin, Zeb1, Snail,

Topics: Animals; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Down-Regulation; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Stilbenes; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Vimentin

Akt and mTOR are aberrantly activated in cancers and targeting these proteins are interesting for cancer drug discovery. Napabucasin (NB), a phytochemical compound, has been reported as potential anti-cancer agent, however, Akt and mTOR targeting mechanisms remain unclear.  METHOD: Apoptosis induction was investigated by Hoechst 33342/PI double staining and annexin V/PI staining with flowcytometry. Autophagy was evaluated by monodansylcadaverine staining and Western blot analysis. Binding affinity of NB and essential signaling proteins (PI3K, Akt, and mTOR) was investigated using molecular docking and confirmed by Western blot analysis.. Results show for the first time that NB exerts an anti-cancer activity through the direct interaction to Akt and mTOR proteins. The methyl moiety of acetyl group of NB is required for its potent anti-cancer activities. These data encourage further development of NB compounds for Akt and mTOR driven cancers.

Topics: Annexin A5; Apoptosis; Autophagy; Benzofurans; Cell Proliferation; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Molecular Docking Simulation; Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein; Naphthoquinones; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Signal Transduction; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases

Dieckol, a phlorotannin from

Topics: Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Phaeophyceae

This study investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of ε-viniferin and α-viniferin in non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549, melanoma cell line A2058, and osteosarcoma cell lines HOS and U2OS. Results showed ε-viniferin having antiproliferative effects on HOS, U2OS, and A549 cells. Compared with ε-viniferin at the same concentration, α-viniferin had higher antiproliferative effects on HOS cells, but not the same effect on U2OS and A549 cells. Lower dose combination of α-viniferin and ε-viniferin had more synergistic effects on A549 cells than either drug alone. α-Viniferin induced apoptosis in HOS cells by decreasing expression of phospho-c-Jun-N-terminal kinase 1/2 (p-JNK1/2) and increasing expression of cleaved Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), whereas α-viniferin in combination with ε-viniferin induced apoptosis in A549 cells by decreasing expression of phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT) and increasing expression of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3. ε-Viniferin and α-viniferin have not been studied using in vivo tumor models for cancer. This research is the first showing that ε-viniferin treatment resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth in A549-cell xenograft-bearing nude mice compared with the control group. Consequently, ε-viniferin and α-viniferin may prove to be new approaches and effective therapeutic agents for osteosarcoma and lung cancer treatment.

Topics: A549 Cells; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Necrosis; Osteosarcoma; Stilbenes

Cancer metastasis is the main cause of mortality in cancer patients. As lung cancer patients are mostly detected at metastatic stages, strategies that inhibit cancer metastasis may offer effective therapies. Activation of FAK and Akt/mTOR pathways promotes the highly metastatic phenotypes of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). We unraveled EMT inhibitory action of pongamol and the mechanism controlling cell dissemination in lung cancer cells.. Cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of pongamol were determined by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis and necrosis induction in response to pongamol treatment was observed and visualized by nuclei staining assay. Wound healing migration, invasion, and anchorage-dependent growth assay were conducted to evaluate metastatic behaviors. EMT protein expression and FAK pathway were detected by western blot analysis.. Pongamol at 0-100 μM exhibited significant inhibition on migration, and invasion of cancer cells. Regarding anoikis resistance potential, the compound significantly inhibited survival and growth of cancer cells in an anchorage-independent manner, as indicated by the depletion of growing colonies in pongamol-pretreated cells. Protein level analysis further showed that pongamol exerted its anti-metastasis effect by inhibiting EMT, as indicated by a decrease of several mesenchymal proteins (N-cadherin, vimentin, Snail, and Slug). Regarding the up-stream mechanisms, we found that pongamol inhibited activation of FAK and Akt/mTOR signaling pathways.. Pongamol exhibits potent anti-metastatic activity through suppressing key potentiating factors of cancer metastasis EMT and FAK.

Topics: Benzofurans; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Signal Transduction; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases

Though Sanggenon G (SanG) from root bark of Morus alba was known to exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-depressant effects, its underlying mechanisms still remain unclear. Herein SanG reduced the viability of A549 and H1299 non-small lung cancer cells (NSCLCs). Also, SanG increased sub-G1 population via inhibition of cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK2, CDK4 and Bcl-2, cleavages of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3 in A549 and H1299 cells. Of note, SanG effectively inhibited c-Myc expression by activating ribosomal protein L5 (RPL5) and reducing c-Myc stability even in the presence of cycloheximide and 20% serum in A549 cells. Furthermore, SanG enhanced the apoptotic effect with doxorubicin in A549 cells. Taken together, our results for the first time provide novel evidence that SanG suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis via caspase-3 activation and RPL5 mediated inhibition of c-Myc with combinational potential with doxorubicin.

Topics: Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Chromones; Genes, myc; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Ribosomal Proteins; Transfection

As one of the most lethal malignancies, lung cancer is considered to account for approximately one-fifth of all malignant tumours-related deaths worldwide. This study reports the synthesis and

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Development; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Molecular Structure; Structure-Activity Relationship

Gefitinib is known as epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) while an increasing number of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are becoming resistant to EGFR-TKI. Therefore, innovative methods are urgently needed to overcome primary and acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC patients. The viability of HCC827 cells and HCC827 Ge-resistant (Ge-r) cells treated with gefitinib and/or STAT3 inhibitor and/or Overexpression (Oe)-ROR1 was detected by CCK-8 assay. The colony formation, invasion, migration and apoptosis of HCC827 Ge-r cells treated with gefitinib and/or STAT3 inhibitor and/or Oe-ROR1 transfection were, respectively, detected by clone formation assay, transwell assay, wound healing assay and flow cytometry analysis. The protein expressions of EGFR, STAT3, invasion and migration-related proteins, ROR1/ABCB1/P53 pathway and apoptosis-related proteins were analyzed by Western blot analysis. The transfection effect of Oe-ROR1 in HCC827 Ge-r cells was confirmed by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. In vivo animal experiment was used to confirm the role of STAT3 in improving the sensitivity of HCC827 Ge-r cells to gefitinib. As a result, after treatment of gefitinib, the viability of HCC827 cells was lower than that of HCC827 Ge-r cells and the expression of p/t-EGFR and p/t-STAT3 was decreased in HCC827 cells and HCC827 Ge-r cells after treatment of gefitinib. STAT3 inhibitor BBI608 enhanced the ability of gefitinib to inhibit viability, invasion and migration while promoting apoptosis of HCC827 Ge-r cells treated with gefitinib, which was partially reversed by ROR1 overexpression. STAT3 inhibitor further down-regulated the expression of MMP2, MMP9, ROR1, ABCB1 and BCl2, while up-regulated the expression of p53, bax and cleaved caspase3 in HCC827 Ge-r cells treated with gefitinib, which was partially reversed by ROR1 overexpression. In vivo experiment, STAT3 inhibitor further suppressed the size of NSCLC tissues, and further down-regulated the expression of ROR1 and ABCB1 while up-regulated the expression of p53 in NSCLC tissues. In conclusion, STAT3 inhibitor enhanced the antitumor effect of gefitinib on EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells through regulating ROR1/ABCB1/P53 pathway.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Drug Synergism; ErbB Receptors; Gefitinib; Gene Expression; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins; Mutation; Naphthoquinones; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-like Orphan Receptors; Signal Transduction; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) has a poor prognosis, in part due to poor therapeutic response and limited therapeutic alternatives. Lichens are symbiotic organisms, producing a variety of substances with multiple biological activities. (+)-Usnic acid, an important biologically active metabolite of lichens, has been shown to have high anti-cancer activity at low doses. However, there have been no reports regarding the effect of (+)-usnic acid on LUSC cells. This study found that (+)-usnic acid reduced viability and induced apoptosis in LUSC cells by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. (+)-Usnic acid induced mitochondria-derived ROS production via inhibition of complex I and complex III of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC). Interestingly, the elimination of mitochondrial ROS by Mito-TEMPOL only partially reversed the effect of (+)-usnic acid on cellular ROS production. Further study showed that (+)-usnic acid also induced ROS production via reducing Nrf2 stability through disruption of the PI3K/Akt pathway. The in vitro and in vivo xenograft studies showed that combined treatment of (+)-usnic acid and paclitaxel synergistically suppressed LUSC cells. In conclusion, this study indicates that (+)-usnic acid induces apoptosis of LUSC cells through ROS accumulation, probably via disrupting the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) and the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway. Therefore, although clinical use of (+)-usnic acid will be limited due to toxicity issues, derivatives thereof may turn out as promising anticancer candidates for adjuvant treatment of LUSC.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Line, Tumor; Electron Transport Chain Complex Proteins; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Mitochondria; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Paclitaxel; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Reactive Oxygen Species; Signal Transduction; Transplantation, Heterologous

Chalcomoracin (CMR) is a kind of Diels-Alder adduct extracted from the mulberry leaves. Recent studies showed that CMR has a broad spectrum of anticancer activities and induces paraptosis in breast cancer and prostate cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of CMR against human non-small cell lung cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms. We found that CMR dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of human lung cancer H460, A549 and PC-9 cells. Furthermore, exposure to low and median doses of CMR induced paraptosis but not apoptosis, which was presented as the formation of extensive cytoplasmic vacuolation with increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, Bip and Chop, as well as activation of MAPK pathway in the lung cancer cells. Knockdown of Bip with siRNA not only reduced the cell-killing effect of CMR, but also decreased the percentage of cytoplasmic vacuoles in H460 cells. Moreover, CMR also increased the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to radiotherapy through enhanced endoplasmic reticulum stress. In lung cancer H460 cell xenograft nude mice, combined treatment of CMR and radiation caused greatly enhanced tumor growth inhibition with upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins and activation of pErk in xenograft tumor tissue. These data demonstrate that the anticancer activity and radiosensitization effect of CMR result from inducing paraptosis, suggesting that CMR could be considered as a potential anticancer agent and radiation sensitizer in the future cancer therapeutics.

Topics: A549 Cells; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Nude; Neoplasms, Experimental; Tumor Cells, Cultured

BPAP is a potent enhancer substance with catecholaminergic and serotoninergic activity in the brain. It was discovered that it is also effective against certain types of experimental cancers, showing the most promising results in case of lung cancer. That is why we tested its efficacy in two different doses in a newly developed EGFR wild type mouse lung adenocarcinoma xenograft model. Experiments were conducted on FVB/N and SCID mouse strains treated with low and high dose of BPAP. Body weight, survival, and tumor volumes were recorded. Furthermore, the activity of major signaling pathways of NSCLC such as MAPK and Akt/mTOR as well as cell cycle regulation were determined. Significant inhibition of tumor growth was exerted by both doses, but the mechanism of action was different. High dose directly inhibited, whereas low dose activated the main signaling pathways. Exposure to low dose BPAP resulted in elevated activity of the mTOR pathway together with p16

Topics: Adenocarcinoma of Lung; Animals; Benzofurans; Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Signal Transduction; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

HER3 mediates drug resistance against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), resulting in tumor relapse in lung cancers. Previously, we demonstrated that EGFR induces HER3 overexpression, which facilitates the formation of cancer stem-like tumorspheres. However, the cellular mechanism through which EGFR regulates HER3 expression remains unclear. We hypothesized that EGFR downstream of STAT3 participates in HER3 expression because STAT3 contributes to cancer stemness and survival of EGFR-TKI resistant cancers.. First, RNAseq was used to uncover potential genes involved in the formation of lung cancer HCC827-derived stem-like tumorspheres. EGFR-positive lung cancer cell lines, including HCC827, A549, and H1975, were individually treated with a panel containing 172 therapeutic agents targeting stem cell-associated genes to search for potential agents that could be applied against EGFR-positive lung cancers. In addition, gene knockdown and RNAseq were used to investigate molecular mechanisms through which STAT3 regulates tumor progression and the survival in lung cancer.. BBI608, a STAT3 inhibitor, was a potential therapeutic agent that reduced the cell viability of EGFR-positive lung cancer cell lines. Notably, the inhibitory effects of BBI608 were similar with those associated with YM155, an ILF3 inhibitor. Both compounds reduced G9a-mediated HER3 expression. We also demonstrated that STAT3 upregulated G9a to silence miR-145-5p, which exacerbated HER3 expression in this study.. The present study revealed that BBI608 could eradicate EGFR-positive lung cancers and demonstrated that STAT3 enhanced the expression of HER3 through miR-145-5p repression by G9a, indicating that STAT3 is a reliable therapeutic target against EGFR-TKI-resistant lung cancers.

Topics: A549 Cells; Animals; Benzofurans; Cell Movement; Cell Survival; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; ErbB Receptors; Gene Knockdown Techniques; Histocompatibility Antigens; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase; Humans; Imidazoles; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred NOD; Mice, SCID; MicroRNAs; Naphthoquinones; Nuclear Factor 90 Proteins; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Receptor, ErbB-3; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Oncogenic KRAS is considered a promising target for anti-cancer therapy. However, direct pharmacological strategies targeting KRAS-driven cancers remained unavailable. The prenyl-binding protein PDEδ, a transporter of KRAS, has been identified as a potential target for pharmacological inhibitor by selectively binding to its prenyl-binding pocket, impairing oncogenic KRAS signaling pathway. Here, we discovered a novel PDEδ inhibitor (E)-N'-((3-(tert-butyl)-2-hydroxy-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrodibenzo[b,dfuran-1-yl)methylene)-2,4-dihydroxybenzohydrazide(NHTD) by using a high-throughput docking-based virtual screening approach. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that NHTD suppressed proliferation, induced apoptosis and inhibited oncogenic K-RAS signaling pathways by disrupting KRAS-PDEδ interaction in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring KRAS mutations. NHTD redistributed the localization of KRAS to endomembranes by targeting the prenyl-binding pocket of PDEδ and exhibited the suppression of abnormal KRAS function. Importantly, NHTD prevented tumor growth in xenograft and KRAS mutant mouse model, which presents an effective strategy targeting KRAS-driven cancer.

Topics: A549 Cells; Animals; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 6; Female; Humans; Hydrazones; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Mice, Nude; NIH 3T3 Cells; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Topics: Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Signal Transduction

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While partial or complete tumor regression can be achieved in patients, particularly with cisplatin-based strategies, these initial responses are frequently short-lived and are followed by tumor relapse and chemoresistance. Identifying the root of cisplatin resistance in NSCLC and elucidating the mechanism(s) of tumor relapse, is of critical importance in order to determine the point of therapeutic failure, which in turn, will aid the discovery of novel therapeutics, new combination strategies and a strategy to enhance the efficacy of current chemotherapeutics. It has been hypothesized that cancer stem cells (CSCs) may be the initiating factor of resistance. We have previously identified and characterized an aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 CSC subpopulation in cisplatin resistant NSCLC. BBI608 is a small molecule STAT3 inhibitor known to suppress cancer relapse, progression and metastasis. Here, we show that BBI608 can inhibit stemness gene expression, deplete CSCs and overcome cisplatin resistance in NSCLC.

Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cisplatin; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Naphthoquinones; Neoplastic Stem Cells; STAT3 Transcription Factor

Targeting macroautophagy/autophagy is a novel strategy in cancer immunotherapy. In the present study, we showed that the natural product rocaglamide (RocA) enhanced natural killer (NK) cell-mediated lysis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in vitro and tumor regression in vivo. Moreover, this effect was not related to the NK cell recognition of target cells or expressions of death receptors. Instead, RocA inhibited autophagy and restored the level of NK cell-derived GZMB (granzyme B) in NSCLC cells, therefore increasing their susceptibility to NK cell-mediated killing. In addition, we further identified that the target of RocA was ULK1 (unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1) that is required for autophagy initiation. Using firefly luciferase containing the 5´ untranslated region of ULK1, we found that RocA inhibited the protein translation of ULK1 in a sequence-specific manner. Taken together, RocA could block autophagic immune resistance to NK cell-mediated killing, and our data suggested that RocA was a promising therapeutic candidate in NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.

Topics: Animals; Autophagy; Autophagy-Related Protein-1 Homolog; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Degranulation; Granzymes; Humans; Killer Cells, Natural; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, SCID; Models, Biological; Protein Biosynthesis; Receptors, Death Domain

KRAS is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). RAS proteins trigger multiple effector signalling pathways including the highly conserved RAF-MAPK pathway. CRAF, a direct RAS effector protein, is required for KRAS-mediated tumourigenesis. Thus, the molecular mechanisms driving the activation of CRAF are intensively studied. Prohibitin 1 (PHB1) is an evolutionarily conserved adaptor protein and interaction of CRAF with PHB1 at the plasma membrane is essential for CRAF activation. Here, we demonstrate that PHB1 is highly expressed in NSCLC patients and correlates with poor survival. Targeting of PHB1 with two chemical ligands (rocaglamide and fluorizoline) inhibits epidermal growth factor (EGF)/RAS-induced CRAF activation. Consistently, treatment with rocaglamide inhibited proliferation, migration and anchorage-independent growth of KRAS-mutated lung carcinoma cell lines. Surprisingly, rocaglamide treatment inhibited Ras-GTP loading in KRAS-mutated cells as well as in EGF-stimulated cells. Rocaglamide treatment further prevented the oncogenic growth of KRAS-driven lung cancer allografts and xenografts in mouse models. Our results suggest rocaglamide as a RAS inhibitor and that targeting plasma membrane-associated PHB1 with chemical ligands would be a viable therapeutic strategy to combat KRAS-mediated NSCLCs.

Topics: Animals; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; EGF Family of Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Ligands; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Prohibitins; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); raf Kinases; ras Proteins; Repressor Proteins; Signal Transduction; TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 3; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Lichens are symbiotic organisms that produce various unique chemicals that can be used for pharmaceutical purposes. With the aim of screening new anti-cancer agents that inhibit cancer cell motility, we tested the inhibitory activity of seven lichen species collected from the Romanian Carpathian Mountains against migration and invasion of human lung cancer cells and further investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying their anti-metastatic activity. Among them, Alectoria samentosa, Flavocetraria nivalis, Alectoria ochroleuca, and Usnea florida showed significant inhibitory activity against motility of human lung cancer cells. HPLC results showed that usnic acid is the main compound in these lichens, and (+)-usnic acid showed similar inhibitory activity that crude extract have. Mechanistically, β-catenin-mediated TOPFLASH activity and KITENIN-mediated AP-1 activity were decreased by (+)-usnic acid treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The quantitative real-time PCR data showed that (+)-usnic acid decreased the mRNA level of CD44, Cyclin D1 and c-myc, which are the downstream target genes of both β-catenin/LEF and c-jun/AP-1. Also, Rac1 and RhoA activities were decreased by treatment with (+)-usnic acid. Interestingly, higher inhibitory activity for cell invasion was observed when cells were treated with (+)-usnic acid and cetuximab. These results implied that (+)-usnic acid might have potential activity in inhibition of cancer cell metastasis, and (+)-usnic acid could be used for anti-cancer therapy with a distinct mechanisms of action.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromatography, Liquid; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; HEK293 Cells; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Lichens; Lung Neoplasms; Mass Spectrometry; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Metastasis; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Romania

Tumor vessels are known to be abnormal, with typically aberrant, leaky and disordered vessels. Here, we investigated whether polarized macrophage phenotypes are involved in tumor abnormal angiogenesis and what is its mechanism. We found that there was no difference in chemotaxis of polarized M1 and M2 macrophages to lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells and that either M1 or M2 macrophage-conditioned media had no effect on LLC cell proliferation. Unexpectedly, the M2 but not M1 macrophage-conditioned media promoted the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and simultaneously increased endothelial cell permeability in vitro and angiogenic index in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The treatment with M2 but not M1 macrophage-conditioned media increased autophagosomes as well as microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3-B) expression (a robust marker of autophagosomes) but decreased p62 protein expression (a selective autophagy substrate) in HUVECs, the treatment with chloroquine that blocked autophagy abrogated the abnormal angiogenic efficacy of M2 macrophage-conditioned media. These results were confirmed in urethane-induced lung carcinogenic progression. Urethane-induced lung carcinogenesis led to more M2 macrophage phenotype and increased abnormal angiogenesis concomitant with the upregulation of LC3-B and the downregulation of p62. Clodronate liposome-induced macrophage depletion, chloroquine-induced autophagic prevention or salvianolic acid B-induced vascular protection decreased abnormal angiogenesis and lung carcinogenesis. In addition, we found that the tendency of age-related M2 macrophage polarization also promoted vascular permeability and carcinogenesis in urethane carcinogenic progression. These findings indicate that the M2 macrophages induce autophagic vascular disorder to promote lung cancer progression, and the autophagy improvement represents an efficacious strategy for abnormal angiogenesis and cancer prevention.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Adenocarcinoma of Lung; Animals; Apoptosis; Autophagy; Benzofurans; Capillary Permeability; Carcinogenesis; Carcinoma, Lewis Lung; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Chick Embryo; Chloroquine; Clodronic Acid; Culture Media, Conditioned; Endothelial Cells; Female; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Macrophages; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microtubule-Associated Proteins; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Phosphoproteins; Trans-Activators; Urethane

A series of novel hybrid compounds between benzofuran and

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; Benzofurans; Cell Line, Tumor; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Nitric Oxide; Piperazines; Stomach Neoplasms

A series of (E,Z)-1-(dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-phenyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2-propen-1-ones (C1-C35) were designed and synthesized, and the structures of compounds (Z)-C27 and (Z)-C29 were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The antitumor activities of these novel compounds against cervical cancer (HeLa), lung cancer (A549), and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines were evaluated in vitro. Majority of the title compounds exhibited strong antitumor activities and were much more promising than the positive control Taxol, which were also accompanied by lower cytotoxicity to normal cells. In particular, compounds (E,Z)-C24 exhibited the most consistent potent activities against three neoplastic cells with IC50 values ranging from 3.2 to 7.1 μm. Further researches demonstrated that compounds (E,Z)-C24 could induce cell apoptosis and arrest cell cycle at the G2/M and S phases. Meanwhile, the structure-activity relationship between the configurations and cytotoxicity of the compounds was also investigated.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Crystallography, X-Ray; Drug Design; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Female; HEK293 Cells; HeLa Cells; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; MCF-7 Cells; Neoplasms; Structure-Activity Relationship; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

The anticancer properties of MHY-449, a novel dihydrobenzofuro[4,5-b][1,8]naphthyridin-6-one derivative, in various human cancer cell lines have been previously reported. The aim of the present study was to investigate the activities of MHY-449 on human lung cancer cells in order to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms of action. The result showed that MHY-449 treatment inhibited cell growth in a time- and concentration‑dependent manner. Specifically, MHY-449 induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase, and the resulting increased sub-G1 fraction led to the induction of apoptosis, as determined by flow cytometric analysis and DNA fragmentation. In addition, MHY-449 was shown to induce alterations in the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression, and contribute to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. These cellular events then triggered the caspase cascade and subsequent poly(ADP‑ribose) polymerase cleavage. The apoptotic cell death induced by MHY-449 was inhibited by pretreatment with Z-VAD‑FMK, a pan-caspase inhibitor. Moreover, MHY-449 downregulated the phosphorylation of Akt, and the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt inhibitor LY294002 was found to enhance its induction of apoptosis. Taken together, the results suggested that MHY-449 exerts anticancer effects by promoting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via the downregulation of Akt. Based on these data, MHY-449 serves as a potential candidate in the chemoprevention and/or treatment of lung cancer.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Cell Line, Tumor; Chromones; Down-Regulation; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Drug Synergism; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Morpholines; Naphthyridines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors

Lung cancer concerns a worldwide health problem and the efficacy of available treatments is unsatisfactory. Recently, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthase (TXAS) and receptor (TXA2R) have been documented to play a role in lung cancer development. Therefore, dual TXA2R modulator (i.e., the dual blocker of TXAS and TXA2R) may be more efficacious to kill lung tumor cells than single TXAS inhibitor or TXA2R antagonism. The close relationship between cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and TXAS also raises whether or how TXA2 contributes to the oncogenic activity of COX-2. This study is therefore conducted to answer these questions.. Various inhibitors and siRNA were used to evaluate the roles of TXA2 and COX-2 in the proliferation and apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Cell proliferation was detected using both MTS ELISA and BrdU labeling ELISA. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were examined by flow cytometric analysis. TXB2 level, reflecting the biosynthesis of TXA2, was detected by peroxidase-labeled TXB2 conjugates using an enzyme immunoassay kit. Western blotting was performed to evaluate many biomarkers for cell cycles, apoptosis and proliferation. The levels of COXs were screened by reverse transcriptase and real-time quantitative PCR.. We found either single TXAS inhibitor/TXA2R antagonist or the dual TXA2 modulators offered a similar inhibition on cell proliferation. Moreover, inhibition of TXA2 arrested cells at the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis. It is further demonstrated that TXA2 was able to function as a critical mediator for tumor-promoting effects of COX-2 in lung adenocarcinoma cells.. The present study has for the first shown that dual TXA2 modulators and the single blocker of TXAS or TXA2R offer a similar inhibitory role in lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and that the tumor-promoting effects of COX-2 can largely be relayed by TXA2. Thus, TXA2 should be regarded as a critical molecule in COX-2-mediated tumor growth and a valuable target against lung cancer.

Topics: 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid; Adenocarcinoma; Adenocarcinoma of Lung; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Blotting, Western; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cyclooxygenase 2; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Enzyme Inhibitors; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Flow Cytometry; Humans; Hydrazines; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Lung Neoplasms; Nitrobenzenes; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptors, Thromboxane; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Signal Transduction; Sulfonamides; Sulfonylurea Compounds; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane-A Synthase

Usnic acid (UA) is a secondary metabolite abundantly found in lichens. Some studies have shown the anticancer potential of UA; however, its efficacy and associated mechanisms are yet to be fully explored. Herein, we assessed the anticancer potency and associated molecular alterations by UA in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. UA treatment (25-100 μM) for 24 and 48 h decreased total cell number by 39-67% (P < 0.01) and 68-89% (P < 0.001), respectively, and enhanced cell death by up to twofold and eightfold (P < 0.001), respectively. UA (1-10 μM) also significantly (P < 0.001) suppressed colony formation of A549 cells. The cell growth inhibition was associated with cell cycle arrest at G0/ G1 phase. UA decreased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4, CDK6, and cyclin D1 and increased the expression of CDK inhibitor (CDKI) p21/cip1 protein. While examining the cell death associated molecular changes, we observed that UA induces mitochondrial membrane depolarization and led to more than twofold increase (P < 0.01) in apoptotic cells. The apoptotic effect of UA was accompanied by enhanced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. This study shows that UA inhibits cell growth involving G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and induces cell death via mitochondrial membrane depolarization and induction of apoptosis in human lung carcinoma cells.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Cell Line, Tumor; Cyclin D1; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; G1 Phase; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Lichens; Lung Neoplasms; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases

A novel series of 3-methyl-1-benzofuran derivatives were synthesized and screened in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against two human NSCLC cell lines (NSCLC-N6 mutant p53 and A549 wild type p53). Most promising compounds presented a structural analogy with the west part of cercosporamide, a natural product of biological interest. In particular, compounds 10, 12 and 31 showed cytotoxic activities at micromolar concentrations (IC₅₀ < 9.3 μM) and compounds 13, 18 and 32 displayed moderate IC₅₀ values (25-40 μM).

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Molecular Structure; Structure-Activity Relationship

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was initially identified as a receptor that bound 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related environmental toxicants; however, there is increasing evidence that the AHR is an important new drug target for treating multiple diseases including breast cancer. Treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-negative MDA-MB-231 and BT474 breast cancer cells with TCDD or the selective AHR modulator 6-methyl-1,3,-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF) inhibited breast cancer cell invasion in a Boyden chamber assay. These results were similar to those previously reported for the antimetastic microRNA-335 (miR-335). Both TCDD and MCDF induced miR-335 in MDA-MB-231 and BT474 cells and this was accompanied by downregulation of SOX4, a miR-335-regulated (inhibited) gene. The effects of TCDD and MCDF on miR-335 and SOX4 expression and interactions of miR-335 with the 3'-UTR target sequence in the SOX4 gene were all inhibited in cells transfected with an oligonucleotide (iAHR) that knocks down the AHR, thus confirming AHR-miR-335 interactions. MCDF (40 mg/kg/d) also inhibited lung metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells in a tail vein injection model, showing that the AHR is a potential new target for treating patients with ER-negative breast cancer, a disease where treatment options and their effectiveness are limited.

Topics: 3' Untranslated Regions; Animals; Benzofurans; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Nude; MicroRNAs; Oligonucleotides; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Receptors, Estrogen; RNA Interference; RNA, Messenger; RNA, Small Interfering; SOXC Transcription Factors

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs is the major obstacle for effective treatment. The present study investigated the anticancer potential of cleistanthoside A tetraacetate (CAT), a derivative of cleistanthoside A from Phyllanthus taxodiifolius Beille on human lung cancer cells, LU-1. Multiple molecular approaches were used in this study and include measuring the anti-proliferative effect of CAT in LU-1 cells using flow cytometry; evaluating the induction of apoptosis by monitoring DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine externalization and activation of caspase-3 activity; and assaying the expression of regulatory proteins involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis using immunoblots. CAT potently inhibited LU-1 proliferation through an early G1 arrest with down-regulation of cdk4/6 and cyclin D1 proteins. CAT also inhibited DNA topoisomerase IIα activity resulting in DNA damage and increased the expression of the p53 protein with the subsequent induction of apoptosis. A decrease in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, activation of caspase-3 activity and cleavage of PARP accompanied apoptosis. CAT is highly toxic to lung cancer and its primary targets are the inhibition of topoisomerase IIα activity and inducing apoptosis through a G1 arrest. These properties indicate that CAT is a promising anticancer agent for treatment of lung cancer.

Topics: Antigens, Neoplasm; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Cell Line, Tumor; Disaccharides; DNA Damage; DNA Topoisomerases, Type II; DNA-Binding Proteins; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Phyllanthus; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

Activation of the translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) promotes malignant transformation and metastasis. Signaling through the AKT-mTOR pathway activates eIF4E by phosphorylating the inhibitory 4E binding proteins (4E-BP). This liberates eIF4E and allows binding to eIF4G. eIF4E can then be phosphorylated at serine 209 by the MAPK-interacting kinases (Mnk), which also interact with eIF4G. Although dispensable for normal development, Mnk function and eIF4E phosphorylation promote cellular proliferation and survival and are critical for malignant transformation. Accordingly, Mnk inhibition may serve as an attractive cancer therapy. We now report the identification of a potent, selective and orally bioavailable Mnk inhibitor that effectively blocks 4E phosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo. In cultured cancer cell lines, Mnk inhibitor treatment induces apoptosis and suppresses proliferation and soft agar colonization. Importantly, a single, orally administered dose of this Mnk inhibitor substantially suppresses eIF4E phosphorylation for at least 4 hours in human xenograft tumor tissue and mouse liver tissue. Moreover, oral dosing with the Mnk inhibitor significantly suppresses outgrowth of experimental B16 melanoma pulmonary metastases as well as growth of subcutaneous HCT116 colon carcinoma xenograft tumors, without affecting body weight. These findings offer the first description of a novel, orally bioavailable MNK inhibitor and the first preclinical proof-of-concept that MNK inhibition may provide a tractable cancer therapeutic approach.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Base Sequence; Benzofurans; Blotting, Western; Cell Proliferation; Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4E; Female; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Nude; Molecular Sequence Data; Neoplasm Metastasis; Phosphorylation; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Accumulating evidence indicates that the acidic microenvironments critically influence malignant behaviors of cancer including invasiveness, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Because the vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) has been shown to cause extracellular acidification by pumping protons, we studied the role of V-ATPase in distant metastasis. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the high-metastatic B16-F10 melanoma cells strongly expressed the a3 isoform V-ATPase compared to the low-metastatic B16 parental cells. Consistent with this, B16-F10 cells created acidic environments in lung metastases by acridine orange staining and strong a3 V-ATPase expression in bone metastases by immunohistochemistry. Immunocytochemical analysis showed B16-F10 cells expressed a3 V-ATPase not only in cytoplasm but also plasma membrane, whereas B16 parental cells exhibited its expression only in cytoplasm. Of note, knockdown of a3 V-ATPase suppressed invasiveness and migration with reduced MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in B16-F10 cells and significantly decreased lung and bone metastases, despite that tumor growth was not altered. Importantly, administration of a specific V-ATPase a3 inhibitor FR167356 reduced bone metastasis of B16-F10 cells. These results suggest that a3 V-ATPase promotes distant metastasis of B16-F10 cells by creating acidic environments via proton secretion. Our results also suggest that inhibition of the development of cancer-associated acidic environments by suppressing a3 V-ATPase could be a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer metastasis.

Topics: Animals; Benzamides; Benzofurans; Bone Neoplasms; Cell Proliferation; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Melanoma, Experimental; Mice; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Metastasis; Tumor Microenvironment; Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases; Wound Healing

Asperfuranone, a novel compound of genomic mining in Aspergillus nidulans, was investigated for its anti-proliferative activity in human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. To identity the anti-cancer mechanism of asperfuranone, we assayed its effect on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and levels of p53, p21 Waf1/Cip1, Fas/APO-1 receptor and Fas ligand. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that the G0/G1 phase arrest might be due to p53-dependent induction of p21 Waf1/Cip1. An enhancement in Fas/APO-1 and its two form ligands, membrane-bound Fas ligand (mFasL) and soluble Fas ligand (sFasL), might be responsible for the apoptotic effect induced by asperfuranone. Our study reports here for the first time that the induction of p53 and the activity of Fas/Fas ligand apoptotic system may participate in the anti-proliferative activity of asperfuranone in A549 cells.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Aspergillus nidulans; Benzofurans; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Cycle; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms

Usnic acid, a lichen metabolite, is known to exert antimitotic and antiproliferative activities against normal and malignant human cells. Many chemotherapy agents exert their activities by blocking cell cycle progression, inducing cell death through apoptosis. Microtubules, protein structure involved in the segregation of chromosomes during mitosis, serve as chemotherapeutical targets due to their key role in cellular division as well as apoptosis. The aim of this work was to investigate whether usnic acid affects the formation and/or stabilisation of microtubules by visualising microtubules and determining mitotic indices after treatment. The breast cancer cell line MCF7 and the lung cancer cell line H1299 were treated with usnic acid 29 microM for 24 hours and two positive controls: vincristine (which prevents the formation of microtubules) or taxol (which stabilizes microtubules). Treatment of MCF7 and H1299 cells with usnic acid did not result in any morphological changes in microtubules or increase in the mitotic index. These results suggest that the antineoplastic activity of usnic acid is not related to alterations in the formation and/or stabilisation of microtubules.

Topics: Antimitotic Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; Benzofurans; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Microtubules; Paclitaxel; Vincristine

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of Vam3 which is one of the dihydroxystilbene compounds on expressions of ICAM-1 in the lungs of OVA-induced asthmatic mice and the mechanisms of anti-airway inflammation. Balb/c mice were challenged with OVA inhalation. Lung tissues were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin for histopathologic examination. The expression of ICAM-1 in the lungs of mice was analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry method. The NF-kappaB activities were detected by NF-kappaB-luc reporter genetic transient transfection method. The activities of MMP-9 induced by LPS, TNF-alpha and PMA in THP-1 cells were determined by gelatin zymography method. The results showed that Vam3 could inhibit the expression of ICAM-1 in the OVA-induced mouse model. In addition, Vam3 could significantly suppress the activities of NF-kappaB in A549 cells and MMP-9 in THP-1 cells induced by LPS, TNF-alpha and PMA. These results suggested that Vam3 could alleviate the asthmatic inflammation by decreasing ICAM-1 expression in asthmatic mice, down regulating NF-kappaB and MMP-9 activities. Compound Vam3 showed inhibitory effects on inflammatory signal pathways involved in asthma.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Asthma; Benzofurans; Cell Line, Tumor; Humans; Inflammation; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Leukemia, Myeloid; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; NF-kappa B; Ovalbumin; Stilbenes

A 40-year follow-up study was conducted to examine mortality among 1,664 patients in Japan suffering from "Yusho," a disease caused by ingestion of rice oil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzofurans. To evaluate the effects of exposure on mortality, the authors calculated standardized mortality ratios. National mortality rates for major causes of death were used as reference points. A total of 1,596 Yusho patients (95.9%) were followed until death or the end of the study (December 31, 2007). The standardized mortality ratios for most major causes of death were not significantly elevated, with the exceptions of all types of cancer (standardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11, 1.66), liver cancer (SMR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.91), and lung cancer (SMR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.57) in males. In addition, the standardized mortality ratios for all cancers, liver cancer, and lung cancer among males tended to decrease over time. Results from this study suggest that the carcinogenicity of polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzofurans must be taken into account when evaluating mortality risk.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Benzofurans; Cohort Studies; Confidence Intervals; Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Food Contamination; Humans; Japan; Liver Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Oryza; Plant Oils; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Soil Pollutants; Survival Rate

The binding of exogenous nicotine to nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (nAChR) and the binding of endogenous ACh to both nAChR and muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChR) stimulate growth of both small cell and non-small cell lung carcinomas. Understanding how cholinergic signaling is up-regulated in lung cancer may suggest new therapeutic approaches. Analysis of 28 squamous cell lung carcinomas (SCC) showed increased levels of alpha5 and beta3 nAChR mRNA and increased levels of ACh associated with increased levels of choline acetyltransferase mRNA and decreased cholinesterase mRNAs. Lynx1, an allosteric inhibitor of nAChR activity, was also decreased in SCC. Thus, cholinergic signaling is broadly increased in SCC caused by increased levels of receptors, increased levels of ligands, and decreased levels of receptor inhibitors. Partially explaining the cholinergic up-regulation seen in SCC, incubation of the H520 SCC cell line with nicotine increased levels of ACh secretion, increased expression of nAChR, and, as measured by electrophysiologic recording, increased activity of the expressed nAChR. Consistent with these effects, nicotine stimulated proliferation of H520 cells. One approach to blocking proliferative effects of nicotine and ACh on growth of lung cancers may be through M3 mAChR antagonists, which can limit the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase that is caused by both nicotinic and muscarinic signaling. This was tested with the M3-selective muscarinic antagonist darifenacin. Darifenacin blocked nicotine-stimulated H520 growth in vitro and also blocked H520 growth in nude mice in vivo. Thus, cholinergic signaling is broadly up-regulated in SCC and blocking cholinergic signaling can limit basal and nicotine-stimulated growth of SCC.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Animals; Benzofurans; Blotting, Western; Calcium; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Choline O-Acetyltransferase; Electrophysiology; GPI-Linked Proteins; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Membrane Glycoproteins; Mice; Mice, Nude; Muscarinic Antagonists; Nicotine; Phosphorylation; Pyrrolidines; Receptor, Muscarinic M3; Receptors, Nicotinic; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Signal Transduction; Vesicular Acetylcholine Transport Proteins

Airway epithelial cells are the initial sites of influenza virus infection. They participate in the airway inflammatory response by expressing various chemokines such as regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). In the present investigation, the effects of five stilbenes previously isolated from the roots of Vitis thunbergii on RANTES produced by influenza A virus (H1N1)-infected A549 alveolar epithelial cells were studied. We identified (+)-vitisin A, a tetramer of resveratrol, as a potent agent that inhibits RANTES secretion (EC (50): 0.27 microM). However, resveratrol exhibited a much smaller effect (EC (50): 28.37 microM). H1N1 infection increased the time-dependent phosphorylation of the transcription factor STAT (1) and of Akt (a downstream effector protein of PI3K). When the PI3K-Akt pathway was blocked by wortmannin, H1N1-stimulated STAT (1) phosphorylation and RANTES production were both abrogated, demonstrating that the PI3K-Akt pathway is necessary for STAT (1) activation and RANTES production in A549 cells. Furthermore, H1N1-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt and STAT (1) were also significantly attenuated by (+)-vitisin A. These results suggested that (+)-vitisin A might be a potent anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits influenza A virus-induced RANTES production by interfering with Akt- and STAT (1)-related signal pathways.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Benzofurans; Cell Line, Tumor; Chemokine CCL5; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Kinetics; Lung Neoplasms; Models, Biological; Phenols; Phosphorylation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; STAT1 Transcription Factor; Vitamin A

The importance of acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter in the nervous system is well established, but little is yet known about its recently described role as an autocrine and paracrine hormone in a wide variety of nonneuronal cells. Consistent with the expression of acetylcholine in normal lung, small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) synthesize and secrete acetylcholine, which acts as an autocrine growth factor through both nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to determine if interruption of autocrine muscarinic cholinergic signaling has potential to inhibit SCLC growth. Muscarinic receptor (mAChR) agonists caused concentration-dependent increases in intracellular calcium and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt phosphorylation in SCLC cell lines. The inhibitory potency of mAChR subtype-selective antagonists and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on acetylcholine-increased intracellular calcium and MAPK and Akt phosphorylation was consistent with mediation by M3 mAChR (M3R). Consistent with autocrine acetylcholine secretion stimulating MAPK and Akt phosphorylation, M3R antagonists and M3R siRNAs alone also caused a decrease in basal levels of MAPK and Akt phosphorylation in SCLC cell lines. Treatment of SCLC cells with M3R antagonists inhibited cell growth both in vitro and in vivo and also decreased MAPK phosphorylation in tumors in nude mice in vivo. Immunohistochemical staining of SCLC and additional cancer types showed frequent coexpression of acetylcholine and M3R. These findings suggest that M3R antagonists may be useful adjuvants for treatment of SCLC and, potentially, other cancers.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Animals; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Small Cell; Cell Growth Processes; Cell Line, Tumor; Choline O-Acetyltransferase; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Muscarinic Antagonists; Phosphorylation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Pyrrolidines; Receptor, Muscarinic M3; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Depletion of intracellular potassium ions (K+) is necessary for cells to shrink, activate caspases and induce DNA fragmentation, events which are features of apoptosis. Here we describe a 96-well plate method using the cell permeable form of K+ binding benzofuran isophtalate (PBFI-AM) to measure intracellular K+ content in relation to untreated control. Cultured human pulmonary mesothelioma cells (P31) and small-cell lung cancer cells (U1690) were treated with K+ flux modulators in order to deprive the cells of intracellular K+. The combination of K+ influx inhibition with 10 micromol/L bumetanide plus 10 micromol/L ouabain and K+ efflux stimulation with 3 mg/L amphotericin B or 5 micromol/L nigericin efficiently reduced the intracellular K+ content after 3 h. Manipulation of K+ fluxes with subsequent intracellular K+ depletion induced apoptosis of lung cancer cells, as detected by caspase-3 activity after 3 h K+ depletion followed by 24 h proliferation and TUNEL positive staining after 48 h proliferation. We concluded that the PBFI-AM assay was a useful tool to determine intracellular K+ content in relation to untreated control, and that intracellular K+ depletion of lung cancer cells by clinically used drugs of relevant concentrations induced apoptosis. These findings may lead to novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of lung cancer.

Topics: Apoptosis; Benzofurans; Caspase 3; Caspases; Cell Line, Tumor; Ethers, Cyclic; Humans; In Situ Nick-End Labeling; Lung Neoplasms; Potassium

Awajanoran (1), a new dihydrobenzofuran derivative, was isolated from an agar-culture of Acremonium sp. AWA16-1, which had been isolated from sea mud collected at Awajishima Island in Japan. The structure of 1 was elucidated on the basis of a spectroscopic analysis. This compound inhibited the growth of A549 cells, the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, with an IC50 value of 17 microg/ml, and also showed antimicrobial activity.

Topics: Acremonium; Adenocarcinoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Benzofurans; Cell Line, Tumor; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Lung Neoplasms; Molecular Structure; Phenols

The majority of human tumors bear inactive p53 or cellular factors that down-regulate the expression and activity of the p53 network. Therefore, finding therapies that are effective in such tumors is of great interest. Usnic acid, a normal component of lichens, showed activity against the wild-type p53 breast cancer cell line MCF7 as well as the non-functional p53 breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and the lung cancer cell line H1299 (null for p53). In MCF7 cells treated with usnic acid, although there was an accumulation of p53 and p21 proteins, the transcriptional activity of p53 remained unaffected. We also found that there was no phosphorylation of p53 at Ser15 after treatment of MCF7 cells with usnic acid, suggesting that the oxidative stress and disruption of the normal metabolic processes of cells triggered by usnic acid does not involve DNA damage. The property of usnic acid as a non-genotoxic anti-cancer agent that works in a p53-independent manner makes it a potential candidate for novel cancer therapy.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Benzofurans; Breast Neoplasms; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; DNA Damage; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Oxidative Stress; Phosphorylation; Transcription, Genetic; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

The synthesis of 2-isopropenyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuranic enantioisomers is described. Ortho-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-3-enyl)phenol synthons are used as precursors to these structures. In vitro antitumor activity against a non-small-cell bronchopulmonary carcinoma line (NSCLC-N6) of these enantioisomers has been investigated.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cell Survival; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Lung Neoplasms; Molecular Structure; Stereoisomerism; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tumor Cells, Cultured

A unique benzofuran named suillusin was isolated from the methanolic extract of the fruiting body of the mushroom Suillus granulatus. Its structure was assigned on the basis of various spectroscopic analyses as a highly substituted novel 1H-cyclopenta[b]benzofuran (1). Suillusin is suggested to be biogenerated from polyporic acid.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Antioxidants; Basidiomycota; Benzofurans; Cell Survival; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Colonic Neoplasms; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Female; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Korea; Lung Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Male; Melanoma; Molecular Structure; Ovarian Neoplasms; Prostatic Neoplasms; Spectrophotometry, Infrared; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Vitamin E

Prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthases and their arachidonate products have been implicated in modulating angiogenesis during tumor growth and chronic inflammation. Here we report the involvement of thromboxane A(2), a downstream metabolite of prostaglandin H synthase, in angiogenesis. A TXA(2) mimetic, U46619, stimulated endothelial cell migration. Angiogenic basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increased TXA(2) synthesis in endothelial cells three- to fivefold. Inhibition of TXA(2) synthesis with furegrelate or CI reduced HUVEC migration stimulated by VEGF or bFGF. A TXA(2) receptor antagonist, SQ29,548, inhibited VEGF- or bFGF-stimulated endothelial cell migration. In vivo, CI inhibited bFGF-induced angiogenesis. Finally, development of lung metastasis in C57Bl/6J mice intravenously injected with Lewis lung carcinoma or B16a cells was significantly inhibited by thromboxane synthase inhibitors, CI or furegrelate sodium. Our data demonstrate the involvement of TXA(2) in angiogenesis and development of tumor metastasis.

Topics: 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid; Animals; Benzofurans; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Chemotaxis; Dinoprost; Dinoprostone; Endothelial Growth Factors; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epoprostenol; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; Humans; Hydrazines; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphokines; Male; Melanoma, Experimental; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Rats; Receptors, Thromboxane; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane-A Synthase; Umbilical Veins; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

A total of five 1H-cyclopenta[b]benzofuran lignans (1-5) isolated from the stems of Aglaia elliptica B1. (Meliaceae) inhibited the growth of human cancer cells in culture. Of particular note, the IC50 values observed with 1 (methyl rocaglate), 2 (4'-demethoxy-3',4'-methylenedioxy-methyl rocaglate) and 5 (1-O-formyl-4'-demethoxy-3',4'-methylenedioxy-methyl rocaglate) were in the 1-30 ng/ml range. Prompted by the high potency of these responses, additional studies were performed with 2, a structurally representative isolate that was available in sufficient quantity as a result of the isolation process. Utilizing cultured Lu1 (human lung carcinoma) cells as a model, compound 2 induced accumulation in the G1/G0 phase of the cell cycle after 24 or 32 h of incubation; normal cell-cycle dynamics were observed at subsequent time periods. Cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, but during the course of wash-out experiments, colony formation was not reduced. In addition, as judged by [3H]leucine incorporation, the test compound strongly inhibited protein biosynthesis (IC50 = 25 ng/ml). In analogous studies, nucleic acid biosynthesis was not reduced, even when cells were treated with concentrations as high as 1 microg/ml. These data suggest inhibition of protein synthesis is a key mode of action, and the compound functions by a cytostatic mechanism. Utilizing a human breast cancer cell line (BC1) sensitive to compound 2 in culture (IC50 = 0.9 ng/ml), an initial assessment of antitumor potential was performed. In accord with the in vitro results, the growth of BC1 in athymic mice was delayed by treatment with compound 2 (10 mg/kg body weight, three times per week, i.p.). Body weight was unaffected and no signs of overt toxicity were observed. However, growth paralleled that of the control group at later time points. Thus, novel 1H-cyclopenta[b]benzofuran lignans are potent cytostatic inhibitors of protein biosynthesis and are capable of delaying tumor growth in an in vivo model. Their full clinical or basic utility requires further investigation.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Benzofurans; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Division; Cell Survival; DNA, Neoplasm; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Female; Flow Cytometry; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Neoplasm Proteins; Neoplasms, Experimental; Plants, Medicinal; RNA, Neoplasm; Tumor Cells, Cultured

1,2-Dihydro-1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-8-methyl-3H-furano[3,2-e]in dole (CFI) as a novel replacement of the cyclopropylpyrroloindoline (CPI) alkylation subunit of CC-1065, U-71184, and U-73975 (adozelesin) has been synthesized and incorporated into a series of efficacious antineoplastic agents. A partial solution to an asymmetric synthesis of the CFI alkylation subunit has been achieved by the implementation of an asymmetric hydroboration reaction of an intermediate 3-methyleneindoline (13). Extension to the asymmetric synthesis of the CBI and CI alkylation subunits is presented. The demonstration and comparative study of the sequence-selective DNA alkylation properties of the CFI-based agents are detailed, and the preliminary in vitro and in vivo antineoplastic properties of these agents in the human epidermoid cell lung carcinoma (T222) are described.

Topics: Alkylation; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Base Sequence; Benzofurans; Boron Compounds; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; Cyclohexenes; DNA; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Duocarmycins; Female; Furans; Humans; Indoles; Leucomycins; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Nude; Molecular Sequence Data; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Adozelesin (Ado), a CC-1065 analog, shows significant antineoplastic activity in vivo against several types of murine tumors and human tumor xenografts. Ado is a DNA alkylating agent. One objective of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic action of Ado against the human colon (HT-29, DLD-1) and the lung (SK) carcinoma cell lines. The concentrations of Ado that produced 50% cell kill for a 4 and 24 h exposure were in the range of 0.001-0.02 ng/ml for both colon and lung carcinoma cells, indicating that this analog was a very potent cytotoxic agent. Since most clinical regimens for tumor therapy consist of several drugs, we investigated the antineoplastic action of Ado in combination with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR), a potent inhibitor of DNA methylation or cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), a potent inhibitor of DNA synthesis. The Ado plus 5-Aza-CdR combination showed a synergistic effect on cytotoxicity of DLD-1 colon carcinoma cells for both a 6 and 24 h exposure. However, combination of Ado and Ara-C for a 6 h exposure showed an antagonistic effect, whereas a 24 h exposure showed a synergistic effect. These preclinical results provide some preliminary data on possible drugs that can be selected for use in combination with Ado in future clinical trials in patients with cancer.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Azacitidine; Benzofurans; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Division; Colonic Neoplasms; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; Cyclohexenes; Cytarabine; Decitabine; DNA, Neoplasm; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Duocarmycins; Humans; Indoles; Lung Neoplasms; Time Factors; Tumor Cells, Cultured

U-73,975 (U-73) and U-77,779 (U-77), two analogues of the cyclopropylpyrroloindole antitumor antibiotic CC-1065, are promising novel chemotherapeutic agents which are known to alkylate the N3 position of adenine in a sequence-selective manner. The concentration of U-73 required to produce a 1 log cell kill in 6 human tumor cell lines varied from 20-60 pM. U-77 was more cytotoxic than U-73, with the concentrations required for a 1 log cell kill ranging from 1-20 pM. The cytotoxicity of U-73 and U-77 was found to be independent of the guanine O6-alkyltransferase phenotype. The sensitivity of the BE and HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells was increased when the time of drug exposure was increased from 2 to 6 h. DNA interstrand cross-links, as measured by the technique of alkaline elution, could only be detected when HT-29 or BE cells were exposed to extremely high concentrations of U-77 for 6 h. No other forms of DNA damage were detected in genomic DNA with either compound. U-77 was also found to induce DNA interstrand cross-links in naked DNA, as measured by an agarose gel method. The rate of interstrand cross-linking was extremely rapid with the "second-arm" of the cross-link being completed within 2 h. The mechanism by which these cyclopropylpyrroloindole compounds elicit their cytotoxicity, however, remains to be elucidated.

Topics: Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Benzofurans; Carcinoma; Cell Death; Colonic Neoplasms; Cross-Linking Reagents; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; Cyclohexenes; DNA Damage; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Duocarmycins; Humans; Indoles; Leucomycins; Lung Neoplasms; Plasmids; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Urea

Adozelesin (U-73975) is a potent synthetic cyclopropylpyrroloindole (CPI) analog of the cytotoxic DNA-binding antibiotic, CC-1065. In contrast to the natural product, adozelesin and related CPI analogs do not cause delayed death in non-tumored mice. Adozelesin, selected from a series of analogs for its superior in vivo antitumor activity and ease of formulation, is highly active when administered i.v. against i.p. - or s.c.- implanted murine tumors, including L1210 leukemia, B16 melanoma, M5076 sarcoma, and colon 38 carcinoma, and produces long-term survivors in mice bearing i.v.-inoculated L1210 and Lewis lung carcinoma. Modest activity is shown against the highly drug-resistant pancreas 02 carcinoma. Adozelesin is also highly effective against human tumor xenografts s.c.-implanted in athymic (nude) mice, including colon CX-1 adenocarcinoma, lung LX-1 tumor, clear cell Caki-1 carcinoma, and ovarian 2780 carcinoma. Its broad spectrum of in vivo activity compares favorably with three widely used antitumor drugs, i.e. cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin. Adozelesin appears to be more effective than these drugs in the treatment of very resistant tumors such as s.c.-implanted mouse B16 melanoma, pancreatic 02 carcinoma, and human colon CX-1 and human lung LX-1 tumor xenografts. Based on its high potency and high efficacy against a broad spectrum of experimental tumors, adozelesin was chosen for clinical investigation and development.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Benzofurans; Colonic Neoplasms; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; Cyclohexenes; DNA, Neoplasm; Duocarmycins; Female; Humans; Indoles; Leukemia L1210; Leukemia, Experimental; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Melanoma, Experimental; Mice; Mice, Nude; Molecular Structure; Neoplasm Transplantation; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Sarcoma, Experimental

Lambert-Eaton syndrome, an autoimmune disorder frequently associated with small-cell carcinoma of the lung, is characterized by impaired evoked release of acetylcholine from the motor nerve terminal. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies from patients with the syndrome, applied to bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, reduced the voltage-dependent calcium channel currents by about 40 percent. When calcium was administered directly into the cytoplasm, however, the IgG-treated cells exhibited normal exocytotic secretion, as assayed by membrane capacitance measurement. Measurement with the fluorescent calcium indicator fura-2 indicated that the IgG treatment reduced potassium-stimulated increase in free intracellular calcium concentration. The pathogenic IgG modified neither kinetics of calcium channel activation nor elementary channel activity, suggesting that a reduction in the number of functional calcium channels underlies the IgG-induced effect. Therefore, Lambert-Eaton syndrome IgG reacts with voltage-dependent calcium channels and blocks their function, a phenomenon that can account for the presynaptic impairment characteristic of this disorder.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Autoantibodies; Autoimmune Diseases; Benzofurans; Calcium; Carcinoma, Small Cell; Cell Membrane; Chromaffin System; Electric Conductivity; Exocytosis; Fluorescent Dyes; Fura-2; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Ion Channels; Lung Neoplasms; Neuromuscular Diseases; Sodium; Synapses; Syndrome; Tetrodotoxin

This paper describes the pathology of pulmonary histiocytosis developing in a patient treated with amiodarone, and reports comparable changes in the lungs of rats and mice to which this drug had been administered. Ultrastructural studies indicate that the experimental lung changes are similar to those produced by iprindole and chlorphentermine. The patient also displayed focal necroses and an eosinophilic bronchiolitis; these may represent further effects of amiodarone on the lung.

Topics: Adult; Amiodarone; Animals; Benzofurans; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphatic Diseases; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Microscopy, Electron; Pneumonia, Lipid; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

Usnic acid, a lichen antibiotic, showed low-level activity in the Lewis lung carcinoma test system. In an effort to produce new agents of potential use in the treatment of lung cancer, derivatives of the natural product were synthesized and evaluated with a cytotoxicity assay. Structure--activity analysis of the cytotoxicity data indicated the importance of the lipophilicity and the beta-triketone moiety of usnic acid on cytotoxicity. No significant increases in survival of test animals over controls were shown by any of the synthetic compounds in the P388 leukemia or the Lewis lung carcinoma test systems.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Benzofurans; In Vitro Techniques; Leukemia L1210; Leukemia P388; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Neoplasms, Experimental; Solubility; Structure-Activity Relationship

Topics: Animals; Benzofurans; Carcinoma; Lichens; Lung Neoplasms; Methods; Mice; Neoplasms, Experimental