Anti-liver cancer activity in vitro and in vivo induced by 2-pyridyl 2,3-thiazole derivatives.

A total of 24 hybrid compounds containing pyridyl and 1,3-thiazole moieties were screened against HL-60 (leukemia), MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), NCI-H292 (lung carcinoma) human tumor cell lines and non-tumor cells (PBMC, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells). Most of them were highly potent in at least one cell line tested (IC50≤3µM), being HL-60 the most sensitive and HepG2 the most resistant cell line. Among them, TAP-07 and TP-07 presented cytotoxic activity in all tumor cell lines, including HepG2 (IC50 2.2 and 5.6µM, respectively) without antiproliferative effects to normal cells (PBMC) (IC50>30µM), making TAP-07 and TP-07, the compounds with the most favorable selectivity index. TAP-07 and TP-07 induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells and presented in vivo antitumor activity in hepatocellular xenograft cancer model in C.B-17 severe combined immunodeficient mice. Systemic toxicological verified by biochemical and histopathological techniques reveled no major signs of toxicity after treatment with TAP-07 and TP-07. Together the results indicated the anti-liver cancer activity of 2-pyridyl 2,3-thiazole derivatives.

Elevated VEGFA mRNA levels in oral squamous cell carcinomas and tumor margins: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: New blood vessel formation events are essential for tumor clonal expansion and progression. Despite the importance of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) for tumor angiogenesis, few studies have evaluated the expression profile of this gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and tumor margins (TM). This study aimed to evaluate the expression of the VEGFA gene and its protein in OSCC and TM. METHODS: Gene expression was evaluated in cryopreserved samples of OSCCs (n = 44), TM (n = 7), and normal mucosa from healthy patients (n = 3; NM). Quantitative PCRs were performed using the TaqMan system for the VEGFA gene, and gene expression was determined using the 2(-∆∆CQ) method. For immunohistochemical evaluation, 27 OSCC samples were embedded in a tissue microarray (TMA) block and reactions were performed using the Advance system. RESULTS: VEGFA transcript levels were 1.7-fold higher in OSCC than in NM samples. VEGFA mRNA was overexpressed in TM samples compared to NM (3.4-fold) and OSCC (2.0-fold) samples. VEGFA transcript level was overexpressed in T3-T4 tumors, metastatic lymph nodes, and stage III-IV OSCCs. Immunoreactivity of the VEGFA protein was detected in the cytoplasm of parenchymal and stromal cells, mainly in endothelial cells and fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: Our results show that VEGFA was overexpressed in aggressive OSCCs and that VEGFA expression may be an important prognostic factor in this type of cancer. Finally, tumor margins may be involved in the production of angiogenic molecules.

Transcriptional profiles of SHH pathway genes in keratocystic odontogenic tumor and ameloblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway activation has been identified as a key factor in the development of many types of tumors, including odontogenic tumors. Our study examined the expression of genes in the SHH pathway to characterize their roles in the pathogenesis of keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOT) and ameloblastomas (AB). METHODS: We quantified the expression of SHH, SMO, PTCH1, SUFU, GLI1, CCND1, and BCL2 genes by qPCR in a total of 23 KOT, 11 AB, and three non-neoplastic oral mucosa (NNM). We also measured the expression of proteins related to this pathway (CCND1 and BCL2) by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: We observed overexpression of SMO, PTCH1, GLI1, and CCND1 genes in both KOT (23/23) and AB (11/11). However, we did not detect expression of the SHH gene in 21/23 KOT and 10/11 AB tumors. Low levels of the SUFU gene were expressed in KOT (P = 0.0199) and AB (P = 0.0127) relative to the NNM. Recurrent KOT exhibited high levels of SMO (P = 0.035), PTCH1 (P = 0.048), CCND1 (P = 0.048), and BCL2 (P = 0.045) transcripts. Using immunolabeling of CCND1, we observed no statistical difference between primary and recurrent KOT (P = 0.8815), sporadic and NBCCS-KOT (P = 0.7688), and unicystic and solid AB (P = 0.7521). CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of upstream (PTCH1 and SMO) and downstream (GLI1, CCND1 and BCL2) genes in the SHH pathway leads to the constitutive activation of this pathway in KOT and AB and may suggest a mechanism for the development of these types of tumors.

Hedgehog components are overexpressed in a series of liver cancer cases.

Liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), are the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, representing a global public health problem. This study evaluated nine patients with HCC. Six of the cases involved hepatic explants, and three involved hepatic segmentectomy for tumor resection. Eight out of nine tumors were HCC, with one being a combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma tumor. Conventional markers of hepatocellular differentiation (Hep Par-1, arginase, pCEA, and glutamine synthetase) were positive in all patients, while markers of hepatic precursor cells (CK19, CK7, EpCAM, and CD56) were negative in most patients, and when positive, they were detected in small, isolated foci. Based on in silico analysis of HCC tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we found that Hedgehog (HH) pathway components (GLI1, GLI2, GLI3 and GAS1) have high connectivity values (module membership > 0.7) and are strongly correlated with each other and with other genes in biologically relevant modules for HCC. We further validated this finding by analyzing the gene expression of HH components (PTCH1, GLI1, GLI2 and GLI3) in our samples through qPCR, as well as by immunohistochemical analysis. Additionally, we conducted a chemosensitivity analysis using primary HCC cultures treated with a panel of 18 drugs that affect the HH pathway and/or HCC. Most HCC samples were sensitive to sunitinib. Our results offer a comprehensive view of the molecular landscape of HCC, highlighting the significance of the HH pathway and providing insight into focused treatments for HCC.

Distribution of mast cells in benign odontogenic tumors.

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of mast cells in a series of odontogenic tumors. Forty-five cases of odontogenic tumors were investigated using immunohistochemistry for mast cell triptase, and differences between groups were statistically evaluated. Mast cells were present in 96% of odontogenic tumors. Mast cells present in solid ameloblastoma were observed in the tumor stroma surrounding more solid and follicular epithelial islands, with or without squamous metaplasia. The odontogenic mixoma showed few mast cells. In odontogenic tumors with a cystic structure, the mast cells were distributed throughout all areas of the lesions, mainly in keratocystic odontogenic tumor. In addition, the total density of mast cells between all odontogenic tumors showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). A greater mast cells distribution was found in keratocystic odontogenic tumor in relation to adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (p < 0.01), and when the unicystic ameloblastoma and keratocistic odontogenic tumor were compared to the odontogenic myxoma (p < 0.05). Syndrome keratocystic odontogenic tumor showed a higher mean of mast cells when compared with the other tumors of the sample. Mast cells values presented by syndrome keratocystic odontogenic tumor were significantly greater than those of the sporadic keratocystic odontogenic tumor that were not associated with the syndrome (p = 0.03). Mast cells are probably one of the major components of the stromal scaffold in odontogenic tumors. We found significant differences of mast cells between syndrome nonsyndrome keratocystic odontogenic tumors, although their distribution did not seem to have any influence on the biologic behavior of benign odontogenic tumors.

Inhibition of CAL27 Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cell by Targeting Hedgehog Pathway With Vismodegib or Itraconazole.

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) presents an important challenge for the health systems worldwide. Thus, unraveling the biological mechanisms involved in OSCC pathogenesis is essential to the discovery of new drugs with anticancer potential. The Hedgehog (HH) pathway has shown promising results as a therapeutic target both in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vismodegib and itraconazole on the expression of Hedgehog (HH) genes (PTCH1, SMO, and GLI1), cell cycle and cell death in OSCC cells. Alamar Blue assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of vismodegib and itraconazole in a panel of oral cancer cell lines, including CAL27. The expression of HH signaling components after treatment with vismodegib and itraconazole, at concentrations of 25 or 50 µg/ml was evaluated by qPCR. Cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry after 72 h treatment with 50 µg/ml of vismodegib or itraconazole. HH signaling was activated in OSCC cell lines CAL27, SCC4, SCC9, and HSC3. Vismodegib and itraconazole significantly reduced CAL27 cell viability after 48 h of treatment. Gene expression of PTCH1, SMO, and GLI1 decreased in response to 24 h of treatment with vismodegib or itraconazole. Furthermore, CAL27 cells exhibited alterations in morphology, cell size, and cellular granularity. An increase in the DNA fragmentation was observed after treatment and both inhibitors induced apoptosis after 72 h. In conclusion, SMO inhibitors vismodegib and itraconazole demonstrably reduced the expression of HH genes in CAL27 OSCC cell line. In addition, treatment with vismodegib and itraconazole reduced cellular viability and altered the morphology of CAL27 cells, and also induced apoptosis.

ß-Lapachone and its iodine derivatives cause cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

ß-Lapachone is a natural naphthoquinone originally obtained from the bark of the purple Ipe (Tabebuia avellanedae Lor, Bignoniaceae) and its therapeutic potential in human cancer cells has been evaluated in several studies. In this study, we examined the effects of ß-lapachone and its 3-iodine derivatives (3-I-α-lapachone and 3-I-ß-lapachone) on cell proliferation, cell death, and cancer-related gene expression in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. ß-Lapachone and its 3-iodine derivatives showed potent cytotoxicity against different types of human cancer cell lines. Indeed, treatment with these compounds induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, followed by internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and caused significant increases in phosphatidylserine externalization, caspase-8 and -9 activation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptotic cell death morphology. The apoptosis induced by the compounds was prevented by pretreatment with a pan-caspase inhibitor (Z-VAD-FMK) and an antioxidant (N-acetyl-l-cysteine). In vivo, ß-lapachone and its 3-iodine derivatives significantly reduced tumor burden and did not alter any of the biochemical, hematological, or histological parameters of the animals. Overall, ß-lapachone and its 3-iodine derivatives showed promising cytotoxic activity due to their ability to induce cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and promote caspase- and ROS-mediated apoptosis. In addition, ß-lapachone and its 3-iodine derivatives were able to suppress tumor growth in vivo, indicating that these compounds may be new antitumor drug candidates.

Enhanced Expression of Hedgehog Pathway Proteins in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia.

The aim of this study was to characterize the profile of the proteins involved in the Hedgehog signaling pathway to aid in the understanding of the pathogenesis of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED). The proteins SHH, PTCH1, HHIP, SUFU, GLI1, and cyclin D1 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 25 cases of OED, 4 of non-neoplasic oral mucosa, 8 of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia and 5 of hyperkeratosis. SHH proteins were predominant in OED cases. Although PTCH1 protein was observed in all cases, this molecule was more highly expressed in OED. The inhibitor protein SUFU was present in OED and HHIP protein was overexpressed in OED. GLI1 proteins were predominantly found in the nuclei of epithelial cells in OED. Basal and suprabasal cells in the epithelial lining were positive for cyclin D1 only in OED. In conclusion, comparative analysis of the proteins involved in the Hedgehog pathway suggests that enhanced expression of these proteins can play an important role in the biological behavior of OED.

Altered expression of cytokeratins in primary, recurrent and syndrome keratocystic odontogenic tumors.

Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KOT) is a benign cystic tumor that affects the jaw bones and may be associated with the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS). Twenty-five cases diagnosed as KOT, including primary and recurrent tumors and those associated with NBCCS, were submitted to immunohistochemical study for analysis of cytokeratins (CKs) 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 18 and 19. The results showed CK13 immunostained on the intermediate layers and upper cells. CK14 was expressed in all epithelial layers and in those areas where inflammation and subepithelial splits were present; this protein was preserved within the basal cells. CK 18 was expressed mainly in the basal layer, whereas CK19 was expressed mainly on the intermediate and superficial layers. The remaining CKs tested were not immuoreactive. The status of maturation of cytokeratin seems to be altered on KOTs, and this is not distinct when different tumors are compared.

Identificação dos transcritos e proteínas glipicans 1, 3 e 4 em carcinoma escamocelular de boca: associação com moléculas Hedgehog e Vegfa / Identification of transcripts and proteins glypican 1, 3 and 4 in oral squamous cell carcinoma: association with Hedgehog and VEGFA molecules

INTRODUÇÃO: A Via Hedgehog (HH) está ativada em algumas neoplasias humanas, incluindo o Carcinoma Escamocelular de Boca (CEB), o qual corresponde a mais de 95% dos casos diagnosticados na cavidade bucal. Os glipicans (GPC) participam como reguladores desta cascata, atenuando (GPC1 e GPC3) ou regulando positivamente (GPC5) a via HH. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o perfil de expressão dos genes GPC1, 3 e 5, associando-os com genes da via HH (SHH, PTCH1 e SMO) e VEGFA, bem como caracterizar a imunoexpressão das proteínas GPC, em CEB. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Trinta e um casos de CEB foram submetidas a reações de qPCR para os genes SHH, PTCH1, SMO, VEGFA, GPC1, 3 e 5. O RNA total foi extraído utilizando uma coluna composta por membrana de silica (Rneasy Mini Kit). O DNA complementar foi obtido com auxílio da enzima Superscript Vilo™. As reações de qPCR foram conduzidas no aparelho ViiA™ 7 Real-Time PCR System utilizando o sistema Taqman, sendo a quantificação relativa avaliada pelo método comparativo de Cq (ΔΔCQ). Vinte e seis CEBs, 9 casos de margens tumorais (MAT) e 4 casos de mucosa bucal não neoplásica (MNN) foram submetidos à reação imuno-histoquímica para as proteínas GPC1, GPC3, GPC5, CD105 e MCM3...

INTRODUCTION: The Hedgehog pathway is activated in some human neoplasms, including Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), which account for more than 95% of all oral cancers diagnosed. Glypicans are involved in the regulation of HH pathway through GPC3 e GPC1 downregulation or/and GPC5 upregulation. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression profile of GPC1, 3 and 5 genes, correlating to HH and VEGFA gene, even as to characterize the immunoexpression of these proteins at OSCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 31 cases of OSCC were assessed by qPCR for the SHH, PTCH1, SMO, VEGFA, GPC1, GPC3 and GPC5 genes. The total RNA were extracted using silica membrane column (Rneasy Mini Kit). Complementary DNA was obtained using of Superscript ™ Vilo enzyme. The qPCR reactions were performed in VIIA™ 7 Real-Time PCR System using the Taqman enzime, and relative quantification (RQ) was evaluated by the comparative method of Cq (ΔΔCQ). Immunohistochemical reactions for GPC1, GPC3, GPC5, MCM3 and CD105...