Human Urothelial Carcinoma Cell Research Articles

Geospatial co-distribution of human and canine urothelial cell carcinoma and associated environmental risk factors in Queensland, Australia

Geospatial co-distribution of human and canine urothelial cell carcinoma and associated environmental risk factors in Queensland, Australia

Functional roles of tissue factor and EMMPRIN/CD147 present on bladder urothelial carcinoma-derived extracellular vesicles.

e16557 Background: Extracellular vesicles are involved in the homeostatic functions and extracellular matrix remodeling in the body. We previously found that the antithrombotic drug Tinzaparin, at clinical concentrations, induces the sufficient release of the tissue factor pathway inhibitor TFPI to functionally inhibit the prothrombotic effector tissue factor expressed on the vesicles released by malignant tumor cells. Treatment of in vitro cancer cells with Tinzaparin results in the inhibition of the tissue factor/ERK pathway. Our hypothesis is that vesicles derived from metastatic urinary tumors are enriched in tissue factor; therefore, their elusive functioning is affected by the suppressed tissue factor caused by TFPI. Here, we show that this observation may have major clinical relevance. Methods: To test the contribution of extracellular vesicles to the mechanism and extent of cell invasion, we assessed two human adherent bladder urothelial carcinoma cell lines, RT4 and J82, which represent non-muscle and muscle-invasive diseases, respectively. Urine samples were obtained from a cohort of 75 outpatients who underwent transurethral resection subdivided by the presence of cancer or muscle invasion. Vesicles were isolated using sequential centrifugation and further validated for their size, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and surface markers using flow cytometry. The tissue factor activity index levels of the vesicles and the potential for in vitro induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were quantified using colorimetric enzymatic methods. The levels of phosphorylated and total Erk1/2 were measured using an in vitro kinase assay and western blot. Results: Vesicles derived from the invasive cells J82 displayed higher levels of the MMP inducer EMMPRIN/CD147. The distinct pattern of surface markers in muscle-invasive-derived vesicles, featuring enhanced potential for inducing Erk1/2 phosphorylation and in vitro MMP activation as key processes of extracellular matrix degradation, was drastically suppressed by a potent, specific small molecule CD147 inhibitor. There was higher tissue factor activity, a key initiator of coagulation, among the patients with bladder urothelial carcinoma than those without. In the subgroup analysis, the tissue factor activity index and CD147 were higher in patients with muscle-invasive disease than in patients with non-muscle-invasive disease, showing high accuracy in distinguishing patients regarding invasion potential. Conclusions: The tissue factor activity index of urine extracellular vesicles may be considered a marker of bladder urothelial carcinoma. In addition to tissue factor expression, CD147 is crucial in promoting the potential of extracellular vesicles to induce MMP-mediated extracellular matrix degradation and, consequently, cell invasion, thereby allowing metastatic disease progression.

Farnesoid X Receptor Overexpression Decreases the Migration, Invasion and Angiogenesis of Human Bladder Cancers via AMPK Activation and Cholesterol Biosynthesis Inhibition.

Simple SummaryOur previous studies characterized that FXR overexpression results in the inhibition of migratory, adhesive and angiogenic abilities through the proteosome degradation pathway in human bladder cancer cells. Since cholesterol metabolism plays an important role during cancer progression, we investigated the role of cholesterol biosynthesis-related proteins expression and their signal transduction pathway in human bladder cancer cells. We confirmed FXR overexpression decreased muscle invasive human bladder cancer cell T24’s metastatic ability in nude mice animal models. Moreover, statin usage showed potent enough efficacy to strengthen the enhancement of FXR-inhibited migration, adhesion and angiogenesis in human urothelial carcinoma cells. Additionally, clinical data showed survival benefits of statin usage in stage 0–I bladder cancer patients. Our results suggested that FXR overexpression, combined with atorvastatin treatment, may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of human urothelial carcinoma in the future.Bladder cancer is one of the most prevailing cancers worldwide. Although treatments for urothelial carcinoma have improved, the rate of recurrence observed in the clinic is still high. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether cholesterol biosynthesis is involved in the effect of Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) on bladder cancers. FXR overexpression contributed to activation of 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and decreased cholesterol levels. FXR overexpression reduced cholesterol biosynthesis and secretion by downregulating Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 2 (SREBP2) and 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase (HMGCR) expression. In addition, an AMPK inhibitor, dorsomorphin, reversed the inhibition of migration, invasion and angiogenesis by FXR overexpression. In a metastatic xenograft animal study, FXR overexpression suppressed bladder cancer lung metastasis by decreasing matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), SREBP2 and HMGCR expression. Moreover, FXR overexpression combined with atorvastatin treatment further enhanced the downregulation of the migratory, adhesive, invasive and angiogenic properties in human urothelial carcinoma. In clinical observations, statin administration was associated with better survival rates of early-stage bladder cancer patients. Our results may provide guidance for improving therapeutic strategies for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma.

Targeted elastin-like polypeptide fusion protein for near-infrared imaging of human and canine urothelial carcinoma.

Cystoscopic visualization of bladder cancer is an essential method for initial bladder cancer detection and diagnosis, transurethral resection, and monitoring for recurrence. We sought to develop a new intravesical imaging agent that is more specific and sensitive using a polypeptide based NIR (near-infrared) probe designed to detect cells bearing epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) that are overexpressed in 80% of urothelial carcinoma (UC) cases. The NIR imaging agent consisted of an elastin like polypeptide (ELP) fused with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and conjugated to Cy5.5 to give Cy5.5-N24-EGF as a NIR contrast agent. In addition to evaluation in human cells and tissues, the agent was tested in canine cell lines and tissue samples with naturally occurring invasive UC. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were used to test cell-associated fluorescence of the probe in T24 human UC cells, and in K9TCC-SH (high EGFR expression) and K9TCC-Original (low EGF expression) canine cell lines. The probe specifically engages these cells through EGFR within 15 min of incubation and reached saturation within a clinically relevant 1 h timeframe. Furthermore, ex vivo studies with resected canine and human bladder tissues showed minimal signal from normal adjacent tissue and significant NIR fluorescence labeling of tumor tissue, in good agreement with our in vitro findings. Differential expression of EGFR ex vivo was revealed by our probe and confirmed by anti-EGFR immunohistochemical staining. Taken together, our data suggests Cy5.5-ELP-EGF is a NIR probe with improved sensitivity and selectivity towards BC that shows excellent potential for clinical translation.

The carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide inhibits urinary bladder cancers via suppression of β-catenin signaling.

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) play an important role in maintaining pH homeostasis. We previously demonstrated that overexpression of CA2 was associated with invasion and progression of urothelial carcinoma (UC) in humans. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the CA inhibitor acetazolamide (Ace) on N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN)‐induced bladder carcinogenesis in mice and explore the function of CA2 in muscle invasion by UC. Male mice were treated with 0.025% (experiment 1) or 0.05% BBN (experiment 2) in their drinking water for 10 weeks, then treated with cisplatin (Cis), Ace, or Cis plus Ace for 12 weeks. In experiment 1, the overall incidence of BBN‐induced UCs was significantly decreased in the BBN→Ace and BBN→Cis+Ace groups. In experiment 2, the overall incidence of BBN‐induced UCs was significantly decreased in the BBN→Cis+Ace group, and the incidence of muscle invasive UC was significantly decreased in both the BBN→Ace and the BBN→Cis+Ace groups. We also show that overexpression of CA2 by human UC cells T24 and UMUC3 significantly increased their migration and invasion capabilities, and that Ace significantly inhibited migration and invasion by CA2‐overexpressing T24 and UMUC3 cells. These data demonstrate a functional association of CA2 with UC development and progression, confirming the association of CA2 with UC that we had shown previously by immunohistochemical analysis of human UC specimens and proteome analysis of BBN‐induced UC in rats. Our finding that inhibition of CA2 inhibits UC development and muscle invasion also directly confirms that CA2 is a potential therapeutic target for bladder cancers.

Endogenous and exogenous hydrogen sulfide modulates urothelial bladder carcinoma development in human cell lines

The role of H2S in urothelial carcinoma (UC) is still unclear. Here we have evaluated the expression of H2S producing enzymes as well as the effect of endogenous and exogenous H2S on human bladder UC cells. In human UC cells the expression of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST); is significantly lower as compared to healthy cells. A modulatory role for the H2S pathway is supported by the finding that, the overexpression of CSE or CBS, but not 3-MST, inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis. A similar effect is obtained by using exogenous H2S. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), which is a fully characterized H2S donor, inhibits the proliferation of UC cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner as well as promotes apoptosis. Moreover, DATS also induces autophagy, as determined by transcriptomic and western blot analysis. Finally, DATS inhibits mRNA expression levels of canonical markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by limiting migration and clonogenic ability of human UC cells in vitro. In conclusion, in urothelial carcinoma, there is an impairment of H2S pathway that involves CSE and CBS- derived hydrogen sulfide. Thus, targeting H2S signaling pathway in urothelial carcinoma could represent a novel therapeutic strategy.

The suppressive role of phytochemical-induced glutathione S-transferase Mu 2 in human urothelial carcinoma cells

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) belong to one class of phase 2 detoxification enzymes which are important in metabolism and/or detoxification of various electrophilic endogenous metabolites and xenobiotics. From the available database, we found that GSTM2 gene expression is lower in high stages of bladder urothelial carcinoma than in stage 1 and normal bladder tissue. GSTM2 overexpression retards invasion, migration and tumor sphere formation of bladder cancer cells. Analysis of GSTM2 promoter activity shows that one SP1 site located at − 48 to − 40 bp is important for GSTM2 gene expression in BFTC 905 cells. An SP1 inhibitor, mithramycin A, inhibits GSTM2 promoter activity and protein expression. SP1 overexpression also increases GSTM2 expression in BFTC 905 and 5637 cells. Eight potential phytochemicals were analyzed for GSTM2 promoter activation, and results indicated that baicalein, berberrubine, chalcone, curcumin, resveratrol, and wogonin can increase promoter activity. In endogenous GSTM2 expression, berberrubine and resveratrol activated GSTM2 mRNA and protein expression the most. A DNA methylation inhibitor, 5-aza-deoxycytidine, can decrease GSTM2 gene methylation level and then increase its gene expression; 50 μM berberrubine decreased the GSTM2 gene methylation level, providing a mechanism for activating GSTM2 gene expression. Berberrubine and resveratrol also increased SP1 protein expression as one of the mechanisms for GSTM2 gene expression. In summary, berberrubine and resveratrol activates GSTM2 expression which inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of bladder cancer cells. The GSTM2 expression mechanism is partially via SP1 activation, and the effect of berberrubine is also partly via DNA CpG demethylation.

Biomimetic development of chitosan and sodium alginate-based nanocomposites contains zirconia for tissue engineering applications.

Nanostructured materials possess unique structural and functional properties that play a crucial position in tissue engineering applications. Present investigation is aimed to synthesize chitosan-sodium alginate (CS) nanocomposite using hydrothermally prepared zirconia nanoparticles. In this, three different weight percentages of (0.5, 1, and 1.5) zirconia nanoparticles are utilized for the preparation of biomimetic nanocomposite scaffolds (CSZ) employing 4wt% of CS by a solvent casting technique. Physico-chemical and thermal behavior of the prepared nanoparticles and their CSZ scaffolds are comprehensively characterized. Bioactivity of the prepared zirconia nanoparticles and CSZ scaffolds are explored in terms of in vitro biocompatibility, protein absorption in simulated body fluid (SBF), and phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Agar disc diffusion method is employed to identify the antibacterial property against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In vitro cytotoxicity of zirconia nanoparticles and CSZ scaffolds is identified against human urothelial carcinoma (UC6) and osteosarcoma (MG-63) cells. These studies explore that zirconia nanoparticles are suitable for biomedical applications while it is interacted with chitosan and sodium alginate (CS) due to their promising biocompatibility. Biomimetically obtained chitosan/sodium alginate scaffold contain 1wt% zirconia nanoparticles show higher biocompatibility amenable for tissue engineering applications.

Induction of apoptosis through inactivation of ROS-dependent PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by platycodin D in human bladder urothelial carcinoma cells.

Platycodin D (PD) is a triterpenoid saponin, a major bioactive constituent of the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, which is well known for possessing various pharmacological properties. However, the anti-cancer mechanism of PD in bladder cancer cells remains poorly understood. In the current study, we investigated the effect of PD on the growth of human bladder urothelial carcinoma cells. PD treatment significantly reduced the cell survival of bladder cancer cells associated with induction of apoptosis and DNA damage. PD inhibited the expression of inhibitor of apoptosis family members, activated caspases, and induced cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. PD also increased the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm by disrupting the mitochondrial membrane potential while upregulating the expression ratio of Bax to Bcl-2. The PD-mediated anti-proliferative effect was significantly inhibited by pre-treatment with a pancaspase inhibitor, but not by an inhibitor of necroptosis. Moreover, PD suppressed the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, and the apoptosis-inducing effect of PD was further enhanced by a PI3K inhibitor. In addition, PD increased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an ROS inhibitor, significantly attenuated the growth inhibition and inactivation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling caused by PD. Furthermore, NAC significantly suppressed apoptosis, DNA damage, and decreased cell viability induced by PD treatment. Collectively, our findings indicated that PD blocked the growth of bladder urothelial carcinoma cells by inducing ROS-mediated inactivation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling.

Ivermectin induces cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis in human urothelial carcinoma cells

Bladder carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and >90% of all bladder cancers are classified as urothelial carcinomas (UC). Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are evidence-based treatments that are administered depending on the clinical stage of UC. All these treatments exhibited limited effects in cases of metastatic UC, and UC with specific location, invasiveness, and recurrence. Therefore, a new therapeutic strategy for UC is urgently needed.Ivermectin, an avermectin derivative, has been reported to be effective against various parasites, and its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties as well as safety are well understood in humans. Recently, ivermectin was shown to exhibit therapeutic benefits against various virus infections in vitro, and anticancer activity against various human cancer cells. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of ivermectin in human UC cells. Ivermectin inhibited growth, regulated the cell cycle, and induced apoptosis in human UC cells. It also induced the activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways. Further investigation revealed that ivermectin induced apoptosis in UC cells is mediated via c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling. Herein, we demonstrated that ivermectin can be used as a new therapeutic agent for treating UC cells.

Risk of bladder cancer and lymphoma in dogs is associated with pollution indices by county of residence.

Human urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are considered environmental cancers in people, but less is known about environment risk for UCC and lymphoma in dogs. The objective of this study was to determine whether dogs with these cancers, compared to unaffected control dogs, live in counties with higher tap water contaminants or higher levels of air pollution as measured by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and by National Air Toxics Assessment chemical exposure risk estimates. Dogs with available home addresses from two previously published case-control populations were included: 66 dogs with UCC and 70 unaffected controls; and 56 boxer dogs with lymphoma and 84 unaffected boxer controls. Tap water total trihalomethanes, which are water disinfection by-products, were more than threefold higher in UCC case counties of residence compared to controls (p < .0001), and a higher proportion of dogs with UCC lived in counties exceeding EPA ozone limits (41.8%) compared to controls (13.6% p=.0008). More boxers with lymphoma lived in counties exceeding EPA ozone limits (52.1%) compared to controls (29.0%; p=.018), with higher exposure risk estimates for airborne 1,3-butadiene and formaldehyde (p=.004-.005). These data support the hypothesis that tap water contaminants and airborne environmental pollutants contribute to the risk of both urothelial carcinoma and lymphoma in dogs. If these findings reflect causal relationships, then it is possible that tap water filtration units and more effective air pollution controls could decrease the overall incidence of these cancers in dogs.

Biotin-Yellow a biotin guided NIR turn-on fluorescent probe for cancer targeted diagnosis

Abstract A dicyanomethylene-4H-pyran based tumor-targeting and biothiol activatable fluorescent and colorimetric probe, named Biotin-Yellow, has been developed with unprecedented turn-on near-infrared fluorescence properties. Biotin-Yellow is non-toxic and can effectively recognize and discriminate human lung adenocarcinoma cells and urothelial (bladder) carcinoma cells from embryonic kidney cells and embryonic fibroblasts. Biotin-Yellow can also be employed for real-time bioimaging tracking of upregulated biothiol activity in cancer cells. The efficacy and biothiol responsiveness of Biotin-Yellow was further validated in vivo in zebrafish and mice xenografts.

A multimodal molecular imaging approach targeting urokinase plasminogen activator receptor for the diagnosis, resection and surveillance of urothelial cell carcinoma

With a 5-year recurrence rate of 30–78%, urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) rates amongst the highest of all solid malignancies. Consequently, after transurethral resection, patients are subjugated to life-long endoscopic surveillance. A multimodal near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence-based imaging strategy can improve diagnosis, resection and surveillance, hence increasing quality of life. MethodsExpression of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) are determined on paraffin-embedded human UCC using immunohistochemistry and on UCC cell lines by flow cytometry. MNPR-101, a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting uPAR is conjugated to IRDye800CW and binding is validated in vitro using surface plasmon resonance and cell-based binding assays. In vivo NIR fluorescence and photoacoustic three-dimensional (3D) imaging are performed with subcutaneously growing human UM-UC-3luc2 cells in BALB/c-nude mice. The translational potential is confirmed in a metastasising UM-UC-3luc2 orthotopic mouse model. Infliximab-IRDye800CW and rituximab-IRDye800CW are used as controls. ResultsUCCs show prominent uPAR expression at the tumour-stroma interface and EpCAM on epithelial cells. uPAR and EpCAM are expressed by 6/7 and 4/7 UCC cell lines, respectively. In vitro, MNPR-101-IRDye800CW has a picomolar affinity for domain 2-3 of uPAR. In vivo fluorescence imaging with MNPR-101-IRDye800CW, specifically delineates both subcutaneous and orthotopic tumours with tumour-to-background ratios reaching as high as 6.8, differing significantly from controls (p < 0.0001). Photoacoustic 3D in depth imaging confirms the homogenous distribution of MNPR-101-IRDye800CW through the tumour. ConclusionsMNPR-101-IRDye800CW is suitable for multimodal imaging of UCC, awaiting clinical translation.

Recombinant BCG overexpressing STING agonist elicits trained immunity and improved antitumor efficacy in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

BCG remains first-line therapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NIMBC) but its mechanism of action is not fully understood nor is it completely efficacious. We engineered a recombinant BCG (rBCG) that releases increased levels of STING agonist, c-di-AMP and compared effects of rBCG to wild type BCG (WT-BCG) by assessing antitumor efficacy and its ability to elicit trained immunity in NMIBC models. Rat MNU-carcinogen model of NMIBC was used to compare antitumor efficacy of 6 weekly intravesical installations of WT-BCG versus rBCG by pathologic tumor grading of bladder tissue and qRT-PCR for Th1 cytokines. Primary human and murine macrophage and urothelial carcinoma cell lines were treated with WT-BCG and rBCG and cytokine response was compared using ELISAs while macrophage phenotypes were determined by flow cytometry. MB49 cells were injected into flanks of C57Bl/6J mice followed by intratumoral injection of WT-BCG and rBCG to compare infiltrating Tcells and Teffector responses by flow cytometry. An in vitro trained immunity model of primary human monocytes was used to evaluate epigenetic changes (H3K4Me3) on TNF-a and IL-6 gene promoters by ChIP-PCR. Compared to WT-BCG, intravesical installation of rBCG in MNU-rats resulted in significantly lower tumor involvement and a more potent induction of Th1 cytokines. rBCG treated primary macrophages showed increased IFN I, IL-6, TNF‑a MCP-1 and IL-12 levels concomitant with increased M1 polarization shift. More pronounced IL-6, TNF‑a and IL-1b levels were observed in several human and rodent urothelial carcinoma cells in response to rBCG. Intratumoral injection of rBCG caused increased tumor regression and stronger infiltration of IFN‑g producing CD4+ T cells in MB49 tumors. rBCG elicited more potent epigenetic changes (H3K4Me3) on the TNF-a and IL-6 gene promoters following monocyte training. Increased proinflammatory cytokines, potentiated IFN-g+CD4+ T cells, and increased macrophage reprogramming (increased M1 shift and increased epigenetic changes) contributes to enhanced antitumor efficacy of rBCG over WT-BCG in NMIBC tumor models. Recombinant rBCG may be a novel intravesical immunotherapy for patients with NMIBC.

TNF-Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis Promotes Angiogenesis, Thereby Exacerbating Cutaneous Psoriatic Disease

TNF-Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis Promotes Angiogenesis, Thereby Exacerbating Cutaneous Psoriatic Disease

The protoapigenone analog WYC0209 targets CD133+ cells: A potential adjuvant agent against cancer stem cells in urothelial cancer therapy

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is one of the highest incidence cancers that rank the fourth commonly diagnosed tumors worldwide. The unresectable lesions that are resistant to therapeutic interventions is the major cause leading to death. Previous studies had shown that the resistance and metastatic consequence may arise from cancer stem-like cells population. The phytochemical flavonoids have promised bioactivity and potent anti-carcinogenic effects, and trap great attentions for cancer chemoprevention and/or adjuvant chemotherapy. However, the mechanisms of flavonoids on cancer stemness is still obscured. In this study, we analyzed the biofunctional effects of as-prepared flavonoid derivative-WYC0209 on T24, BFTC905 and BFTC909 human UC cell lines. Our results demonstrated that WYC0209 significantly induced anti-cell viability on UC cells through decreased Akt/NFkB signaling. Moreover, WYC0209 enhanced the cell apoptosis through activated the caspase-3 activity and inactivated Bcl-xL expression. Interestingly, WYC0209 dramatically inhibited the cancer stem cells (CSCs) traits, including attenuation of side population and tumorsphere formation in which were through declined EMT-CSCs markers including MDR1, ABCG2 and BMI-1. We further validated the effects of WYC0209 on several CSC surface markers including CD133, CD44, SOX-2 and Nanog. Our results showed that WYC0209 markedly inhibited CD133 expressions in both transcriptional and translational levels. High expression levels of CD133 was also demonstrated in human upper tract UC specimens. In summary, our study showed that WYC0209 may potentially as an adjuvant agent to against CD133-driven UC CSCs and provide a beneficial strategy to against UC cancer therapeutics resistant.

MP01-09 LUTEOLIN SUPPRESSES SQUAMOUS DIFFERENTIATION OF BLADDER CANCER AND CANCER GROWTH VIA REGULATION OF MAMMALIAN TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN PATHWAY

You have accessJournal of UrologyBladder Cancer: Basic Research & Pathophysiology I (MP01)1 Apr 2020MP01-09 LUTEOLIN SUPPRESSES SQUAMOUS DIFFERENTIATION OF BLADDER CANCER AND CANCER GROWTH VIA REGULATION OF MAMMALIAN TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN PATHWAY Keitaro Iida*, Taku Naiki, Aya Naiki-Ito, Takashi Nagai, Satoshi Nozaki, Toshiki Etani, Ryosuke Ando, Noriyasu Kawai, and Takahiro Yasui Keitaro Iida*Keitaro Iida* More articles by this author , Taku NaikiTaku Naiki More articles by this author , Aya Naiki-ItoAya Naiki-Ito More articles by this author , Takashi NagaiTakashi Nagai More articles by this author , Satoshi NozakiSatoshi Nozaki More articles by this author , Toshiki EtaniToshiki Etani More articles by this author , Ryosuke AndoRyosuke Ando More articles by this author , Noriyasu KawaiNoriyasu Kawai More articles by this author , and Takahiro YasuiTakahiro Yasui More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000815.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Luteolin is a natural flavonoid with strong antioxidative properties. The anti-cancer effect of luteolin in several cancers has been reported; however, little is known about its effect on bladder cancer. Here, we explored the effects of luteolin on bladder cancer. METHODS: Human urothelial carcinoma cell lines, T24 and 5637, were used. A WST-8 assay and western blotting were used to evaluate cell viability and protein signaling, respectively. Thioredoxin activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated using thioredoxin and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assays, respectively. Furthermore, we examined the impact of a 20-week luteolin-rich diet on the growth of N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN)–induced bladder cancer in a rat model (luteolin concentrations were control, 20 ppm and 100 ppm; n=20, respectively). RESULTS: Luteolin induced a dose-dependent reduction in the number of viable cells; it also increased thioredoxin activity and decreased ROS production. Luteolin downregulated phospho-p70S6K and phospho-S6K (pS6), substrates of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which was reversed by the thioredoxin inhibitor, PX-12. This indicates luteolin inhibited the mTOR pathway by regulating thioredoxin and ROS. In an in vivo study, BBN-induced rat bladder cancer was inhibited by the oral administration of luteolin; the Ki67 labeling index and pS6 expression were also decreased. Further, both plasma and urine luteolin-3'-O-glucuronide concentrations were strongly associated with the Ki67 labeling index (r=0.31, -0.41, respectively) and the pS6 expression (r=-0.60, -0.62, respectively). Moreover, a significant decrease in the squamous differentiation of bladder cancer was attributed to plasma luteolin-3'-O-glucuronide concentrations (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Luteolin may represent another natural product–derived therapeutic agent that acts against bladder cancer by up-regulating thioredoxin activity and inhibiting mTOR signaling. Source of Funding: None © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 203Issue Supplement 4April 2020Page: e5-e5 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Keitaro Iida* More articles by this author Taku Naiki More articles by this author Aya Naiki-Ito More articles by this author Takashi Nagai More articles by this author Satoshi Nozaki More articles by this author Toshiki Etani More articles by this author Ryosuke Ando More articles by this author Noriyasu Kawai More articles by this author Takahiro Yasui More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) is associated with tumor grading and staging.

Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has become a target for radionuclide imaging and therapy. Previous studies have shown that the expression of PSMA is not specific to prostate tissue. In this study we examine the expression of PSMA in urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC). Immunhistochemical PSMA-staining was performed in 89 UCC samples. PSMA expression in tumor tissue, adjacent healthy tissue and blood vessels was examined. We furthermore analyzed PSMA-mRNA expression in nine human UCC cell lines. We correlated our findings with clinical data regarding recurrence and progression of UCC. UCC tissue showed a significantly higher PSMA expression compared to healthy urothelial tissue (p < 0.001). Non muscle invasive bladder cancer revealed significantly higher PSMA expression compared to muscle invasive bladder cancer (p < 0.05). PSMA expression significantly differed between various T-stages (p < 0.05) and tumor differentiation (p < 0.001). In four human UCC cell lines PSMA-mRNA was detectable. Those patients who suffered recurrence showed a higher rate of PSMA expression but no correlation to recurrence-free survival was evident. Progression of disease correlated significantly with a higher PSMA expression (p = 0.036). Both UCC tissue and healthy urothelial tissue express PSMA, with significantly higher levels in UCC. We confirmed these findings in human UCC cell lines. In this small first cohort expression of PSMA correlates significant with progression of disease but not with recurrence and recurrence-free survival. These first results make PSMA a promising target for future diagnosis and therapy of UCC.

Honokiol Is a Potential Therapeutic Agent and Has a Synergistic Effect With 5-FU in Human Urothelial Cell Carcinoma Cells.

Honokiol is a biphenolic component of the bark of Magnolia, and has been shown to exert several activities, including anti-depressant, anti-emetic, anti-oxidative, anti-thrombotic, anti-angiogenesis, anti-anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. The anti-tumor activities of honokiol and its synergistic effect with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in human urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) cells were investigated. Honokiol significantly suppressed the proliferation of UCC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, honokiol inhibited the tumorigenesis of UCC cells in vitro. In addition, honokiol induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and caused apoptosis of UCC cells through the intrinsic pathway. Importantly, we demonstrated that honokiol potentiated the cytotoxic effect of 5-FU, and displayed a synergistic effect with 5-FU in UCC cells. Honokiol causes growth inhibition, tumorigenesis suppression, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and importantly has a synergistic effect with 5-FU in human UCC cells. Therefore, this agent displays a therapeutic potential for treating human UCC.

The Deubiquitinating Enzyme Inhibitor PR-619 Enhances the Cytotoxicity of Cisplatin via the Suppression of Anti-Apoptotic Bcl-2 Protein: In Vitro and In Vivo Study.

After chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC), most patients inevitably encounter drug resistance and resultant treatment failure. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) remove ubiquitin from target proteins and play a critical role in maintaining protein homeostasis. This study investigated the antitumor effect of PR-619, a DUBs inhibitor, in combination with cisplatin, for bladder UC treatment. Our results showed that PR-619 effectively induced dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and ER-stress related apoptosis in human UC (T24 and BFTC-905) cells. Additionally, co-treatment of PR-619 with cisplatin potentiated cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in UC cells and was accompanied by the concurrent suppression of Bcl-2. We also proved that Bcl-2 overexpression is related to the chemo-resistant status in patients with metastatic UC by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. In a xenograft mice model, we confirmed that PR-619 enhanced the antitumor effect of cisplatin on cisplatin-naïve and cisplatin-resistant UCs. Our results demonstrated that PR-619 effectively enhanced the cisplatin-induced antitumor effect via concurrent suppression of the Bcl-2 level. These findings provide promising insight for developing a therapeutic strategy for UC treatment.