Biomedical subjects

Epie Boven

Publications and source records attributed to Epie Boven.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Microtubule-targeting agents inhibit angiogenesis at subtoxic concentrations, a process associated with inhibition of Rac1 and Cdc42 activity and changes in the endothelial cytoskeleton.

Conventional anticancer agents may display antiangiogenic effects, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. We determined the antiangiogenic properties of cisplatin, doxorubicin, and the microtubule-targeting agents docetaxel, epothilone B, and vinblastine at concentrations not affecting cell proliferation. We also assessed tubulin and actin morphology and the activity of two key molecules in cell motility, the small Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1. The highest non-toxic concentration (HNTC) of each drug was defined as the concentration inhibiting a maximum of 10% human umbilical vein endothelial cell growth on a 1-hour drug exposure, being for cisplatin 10 micromol/L, doxorubicin 100 nmol/L, docetaxel 10 nmol/L, epothilone B 1 nmol/L, and vinblastine 10 nmol/L. Comparative endothelial cell functional assays using HNTCs for an exposure time of 1 hour indicated that endothelial cell migration in the wound assay, endothelial cell invasion in a transwell invasion system, and endothelial cell formation into tubelike structures on a layer of Matrigel were significantly inhibited by docetaxel, epothilone B, and vinblastine (P < 0.05), but not by cisplatin and doxorubicin. Docetaxel was slightly more efficient in the inhibition of endothelial cell motility than epothilone B and vinblastine. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that only the microtubule-targeting agents affected the integrity of the tubulin and F-actin cytoskeleton, which showed disturbed microtubule structures, less F-actin stress fiber formation, and appearance of nuclear F-actin rings. These observations were associated with early inhibition of Rac1 and Cdc42 activity. In conclusion, HNTCs of microtubule-targeting agents efficiently reduce endothelial cell motility by interference with microtubule dynamics preventing the activation of Rac1/Cdc42 and disorganizing the actin cytoskeleton.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

PubMed2004

A methylester of the glucuronide prodrug DOX-GA3 for improvement of tumor-selective chemotherapy.

The glucuronide prodrug of doxorubicin, DOX-GA3, can be selectively activated in tumors by extracellular human beta-glucuronidase, resulting in a better therapeutic index than doxorubicin. DOX-GA3, however, is rapidly excreted by the kidney. We hypothesized that slow release of DOX-GA3 from its methylester, DOX-mGA3, by esterase activity in blood would result in improved circulation half-life (t(1/2)) of DOX-GA3. DOX-mGA3 was synthesized more efficiently with an overall yield of 60% as compared to 37% in the case of DOX-GA3. We showed that DOX-mGA3 was enzymatically converted to DOX-GA3 with a t(1/2) of approximately 0.5 min in mouse plasma to 2.5 h in human plasma, which was in agreement with differences in esterase activity between species. DOX-mGA3, similar to DOX-GA3, was at least 37-fold less potent than the parent drug doxorubicin in growth inhibition of four different human malignant cell lines in vitro. Incubation of OVCAR-3 cells with DOX-mGA3 in combination with an excess of human beta-glucuronidase (0.05 U mL(-1)) resulted in a similar growth inhibition to that of doxorubicin. Intravenous administration of DOX-mGA3 in FMa-bearing mice resulted in an area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) of DOX-GA3 in tumor and most normal tissues that was 2.5- to 3-fold higher than after the same dose of DOX-GA3 itself. In tumor tissue, this was accompanied by a 2.7-fold increase in the AUC of doxorubicin from DOX-mGA3 than from DOX-GA3. In conclusion, an advantage of DOX-mGA3 over DOX-GA3 is that this prodrug can be produced with a higher yield. Another important advantage is the improved pharmacokinetics of the lipophilic DOX-mGA3 as compared to that of the hydrophilic DOX-GA3. This effect may even be more pronounced in man, because of the lower plasma esterase activity than measured in mice.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Possible (enzymatic) routes and biological sites for metabolic reduction of BNP7787, a new protector against cisplatin-induced side-effects.

Disodium 2,2'-dithio-bis-ethane sulfonate (BNP7787) is under investigation as a potential new chemoprotector against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The selective protection of BNP7787 appears to arise from the preferential uptake of the drug in the kidneys, where BNP7787 would undergo intracellular conversion into mesna (2-mercapto ethane sulfonate), which in turn can prevent cisplatin induced toxicities. In the present study, we have investigated whether the reduction of BNP7787 into the reactive compound mesna is restricted to the kidney or whether it can also occur in other organs, cells and physiological compartments, including the cytosolic fraction of the renal cortex, plasma, red blood cells (RBCs), liver and small intestine from rats and several tumors (OVCAR-3, MRI-H-207 and WARD). We also determined whether the endogenous thiols glutathione (GSH) and cysteine and the enzyme systems glutaredoxin and thioredoxin, which are all present in the kidney, can be involved in the BNP7787 reduction. UV detection and micro-HPLC with dual electrochemical detection were used to analyze the various incubation mixtures. Our observations are that, in contrast to plasma, a very large reductive conversion of BNP7787 to mesna was measured in RBC lysate. Intact RBCs, however, did not take up BNP7787. Although BNP7787 could be reduced in cytosol of liver and several tumors, this reduction will not be relevant in vivo, since these tissues do not take up large amounts of BNP7787. Kidney cortex cytosol was, similar to the small intestine cytosol, able to substantially reduce BNP7787 to mesna. The ability to reduce BNP7787 in the presence of the endogenous thiols GSH and cysteine, the glutaredoxin system as well as the thioredoxin system, could at least in part explain the high BNP7787 reductive activity of the kidney cortex cytosol. In conclusion, the high reduction of BNP7787 into mesna in the kidney as well as our earlier observation that the distribution of BNP7787 and mesna was mainly restricted to rat kidney are strong arguments in favor of selective protection of the kidney by BNP7787.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Reduced growth, increased vascular area, and reduced response to cisplatin in CD13-overexpressing human ovarian cancer xenografts.

PURPOSE: Expression of aminopeptidase N/CD13 can be detected in several solid tumor types. Thus far, the role of CD13 in ovarian cancer has not been studied. We have investigated the expression pattern and biological function of CD13 in ovarian cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: First, we studied the expression of CD13 in ovarian cancer tissue of 15 patients representing three different histological types (5 patients each) by immunohistochemistry. We then stably transfected the IGROV-1 human ovarian cancer cell line with a CD13 expression vector and examined the biological effect of CD13 in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: The expression of CD13 in ovarian cancer was associated with the histological subtype: CD13 expression in tumor cells was observed in 80-100% of the patients with a serous or mucinous carcinoma and in only 20% of the clear cell carcinoma patients. In all patients' tumor samples, CD13-positive blood vessels were present. CD13 overexpression in IGROV-1 cells did not affect in vitro cell growth and sensitivity to doxorubicin, cisplatin, or gemcitabine. CD13 overexpression reduced invasion in Matrigel, which appeared to be independent of the aminopeptidase activity of CD13. Furthermore, the growth rate of IGROV-1/CD13 xenografts was reduced. The area of the vessel lumens was enlarged in a small percentage of vessels in the CD13-overexpressing xenografts. In addition, the CD13-overexpressing tumors were less sensitive to cisplatin. CONCLUSIONS: CD13 is expressed in tumor as well as endothelial cells in human ovarian cancer. Our results suggest that CD13 overexpression affects ovarian cancer growth, vascular architecture, and response to chemotherapy. Further elucidation of the mechanism of the observed effects of CD13 is warranted to better understand its role in the pathophysiology of ovarian cancer.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗

PubMed2004

Lecithinized copper,zinc-superoxide dismutase as a protector against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice.

Production of superoxide radicals from doxorubicin is widely accepted to be the cause of the cardiotoxicity induced by this antitumor agent. Pretreatment with superoxide dismutase could improve the therapeutic application. Aim of the present study was to determine whether lecithinized superoxide dismutase (PC-SOD) can serve as a cardioprotective drug during doxorubicin treatment. The protective potential of PC-SOD on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity was investigated in BALB/c mice. The possible influence of PC-SOD on the antitumor activity of doxorubicin was investigated in vitro as well as in vivo. Mice were treated intravenously with doxorubicin (4 mg x kg(-1)) or doxorubicin and PC-SOD (5000, 20000 or 80000 U x kg(-1)) weekly x 6 and appropriate controls were included. Cardiotoxicity was monitored for 8 weeks by ECG measurement. The influence of PC-SOD on the antitumor activity of doxorubicin was evaluated in three human malignant cell lines. Nude mice bearing OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer xenografts were treated intravenously with doxorubicin (8 mg x kg(-1)) alone or preceded by PC-SOD 20000 or 80000 U x kg(-1) weekly x 2 and appropriate controls were included. PC-SOD prevented doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity already at 5000 U x kg(-1) whereas 20000 and 80000 U x kg(-1) were equally protective. No toxicity was observed in mice treated with PC-SOD. PC-SOD did not interfere with the antiproliferative effects of doxorubicin in vitro. In vivo, PC-SOD had no negative effect on the inhibition of xenograft growth induced by doxorubicin. It can be concluded that PC-SOD protects the heart, but not the tumor against doxorubicin. These data suggest that PC-SOD may be a suitable cardioprotector during doxorubicin treatment.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Pronounced antitumor efficacy by extracellular activation of a doxorubicin-glucuronide prodrug after adenoviral vector-mediated expression of a human antibody-enzyme fusion protein.

Tumor-specific activation of the glucuronide prodrug of doxorubicin, N-[4-doxorubicin-N-carbonyl(oxymethyl)phenyl]-O-beta-glucuronyl carbamate (DOX-GA3), by beta-glucuronidase present in necrotic tumor areas might be improved after transduction of tumor cells to secrete a targeted form of beta-glucuronidase. To that end, we constructed an adenovirus vector, designated Ad/C28-GUSh, encoding human beta-glucuronidase fused to a human single-chain Fv (scFv) against the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), C28, and preceded by a signal sequence for secretion. Antibody specificity and enzyme activity were retained in the fusion protein secreted by tumor cells infected with Ad/C28-GUSh. Diffusion of fusion protein from transduced tumor cells within MCF-7 multicellular spheroids was visualized by immunohistochemistry. Treatment of spheroids with Ad/C28-GUSh and DOX-GA3 resulted in growth inhibition comparable to treatment with doxorubicin alone. Treatment of well-established FMa human ovarian cancer xenografts with intravenous injection of DOX-GA3 (500 mg/kg) resulted in a tumor volume-doubling time of 23.8 days compared to 8.0 days for phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated mice. Intratumoral administration of Ad/C28-GUSh before DOX-GA3 enhanced the growth inhibition and increased the tumor volume-doubling time to 43.1 days (p < 0.01), while virus alone had no effect. Thus, we have successfully shown that an adenovirus vector encoding a secreted, targeted form of human beta-glucuronidase can further improve DOX-GA3 monotherapy.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2003

Cytosolic beta-glycosidases for activation of glycoside prodrugs of daunorubicin.

Human cytosolic beta-glycosidase is a small monomeric enzyme that is active under physiological conditions, which might be ideal for enzyme-prodrug therapy. We have previously reported the synthesis of a galactoside (DNR-GlA3) and a glucoside (DNR-GsA3) prodrug of daunorubicin. In the present study, we established that cellular uptake of DNR-GlA3 and DNR-GsA3 was low in contrast to that of daunorubicin. Recombinant human beta-glycosidase converted both prodrugs to daunorubicin as shown by liquid chromatography. The kinetics of the conversion of DNR-GlA3 and DNR-GsA3 by human beta-glycosidase, however, was unfavorable as the K(m) values were, respectively, 3- and 6-fold higher than those of another mammalian beta-glycosidase of bovine origin. The V(max) values were, respectively, 3.3 and 8.5nmol/hr/mg as compared to 158.3 and 147.8nmol/hr/mg of the bovine enzyme. Treatment of OVCAR-3 cells with human beta-glycosidase (0.5U/mL) and 0.5 microM DNR-GlA3 or DNR-GsA3 resulted in, respectively, 86 and 81% cell growth inhibition, while the prodrugs alone inhibited growth to only 19 and 1%. Treatment of cells with the bovine enzyme and the prodrugs inhibited cell growth more efficiently. We conclude that the endogenous intracellular beta-glycosidase is not available for extracellular prodrug activation. Thus, the incorporation of the enzyme in enzyme-prodrug therapy might be an elegant approach to achieve tumor-specific prodrug conversion. The efficiency of glycoside prodrug conversion might be improved by design of a prodrug that is more readily activated by human beta-glycosidase or by evolution of the enzyme into a mutant form that displays high activity towards these prodrugs.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Pharmacokinetics of BNP7787 and its metabolite mesna in plasma and ascites: a case report.

PURPOSE: BNP7787 (2',2'-dithio-bis-ethane sulfonate sodium) is a novel protector against cisplatin-induced toxicities. The pharmacokinetics of BNP7787 and its metabolite mesna were investigated in plasma and ascites of a cancer patient. We also evaluated potential pharmacokinetic interactions between BNP7787 and cisplatin. METHODS: BNP7787 and mesna were measured as mesna in deproteinized plasma and ascites using high-performance liquid chromatography with an electrochemical detector provided with a wall-jet gold electrode. RESULTS: After the i.v. administration of 41 g/m(2) BNP7787, BNP7787 and mesna had a half-life of 1.5 and 3.4 h, respectively. The AUC( infinity ) of mesna was approximately 8% of the AUC( infinity ) of BNP7787. Coadministration of cisplatin did not appear to influence the plasma concentration-time curves of BNP7787 and mesna. In ascites, approximately 0.02% of the BNP7787 dose was present as mesna, whereas approximately 4% of the dose was present as BNP7787 at the time of the maximum concentration. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the presence of ascites did not have a major impact on the pharmacokinetics of BNP7787 and coadministration of cisplatin did not influence the pharmacokinetics of BNP7787 and mesna.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Pharmacokinetics and preliminary clinical data of the novel chemoprotectant BNP7787 and cisplatin and their metabolites.

INTRODUCTION: BNP7787 (disodium 2,2'-dithio-bis-ethane sulfonate) is currently undergoing development as a chemoprotective agent to prevent common and serious cisplatin-induced side effects. In the kidneys, intestine, and liver, BNP7787 is believed to undergo intracellular conversion into 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (mesna), which can locally inactivate toxic platinum species. Methods and objectives In a phase I trial, 25 patients with advanced solid tumors received a 1-hour intravenous infusion of 75 mg/m(2) cisplatin immediately preceded by a 15-minute intravenous infusion of BNP7787 every 3 weeks. For pharmacokinetic investigation of BNP7787 and mesna and a possible mutual pharmacokinetic interaction between BNP7787 and cisplatin, cisplatin and BNP7787 were also administered as single agents in 14 of 25 patients. The dose of BNP7787 was escalated from 4.1 to 41 g/m(2). Patients were also monitored for tumor response and possible side effects from BNP7787. RESULTS: The maximum plasma concentration of mesna was reached approximately 1.7 hours after the start of the BNP7787 infusion. The maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve to infinity (AUC( infinity )) of BNP7787 and mesna increased linearly with the dose. The mean volume of distribution of BNP7787 (+/-SD) was approximately 0.26 +/- 0.08 L/kg. The mean normalized AUC( infinity ) of mesna was only approximately 8% of the normalized AUC( infinity ) of BNP7787. The pharmacokinetic profile of mesna was unaffected by cisplatin and its metabolites. None of the dose levels of BNP7787 (4.1-41 g/m(2)) administered appeared to influence the pharmacokinetic profile of total platinum, unbound platinum, or monohydrated cisplatin. The observed effects regarding a possible mutual interaction between BNP7787 and intact cisplatin were minor, and none were statistically significant at BNP7787 dose levels of 18.4 to 41 g/m(2). The confidence intervals for the pharmacokinetic parameters of BNP7787 and intact cisplatin, however, were relatively broad. Overall, BNP7787 was well tolerated at all dose levels (4.1-41.0 g/m(2)). The most frequently reported event related to BNP7787 was local intravenous site discomfort; the majority of events were mild (grade 1). Side effects of BNP7787 at the highest dose level of 41 g/m(2) were more prominent and included nausea and vomiting, as well as a warm feeling or flushing (grade 2 or lower). Partial tumor responses and stable disease were measured in 12 of 25 patients. CONCLUSION: BNP7787 was relatively nontoxic at doses up to 41 g/m(2). The combination of BNP7787 with cisplatin did not alter the pharmacokinetic profiles of mesna or the cisplatin metabolites. At the higher dose levels of BNP7787 (18.4 to 41 g/m(2)), there appeared to be no mutual interaction between BNP7787 and intact cisplatin, which needs to be confirmed in a larger number of patients. The absence of a mutual interaction between BNP7787 and intact cisplatin is consistent with the observation that several patients had objective tumor responses with BNP7787 and cisplatin administration.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy for osteosarcoma: sensitization to CPT-11 in vitro and in vivo by adenoviral delivery of a gene encoding secreted carboxylesterase-2.

Despite improvement in the treatment of osteosarcoma (OS), there are still many patients who cannot benefit from current treatment modalities. This warrants exploration of new treatment options. To that end, we investigated gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) with the use of human liver carboxylesterase-2 (CE2) and the anticancer agent CPT-11. CPT-11 is a clinically approved prodrug that needs to be metabolized into the active drug SN-38 by CEs, which occurs rather inefficiently in humans. GDEPT aims at high production of CE2 at the tumor site, resulting in efficient local conversion of CPT-11 into SN-38. Here, we show that OS cells transduced with an adenoviral vector containing the cDNA encoding a secreted form of CE2 (Ad-sCE2) expressed and efficiently secreted CE2. In vitro, transduction of a panel of OS cell lines with Ad-sCE2 resulted in sensitization up to 2800-fold to CPT-11 treatment. Primary OS short-term cultures, derived from patients suffering from a classic high-grade OS, demonstrated increased CPT-11 sensitivity up to 70-fold after transduction with Ad-sCE2 in vitro. When mice bearing s.c. MG-63 OS xenografts were intratumorally injected with Ad-sCE2 and CPT-11, this resulted in a significant difference in time to reach 2000 mm(3) in tumor volume as compared with animals receiving Ad-sCE2 or CPT-11 treatment (P < 0.05). Taken together, these data suggest that OS cells are sensitive for the combination of Ad-sCE2 and CPT-11.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2002

Evidence for a role of p38 kinase in hypoxia-inducible factor 1-independent induction of vascular endothelial growth factor expression by sodium arsenite.

Recently we have demonstrated that sodium arsenite induces the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) protein and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer cells. We now show that arsenic trioxide, an experimental anticancer drug, exerts the same effects. The involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in the effects of sodium arsenite was investigated. By using kinase inhibitors in OVCAR-3 cells, both effects of sodium arsenite were found to be independent of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and p44/p42 MAPKS but were attenuated by inhibition of p38 MAPK. A role for p38 in the regulation of HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression was supported further by analysis of activation kinetics. Experiments in mouse fibroblast cell lines, lacking expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1 and 2, suggested that these kinases are not required for induction of HIF-1alpha protein and VEGF mRNA. Unexpectedly, sodium arsenite did not activate a HIF-1-dependent reporter gene in OVCAR-3 cells, indicating that functional HIF-1 was not induced. In agreement with this hypothesis, up-regulation of VEGF mRNA was not reduced in HIF-1alpha(-/-) mouse fibroblast cell lines. Altogether, these data suggest that not HIF-1, but rather p38, mediates induction of VEGF mRNA expression by sodium arsenite.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

The activity profile of the hexacyclic camptothecin derivative DX-8951f in experimental human colon cancer and ovarian cancer.

DX-8951f or exatecan mesylate ((1S,9S)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3',4':6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10-13(9H,15H)-dione methanesulfonate dihydrate), is a new water-soluble derivative of camptothecin. We determined the activity of DX-8951f in experimental human colon cancer and ovarian cancer, being tumor types sensitive to camptothecins. With the use of the MTT assay, DX-8951f was more potent than SN-38 in four out of five human colon cancer cell lines and three out of four human ovarian cancer cell lines (P<0.05). DX-8951f was considerably more potent than topotecan in all cell lines tested (P<0.05). Prolonged exposure to DX-8951f resulted in a greater increase in inhibition of cell proliferation as compared to that obtained with SN-38 or topotecan (P<0.05). Overexpression of Pgp, MRP1, and LRP did not affect the in vitro activity of DX-8951f. DX-8951f administered daily x 5 or weekly x 2 resulted in growth inhibition <50% in two human colon cancer xenografts grown s.c. in nude mice. In three human ovarian cancer xenografts, however, >50% growth inhibition was observed at both schedules. In the OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer model, DX-8951f showed considerably greater activity than topotecan (P<0.01). DX-8951f combined with cisplatin or paclitaxel did not indicate the presence of a pharmacological interaction. In OVCAR-3 xenografts the combination was clearly more effective than DX-8951f alone, as the number of complete remissions increased substantially. In conclusion, this study shows that DX-8951f is highly potent in vitro and highly effective in experimental human ovarian cancer in vivo. Prolonged exposure to DX-8951f in vitro greatly increased the antiproliferative effects, which may be a rationale for testing a continuous infusion schedule in the clinic. Addition of cisplatin or paclitaxel improved the in vivo antitumor effects of DX-8951f.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed2002

Novel camptothecin derivative BNP1350 in experimental human ovarian cancer: determination of efficacy and possible mechanisms of resistance.

The novel camptothecin derivative BNP1350 (7-[2-trimethylsilyl)ethyl]-20(S)-camptothecin), also known as Karenitecin, has been developed for superior oral bioavailability and increased lactone stability. In our study, we describe the antiproliferative effects of BNP1350, SN-38 and topotecan in 4 human ovarian cancer cell lines. BNP1350 was found to be slightly more potent than SN-38 (p<0.01) and was considerably more potent than topotecan (p<0.01). We extended these studies to well-established human ovarian cancer xenografts in which we compared the growth inhibition induced by BNP1350 with that of topotecan given in equitoxic schedules. The growth inhibition in all 3 xenografts induced by BNP1350 was > or =75%, which was significantly better than that resulting from topotecan (p<0.05). We then selected BNP1350-resistant variants of the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line, 2780K4 (resistance factor: 41) and 2780K32 (resistance factor: 90), to analyze possible resistance mechanisms. These variants exhibited cross-resistance against all camptothecins tested. In comparison with 2780K4 cells, 2780K32 cells were relatively more resistant against SN-38, topotecan, DX-8951f and BNP1350. In addition, 2780K32 cells were highly cross-resistant against mitoxantrone. In both 2780K4 and 2780K32, the amount of topoisomerase I was not changed but the catalytic activity was reduced. Furthermore, 2780K32 cells clearly overexpressed the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), as demonstrated for both the gene and the protein. In contrast to topotecan, BNP1350 proved not to be a good substrate for BCRP. Overall, we conclude that BNP1350 offers advantages over topotecan expressed by high efficacy in experimental human ovarian cancer and poor affinity for BCRP.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Mem↗

PubMed2002

A doxorubicin-CNGRC-peptide conjugate with prodrug properties.

There is increasing interest in the exploitation of molecular addresses for the targeting of tumor imaging or therapeutic agents. A recent study demonstrated anticancer activity in human xenografts of doxorubicin (DOX)-peptide conjugates targeted to the tumor vascular endothelium, among them DOX coupled to the cyclic pentapeptide CNGRC [Science 279 (1998) 377]. In order to learn more about the mechanism of action of this type of DOX-peptide conjugates, we have studied the interaction of DOX-CNGRC with primary human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and tumor cells under defined in vitro conditions. We used a DOX conjugate, in which the cyclic CNGRC peptide, for which an in vivo endothelial address has recently been identified as aminopeptidase N (APN)/CD13, has been coupled via a hydrolysable spacer to the C-14 anthracycline-side chain. First we determined that the t(1/2) of DOX-CNGRC conjugate in human blood was 442 min (at 37 degrees ) allowing sufficient time for endothelial targeting when administered i.v. When cultured cells were exposed for 30 min to DOX-CNGRC a more cytoplasmic localization of fluorescent drug was seen when compared to DOX exposure and intracellular DOX-CNGRC was identified after extraction from the cells. This revealed differences in the cellular uptake process of the conjugate compared to DOX. The antiproliferative effect of DOX-CNGRC was determined by 30 min exposure in medium with a high protein content in order to mimick the in vivo targeting situation. In this medium, the IC(50) was 1.1 microM for highly CD13 expressing HT-1080, 1.45 microM for CD13 negative SK-UT-1 sarcoma cells and 6.5 microM for CD13 positive HUVEC. The IC(50) of DOX for these cells were 1.0, 2.0 and 7.3 microM, respectively. Although DOX-CNGRC inhibited the peptidase activity of CD13 up to 50%, our data do not favor an important role for the enzyme inhibition in the cytotoxic effect of the conjugate. The antitumor activity was tested in nude mice bearing human ovarian cancer xenografts (OVCAR-3). A weekly i.v. administration (3mg/kg DOX-equivalent, 3x) showed a minor (40%) growth delay, which does not indicate efficacy better than that expected for free DOX. In conclusion, this study indicates that the antiproliferative and anti-angiogenic effects of DOX-CNGRC as reported before, are likely caused by the cytostatic effects of intracellularly released parent drug DOX, independent of CD13 expression/activity. More research is needed to identify the optimal specific chemical configuration of DOX-peptide conjugates for in vivo targeting and receptor-mediated cellular uptake.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Variation in the kinetics of caspase-3 activation, Bcl-2 phosphorylation and apoptotic morphology in unselected human ovarian cancer cell lines as a response to docetaxel.

Paclitaxel is able to cause cell death through the induction of apoptosis. Cell death characteristics for docetaxel have not yet been described in detail. We investigated four unselected human ovarian cancer cell lines for the sensitivity to a 1hr exposure to docetaxel and calculated the concentrations inhibiting 50% (IC(50)) and 90% (IC(90)) of cell growth. Of the cell lines A2780, H134, IGROV-1 (all wild-type p53) and OVCAR-3 (mutant, mt p53) A2780 was most sensitive and OVCAR-3 least sensitive. Equitoxic drug concentrations representing IC(90) values (25-510nM) were applied for 1hr to measure cell cycle distribution, DNA degradation, and to count apoptotic cell bodies and cells with multifragmented nuclei at various time-points after drug exposure. H134, IGROV-1 and OVCAR-3 showed a continued mitotic block up to at least 72hr and prolonged presence of cells with multifragmented nuclei. High percentages of apoptosis were calculated at 48hr and at later time-points. In contrast, A2780 cells accumulated in the S-phase of the cell cycle and apoptosis was hardly present. The changes in the expression levels of p53, p21/WAF1, Bax and Bcl-2, were not predictive for docetaxel-induced apoptosis. Caspase-3 activation occurred only in cells with accumulation in the G2/M phase starting as early as 8hr in OVCAR-3. Prolonged Bcl-2 phosphorylation was evident in OVCAR-3, visible at 24hr in H134 and IGROV-1, while this phenomenon did not occur in A2780. The mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (JNKs/SAPKs or c-Jun N-terminal kinases/stress-activated protein kinases, JNK1/2; extracellular response kinase, ERK1/2; p38) did not seem to be directly involved in Bcl-2 phosphorylation or apoptosis. We conclude that docetaxel is able to activate caspase-3, induce Bcl-2 phosphorylation and apoptosis in cells that show a prolonged G2/M arrest, but cells may also die by a caspase-3-independent cell death mechanism.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

PubMed2002

Vascular endothelial growth factor-165 overexpression stimulates angiogenesis and induces cyst formation and macrophage infiltration in human ovarian cancer xenografts.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is suggested to be an important regulator of angiogenesis in ovarian cancer. We have evaluated the effects of VEGF overexpression on the histology and growth rate of human ovarian cancer xenografts. OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer cells were stably transfected with an expression vector encoding the 165-amino acid isoform of VEGF. As subcutaneous xenografts, moderately and highly VEGF(165)-overexpressing OVCAR-3 cells formed tumors with large cysts. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated an increase in the number of CD31-positive microvessels, some of which were larger in diameter than those in the parental tumors, as well as extensive vascular rimming around the cysts. Weakly VEGF(165)-overexpressing tumors also contained an increased number of CD31-positive microvessels and occasional vascular rimming, but cysts were not present. Immunohistochemistry further revealed the presence of monocytes and macrophages in both parental and VEGF(165)-overexpressing xenografts. Interestingly, the number of monocytes/macrophages was greatly increased in moderately and highly VEGF(165)-overexpressing xenografts and large areas populated with monocytes/macrophages were detected within the tumor stroma. Although the higher number of CD31-positive cells would suggest a better vascularization pattern in VEGF(165)-overexpressing xenografts, tumor growth rates were not increased when compared with that of parental xenografts. These data provide functional evidence for a role of VEGF(165) in cyst formation and monocyte/macrophage infiltration.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Beta-glucuronidase-mediated drug release.

The selective activation of a relatively non-toxic prodrug by an enzyme present only in the tumour should enhance the drug concentration at the tumour site and result in a better anti-tumour effect and a reduction in systemic toxicity as compared to conventional chemotherapy. beta-Glucuronidase is such an enzyme. It is normally expressed in the lysosomes of cells. In larger tumours, however, high levels of the enzyme are present in necrotic areas. Several glucuronide prodrugs have been synthesised that can be activated by beta-glucuronidase. They are relatively non-toxic due to their hydrophilic nature, which prevents them from entering cells and thus from contact with lysosomal beta-glucuronidase. The main problem of glucuronide prodrugs for clinical use is their fast renal clearance. Special attention should be paid to the development of new less hydrophilic prodrugs with slower clearance, as this would result in a prolonged exposure to beta-glucuronidase at the site of the tumour and a reduction of the amount of prodrug needed. A number of interesting anthracyclin-based glucuronide prodrugs have been synthesised and have shown favourable therapeutic effects compared to treatment with the parent drug. The tumoural levels of beta-glucuronidase can even be enhanced by two-step approaches, in which exogenous enzyme is targeted to the tumour by an antibody (ADEPT) or by the gene encoding the enzyme in transduced tumour cells (GDEPT). The ADEPT and GDEPT approaches in combination with glucuronide prodrugs have shown enhanced efficacy in experimental tumour models. Further improvement of ADEPT and GDEPT is warranted to optimise the tumour uptake and retention of antibody-enzyme fusion proteins and the efficiency and safety of current gene delivery methods. In conclusion, it is clear that glucuronide prodrugs hold promise for future use in the treatment of cancer in patients as monotherapy. Enhancement of the therapeutic effects of glucuronide prodrugs, also in patients with small tumour lesions, may possibly be achieved by techniques that target beta-glucuronidase specifically to the site of the tumour.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Pretreatment deoxycytidine kinase levels predict in vivo gemcitabine sensitivity.

Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) is essential for the phosphorylation of gemcitabine (2',2'-difluorodeoxycytidine), a deoxycytidine analogue active against various solid tumors. Cytidine deaminase (CDA) catalyzes the degradation of gemcitabine. We determined whether dCK and/or CDA levels would predict response to gemcitabine. Activities of dCK and CDA were measured in a panel of eight gemcitabine-sensitive and -resistant tumors of a different origin (pancreas, lung, colon, ovary, and head and neck) grown as s.c. tumors in mice. Sensitivity to gemcitabine was expressed as treated versus control (tumor volume treated mice/control mice). Gemcitabine was given on days 0, 3, 6, and 9 (q3dx4) at its maximum tolerated dose. In addition, we measured the mRNA expression and protein levels of dCK in seven human tumor xenografts. dCK activity (mean +/- SE) ranged from 3.3+/-0.3 to 18.4+/-1.2 nmol/h/mg protein. Sensitivity to gemcitabine, expressed as treated versus control, ranged from 0.98 to 0.02, and the activity of CDA varied from 2+/-2 to 411+/-4 nmol/h/mg protein. In contrast to CDA, dCK activity was clearly related to gemcitabine sensitivity (p = -0.93; P < 0.001). This indicates that dCK might be an important prognostic marker for gemcitabine sensitivity. Protein levels were significantly related to both dCK activity (r = 0.96; P < 0.001) and gemcitabine sensitivity (rho = -0.96; P < 0.001). dCK expression as determined by competitive template reverse transcriptase PCR was significantly related with the dCK activity (r = 0.88; P = 0.025) and protein levels (p = 0.80; P = 0.052) but not with gemcitabine sensitivity, suggesting a post-translational regulation of dCK. In conclusion, the clear correlation between dCK levels and gemcitabine sensitivity in various murine tumors and human tumor xenografts may be a prognostic parameter when considering gemcitabine therapy.

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