Extracellular Vesicles Shedding Promotes Melanoma Growth in Response to Chemotherapy
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
Authors: de Sousa Andrade, Luciana Nogueira; Otake, Andreia Hanada; Braga Cardim, Silvia Guedes; da Silva, Felipe I. Lelis; Ikoma Sakamoto, Mariana Mari; Furuya, Tatiane Katsue; Uno, Miyuki; Pasini, Fatima Solange; Chammas, Roger
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as key players in intercellular communication. EVs can transfer biological macromolecules to recipient cells, modulating various physiological and pathological processes. It has been shown that tumor cells secrete large amounts of EVs that can be taken up by malignant and stromal cells, dictating tumor progression. In this study, we investigated whether EVs secreted by melanoma cells in response to chemotherapy modulate tumor response to alkylating drugs. Our findings showed that human and murine melanoma cells secrete more EVs after treatment with temozolomide and cisplatin. We observed that EVs shed by melanoma cells after temozolomide treatment modify macrophage phenotype by skewing macrophage activation towards the M2 phenotype through upregulation of M2-marker genes. Moreover, these EVs were able to favor melanoma re-growth in vivo, which was accompanied by an increase in Arginase 1 and IL10 gene expression levels by stromal cells and an increase in genes related to DNA repair, cell survival and stemness in tumor cells. Taken together, this study suggests that EVs shed by tumor cells in response to chemotherapy promote tumor repopulation and treatment failure through cellular reprogramming in melanoma cells.
Could the Combination of Two Non-Psychotropic Cannabinoids Counteract Neuroinflammation? Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Associated with Cannabigerol
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
Authors: Mammana, Santa; Cavalli, Eugenio; Gugliandolo, Agnese; Silvestro, Serena; Pollastro, Federica; Bramanti, Placido; Mazzon, Emanuela
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Neuroinflammation is associated with many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study, we investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties of two non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD). Materials and Methods: The motoneuron-like cell line NSC-34 differentiated by serum deprivation and with the additional treatment of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) is a valid model to investigate molecular events linked to neurodegeneration in ALS. Results: Pre-treatment with CBG (at 2.5 and 5 mu M doses) alone and in combination with CBD (at 2.5 and 5 mu M doses) was able to reduce neuroinflammation induced by a culture medium of LPS-stimulated macrophages. In particular, the pre-treatment with CBD at a 5 mu M dose decreased TNF-alpha levels and increased IL10 and IL-37 expression. CBG-CBD association at a 5 mu M dose also reduced NF-kB nuclear factor activation with low degradation of the inhibitor of kappaB alpha (IkB alpha). CBG and CBD co-administered at a 5 mu M dose decreased iNOS expression and increased Nrf2 levels. Furthermore, the pre-treatment with the association of two non-psychoactive cannabinoids downregulated Bax protein expression and upregulated Bcl-2 expression. Our data show the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects PPAR gamma-mediated. Conclusions: Our results provide preliminary support on the potential therapeutic application of a CBG-CBD combination for further preclinical studies.