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Published on: May 3, 2021
Therapeutic Implications of PPARgamma in Human Osteosarcoma
Eric R Wagner1, Bai-Cheng He, Liang Chen
1Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Abstract:
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common nonhematologic malignancy of bone in children and adults. Although dysregulation of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, such as Rb, p53, and the genes critical to cell cycle control, genetic stability, and apoptosis have been identified in OS, consensus genetic changes that lead to OS development are poorly understood. Disruption of the osteogenic differentiation pathway may be at least in part responsible for OS tumorigenesis. Current OS management involves chemotherapy and surgery. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists and/or retinoids can inhibit OS proliferation and induce apoptosis and may inhibit OS growth by promoting osteoblastic terminal differentiation. Thus, safe and effective PPAR agonists and/or retinoid derivatives can be then used as adjuvant therapeutic drugs for OS therapy. Furthermore, these agents have the potential to be used as chemopreventive agents for the OS patients who undergo the resection of the primary bone tumors in order to prevent local recurrence and/or distal pulmonary metastasis.
Insights
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists and retinoids show promise in treating osteosarcoma (OS) by inhibiting cancer cell growth and promoting bone cell differentiation. These agents may also prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone cancer with poorly understood genetic causes.
- While tumor suppressor and oncogene dysregulation is noted, the osteogenic differentiation pathway disruption is implicated in OS tumorigenesis.
- Current treatments include chemotherapy and surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the therapeutic potential of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists and retinoids in osteosarcoma.
- To investigate if these agents can inhibit OS proliferation, induce apoptosis, and promote osteoblastic differentiation.
- To assess their utility as adjuvant therapies and chemopreventive agents for preventing recurrence and metastasis.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews the effects of PPAR agonists and retinoids on OS cell lines and animal models.
- Mechanisms investigated include inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and promotion of osteoblastic differentiation.
- Clinical data on the use of these agents in OS patients is considered.
Main Results:
- PPAR agonists and retinoids demonstrate inhibitory effects on OS cell proliferation.
- These agents can induce apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells.
- Evidence suggests these compounds promote osteoblastic terminal differentiation, potentially impacting tumor growth.
Conclusions:
- PPAR agonists and/or retinoid derivatives show potential as effective adjuvant therapies for osteosarcoma.
- These agents may serve as chemopreventive strategies to reduce local recurrence and pulmonary metastasis post-surgery.
- Further research into safe and effective derivatives is warranted for clinical application.

