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Published on: November 10, 2013
The molecular response of vanadium complexes of nicotinoyl hydrazone in cervical cancers--a possible interference
Rakesh S Nair1, Mini Kuriakose2, Veena Somasundaram1
1Cancer Research Program 5, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695 014 Kerala, India.
Aims:
Hydrazones belonging to the class of NNO donor Schiff bases are reported to have extensive anti-viral activity and anti-neoplastic activity against certain cancers such as colon cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and testicular cancer. Here we aim to study the possible effects of two novel nicotinoyl hydrazones on Human papillomavirus (HPV) infected cervical cancers.
Main Methods:
The effect of vanadium complexes on the proliferation of SiHa and HeLa cells was analyzed using MTT assay. The apoptotic potentials of the complexes were assessed by their ability to induce DNA condensation as well as loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Caspase activity assay and DNA content analysis were performed to understand the mechanism of apoptotic induction. RT-PCR analysis of cell cycle genes, GADD45, p53, p21 and HPV specific oncogenes, E6 and E7 were used to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the complexes.
Key Findings:
OVK 49 exhibits an increased apoptosis inducing potential when compared to OVK 89 in HPV16 positive SiHa cells compared to HPV18 positive HeLa. A down regulation for E6 and E7 mRNA transcripts along with the induction of p53 protein in SiHa cells were observed when treated with OVK 49 indicating that OVK 49 might have promising anti-cancer activity against HPV16 positive cervical cancers.
Significance:
This is the first study demonstrating that vanadium complexes could induce a p53 dependent apoptotic mechanism in high risk HPV16-positive cervical cancers.
Insights
Novel vanadium complexes show promise in treating Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-infected cervical cancers. OVK 49 effectively induces apoptosis and downregulates oncogenes in HPV16-positive cells, suggesting a new therapeutic avenue.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Hydrazones, specifically NNO donor Schiff bases, possess known anti-viral and anti-neoplastic properties.
- Certain cancers, including colon, hepatocellular, and testicular cancers, have shown susceptibility to hydrazone-based therapies.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant risk factor for cervical cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-cancer effects of two novel nicotinoyl hydrazones on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infected cervical cancer cells.
- To evaluate the potential of these compounds in targeting HPV-driven malignancies.
- To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of action.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MTT assay to assess the impact of vanadium complexes on SiHa (HPV16-positive) and HeLa (HPV18-positive) cell proliferation.
- Determined apoptotic potential by measuring DNA condensation and mitochondrial membrane potential loss.
- Analyzed caspase activity and DNA content to understand apoptosis induction pathways.
- Employed RT-PCR to examine the expression of cell cycle regulatory genes (GADD45, p53, p21) and HPV oncogenes (E6, E7).
Main Results:
- OVK 49 demonstrated superior apoptosis-inducing capabilities compared to OVK 89 in HPV16-positive SiHa cells.
- Treatment with OVK 49 led to downregulation of E6 and E7 mRNA transcripts in SiHa cells.
- OVK 49 treatment resulted in the induction of p53 protein expression in SiHa cells.
- These findings suggest OVK 49 possesses significant anti-cancer activity against HPV16-positive cervical cancers.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence that specific vanadium complexes can trigger a p53-dependent apoptotic pathway.
- The observed mechanism is particularly relevant for high-risk HPV16-positive cervical cancers.
- Vanadium complexes represent a promising therapeutic strategy for HPV-associated cervical malignancies.
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