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Anticancer Non-narcotic Opium Alkaloid Papaverine Suppresses Human Glioblastoma Cell Growth
Mana Inada1, Akira Sato2, Mika Shindo1,3
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan.
Background:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive type of primary malignant brain tumour. The interaction between high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is important for tumour cell growth. Previously, we identified an anticancer candidate, papaverine, that inhibited the HMGB1-RAGE interaction.
Materials And Methods:
Our study assessed the anticancer effects of papaverine alone or in combination with temozolomide on U87MG and T98G human GBM cells using clonogenicity assays, as well as in a U87MG xenograft mouse model. The radiosensitizing efficacy of papaverine was measured based on the clonogenicity of T98G cells.
Results:
Papaverine significantly inhibited the clonogenicity of U87MG and T98G cells. Compared with single treatment, the combination of papaverine and temozolomide more highly suppressed the clonogenicity of T98G cells and delayed tumour growth in the U87MG xenograft mouse model. Furthermore, papaverine increased the radiosensitivity of T98G cells.
Conclusion:
Papaverine is a potential anticancer drug in GBM treatment.
Insights
Papaverine shows promise as a glioblastoma (GBM) treatment by inhibiting tumor cell growth and enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness. This study demonstrates papaverine
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor where the HMGB1-RAGE interaction promotes cancer cell proliferation.
- Papaverine, a potential anticancer agent, has been identified for its ability to inhibit the HMGB1-RAGE pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anticancer effects of papaverine, alone and in combination with temozolomide, on human glioblastoma cell lines.
- To assess the radiosensitizing potential of papaverine in glioblastoma treatment.
Main Methods:
- In vitro clonogenicity assays were performed on U87MG and T98G glioblastoma cells.
- In vivo studies utilized a U87MG xenograft mouse model to evaluate tumor growth.
- Radiosensitivity was assessed by measuring the clonogenicity of T98G cells post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Papaverine significantly inhibited the clonogenicity of both U87MG and T98G glioblastoma cells.
- The combination of papaverine and temozolomide demonstrated superior suppression of T98G cell clonogenicity compared to single treatments.
- Papaverine treatment delayed tumor growth in the U87MG xenograft mouse model and enhanced the radiosensitivity of T98G cells.
Conclusions:
- Papaverine exhibits significant anticancer activity against glioblastoma.
- Papaverine holds potential as an effective therapeutic agent for glioblastoma treatment, possibly in combination therapies.
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