Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 7, 2025

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Experimental Validation of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii Action Mechanism Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
13:18

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Experimental Validation of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii Action Mechanism Against Lung Adenocarcinoma

Published on: March 3, 2023

1.6K

Beta-adrenergic blocker inhibits oral carcinogenesis and reduces tumor invasion

Heitor Pinhata Cecilio1, Vitor Bonetti Valente1, Karla Marcila Pereira1

  • 1Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Psychosomatic Research Center, Oral Oncology Center, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, 1193 José Bonifácio St, Araçatuba, São Paulo, 15050-015, Brazil.

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
|September 27, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Beta-blocker propranolol reduced oral cancer occurrence and thickness in a rat model. This suggests beta-adrenergic signaling plays a role in oral carcinogenesis and may be a target for cancer prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Beta-adrenergic signaling is implicated in cancer progression.
  • Beta blockers are considered for adjuvant cancer therapy.
  • The role of beta-adrenergic blockers in tumorigenesis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of the beta-adrenergic blocker propranolol on oral tumor development.
  • To explore the impact of propranolol on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) onset and characteristics in a preclinical model.

Main Methods:

  • Male Wistar rats received daily propranolol or PBS injections.
  • Oral carcinogenesis was induced using 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO).
  • Tumor occurrence, volume, thickness, and cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10) were assessed after 16 weeks.

Main Results:

  • Propranolol treatment decreased OSCC occurrence by 31% and significantly reduced tumor thickness.
  • Tumor volume was lower in propranolol-treated rats, though not statistically significant.
  • Propranolol reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • Beta-adrenergic signaling is involved in chemically induced oral carcinogenesis.
  • Propranolol demonstrates potential in reducing oral cancer development and associated inflammation.
Keywords:
Beta-adrenergic antagonistsCancer progressionCarcinogenesisOral cancerPropranolol

More Related Videos

Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma12:03

Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: July 25, 2011

19.8K
Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate DMBA-TPA04:12

Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate DMBA-TPA

Published on: December 19, 2019

15.1K

Related Concept Videos

Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of ɑ-Receptor Blockers01:17

Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of ɑ-Receptor Blockers

Adrenergic antagonists, or sympatholytics, inhibit adrenoceptor activation driven by catecholamines or agonists. Based on their adrenoceptor specificity, adrenergic blockers can be categorized into two primary groups: α-adrenergic blockers (α-blockers) and β-adrenergic blockers (β-blockers). α-blockers interact with α1 and α2 subtypes of α-adrenoceptors.
Nonselective α-blockers: Nonselective α-blockers contain haloalkylamine or imidazoline...
1.3K
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers01:22

Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers

α-Adrenergic antagonists, known as α-blockers, exert their effects by inhibiting α-adrenoceptors, leading to specific physiological actions. α1-blockers and α2-blockers have distinct pharmacological actions and therapeutic applications.
α1-blockers: These drugs inhibit α1-adrenoceptors on smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation. This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, making α1-blockers valuable in treating hypertension. Additionally,...
1.2K
Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers01:31

Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers

Third-generation β-blockers, such as labetalol and carvedilol, represent a significant advancement in managing cardiovascular conditions. Unlike conventional β-blockers, which can induce peripheral vasoconstriction, third-generation drugs block α1 adrenoceptors. This promotes vasodilation through several mechanisms, such as increased nitric oxide production, inhibition of calcium ion entry, opening of potassium ion channels, and antioxidant action. Labetalol, for instance, is...
1.0K
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers01:27

Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers

β-receptor blockers significantly impact the cardiovascular system by counteracting catecholamine-induced sympathetic responses. These medications decrease heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output, potentially leading to cardiac depression, life-threatening bradycardia, and death. Therapeutically, β-blockers function as mild antihypertensives and are utilized in treating angina pectoris and cardiac arrhythmias. However, nonselective β-blockers inhibit β2-receptors in...
1.4K
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors01:19

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors

α-glucosidase inhibitors, including acarbose (Precose), miglitol (Glyset), and voglibose (Voglib) (primarily available in Asia), are drugs that control blood sugar levels by delaying the digestion of starch and disaccharides. They achieve this by inhibiting α-glucosidase enzymes in the intestine, which slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine, which in turn leads to a prolonged release of the glucoregulatory hormone GLP-1 from intestinal L-cells.
Acarbose and miglitol are...
434
Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of β-Receptor Blockers01:25

Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of β-Receptor Blockers

β-adrenergic antagonists, or β-blockers, modulate the sympathetic nervous system by targeting β-adrenoceptors and inhibiting catecholamine-mediated sympathetic responses. β-blockers differ in their adrenoceptor subtype affinity, lipophilicity, and α-blocking capabilities. The history of β-blocker development began with the prototype, dichloroisoprenaline, which exhibited partial agonist activity. As a result, propranolol was developed as a pure antagonist but...
1.1K