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Gasotransmitters in the tumor microenvironment: Impacts on cancer chemotherapy (Review)
Abbas Salihi1, Mohammed A Al-Naqshabandi2, Zhikal Omar Khudhur3
1Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University‑Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region 44001, Iraq.
Abstract:
Nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide are three endogenous gasotransmitters that serve a role in regulating normal and pathological cellular activities. They can stimulate or inhibit cancer cell proliferation and invasion, as well as interfere with cancer cell responses to drug treatments. Understanding the molecular pathways governing the interactions between these gases and the tumor microenvironment can be utilized for the identification of a novel technique to disrupt cancer cell interactions and may contribute to the conception of effective and safe cancer therapy strategies. The present review discusses the effects of these gases in modulating the action of chemotherapies, as well as prospective pharmacological and therapeutic interfering approaches. A deeper knowledge of the mechanisms that underpin the cellular and pharmacological effects, as well as interactions, of each of the three gases could pave the way for therapeutic treatments and translational research.
Insights
Nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide are key gasotransmitters influencing cancer. Understanding their roles in the tumor microenvironment may lead to novel cancer therapies and improved chemotherapy responses.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are endogenous gasotransmitters.
- These gases play crucial roles in regulating normal and pathological cellular functions, including cancer.
- They can modulate cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and responses to chemotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of NO, CO, and H2S in cancer.
- To explore their impact on chemotherapy efficacy and cancer cell behavior.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting these gasotransmitters.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on gasotransmitters in cancer.
- Analysis of molecular pathways involving NO, CO, and H2S in the tumor microenvironment.
- Discussion of pharmacological and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Gasotransmitters exhibit complex, context-dependent effects on cancer cell proliferation and invasion.
- These gases can significantly influence the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents.
- Interactions between gasotransmitters and the tumor microenvironment offer potential therapeutic targets.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of gasotransmitter mechanisms is vital for developing novel cancer therapies.
- Targeting these endogenous signaling molecules may enhance chemotherapy and provide new treatment avenues.
- Further research into gasotransmitter interactions holds promise for translational cancer medicine.
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