Sorafenib Alleviates Inflammatory Signaling of Tumor Microenvironment in Precancerous Lung Injuries

Abstract

According to population-based studies, lung cancer is the prominent reason for cancer-related mortality worldwide in males and is also rising in females at an alarming rate. Sorafenib (SOR), which is approved for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma, is a multitargeted protein kinase inhibitor. Additionally, SOR is the subject of interest for preclinical and clinical trials in lung cancer. This study was designed to assess in vivo the possible effects of sorafenib (SOR) in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced lung carcinogenesis and examine its probable mechanisms of action. A total of 30 adult male rats were divided into three groups (1) control, (2) DEN, and (3) DEN + SOR. The chemical induction of lung carcinogenesis was performed by injection of DEN intraperitoneally at 150 mg/kg once a week for two weeks. The DEN-administered rats were co-treated with SOR of 10 mg/kg by oral gavage for 42 alternate days. Serum and lung tissue samples were analyzed to determine SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX-2) levels. The tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels were measured in lung tissue supernatants. Lung sections were analyzed for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) histopathologically. In addition, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence methods, respectively. SOR reduced the level of SOX-2 that maintenance of cancer stemness and tumorigenicity, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels. Histopathological analysis demonstrated widespread inflammatory cell infiltration, disorganized alveolar structure, hyperemia in the vessels, and thickened alveolar walls in DEN-induced rats. The damage was markedly reduced upon SOR treatment. Further, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis also revealed increased expression of COX-2 and JNK expression in DEN-intoxicated rats. However, SOR treatment alleviated the expression of these inflammatory markers in DEN-induced lung carcinogenesis. These findings suggested that SOR inhibits DEN-induced lung precancerous lesions through decreased inflammation with concomitant in reduced SOX-2 levels, which enables the maintenance of cancer stem cell properties.

Assessment of the effects of amphiphilic poly (N‑vinylpyrrolidone) nanoparticles loaded with bortezomib on glioblastoma cell lines and zebrafish embryos

“…It is of great necessity for anticancer therapy to both expand the range of active substances delivered to tumors by nanoparticles, and broaden the range of cancer types that can be treated with nanosized antitumor drugs (20)(21)(22)(23). Due to poor pharmacokinetic properties, proteasome inhibition with bortezomib is approved only for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.…”

Advances in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Treatment—A Paradigm Shift in Oncology

“…Inflammation is often associated with cancers, including NSCLC, where it promotes malignant transformation and tumour initiation. In this Special Issue, Sorafenib, an FDA-approved multi-kinase inhibitor, was shown to be capable of reducing diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced lung pre-cancer lesions through the downregulation of inflammation-associated JNK and COX-2 signalling as well as TNF and IL-1β protein levels in rat models [ 26 ]. Another challenge in NSCLC treatment is the lack of reliable prognostic markers, which has severely impeded effective treatment planning and management of NSCLC patients.…”