Vitamin A mitigates lung cancerRegulation of inflammation and COX-2 gene expression in benzo (a) pyrene induced lung carcinogenesis in mice by all trans retinoic acid (ATRA).
Direct focus on lung cancer
We aimed to understand how all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a form of vitamin A, influences lung cancer development caused by benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) exposure in mice. The study involved a thorough examination of the overall health of the mice, including body and organ weights, blood tests, and tissue analysis for any signs of damage or inflammation.
In our observations, B(a)P significantly harmed the mice, leading to weight loss and increased organ weight, particularly in the liver and lungs. Blood analysis revealed a concerning decrease in healthy blood cells and an increase in inflammatory markers, indicating an unhealthy state. However, we found that when these mice were treated with ATRA, their conditions improved remarkably.
The treated mice regained weight, saw improvements in their blood parameters, and exhibited lower levels of cancer-related inflammation. Notably, the expression of the COX-2 gene—an important player in inflammation and cancer—was dramatically reduced with ATRA treatment in both lung and liver tissues. This suggests that ATRA effectively counteracts the inflammatory effects and may help prevent the initial stages of cancer caused by B(a)P exposure.
Overall, our findings highlight the potential of vitamin A in mitigating some of the risks associated with lung cancer development due to environmental carcinogens, supporting further exploration of its role in cancer prevention.
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ACR enhances lung cancer treatmentAcyclic Retinoid Inhibits the EGFR/AKT Signaling Pathway and Cancels Cisplatin-resistant Cell Characteristics.
Study highlights potential benefits
We explored the potential of acyclic retinoid (ACR), a derivative of vitamin A, in treating lung cancer, particularly focusing on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and cisplatin-resistant cells. This research is vital because NSCLC is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, and treatments like cisplatin often face challenges due to resistance.
In our study, we observed that ACR can significantly inhibit the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway, which is heavily involved in the progression of lung cancer. We treated human NSCLC A549 cells, as well as cisplatin-resistant A549 (A549CR) cells, with ACR alone and in combination with cisplatin. We assessed various factors including cell viability, apoptosis rates, and the levels of crucial signaling proteins.
The results revealed that ACR not only decreased cell viability but also enhanced the sensitivity of both NSCLC and resistant cells to cisplatin treatment. This suggests that ACR could play an important role in improving therapeutic outcomes for lung cancer patients, especially those who have developed resistance to current treatments.
Our findings indicate that incorporating ACR into treatment regimens may provide an innovative strategy for tackling lung cancer and managing cisplatin resistance, which is a significant hurdle in current cancer therapies.
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Vitamin A's role in lung cancerAn Efficient Suppression of EGFR and B-Raf mRNA Overexpression in the Lung of Benzo[a]pyrene-induced mice by Cationic Lipo-ATRA Nanoformulation.
Highly relevant to lung cancer
We explored how vitamin A, specifically all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), could impact lung cancer by studying mice that were induced with lung cancer through benzo[a]pyrene. We gave some mice a traditional form of ATRA and others a novel cationic liposome formulation, lipo-ATRA, to see which one would perform better in reducing the expression of certain cancer-related genes.
The results showed that the cationic lipo-ATRA treatment significantly improved the availability of ATRA in lung tissues and effectively suppressed the expression levels of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and B-Raf genes. These genes are known to play a crucial role in cancer development, so their suppression suggests a positive effect of ATRA, especially in its nanoformulation.
Our findings indicate that lipo-ATRA could be a promising strategy for managing lung cancer by targeting specific oncogenes. This research provides valuable insights into potential avenues for improving cancer treatments using vitamin A.
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Vitamin A's Mixed Effects on CancerA novel retinoic acid receptor-γ agonist antagonizes immune checkpoint resistance in lung cancers by altering the tumor immune microenvironment.
Limits isolation of vitamin A effects
We explored the impact of retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A, on lung cancer growth in our study. By administering all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) to mice, we found that while it reduced cancer growth in immune-competent mice, it did not have the same effect in those with compromised immune systems. This led us to consider the important role the tumor microenvironment plays in cancer treatment.
We observed that depleting CD8 T cells nullified the positive effects of ATRA, indicating the necessity of a healthy immune response in combatting lung cancer. Additionally, when we combined ATRA with immune checkpoint inhibitors—the drugs that block cancer's ability to evade the immune system—it did not enhance anti-tumor effects as hoped.
To find a solution, we turned to an RARγ agonist, known as IRX4647. When we paired IRX4647 with an anti-PD-L1 blockade, we saw significant tumor suppression, particularly in resisting cancer models. This combination treatment resulted in increased CD4 T cells in tumors, which suggests a shift in the immune landscape that could support fighting cancer.
Despite these promising results, it's worth noting that IRX4647 alone did not demonstrate strong effects on lung cancer growth in laboratory settings. Our findings underscore the complexity of cancer treatment and the need for clinical trials to evaluate RARγ agonists further in combination with existing therapies.
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We examined how vitamin A, along with other antioxidants, may play a role in the treatment of lung cancer. Our review of various studies highlighted that vitamin A, as part of a broader antioxidant defense, has potential benefits, but its specific impact on lung cancer on its own remains less clear.
The studies we evaluated suggest that a combination of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc, work together to strengthen the body's defense mechanisms against damage. Moreover, we noted that vitamin A might enhance overall health when included in a supportive dietary plan, especially alongside treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Increased intake of protein and omega-3 fatty acids is also emphasized, as they can improve the quality of life and functional outcomes for lung cancer patients. Although vitamin A shows promise as part of a nutritional approach to lung cancer treatment, isolating its specific effects is challenging due to the simultaneous involvement of other nutrients.
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